Marko

Fly into Casablanca, arriving just before midnight. ( do we stay near the airport ??). Next morning a visit to the Hassan II mosque, then leave for Marrakech. 3 nights in Marrakech. Then onto Ouarzazate for 3 nights. A combination of some hiking, some cycling and an afternoon of quad bikeing. and of course the usual wandering around getting lost and carrying the stuff my wife buys !

Love to hear other peoples perspectives.

thursdaysd

Why three days in Ouarzazarte? And I'd do a day trip to Essaouira from Marrakesh if not an overnight. Rabat is much nicer than Casa if you can find the time.

Marko

Thanks guys, flying into Casablanca so thats the reason for the night there. would you suggest only two nights in Marrakech and 4 in Ouarzazate??

Would the train be quicker than a private car transfer from Casa to Marrakech ?

Lifeman

I think that thursdaysd was asking why so many nights in Ouarzazate rather than the opposite. I guess that you need them for the hiking etc?

If not, then I'd recommend two in Ouarzazate and extra night in Essaouira. It would help to know where you are flying back from: Marrakesh or Casablanca?

The Hassan II mosque is not near the airport, but near the sea in the City. Although you'll be in bed earlier if you stay near the airport, you'd be better the following day if you stay near the mosque. If you are driving to Marrakesh, it's a fairly easy road out of town to the South.

Marko

OK, thanks for clarifying that. I will look at Essaouira.

Marko

OK, here is final ( sort of )!! Its a bit cut and pasty at times but you get the drift.
Day 1 :
Arrive Casablanca ETA: 23:50 – You are met and transferred to your Hotel, the Hotel Royal Mansour
Day 2 :
After Breakfast you are picked up from the Hotel Royal Mansour in Casablanca to visit the Hassan II Mosque and then continue your transfer to Marrakech. Rest of the day at leisure and over night at La Maison Arabe, your accommodation for the nights spent in Marrakesh
Day 3 :
This morning after breakfast start your discovery of Marrakech from the Koutoubia (Book Sellers) Mosque Minaret from the 12th century and walk around some of the oldest quarters of the Medina where you will discover old fountains, historical gates and the medieval Foundouks, that served as hotels for the Caravan traders. Visit The Quobba of The Almoravids from the 12th century that was excavated in the early 1950’s. Stop at Ben Youssef School and University to see this masterpiece of Moroccan architecture that is one of the highlights of art history in Marrakech. Continuing on to the Museum of Marrakech, a past home of one of the 19th Century Moroccan Ministers to view various traditional Moroccan items on exhibit. Stroll through the alleys of the Medina and visit the hidden sides of the Souks of Marrakech where you will see craftsmen working in their tiny workshops just as their ancestors did hundreds of years before. End at D’Jemaa Lfna square, a big popular fairground; unfolding day after day with its story tellers, fire eaters, acrobats, snake charmers, fortune tellers, water sellers. This afternoon, ground transfer to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains to explore on quad-bikes. Your adventure takes you to Lake Takerkoust and along off-road trails to discover this region of Morocco. Overnight at your Marrakesh Hotel

Day 4 :
Depart after breakfast at 9:30hrs with your guide and drive, heading south to the high Atlas Mountains, crossing the beautiful gorge of Moulay Brahim and the Valley of Asni and Imlil. At the Village of Imlil you will start an easy walk or ride a mule up to the Village of Aghamed (1900m) where you will visit the old Berber community and see their local bakery, school and share a traditional mint tea with them. A picnic lunch will be served on the roof-terrace of the host’s house. After lunch, continue touring through the alleyways of this rocky village and visit the elementary school before you descend gently downhill to meet your driver for your return to Marrakech.
Day 5 :
Breakfast is at leisure as is the day. Plenty of time to explore the Souks. Your guide may have some ideas for you even if he is not spending the day with you

Day 6 :
After breakfast, depart Marrakech on a long drive across what is considered to be the most beautiful road in Morocco, to Quarzazate. Along the way admire the breathtaking scenery of valleys, gorges, canyons, fortified villages and some interesting geological formations. Prior to reaching Ouarzazate, you will stop to visit the amazing Ait Ben Haddou village and its ancestral architecture. This Kasbah is one of the most celebrated in Morocco and has been featured in numerous films (Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth). It is a fortified warren of narrow streets. Hotel in Ouarzazate is the Berbere Palace. Dinner is included this evening
Day 7:
After breakfast you set off on the Skoura & Kasbah Taourirt Tour, Travel to Skoura Morocco, a fertile Oasis with one-thousand palms and the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate. Overnight back in Ouarzazate. Dinner is once again included
Day 8 :
Final Breakfast this morning and then the rest at leisure. You have an afternoon transfer to Casablanca airport in preparation for your flight early on the 10th May
Day 9 :
Depart Casablanca

Marko

short, succinct, totally usefull comment.










not.

jersey1977

It looks like you have 8 nights total. From my experience there last month I would:
First night Casa
2nd Fes
3rd Fes
4th Efroud/Desert Encampment
5th Ouarzazate
6th Marrakech
7th Marrakech
8th Casa

I cant imagine going to Morocco and missing both Fes and the Sahara. Private car is the way to do it.

Best,
Michael

Marko

Thanks Michael, all taken on board.

Marko

Thanks landpeace, we are really looking forward to it !