Date
Oct 31 – Nov 11, 2022
Price
$4,700
Duration
12 Days
Availabilty
Full - Waitlist Open
EXOTIC AND SPICY NORTH AFRICA
Morocco is a gateway to Africa and a country of dizzying diversity. Here you'll find spectacular seaside vistas, epic mountain ranges, sweeping deserts, and ancient cities bursting with fabulous markets and warm hospitality.
From Saharan sand dunes to the peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco is tailor-made for travelers. Lyrical landscapes carpet this slice of North Africa like the richly colored and patterned rugs you’ll lust after in local bazaars. There are rugged coastlines, waterfalls and caves in forested hills, and the mighty desert.
Morocco's cities are some of the most exciting on the continent. Lose yourself in their ancient hearts, from the winding maze of the Fes Medina to the carnival-like street theatre of the Jemaa El Fna square in Marrakesh. Enter walled fortress kasbahs in the rocky desert and traverse the thick sea walls protecting port cities. Walking through these storied places transports you back in time to understand the history and culture of these wonderful people.
Moroccans are immeasurably friendly and hospitable. Moroccan cuisine is held in high regard worldwide, and this is certainly not the place to diet. Morocco is truly a feast for both the eyes and the palette.
There is something intangibly magnetic about Morocco. This has been proven over and over by the numbers of people who have chosen it as a second home, or who visit it regularly. It is the inspirational playground of distinguished writers, sophisticated bohemians, artists, showbiz stars, and great film directors.
Toto Tours has hosted previous magical journeys to Morocco, but this departure includes many new places providing even repeat visitors a distinctive and exclusive experience in this exotic land. Answer the sensual, alluring call of the kasbah to visit a setting lifted straight out of the tales of the Arabian Nights! You’ll have an “Absolutely Fabulous” adventure!
COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY:
All plans for this tour are made considering the COVID procedures in effect at the time of publication. Entry requirements and vaccination requirements are subject to change at any time without notice. Please be sure you comply with the latest Morocco entry requirements at the time of departure. For the safety of our groups, we only accept tour participants who are fully vaccinated, and current with their covid vaccines (including any recommended boosters) as of 4 weeks prior to departure. Proof of vaccination will be required no later than 4 weeks prior to departure.
Tour Highlights
Undiscovered Morocco
- The world’s tallest minaret in Casablanca
- Coastal city of Asilah, the pearl of Morocco
- Tangier, perhaps the first gay resort city in the world
- Cape Spartel, the most north-western point of Africa
- The Caves of Hercules
- Mint tea at Petit Socco, the Tangier hangout of artists and writers
- Port city of Tétouan and its school for traditional artisans
- Chefchaouen, the lavender-hued city in the heart of the Rif mountains
- Fes, the cultural heart of Morocco, with the world’s largest medina-city
- Roman ruins of Volubilis
- Four-wheeled drive journey across the sand dunes to a private luxury tented camp
- Camel ride at sunset over the Sahara
- Fossil quarry at Erfoud
- Ouarzazate, headquarters of the Moroccan film industry
- Fortified Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou
- Marrakech, the beating heart of Morocco
- Majorelle Gardens and Yves Saint Laurent Museum
- Essaouira, exotic walled port city
- Exclusive parties in private riads in Marrakech and Essaouira
TOUR ITINERARY
Arrive in Casablanca – Welcome to Morocco
Arrive today at the Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca. Use the code CMN when searching for flights (round trip). A group transfer from the airport to the hotel is included today. We can help you arrange a private transfer if you choose to arrive a day early. Please let us know on your reservation form if you plan to arrive one day early in order to relax and recover from jet-lag before the tour commences. We convene at the hotel bar this evening for drinks and introductions before our Welcome Dinner at the hotel. (Welcome Cocktail and Dinner included)
Casablanca / Asilah / Tangier
This morning we visit the magnificent Hassan II Grand Mosque, one of only two mosques which can be visited in Morocco. The mosque is among the largest in the world and can house as many as 25,000 worshipers. The mosque's minaret is the tallest religious structure in the world. Next we head to Asilah, a picturesque coastal city lusted over by both Portugal & Spain. Take a walk through the old town with its narrow streets to learn about Asilah’s fascinating history. Our final destination today is Tangier, a cosmopolitan city that dominates the north of Morocco and lies just a few miles across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain. This melting pot evinces Moroccan, African, and European cultural influences. Henri Matisse named it a "Painter's Paradise" and several foreign artists such as Paul Bowles, Truman Capote and William Burroughs fell in love with the city and chose it as their home. For about three decades when Tangier was an International Zone it was a haven for gay men who were able to live their lives openly. We’ll enjoy two nights at an elegant hotel in the Medina which has been the hideaway for movie stars such as Rex Harrison, Rita Hayworth, Rock Hudson, Jean Claude Van Damme and many more. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Tangier
