MOROCCO EXPLORER: Walking & Culture
12 days/11nights: ex Casablanca

Trip grade:	Easy-moderate. 4-5 hours of gentle walking on some days
Trip Dates:	9 - 20 October, 2012, ex Casablanca
Tour Cost:	$2,680.00 per person, twin/sharing, ex Casablanca Single room supplement, $450.00
Accommodation:	Hotels, home-stays, one night desert camp
Maximum group size:	12

The essence of Morocco is in its ancient cities, medieval bazaars and high mountain villages, with arid deserts and amazing mud-brick towns adding further depth. The combination of Arab and Berber cultures along with elements of French and Spanish colonial style produces a truly irresistible mix. From Casablanca we travel west to explore the imperial city of Fes. Turning south we stop in Midelt, a small town in the Atlas Mountains, to enjoy some easy walks, before we reach the edge of the Sahara. We ride camels at sunset and spend a night under the stars. We visit the celebrated Todra and Dades Gorges and greet Berber villagers as we hike along the lovely M'Goun Valley. We explore extraordinary mud-brick kasbahs and fortified villages and drive back over the Atlas Mountains to explore the magical city of Marrakech. We spend a night in the historical coastal town of Essaouira before returning along the coast to Casablanca.

Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca
The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Casablance; the medina, the central market, or streets of art deco buildings. Meet the tour leader at your hotel this evening. Overnight, Casablanca.

Day 2: Casablanca to Fes
In Casablanca this morning we visit the impressive Mosque of Hassan II, opened in 1993, and second only in size to the great mosque at Mecca. It can accommodate 25,000 worshippers and is one of the only religious sites open to non-Muslims. Later today we travel to Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. En route we visit Meknes where we explore the medina and Volubilis which was once a Roman provincial capital. It is Morocco's main Roman site and is now World Heritage listed. Overnight, Fes.

Day 3: Exploring Fes
This fascinating city is made up of three distinct 'cities', or quarters, and we will be based in the elegant 'Nouveau Ville', or New City, which has a distinctly French/European character. Today we head into the old city, known locally as Fes el Bali, arguably the world's most fascinating and confounding old city. Medieval Fes was one of the world's great centres of education and culture: both Islamic and Jewish. Its religious institutions and its libraries are legendary. Its mosques are of great renown. And it was to Fes that many of the Muslims and Jews expelled from Spain by Ferdinand and Isabella came in 1492. As we walk through the streets and alleyways, passing historic khans, medresses and dye-pits, it is not hard to imagine ourselves back in the Middle Ages. We spend the day exploring the old city, visiting the Belghazi Museum, Medresse el Attarine, the tanneries and the splendid Funduk Nejjarine, a beautifully restored 18th century inn. Overnight, Fes.

Day 4: Fes to Midelt
Leaving Fes we drive south, passing through some spectacular scenery as we make our way towards Midelt. This is a smallish market town, nestled between the Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountains, at an elevation of just over 1500m. It's a perfect spot to break our journey to the Sahara, and is a great base for some easy walks. Many of the locals are Berber, and the surrounding countryside is beautiful. After lunch, we will take an easy hike in the nearby hills. Overnight, Midelt.

Day 5: Midelt to Merzouga
This morning there is time to haggle for carpets, take another walk, or visit the nearby Franciscan convent where the sisters teach local girls and women weaving, tapestry and embroidery. In the afternoon we reach Merzouga, where we drop off our gear at a simple Auberge and then ride camels into the edge of the Sahara Desert at sunset. The dunes are stunning, especially at this time of the day, and tonight we camp out, enjoying lively music and dancing under the stars. Overnight. Edge of the Sahara;Camp.

Day 6: Travelling to Todra Gorge and the M'Goun Valley
We enjoy another sunrise ride today before we return to our Auberge and travel to the Todra Gorge, a massive trench over 250 metres deep and one of the most dramatic natural sights in Morocco. We take a short walk in the area before continuing to the beautiful Dades Valley. We arrive in the M'goun Valley and spend tonight in a traditional Berber house. Overnight. (2 nights) in a Berber home-stay, M'Goun Valley.

Day 7: Walking in the M'Goun Valley
We now have time to explore this beautiful oasis area on foot. The walks are moderate; about 4.0 hours each day. On the walks, we will pass Berber villages, meeting Berber along the way. The mountain scenery and the famous Rose Valley make this a truly sensational setting. Overnight, M'goun Valley.

Day 8: M'goun Valley to Ouarzazate
In the afternoon of we will travel towards Marakesh passing Kasbahs and small villages to Ouarzazate. Overnight, Ouarzazate.

Day 9: Ouarzazate to Marrakech
Today we drive along the winding roads of the Atlas, bound for Marrakech. We can take our time as the scenery is magnificent! On arrival in Marrakech we check into a beautiful Riad hotel, just a few minutes from Jemaa el Fna, the great square. This evening, we will head over to the square, one of the largest public spaces in the world and unique to Marrakech. Every night it comes alive with snake-charmers, musicians, story-tellers, fire-eaters and hundreds of small outdoor restaurants. Overnight, Marrakech.

Day 10: Marrakech
After breakfast we meet our Marrakech local guide and set off on a morning tour of the old medina. We visit the beautiful Bahia Palace, a splendid mansion built in 1866 for a former slave who rose to a position of importance in the government of Moulay Hassan. We continue to the Marrakech Museum, itself a former palace, which houses a fine collection of Moroccan art and sculpture and we then walk through the streets of the old medina as we make our way back to the Jemaa el Fna. The rest of the day is free for you to explore further, or shop in the bazaar. Overnight, Marrakech.

Day 11: Essaouira
This morning we will travel to Essaouira, an old fortified town on the coast. The narrow streets are ideal for casual exploration. Their size discourages cars, and as we walk through the town it feels as though little has changed since the days of sea pirates. The fishing port is a serious commercial operation and it is fun to observe the daily catch and its subsequent auction. Elsewhere there are numerous shops and several fine art galleries to distract the visitor, along with a wide variety of restaurants. Our tour leader will help guide us through the maze of options. Overnight, Essaouira.

Day 12: Essaouira - Casablanca
In the morning we drive along the coast back to Casablanca. Transfer to the Casablanca airport for your onward journeys.

Included
>	Locally escorted by Peter Kellett and Peregrine's expert local English-speaking tour leader.
>	Additional local guides at some locations
>	Accommodation: 7 nights in comfortable hotels, 3 nights in a Berber house and 1 night in a comfortable desert camp
>	All ground transport, sightseeing, entrance fees and excursions, as outlined in the itinerary
>	11 breakfasts and 4 dinners
>	Return airport transfers at Casablanca
Not Included
>	Travel insurance (required)
>	Visas
>	Lunches and most evening meals

If you have any questions about the trip, or would like to make a booking, please contact us at:
Walking Matilda
PO Box 4
Kangarilla SA 5157
info@walkingmatilda.com.au
Phone: 08/8383 7198