17 DAY Morocco Unplugged MXMCMM-7

Transcription

1 17 DAY Morocco Unplugged MXMCMM-7 This tour visits: Morocco Welcome to the complete Morocco travel experience. Rock the kasbahs of Marrakech, get high in the Atlas Mountains, and sleep out under the stars in the Sahara. Sound too good to be true? Trust us, even the experiences in between are bursting with more colour, culture and spice than you can poke a cocktail umbrella at. Get ready to Moroccan roll! The Bucket List More Inclusions Entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary Get lost in the Medina of Fes Guided tours of Marrakech, Rabat & Fes Hit the beach at Essaouira Off-road & overnight in the Sahara Desert in a Berber camp Rock the Kasbahs in Rabat & Tamnougalt Stay with local Berber family in Tamalakoute Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis Visit Hassan II mosque in Casablanca 16 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners 11 nights twin-share in 3-star hotels, 1 night in a riad, 1 night in a kasbah, 2 nights in a desert camp, 1 night in a Berber house Arrival transfer from the airport to hotel Transport Awesome English-speaking Trip Leaders

2 Trip Itinerary Day 1 - Marrakech, Morocco Marrakech will sucker punch you with its sensory overload of colours, scents, sights and sounds. Grab a mint tea and find your groove in the chaotic rhythm of life before meeting your Moroccan Explorer group at tonight s welcome meeting. - Airport transfer Day 2 - Marrakech Stroll through the Marrakech medina before experiencing mosaic madness at the Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace on a guided tour. Then, plan the rest of your day around Djemaa el-fna Square - once a trading post for slaves, ivory and gold; now home to anything you could need from snail soup to a dentist check-up. (B) - Marrakech half-day city tour Day 3 - Marrakech to Rabat via Casablanca This could be the start of a beautiful friendship: you + Casablanca, immortally romanticised by the Humphrey Bogart film. Six thousand artisans worked for five years to create the intricate mosaics of Hassan II Mosque the largest mosque in Africa, which can hold a staggering 105,000 worshippers at anytime. Gawk until your heart s content, take the tour, and then continue to Rabat to lose yourself in the Santoriniesque Kasbah des Oudaias. - Hassan II mosque in Casablanca - Rabat city tour Day 4 - Rabat to Fes via Volubilis and Meknes Remember the Romans on a visit to Volubilis - less Gladiator battle ground, more 3rd Century township of pristine mosaic floors and regal columns, sitting pretty within a rolling green landscape. Pit stop in Meknes before we hit Fes, aka Morocco s cultural capital. - Volubilis Roman ruins - Visit to Meknes

3 Day 5 - Fes A labyrinth of souks and monuments in the most intact medieval city in the Arab world, Fes has been virtually unchanged since the ninth century. Riad between the lines on a full-day guided tour before a chance to shed a few layers of dead skin in a hammam (not included). Just be sure to book in advance! - Day tour of Fes Day 6 - Fes to Errachidia via Ifrane and Midelt Rolling green mountains, alpine ski slopes... picturing Morocco? Nope? Welcome to Ifrane, aka the Switzerland of Morocco. Then, fill your memory bank with vistas of the Middle Atlas mountains and cedar forests in Midelt over lunch on our way to Errachidia. Day 7 - Errachidia to Merzouga Desert Camp There's camping, and then there's camping in the Sahara with one of the world's most ancient tribes: the Berbers. Expect camel rides (optional), campfire tagines and more stars than you can poke a telescope at. - Overnight in Berber desert camp Optional activities: - Camel ride (no extra cost) Day 8 - Merzouga to Dades Gorge via Todra Gorge Farewell your nomadic desert kin and travel the road of a thousand kasbahs towards Dades Gorge. Witness the hypercolour sandstone canyon walls of Todra Gorge, aka rock climber paradise. Day 9 - Dades Gorge to Ait Ben Haddou Today you ll head to the UNESCO site of Ait Ben Haddou where scenes from Hollywood blockbusters The Mummy and Gladiator were filmed.

4 Day 10 - Ait Ben Haddou to Tamnougalt Use this morning to take stock of what you ve seen so far (and back up that memory card). Or set the alarm and climb to the high point of the ksar to see the sunrise. The Sahara Adventure starts this afternoon. Tonight, sleep it off in a kasbah. Overnight in a kasbah Day 11 - Tamnougalt to Sahara Desert Stock up on water and board your four-wheeled camel (aka 4x4) - we re going deep into the desert to sandboard the Chigaga Dune then glamp like the Berbers. You ve never seen a sunset like this before. - Overnight in Berber desert camp Optional activities: - Camel ride Day 12 - Sahara to Tamalakoute Lose all semblance of where earth ends and sky begins as we burn across the shimmering white rock bed of Lake Iriki. Tonight, emulate the want-for-nothing attitude of traditional Berber life with an overnight stay in a family home. - Overnight in Berber home

