 |
|||||||||||||
|
Arrive in Lisbon
Arrive in Lisbon.
Overnight in Lisbon. Dinner if required.
Lisbon
Lisbon was the centre of Europe's first and largest overseas empire. As a result, the city has a feeling of colonial elegance. We include a half-day sightseeing tour along the banks of the River Tagus. Here we see the BÈlem Tower guarding the mouth of the River Tagus and JerÛnimo's Monastery with the tomb of Vasco da Gamma. We also drive along the Avenida da Liberdade, a fashionable tree-lined street through the centre of town. Later we will stroll through the charming ancient Moorish quarter of Alfama, with its narrow winding streets and picturesque whitewashed houses. We take in a panoramic view of the city from the Bairro Alto quarter of the city.
Overnight in Lisbon. Breakfast and dinner.
Lisbon - Sintra - ²bidos
From Lisbon, we continue our journey to the fairytale town of Sintra. One of the oldest towns in Portugal, Sintra is situated on a hillside and is abundant with flora: camellias, ferns, colourful bougainvillaea, geraniums, eucalyptus, groves of lemon trees, and honey-sweet mimosa, to name a few. We visit the Pal·cio Nacional de Sintra which was a royal palace until early this century. Inside the palace we see the Room of the Sirens, one of the most elegant in the palace, and we also see many of the Iberian tapestries and fabulous paintings that adorn the interior. Later in the afternoon we travel to ²bidos, a fascinating little town 100 km (61 miles) north of Lisbon.
Overnight in ²bidos. AlbergarÌa Rainha Santa Isabel or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
²bidos - F·tima - Batalha - NazarÈ
Today we travel to F·tima, the mecca of the Catholic faith where we visit the basilica. On 13 May 1917, a vision of the Virgin Mary, standing above a small tree, appeared to three peasant children who were tending their sheep here. The apparition returned five more times, on the 13th of each succeeding month, and by the time of the last appearance, a crowd of 70,000 people had gathered at the spot.
Later we travel to Batalha where we see the monastery. The monastery that Joao I raised to the Virgin Mary in thanks for his decisive victory at Aljubarrota is probably the most beautiful monument in Portugal, despite the discoloration and pollution damage inflicted by passing traffic. The outside is trimmed with gargoyles, flying buttresses, pinnacles, and lacy balustrades. Insidethe church nave is stark and soaring, cloisters and chapels are richly decorated with the delicate curves of Flamboyant Gothic and the florid details of the transitional, Gothic-to-Renaissance style.
We continue northward to NazarÈ, which is the most picturesque village in Portugal. Many of the original quaint customs remain in this area, including the wearing of traditional costumes: full skirts with up to seven petticoats for the women and long, black plaid-lined capes for the men. This afternoon, you may want to travel by funicular to the old quarter of NazarÈ, SÌtio, situated on a headland overlooking the ocean.
Overnight in NazarÈ. Breakfast and dinner.
NazarÈ - Porto
Today we travel to the northern city of Porto, Portugal's second largest city. This is a unique city as it is the only city that has a wine, a language, and a country named after it! This afternoon is free in Porto to explore this city situated on the mouth of the River Douro.
Central Porto extends from the 20th century Camara Municipal (Town Hall) at the northern end of Avenida dos Alildos to the riverfront Praca da Ribeira, yet is fairly concentrated and can be explored on foot. Within this area is the medieval city, the Baixa. It begins at the southern end of the Avenida dos Aliados, at Praca da Liberdade, where the old Pared de Fernandinho and an entrance to the city once stood, but which is now the heart of the Baixa, Portoís commercial and shopping district. South of the square is the cathedral sitting at the crest of the Pena Ventosa, a steep hill or cliff, overlooking the Rio Douro and town of Vila Nova de Gaia on its south bank. The terrain suddenly drops sharply south of the cathedral, and houses in the Barredo quarter right below it cling precariously to the slopes, as narrow cobbled streets and granite stairways make their way down to the quayside Ribeira quarter. Thus, there are two levels to Porto, the upper level stretching northward from the edge of the cliff and the lower level along the river.
