Imperial Cities & The Road of the Kasbahs

Imperial Cities & The Road of the Kasbahs

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Imperial Cities & The Road of the Kasbahs

10 Days Starting and ending in Marrakesh, Morocco

Visiting: Marrakesh, Casablanca, Fes, Rabat, Erfoud, Todgha Gorge, Ouarzazate, Aït Benhaddou

Tour operator:

Just You

Tour code:

SMMORI

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

15 - 20

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Please make us aware of any specific dietary requests

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Morocco is a country of vivid colours, towering gorges, sweeping sand dunes and bustling, atmospheric cities – and you'll see it all on this fantastic tour, as you follow in the footsteps of the sultans. Sweep through the desert on a 4x4 adventure, stroll through the winding streets of the medinas, venture into ancient kasbahs and view some of the country's most stunning architectural features as you traverse its colonial cities and natural landscapes. You'll also cook up some of the true flavours of Morocco for yourself at a cookery class and sample African hospitality with dinner in a traditional riad.

Highlights

  • Casablanca tour

  • Guided visit to the Imperial city of Rabat

  • See the Roman Ruins of Volubilis

  • Dinner in a traditional Moroccan riad

  • Sightseeing tour of Fes & the Medina

  • Sunset 4-wheel drive into the desert

  • Travel through Todgha Gorge & the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs

  • Visit to Ait Benhadou Kasbah

  • Marrakech city tour

  • Learn the secrets of a Moroccan tagine at a hands-on cooking class

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Uk - Marrakech

Location: Marrakesh

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: El Olivar Palace Marrakech

Meals Included: Dinner

Today, you fly to Marrakech, one of Morocco's most dazzling cities. On arrival, we'll transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner.

Day 2 Casablanca

Location: Casablanca

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kenzi Basma

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast today, we'll head for the fascinating city of Casablanca. Our sightseeing tour by coach will take in the medina – that's the old walled town, with its crooked lanes and shady squares – and the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, which is the country's largest. We'll also see the vast United Nations Square and the art deco-inspired Mohammed V Square, the imposing Royal Palace, the bustling central market and the Habous quarter, with its quaint French colonial buildings.
Later, we'll gather for dinner this evening.

Day 3 Rabat - Fes

Location: Fes, Rabat

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Royal Mirage

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Rabat is our first destination today. The Moroccan capital is one of the four Imperial Cities and has a fascinating history being founded in the 12th Century and made the capital under French rule. We will learn about the old and the new Rabat as well as seeing Kasbah Oudaya, Hassan tower and the Alaouite shrine.
The nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis await this afternoon, where ancient bathhouses, mosaic flooring and towering marble pillars surround us. Built by King Juba II around 25 BC as a royal capital, these impressive ruins encapsulate Morocco's rich and varied history and stand testament not only to the Romans but to the influences of Greek, Egyptian and Berber cultures, too. Later we travel to Fes for a two night stay. This evening we'll have dinner in a traditional Moroccan residence - a riad - for a truly authentic experience.

Day 4 Fes

Location: Fes

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Royal Mirage

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, embark on a walking tour of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where treasures beckon around every corner. Admire the ancient buildings that date back to the 9th century in the company of an expert Local Guide, and explore the winding lanes, alleys, tanneries and artisan shops that make up one of the world's largest medinas.
A highlight is the view of the famous Fes tannery from the balcony of a leather shop, where you can observe the men hard at work treating and dyeing the different hides. Maybe take some time to shop for leather goods with your travelling companions before we return to the hotel.

Day 5 Erfoud

Location: Erfoud

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Maadid

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We're going to hit the road early this morning, as the spectacular scenery of the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert await us on this long and equally rewarding journey. En route we head into the cooler mountain climate, passing through Berber villages known for their handicrafts.
We'll continue along the Ziz Valley, a spectacular route offering wonderful views of the Atlas Mountains and vast palm groves wedged between the ancient cliffs and gorges.
We'll then travel onwards to Erfoud, where we'll spend the night in a comfortable kasbah-style hotel on the edge of the magnificent rose-gold Saharan dunes.
Tonight, a spectacular desert sunset beckons as we travel by 4x4s into the desert to watch the sun go down over this stunning landscape.