5 Day 13 - Tamalakoute to Taroudant From dry white lakes to a topographer s field day, tackle the imposing volcanic landscape of the Jebel Siroua Mountains by 4x4 and gain a new appreciation for the Berbers and their donkeys who have been travelling these roads without air-con for thousands of years. Day 14 - Taroudant to Essaouira via Agadir Destroyed by an earthquake in the 60s, Agadir is modern Morocco on the beach. Check it out then blow into the Windy City of Africa aka Essaouira. Day 15 - Essaouira The quaint little fishing village of Essaouira retains its traditional charm while still satisfying adrenaline junkies with windsurfing and kitesurfing. Day 16 - Essaouira to Marrakech Arriving back in Marrakech, the afternoon is yours. Why not top off the day with a sweet Whisky Marocain (mint tea) and a peek at the cacti of Majorelle Garden (where Yves Saint-Laurent s ashes are scattered). Day 17 - Marrakech Cue teary goodbyes after breakfast, then it s over to you. Time to tuck into one more tagine and contemplate your next move. Accommodation On your trip you will stay primarily in quality, two and three-star hotels on a single or twin-share basis, depending on what you have booked. On some nights, you will stay in multi-share rooms. You will also get to experience a night in a Berber camp in the Sahara Desert, rock the night in a kasbah, and overnight in a Berber family home. Please note: the bathroom facilities in the desert are basic (hey, you're in the desert!) but it's all part of the amazing experience you will remember for ever! The 'More Inclusions' section on this document has a full

6 breakdown of the accommodation used. Optional Activities On all trips we have arranged extra activities that we think will enhance your travel experience, but you have a choice as to whether or not you will participate. These are not included in the cost of your trip. They are usually organised on a group participation basis and should be taken into consideration when budgeting your spending money. None of the Optional Activities on your trip are operated by Topdeck, nor do they form part of your contract with Topdeck for your trip. Topdeck arranges the activity as an agent of the local supplier. Should you participate in any Optional Activities your contract will be with the local supplier and their conditions will apply. Please note: while we make every effort to keep these prices as accurate and up-to-date as possible, they are subject to change and in rare circumstances the actual price may vary slightly to what is published here. Merzouga - Morocco Camel ride although there is no extra charge, it is customary to tip the desert guide. Sahara Desert - Morocco Camel ride MAD200 Meals Breakfasts are included every day on most trips (except on the first morning). A typical breakfast may consist of cereals with milk or yoghurt, bread, croissants, cold meats, cheese and a range of spreads, with fruit juice, tea or coffee to drink. It is rare to get a hot breakfast, though on some occasions there may be some hot food available as well. Included evening meals are in local restaurants or your place of accommodation. In most cases table water is provided with the meals, and if you wish to purchase additional drinks you can do so at your own expense. If you have any dietary requirements we will make every effort to cater to your specific needs as long as you advise your travel agent or Topdeck Customer Service Consultant when you book. But please be aware that although we will do everything in our power to arrange it, we cannot guarantee that every restaurant we use will be able to cater to all dietary needs. We also cannot cater for tastes or dislikes, as most of our included evening meals feature a set menu. Your included meals are detailed in the 'More Inclusions' section of this document. Important note on Ramadan: As many Middle Eastern countries are of Islamic faith, it is important to remember that many restaurants and shops will either be closed or operating on reduced hours during this time. Some Optional and Included Activities may also be affected. Despite some of these restraints, Ramadan is an incredibly important and sacred month for Muslims. When equipped with some basic knowledge, you ll have the chance to immerse yourself in this special tradition and experience all its highlights. No Tip Necessary

7 Your Topdeck crew never expect tips themselves and will not ask for any; that s not what friends do! We also know how much tipping can cost you. So go ahead, spoil yourself with the money you will save by travelling with Topdeck (just don t forget Mum s souvenir). Topdeck Travel App Our travel app has landed! With a range of awesome features including a Currency Converter, Budget Tracker, Check-In tool and Social Timeline you can plan your trip like a pro. Think of it like your very own Topdeck Trip Leader, always on call with the latest info, weather, maps and city guides to give you the trip of a lifetime, all in the palm of your hand. Please note: The Topdeck Travel App should only be downloaded once you have booked onto your trip. You will not be able to log in unless you have a Topdeck Booking Reference Number. Get it for iphone Get it for Android Passenger safety One of the best parts of travelling is experiencing the nightlife and entertainment each city has to offer. However, amidst the fun and excitement, it s important to be aware of your surroundings and personal safety as well. Before you hit the road with us, it s important to be aware of the following: When you re on a night out, remember to avoid walking alone, particularly through deserted areas like beaches and back streets. Always stick together, take a taxi where possible, and keep a note of your accommodation details so you can find your way back to your fellow Topdeckers if you become separated. In some countries, alcoholic measures can be considerably larger than what you may be used to. Try to keep track of what you re drinking, and if you see one of your trip mates looking a little worse for wear, take them back to your accommodation. Be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended. It s also important to be aware that what you might consider harmless flirting may be interpreted differently in some countries. Be yourself and have fun, but don t be naïve, and be mindful of the signals you are sending out so that you don t find yourself in an uncomfortable situation. Other Information Finances Currency The currency unit in Morocco is the Moroccan dirham (MAD), divided into 100 santimat. British pounds, Euros and US dollars are easily exchanged in Morocco and are an alternative to using ATMs. US dollars cash can also be used for some purchases. Please note: You may not be able to exchange other currencies.

