Imperial Cities & The Road of the Kasbahs
Imperial Cities & The Road of the Kasbahs
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 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
Itinerary
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
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Just You Holiday Director as your host & Specialist Local Guide
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Return flights from London
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Use of an airport lounge in the UK
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9 nights half-board in 3 & 4-star hotels
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A guaranteed twin or double room of your own
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19 included meals: 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 9 dinners including a welcome & farewell dinner & drink
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All highlights included
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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
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes, Return flights from London.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
No and your own room is guaranteed!
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Just You has been operating solo holidays for more than 15 years.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Just You requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of just you charges.
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.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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