MOROCCAN MAYHEM HOSTED JOURNEY 14 SEPTEMBER - 26 SEPTEMBER, 2019 A J O U R N E Y T H R O U G H T H E I N C R E D I B L E K I N G D O M O F C A M B O D I A CASABLANCA, RABAT, FES, CHEFCHAOUEN, MARRAKECH, ESSAOUIRA Capture the essence of Morocco the colour, history, contrasts and style on this incredible journey through ancient Imperial cities, beneath the spectacular Atlas Mountains and along the Atlantic coastline. We will immerse ourselves into the country s exotic spirit; visit artisanal carpet makers, nomadic traders and female designers, sip mint tea and watch the going s on in Djemaa el Fna, shop Marrakech s labyrinth of souks with the experts and bask in medieval Fes, the spiritual capital of Morocco. Arriving in Casablanca we travel directly to Rabat before visiting the brilliantly-blue village of Chefchauen, a photographer s dream. The UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Fes will then transport us back to medieval times as we stroll through the labyrinthine alleyways of the 1200 year old Medina and explore this eclectic city and its surrounds. We fly south to the fabulous city of Marrakech where the pink-walled Medina, the 'old city', boasts a multitude of emporia that will keep shopaholics busy for days. Even nonshoppers will be amazed by the colour, diversity and vibrancy surrounding the souks. We will indulge in the diverse cultural influences that have shaped this fascinating country including spending time with the Berber people in the High Atlas Mountains.Essaouira, with it s Atlantic seafront, artisinal community and fabulous seafood then rounds out our journey. We will enjoy a combination of the very best riads and hotels, get lost in the alleyways of Fes, immerse ourselves in the centuries old souks and artisan markets of Marrakech, tread ancient Berber paths in the High Atlas and discover the language, arts and cuisine of the Tuareg, Berber & Arab people. ALLURING. MYSTERIOUS. SURPRISING. A fabulous opportunity to discover in Al Maghrib, the ancient Arabic name for Morocco, meaning "far west where the sun sets."
DAY 1 - ARRIVE CASABLANCA. TRANSFER TO RABAT Upon arrival into Casablanca, clear Customs and Immigration, collect your checked baggage, and proceed directly to the Arrivals Hall, where you will be met our representative and transferred by road to Rabat. (approx 1 hour). Upon arrival in Rabat, check into our Hotel, Villa Mandarine, where we will stay for the night. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, indulge in the spa, take a swim or catch up on some sleep after your long haul flight then join your fellow mayhem makers for cocktails in the bar and a Hosted Welcome Dinner. Overnight Villa Mandarine. (Welcome Dinner) DAY 2 - RABAT TO CHEFCHAOUEN This morning after breakfast, we embark on a morning tour of Rabat. With our guide we will see the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Hassan Tower and the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of the Udayas before walking the narrow streets of the Old Medina to see the Mechouar Royal Palace. Departing Rabat, we will drive to the village of Chechaouen, nestled beneath Rif Mountains (approx 4hrs). Founded in 1471 as a small fortress by Moulay Ali Ben Moussa, a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed, Chefchaouen is known as "blue city" for the brilliantly painted colour of its buildings. On arrival we will check in to Lina Ryad & Spa and then gather on the terrace to watch the sunset. Overnight Lina Ryad & Spa or similar. (B) DAY 3 - CHEFCHAOUEN Today we enjoy a guided walk amongst the dreamy blue-washed walls of Chefchaouen, admiring the architecture and picturesque medina. Lunch (to own account) will be enjoyed in the square before we spend the afternoon further exploring the small winding streets shopping for local handicrafts from Riffi blankets to silver Berber jewellery, lanterns and lamps, and carpets and kaftans. At the end of the day we will return to Ryad Lina & Spa to admire the beautiful view over the mountains. Overnight Lina Ryad & Spa. (B) DAY 4 - CHEFCHAOUEN TO FES VIA MEKNES, MOULAY IDRISS & VOLUBILIS Departing after breakfast this morning we will travel by road to Fes. En route we will stop at Meknes and will explore the ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis. Meknes was founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids, the city was originally established as a strategic military settlement. It was transformed by European slave labour in the 17th & 18th century into an impressive example of Spanish / Moorish style, boasting high citadel walls and imposing entrance gates. The exceptionally well preserved Berber / Roman ruins situated nearby at Volubilis are one of the most famous sites in Meknes & are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in a fertile valley, the Roman ruins are commonly believed to mark the site of the ancient capital of the Berber kingdom of Maghreb, stretching from Algeria, west to the Atlantic Ocean and south towards the Atlas Mountains. Lunch will be eaten in a local restaurant (to own account) before we continue to Fes where we check into Riad Salam and enjoy sundowners on the roof as the sun sets over the Fes skyline before a hosted dinner this evening. Riad Salam is a remarkable hotel in Fes' medina. Built at the beginning of 20th century it has been restored by craftsmen who managed to recapture the glory of its jaw-dropping interiors. The property itself is wonderfully atmospheric, with some of the finest zellij, plaster work, carved wood and brass work that you can see in all of Fes just the place to unwind in style. The small size of the property means that service is highly personalised, and the staff will do everything they can to ensure that our stay is perfect. All of the guestrooms face onto a quiet interior patio, whilst the rooftop offers a wonderful panoramic view over the medieval city of Fes. Overnight Riad Salam or similar. (B / D) DAY 5 - FES After a Moroccan breakfast of fresh fruit, wild honey, freshly baked bread, yoghurt, dates and freshly brewed coffee, we will step into one of the world s last surviving medieval towns, the Medina at Fes. Our escorted walking tour will take us along a labyrinth of paths and alleyways transporting us to a time gone by, finding old mosques amongst stores and markets filled with shoppers, donkeys and people going about their daily routines. Included in the tour will be a visit to Dar Mokri, an 18th century gem of Islamic & Arabic architecture; Zawiya Moulay Idriss II Islamic School; Kairouyine Mosque & University; Souk Attarine the premier grocery and spice merchant within the Medina; the famous Fes Tannery and the spice & perfume markets. We will observe communal bread ovens and the making of traditional ouarka and trid pastries. We will have the opportunity to sample a vast selection of olives, dates, pastries, fruits and other typically Moroccan flavours found in the depths of the Medina (if you wish). Our tour also allows photo stops at the imposing gate of Bab Boujloud, the splendid fountain at Place Nejjarine, the ancient ramparts and the beautiful entrance to the Royal Palace. Return to Riad Salam for an evening at leisure. Overnight Riad Salam. (B) DAY 6 - FES This morning we will head to the Weavers Co-operative to view a workshop that specialises in weaving the finest jellaba fabric, made of silk and wool threads imported from Italy. Our next stop is the Fes Pottery Co-operative to see traditional Moroccan zellij tile art. Zellij is the art of hand cut geometric and miomorphic mosaic design. This is one of the highest forms of artistic expression in Moroccan culture and the Islamic world. We will watch artisans as they cut, file and set tiles to create everything from serving fountains to large table tops. Before we leave there is an Aladdin s cave to shop in! Fes is also famous for its pottery traditionally glazed in white and embellished with cobalt oxide, which produces a vibrant shade of blue during kiln firing. Designs typically feature motifs and patterns including flowers, zigzags, chevrons, dots, triangles and crosshatching, all of which are used to convey messages and we will observe potters in the nearby co-operative with the opportunity to purchase of course! After lunch (to own account) in a local café the afternoon is at leisure for you to wander the souk in search of leather jackets, bags and belts, carpets, exotic jewellery and rainbow-coloured babouche slippers. Our guide is on hand and will happily lead you through the myriad of alleyways if you wish.