Your day starts at The Perdicaris Park, a beautiful green haven that spans an area of 70 hectares between the sea and the mountains. Next, head to Cape Spartel, often referred to as the northernmost point of Africa. Near Cape Spartel is Spartel Bank, and it is here that some believe you can find the legendary underwater city of Atlantis. We proceed to the Mendoubia Garden, the famous Kasbah which is located at the highest point of the Medina and is the site of the former Sultan's Palace. Called Dar el-Makhzen, it was built in 1684 by King Moulay Ismail. While here, we visit the Kasbah Museum of Antiquities and Moroccan Art which is within the walls of the old palace. Then, stroll through the narrow streets of the Medina to the Jewish quarter where we visit the Jewish Synagogue and the Jewish Cemetery. Moving on to Achakar, in the West of Tangier, we see the ancient Caves of Hercules, carved out naturally by ocean waves. Returning to the Medina, we visit the American Legation, famous as the first American property outside America. Here we see the works of famous American writers who once lived in Tangier, such as Paul Bowles, William Burroughs, Tennessee Williams, and many others. Before heading back to our hotel, enjoy fresh mint tea at Le Petit Socco, a local hangout for many of the aforementioned writers and artists. (Breakfast)
Tétouan / Chefchaouen / Fes
On the eastern side of the land mass forming the Strait of Gibraltar we find Tétouan, Morocco’s second major port city, at the feet of the Rif Mountains. It is renowned as a cultural and arts center, and a highlight of our visit will be the Academy of Traditional Arts and Crafts which has produced some of Morocco’s best artisans. From here we head into the Rif Mountains to the stunning, lavender-hued village of Chefchaouen. Its dramatic mountain setting, Andalusian architectural style, and brightly painted Medina have brought it world-wide attention – including a mention in the New York Times. After a break for lunch and a walking tour we continue to our final destination today, magical Fes – the cultural heart of Morocco. Dinner is included tonight at our hotel. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Fes Medina / Volubilis Roman Ruins
The Medina of Fes is considered the world’s largest living medieval city. We begin our visit with an exterior view of the Royal Palace before plunging into the narrow lanes, alleys and souks that make up the labyrinth of the city’s old quarter. The Madrasa (or University) of al-Qarawiyyin was established in 857. It is the oldest existing and continually operating degree-awarding educational institution in the world according to UNESCO and Guinness World Records. See also Madrasa Bou Inania, built in 1350–55. It is widely acknowledged as a high point of Marinid architecture and of historic Moroccan architecture generally. Proceed for a visit to the historic tanneries and then on to Nejjarine Square, whose centerpiece is a beautiful fountain made up of mosaics and elaborate tilework. The nearby Fondouq (Caravanserai) has now been converted into a museum of carpentry artefacts.
After lunch at Riad Nejjarine we leave the city for a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Volubilis, the largest and best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. With its triumphal arches, basilicas and capitols, the Volubilis skyline is peppered with examples of Roman architecture. However, the greatest treasures of Volubilis are the superb mosaic floors, which have been excellently preserved and left in situ. We return to Medina tonight for a festive dinner with entertainment at the historic Dar Anebar Hotel. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Desert Adventures / Luxury Camping
We climb today through the imposing Middle Atlas Mountains with a stop along the way for lunch. Arrive at Erfoud where our four-wheel-drive vehicles await to transfer us to Merzouga and the warm and mysterious sands of the Sahara.
A thrilling ride across the dunes brings us to our private luxury tented camp settled in the middle of nowhere. This is glamorous camping (glamping) since each tent is decorated with traditional Moroccan crafts and handmade carpets, and feature a large bed and private bathroom with hot running water! Enjoy a reception of mint tea and pastries before setting off by camel to marvel at a spectacular sunset over the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi while sipping a sundowner drink.
