EGYPT, MOROCCO & THE NEAR EAST Essaouira
CULTURAL MOROCCO 10 Days from £1545 pp twin share with flights
Concentrating on the great imperial cities, this journey visits Fez before crossing the deserts and Atlas Mountains to conclude in the vibrancy of Marrakech.
DAY 1 – Rabat Fly from Heathrow to Casablanca with British Airways. On arrival, transfer the short distance to Rabat for an overnight stay at Hotel Rabat. Afternoon at leisure.
Marrakech Tower
DAY 2 – Fez Where the monumental Bab Mansour gateway recalls the splendour of the city under the 17th-century Sultan Moulay Ismail. Continue to Volubilis to visit the extensive Roman city, whose mosaic fl oors are particularly well- preserved. After a brief visit to the holy city of Moulay Idriss, continue to Fez where we will stay at Les Merinides Hotel for 2 nights.
DAY 3 – Fez
Founded in 789 AD, Fez is the oldest of the great imperial cities. For 1,000 years Fez dominated Morocco’s religious, cultural, commercial and political life, and its unique character has been recognised, being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Sightseeing includes the Medersa Bou Inania, the attractive 18th century Nejjarine Fountain, and the 9th-century Andalusian Mosque.
DAY 4 – Erfoud
A fascinating drive takes you via the mountain town of Ifrane and through the gorges of the Ziz Valley to the town of Erfoud. 2 nights at the Kasbah Chergui.
DAY 5 – Erfoud After a leisurely morning, journey by 4-wheel-drive vehicles into the desert landscapes to witness an unforgettable sunset over the empty dunes.
ERFOUD
An oasis town set amongst the dunes of the Sahara, Erfoud is home to a thriving fi lm industry that has been used in the production of a number of Hollywood movies. Built by the French, besides the waters of the Ziz River, the town provides an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding desert.
ESSAOUIRA A UNESCO World Heritage Site and certainly one of Morocco’s most engaging resorts, Essaouira began life as a trading port for European and Jewish merchants. Nestling behind the walls of its Portuguese fortifi cations, its picturesque blue-shuttered houses and traditional fi shing boats today provide the perfect backdrop before the crashing rollers of the Atlantic Ocean.
DAY 6 – Ouarzazate Journey through the evocative desert vistas to the spectacular Todra Gorge, from where you continue through the Dades Valley to Ouarzazate. Overnight at the enchanting Berbere Palace Hotel.
DAY 7 – Marrakech Crossing the high passes of the Atlas Mountains we descend to the stunning city of Marrakech, the best known of Morocco’s imperial cities and the country’s spiritual heart. Stay at the hotel Atlas Riad Medina & Spa.
DAY 8 – Marrakech Today explore Marrakech, including the 16th-century Saadian Tombs, set in exquisite Andalusian gardens and the Bahia Palace. After spending time in the souk, you will arrive at Jemaa El Fna Square, the focal point of the city.
DAY 9 – Marrakech At leisure in Marrakech.
DAY 10 – Fly to the UK Return to Heathrow with British Airways.
Special Something MOROCCAN CUISINE
A tempting mix of African, Arabic and European cooking styles, Moroccan cuisine is characterised by its use of spices, mouth watering stews and delicious seafood. Cooked in earthenware tagines, the addition of herbs, nuts and fruits culminate in that unmistakable flavour that is so uniquely Moroccan.
22 Feb ‘13 £1545
07 Sep ‘13 £1595
29 Mar ‘13 £1695
05 Oct ‘13 £1695
27 Apr ‘13 £1745
21 Feb ‘14 £1695
25 May ‘13 £1595
19 Apr ‘14 £1795
ESSAOUIRA EXTENSION
Essaouira enjoys the reputation as one of Morocco’s most laid- back resorts, where narrow streets and whitewashed houses present an enchanting backdrop to traditional riads, bustling markets and sardine fi shermen. 3 nights from £345 per person.
Visit our website for further information –
www.balesworldwide.com
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DEPARTURES
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