9D Moroccan Sojourn with Istanbul

9 Days Moroccan Sojourn with Istanbul Extension (Specially Prepared for Ms Victoria Yim)

For decades, Morocco's charm has drawn in travellers from all over the world - so come along and discover the

magic for yourself. On this trip, we will relive a glorious medieval past in the ancient 'Imperial Cities' of Rabat,

Meknes, Fes and Marrakech; explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis; enjoy sunset over the sands of the Sahara

on camel back; discover the wild Todra and Dades Gorges on foot; admire intricate clay architecture in Ait

Benhaddou; head up into the High Atlas Mountains; and enjoy drinking mint tea with the locals, eating cous-

cous, socialising and simply soaking up the legendary magic of Morocco. This is a fast paced trip that

encompasses the sea, the desert, mountains and Kasbahs so to cover all this ground in a short amount of time

means some long travel days. With plenty of interest along the way though, it is a fabulous trip of 9 action

packed days encompassing the best icons of Morocco.

Welcome to Morocco!

Flights At A Glance:

#04-20/21 Tanglin Shopping Centre, 19 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247909 Tel : (65) 6334 6120 Fax: (65) 6337 4166 (Business Reg. No. 199307023G)

[email protected] Web. www.countryholidays.com.sg

Fly 03Dec Singapore / Istanbul TK 067 0030/0630 (12h 00m) – Daily

Fly 05Dec Istanbul / Casablanca TK 617 1000/1300 (5h 00m) – Daily

Fly 12Dec Casablanca / Istanbul TK 618 1430 / 2105 (4h 35m) – Daily

Fly 13Dec Istanbul / Singapore TK 066 0040 / 1720 (10h 40m) – Daily

DAY 00 02nd

DEC (TUE) SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT

Make your way to Singapore Changi Airport this evening for check in for your flight check in. DAY 01 03

rd DEC (WED) SINGAPORE / ISTANBUL

On arrival Istanbul Ataturk International Airport early in the morning, be met by your guide and transfer to Old Istanbul for a half day city tour. Starting from Hippodrome, which saw many major events that change the course of history, we proceed to Hagia Sophia (closed on Monday). This was formerly a church, one of the largest at its time and after the Turks sacked Constantinople and renamed the city Istanbul, it became a mosque. Today, it is a museum. Explore the Basilica Cistern, one of Istanbul’s most unusual attraction. The ancient underground reservoir was built during the reign of Roman Emperor, Justinian I in 532AD and most synonymous with the mysterious Medusa head columns. We then proceed to the fascinating Blue Mosque. After lunch, it’s Topkapi Palace (closed on Tuesday), the center of power during the heyday of Ottoman Turks. Explore the King’s & Queen’s Chambers as well as the Harem (closed on Tuesday) with many interesting tales of the royal families.

Overnight: ON OWN ARRANGEMENTS

Meals: Breakfast refreshments, Lunch in local restaurant

DAY 02 04

th DEC (THU) ISTANBUL

Today is a full free day at leisure to explore the sights of Istanbul. You have the services of a guide and driver for the full day at your disposal to visit any part of Istanbul. (admissions are not included – to pay direct) Consider visiting the Oktakoy, take a Bosphorus River Cruise to sail between 2 continents, explore the Dolmabahce Palace, or shop at the atmospheric Grand Bazaar.

Overnight: ON OWN ARRANGEMENTS

Meals: ON OWN ARRANGEMENTS



Fly 03Dec Singapore / Istanbul TK 067 0030/0630 (12h 00m) – Daily

DAY 03 05th

DEC (FRI) ISTANBUL / CASABLANCA / RABAT

Early this morning, transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Intl Airport for your flight to Casablanca.

On arrival at Casablanca Mohamed V Intl Airport, be met by your driver and English-Speaking guide and transfer to downtown Casablanca for some refreshments. Thereafter, we begin our half day tour. We start with a visit to the United Nations Place, followed by Mohammed V Square and the Central Market before continuing to the Habbous quarter to admire the Royal Palace from the outside. The royal complex featuring impressive architecture and meticulously landscaped surroundings has limited public access, so while you can't enter the palace itself, you can still stroll around the grounds and admire the external architecture. Next visit the Mehkama and the Cathedral Notre Dame de Lourdes before heading to the famous Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco and the seventh-largest in the world. We then continue our drive to Rabat (1hr) where we will check in.