Day 6 Ouarzazate

Location: Todgha Gorge, Ouarzazate

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Le Berbere Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we'll head to the heart of the Atlas Mountains and see the Todgha Gorge, with its steep canyon walls towering up to 400 metres high. We then follow in the footsteps of the sultans as we travel along the famous Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, where the series of imposing ancient ruined fortresses almost resemble sandcastles in the distance. We will also travel through Kelaa M'gouna or Roses Valley. Here, the local Berber population grow Damask roses on the slopes of the mountains, and depending on the season, you may see thousands of small pink flowers carpeting the landscape.
Finally, we drive to the former Foreign Legion outpost of Ouarzazate, often known as 'Ouallywood' because of its starring role as the exotic backdrop in so many well-known movies. Here, you can visit Taourirt Kasbah, an ancient citadel with almost 300 rooms.

Day 7 Ait Benhadou Kasbah - Marrakech

Location: Marrakesh, Aït Benhaddou

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: El Olivar Palace Marrakech

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Our day begins as we visit the Ait Benhadou Kasbah, the most spectacular fortress in the south of Morocco. Used as a backdrop in films such as 'Lawrence of Arabia' and classified by UNESCO as one of the cultural treasures of the world, the buildings making up the Kasbah are studded with crenulated towers and decorated with ornate geometrical motifs – it's a sight not to be missed. We will then make our way back to Marrakech.

Day 8 Marrakech

Location: Marrakesh

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: El Olivar Palace Marrakech

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we'll head off on a tour of Marrakech's main sights. We'll visit the beautiful Bahia Palace, which showcases 19th century Islamic and Moroccan architectural styles and boasts 160 lavishly decorated rooms. Next we will visit the Majorelle Gardens, a green oasis a world away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.
No visit to Marrakech is complete without experiencing the famous Djemaa El Fna Square, and there will be time at leisure to wander the labyrinth of colourful souks and see snake charmers and fortune-tellers entertaining the thronging crowds. Amongst the hundreds of stalls here, you can barter for anything from traditional carpets and hand-crafted pottery to glistening jewellery and equally colourful spices.

Day 9 Marrakech

Location: Marrakesh

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: El Olivar Palace Marrakech

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We'll learn the intricacies of traditional cooking this morning at a hands-on cookery class with a master Moroccan chef. With its unusual combination of cultures – Berber, French, Jewish, Andalucian – Morocco is known for some incredible flavours that visitors talk about – and miss – long after they return home. In the heart of bustling Marrakech, our chef will discuss key ingredients and techniques. From rolling traditional semolina to measuring out spices for a mind-blowing tagine, we'll learn the culinary tricks of the trade while preparing lunch. Then we'll all sit down to marvel at – and then eat - the fruits of our labour!
This evening we will gather together for a farewell dinner.

Day 10 Marrakech - Uk

Location: Marrakesh

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

What's Included

  • Just You Holiday Director as your host & Specialist Local Guide

  • Return flights from London

  • Use of an airport lounge in the UK

  • 9 nights half-board in 3 & 4-star hotels

  • A guaranteed twin or double room of your own

  • 19 included meals: 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 9 dinners including a welcome & farewell dinner & drink

  • All highlights included

  • Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

What's Not Included

Accommodation

    • Adam Park Marrakech Hotel & Spa
    • The 4 star Adam Park Marrakech Hotel and Spa has a restaurant and Wi-Fi service. Guest rooms are air-conditioned, with en-suite.
    • Kenzi Basma
    • Royal Mirage
    • Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Maadid
    • Kasbah Hotel Xaluca is located in Arfoud, a city known as “the Door to the Desert.” The Kasbah is listed as unique in Morocco due to its distinctive characteristics. It was built with adobes, the traditional Moroccan building bricks, and it is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the moment.

      Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud offers 137 spacious rooms decorated with regional materials, as well as 7 bungalows. It combines tradition with modern amenities, where installations are adapted to the stringiest standards.

      It is a fantastic place, situated among the dunes and palms, where you will be able to enjoy unique emotions. The team at Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud will make your stay unforgettable.
    • Le Berbere Palace
    • Adam Park Marrakech Hotel & Spa
    • The 4 star Adam Park Marrakech Hotel and Spa has a restaurant and Wi-Fi service. Guest rooms are air-conditioned, with en-suite.

Excursions Included


Casablanca tour


Visit to Rabat


Guided visit to Meknes - the 'Moroccan Versailles'


See the Roman Ruins of Volubilis


Dinner in a traditional Moroccan riad


Sightseeing tour of Fes & the Medina


Sunset 4-wheel drive into the desert


Travel through Todgha Gorge & the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs


Visit to Kasbah Taourit


Agadir visit


Essaouria visit


Marrakech city tour


Moroccan cookery class 


Moroccan folklore show


 

Check out our Q&As

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    Yes, Return flights from London.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes, overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    No and your own room is guaranteed!

