Exotic Morocco
Duffle & Compass Exclusive Journey
A 13-day privately guided journey escorted by founder Carol Oken
October 23 to November 4, 2012 – BOOKING NOW
Limited to 8 persons
You will know you’ve arrived when the fragrance of spices hits your nose and your eyes feast on minarets and elaborate tile mosaics. Our journey takes you to medieval cities, the slopes of the High Atlas Mountains and the lush gardens of Marrakesh. We’ll stay in a variety of beautiful accommodations, from 5-star luxury to restored riads, to a coastal retreat. The itinerary offers time to explore the souks (markets) of Fez and Marrakesh, visit with the people of a remote Berber village, and learn the secrets of Moroccan cooking. We’ll visit countless wonders at museums, mosques, monuments and gardens, all the while learning the fascinating history of these magical places.
Tuesday, October 23 Casablanca
You will be met upon arrival at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport and transferred by road to Rabat, Morocco’s seaside capital. Settle in at a magnificently restored family home with acres of luscious gardens and a heated pool. Interiors have been decorated with family heirlooms, an art collection and Moroccan architectural elements. Tonight's welcome dinner will be a good start in experiencing Morocco's cuisine.
2 Nights at Villa Mandarine
Wednesday, October 24 Rabat
Rabat was first made a modern capital in 1912 by Morocco's French overlords and remained the nation's capital after independence in 1956 and the residence of the royal family. Today we’ll have a full-day tour of the city seeing the various styles of the Embassy buildings, the Royal Palace and the charming Oudayas Kasbah right on the water where the young artists hang out. Lunch will be at a local restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Thursday, October 25 Meknes/Volubilis/Fez
This morning we depart for Fez the oldest cultural and spiritual imperial city of Morocco. We will stop to visit the well-preserved Roman ruins of Volubilis where you will gaze upon the mosaics from the 1st century. Lunch will be at the famed Scorpion House, perched on the hills and known for its seasonal delicacies. We will continue on to Meknes, an imperial city enclosed by walls which feature monumental gates. Meknes is encircled by the rich plains below the Middle Atlas Mountains where vineyards produce local wines made in the French method. By late afternoon, we will arrive in Fez and check in at the luxurious Palais Amani, a restored palace with a mix of traditional and art-deco style located within the walls of the medina. Tonight's dinner will be in the Palais Amani's elegant restaurant.
2 Nights at Palais Amani
Friday, October 26 Fez
Founded in 807 AD, Fez quickly became the country’s religious and cultural center, shaped by each of the great dynasties and by its population’s roots in Muslim Spain and the Arab east. The oldest of the imperial cities, Fez measures the symbolic heartbeat of the country and is also considered the most complete medieval city of the Arab world.
Our guide will take us to explore the museums, Royal Palace and the UNESCO World Heritage medina. We'll stop for a traditional glass of mint tea while learning all about the different types of carpets made here. Enjoy a light lunch at a local restaurant in the medina. Wander in amazement at the palaces, mosques and ancient madrasas, or schools, like the University of Al-Karaouine, founded in 857 AD, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. Tonight we will have a special dinner at Ryad Salama prepared by Michel, a renown French chef living in Fez.
Saturday, October 27 Marrakech
We'll leave early this morning for Marrakech traveling through the hilltop town of Ifrane, settled by the French in 1929. You may feel like you are in Switzerland! We'll enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the Middle Atlas mountain scenery. Later this afternoon we'll arrive at La Maison Arabe. Ideally situated on the edge of the medina, most rooms have a terrace and fireplace. There is a cooking school, heated pool and a spa with a traditional hammam where natural products from the area are used. Tonight's dinner will be in the international restaurant, for a change of pace and flavors.
3 Nights at La Maison Arabe
Sunday, October 28
Marrakesh, considered by many to be the most fascinating city in North Africa, was founded on the crossroad of ancient caravan routes. Today is a full-day tour of the city, discovering all the delights including a visit to the Bahia Palace, the Saadien Tombs, and the Jewish quarter (known as the Mellah). Stroll through the labyrinthine streets of the souk, teeming with herbalists and jewelers. You will see everything from exquisitely embroidered shoes and belts to woodwork, brass and copper work, and beautiful kaftans ranging from the simple to the elaborate.
Stop for lunch on the roof terrace of Cafe Arabe, with views over the medina and souks. Our walking tour will end later this afternoon at the bustling square of Place Jemaa El Fna, a big fairground unfolding day after day with storytellers, fire eaters, snake charmers, acrobats, jugglers and many performers of every sort. Tonight we will have dinner at Al Fassia, well-known for its Moroccan cuisine and run entirely by women.
Monday, October 29
Today we will have the opportunity to learn how to make some mouth-watering Moroccan dishes with a half-day cooking class under the expert guidance of the resident chefs of La Maison Arabe's restaurant. You will learn the secrets of the oldest Moroccan recipes as you create a meal. The workshop begins with an introduction to Moroccan cooking, highlighting the importance of food in this society and the role played over the centuries by the Dada, the traditional female cook. Afterwards you will enjoy the meal in the shade of fig or olive trees by the pool.
