MOROCCO & DESERT DISCOVERY 21 st April 4 th May 2018 14 days $3,850.00 Morocco is a land of contrasts - where Africa meets Europe From ancient philosophers and scholars to Bob Marley and Jimmy Hendrix, Morocco has hosted many! From the wild markets of Marrakech to the snowy peaks of the Atlas, the silence of the Sahara and pristine beaches of the Atlantic, Morocco is simply amazing. Our journey combines the best of everything cities, villages, mountains, desert, music, food, cooking classes with local Berber tribes, colourful markets & more. You can expect plenty of interaction with the friendly Berber tribes of North Africa, learn their unique drumming, practice the language and taste the delicious local food. Our private small group ladies tour to Morocco full of colourful & diverse experiences will leave you with a lifetime of memories that are second to none. Discover these and so much more on this fantastic private ladies tour Que Sera Ladies Tours ABN: 72 755 288 542 Carol +61405 643 161 Laiana +61431 990 618 Christina +61 431 032 825 queseraladiestours@gmail.com queseraladiestours.com PO Box 7015 Toowoon Bay NSW 2261 Australia queseratours
Day 1 Saturday 21 st April - CASABLANCA Welcome to Morocco, on arrival into Casablanca Airport we will be met by our own private Moroccon guide and transferred to our beautiful hotel. Relax and soak up the vibrant city noises before we enjoy a welcome dinner in one of the cafes made famous from one of Hollywood s biggest blockbuster movies and discuss our journey ahead. Overnight: Casablanca Meals: Welcome Dinner Day 2 Sunday 22 nd April CASABLANCA / RABAT After breakfast we will visit the biggest Mosque in Africa, Hassan II & view the skilful work of Moroccan artisans, revealing the richness and beauty of their handicraft. We continue to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, where we will visit the Royal Gates built in 1864 and enjoy the charming garden of Challa surrounded by walls and beautiful defensive gates built in 1310. Our guide will also take us to view the tombs of Moroccan kings and the Hassan Tower built in the 12 th century. This evening is at your leisure and our food guide will assist with the best restaurants for your evening meal. Overnight: Rabat Day 3 Monday 23 rd April CHEFCHAOUEN Before heading to Chefchaouen we will explore Oudaya Kasbah which was built in the12th century and served as a military base for the Almorabits army in their defense against the Spanish army. The roof of the Kasbah allows a stunning view of the surrounding area. You will also get to view the 240 km long Abi-Regrag river, located in western Morocco between Rabat and Sala. We will then drive to Chafchaouen through the cities of Khnetra and Sidi Kasim, stopping in Ouazzane, passing by spectacular scenery with cedar, oak and almond trees. Overnight: Chefchaouen Day 4 Tuesday 24 th April CHEFCHAOUEN Set against a wide valley and nestled between two peaks in the stunning Rif Mountains, the isolated town of Chefchaouen is a surprising delight. Much of Chefchaouen was recreated by Andalusian refugees escaping the Reconquistia, so its striking blue and whitewashed houses, red-tiled roofs and artistic doorways give it the feel of the Spanish hills. Begin the day with a breakfast of Chaoueni specialties the ftour beldi (country breakfast) consists of eggs, olive oil, goat's cheese and orange juice, and is sure to ready anyone for the day ahead. Set on the famous Outa el Hammam square, the restaurant where we enjoy this breakfast is a great place to watch the town come to life. Spend the rest of the morning exploring the sights, sounds, and smells of the medina, the shops in the square selling woven goods and small sweets, and, most importantly, tasting the town s famous goat s cheese. Herds of goats wander the sparse hillsides that surround Chefchaouen, and their cheese is sold in great fresh rounds in the street markets. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore more of the town. Within the plaza is the walled fortress of the Kasbah you can wander through the tranquil gardens inside, visit the ethnographic museum, and soak in wonderful views from the rooftop. This evening you ll get a real insight into Moroccan food with a home cooked dinner bursting with flavour and made with love. Overnight: Chefchaouen Day 5 Wednesday 25 th April - FES As we descend from the hills and travel south through the centre of the peninsula towards the sacred pilgrimage town of Moulay Idriss Our short journey takes us to the World Heritage site of Volubilis. The remains of this Roman city make an undeniably impressive sight as they come into view on the edge of a long, high plateau. We will tour around the arches, basilicas, and superb mosaics along the Decumanus Maximus, many of which remain intact. After our leisurely walk we feast on an incredibly memorable lunch of traditional Roman recipes in the shadow of the ancient ruins. Recline on Moroccan Kilims and dine on local ingredients, much like the Romans did a thousand years ago. We continue our journey to Fes, the spiritual heart of Morocco, where we will spend the next 2 nights. Overnight: Fes / Lunch