If you prefer you may wish to return to the riad for a hammam or to relax on the roof and enjoy the view and absorb the atmosphere as the call to prayer reverberates around the rooftops and minarets of the city. Dinner is at leisure this evening. Overnight Riad Salam. (B) DAY 7 - TO MARRAKECH Enjoy a relaxed morning at Riad Salam, with an early lunch (recommended and to own account), before we are collected for transfer to Fes Domestic Airport to board our flight to Marrakech. *Air Arabia - Departs Fes at 1500 Arrives Marrakech at 1600 On arrival in the ochre coloured city of Marrakech we will be collected and transferred to Riad Les Yeux Bleus where we will stay for the following four nights. Settle in and then gather on the roof for sundowners before a hosted dinner. Offering an outdoor pool, Riad Les Yeux Bleus is located in the old Medina of Marrakech, just a 10 minute walk from the famous Djemaa El Fna square. There are 8 elegant yet traditionally styled rooms, each one with unique styling, a private bathroom and air conditioning. A beautiful outdoor courtyard swimming pool is surrounded by orange and lemon trees, whilst a typical Moroccan breakfast is served up on the sunny terrace with views over the city. There is a hammam for a massage and spa, plenty of bright outdoor spaces in which to enjoy a fresh orange juice served by helpful and friendly staff. Overnight Riad Les Yeux Bleus or similar (B / D) DAY 8 - MARRAKECH After breakfast we set off on a walking tour of Marrakech, a city of honeycombed alleys & minarets. Our tour will take in the famous Koutoubia Minaret, one of the masterpieces of Islamic architecture, the 12th century Kasbah (fortress) where we will see the distinctive carved gate Bab Agnaou and the 16th century monument site of the Saadian Tombs. We will be enchanted by the wonderful Hispano Mauresque architecture surrounding the burial ground of the royal family and we will explore the mellah (Jewish quarter). Finally we will enter the maze of alleyways and narrow streets that make up the souk. Here sellers offer everything from spice, sandalwood and black soap to clothing, baskets, leather goods, furniture, lanterns, fabrics, pottery and almost anything else you could wish for. We will be guided through the souk and then you will be let loose to explore at leisure. You may wish to dine in Djemma El Fna square this evening or there are a number of restaurants close by. Alternatively you may be retail weary and wish to return to our riad. Whatever your preference we will make a plan to suit your needs. Overnight Riad Les Yeux Bleus (B) DAY 9 - ATLAS MOUNTAINS & KASBAH TAMADOT Today we will head out of the city and meander through the valleys at the foot of Mount Toubkal, Morocco s highest mountain, which rises 4,165m above sea level and remains snow capped for most of the year. We will take a walk into a traditional Berber village to encounter traditional village life, with women transporting bundles of sticks and djellabaclad men tending their livestock. After tea on the roof of one of the village houses, with panoramic views across the surrounding valleys, we will return to Richard Branson s renowned Kasbah Tamadot. Nestled on the edge of the village of Asni the award winning Kasbah Tamadot was bought by Sir Richard Branson during one of his famous ballooning expeditions. We will indulge in a long, decadent lunch on the rooftop terrace. The food marries local produce, flavours and ingredients from Tamadot s vast gardens. After lunch we have time to explore the property before returning to Marrakech where those who have not yet sated their appetite may wish to venture into the souk, or simply relax in the hotel. Overnight Riad Les Yeux Bleus (B / L) DAY 10 - MARRAKECH After breakfast we will be driven to the world famous Marjorelle Gardens. This colourful garden surrounds the equally colourful villa that was once the private home of painter Jacques Majorelle. Full of cacti, bamboo and other rare and exotic plants, the gardens were lovingly restored by world famous fashion designer Yves St Laurent, whose dying wish was that his ashes be scattered adjacent to the villa, where he passed so much of his leisure time. The Marjorelle Gardens are one of the most visited sites in all of Marrakech. You are free to wander this calming retreat and we recommend visiting the fascinating onsite Berber Museum and there will be time to shop in the