Overnight: Hotel La Tour Hassan, Rabat (Deluxe DBL Room)

Meals: NIL

DAY 04 06

th DEC (SAT) RABAT / CHEFCHAOUEN

Today, we drive to the blue city of Chefchaouen (3hrs). On arrival, begin a half day walking tour as your local guide introduces you to the town’s magical identity. The old medina is a delight of Moroccan and Andalucian influence with red-tiled roofs and bright-blue buildings and narrow lanes converging on the busy Plaza Uta el-

Hammam and its restored Kasbah. Spend the day wandering about the old medina, have a chance to witness the local lives or spend leisure time people-watching in a café. This evening, enjoy a sumptuous 3-Course dinner at the atmospheric La Lampe Magique Aladdin Restaurant, enjoy the lovely sunset and charm of the city.

Overnight: Lina Riad & Spa, Chefchaouen

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner



Fly 05Dec Istanbul / Casablanca TK 617 1000/1300 (5h 00m) – Daily

DAY 05 07th

DEC (SUN) CHEFCHAOUEN / VOLUBILIS / MEKNES / FEZ

This morning, we go for a stroll next to a brook to watch the women washing clothes & carpets. Also see how the hydraulic mills still work. This precious walk takes us to the Rif Sebbanin, the laundry district, with the Seat of Sebbanin and its mosque of century XV. Depart to the imperial city of Fes. The mountain landscapes between Chefchauen and Fes are just amazing. En-route, we visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, high on a plateau overlooking the Holy City of Moulay Idriss nestled in a lush valley below. The Atlas Mountains in the background adds to the beauty of the setting. The 2nd and 3rd Century Roman town of Volubilis is noted for its colourful and interesting mosaics depicting daily lives, the capitol and triumphal arch. Then drive to the town of Moulay Idriss and stroll through the town. Next we make a stop in Meknes, another imperial city with over fifty palaces with almost 30kms of walls and 20 gates. En-route we visit the walled city of Sale. Enjoy a walking tour of the Medina where you will visit the most impressive gates, Bab Mansour with its vivid green tiles; the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum and Dar Jamai Museum. In the early evening, we continue past fields of wheat, mint, mimosa and cork trees to Fez.

Overnight: Riad Fes, Fez (Junior Suite)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 06 08

th DEC (MON) FEZ

Enjoy a half day tour of Fez. Founded in 807, Fez is the most ancient of the Imperial cities and is considered to be the most complete medieval city of the Arab world. It is a unique and remarkable place that stimulates all your senses, with haunting and beautiful sounds, visual richness, and wafting smells - suspended in time between the Middle Ages and today. The exploration includes the Fes el Bali (Old Fes) with its palaces, mosques and madrasas (Koran schools). Visit the Bou Inania Medersa, Chouwara Tannery, Nejjarine

Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts. A walk in the souqs are not to be missed.

Overnight: Riad Fes, Fez (Junior Suite)

Meals: Breakfast



DAY 07 09th

DEC (TUE) FEZ / AZROU / BENI MELLAL / AZILAL

After breakfast, we begin our journey through the Middle Atlas today on a scenic drive. We make our first stop at the small town of Azrou at an elevation of 1,200m to experience the local life of the Berber villagers, visit the local souq and spend some time to take in the fresh air and scenery. Thereafter, we continue our drive to the city of Beni Mellal – fast-growing to be the capital and gateway of adventure travel. We have a short visit of the town center before visiting the Ouzoud Falls – a spectacular three-tiered waterfall with a plunge drop of over 100m. Finally, we arrive into Azilal in the High Atlas where we will check in into the Widiane Suites to rest and relax amongst the beautiful natural scenery!