After returning to the camp, take time to settle into your nomadic tented accommodation before savoring a mouth-watering dinner served with traditional Berber hospitality and entertainment. A sparkling starry sky will be lighting the way as you retire to your tent and let the sounds of the Sahara lull you to sleep.
(Breakfast / Dinner)
Through Mountains and Valleys to Ouarzazate
Today we travel approximately 230 miles to Ouarzazate, with many fascinating sights along the way as we pass through a gorge and along the southern slopes of the High Atlas Mountains and into a valley with flourishing crops, irrigation canals and centuries-old palm groves.
At Erfoud we visit the impressive fossil quarry where you can collect souvenirs that are millions of years old. At Tinghir we visit Ksar Khorbat Museum and enjoy lunch.
We continue through the little city of Skoura, nestled in a gorgeous palm grove, and then finally reach our hotel in Ouarzazate. Ouarzazate was built as a French garrison in the 1920s. Today it is a regional trade center known for pottery and carpets, and as the headquarters of the Moroccan film industry. (All Meals)
Ait Benhaddou Kasbah / Marrakech
Today, travel through the stunning Atlas Mountains to reach the thrilling and colorful city of Marrakech. En route, stop in the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, the most exotic and best-preserved Kasbah in the whole of the Atlas region. The village has starred in an array of movies, such as Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, Gladiator, and The Mummy. Continue over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, the highest in the region at a height of 7,415 feet, and stop to marvel at the panoramic views. As your journey continues, take note of the picturesque villages, passing by travelers going from one village to the next on foot. Admire the lush green eucalyptus trees, contrasting with the red hues of the rocky hills. Notice the exotic smell of chwaya (grilled meat) and Berber tagines, beautifully displayed with a tomato on the top. Finally we arrive into Marrakech, the beating heart of Morocco, where palaces and monuments of unrivalled refinement sit calmly alongside snake charmers and Gnaouan drums, pulsing constantly from Jemaa El Fna Square - the most exuberant marketplace in the world. (Breakfast)
Marrakech
Today, discover the Mysteries of Marrakech and the city's architectural attractions, the majority of which are located inside the Medina. We explore the labyrinthine souks, a maze of colorful alleys and small squares that are home to a bewildering array of stalls and ateliers devoted to specific crafts. Next, explore Jemaa El Fna, the city's main square, which is home to a multitude of street-artists and food stalls. Over the years the square has become the beating heart of Marrakech, where fire-eaters, acrobats, snake-charmers, and street musicians perform at every turn. Continue on to the Koutoubia mosque, an emblem of Marrakech. It is not possible to enter the mosque, but its beauty can be admired from the gardens and the square. Built in the 12th century, the Koutoubia's minaret represents the pinnacle of Islamic architecture in North Africa. Finally, admire the Bahia Palace, a remarkable example of Arab-Andalusian architecture where the use of marble, stucco and mosaics is prevalent in the apartments, opening onto courtyards filled with fountains and plant life. Tonight, we return to the medina for an exclusive party in a private riad. (Breakfast)
Majorelle Gardens / Essaouira
Visit Majorelle Gardens, originally designed in 1924 by French artist Jacques Majorelle. After taking up residence in Marrakech, Majorelle transformed the property's existing garden into a tropical paradise, surrounded by vivid cobalt blue buildings with verdant exotic groves, lily-covered pools, and enormous sculptural cactuses. Near the Majorelle Gardens, is the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, where the most precious YSL works are gathered. Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge fell in love with the colors of Marrakech and resided here for some of the most beautiful years of their lives. After a lunch break, we transfer to the beautiful Atlantic coast driving through a region that produces Argan oil, famous throughout the world for its cosmetic and culinary uses. En route, stop at a woman's cooperative to learn about how this precious oil is produced. Continue to our seaside resort hotel, steps from medina of the historic fortified port city of Essaouira, where we spend the final two nights of our adventure. (Breakfast)
Essaouira / Farewell Festivities
Essaouira is rich in history. Its islands were inhabited as early as the 7th century BC. Pottery found here proves the presence of both Carthaginians and Phoenicians. The Portuguese built an impressive fortress here in the 16th century and named the city Mogador. Discover evidence of these cultures as we explore the ramparts, the harbor, the fishing port and the Skala - the great sea bastion on the edge of the northern cliffs. This fortress is famous as the setting for the 1949 Orson Wells film: Othello. Strolling in the whitewashed Medina with its blue doors is an amazing way to spend the afternoon. Discover Thuya Wood workshops and marvel at impressive items made with this aromatic timber. The city also boasts wonderful art galleries worth visiting. As the day comes to a close, we visit the ramparts one last time to enjoy a farewell party hosted in a private riad overlooking the walls and the sea. From here we proceed to a seaside restaurant for our Farewell Dinner. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Transfer to Casablanca / Departure
