MOROCCO MARCH 26 – APRIL 13, 2018 TOUR LEADER: BEN CHURCHER

Overview This comprehensive 19-day tour will introduce you to the diverse delights of Morocco including its stunning scenery, fabulous Islamic architecture, ancient cities and delicious food. Starting in cosmopolitan Casablanca, the tour includes visits to Rabat overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Roman Volubilis, the impressive fortifications of Moulay Ismail at Meknes and the hustle and bustle of the souk at Fes. Crossing the Atlas Mountains, past stands of Lebanese Cedar, we enter another world of kasbahs and verdant oases in the northern Sahara Desert. Here we visit Erfoud, Tinerhir and Ouarzazate along with the Dades and Todra Gorges, traditional homelands of the Berber and Tuareg. Crossing back across the Atlas Mountains, we spend time in fabulous Marrakesh before concluding our tour at the delightful town of Essaouria that is nestled within medieval fortifications overlooking the Atlantic. This tour will provide participants with an in-depth examination of this remarkable country which has acted as a crucible for Islamic influence in the greater region across the centuries.

This tour in operated in conjunction with the Near East Archaeological Foundation at Sydney University

Your tour leader Ben Churcher has a wide range of experience as an educator, a traveller, a historian and an archaeologist. Ben graduated from Queensland University in 1983 with Honours in Ancient History and he also holds a Diploma of Education from the University of Sydney. Since 1983 Ben has been involved in the yearly excavations by the University of Sydney at the site of Pella in Jordan and he is, at present, the field director of the project. As well as his ‘hands-on’ excavation

experience, Ben has also travelled widely throughout Europe, the Middle east, North and East Africa, Japan, and South-east Asia. Ben is a life member of the Near Eastern Archaeology Foundation and works with Aboriginal archaeology when in Australia. “As ever Ben Churcher provided impeccable information, care and company. We saw some unique places and all done in good humour.” Feedback from a tour participant on Western China, May 2015.

MOROCCO

Tour dates: March 26 – April 13, 2018

Tour leader: Ben Churcher

Tour Price: $7,870 per person, twin share

Single Supplement: $1,570 for sole use of double room

Booking deposit: $500 per person

Recommended airline: Emirates/Etihad Airline

Maximum places: 20

Itinerary: Casablanca (2 nights), Rabat (1 night), Fes (4 nights), Ifrane (1 night), Erfoud (2 nights), Boumalne Dades (1 night), Ouarzazate (1 night), Marrakesh (3 nights), Essaouira (2 nights), Casablanca (1 night)

Date published: May 3, 2017

Enquiries and bookings

For further information and to secure a place on this tour please contact Frederick Steyn at Academy Travel on 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) or email frederick@academytravel.com.au

Tour Highlights

RABAT Rabat is often overlooked by travellers but offers a wonderful collection of diverse sites. Originally settled by the Phoenicians, the Romans took control and built the settlement of Sale Colonia. Explore the excavated ruins which are combined with the 14th-century Merenid necropolis built over the Roman site at Chella, the clifftop fortifications of Kasbah les Oudaias and the beautifully rendered Royal Mausoleum

ROMAN VOLUBILIS As one if the most remote cities of the far flung Roman Empire, Volubilis was the most important city in the Kingdom of Mauretania. Pre-dating Christian times the city flourished during the second and third centuries and was home to 20 000 residents. Many grand residences complete with intricate mosaics were built on the proceeds of olive oil production along with civic buildings and triumphal arches

FES Discover an enchanting city with a cultural and historical background that has served as a breeding ground for scholars, artists and imams throughout the centuries. Walk down labyrinthine alleyways of the medina where donkey carts transport goods to the fondouks, as they have done since medieval times in the world’s largest car-free urban area. Visit the museums, madrasas and artisanal Zellij tile workshops.