stylish boutiques across the road. Later this morning we will meet with ethno botanist Abderrazzak Benchabane who, inspired and encouraged by Yves Saint Laurent, created his own range of perfumes. Under his tutelage we will create our own fragrance exotic and Arabian in nature, think ingredients like musk, patchouli, jasmine and amber. Lunch (to own account) will be enjoyed at a local restaurant before we pound the pavement between some of Marrakech s leading boutiques in the new city of Gueliz. Time permitting, and only if you wish, we may return to the souk, or we will return to the riad for rest and relaxation. Dinner at leisure this evening. Overnight Riad Les Yeux Bleus (B) DAY 11 - ESSAOUIRA After an early breakfast we will check out of our Riad and transfer to the Atlantic coast - approx. journey of 3hrs - and the seaside town of Essaouira where we will spend two nights at Riad Dar L oussia. Situated on the ramparts of Essaouira's medina Dar l Oussia lies in close proximity to the souks, beach and ancient fishing port. Renovated by the finest craftsmen of Essaouira, Dar l'oussia offers spacious rooms meticulously decorated and extremely comfortable, and each has its own elegant bathroom. Some rooms are decorated using traditional materials such as tadelakt, marble and zellige (intricate stucco resembling lace). The riad is built around a large inner courtyard, which gives you an immediate sense of calm and tranquility. Riad interiors are simple, yet tastefully decorated and the amenities include a hammam, inner-courtyard lounge and a terrace offering stunning panoramic views of the beach & medina.
Once we have checked in we will head out to explore the bustling entrance of the port where fishermen haul in their daily catch and lay it out proudly, just like at an old fashioned fishmongers. Here we can select from the incredible display and, once cooked, sit side by side with locals at the wooden tables that line the string of food stalls and enjoy our feast. Prices are fixed, printed on a board and to your own account. After lunch we will then head into the walled medina a UNESCO World Heritage site of seawalls and imposing ramparts here we will discover colourful local artworks (Essaouira has long held an attraction for artists) and will have the opportunity to sample traditional Moroccan treats in the local pastry shops before returning to our hotel for overnight. Overnight Riad Dar L oussia or similar (B) DAY 12 - ESSAOUIRA Some of the world's finest marquetry is created by hand in Essaouira. The ramparts around the port house workshops that are piled high with intricate inlaid wooden items. The artists specialty wood is from the Thuya tree, a highly prized wood with a delicious perfume and found only in this part of Morocco. We will visit a workshop and watch the artists at work and will marvel at the beautiful pieces inlaid with ebony, walnut, and citrus wood, and sometimes even mother of pearl, threads of silver, copper, aluminium, and even slivers of camel bone. It may be a challenge to leave empty handed! Later this afternoon we will make our way to Madada Mogadar, a former merchant s home located on the ramparts of Essaouira, offering one of the most outstanding cooking classes in all of Morocco! Our cooking class begins with a trip to the spice market to gather all we need before being initiated into the delights of one of the world s best cuisines. The menu is chosen daily by their chefs according to the seasonal market offering of fresh fruit, veg, meat and seafood and in this friendly and casual atmosphere, our workshop will teach us how to prepare a full, traditional meal that you can easily reproduce for your friends and family at home. On the conclusion we will gather in Madada s oriental lounge for a glass of wine and to savour the fruits of our labour as our final, Farewell Dinner.. Return to Dar L Oussia to prepare for an early departure tomorrow morning. Overnight Riad Dar L oussia (B / Farewell Dinner Cooking Class) DAY 13 - DEPARTURE An early morning departure from Essaouira to ensure you arrive in Casablanca or Marrakech in time to board your flight home. Your road transfer to Casablanca will take approx 4.5 hours and will snake along the Atlantic coastline before heading inland to join the highway. Your road transfer to Marrakech will take approx 3 hours. On arrival check in for your flight. (B) INCLUDED: - Arrival & departure