Overnight in Porto. Grand Hotel or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Porto - Braga - Guimar“es - Porto
This morning we enjoy a tour of Porto. We will see the Church of S“o Francisco which dates to the 13th century. This was originally a Gothic church and has a fine rose window at its entrance. Walls, vaulting, and pillars are generously covered with carved and gilded wood vines, grapes, birds, angels, cherubs; a forest of carved, gilded wood covers the high altar. We will also see the old quarter, modern section of the city, and the low section, fronting the River Douro. In addition, a tour of Porto is not complete without a visit to one of the many Port wineries that make this city so famous.
After lunch we will travel to Braga, a city famous for its churches, last count surpassing 300! As the religious centre of Portugal, Braga boasts the highest number of churches per capita in Christendom. The strategic location of Braga, in a fertile valley at the foot of three mountain ranges, always has made it ripe for occupation and development. The Goidelic Celts, also known as the Bracari, are believed to have founded the city and given it a name several thousand years ago. The Romans occupied it in 250 BC and made it the hub of five major roads, all leading to Rome. Through them Christianity and the first Bishops of Braga eventually came. The Suevians over ran the city in AD 409, but were replaced in 485 by Visigoth invaders, who, in turn, were vanquished in 711 by a Moorish army. For more than three centuries, the Christians and the Moors jousted over Braga, until the Muslims were finally expelled at the end of the 11th century. In the old quarter of Braga, we will explore the ornate Renaissance and Manueline palaces, baroque churches, and narrow medieval streets.
Later we will proceed to Guimar“es, birthplace of Portugal's first king. In this charming town we offer a walking tour of the old mediaeval quarter. We begin in the Largo da Oliveira, with its varying styles of architecture. As we walk through the old quarter, notice the window boxes with fresh, colourful spring flowers. As we continue on to the cobbled Rua de Santa Maria, pay careful attention to the handsome fourteenth century aristocratic residences decorated with coats-of-arms, iron grilles, and statuary. On our walk you will see workshops, bakeries, stores, and the like operating like time has never passed.
Return to Porto. Breakfast and dinner.
Overnight in Porto. Grand Hotel or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Porto, Portugal - Salamanca, Spain
Leaving Porto by bus our destination for today is Salamanca in Spain. Salamanca is one of Spainís great tourist attractions. The whole town has been declared a national monument and listed by UNESCO as part of the worldís cultural heritage. The town is built of golden-yellow stone. Salamanca attacked the early settlement here, the town flourished under the Romans and in 1218 Alfonso IX founded the second university in Spain here. It is Spainís finest showcase of Renaissance architecture. Major places of interest include the two cathedrals and the 13th century university.
Overnight in Salamanca. Hotel Regio or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Salamanca - Toledo - Madrid
Today we travel to Toledo, a city that is a unique blend of Arab, Jewish, Christian, Roman, and Visigothic elements. Toledo sits on a rocky promontory isolated on three sides by a looping gorge of the Tagus river. The history of several different cultures is contained within this region, represented by the houses, synagogues, churches, and mosques. In Toledo we see the Cathedral, and the Alc·zar (Romans, Goths and Moors all had a form of fortification on this spot, the highest point of the city).
Charles Vís fortified palace stands on the site of former Roman, Visigothic and Muslim fortresses. Its severe square profile suffered damage by fire three times before being almost completely destroyed in 1936 when the Nationalists survived a 70-day siege by the Republicans. Restoration followed the original plans and the building now houses an army museum. The seige headquarters have been preserved as a monument to Nationalist heroism. Much is made of an alleged telephone conversation between the besieged Colonel Moscardo and his son, held by the Republicans and threatened with death unless his father surrendered. The Colonel refused and his son was later killed, though not necessarily as a direct result of his fatherís refusal to capitulate.
We will also visit the Tr·nsito Synagogue which shows the influence of the Granada Moors. It has an ornate ceiling and carved arabesques, not in Arabic, but in Hebrew.