Day 6 Thursday 26 th April FES The old city of Fes el Bali is home to perhaps the greatest of all medinas. Descending into its labyrinthine alleyways is like stepping back to the Middle Ages. Donkeys wander the streets and the smell of spices fills the air. With a local guide, navigate narrow streets alive with craftsmen, markets, tanneries, mosques and colourful local characters. Explore the different speciality sections of the Medina that are known for specific types of food from natural butters and fats, to pastries, crepes, soups to dried and fresh produce. Today we head into the old city, arguably the world's most fascinating and confounding old city as we walk through the twisting streets and alleyways, passing donkeys piled high with goods, and explore the specialty sections that divide the souk. Filled with historic khans, medresses and dyepits, stalls loaded with fruits, herbs and soups, and where the squawk of chickens, smell of spice and sound of hammering of copper fills the air, it s not hard to imagine yourself back in the Middle Ages. Our evening meal will be a memorable dinner of one of the city s signature dishes, where you will also enjoy the salty & sweet pastille. Overnight: Fes Day 7 Friday 27 th April MIDELT / ZIZ VALLEY / ERFOUD / MERZOUGA We have a full day today discovering some of the most amazing and breathtaking locations along the way and hopefully the Macaque Monkeys. We travel through Ifran one of the cleanest and modern cities in Morocco resembling Switzerland being lush and green and snow top mountains popular in winter for skiing. We will stop for lunch in the Berber village Midelt and then continue through Errachidia & Erfoud, famous for its pottery and the interesting fossil quarries. Fossils are a major industry in Erfoud, some 350 million years ago the region around Erfoud was a part of the huge ocean. From a vast plateau you will be impressed by the huge sand dune of Merzouga appearing from the horizon our destination for this evening. Overnight: Merzouga / Lunch / Dinner Day 8 Saturday 28 th April MERZOUGA Today is one of the highlights of our journey to Morocco as we explore by four wheel drive some of the largest sand dunes in Morocco as well as a camel trek to our tented desert camp to witness the beautiful sunset and star filled evening sky. We will see plenty of nomadic black tents in the middle of nowhere on our drive and will meet a nomadic family to have tea and see what a nomadic life is like. Overnight: Tented desert camp site Merzouga Day 9 Sunday 29 th April RISSANI / TODGHA GORGES / DADES VALLEY / BOUTAGHRARE Today we visit Rissani a major commercial centre in the region, with a large souk, noted for its leather and goat skin trading. We also visit the great canyons of Morocco Todgha Gorges, the contrasting landscapes remind visitors of Colorado, with its high plateau, its gorges and great canyons. From Todgha we travel along the road of 1000 kasbahs, lining both sides of the road. Our lunch today will be with another Berber family but also a cooking demonstration and discover the valley they live in which is our accommodation for this evening. Overnight: Boutaghrare / Lunch / Dinner Day 10 Monday 30 th April QUARZAZATE / AIT BENHADDOU KASBAH / MARRAKECH On our way to Marrakesh we pass through the valley of roses with alfalfa plants, olive trees, fig trees and grapes. This valley gives birth to a rose from which locals produce different cosmetic products like soap, perfumes and skin creams. We may witness celebrations of the Rose Festival held this time of year after harvest, if we are lucky some shopping may be in order. We travel to the Hollywood of Africa, Qarzazate, also known as the door of the desert. Many movies have been made here like Lawrence of Arabia; The Mummy, Gladiator, Game of Thrones and many more and we pay a visit to the studio where they were made. We also visit the fortified city of Aït Benhaddou, built in the 11th century. Once up on a time this Kasbah was the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh. It is situated on a hill along the Ounila River and has some beautiful examples of kasbahs Overnight: Marrakech
Day 11 Tuesday 1 st May MARRAKECH After breakfast today, we set off on a morning tour of the old medina, through the bustling souks that are the lifeblood flowing through the city. Explore tranquil courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom, and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace. This splendid mansion was built in 1866 for a former slave who rose to power within the government. Continue to the Marrakech Museum, itself a former palace, which houses a fine collection of Moroccan art and sculpture. A visit to the Koutoubia Mosque; its famous minaret is the prototype for others of its kind around the world, including La Giralda in Seville then a leisurely walk back through the streets of the old medina to the Jemaa el Fna. The rest of the day is free to explore further or shop in the bazaar. Perhaps visit the tropical gardens of the French painter Jacques Majorelle or check out the ruins of the Palais Badi, once one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. Otherwise, perhaps head back into the medina, where every step brings a new smell, a new sight or a new gift to buy. Watch skilled artisans perfect their craft, practice your haggling skills or take a break from the hustle to sip on tea or share a tajine, filled with the pure scent of Morocco. For your final evening in Marrakech we will feast with new friends in one of the many great restaurants lining the square. Overnight: Marrakech Day 12 Wednesday 2 nd May ESSAOUIRA After breakfast we leave for Essaouira, a city where the medina brushes up against the Atlantic Ocean and where we will spend the next two nights. The narrow streets of Essaouira are ideal for casual exploration