transfers (if on specified EK flights) - x1 night Villa Mandarine, Rabat on a B&B basis - x2 nights Lina Ryad & Spa in Chefchaouen on a B&B basis - x2 nights in Riad Salam in Fes on a B&B basis - x4 nights in Riad Les Bleux in Marrakech on a B&B basis - x2 nights at Riad Dar L'oussia in Essaouira on a B&B basis - Welcome Dinner in Rabat - Farewell Dinner/Cooking Class in Essaouira - Hosted Dinner in Chefchaouen - Hosted Dinner in Fes -Hosted Dinner in Marrakech - Lunch at Richard Branson s Kasbah Tamadot - Walking Tours of Chefchaouen, Fes, Marrakech & Essaouira - Tour of the Marjorelle Gardens in Marrakech - Private audience with renowned perfumer & friend of Yves Saint Laurent - Moroccan Cooking Class in Essaouira - Escorted Souk tour in Marrakech - Artisan tour in Marrakech - Escorted Medina tour in Fes - Guided Tour in Marrakech incl the souks - Excursion to Meknes, Volubilis & Moulya Idris - Day trip into the High Atlas Mountains with Berber village visit - Private Guides for tours of the Medinas & Souks - Transport on tour in a private air-conditioned vehicle - Economy Class domestic flight Fes to Marrakech - Bottled Water whilst Touring - Entrance fees at all mentioned Monuments - Local English Speaking Guide(s) - Mai Journeys Host (will meet you in Rabat) NOT INCLUDED: - International Airfares - PLEASE ASK US FOR A QUOTE - Transfers unless stated in the itinerary - Items of a personal nature ie phone calls, laundry, in room drinks etc - Passport and visas - Tips at meals and bars Additional meals & snacks and all drinks (other than specified) - Gratuity for local tour escort, guides & driver (discretionary, suggested budget NZD$150 / AUD$150pp) - Any excess baggage - Room or flight upgrades - Travel insurance - PLEASE ASK US FOR A QUOTE - Optional excursions or activities that may be offered
NOTES: - Rates are based on $NZD or $AUD converted from MAD therefore is subject to change until paid in full. - Any part of the tour not utilised is non-refundable. - Our Ground Operators reserve the right to change the itinerary due to any unforeseen circumstances or access to something even better. - Insurance is mandatory for this tour. - Please remember that Morocco is a large country and some days of touring will necessitate long periods of driving. - There also may be times when, due to road conditions, the itinerary may vary slightly. - Morocco has a tradition of a multi course lunches, heavier and longer than what we may be used to. If you prefer to have a lighter and quicker lunch, please ensure this is explained to your driver. - Our Escorted tours are subject to a minimum number of participants as determined by us. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, you will be offered the Tour at a re-costed rate. If you decide not to proceed, all monies will be refunded. If we cancel the tour due to insufficient numbers, the tour will be cancelled with all monies refunded. You are strongly advised to take out Travel Insurance when paying a deposit. Any cancellation fees for flights etc as a result of such arrangements will be your responsibility. - If you are travelling alone and wish to share a room, we will endeavour to match you with another single participant. We accept no responsibility for the suitability of the rooming partner. If at any time during the tour you consider the rooming partner to be unsuitable, we will arrange single accommodation (if available) the additional cost of which will be borne by you. If we are unable to find a rooming partner prior to departure, you will be required to pay the applicable single supplement to undertake the tour. RIADS Riads / Ryads are traditional town houses typically build around an open courtyard. They offer a unique and authentic style of accommodation and usually feature a small amount of rooms. They are generally family- run properties with limited staff undertaking multiple roles and duties. Depending on their standard Riads may not offer all the facilities you would expect to find in a modern hotel. I.e. the Wi-Fi internet access may be limited, there may not be a lift and the breakfast is usually more limited in choices and does vary from riad to riad. But the unique and charming atmosphere and the location in the heart of the Medina more than make up for it. 9