The most elaborate Mudejar interior in the city is hidden behind the deceptively humble facade of this former synagogue, built in the 14th century by Samuel Ha-Levi, the Jewish treasurer to Pedro the Cruel. The interlaced frieze of the lofty prayer hall harmoniously fuses Islamic, Gothic and Hebrew geometric motifs below a wonderful coffered ceiling. Adjoining the synagogue is an interesting museum dedicated to Jewish Sephardi culture. The manuscripts, tombstones, wedding costumes and sacred objects of worship date from both before and after the Jewsí expulsion from Spain at the end of the 15th century.
We continue to Madrid.
Overnight in Madrid. Hotel Florida Norte or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Madrid
Today's half-day guided tour includes a one hour tour of the Royal Palace where we see, among other things, its principal staircase, throne, Gala dining room, museum of silver, and principal courtyard.
We then drive past Plaza Espania point, and out to Cervantes Monument. We drive down Gran Uia to the Cybele fountain, then north to Plaza Colon and turn around to come back down towards the magnificent Prado Museum for a guided tour. Originally opened to the public in 1819, the Prado houses all of the finest works collected by Spanish Royalty as well as Spanish paintings gathered from other sources over the past two centuries. The Prado is one of the most important repositories of art in the world, including a vast collection of Italian paintings. Botticelliís dramatic wooden panels telling The Story of Nastagio degli Onesti, a vision of a knight forever condemned to hunt down and kill his own beloved, are a sinister high point.
Overnight in Madrid. Hotel Florida Norte or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Madrid - Granada
Today we travel from Madrid southward to Granada in the heart of AndalucÌa. En route we see the majestic Sierra Nevada in the distance. Conquered by the Moors in AD 711, the town blossomed into one of Europeís wealthiest and most refined cities. Traces of Granadaís rich history and heritage remain throughout the city centre, with its cobblestone streets lined with cathedrals and plazas. In 1992, Granada celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Christian reconquest. We arrive in Granada before dinner.
Overnight in Granada. Hotel Dauro II or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Granada
Granada is situated between three hills, and is dominated by the beautiful snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains. We have a leisurely day to savour Granada's main attraction, the Alhambra, a mighty yet graceful fortress begun by the 13th century ruler, Al-Ahamar. This is the most exciting, sensual and romantic of all European monuments. This was the palace of the Nasrid Sultans, rulers of the last Spanish Moorish Kingdom. A fantasy of "lace in stone", surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains, it affords superb views of the Old Quarter and Sacromonte, a mountain occupied by gypsy cave dwellers. In many ways, the Alhambra represents the Moorish concept of life itself - something glorious to be ennobled by learning and enlivened by every kind of pleasure.
We will also have a chance to stroll down Calle de Elvira which was once occupied with artisan's shops in the 17th and 18th centuries. On this street, we will visit the Iglesia de San AndrÈs, which contains interesting paintings and sculptures.
Overnight in Granada. Hotel Dauro II or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Granada - CÛrdoba - Sevilla
En route to Sevilla, we pass through CÛrdoba, once one of the world's greatest cities and a former capital of Muslim Spain. For three centuries, this region formed the heart of the Western Islamic Empire, the great Medieval Caliphate of the Moors. Today, yesterday's CÛrdoba is remembered by its lovely Arab and Jewish quarters, with their narrow, winding streets, neatly aligned with flowers hanging from the towering balconies.
The heart of CÛrdoba is the old Jewish quarter, situated to the west of the Mezquitaís towering walls. A walk around this area gives the sensation that little has changed since the 10th century when this was one of the greatest cities in the Western world. Wrought ironwork decorates cobbled streets too narrow for cars, where silversmiths create fine jewellery in their workshops. Most of the chief sights are here, while modern city life takes place some blocks north, around the Plaza de Tendillas. To the east of this square is the Plaza de la Corredera, a 17th century arcaded square with a daily market.