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    All the people in your group will be solo travellers and will share your sense of adventure and passion for travel. There’s usually a good mix of ages too, so you’ll meet a variety of solo travellers who have more, or in some cases less, life experience. We find the overall mix of people really adds to the whole experience and there are certainly plenty of l

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    A few years ago we set up Just You Cares, a programme that gives back to some of the places we love. We have always believed in taking care of the communities we visit, and have taken the time to really get to know the local people and understand the challenges they face. Some of our holidays give our Customers the chance to see how the money from their trips has been spent.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Just You, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If we can accommodate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - just make sure you have your booking number to hand.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes, and all of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.

  • Will I eat alone?

    We find there’s always a social element to dining, so you’ll never eat alone, unless you want to! Every holiday includes a welcome get-together, all breakfasts and many other meals. When a meal is not included we find travellers meet and dine together.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    No, given the nature of our holidays, it is not possible to join the tour once it has departed.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Just You has been operating solo holidays for more than 15 years.

  • Am I guaranteed a room of my own?

    Of course, you’ll always have a twin or double room all to yourself. It’s great to have that space to relax and reflect at the end of the day. In some hotels you can also pay a little extra to upgrade for more space or a lovely sea view.

  • What is the typical age range on a Just You holiday?

    Typically, our customers are solo travellers in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but it’s quite possible you could meet 20-year-olds or 70-year-olds (or anyone in between)... After all, age is just a number!

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. The 'Safe Travels' stamp provides you, with assurance and peace of mind that we have implemented enhanced health and hygiene prprotocols on all holidays.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Once you book, you will receive a confirmation invoice within 7 days, prior to departure, we will send you further information to help prepare for your trip.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Just You is exclusively for solo travellers, every tour includes a twin or double room of your own, with no single supplement.

Reviews of this operator

Jenny Elliott  

Fabulous Holiday with Just You

28-Oct-2021

Fabulous holiday with Just You - well organised, excellent accommodation and our tour leader absolutely made the trip! Would highly recommend.

Featured on Trustpilot
Russell Kerfoot  

Travels 2013 -2019

21/06/2021

Have taken about 15 tours with JY, mainly long haul, and found the experience exhilarating. Apart from the company's professionalism and extensive and varied tour options, I have made so many friends for life. Looking forward to resuming my travels in 2022.

Featured on Trustpilot
jean thornton (Google Reviewer)  

My short trip to Versailles...

08-Sep-2024

My short trip to Versailles & Monet’s garden with ‘just you’ was excellent. Tessa our guide gave 101%. Beautiful hotel and surroundings. A very friendly bunch of people and a mix of all ages. Will definitely be going with them again.

Tyler Kerr (Google Reviewer)  

Apologies in advance to the...

09-Jun-2024

Apologies in advance to the business as my holiday was the Eastern Wonders tour in Canada in June 2023 but some things happened shortly after which I had to focus on and then I kept forgetting to write a review. This was hands down the best holiday I’ve ever had. My coeliac disease was no issue whatsoever and the tour guide ‘Johanna’ is an absolute credit to Just You. She along with all of the other tour guides in the city stops were knowledgeable and great fun. The only day I felt wasn’t necessary for that time of year was Mont-Tremblant and the Holiday Inn there wasn’t the best but every other hotel was wonderful. Everyday was well-balanced with little tours to see the gorgeous sights in each location whilst still leaving us with plenty of time for our own exploration. The coach driver ‘Dave’ was also a really lovely chap. We always felt very safe with him behind the wheel and, should Just You offer this tour again someday, I would definitely recommend it. I will be using this company again and I can’t wait. I’d also like to thank the team at Just You over the phone and the representative at Heathrow who helped me as I’m on the autism spectrum and can get overwhelmed. Lovely company and very well priced in my opinion. With everything we did it would have cost around double if you’d made this trip independently.

Alistair Chattaway (Google Reviewer)  

A shame that there are...