Overnight: Widiane Suites & Spa, Azilal


DAY 08 10

th DEC (WED) AZILAL / AIT BEN-HADDOU

After breakfast, we leave behind the beautiful nature for our drive to Ait Ben-Haddou (4hrs). We visit the magnificent Kasbahs of Taourirt and Ait Benhaddou, the backdrop for famous films such as “Lawrence of Arabia”, “Gladiator” and “Kingdom of Heaven”. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ksar of Aït

Ben Haddou is a communal housing compound, typical of a type of construction that is traditional to the Maghreb. The buildings lie in a strategic position against a mountain. They have angle towers and are surrounded by steep defensive walls. The Ksar consists of larger and smaller private houses, but also communal areas like a market place and a mosque. All are made from moulded earth and clay brick. The walls and towers are often ornamented with decorative motifs.

Overnight: Kasbah La Cigogne, Ait Benhaddou (Suite)




DAY 09 11th

DEC (THU) AIT BEN-HADDOU / MARRAKESH

Today, we continue our journey to Marrakesh along the River Imini through stretches of desert, picturesque farmland, Berber villages, and ruins of ancient kasbahs. Arriving mid-day, you will get your first glimpse of exotic Marrakech. Positioned in the shadows of the High Atlas Mountains and blessed with a perfect climate, Marrakech, founded in 1062, was twice the capital of Morocco and evidence remains of its historical significance. We visit the 12th Century Koutoubia Mosque before continuing to Bahya Palace and the Palace of

Dar Si Aid, situated in an exquisitely restored palace, and a magnificent private garden. Thereafter, spend some time visiting the labyrinth streets of the souqs with their quarters of dyers, carpenters and jewellers. End your tour at Jemaâ el Fna square, a big popular fairground; unfolding day after day with its story tellers, fire eaters, acrobats, snake charmers, fortune tellers, water sellers.

Overnight: Riad L’Etoile D’Orient, Marrakesh (Giena Suite)

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10 12

th DEC (FRI) MARRAKESH / CASABLANCA / ISTANBUL / SINGAPORE

After breakfast, we say farewell to Marrakesh and drive towards Casablanca Mohamed V Intl Airport for your international flight return to Singapore via Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11 13

th DEC (SAT) ARRIVE SINGAPORE

END OF TOUR



Fly 12Dec Casablanca / Istanbul TK 618 1430 / 2105 (4h 35m) – Daily

Fly 13Dec Istanbul / Singapore TK 066 0040 / 1720 (10h 40m) – Daily

TOUR PRICE PER PERSON: - The following prices are based 2 persons travelling together; .

Recommended Hotels: BEST Price Per Person

1N in Hotel La Tour Hassan, Rabat 1N in Lina Ryad & Spa, Chefchaouen 2N in Riad Fes, Fez 1N in Widiane Suites & Spa, Azilal 1N in Kasbah La Cigogne, Ait Benhaddou 1N in Riad L’Etoile D’Orient, Marrakesh

TO BE ADVISED

Turkish Airlines Airport & Fuel Taxes

S$695 PER PERSON

GRAND TOTAL (2 PERSONS)

TO BE ADVISED

Cost includes: - Return Economy Airfare on Turkish Airlines (SIN-Casablanca-SIN) via Istanbul; - Half Day tour with Private Guide and vehicle in Istanbul on arrival; - Full Day vehicle with driver and guide at disposal in Istanbul; - Transfers to and from Istanbul Intl Airport; - All accommodations with daily breakfast as stated; - Other meals as stated; - All visits, activities and admission as stated; - Air-conditioned Private Car; - Services of Professional Driver & English-Speaking Guide; - Porter-age at airport upon arrival and departure;

Cost excludes:

- Accommodation in Istanbul; - Gratuities to guides and driver; - Personal and other expenses not stated. - Travel Insurance - Camera / Video charges at monuments if any; - Any extra meals other than specified; - Any expenses incurred beyond our control due to natural disaster, weather conditions, etc.