We see the city's incomparable treasure, the Mezquita, or Great Mosque. The mosque is a forest of stone pillars and arches that is so vast that the cathedral inside it seems almost lost in the shadowy aisles. We also visit the JuderÌa quarter, with its white-washed houses that remain from the caliphate times. We will see here the Calleja de las Flores (Alley of Flowers), a flower-filled lane that offers postcard views of the Mezquita. We arrive in Sevilla in the late afternoon. Sevilla was one of the earliest Moorish conquests (in 712) and, as part of the Caliphate of CÛrdoba, became the second city of al-Andalus.
Continue to Sevilla.
Overnight in Sevilla. Hotel Don Paco or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Seville - Algeceris
Sevilla, the fourth largest city in Spain, is the picture-perfect image of AndalucÌa, complete with restored Andalusian architecture, orange groves, flower-filled patios, and castanet-rattling Gypsies. While in Sevilla, we visit the largest cathedral in Spain, built in a Gothic style with lovely stained glass windows, choir, and chapels. We visit the Giralda Tower, with its spectacular views of the city. We will also see the Moorish Alc·zar Palace, a 14th century palace which is the oldest royal residence in Europe, still in use. King Juan Carlos resides here while in Sevilla, as King Ferdinand ii and Queen Isabella once did.
Itís easy to be fooled into thinking this is simply a Moorish palace; some of its rooms and courtyards seem to come straight from the Alhambra. Most of them, however, were built, by Moorish workmen, for King Pedro the Cruel of Castile in the 1360s. The Alcazar and its king represent a fascinating period in Spanish history and culture, suggesting the possibility that al-Andalus might have assimilated its conquerors rather than have been destroyed by them.
The Alcazar is entered through a little gate on the Plaza del Triunfo, on the south side of the cathedral. The first courtyard, the Patio de la Monteria, has beautiful arabesques, with lions amid castles for Castile and Leon; this was the public court of the palace, where visitors were received, corresponding to the Mexuar at the Alhambra. At the far end of the Patio is the lovely facade of the interior palace, decorated with inscriptions in Gothic and Arabic scripts.
Overnight in Algeciras. Breakfast and dinner.
Algeceris, Spain - Casablanca, Morocco
Today we travel from Algeceris, Spain's main ferry transport port, to Tangier in Morocco. Our ferry ride is approximately three hours. When we clear customs and immigration in Morocco, our coach will be waiting. We travel the scenic route from Tangier to Casablanca this afternoon, arriving in Morocco's major city this evening.
Overnight in Casablanca. HÙtel Al Mounia or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Casablanca - Rabat - MeknËs
This morning we begin our Moroccan adventure with a city tour of Casablanca, Morocco's largest city. As the financial and commercial centre of North Africa, Casa as the locals refer to it, is a modern city fashioned after the great cities of Europe. We will see the Place Mohammed v with its Prefecture Building and fountains. Here is an excellent place to have your photograph taken with the famous Water Sellers. We will also see the Place Nations-Unies, Parc de la Ligue Arabe, and Notre-Dame de Lourdes with its beautiful stained glass wall. We will also drive through the Anfa and AÔn Daib district of the city, a modern seaside resort with many restaurants, pool clubs and mansions lining the ocean. One highlight of our Casablanca tour is a photo opportunity and a visit to the Hassan II mosque, a glorious structure believed to be only second in size to Islam's most important site, Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The Grand Mosque Hassan II was inaugurated in August 1993, the culmination of five years of intensive labour by over 30,000 workers and craftsmen. Apart from 50 chandeliers, all the materials and labour is Moroccan. This exceptionally beautiful new mosque has a highly decorative minaret, a landmark in the city. It is huge, in terms of covered area the largest in the world, and has space for 80,000 worshippers as well as a library and a museum. It is built out over the sea, the water washing against the windows of the prayer hall (which has a mobile roof allowing it to be opened to the sky) looking over the Atlantic Ocean. The costly operation has been paid for by public subscription. Now support is required for the maintenance and day to day running costs. Non-Muslims may enter as part of a guided tour.
