Fes & Marrakech itinerary
Departs 27th March 2008

Day 1 UK to Marrakech
We meet at our designated pick up points for the coach transfer to London Gatwick (arranged by Colin Kirby-Green at extra cost) where we take our direct Easyjet flight to Marrakech. On arrival we are met by our guide who will accompany us on all transfers and excursions. We have a guided tour of Marrakech taking in the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque, Morocco’s most famous and whose minaret is regarded as symbol of Marrakech, the beautiful carvings of the Saadian Tombs, the fine architecture of the ancient Bahia Palace and the Menara Basin, built for military exercises in the 12th century and used as a summer house for vizirs. We then check in to the 4* Hotel Atlas Asni (or similar) for a four night stay. Dinner is included the first night and the remaining three nights are on bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2 Marrakech
 The day is free at leisure to explore the souks, a maze of hundreds of shops, small streets and narrow alleyways and a feast for the senses with row after row of spices, perfumed oils, magic potions, silver and gold, leather goods, carpets and rugs. This evening there is the option of dinner and a traditional show.
Day 3  Ourika
We enjoy an excursion to the peaceful valley of Ourika. Located approximately 60 kms from vibrant Marrakech and nestling in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, the small mud houses dotted along the valley give no indication of the 21st century life we have just left behind. We visit an authentic berber house powered by a water mill and relax enjoying the scenery en route.

Day 4  Ouarzazate
 Passing through the Haouz Plain and over the Tichka Pass, we visit Ouarzazate on the edge of the Sahara Desert. We continue on to the Kasbah of Taourirt to marvel at its maze of corridors, passageways and rooms. Our tour ends at the kasbahs of Aït Benhaddou, one of the most beautiful villages in southern Morocco and the location for scenes from Lawrence of Arabia and Jesus of Nazareth.

Day 5  Fes
From Marrakech we drive north through the foothills of the middle Atlas Mountains passing through Ifrane, founded by the French in 1929, Lake of d'Ait Oua and the berber villages of Immouzzer Du Kandar and Azrou. After time for lunch in Beni Mellal it is on to Fez, the spiritual capital of the kingdom and the most ancient of the imperial cities founded in the ninth century.  We then check in to the good quality 3* Zahrat Al Jabal Hotel in central Fez where we stay three nights on bed and breakfast basis with dinner on the final night.

 Day 6            Fes
We have the whole day at leisure to experience the sights and sounds of Fez – the UNESCO listed medina of Fes el-Bali, the souks and famous tanneries and the Karaouyine Mosque.  

 Day 7  Meknes
We travel to the imperial city Meknes for a city tour and time to explore the medina and visit the most beautiful city gates in Morocco, Bab El Mansour. On our return to Fes we enjoy a farewell dinner in the hotel this evening.
  
 Day 8  Fes to UK
 After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our return flight to Luton where we are met by our coach for the transfer back to our original pick up points.