MARRAKESH Experience beguiling Marrakesh, the old imperial capital built by Berber empires. Home to some of the finest examples of Islamic architecture, such as the Ali ben Youssef Medersa and Koutoubia minaret. Explore the artisanal heritage of intricate tilework and painted wooden ceilings at the Dar Si Siad Museum, the opulent marble of the Saadian tombs and lose yourself in the souqs around Djemaa El Fnaa

INSPIRATIONAL SCENERY Explore amazing scenery and variety of diverse landscapes from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara and back. Cross over the Atlas Mountains covered in cedar trees and venture into the Sahara, where traders from Mali transport precious salt worth more than gold on caravans of camels to faraway lands. Watch the light play on the high walls of spectacular gorges carved through mountains over millions of years

Detailed itinerary Included meals are shown with the symbols B, L and D.

Monday 26 March Arrive Casablanca

Flights from Australia arrive mid-morning and early afternoon. Passengers booking their flights through Academy Travel to commence the tour today will be transferred to the group hotel. Ben Churcher will meet group members this evening in the lobby for drinks and introductions before dinner in the hotel. Overnight Casablanca (D)

Tuesday 27 March Touring Casablanca

Casablanca is a cosmopolitan, vibrant city often overlooked for more exotic destinations. Our day commences with a tour of the Hassan II Mosque completed in 1993 and spectacularly located on a rocky outcrop reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean. We continue to the Quartier Habous built by the French in the 1930s blending the Moroccan architecture of an ancient medina with French colonial buildings. We also pass by Sacre Couer, the French built neo-gothic cathedral which became a cultural centre after independence. Overnight Casablanca (B, D)

Wednesday 28 March To Rabat

We depart this morning for Rabat, the political and administrative capital chosen by King Hassan V when Morocco gained independence in 1956. We visit Chella, a Merenid necropolis built over the Roman city of Sale Colonia. Excavations on the Roman site reveal the Decumanus Maximus passing through a triumphal arch to the temple of Jupiter and ending at the forum. The Islamic necropolis consists of a stone and zellij tile minaret, medersa and the tomb of the great Merenid leader, Abou al Hassan. In contrast is the mausoleum of Mohammed V housing the tombs of the nation’s recent kings. It is considered a masterpiece of Alawite architecture. Elaborately dressed royal guards watch over the three white onyx tombs where Mohammed V is laid to rest with his two sons. After lunch in a local restaurant, we explore the cliff top Kasbah les Oudaias, 12th-century fortifications with narrow streets and whitewashed houses that are still inhabited today. Rabat’s small yet interesting archaeological museum and its collection of Neolithic carving and small bronzes from Volubilis and Chellah is our final stop before checking into our hotel. Overnight Rabat (B, L)

Thursday 29 March Meknes

Heading east by coach we travel to Meknes, the capital of Morocco under the Sultan Moulay Ismail between 1672 and 1727. Our touring includes Bab el-Mansour, Meknes main gate

Images left: Hassan II Mosque with the world’s tallest minaret overlooking the Atlantic; 6000 artisans took seven years to create the magnificent tile decorations adorning the mosque; standing guard at the Mohammed V Mausoleum

across from the square, the medina and the lavishly tiled and decorated Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. We also visit the stable and granary for 12,000 horses designed with under floor water channels to keep the temperature cool. After lunch we visit the Bou Inania Madersa, a school for students of Islam studying the Koran. Younger students lived in small cells on the ground floor while older students and teachers were accommodated in more spacious rooms on the upper floor. The Dar Jamai Museum is housed in the Sultan’s former palace and features excellent displays of traditional ceramics, jewellery, rugs and textiles, including exquisite needlework using gold and silver thread. A highlight is the reception room preserved as it would have appeared in the Sultan’s day. We continue to Fes this afternoon. Overnight Fes (B, L, D)