From Casablanca we travel to Rabat, Morocco's third oldest Imperial City and modern capital. Among the sites in Rabat that we will visit are the Palais Royal, home of the royal family in Morocco; the Hassan Tower; the Mohammed V Mausoleum; and the MusÈe ArchaÈologique (Museum of Antiquities) where the richest archaeological treasures in Morocco are housed. The name ëRabatí, a shortened and corrupted form of ëRibat al-Fathí, literally a ëmonastery of conquestí, indicates an initial role as a religious retreat and fortification. The city, located on the bank of the Oued Bou Regreg, with the kasbah on a promontory overlooking both the Atlantic Ocean and the estuary, lies opposite its historic rival, Sale. Rabat, capital since 1912, is Moroccoís second largest city. The ambitiously extensive city walls laid out by the third Almohad Sultan Abut Yusuf Yaíqub al-mansur now enclose, with the river and the sea on the remaining sides, the kasbah, the old medina, and the core of the ville nouvelle, the old and new directly alongside each other unlike the more common French pattern found in fes, Marrakech and MeknËs, where the new town was built some distance from the medina.
Leaving Rabat, we travel toward MeknËs passing many ch’teau-style wineries. We arrive in MeknËs for dinner.
Overnight in MeknËs. Breakfast and dinner.
MeknËs - Volubulis - Moulay Idriss - FËs
This morning we have a city tour of Morocco's youngest Imperial City. We feature the Bab El Mansour gate dating from 1752, complete with its Corinthian columns. The gate is adjacent to Place El Hedim, the main square of the old city. We will also visit the Medersa Bou Inania, a theological college founded during the reign of the Merenid sultan Abou El Hassan circa 1340. The highlight of today's walking tour is the Imperial City quarter, with its Mausoleum of Moulay IsmaÔl. Before we depart MeknËs, we have our lunch break.
MeknËs was originally a kasbah from the eighth century, used by the Kharajite Berbers against the Arabs. The reign of the Alawite Sultan, Moulay Ismail (1672-1727) witnessed the peak of MeknËs' glory, as the dynamic Sultan used his immense power as pasha to develop the city before his succession to the imperial throne. MeknËs was chosen as his capital rather than the rebellious and self-important rivals of fes and Marrakech. Moulay Ismail is renowned for his ruthless violence.
Moulay Ismailís vision of MeknËs was vast, and although much of the pise cement city is in ruins, those walls still standing are testimony to its original scale. The city was built by a massive army of slaves, both Moroccan and Christian, and the Sultan was in particular famed for his barbaric treatment of these people, supposedly interring them in the walls. He built several palaces to accommodate his wives, concubines, children and court, as well as quarters for his army of Abids, black slaves, which was the instrument of his power. The city contained within it all that was necessary for such a large population and military machine, with store houses, stables, armouries, exercise areas, gardens and ponds.
This afternoon we are travelling toward the most ancient of the Imperial Cities, fes. En route we pass countryside dotted with koubbas, small whitewashed tombs, on our way to the impressive Roman site of Volubulis. Situated on the ledge of a long plateau, back-dropped by a sheet of the cool sky, the dramatic site was once one of the Roman Empire's most remote outposts. Today's excavated site dates from the second and third centuries of the common era; the remains are well-preserved and worth exploring. Our local guide here will take you on an expedition of the site; we also allow free time for photographs and self-exploring. Be sure to get some up-close photographs of the colourful Roman mosaics.
A short ride from Volubulis is the sacred town of Moulay Idriss. Coming round the last bend from MeknËs, Moulay Idriss is a dramatic sight, houses and mosques piled up around two rock outcrops, with the zaouia, or sanctuary, in between. The centre of the Jbel Zerhoun region, Moulay Idriss is a pilgrimage centre, including as it does the tomb of its namesake, the great-grandson of the prophet, the town a Mecca in Morocco for those unable to do the ultimate pilgrimage. Moulay Idriss came to Morocco from Arabia, after defeat at the Battle of Fakh in 786. In 788 he was accepted as Imam by the Berber Aurora tribe at Volubilis, and went on in his short life in Morocco, before he was poisoned in 791, to win over the loyalty of the tribes to the Idrissid Dynasty he established, and to spread further Islam. This town and fes were two of his major legacies.
