Morocco: Imperial Cities

A 9-Day Abercrombie and Kent tour starting from $2,380

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Starting Price: $2,380 Printer Friendly Page
Tour Length: 9 Days
Countries Visited: Morocco
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More Information About This Tour:
Tour Type:
 Escorted Tour
Tour Category:
Tour Operator: Abercrombie and Kent
Tour Code: AK5534-2012
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Cities Visited:
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Morocco's allure lies in its rich history, unique architecture and undeniable hospitality - and nowhere is it more evident than in its imperial cities, centers of culture and art renowned the world over. On this journey, discover the country's most culturally significant cities, including French-inspired Casablanca, UNESCO World Heritage Sites Meknes and Volubilis, medieval Fez, Moorish Rabat and iconic Marrakech.

 
 
Days 1-2: USA or Canada/Casablanca, Morocco:

Arrive in Morocco’s largest city, where you are met by an A&K representative and transferred to your hotel. Originally settled by the Berbers in the seventh century, the port city is a timeless blend of ancient traditions, French-inspired architecture and modern-day hustle and bustle.


Meals Served:

Day 3: Casablanca/Meknes/Volubilis/Fez:

Start the day by exploring Casablanca’s most important site, the Hassan II Mosque, which houses 25,000 worshippers. Its minaret is the tallest religious structure in the world. Afterward, drive to to the city of Meknes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the seventeenth century by the powerful sultan Moulay Ismail to rival the court of French contemporary Louis XIV. Following lunch, your sightseeing continues to Volubilis, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Morocco’s largest and most well-preserved Roman ruins. With its soaring arches and basilicas, Volubilis’ skyline is peppered with examples of Roman architecture — though its greatest treasures are the excellently preserved mosaic floors. At day’s end, arrive in Fez.


Meals Served: B L

Day 4: Fez:

Spend the day today discovering Fez. Step back in time to the Middle Ages as you visit one of the most ancient and untouched city neighborhoods in the world, Fez el-Bali (“Old Fez”), the cultural heart of Morocco. Take your pick from and meander in some 9,000 car-free narrow lanes, alleys and souks that comprise the labyrinth of the city’s old quarter, originally founded in the eighth century AD by Moulay Idriss I. Take in the sights and sounds of locals conducting their day to day business and merchants selling spices and goods. The imperial capital was a center of medieval learning and at its heart remains the Al Karaouine university, originally founded as a madrasa in 859. Pause at Nejjarine Square, with its beautiful fountain with elaborate mosaic tilework. After lunch, discover Fez el-Jedid (“New Fez”), built by the Merinid Dynasty in the thirteenth century. Fez el-Jedid is home to the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, which boasts traditional Jewish architecture of wrought iron–decorated windows and splendid carved wood balconies.


Meals Served: B L

Day 5: Fez/Rabat:

After breakfast, drive to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. After settling in to your hotel, set off to explore the city’s highlights, including its superbly preserved Moorish relics, such as the twelfth-century Hassan Tower, the incomplete minaret of a great mosque built by Yacoub el-Mansour. View the mausoleum of Mohamed V, founder of modern Morocco, and visit Oudaya Kasbah, built on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic. Note the kasbah’s gate, one of the most beautiful surviving ones in the Moorish world. Once inside, explore a delightful Andalusian-style garden, complete with a fountain and sweet-scented orange trees. Beyond the city walls are the remains of the ancient city of Sala.


Meals Served: B

Day 6: Rabat/Marrakech:

This morning, drive to Marrakech. Founded in 1062, Marrakech was once the capital of an empire that stretched from Toledo, Spain, to Senegal. Also known as the “Red City” or “Pink City” due to the distinctive hue of the local earth used in the construction of its many brick buildings, Marrakech is a city of labyrinthine alleyways, secluded palaces, museums, mosques and markets.


Meals Served: B

Day 7: Marrakech:

Spend the day discovering mysterious, glorious Marrakech, starting at its ancient medina, the old walled section of the city. Visits include the Saadian Tombs, displaying intricate stucco and Granada-style carvings; the Dar Si Said, one of the most beautiful palaces and the home to the Museum of Moroccan Arts and Crafts; and the Bahia Palace, the residence of the grand vizier Si Ahmed Ben Moussa. Stop at the twelfth-century Koutoubia Mosque, with a minaret considered the most perfect Islamic religious structure in North Africa. Afterward, stroll through the labyrinthine souks and the fabled Djemaa el-Fna square, with its fire-eaters, mimes, snake charmers and street musicians performing at every turn.


Meals Served: B L

Day 8: Marrakech:

Continue exploring Marrakech, starting by visiting the beautiful gardens dotting the city. One of the most lovely are the Menara Gardens, which date to the twelfth century and are set among extensive orchards and olive groves. At their center is a rectangular pool with a fabulous view of the Atlas Mountains. From here, continue to Majorelle Garden, originally designed in 1924 by French artist Jacques Majorelle and now owned by famous couture designer Yves Saint Laurent. Marvel at the garden’s exotic plants, such as bamboo, cacti, bougainvillea and palms, and take in the tranquil streams and fish-filled pools peppered throughout. The rest of your day is at leisure, perhaps for last-minute shopping or sightseeing at your own pace.


