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EXCEL TRAVEL MOROCCO
Av Allal El Fassi, Complexe Habous 2, Imm A, appt 12- 40000 Marrakech
DAY 02: Casablanca – Rabat – Tangier ( 380 Km)
Breakfast and check out of the hotel. Then enjoy a panoramic orientation drive through this lively city. View the United Nations Square, the Royal Palace and the Corniche with its uninterrupted sweep of beaches, pools and cafes. See the impressive seaside Mosque of Hassan II, the second largest mosque in the world.
Today is going to be a long drive, so dress comfortably and warmly. Depart to Tangier You can make a short city tour of Tangier. Tangier is the oldest continually inhabited city in Morocco. It’s a bustling port on the North
African shore on one of the most important waterways in the world, the Strait of Gibraltar. Due to its strategic position, it has always been prized. But for most of the 20th century (until 1956) it was an “international” city with its own laws and administration. Drawn by loose tax laws and free-port status, it beckoned an eclectic group of expatriates who made their home in the then-stylish resort. It was during this period of misrule and lack of regulation that Tangier earned its not-too-sterling reputation. However, on Oct. 29, 1956 the city was reunited to Morocco, and the “freedom” of an international city came to an end, resulting in an exodus of businesses and banks, and an air of decay in the local economy. Also due to its location as a destination for day-tripping tourists who come from Spain, it has a reputation for very aggressive “guides” and merchants. Do your best to ignore their unwanted services. The Grand Socco is the main square and probably the best place to start a walking tour of the city.
DAY 04 : Fez
Fez is arguably Morocco’s most fascinating city. This metropolis, sited in a valley, was Morocco’s first capital, and is today the kingdom’s intellectual, religious and cultural center. The university here is one of the oldest in the world, and the city’s handicrafts are admirable (look for handmade items like rugs, fabrics, ceramics, leather goods, as well as copper, brass, and silver pieces). Fez street life in the medina may be the most memorable you’ll ever experience. The souks in the medina are an open-air department store, with the spice shops next to the carpet sellers, across from the fishmonger.
This is the hub of Moroccan life, filled with vitality. Natives of Fez are known as “Fassi”, and have a reputation within Morocco as being excellent businessmen.
Full day sightseeing visit of the city and medina (ancient quarter). This tour includes the monuments and historical sites in the morning such as the Mosque, University, and Nejjarine Fountain. We suggest lunch at a Moroccan Palace-style restaurant within the medina (your driver and/or guide will know of a few good ones). In the afternoon visit the various markets of the souks and the tanneries. I’m sure you will want to spend some time shopping...remember to bargain for everything! Return to the hotel.
There are hundreds of families in the old city whose ancestors were Jews, and who still retain names of Jewish origin. Once home to 40 synagogues in the mellah, we suggest that you stop for a visit to the vast whitewashed Jewish cemetery adjacent to the Royal Palace. (It was typical to place the mellahs near the palaces, because the royals often relied upon the counsel of Jewish advisers regarding finance and commerce.) And Aben Denan Synagogue. It is customary to leave a smalldonation for the caretakers.
DAY 06: Marrakesh
Morning sightseeing tour of Marrakesh highlights with your driver and guide: Visit the 16th century Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and the famous and exciting Djma el Fna Square. Time for walking through - and shopping in the souks, located just behind Djma el Fna
Square. You can also visit the mellah (Jewish area).
The Djma el Fna Square is best re-visited at around sunset where you can perhaps enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes overlooking the action as the square becomes more alive when the sun goes down. You can walk among snake charmers, fortune tellers, dentists (!) , acrobats, and dancers, and much more!!
DAY 08 : Marrakesh – ESSAOUIRA (175 km)
Depart to Essaouira. Formerly known as Mogador, the quaint fishing village has a Portuguese influence. Visit the bustling fish market, and the ramparts and bastions which served as the location for the Orson Wells film version of Othello. The town has a somewhat laid back bohemian atmosphere which had appealed to some world known rock stars, and is a great place to relax and kick back. It has a nice medina and is small enough so that you won’t get lost, so a guide is not necessary. Visit the fortifications and the excellent factories which sell locally carved and polished thula wood products.
Part of the joy of visiting is watching the fishermen bring in the catch of the day, and the fish market itself is worth a visit. The ramparts that protect the town are quite lovely and make for a perfect sunset stroll.
Today the town is considered a resort area and is known for windsurfing., but a generation ago there were thousands of Jewish inhabitants in the town. Even though today there are only a few families left .You can visit the mellah where you can see the blue and white painted houses with the Stars of David above the doorways of former Jewish homes.
There is also a synagogue, on the upper floor of Rabbi Chaim Pinto’s former residence. If you can locate the caretaker, you might be admitted (it’s customary to leave a donation for the caretaker).
DAY 10: Casablanca / Departure
Transfer is provided to Casablanca Airport for your flight, End of our services.