where many cars cannot venture giving the town a feeling as if nothing has changed since the days of sea pirates. Sandstone walkways contrast with whitewashed homes, bright blue sky and the surrounding beaches and sand dunes. It is one of North Africa s most attractive places and you will feel yourself slipping into its easy going rhythm of this Moroccan town with a European seaside twist. Your afternoon is free to wander this magical location or perhaps indulge in a luxury massage and hammam in one of the local spas. Overnight: Essaouira Day 13 Thursday 3 rd May ESSAOUIRA This artists' town was once home to sizeable British and Jewish populations, and its charm has seduced people like Orson Welles and Jimi Hendrix, who according to local legend, spent much of his time here in the 1960s. On this free morning wander the streets, giving way to the cart-haulers calling ballak, ballak, pass the harbour filled with colourful boats which go out early every morning for the day's catch, see camels and surfers sharing the beach, and perhaps explore the fish souk. Here we will choose a catch of the day and take it to a local-filled restaurant follow their lead and hand over our market purchases for it to be grilled for the freshest of meals. Our guide will also take us to the fresh vegetables markets where we can select salads and veggies to accompany our seafood lunch. Enjoy delicious meal together with the rest of your group. The afternoon is at your leisure to absorb the beauty of this seaside location. This evening we will enjoy our farewell dinner in one of the finest restaurants in Essaouira. Overnight: Essaouira / Lunch / Dinner Day 14 Friday 4 th May CASABLANCA After a leisurely breakfast we bid farewell to our new found friends and our private transfer will take us to Casablanca Airport for our journey home. If you decide to take the optional add on tour to a safari camp in South Africa one of our guides will travel with you and for the duration of the tour. We wish everyone a safe journey homeward and hope we can discover another wonderful destination together in the future Optional Add on to SOUTH AFRICA GAME PARKS please discuss with one of our team members if you are interested as we have several tours or we can arrange an itinerary that would suit your preference if required
Inclusions Private transfer from airport & return Our own private local Moroccan tour guide Our own private food guide with us throughout this tour Visit one of the famous cafes from a Hollywood movie Visit Hassan II; Royal Gates; gardens of Challa; Tombs of Moroccan kings; Hassan Tower; Oudaya Kasbah; view Abi-Regrag river; Chefchaouen village of whitewashed homes; Outa el Hammam square to enjoy markets; Volubills remains of Roman city; Decumanus Maximus; the Medina of Fes full of surprises; see the Macaque Monkeys; lunch in Berber village with local family; four wheel drive into the desert sand dunes; camel trek to tented camp site for amazing sunset; visit Rissani souk for leather & goat skin trading; canyons of Morocco Todgha Gorges; travel along the road of 1000 Kasbahs; cooking demonstration from Berber family; valley of roses & olive trees; Qarzazate, Hollywood of Africa visiting many movie locations; visit Ait Benhaddou once the caravan route between Sahara & Marrakesh; visit Bahia Palace; Marrakech Museum; Koutoubia Mosque; Jemaa el Fna; visit fish souk; Hammam & Massage in a luxury spa Berber music & animation along with real life experiences Private guide and driver throughout in air conditioned bus or mini 5 star accommodation (2 per room share basis or single supplement if required). An evening in a tented camp site with all the luxuries in the Sahara desert, one of the highlights on tour Our tours are designed as a private group we do not have you join large groups of other tourists (this can vary slightly depending on the location and the conditions of the site we visit) Breakfast each morning Included meals: 13 Breakfast, market food experience, 4 lunches, 9 dinners including welcome & farewell dinner & drinks where shown on itinerary, cooking demonstration and lunch made for us by a traditional local family, bottle of water per day when a tour is included Food & wine guide with us during the tour not only to assist Que Sera moments but also when you feel the need to experience something different on your own, our guide is there to assist you Taxes, surcharges (where part of Que Sera Tours itinerary) Tips to guides / drivers (where part of Que Sera Tours itinerary) Tips to waiters (where Que Sera Tours include a meal) Que Sera Tour Co-ordinators services Small group of ladies on our tours which is more personal, more like a group of friends, not a tour group Max 8 ladies on this tour (early booking is recommended) Surprise experiences Tips are a gratitude and Que Sera Tours pay for those mentioned above, however if you wish to tip direct to driver / tour guide etc, this would be very welcomed Not Included International flights; items of a personal nature; any items used from hotel mini bars or phone calls from room (you may be required by hotel to leave a credit card for security on your room which you could share between lady you are sharing room with); passport; laundry; personal transport; excess baggage; travel insurance; meals not specified (all meals are shown on pre departure list that is included on tour); beverages unless specifically described. Optional excursions or activities that may be offered but not included in the tour price.