8 Changing Money Cashpoints/ATMs are widely available and are the safest and easiest way to access cash. Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the region. We recommend that you bring yours along in case you see something special, which you hadn't budgeted for. Please note: Credit cards cannot be used to pay for Optional Activities. It is advisable you notify your bank or credit card issuing company of your intention to travel as for security reasons, banks and credit card companies sometimes block cards when withdrawals are unexpectedly made overseas. Upon arrival it is advisable to have about 250 Moroccan dirham cash. This will cover any expenditure on your Marrakech sightseeing day and give you flexibility until you need to change more money where you can get a better exchange rate. On your trip you will be given the opportunity to change money at either a bank or hotel. Bear in mind for the end of your trip that changing Moroccan dirham back into dollars or other major currencies can be complicated and the exchange rate will certainly be unfavourable. So keep an eye on the amounts you take out so you're not left with a huge surplus at the end of your trip. Spending Money Based on past experience, we recommend at least Moroccan dirham per day to cover your normal expenses including sightseeing, small souvenir shopping and non-included meals. If you wish to purchase expensive souvenirs, you will need to budget for more, or use your credit cards for these purchases. Remember, this is a rough figure only and spending habits vary greatly between individuals according to their budget and habits! Tipping Although you may not be accustomed to tipping at home, tipping (known locally as 'baksheesh') is an important way of life in Morocco and is something that is done by locals as well as tourists. When travelling with Topdeck, tips are already included on anything that forms part of your itinerary, including bus/coach drivers, included meals, hotel staff, local guides, etc. This includes your Topdeck Trip Leader. That means you do not have to tip for any of these included services! However, you will need to tip for services that are not included, so please take this into consideration when working out your budget. For example, you will need to tip at non-included meals when you pay for the meal yourself, even if your Trip Leader has helped organise it, and you will need to tip for anything you do on your free time. Your Trip Leader can advise you what an appropriate tip amount is. A general rule when tipping is if the service warrants it, tip what you think is a fair amount, and if you do not think so, then do not tip or tip less than normal. Also, do not get bullied into tipping and disregard any comments that you have not given enough. Topdeck Top Tip: it is a really good idea to hide away somewhere a small amount of cash and/or extra card; this will really come in handy in the unlikely event that you lose your wallet or any other kind of emergency. Insurance It is compulsory for all passengers to take out comprehensive travel insurance before the trip departs covering cancellation, medical expenses including repatriation, loss or damage to baggage and personal belongings, money and personal liability. You must bring a copy of your travel insurance policy with you on the trip. Your Trip Leader will make a record of your travel insurance details at the start of your trip, e.g. the name of the insurance company, the 24 hour emergency telephone number, and your policy number. These will be sent to our operations team to ensure that if you lose your policy details, they can be easily retrieved.

9 Passports & Visa Some countries may refuse you entry if there is not at least six months validity on your passport after your departure date from their country so please ensure your passport complies before you leave home. Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa to enter Morocco. Currently most (but not all) nationals do not require a visa for a visit of up to three months. It is recommended that you contact your local Moroccan consulate to find out whether or not you need a visa. If you do need a visa, remember that some visas can take up to six weeks to acquire, so don't leave it until the last minute. Also bear in mind that the validity of the visa often runs from the date of issue rather than date of entry into the country. Transport During your trip you will be travelling between destinations in a minibus or 4WD vehicle, depending on where you are travelling to. As there is a lot to see in a short space of time, there are a number of fairly long travelling days. Please note: Due to shorter days in the winter months we will not be able to visit the Todra Gorge (if your itinerary includes it) during this time. Health & Safety We want to make sure you're having the time of your life while travelling with us. Therefore, if you suffer from any kind of medical condition or allergies, we will need to know at the time of booking, or at least six weeks prior to the departure of your trip. If you require regular medication, you must have a sufficient supply before your trip departs, as it may be difficult to obtain while travelling. You must be able to administer your own medication, as Topdeck Road Crew will not be able to administer it, and there are no guarantees that there will be anyone with first aid training on board. Strict food and water hygiene is essential to avoid diarrhoea. Make sure food has been properly prepared, drink only boiled or bottled water and keep in mind that ice will likely come from tap water. Also take precautions against insect bites and sunburn. During the hot summer months it is advisable to carry bottled water in your day-pack at all times. Vaccinations We recommend that you ensure your tetanus, diphtheria, typhoid, polio and hepatitis vaccinations are up to date. Please consult a medical practitioner for the relevant requirements prior to travelling. Safety note If you are arriving a few days before the start of your trip, please be advised not to accept offers from people to visit specialty shops or to take guided tours. These people are not associated with Topdeck and therefore we can't be responsible for the service you receive from them. Your Topdeck trip includes professional guides who will accompany you to all the sites mentioned in your itinerary. General Information Local Customs Morocco is a moderate and tolerant country, however it is common courtesy to respect the local customs of anywhere you travel. Skimpy shorts and tops are not appropriate attire, especially in markets or at religious sites and places of worship. A sarong or similar wrap-around