We bid a sad farewell to Morocco today as we transfer together from Essaouira to the Casablanca International Airport (CMN). The drive will take approximately six hours with a lunch stop. Please do not book any flights departing before 6pm tonight as you need to arrive three hours prior to flight time to meet security requirements. For those who cannot arrange an evening flight tonight, we can provide accommodation at an airport hotel for an overnight stay if your flight departs on Saturday, November 12th. Please let us know on your reservation form if you wish to extend your stay for one night in Casablanca near the airport. Upon arrival at the airport we are met by a local representative who will assist us through check-in formalities. This marks the end of our tour services, and we wish you a safe and pleasant homebound journey! (Breakfast)
EASY TO MODERATE WALKING
This Toto Tours Cultural and Scenic Expedition is accessible and suitable to all those with good health and who are able to walk 2-3 hours without much carrying. This tour is based on moderate city walking for several hours daily. Walks in the desert, on medieval city walls, and in mountain towns will be more active with some gain and decrease in elevation.
TOUR PREPARATION
Entry Requirements - For tourists, no visas are necessary for stays of less than 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of arrival with one blank page for the entry stamp. You must bring a negative PCR test result taken no more than 48 hours prior to departure. A rapid test will be administered upon arrival in Casablanca. Those who test positive will be required to quarantine. Please check the US Morocco Embassy website prior to departure for any updates to these requirements.
Immunizations - You are required to bring proof of Covid Vaccination with you. No other immunizations are required, but we recommend you check the CDC recommended vaccines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. Is your tetanus booster current?
Exit Requirements - Your airport departure tax will be included in the cost of your international airline ticket. Please check the requirements for entry to your final destination. For example, the United States currently requires a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival in the US. Antigen testing is available in Essaouira and Casablanca, with results immediately available. We will help to organize this at the right time prior to departure. After receiving the test results you should file this Passenger Disclosure and Attestation Form with your airline (or this can be done at the airport at check-in).Making Travel Arrangements to Morocco
International airfare is not included in your tour price. You will need to purchase your international air to and from Casablanca, Morocco. We encourage you to work with Steven Goldberg at Frosch Travel in Chicago, who can help you choose the best flights to meet the following requirements.
Arrive and depart from Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (airport code CMN). You need to leave the U.S. or Canada by the evening of Sunday, October 30, 2022, in order to arrive in Casablanca by Monday, October 31, 2022. Schedule your departure from Casablanca anytime AFTER 6pm on Friday, November 11, 2022. If no flights are available that late in the day, please book your flight out on November 12, and we will help you book accommodations at a hotel near the airport for the night of the November 11.
Steven Goldberg / Frosch Travel
Toll-Free in USA: 1-800-323-1276
International guests, please call +1-312-371-9686
Email: steven.goldberg@frosch.com
When calling, please identify yourself as a Toto Tours participant. If you leave a message on Steven’s voice mail, he will return your call promptly. He will be happy to discuss your travel plans and help you decide when to purchase your ticket for the best rate.
NOTE: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible, we often must turn away last minute registrants because we relinquish hotel space and any internal air reservations 8 – 12 weeks prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.
WHAT TO BRING
We are traveling in Morocco at a great time of year, when there are fewer tourists and no scorching summertime temperatures. However, since this is the winter season, we need to come prepared for just about any sort of weather. We could get rain, and snow would not be uncommon in the Atlas Mountains. This is a great read: Visiting Morocco in November. The author describes what we are likely to encounter and has good descriptions of some of the “undiscovered” places we are visiting. Please pack light and limit yourself to no more than one suitcase and a carry-on bag. Pack medications in your carry-on just in case your suitcase doesn’t arrive when you do. We suggest leaving expensive jewelry at home!