14-Aug-2024

A shame that there are a lot of negative reviews regarding Just You as I recently went on their tour of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast... it was a fantastic trip and I was part of a lovely group of people. The tour guide (Michela) was fantastic and the staff members in the hotel in Pompeii were really friendly and accommodating. As I have certain dietary requirements, the staff in the hotel went to every length to accommodate these needs... and whereas no hotel is ever perfect, I had a quiet and comfortable room and it was more than adequate for my needs. The additional tours were fantastic and the tours of the Pompeii ruins, Herculaneum, Capri, Ravello and Amalfi Coast were well planned. The tour guides were really knowledgeable about the area and it really took my breath away. I didn't like Naples very much but the museum and its exhibitions were really worth the short visit there. Four of the guest flew in on earlier flights from different parts of the UK and rather than keep us waiting at the airport, a separate transfer was organised to get us to the hotel in good time for some rest. The other guests on the tour were really friendly and no one felt left out at any point... and the group size (17 people) was perfect. A lot of the guests had already been on previous holidays with Just You and had really good things to say... so, having been skeptical due to the negative reviews I read before I went on the holiday, I wanted to write a positive review as I had a lovely time on this holiday... to the point that I will definitely book another holiday with Just You in the future.

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

Been on 5 holidays with...

13-Oct-2023

Been on 5 holidays with this company they have generally been good but the prices have risen considerably and i feel do not provide true value for money. In my opinion all the excursions and meals should be included in the total cost as they not worth the extra cost. Also they are very dismissive of any complaints once you have paid for the holiday they are not interested. I think i will try another company next time

Sue Sweeney (Google Reviewer)  

Great holidays for singles. I've been...

28-Jun-2023

Great holidays for singles. I've been on 4 holidays with them. Only issue is the hotel rooms. They generally use 3* hotels and I've booked at the same time and price as my friends but the difference in rooms is unbelievable. I've been lucky, but I've heard horror stories from friends of rooms like a dungeon with one small high window whilst I've had a fabulous sea view.

COLIN BROAD (Google Reviewer)  

I went on a spirit...

08-Apr-2024

I went on a spirit of an India trip with Amritsar add on. It looks good in the brochure, but things aren’t always as they seem. If like me you like a toilet break every two hours (discussed with the company in depth in advance) or have a hidden disability. then this holiday is not for you - use a different holiday company! Their planned toilet stops are every 3.5 hours, so ladies bring your pads and gents be prepared for “natural stops” while all the passengers watch you out the window or bring a bottle and a blanket as a screen. The Taj Mahal in Agra was good, along with the two trips to the Ganges river and the Golden Temple at Amritsar too. Rarely are you in the same spot for more than one night and a 6 hour daily coach or train journey became the norm. It was a shame that there was not an opportunity to enjoy the hotels that we’d obviously paid a lot of money for. If you’re looking for tigers in the game park, don’t get your hopes up. 99% unlikely. It is also a disappointment that there is little opportunity to explore the areas in the major cities that we’d traveled too If you are lucky enough to find some companionship from the opposite sex and wish to be bring them “home” this is frowned upon by the company - even if you have paid extra due double occupancy as required by the hotel I received a letter on holiday basically saying that the two hourly toilet stops required (and discussed in advance) due to diabetes was a disruption to the schedule. That photos sent to me by a girlfriend were “illicit”. Photo uploaded - make your own mind up” Also that managing to get lucky a couple of times and bringing them back to the hotel was an issue - very strange due a so called singles holiday

Maureen May (Google Reviewer)  

Just returned from St Lucia....

29-Feb-2024

Just returned from St Lucia. Hotel dreadfully shabby. Breakfasts very limited with very little fresh fruit. Our hotel was a 20 minute walk in 29C or a free bus on the hour to the beach and sister hotel. Location good for nearby local shopping and restaurants. The sunset cruise was brilliant as was the whale watching, but surf and safari trip was a disaster. We travelled in two open topped trucks with a two and a half hour drive to the surfing destination. During the trip smoke started from the gear box and we had to abandon the vehicle until the situation was rectified, which, to their credit, was sorted very quickly. Unfortunately the sea was too rough for the boat so we had to return back in the trucks. Extremely uncomfortable on side bench seats, hanging on in the rain. So, all in all we don’t over 6 hours on the trucks - not good. The tour guide left before the 5 day extension period without a handover to the local tour operators. No Information was given except by the hotel. I had already booked to go the Athens with Just You in May, now I wish I hadn’t.

Sunlight59 (Google Reviewer)  

Booked the French & Italian...

12-May-2024

Booked the French & Italian Riviera. Too much travelling on the coach. Most journeys to places were around 2 hours or more. No toilet facilities unless you go into a cafe to buy something. The group were lovely but mostly retired and older. Didn’t have much in common. The hotel was comfortable and clean. Vegetarians had mainly different types of cooked eggs for dinner. But plenty of food. However the hotel Toscana in Alessio does cater for families with children so noisy at night for the last few days of the holiday. Paid a lot of money for this holiday. Did not meet my expectations as per brochure.

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    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

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