Meals Served: B

Day 9: Marrakech/USA or Canada:

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your international flight.


Meals Served: B

 

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Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
         

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

 •  Discover in-depth Morocco's most significant and historic imperial cities - Rabat, Fez, Meknes and Marrakech - and gain an understanding of some of the world's greatest civilizations
 •  Alongside an expert guide, explore Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the country's best-preserved Roman ruins, unveiling Morocco's uniquely diverse culture and past
 •  Experience Morocco's present-day culture as you stroll through the souks of Marrakech's famous medina and its renowned Djemaa el-Fna square, home to travelling musicians and hypnotic snake charmers
 •  Visit the 12th century Menara Garden and Jardin Majorelle, designed in 1924 by French artist Jacques Majorelle
 

The price of your land program INCLUDES:

ACCOMMODATIONS:
All accommodations as noted in the itinerary.

MEALS AND BEVERAGES:
Meals as specified in the itinerary: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
Bottled water is provided in vehicles during sightseeing excursions; tea, coffee and soft drinks are included with group meals.

TRANSFERS:
Arrival and departure transfers are included.

BAGGAGE HANDLING AND RESTRICTIONS:
Transport of two (2) pieces of baggage per person is provided; however, gratuities to porters are not included.

SIGHTSEEING:
Locally-guided sightseeing is included as specified in the itinerary, including entrance fees.

GUIDES/STAFF:
All sightseeing will be conducted by a resident A&K Tour Guide.

TAXES/SERVICE CHARGES:
Hotel taxes and service charges are included for all services specified in the itinerary.

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES:
All escorted group programs* departing between January 1 and December 31, 2012, are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of two (2) persons. Guaranteed departures will operate except in cases of force majeure, which could include any major world event adversely affecting international travel patterns or other circumstances beyond A&K's control.

* Please Note: Extreme Adventures, Marco Polo Club Invitational, Canal & River Cruising, Escorted Mobile Camping and programs containing a cruise component may require a varying number of passengers to operate.

AIR TRANSPORTATION:
Airfares are not included in the land program price. ABERCROMBIE & KENT USA, LLC has special agreements with many carriers and can offer quotations from any gateway. Please ask your Tour Consultant about our special fares.

All international and domestic air quotes are subject to change and can carry penalties and surcharges until final payment has been received by A&K. Flight confirmation is based on availability. PLEASE NOTE THAT CERTAIN AIRFARES ARE SUBJECT TO A SERVICE FEE. Air reservations cannot be confirmed until a passport copy has been received by A&K.

ACTIVE ELEMENTS:
On specified programs, some active elements have been incorporated into the itinerary. To enjoy the program as intended, a minimum level of fitness is required. A&K will require notice if any participant has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to himself or herself, or other members of the group.

A&K reserves the right to decline to accept anyone that it considers unsuitable due to fitness level. A&K also reserves the right to remove from the program, at the participant's own expense, anyone whose condition is such that it could create a hazard to himself or herself or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of the other passengers on the program. SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED ANY CLARIFICATION ABOUT A SPECIFIC PROGRAM, PLEASE ASK FOR DETAILS.

ITINERARIES:
Accommodation (hotel or vessel) and arranged sightseeing are subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances or circumstances beyond A&K's control. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but alterations may occur after the final itinerary has been issued.

A&K also reserves the right to withdraw a program or any part of it, to make such alterations to the itinerary or program inclusions as it deems necessary or desirable, and to pass on to program members any expenditures or losses caused by delays or events beyond its control.

SPECIAL REQUESTS:
Special requests (such as adjacent or connecting rooms, bedding requests, smoking or non-smoking rooms and special dietary requests) should be advised at the time of booking. Please note that every effort will be made to secure special requests; however some cannot be guaranteed.

The price of your program DOES NOT INCLUDE:

PERSONAL EXPENSES:
Passenger Travel Protection Plan; international airfares; costs of obtaining passports or entry visas; airport departure taxes, unless otherwise noted; excess baggage charges; gratuities for hotel/restaurant staff, porters, tour guides and drivers; meals, beverages and sightseeing not included in the itinerary; room service charges; personal expenses such as laundry, communication charges and optional activities (which are subject to availability).

Additional expenses incurred due to delay or loss of luggage or a change, delay or cancellation of any flight will be the responsibility of the passenger. If this occurs, ABERCROMBIE & KENT USA, LLC's correspondent company will do all possible to assist passengers in boarding or finding alternative arrangements. It must be stressed that this is done as a courtesy to clients and ABERCROMBIE & KENT USA, LLC cannot be held responsible for denied boarding, nor for the additional costs thus incurred, nor for monies not recovered for missed land arrangements due to airline delays.

BOOKING CONDITIONS:

PAYMENT:
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. If your reservation is made within 90 days prior to departure, the entire program price must be paid at time of confirmation.

