Libya & Morocco | Berbers & Bedouins
 Traditional desert rider |
|
14 days / 13 nights
| Location | Nights |
| Tripoli | 4 |
| Ghadames | 2 |
| Casablanca | 1 |
| Rabat | 1 |
| Fes | 2 |
| Marrakech | 3 |
Day 01 Arrive Tripoli
An A&K welcome to Libya! Transfer to your hotel with a welcome dinner this evening (D).
Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 02 Tripoli – Sabratha - Tripoli
This morning heard west from Tripoli to Sabratha, one of the most important archaeological sites of western Libya. Ruins of the earliest Phoenician settlements have been found beneath the Roman town in the area between the forum and the sea and two mausoleums, one of which was completely restored. The main monument is the ancient theatre, used in modern times as a theatre and concert hall. There are a variety of public baths, temples and fountains, with many first class mosaics both on site and in the adjacent Museum. Return to Tripoli where tonight your dinner is hosted by a Libyan family (B,L,D).
Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 03 Tripoli –Kabow - Ghadames
Journey to the attractive oasis town of Ghadames, the Jewel of the Libyan Desert, located on the edge of the Sahara near the Tunisia and Algeria borders. Your first stop of the day will be in the old town of Kabow, located high in the Nafusa Mountains. Here you will tour the ancient qasr (fortified granary), offering insights into Berber life hundreds of years ago. Continue south towards the immense Sahara, stopping en route for lunch in the desert (B,L,D).
Dar Ghadames
Day 04 Ghadames
A day in Ghadames, once a southern outpost of the Roman Empire. Walk through the old town’s streets lined with white-washed mud brick buildings. Visit the Cultural Museum, an original mud brick house, for a traditional lunch, explore the Mosque and the main square. At sunset travel into the desert to watch the sand dunes changing colour (B,L,D).
Dar Ghadames
Day 05 Ghadames – Nalut – Tripoli
Leave the Sahara and return to Tripoli, stopping en route at the village of Nalut where you visit the qasr built by the local Berbers on a hilltop more than 800 years ago (B,L,D).
Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 06 Leptis Magna
Travel east of Tripoli to the spectacular World Heritage Listed Site of Leptis Magna, the best preserved and most extensive Roman ruin in the Mediterranean. Originally a Berber settlement, the city became a key trading port under the Phoenicians before the conquest by Carthage. The trade of slaves, ivory and precious metals saw the city grow into a great metropolis, before falling into decline and then later abandoned to the encroaching dunes. A private dinner tonight at the old British Consulate, built in 1744 it was a private residence of the ruler of Tripoli before serving as the consulate until 1940 (B,L,D).
Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel (Deluxe Room)
Day 07 Tripoli – Casablanca
This morning tour Tripoli including the Museum of Tripoli and a walking tour through the old medina. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Casablanca, Morocco. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel (B).
Le Royal Mansour Meridien
Day 08 Casablanca - Rabat
A morning orientation tour of Casablanca including a visit to the spectacular Hassan II Mosque. Continue on to Rabat to explore its Moorish past, with a brief city tour, including the Mausoleum and Tour Hassan. In the 12th century the then sultan used the Kasbah (citadel) as a base for campaigns against the Spanish. It was during this time that the cities most famous landmarks sprang up (B,L,D).
La Tour Hassan
Day 09 Rabat – Meknes - Fes
Travel to Meknes, one of the Imperial Cities of Morocco, where you will visit Bab Mansour gateway, the granaries and the stables of the great Moulay Ismail. The city walls of Meknes stretch for 25 km, interspersed with ceremonial, fortress-style and utilitarian gates. Take time to stroll around the souks and don’t miss the highlight of the Medina, the delightful 19th century palace Dar Jamai. Continue on to Volubilis. Originally inhabited by the Phoenicians, this was once a key Roman outpost. See the House of Orpheus, the Basilica, and the Triumphal Arch before continuing on to Fes (B,L).
Sofitel Palais Jamai (Medina Room)
Day 10 Fes
Once the capital of Morocco, Fes remains the undisputed religious, artistic and intellectual centre of the country. Explore the 9,000 narrow lanes, visit the historic Nejjarine Fountain and the fine places and mosques. Tonight enjoy a special dinner at Al Kantara, a marvellous recently refurbished riad, and meet with the owners who will tell you the fabulous tale of how they lovingly rebuilt this antique monument (B,L,D).
Sofitel Palais Jamai (Medina Room)
Day 11 Fes - Marrakech
This morning, before your departure to Marrakech, travel to Bhalil a charming village of whitewashed houses. Behind the picturesque village are several troglodyte dwellings where people still inhabit caves and where you are invited into the home of a troglodyte family. Continue to the Middle Atlas Mountain, crossing the ski resort of Ifrane often frequented by the previous King Hassan II. Continue to Beni Mellal before reaching Marrakech toward the end of the day (B,L).
Palais Sebban
Day 12 Marrakech
Discover the mysteries of Marrakech: the Koutoubia minaret, the Saadian Tombs and the Bahia Palace. Enjoy the Medina, Djemaa El Fna square and its snake-charmers, story-tellers, acrobats with free time for shopping in the fascinating souks. Souk Smarine is an important thoroughfare, traditionally dominated by the sale of textiles and clothing and all Moroccan handicrafts (B,L).
Palais Sebban
Day 13 Marrakech
This morning is a traditional Moroccan cooking class - learn all the secrets of preparing a Tajine with the wonderful spices found throughout the souks and lunch on the finished product! This afternoon visit the famous gardens of Marrakech, including a horse carriage ride. Tonight a farewell dinner is held in the palace of an old Marrakech family. With its exquisite architecture and amazing Moroccan cuisine it has been transformed into one of Marrakech’s best restaurants (B,L,D).
Palais Sebban
Day 14 Morocco - Australia
Today transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight (B).
Departure Dates:
14 April 2009, 03 October 2009, 05 November 2009
Minimum 6 passengers
Optional Extensions
Combine your small group journey with one of the below private journey extensions or Dubai Stopovers.
Morocco | Essaouira Extension
United Arab Emirates | Ritz Carlton Dubai Stopover
United Arab Emirates | Burj Al Arab Dubai Stopover
United Arab Emirates | Madinat Jumeirah – Dar Al Masyaf Dubai Stopover
United Arab Emirates | Al Maha Desert Resort Stopover
at World Heritage listed Leptis Magna, lunch is held in the majestic surrounds of the ancient amphitheatre with entertainment by a Libyan musician – a truly authentic experience.
A&K Escort Profile
Escorting you in Morocco will be Ahmed Missouab. Originally from Fes, Ahmed now resides in Marrakech with his wife and young baby. Graduating from the high institute of tourism in Tangier, Ahmed gained his license as a tour guide in 1988. The pride he holds for his country is evident and there is nothing that he loves more than sharing his culture with A&K guests. Ahmed is a gifted speaker of two foreign languages.