However, the town of Moulay Idriss was mainly developed in the 18th century by Sultan Moulay Ismail, in part using materials lifted from nearby Volubilis, which the Sultan plundered without restraint. Moulay Idriss was closed to non-Muslims until 1912, and even today is primarily a Muslim sanctuary. The town is named for Morocco's most venerated saint and the creator of its first Arab dynasty. We stop for a panoramic view of the town built into the side of the adjacent mountain. From here, we continue through the olive and cactus groves to the Imperial City of fes.
Overnight in fes. Breakfast and dinner.
FËs
The historic city of fes lies in the Oued Sebou basin, astride the traditional trade route from the Sahara to the Mediterranean, as well as on the path from Algeria and the Islamic heartland beyond into Morocco. For centuries the dominant axis within Morocco was of fes and Marrakech, two cities linked by their immense power as well as by their rivalry. fes is still seen as the spiritual and cultural capital, and holds an enduring fascination for visitors, as one of the largest historic medina, full of monuments reflecting the different periods of Moroccoís imperial past. fes has for long supplied the mercantile and intellectual elite of the countyr, and the Fassi (the people of fes) are to be found in most towns and cities. The Fassi are rightly proud of their city and history, and often have a self-confidence quite beyond that of most Moroccans.
The city is composed of three distinct parts. On either side of the Oued fes, a tributary of the Oued Sebou, lies fes El Bali, the oldest part of the city, a medina divided by the river into Adwa al Andalusiyin (the Andalusian quarter on the west bank). On a plateau just tot the west likes fes El Jedid, containing the royal palace and the mellah, which could be described as the new historic city. To the southwest, on another raised area, likes the ville nouvelle, the modern city built by the French which has taken over many of the political, administrative and commercial functions of fes.
As the oldest of the Imperial Cities, fes is one of the most unique and interesting cities in Morocco. The city is surrounded on all sides by hills and it is divided into three main sectors: fes El Bali, fes El Djedid, and the French-built ville nouvelle. Today we will have a walking tour of fes El Bali, the extraordinary medieval walled city. Once inside the gates of this great spectacle, you will see an entirely different view of life in Morocco. By contrast to the well-planned ville nouvelle, the old city, or medina, is a labyrinth of alleys and lanes lined with shops, mosques, homes and schools. In 1980 UNESCO proclaimed the medina as a World Heritage Site.
Our guide today will take us to the medina, to view the market shops, or suqs. Everything from food to clothing can be purchased. We will see the famous dying works with the brightly coloured cloth hanging to dry. A visit to the Royal Palace, several mosques, theological schools, and shops where we can see craftsmen tailoring their work will be enjoyed by all this morning. Today's walk is an amazing look into the life of the Moroccan city dweller, where little has changed over the centuries.
This afternoon is free for you to explore fes on your own-- you may choose to explore the ville nouvelle or perhaps return to the medina for some shopping.
Overnight in fes. Breakfast and dinner.
FËs - Middle Atlas Range - Marrakech
Today we travel from fes through the Middle Atlas mountain range toward Marrakech. Just outside of fes we pass through several alpine towns fashioned after European ski resorts. We will stop for a drink in the mountain town of Ifrane, where we can relax in the fresh alpine air. As we continue along the route, we pass through varied scenery ranging from lush cedar forests, to olive groves and from rocky, barren fields dotted with shepherd's huts to palmeries. As we approach Marrakech, the scenery becomes flatter and greener, as the city is the centre of a large palmerie oasis.
As we draw near, you will notice the abundance of the pink mud-brick buildings amid this tree-filled city. With it's unique character and charm, Marrakech lures its visitors with its hospitable climate and its superb location. The city is situated 50 km (30 miles) north of the High Atlas Mountains, and for many years now Marrakech has been a get-a-way location for Moroccans and Europeans alike.
Shortly after our arrival in Marrakech we will take an excursion by calËche, or horse-drawn carriage, through the streets of the new and old cities. Our destination for this evening is the famous Djemma el-Fna in the centre of the city.