This afternoon we will be taken by a horse-drawn carriage, or calèche to the famous Majorelle Gardens in the nouvelle ville of Marrakech, outside the medina walls. These colorful gardens surround the villa that was once the private home of painter Jacques Majorelle. They are full of cacti, bamboos and other exotic plants and were lovingly restored by the late Yves Saint Laurent whose dying wish was that his ashes be scattered adjacent to the villa where he spent much of his leisure time. There is also a Museum of Berber Culture and a cafe in the garden where you can enjoy a refreshing glass of tea. Later we will be driven to Gueliz – the new town where we will have drinks at an art gallery and then go onto to dinner in a French Brasserie.
Tuesday, October 30 Agafay Desert
Late this morning our 4x4 safari vehicles will take us to an exclusive retreat, La Pause, in the desert approximately 45 minutes outside Marrakech. Nestled in an oasis of olive trees and palms, this hideaway is truly magical and entirely lit by candlelight at night. Wander around this amazing eco-friendly oasis and relax by the pool for lunch before setting 
off for the local Berber village close. Here you will mount your dromadaries (camels) for the hour-long ride back to see the sunset. Dinner is served under the stars with entertainment by the fire.
1 Night at La Pause in an en-suite tent (no electricity)
Wednesday, October 31 High Atlas Mountains
This morning after breakfast we will head off in our safari vehicles into foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. In the region of Mt. Toubkal National Park, just a few miles from the small Berber villages of Asni and Imlil, is the chic hotel, Kasbah Tamadot. It was bought by Sir Richard Branson in 1998 during one 
of his famous ballooning expeditions and is now part of his portfolio of unique retreats. The bedrooms are decorated using traditional Moroccan furnishings and antiques, as well as items from the vast collection of Luciano Tempo, Kasbah Tamadot's former owner. You will have the entire afternoon and evening free here to relax on the terraces and enjoy the superb facilities and hospitality.
2 Nights at Kasbah Tamadot
Thursday, November 1 Asni and Ouirgane
This morning our trekking will collect us and take us to meet our specialist mountain guides and mules. We will start the gentle climb through the valley of Ouirgane to the village of Anraz, which is inaccessible by road. You can trek on foot or by mule, whichever you prefer. You will have a couple of hours of easy hiking before reaching the small Berber village of Anraz situated in the National Park area. Here we will stop for a specially prepared tagine lunch in a traditional Berber house, surrounded by the glorious, Atlas Mountains. After lunch you can either walk or ride your mule back to meet your driver. We'll return to Kasbah Tamadot, where you can relax with a massage (for your own account) or swim in the pool.
Friday, November 2 Oualidia
After breakfast our driver will collect us and we will head to the charming fishing village of Oualidia on the Atlantic coast. The journey passes via the outskirts of Marrakech, before heading northwest and will take approximately 4 hours. Oualidia is Morocco's answer to St Tropez! The town is named after the Saadian Sultan el-Oualalid, who built the atmospherically crumbling Kasbah on the bluff overlooking the lagoon in 1634. Oualidia is famous for its oyster beds which produce about 200 tons of oysters annually. We'll enjoy some while we're here! We will stay at the splendid La Sultana, a luxury small hotel set in lush gardens with a wonderful spa, infinity pool and private beach. We'll have lunch on the terrace overlooking the lagoon. This afternoon is for relaxation. Dinner will be at the hotel's fine restaurant where we can enjoy local fresh seafood.
2 Nights at La Sultana
Saturday, November 3
You may want to start the day with a stroll on the beach and through the gardens. Later this morning, depending on the tide, we will go by boat to the oyster farm. We'll have a barbecue for lunch on our own private beach. This afternoon will be left open for activities of your choice. Perhaps a spa treatment or quiet time to catch up on your journal writing.
Sunday, November 4
This morning we will depart for the three-hour drive along the coast to Casablanca where we will arrive at the airport 2 hours before our homeward departure.
Exotic Morocco - Price
Estimated price is $7,835 per person/sharing (13 days/12 nights)
Estimated single supplement is $1,500
The estimated price is subject to some fluctuation based on the number of confirmed travelers, and any unforeseen fuel surcharges.
Included in price:
* All accommodations on a full-board basis (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
* Bottled water, tea and coffee, and ½ bottle wine with evening meals
* Private tours with English speaking local guides in Fez, Meknes, Voloubilis, Rabat, Marrakech, and specialist guide in the Atlas Mountains.
* Land transfers as specified in air-conditioned vehicles and luxury 4x4s between Marrakech and Agafay Desert and Asini.
* Entrance fees and activity fees as specified
* Gratuities for your guides, drivers, restaurant & hotel staff
Not included in price:
* International air
* Alcoholic beverages or drinks not specified
* Massage & spa treatments, and any items for personal use
* Travel insurance (compulsory)
Reservations
This journey is limited to 8 persons and reservations are taken on a first-come-first-reserved basis.
Contact Duffle & Compass for current availability and further information.