Suggested Packing List:
- Proof of citizenship. Passport required.
- Proof of full Covid-19 vaccination.
- Lightweight slacks for city sightseeing and evening meals
- Shorts for hiking or excursions on warm days
- Socks and underwear for several days (laundry service readily available at all hotels)
- Sweater and/or windbreaker
- Rain jacket / umbrella
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Daypack
- T-shirts / polo shirts / short-sleeved shirts (4 - 5)
- Casual long-sleeved shirts (3 or 4)
- Sunscreen / lip balm / sunglasses / sun hat
- Personal toiletries
- Swimsuit
- Camera, lots of digital memory, extra batteries
- Electrical Adapter. The electricity supply in Morocco is 220 Volts/50 Hertz. Click here to see examples of the outlets you will encounter, and the plugs you will need.
- A good book for the long flights.
MONEY MATTERS
The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is the official monetary currency of Morocco. One Moroccan dirham is subdivided into 100 centimes (or cents). The Moroccan dirham comes in both coin and banknote forms. The banknotes have denominations of 20, 50, 100, and 200 dirhams. The coins currently in circulation are 5, 10, and 20 centimes (coins), and 0.5, one, two, five, and 10 dirhams. ATMs are widely available throughout Morocco, and they typically have the best exchange rates. Even when paying a fee from your own bank for an overseas withdrawal plus ATM provider fees, it is usually more cost effective to use an ATM than to exchange money. It is wise to carry some cash with you in case you get caught in a situation where an ATM is not available. On February 4, 2022, the interbank exchange rate was 9.23 dirham for US$1.00. Click here to find the most up-to-date exchange rate.Tipping Guidelines: Tipping is customary and expected of foreign tourists by service providers in Morocco. Here is an excellent guide for how much to tip in various situations. We will give group tips at appropriate times throughout the tour, and guidelines concerning this will be sent to you prior to departure.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain traits. They are:- fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive;
- good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
- undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
- willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
- eager to try new things & test limits;
- punctual;
- not whiners!
Travel Insurance
We recommend you purchase travel insurance with Travel Guard to cover for unforeseen events prior to and during your trip. Please click on the image or link below, or call us for more information.
PRICING
(tour prices per person)
Price: $4,700 in double occupancy hotel accommodationsSingle Supplement: $1,200 additional, for a total tour price of $5,900
Deposit: $600.
(Due at time of registration for the tour. May be paid with a credit card.)
Remaining Balance : $4,100 double / $5,300 single
Remaining Balance Due: August 12, 2022 (80 days prior to departure)
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)
Included: One group arrival transfer on October 31; full time tour leader; full time English-speaking guide; private vehicle and driver; 11 nights hotel accommodations; hotel breakfasts daily plus Welcome & Farewell Dinners and other meals as specified in the itinerary; sightseeing activities and entrances as listed in the itinerary; one group departure airport transfer on November 11; fully guided and escorted tour.
Not Included: International round-trip airfare in and out of Casablanca (CMN); arrival airport transfer in Casablanca if arriving any day other than October 31; ground transportation for sightseeing on your own (taxis, local guides, etc.); meals and optional activities not specifically listed in the itinerary; camera fees; alcoholic beverages; insurance; laundry, telephone calls, faxes, or any other expenses of a personal nature. Tips to drivers and guides and other conveyance attendants are not included; tipping guidelines for our group tips will be provided prior to departure.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Click hotel name to read description
- Casablanca (1 night) – Le Casablanca Hotel (5*)
- Tangier (2 nights) – El Minzah Hotel (5*)
- Fes (2 nights) – Sahrai Hotel (5*)
- Merzouga (1 night) – Private Luxury Desert Camp (4*)
- Ouarzazate (1 night) – Le Berbere Palace Hotel (5*)
- Marrakech (2 nights) – Le Jardins de la Koutoubia (5*)
- Essaouira (2 nights) – Hotel Le Medina Essaouira Thalassa Sea & Spa (5*)