Friday 30 March Volubilis and Moulay Idriss

Today we explore Volubilis, dating back to the Phoenicians in the third century BC. Its prominence grew from the first century onwards as a Roman trading post and administrative centre on the south-western border of the empire. Situated on 40 hectares and with 2.6kms of walls surrounding the site, the city featured main roads, public monuments and thermal baths. It prospered and expanded rapidly in the second century when the forum, basilica, capitol and triumphal arch were constructed. A number of stately homes were also built at this time and feature well-preserved mosaics floors that remain in situ. We continue to the holy city of Moulay Idriss, an important pilgrimage site founded by the great-grandson of the prophet Mohammed who introduced Islam to Morocco in the eighth century. We visit his tomb and explore the winding streets of the compact town where we also have lunch in a Moroccan guesthouse. Overnight Fes (B, L)

Saturday 31 March To Fes

This morning we visit the excellent collection at the Dar Batha Museum, a converted 19th-century Moorish Palace that is a work of art in itself. Most Moroccan artisanal pieces were also functional and we see displays of carved wooden furniture, embroidery and clothing, musical instruments and carpets. The pottery room has a superb display of ceramics from the 14th century featuring the unique blue cobalt glaze that was developed using a special process in Fes during the 10th century. This afternoon after lunch we explore the Mellah or Jewish area which is distinguished by its houses with street facing balconies. Overnight Fes (B)

Sunday 1 April Fes

Today we explore the maze of streets that make up the medina in Fes El Bali on foot. Passing through the blue tiled Bab Boujeloud gate we enter the Bou Inania Madrasa. The marble and onyx courtyard features a fountain and intricately carved

Images right: Heri es-Souani’s immense chambers provided stabling and food for 12000 horses; walking through the carpet market in Fes; the main gate known as the blue gate invites you into the alleyways of Fes medina

cedar mashrabiyas, (lattice screens) covering the alcoves where the students studied. Unusually the madrasa also has a mosque with a green tiled minaret. We continue past the Fondouks, two to four storey buildings with courtyards lined with small rooms that are used as workshops and warehouses by the traders and craftsmen in the souk to the Chaouwara Tanneries. From the rooftop of the leather shops we see and smell the earthen vats of the tanning pits filled with chemicals and dyes used to soften and colour the hides. Leaving the medina we head to Borj Nord, a 16th-century fortress that formed part of the city’s fortifications and visit a tile factory to see the Zellij tiles being made by hand. Overnight Fes (B, L)

Monday 2 April Ifrane

After a leisurely start this morning we depart for Sefrou, a picturesque town on the edge of the Middle Atlas. Sefrou was home to Morocco’s largest Jewish community as evidenced by the outward facing balconies encountered on our walk through the medina. We continue higher into the mountains to the alpine village of Ifrane, our stop for this evening. The afternoon is free to enjoy our mountain chalet accommodation. Overnight Ifrane (B, D)

Tuesday 3 April To Erfoud

Today we make the 400km journey to Erfoud with stops on the way to stretch our legs and enjoy the changing scenery. After time to freshen up, dinner is in the hotel this evening. Overnight Erfoud (B, L, D)

Wednesday 4 April The Sahara

Today we venture into the Sahara, transferring from our coach to 4WD drive vehicles for a spectacular drive through the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Our trip into the desert wouldn’t be complete without a camel ride over the dunes that extend to the Algerian border and beyond. We visit the ruins at Sijilmassa, an important staging post on the trans-Sahara trade route from the 8th to 14th centuries. After a break for lunch, we visit the Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum, built in honour of the founder of the Alawite dynasty in Morocco, and spend some time in the dilapidated medina at Rissani. Overnight Erfoud (B, L)

Thursday 5 April Todra Gorge

We depart for Tinerhir and stop at Todra Gorge. A deep fault carved out of the limestone by the river has created a spectacular ravine of towering rock walls up to 160 metres high. The flat path running alongside the river allows us to stroll through the chasm and admire the different colours created by the light on the rock surfaces. We have lunch at one of the restaurants lining the gorge before continuing to Boulmane Dades. Overnight Boumalne Dades (B, L, D)