10 is very handy to carry in your day pack. It can act as a head scarf, skirt or to cover bare shoulders if needed. Your Trip Leader will advise you of areas that you cannot take photos (this won't be often) but if you are taking photos of people you should get their permission first. Be aware that if you take photos in Jemma-el-Fna Square in Marrakech you will be expected to pay if you are taking shots of water carriers, snake charmers and other performers as they are likely doing it for your benefit. Power Morocco uses the same two-prong plug as used in Europe (CEE 7/16 standard) and a single adapter will work throughout the country. Voltage Throughout Morocco the voltage is a uniform v. If the voltage is the same or similar in your home country your appliance will comply. If you have a 110v appliance you will need to use a transformer to avoid damaging your appliance. Contact Us Should you encounter any difficulties meeting your transfer from the airport to the starting hotel, depending on which country you are in you can contact a Topdeck representative on the following: Mountain Safari Tours (our local partner) 64 Lot Laksour Route de Casablanca 2177 Gueliz Marrakech Office phone: +(212) Other emergency contacts: Mr Brahim Errachiki - +(212) In Cases of Emergency While we hope you never have to use it, if for any reason you need to contact someone from Topdeck, whether it be that you have missed a trip departure meeting, have become separated from your trip on the road or any other unforeseeable problem, the following options are available to you. Emergency Contact Our Customer Service team is on hand 24/7 to help* Please call from within Australia, from within New Zealand, from within North America, from within South Africa, from within Japan, from inside the UK or for the rest of the world. A Topdeck representative will be on hand to help. * Please note our Customer Service team may be closed over bank holidays. Please check out over these times. What to bring The golden rule is to travel as light as you can. Only bring what you really need and leave plenty of space for things you might want to buy. Don't forget you will have to carry your bag around yourself before and after the trip, as well as in and out of where you re staying while on your trip! We recommend soft bags, suitcases or frameless backpacks, plus a small day pack or carry bag. No external framed bags please, as they damage other bags on the vehicle. Please limit your luggage to a maximum of 20kg. Luggage must not exceed dimensions of 70cm in height,

11 45cm in width and 25cm in depth. Only one piece of luggage is allowed. Please note: Due to space and weight restrictions on our coaches, passengers with too much luggage on departure morning may be told that they cannot take their entire luggage with them. Luggage storage facilities are usually available at the departure point, if they are not available you will have to make your own arrangements to have it stored or shipped home. Any luggage left behind will be at your own risk and you will be required to pay any costs incurred. The following is a suggested clothing list only, based on our experience. 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes 1 pair of smart-casual shoes 1 pair of thongs/jandals/flip-flops 2 pairs jeans/trousers 2 pairs shorts/skirts 4 shirts/t-shirts 2 sweaters/jumpers Smart casual evening wear 1 rainproof jacket Underwear and socks! General things to pack: Swimming costume Beach Towel Toiletries Hat & Sunscreen Basic medical kit (including plasters, aspirin etc.) Washing powder Insect repellent Conversion plug Optional things to pack: Torch Travel pillow Travelling in winter While the daytime temperatures can be mild in the winter months in the region, the evenings are generally cold, especially in the desert. We recommend that you bring warm clothing including a warm coat for use in the evenings. The hotels do not cater for winter temperatures as well as they perhaps could so we recommend you bring something warm to sleep in. You need a good sleep at night to enjoy the daytime activities. The winter is not the busiest season, so the mild days can make sightseeing more enjoyable than during the heat of summer, and provided you have some warm clothes, walking through street markets without the crowds is a joy. Sleeping bags A sleeping bag will not be required for your trip. Final checklist Passport (with visas if required!)

12 Airline E-ticket Insurance Policy (you must bring these details with you) Camera; batteries; chargers; conversion plug