The Djemma el-Fna is like nowhere else in North Africa. This "Assembly of the Dead," offers a spectacle that is a must-see when visiting Morocco. In the busy square you will witness a carnival of musicians, snake charmers, acrobats, story-tellers, witch doctors, dentists, clowns, monkey's and the like. The enduring smells of the Djemma's food stalls, piled high with platters of specialty cuisine, are well worth a visit just for the experience. After ample time exploring the Djemma's sights and sounds, we will return to our hotel by caleesh.
Overnight in Marrakech. Breakfast and dinner.
Marrakech
Marrakech is one of the world's most enchanting cities. The city is situated on a lush palmerie and city dates to the Almoravid dynasty circa 1670. Founded by Youssef bin Tachfine, the city became the dominant centre of Morocco. Today, Marrakech is growing rapidly and has a thriving industrial base. This morning our tour of the city first takes us to the Menara, a large pool situated amid lush gardens with the High Atlas as a backdrop. We will then see the Koutoubia, nearly 70 m (230 feet) high which emulates the classic Moroccan design. The tower is the oldest of the three sister towers: the Koutoubia, the Hassan I Tower, Rabat and the Giralda in Seville, Spain. We will also take a short walk through the Mellah, or Jewish quarter en route to the Museum of Moroccan Arts. The museum houses an extensive collection of Berber jewellery, weapons, wood carvings, wedding ornaments and carpets. We then proceed to the Palais el Bahia where our guided tour takes us to several grand halls, gardens and the harem quarter. We culminate our tour with a visit to the Saadian Tombs, where we see the graves of the regime that made this city so important.
This afternoon we allow free time to visit one of the many gardens or perhaps you will want to hire a guide to take you on a tour of the medina.
This evening you have the opportunity to join us on our optional excursion to Fantasia, a spectacular demonstration of Moroccan dancing, costumes, music, and equestrianism and cuisine.
Overnight in Marrakech. Breakfast and dinner.
Marrakech - Zagora
Today's scenery is spectacular. We drive from Marrakech in the palmerie toward the High Atlas Mountains. We travel via the Tiz-n-Tichka Pass at an altitude of 2260 m (7415 feet) above sea level. En route we will pass dozens of small communities etched into the mountainside. The tiny villages use every available piece of land to their best ability; terraced fields grow among rocky hillsides.
We will make our lunch stop in Ouarzazate, gateway to the Sahara. We then continue through the Anti Atlas Mountains with their barren, moon-like atmosphere to the beautiful Dr’a Valley. The valley is lined with rich red kasbah fortresses and villages. Our route takes us past some unforgettable picture-perfect sights, so be sure to have plenty of film on hand today. We continue past the Dr’a River to Zagora on the edge of the Sahara. Zagora dates from the 13th century when it was founded by an Arab tribe. Although Zagora is itself an unexciting settlement it is an excellent location to explore the nearby areas of the valley, with paths through the date palmeries and to the various ksour. Particularly pleasant is the Amazrou date plam oasis across the river.
Overnight in Zagora. Breakfast and dinner.
Zagora
We rise early this morning for our excursion to Dunes du Tinfou, where we witness the sun rise over the sand dunes. We also have the chance to climb the dunes where there are excellent photo opportunities. We return for breakfast at our hotel.
This afternoon you may want to explore this small town or you may want to relax by our hotel's swimming pool. In the late afternoon, we include an organised camel trek through the palmerie-- the best way to see sub-Saharan Morocco. Our camel ride takes us under the shady palm trees along the Dr’a River. The one hour journey, where there is one person per camel, is lead by our local "camel boys".
Overnight in Zagora. Breakfast and dinner.
Zagora - Taroudannt
We return through the Dr’a Valley toward Ouarzazate this morning. We make a stop in Ouarzazate for picnic provisions; our lunch today will be picnic style at AÔt Benhaddou. As one of the most spectacular sites in Morocco, AÔt Benhaddou has received extensive renovations from UNESCO. The site towers high above the El Mellah River, and has some of the most highly decorated dark red pisÈ walls. We arrive in the new village on the west bank of the river and proceed to cross the river, usually with the aide of local children. Our picnic site is a shaded area at the base of the kasbah. We allow plenty of time for photographs.