CANCELLATION:
In the event of written cancellation, the following forfeiture of program price will be assessed based on the number of days prior to program departure that the cancellation was received:

90 days or more ……$500 per person per program
89-60 days prior … ….…20% of the program price
59-30 days .50% of the program price
29 days or less 100% of the program price

EXTRA SERVICES:
Cancellation charges for extra services are also based on the number of days prior to the service that the cancellation was received:

31 days or more full refund
30-15 days 50% of the price
14 days or less 100% of the price

Please note that special cancellation terms may apply to certain properties. Please ask for details.

INSURANCE:
A&K's Passenger Travel Protection Plan, which provides cancellation coverage, medical coverage and protection against lost or damaged luggage, is strongly recommended.

PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS:
Quoted program prices include planning, handling and operational charges, and are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of August, 2011. A&K reserves the right to increase program prices to cover increased costs, tariffs, fuel surcharges and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign currency markets. A&K is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any escorted, Signature or tailor made program. Modification of program content to accommodate a smaller group size will not affect the published program price.

ABERCROMBIE & KENT USA, LLC reserves the right to withdraw a program or any part of it, to make such alterations to the itinerary or program inclusions as it deems necessary or desirable, and to pass on to program members any expenditures or losses caused by delays or events beyond its control.

LIMITS ON ABERCROMBIE & KENT'S RESPONSIBILITY:
Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, its employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents and assigns (collectively A&K), does not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip. It purchases transportation (by aircraft, coach, train, vessel or otherwise), hotel and other lodging accommodations, restaurant, ground handling and other services from various independent suppliers (including from time to time other affiliated Abercrombie & Kent companies). All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result A&K is not liable for any negligent or willful act of any such person or entity or of any third person.

In addition and without limitation, A&K is not responsible for any injury, financial or physical loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from but not limited to acts of God or force majeure, illness, disease, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of services, food poisoning, mechanical or other failure of aircraft or other means of transportation or for failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time.

There are many inherent risks in adventure travel of the type involved here, which can lead to illness, injury, or even death. These risks are increased by the fact that these programs take place in remote locations, far from medical facilities. Passenger assumes all such risks associated with participating in this trip.

Travel Advisories and Warnings: It is the responsibility of the traveller to become informed about the most current travel advisories and warnings by referring to the U. S. State Department's travel website at www.travel.state.gov/ or by phone at 1-888-407- 4747. In the event of an active State Department Travel Warning against travel to the specific destination location(s) of the trip, should the traveller still choose to travel, notwithstanding any travel advisory or warning, the traveller assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property damage that may arise out of the events like those advised or warned against.

Arbitration Agreement: Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions, to the Limits on Abercrombie & Kent's Responsibility clause, to the brochure, to any information relating in any way to the trip, to the trip itself, or to any products or services related to the trip, shall be settled solely and exclusively by binding arbitration in Chicago, Illinois in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, except that (a) in lieu of a personal appearance at arbitration, the arbitration may be conducted by telephonic means, (b) arbitration is the exclusive forum for dispute resolution (no court actions), and (c) except as otherwise provided by statute, each party shall bear its own costs and expenses and an equal share of the arbitrator and administrative fees.

Travellers Representations: The traveller represents that neither he nor she nor anyone traveling with him or her has any physical or other condition or disability that could create a hazard to him or herself or other members of the tour. A&K reserves the right to decline to accept anyone on a trip, and to remove from the trip, at his or her sole expense, anyone whose condition is such that he or she could create a hazard to himself or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other passengers on the trip.

ANY PAYMENT TO ABERCROMBIE & KENT CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SET OUT HEREIN AND IN MORE SPECIFIC PRE-DEPARTURE PASSENGER DOCUMENTATION, INCLUDING THE PERSONAL INFORMATION FORM.

© 2011 Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC. ABERCROMBIE & KENT, A&K, ADVENTURE CREW, DESIGN YOUR DAY, GUARDIAN ANGEL, INSPIRING EXPERIENCES, MARCO POLO CLUB, PRIVATE JOURNEYS, SIGNATURE SERIES, SIMPLY THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL, TRAVELLING BELL BOY and the ampersand design are service marks owned by Abercrombie & Kent Group of Companies S.A. The service marks and trademarks of airlines appearing in this brochure or on abercrombiekent.com are owned by the respective companies mentioned.

Complimentary Passenger Travel Protection Insurance

Complimentary Passenger Travel Protection Insurance on Select Egypt Journeys

Reserve select 2011 and 2012 Egypt journeys and receive complimentary Passenger Travel Protection insurance, a value of up to $500. Call for details. Egypt journeys include:

Save 15 - 50% on Abercombie and Kent Egypt Journeys!

Save 15-50% on Select Egypt Journeys


Reserve select Egypt journeys and save up to 50% per person. 2011 Journeys include.


Complimentary Passenger Travel Protection insurance is also available onselect departures. Call for details.

Single Supplement Savings!

Solo Traveler Single Supplement Savings


 

The single supplement has been waived or reduced significantly onselect departures of our popular escorted programs.

2011 Journeys include: 

 
 
 
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.