Images left: colourful dyes at the Chaouwara tannery in Fes; a market seller scoops spices in the medina; traversing the dunes by camel at Erg Chebbi

Friday 6 April Ouarzazate

Departing by coach, we travel to Ouarzazate and visit the Taourit Kasbah built in the 19th century by the Glaoui clan who controlled the major caravan southern routes to West Africa. Parts of the former palace remain in ruins but we can visit the reception rooms, harem rooms and kitchens that have been restored with assistance from UNESCO. Overnight Ouarzazate (B, D)

Saturday 7 April To Marrakesh

Today we travel to Marrakesh, stopping firstly at the fortified city or Ksar of Ait Benhaddou. The city is made up of six Kasbahs and is a great example of the clay architecture found in the region. The well preserved old town has been abandoned by the families that once lived here, and has been used as the setting for several films such as Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. We then travel into the High Atlas Mountains, traversing the hairpin bends of the Tiz n’Tchika pass and arriving in Marrakesh in the afternoon. Overnight Marrakesh (B, D)

Sunday 8 April Exploring Marrakesh

Our tour through the medina commences at the Bab Agnaou or Black Gate which leads us into the Saadian Tombs. Saadian Sultan, Ahmed El Mansour built the tombs in the 16th century using the finest local artisans and imported Italian Carrara marble, elaborate plasterwork and pure gold. The opulent tombs were walled up when the Alawite dynasty came to power and lay undiscovered until 1917. Continuing through the Mellah, or Jewish quarter, we come to the Dar Si Siad. The former palace now houses the Museum of Moroccan Arts, showcasing regional craftsmanship. Winding through the narrow alleyways past craft shops and ornamental doorways, we enter the famous Djemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakesh’s main square. We visit the Ali Ben Youssef Medersa, a 14th-century Islamic school whose large courtyard and ablutions pool, zellij tiles and abundant decorations are reminiscent of the Alhambra Palace in Granada. We visit the enchanting Jardin Marjorelle, designed as a living work of art by French painter, Jacques Marjorelle. The garden of exotic plants and rare species acquired over 40 years fell into disrepair following the artist’s death in 1962 until it was saved from destruction by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in 1980. Dinner this evening is in a beautifully restored riad with traditional musicians and a belly dancer. Overnight Marrakesh (B, L)

Monday 9 April Marrakesh – Free day

Today is at leisure to further explore the delights of Marrakesh. Overnight Marrakesh (B)

Images right: the towering limestone walls at Todra Gorge; Jacque Marjorelle’s garden of exotic plants saved from property developers by Yves Saint Laurent

in Marrakesh; evening descends on the stallholders at Djemaa el-Fnaa

Tuesday 10 April To Essaouira

We depart this morning for the Atlantic Coast and the harbour town of Essaouira. We explore the busy port area where fishermen tend to their nets and sell the catch of the day and walk over the ramparts of the Skala Bastion lined with brass cannons with views over the sea and into the medina. Our walking tour continues through the 18th-century walled medina, an excellent example of European military architecture in Northern Africa. Later this afternoon we gather in the hotel’s beachfront bar and restaurant for drinks as we watch the sun set into the Atlantic. Overnight Essaouira (B)

Wednesday 11 April Essaouira

Today is at leisure to relax, swim in the Atlantic Ocean or further explore the medina for some final purchases. Overnight Essaouira (B)

Thursday 12 April El Jadida to Casablanca

Departing Essaouira this morning, we travel along the scenic coastal road stopping at the old Portuguese town of El Jadida for lunch. An important trading post, the Portuguese built a fortress here to protect their ships. After lunch we visit the ramparts of the original port, see the Church of the Assumption, the vaulted cistern and the Grand Mosque which also acted as a lighthouse. Returning to Casablanca, we gather this evening for a farewell dinner in a French restaurant. Overnight Casablanca (B, L, D)

Friday 13 April Depart Casablanca

There is a transfer to the airport this morning for passengers who have booked their flights with Academy Travel. (B)

Hotels Hotels have been carefully selected for comfort and location.