After lunch our journey continues from AÔt Benhaddou toward Taroudannt through the Souss Valley. The area is rich in agriculture, producing oranges, bananas, tomatoes and other crops. We arrive in this picturesque town in time for dinner this evening.
Overnight in Taroudannt. HÙtel Palais Salam or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
(Please note at certain times of the year the HÙtel Palais Salam is overbooked and cannot accommodate our groups. At these times we have to use alternative accommodation.)
Taroudannt
As the capital of the Souss Valley, Taroudannt has traditionally been an important staging post in the Trans-Sahara caravan routes. The old city is surrounded by nearly 5 km (3 miles) of rich red-ochre walls. The walls, considered by many to be the best preserved in Morocco, give the town an elegant feeling. This morning, those who are interested may want to join the Tour Leader on a walking tour of the suq area. The town is famous for its two suqs: the Souk Arabe Artisinal and the MarchÈ BerbËre. The former specialises in handicrafts and jewellery; the later is famous for house-wares, spices, wooden objects and furniture.
This afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. You may wish to visit the leather tanneries or take a walk around the impressive city walls and bastions.
Overnight in Taroudannt. HÙtel Palais Salam or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
(Please note at certain times of the year the HÙtel Palais Salam is overbooked and cannot accommodate our groups. At these times we have to use alternative accommodation.)
Taroudannt - Agadir - Essaouira
This morning we travel toward the Atlantic coast and make a short stop in Agadir. This modern resort has become a popular spot for vacationing Europeans in recent years. The town is lined with large modern hotels and seems quite different to anywhere you have already seen in Morocco. We have the opportunity to take a stroll along the ocean promenade or have a drink at a seaside cafÈ.
From Agadir, we travel northward to the fortified, whitewashed fishing village of Essaouira. Once a pirate community, the town is located on a rock promontory overlooking the sometimes raging Atlantic Ocean. There was a small Phonenician settlement at Essaouira, previously called Magdoura or Mogador, a corruption of the Berber word Amegdul, meaning ëwell-protectedí. The Romans were interested in the purple dye produced from shellfish, which they used to colour the robes of the rich. Mogador was occupied by the Portuguese in the 15th entury who built the fortifications around the harbour.
Orson Welles stayed here for some time, filming part of Othello at the Skala. From Independence the town was calle dEssaouira, a local name meaning ëlittle fortressí. In the 1960s Essaouira had a brief reputation as a ëhappening placeí, which attracted hippies, notably the rock star Jimi Hendrix.
Before dinner you may want to stroll along the extensive beach or visit the colourful fish market.
Overnight in Essaouira. Breakfast and dinner.
Essaouira
Essaouira, once known as Mogador, is one of Morocco's most charming towns. Once a Portuguese annex, Essaouira today has impressive ramparts that still give the city a fortified look.
Today is designed to be free for you to enjoy this coastal city. The port area offers an interesting look into the fishery industry of Morocco; and the jewellery suq offers some of the best silver items available. Essaouira is most famous however for its wooden handicrafts. Almost every shop in the town offers fabulous wooden boxes, chess sets, letter holders, statues, etc. Alternatively, you may wish to visit one of the many art galleries or visit the MusÈe Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah which features excellent displays of marquetry and handicrafts. Also, be sure to visit the MarchÈe d'Šspices (spice market) where you can purchase your cooking spices or pick up some "cures" for whatever ails you.
Second night in Essaouira. Breakfast and dinner.
Essaouira - Casablanca
This morning we depart Essaouira for Casablanca. We will travel along the rugged Atlantic coast northward passing small villages and farming communities en route. For our lunch today, we will stop at the beach-side resort that is popular among the wealthy Moroccan called El Jadida. Endless beaches front this town, which by many standards is considered the most European of Moroccan towns--the medina was laid by the Portuguese in a grid pattern! While in town, notice the strong Portuguese influence that still remains in the town's architecture. From El Jadida we continue to Casablanca for our final evening in Morocco.
Overnight in Casablanca. Breakfast and dinner.
Departure
Departure from Casablanca.
Breakfast.
