Morocco: Sahara & Beyond National Geographic Journeys

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.Please note that this tour does not spend any time in Casablanca. You may wish to come a day early in order to explore Casablanca, and take some time to see its medina, beachfront, and classic examples of Art Deco architecture. Be sure to also visit the spectacular Hassan II Mosque. Entrance is only permitted via guided tours, which operate from Saturday to Thursday at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, and 15:00, and on Fridays at 9:00, 10:00, and 15:00. These times are subject to change (particularly around Ramadan), please double check times with your hotel. Tickets can be purchased at the mosque. In the evening, there will be a brief meeting where you will meet your CEO and fellow group members to go over the details of the tour. Accommodation: - Mogador Marina Casablanca (or similar). Transport: - Private Vehicle: Casablanca - Mohammed V Airport to Casablanca Included Activities: - Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting Additional Notes: Please note that if you are traveling to Morocco between November and February, your tour will have a level of flexibility based off of winter weather conditions on roads in the mountains. Heavy snow is not uncommon, so plan on packing warmer clothing to suit conditions.

Set out on a guided tour of two UNESCO World Heritage sites. venture to Volubilis and discover the soaring columns and remarkably well-preserved mosaic floors of this ancient Roman outpost. Then, visit the remains of the medieval city of Meknès, which served as Morocco’s imperial capital in the 17th century. Then, enjoy lunch at a G Adventures–supported women’s cooperative. Continue to Fez and check in to our hotel.Meknès is one of the four Imperial cities and its name and fame are closely linked to that of the Moroccan Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made Meknès the centre of his empire and built many of the monuments that remain today. Continue through the rolling hills to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. Once an important Roman town situated near the westernmost border of Roman conquests, Volubilis was listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. After lunch, Continue to Fès to spend the night. Stay in the new city of Fès, built by the French during their Protectorate of Morocco. Accommodation: - Royal Mirage Hotel Fes (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast - Lunch Transport: - Private Vehicle: Casablanca to Fès 07:00 - 08:00 Hr(s) Included Activities: - Meknès City Tour - Volubilis Guided Tour - Mhaya Village Community Lunch Additional Notes: This is a long and busy day. The times listed are actual driving times and do not include stops. We will stop to explore Meknès and Volubilis, and not arrive in Fès until the evening.

Step back in time on a walking tour of the medina of Fez, a spellbinding World Heritage site dating back to the 9th century. Skirt past donkey carts as you take in the dazzling sights, from colourful mounds of spices to vividly painted ceramics, and observe Fez’s famous tanners treating and dying hides in the traditional manner. Pay a visit to the breathtaking Madrasa al-Attarine, a masterpiece of intricate Islamic architecture, and pass by the famed Al-Karaouine Mosque—home to the longest continually operating university in the world. We’ll meet a local calligraphy expert at a café later this afternoon for a demonstration of Arabic writing. Accommodation: - Royal Mirage Hotel Fes (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast Included Activities: - Fès Medina Guided Tour - Islamic Calligraphy Class