Morocco: A Classic Odyssey - Desert, Cities, Mountains & Coast

      CC
      Cross Cultural Journeys
      • Email address verified
      7 reviews
      Apr 22 - May 5, 2023
      Group size: 8 - 18
      Morocco: A Classic Odyssey - Desert, Cities, Mountains & Coast
      Morocco

      Cross Cultural Journeys
      • Email address verified
      7 reviews

      Apr 22 - May 5, 2023
      Group size: 8 - 18

      About this trip

      Bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, Morocco is distinguished by its Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences. One of the most diverse African countries, Morocco is home to majestic high mountains, sweeping desert dunes, rugged and fertile coastline, and labyrinthine alleyways in historic medina cities and open air markets. The lyrical landscapes of the deserts and mountains are only matched by the rich traditional and contemporary society of the ever active influence of peoples and ideas in this colorful cultural crossroads. Explore the singular solitude of the desert, to count the stars and follow ancient trade routes, then dive into the festive chaos of the winding labyrinth markets. 

      Journey Details:

      INTRODUCING SLIDING SCALE PRICING: Lower/discounted rates will be available at the time of booking until a particular date, or until they run out, whichever comes first. Note that discounted rates on these trips can only be applicable if the group size reaches 5 or more travelers. Should we deem necessary to cancel such a trip due to low enrollment, all funds will be returned to the traveler.


      NOTE ABOUT ACCOMMODATIONS: To make your experience as close to the local people as possible, and based on the size of our group, Cross Cultural Journeys and our local partners in Morocco will secure the best available; clean, comfortable and centrally located accommodations in the cities and villages that we visit. The accommodations will range from 4-5 star local Rhiads, Khasbas and Luxurious Desert Tent Camps, to more basic, local and simple hotels. This itinerary is subject to change to take advantage of the serendipity of the moment when we are in Morocco; to meet someone special, to engage in an activity that might occur unexpectedly, or to accommodate circumstances beyond our control. Please note that due to the nature of this itinerary as well as unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, restaurants or hotels may change at the last minute in similar category.

      INCLUDED: In country transportation per itinerary; best available accommodations in Morocco (double occupancy); meals as marked (B/L/D) per the itinerary; Cross Cultural Journeys trip manager; Moroccan English speaking local guide; all entrance fees on itinerary; preparation materials; tips for bellman and hotel staff, included meals on itinerary and bottled water on the bus.

      NOT INCLUDED: International air travel to Morocco; meals not on itinerary; alcoholic drinks; excursions not on the itinerary; tips for local guide and driver (optional, yet customary); travel insurance.

      TRAVEL PROTECTION: Cross Cultural Journeys is not responsible for cancellation expenses that you might incur before or during our trip.  You may want to check first to see if your current insurance policy covers travel abroad, but we have found that most do not. We strongly encourage considering taking out travel interruption and evacuation insurance to cover any emergencies abroad such as evacuation, or reimbursement for cancellation due to your own illness or an illness in your family. Some plans require you to take out this insurance within 21 days of your deposit to cover pre-existing conditions. CCJ has partnered with TravelSafe. You can visit our online portal to explore different plans. We encourage you to choose a plan covers travel interruption before you depart, as well as during the trip. CCJ is not responsible for events beyond our control in this regard.  

      Please visit the Cross Cultural Journeys - TravelSafe online portal to find a plan that works for you. You can also call TravelSafe directly at 1-800-523-8020. Make sure you mention that Cross Cultural Journeys is your tour operator to receive our special rates.

      Available Packages

      ECONOMY
      $3,495
      Deposit: $550
      STANDARD

      Please choose this option if you are easily able to pay the Sustaining Rate. No questions asked.

      $3,995
      Deposit: $850

      Available options

      Itinerary

      Day 1
      May 18 | Begin in Casablanca > Transfer to Rabat

      Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Rabat
      Your trip leader and local host will meet you in the lobby of your hotel l in Casablanca at 10 AM. From here, we will visit the Hassan II Mosque. Enjoy a guided tour of this amazing place – the 3rd largest mosque in the world! After lunch, travel up the coast to Rabat, the current capital of Morocco where we will stop for the night.  Upon your arrival here, we will have a guided tour of the most important monuments in this ocean front capital city. The tour will included Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, and Kasbah of the Udayas. We check in to the hotel for a brief rest, before reconvening with the group for a welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant. Then back to our hotel for a good night's sleep!

      • Casablanca
        • Hassan II Mosque 
        • Lunch
      • Rabat
        • Guided Tour of Rabat
          • Hassan Tower
          • Kasbah of the Udayas
          • Mohammed V Mausoleum
          • Dinner

      Sleep: Rabat - Riad Dar El Kebira (L, D)

      Who’s Going

      Your Organizer


      CC
      Cross Cultural Journeys
      7 reviews
      For people interested in our planet and connections to the humans living on it. Cross Cultural Journeys provides socially and environmentally responsible travel experiences for individuals and organizations interested in global awareness, indigenous wisdoms and societies at the crossroads.

      Reviews

      I had a beautiful trip. I loved everything about it. The only criticism I have is to not make the schedule so tight because of unexpected events. Other then that it was fantastic.
      By Donna H for SFJazz New Orleans on Jan 16, 2024
      Exceeded expectations in most categories. Unexpected changes in the itinerary left us rushing around a bit, stopping in local lunch spots that were not good, and missing out on a banner dining reservation (Brennan's) due to a confirmation snafu. We enjoyed the tours and our guide was personable, knowledgeable and excellent. The hotel was great; accommodations, amenities and location. Might be good to schedule some down time along the way...most days downtime consisted of about an hour in the late afternoon...not a lot of time to explore on our own, unless we wanted to miss a scheduled activity, like a steam boat ride. All in all...a good trip, but fewer surprises would have been better.
      By Rodman M for SFJazz New Orleans on Jan 16, 2024
      A once in a lifetime experience given the unique opportunities to interact with New Orleans natives and residents who participate at the highest levels in the jazz and Mardi Gras communities. Felt the orchestration of activities was thoughtful and prudent (eg, ensuring a late afternoon break before commencing nighttime activities). The restaurants were all great, the hotel was terrific. Excellent support from members of the Cross Cultural team and the SFJazz team! I was disappointed in Keynin's efforts. While he was a lovely individual and certainly brought his local history to bear on his talks, he seemed disorganized and inefficient (ie, too much time at any one place when there was so much more to see). There didn't seem to be any rationale for many of our stops (eg, the torture house: why?), and I was surprised there wasn't more of an emphasis on the music history of New Orleans given the nature of our group.
      By Matthew M for SFJazz New Orleans on Jan 10, 2024
      What a wonderful adventure! My son and I had a great time traveling with our soccer community and had a chance to spend time with old friends and build new friendships as well. I personally loved the relaxed approach to travel and the openness to discovery. A big 'Thank you' to Cross Cultural Journeys for a memorable trip!
      By Heidi U for BIFC International Team Tour 2023 on Apr 19, 2023
      It was a good trip with lots of fun activités and sleeping arrangements were actually nice Maya Fletcher
      By Diane P for BIFC International Team Tour 2023 on Apr 19, 2023
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