Hotels:

Rabat: Hotel La Tour Hassan – Located in Rabat city centre, this prestigious hotel is built in a typical Moorish-Andalusian style. It offers luxury air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and a fully equipped wellness centre. Rooms at the Hotel La Tour Hassan combine traditional materials with modern comforts. They feature spacious bathrooms with bathtub, hairdryer and bathrobes. They are also equipped with satellite TV and Wi-Fi access. La Tour d’Hassan has no less than 3 restaurants serving gourmet and traditional Moroccan cuisine. You can also relax on the outdoor terrace, or have a glass of champagne at the Piano Bar de la Tour. The VIP lounge bar is also at your disposal for clubbing. By the pool, you will find the wellness center offering gymnasium, hammam, sauna, hot tub, as well as beauty center where to enjoy massages, beauty treatment and hairdressing center. All of the services supervised by professionals. The Hotel La Tour d’Hassan is just 15 minutes from a 440-hectare forest where Robert Trent Jones designed one of the most beautiful golf course : the Dar Es Salem Royal Golf. http://latourhassan.com/Bienvenue&lang=en

Chefchaouen:

Lina Riad & Spa - Lina Ryad & Spa is situated in the heart of Chefchaouen and offers a rooftop terrace with a view on the Medina. The on-site spa centre features an indoor pool, a hammam and a hot tub. With views of the mountains or Medina, the air-conditioned suites at Lina Ryad & Spa are elegantly decorated and include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and a seating area. They each have a private bathroom with a bath or shower and free toiletries. Traditional Moroccan cuisine can be served in the dining area upon request and a continental breakfast is prepared daily. Guests are invited to relax on the patio or in one of the 3 lounge areas. http://www.linariad.com/



Fez: Riad Fes - Located in the heart of Fes medina, this Riad is a 25-minute drive from Fes International Airport. It offers air-conditioned rooms and suites with oriental furnishings and a panoramic pool-side terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains. The Fes Riad’s restaurant serves authentic Moroccan cuisine. Meals can be served in the hotel’s dining room or on the roof-top terrace. Guests can relax in the outdoor swimming pool or hammam. The Riad also provides a 24-hour reception with a currency exchange service and a tour desk. http://www.riadfes.com/en/

Azilal: Widiane Suites & Spa - This luxurious 5-star hotel features a helipad and an infinity pool with superb views of the Atlas Mountains and a lake. It also offers a panoramic hot tub and spa centre. The Widiane Suite And Spa is set in a natural park in the heart of Berber country. The guest rooms feature a thai-inspired modern décor and all have lake and mountain views. Each is equipped with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Widiane Suite And Spa has several on-site restaurants, which offer Asian, Moroccan and Western cuisine. Guests can enjoy tapas and drinks at the Karma Lounge or the English Bar. The spa centre offers a sauna, hammam and a fitness centre, as well as Indonesian and Moroccan massage and beauty treatments. http://www.widiane.net/ang/accueil-ang.html



Ait Benhaddou: Kasbah La Cigogne - Kasbah La Cigone is a traditional Berber guest house, just 5 km from the fortified town of Aït Benhaddou. It features free Wi-Fi access in all areas and a terrace with mountain views from the traditional, tented seating area. Each room has a simple Berber décor and includes a private bathroom with a shower. Kasbah La Cigone serves a continental breakfast daily, and you can enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine on request. A laundry service is available. http://www.kasbah-cigogne.com/en/

Marrakesh: Riad L’Etoile D’Orient - Set in the heart of Marrakesh, this riad is a 2-minute walk from Jamaâ el Fna Square. You can relax in the hot tub on the rooftop terrace or drink mint tea in the traditional lounges and browse the free Wi-Fi. The rooms and suites at Riad L'Etoile D'Orient combine a Moroccan and contemporary style. With air conditioning in each one, they also have views of the interior patio and an LCD TV. Breakfast is provided every morning in the lounge, in guest rooms or on the interior patio. You can also sample traditional, Moroccan dishes by the fireplace in the dining room. http://www.riad-etoile-orient-marrakech.com/



9D Moroccan Sojourn with Istanbul

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