Final Information Session
January 5

Museum of Art & History
705 Front St.
Santa Cruz
5:30 - 7:00

Have the experience of a lifetime in Exotic Morocco.  Journey to cities and towns you have only seen in the movies - the Sahara, Casablanca, and the infamous Casbah.  Immerse yourself in ancient cultures and colorful bizaars.   Read the full itinerary below and be amazed of all that is included in this once in a lifetime opportunity.

MAP



Contact Linda at
Pacific Harbor Travel, Inc
519 Seabright Avenue, Suite 201
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
831.427.5000
Linda@PacificHarborTravel.com

	Day One – Friday, April 8th: We depart this morning from the Museum of Art and History via our chartered motor coach for the San Francisco Airport. We will be flying non-stop from San Francisco to Paris via Air France and then connecting on to Casablanca.   Day Two – Saturday, April 9th: Our private guides & vehicles will meet us on arrival at Casablanca and we head straight for Rabat, a one hour drive away. Rabat is the capital of Morocco, located on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River. Once a home port for the Barbary pirates, it is now a beautiful metropolis with a bustling marina and affluent population. You spend the evening settling in and enjoying your first delicious Moroccan meal before getting a good night’s sleep after the trip over. (D) Overnight: Villa Mandarine, Rabat
	Day Three – Sunday, April 10th: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we depart Rabat for Fez (2 hrs 25 mins drive time), stopping en route at Meknes for lunch and the Volubilis. Meknes is the former medieval capital (from 1672 – 1727 under the rule of Moulay Ismail), originally designed to be a fortress. It is nicknamed the “City of a Hundred Minarets” due to its 25 mile long fence and its numerous imperial gardens, ornate gates and edifices. Volubilis is a partly excavated Roman city built in a fertile agricultural area during the 3rd century BC. Thanks to a prosperous olive growing industry, many of the ruins feature elaborate mosaic floors. While in Fez you will stay at the particularly stunning Riad Myra. This restored sultan’s palace is wonderfully located in the heart of the medina. Refurbished with modern comforts, it has stayed true to its opulent, traditional design. Luxurious fabrics, elaborate tiled floors, and hand-carved marble pillars are just a few of the beautiful details. (B, L) Overnight: Riad Myra, Fez
	Day Four – Monday, April 11th: After breakfast we will spend the day exploring the fascinating city of Fez. Highlights of the day will include Bou Inania Medersa (an ancient koranic university), the Fondouk Nejjarine, the Moulay Idriss II shrine, the Attarine Medersa, the Dar Batha Museum, the royal palace, and the famous Fez leather tanneries. There will also be chances for browsing the souks in search of colorful beaded slippers, handwoven rugs, or fragrant spices. (B) Overnight: Riad Myra, Fez
	Day Five – Tuesday, April 12th: We’ll have some breakfast and then we’re on the road to Erfoud for a night before venturing into the Sahara for a night of Bedouin-style camping. While driving to Erfoud (7-8 hrs), we pass through the Middle Atlas Mountains – a stunning region of rugged peaks, fertile rolling hills and charming villages nestled into the land. We’ll visit the Barbary macaque monkeys in the cedar forests, see the semi-nomadic camps on the open plains, and marvel at the beautiful rivers and gorges. When you transition into the mountains you will experience all four seasons in one day with snow often coating the tallest ridges. As you descend out of the Middle Atlas, you will enter the desert where you will stop at the oasis where all of the world’s Medjool dates are grown. (B, L, D) Overnight: Kasbah Hotel Chergui, Erfoud
	Day Six – Wednesday, April 13th: Today we depart Erfoud and transfer to Merzouga (1 hr) where we meet our desert entourage. The next leg of our journey to the private desert encampment will be in 4x4s over the dunes. As we crest over the final dune, our private encampment will come into view – a resplendent retreat evocative of an era of romantic exploration. Layers of handwoven rugs form the floor of beautifully appointed canvas tents with lanterns creating a magical atmosphere. Sit around the campfire in the evening and take in the seemingly endless stars of the desert skies. You will be awoken early with coffee for a short hike up the dunes to watch the sunrise. (B, L, D) Overnight: Private Desert Encampment, Sahara Day Seven – Thursday, April 14th: After transferring back to Merzouga in 4x4s, we will continue onward to Skoura (6-7 hrs). En route we stop at the Dadès Gorges, which lie between the Atlas Mountains and the Jbel Saghro. The road winds along the gorge walls, offering incredible views. The Berbers built many kasbahs here thanks to its easily defendable position and beautiful setting. We arrive into Skoura in the evening, a lush oasis ringed by fertile palm groves. Skoura is in the region of Ouarzazate which is a noted film-making location. Many international companies work here – famous works shot here include Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Gladiator and most recently Game of Thrones. (B, L, D)
	Day Eight – Friday, April 15th: This morning we have a walking tour of the Skoura Oasis, an immense lush haven in the middle of the desert. There are hundreds of kasbahs dotting the oasis, with many considered the most beautiful in all of southern Morocco. The most notable is the 17th century Amerhidil Kasbah, which has recently been fully refurbished both on the exterior and interior. (B, L, D) Overnight: Kasbah Ait Ben Damiette, Skoura
	Day Nine – Saturday, April 16th: After breakfast, we depart Skoura, heading for Marrakech (4-5 hrs) via the Vol of Tichka, the windiest road in the world that traverses the Tichka Pass in the Atlas Mountains. This is a stunning route to take, with many incredible views along the way. When you arrive into Marrakech you will have the evening to relax or venture out on your own to enjoy a delicious meal. (B) Overnight: Hiverange Hotel & Spa, Marrakech Day Ten – Sunday, April 17th: Today will be spent on a historic walking tour of Marrakech, with a particular focus on the ancient architecture. Among the highlights are the delicate 12th century Koubba dome with its unique archways, the sumptuous 19th century Menebhi Palace, the beautifully restored Dar Cherifa cultural foundation, and the opulent Saadien Tombs. We wander the souks, marveling at the handmade wares. Each craft has a distinct district – copper, woven rugs, wood carvings and more. (B) Overnight: Hivernage Hotel & Spa, Marrakech
	Day Eleven – Monday, April 18th: This morning will be spent in the lovely Majorelle Gardens, which were lovingly restored with the patronage of Yves St Laurent. They were originally created over a span of 40 years by the French painter Jacques Majorelle. His passion and dedication can be felt in every detail of the gardens, making it an enchanting place to get lost in your thoughts. Wander along the pathways amid the fragrant blossoms and exotic plants. A chorus of melodic birds greet you at every turn. The buildings are painted a vibrant blue inspired by the Atlas Mountains. After the gardens, we will have the afternoon at leisure. Explore the medina or go souking for some final treasures. (B) Overnight: Hivernage Hotel & Spa, Marrakech
	Day Twelve – Tuesday, April 19th: After one last delicious Moroccan breakfast, we depart Marrakech in the late morning and transfer to Casablanca International Airport (2.5 hrs) where we will board our early evening flight to Paris. Upon arrival in Paris, we will take a private shuttle to our airport hotel. (B) Overnight: Penta Hotel, Paris  (It is possible to spend more time in Paris, if you wish. Please inquire individually about the additional cost.) Day Thirteen – Wednesday, April 20th: Breakfast will be served at the hotel this morning. We’ll then take a private shuttle to the airport for our Air France non-stop flight to San Francisco. We will be met at the San Francisco Airport by our chartered motor coach and head back to Santa Cruz. (B)