Casablanca, Sofitel Tour Blanche Hotel (3 nights) Rabat, Sofitel Jardin des Roses (1 night) Fes, Marriott Hotel Jnan Palace (4 nights) Ifrane, Michlifen Hotel (1 night) Erfoud, Xaluca Tombouctou (2 nights) Boulmane Dades, Xaluca Dades (1 night) Ouarzazate, Dar Chamaa (1 night) Marrakesh, Radisson Blu (3 nights) Essaouira, M Gallery (2 Nights)

Images right: alluring alleyways of Marrakesh’s medina; fishing boats in port at Essaouira; wonderful detail of zellij tile and carved stucco at

Ali Ben Youssef Medersa in Marrakesh

Tour Price The tour price is $7,870 per person, twin share (land content only). The supplement for a single room is $1,570 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required to secure a place on the tour.

Tour Inclusions Included in the tour price

All accommodation in selected four and five star hotels All breakfasts and lunches and dinners in hotels and

local restaurants as indicated in the itinerary Land travel by air-conditioned coach Extensive tour notes Services of an Australian tour leader throughout the tour All entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary Qualified national guide throughout Tips to local guides and drivers

Not included

International air fares, taxes and surcharges (see below) Travel insurance Meals not mentioned in itinerary Expenses of a personal nature

Air travel OPTIONS The tour price quoted is for land content only. For this tour we recommend Emirates or Etihad Airlines, as both fly into and out of Casablanca daily. Please contact us for further information on competitive Economy, Business and First Class airfares. Transfers between airport and hotel are included for all passengers booking their flights through Academy Travel. These may be group or individual transfers.

Enquiries & bookings For further information and to secure a place on this tour please contact Frederick Steyn at Academy Travel on 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) or email frederick@academytravel.com.au

Weather on Tour Morocco’s climate is very diverse, varying with the different regions throughout the country. The coastal regions have a Mediterranean climate; the interior features the Atlas Mountains and plateaus while the Southern regions see the Sahara Desert extend to the coast. The daytime averages for March and April are between 21 to 27 degrees Celsius but highs can reach up to and over 32 degrees in some areas we travel through. Expect night time lows of between 10 and 15 degrees. Humidity should be low with only a small chance of rain.

Fitness Requirements of THIS tour

GRADE THREE

It is important both for you and for your fellow travellers that you are fit enough to be able to enjoy all the activities on this tour. To give you an indication of the level of physical fitness required to participate on our tours, we have given them a star grading. Academy Travel’s tours tend to feature extended walking tours and site visits, which require greater fitness than coach touring. We ask you to carefully consider your ability to meet the physical demands of the tour.

Participation criteria for this tour

This Grade Three tour is among our most physically demanding. To participate on this tour, you should be able to comfortably undertake up to seven hours per day, over several days. Activities may include travelling long distances, walking on difficult terrain, climbing stairs, embarking and disembarking trains and/or boats, exposure to high altitudes and long days of touring. These tours may include one night stops and early starts.

You should be able to: keep up with the group at all times walk for 5-7 kilometres at a moderate pace with only

short breaks stand for a reasonable length of time in galleries and

museums tolerate varying climatic conditions such as humidity and

heat a reasonable level of physical and respiratory fitness tolerate a diet that can be significantly different from a

typical Australian diet, and where some dietary requirements cannot be met

walk up and down slopes negotiate steps and slopes on archaeological sites or

mountain paths, which are often uneven and unstable get on and off a large coach with steep steps, train or

boat unassisted, possibly with luggage move your luggage a short distance if required

A note for older travellers

We regret that we are not able to accept bookings on a Grade Three tours from people more than 80 years old, or with restricted mobility.