BOOKING CONDITIONS: - Prices quoted are in NZD$/AUD$/GBP and are correct at time of publication. - All rates are subject to change until paid in full. Events beyond our control, such as currency fluctuations or changes to the cost of services or facilities may result in the prices charged to you being different from those shown on the website. - The NZD$ price on the website is a cash price. Price for payment by MasterCard or Visa Card is 3% additional. - In the case of AUD payments, you can deposit into our AUD account. If you wish to deposit into our NZD account, you must ensure that the full amount invoiced is received by Mai Journeys after all bank charges have been levied. - If booking elsewhere outside of New Zealand, you will be invoiced the equivalent of the NZD$ rate, on the day of your confirmation. - A deposit of NZD$/AUD$1000.00 per person is necessary to confirm your place on this tour. - Balance Payment is due no later than 05 July 2019 ie 10 weeks pre-departure. - Bookings made after 08 July 2019 will require full payment. - Your Tour Reservation will be confirmed on receipt of Deposit /Balance and Booking Form. - If the balance of the tour is not paid within this time frame, Mai Journeys may treat this as a cancellation. - Travel Documents & Vouchers will be sent to you 3-4 weeks before departure (providing full payment has been made) - Any bookings, receipts and / or tickets that are issued externally, are subject to the Terms & Conditions specified by those suppliers. These will be detailed in full on your Booking Confirmation. - Bookings must be made in the names that appear in your passport. Failure to provide us with correct names at time of booking can result in additional costs being charged by suppliers to amend names. - Facilities, services, routes or accommodations may change after you Book. We will keep you informed of any changes to information in this itinerary. Prior to booking, you should ask us about any changes to the published information. - The Tour rate is based on a minimum of 8 guests. If this number is not reached, clients that have booked will be offered the same tour at an adjusted rate. If not accepted, Mai Journeys reserves the right to cancel the tour due to numbers not reached. If this happens, monies will be fully refunded. CANCELLATIONS: - If you need to cancel this tour, monies will be refunded less a cancellation fee per person as follows: * More than 55 days before departure - Deposit * Less than 55 days before departure - Deposit + 10% of Tour Cost * Less than 40 days before departure - Deposit + 30% of Tour Cost * Less than 30 days before departure - Deposit + 50% of Tour Cost * Less than 20 days before departure - Deposit + 70% of Tour Cost * Less than 10 days before departure - Deposit + 90% of Tour Cost * Less than 2 days before departure - No Refund. - No refund is available for cancellation after commencement of tour services not used. FLIGHTS: International Flights are not included in the Tour Rate. Flights for this tour work well with Emirates. We will let you know the fligts the NZ Guests are taking so as to meet up in Dubai and arrive in Casablanca together. Ditto, the return flight ex Casablanca. INSURANCE: Mai Journeys will have no liability for any loss or damage of any kind (direct, indirect, consequential or otherwise) you may suffer resulting from cancellation, loss of luggage and personal property, medical expenses, and the effects of accident, however it is caused. It is your responsibility to insure yourself fully. Mai Journeys believes that travel insurance is essential, wherever you are traveling to; therefore we strongly recommend you purchase it. Your Insurance should include cover for loss of deposits paid should you be unable to travel, and therefore should be taken out as soon as you pay any deposits. BOOKING: - Your booking will be accepted on the understanding that you fully comprehend the hazards that can be involved in this tour. This includes injury, discomfort and inconvenience. - You must also assume any associated risks with altitude, illness, disease and physical exertion knowing that access to evacuation and/or suitable medical supplies and support may not always be available. - At times we will use locally arranged transport including vans, jeeps, coaches, trains, buses, river craft, tuk tuks, mopeds or flights as shown in the specific tour itinerary. Your booking is therefore accepted on the understanding that safety standards in parts of the developing world are not the same as in first world countries.