Best of Morocco, a Women-Only Tour
Experience Overview
Lands so diverse they will leave you spellbound; Morocco is a sight to see. On this 11-day women-only tour, travel with a small group to view Morocco's largest mosque in Casablanca and indulge in a wine-paired lunch with the owner who shares her insights into Moroccan wine. Then take time to watch the enticing art of belly dancing. Be awed by the rugged red mountains of Dades Valley, then sip wild-herb tea alongside local nomads. Before you reach Marrakesh, walk around one of Morocco's most impressive kasbahs at the gate of the Sahara, an earthen clay fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Opt to visit a traditional Moroccan spa or meet the inspiring women of a local cooperative over tea and snacks on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
- 6 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 1 Dinner (D)
Choice Highlights
- Marrakesh: Visit non-profit organization Amal to see first-hand how they are empowering women one meal at a time at this chef training center. Partner with a chef to learn to make delicious Moroccan baked goods including Gazelle horns, Ghreyba cookies, Msemmen and more. Taste your home-baked goodies and sip on mint tea as you learn the secrets of Moroccan baking and hear about the experiences of Moroccan women. Your visit supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.
- Marrakesh: Embark on a decadent afternoon at a traditional Moroccan spa, or hammam. The origins of hammam can be traced back to the migration of Arabs to Morocco in the early 7th century. Relax and refresh in their complete wellness center. The hammam has been family-run for three generations and reflects the family tradition and values in their business.
Authentic Dining
- Casablanca: You must remember this...a fabulous 4-course dinner with drinks at Rick's Café, made famous by the 1942 film.
Insight Choice
- Marrakesh: Embark on a decadent afternoon at a traditional Moroccan spa, or hammam. The origins of hammam can be traced back to the migration of Arabs to Morocco in the early 7th century. Relax and refresh in their complete wellness center. The hammam has been family-run for three generations and reflects the family tradition and values in their business.
Insight Experiences
- Dades Valley: Stop at a traditional Nomad house and meet the locals as you sip Berber tea.
- Marrakesh: Visit Dar El Bacha, a beautiful palace that has been standing since the 18th century and is a symbol of the city’s rich history and culture.
Make Travel Matter
- Fes: Visit the non-profit American Fondouk founded in 1927 and speak with the volunteer veterinarians who care so passionately for the welfare of the animals and the families who are so dependant on their labor. Your visit supports United Nations Global Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
- Marrakesh: Visit non-profit organization Amal to see first-hand how they are empowering women one meal at a time at this chef training center. Partner with a chef to learn to make delicious Moroccan baked goods including Gazelle horns, Ghreyba cookies, Msemmen and more. Taste your home-baked goodies and sip on mint tea as you learn the secrets of Moroccan baking and hear about the experiences of Moroccan women. Your visit supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.
Top Rated Highlights
- Rabat: See the Royal Palace and Hassan Tower.
- Casablanca: See the Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche.
- Meknès: Admire the Bab el-Mansour Gate on Place El-Hedim in the heart of the Medina.
- Fes: Led by your Local Expert, wander the maze of streets that make up the ancient Medina. See one of the world's oldest universities and pass hidden courtyards, mosques and workshops. Continue through the souks, an array of vendors selling food, clothes, leather goods and beautiful lights.
- Erfoud: Enjoy the beauty of this little oasis with the backdrop of the Sahara desert whilst you explore the red walled streets.
- Tinghir: Visit Todra Gorge to marvel at this fascinating ravine, created by a fault that split the orange-colored limestone as deep as 300 meters.
- Dades Valley: See the castellated mud houses and oases.
- Ouarzazate: Learn more about this quiet town in a city orientation and see why it has been the backdrop to many films as you wander its red sandy streets.
- Aït Ben Haddou: The Ksar is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the finest examples of South Moroccan architecture. See the crowded houses within the defensive walls that are reinforced by the corner towers and explore one of Morocco's finest kasbahs.
- Essaouira: See the beauty of this bohemian coastal town as you explore the many spice-scented streets of the medina.
- Marrakesh: Your Local Expert guides you past Jemaa el-Fnaa Square with its intriguing characters and through the seemingly entangled streets of the Medina with its many souks. See the protruding Koutoubia Minaret.
Women-Only
- Rabat: Enjoy a wine tasting of locally grown Moroccan wines with a delicious three-course lunch as the owner shares her insights into the industry.
- Fes: Indulge in a tasting menu at NUR Restaurant, meaning 'Light,' and meet Chef Najat Kaanache, who will share her passion for blurring the boundaries between art and gastronomy. Chef Kaanache has had successful careers as a television actress and professional chef in 3-star Michelin restaurants in three countries. She made history as the first and only Moroccan chef to work at the famed Spanish restaurant, El Bulli. Additionally, she is the host of "Cocina Marroqui,” AMC Network’s highest-rated new cooking series throughout Spain and 20 other Latin countries.
- Rissani: Indulge in a real taste of the region with a Madfouna lunch. Known as ‘Berber Pizza,’ this covered pizza is traditionally baked in the sands of the Sahara and is a delight filled with seasonal fillings and spices.
Trip Details
Product Code: 20856
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Insight Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 425.1666A
Starts: Casablanca, Morocco
Finishes: Casablanca, Morocco
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,445 ($495 /day)
Itinerary
Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for your welcome dinner, with the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of good food.
Accommodation: Gray Suites, Casablanca
Meals: Dinner with Wine
Explore the sights of Casablanca viewing the huge Hassan II Mosque, the third largest in the world. Venture to the chic seaside strip known as the Corniche, which stretches to the west and is lined with trendy restaurants and cafes. Depart for the capital of Rabat to see the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, and visit one of the few holy places open to non-Muslims, the lavish Mausoleum of King Mohammed V. This site is both an architectural marvel and a monument to a great ruler. At a local winery, savor a wine tasting of locally grown Moroccan wines with a delicious three-course lunch. Travel to Meknes, one of the kingdom's great imperial cities where little has changed since its founding in the 11th century. Stand before the Bab el-Mansour, the monumental entrance to the imperial city and focal point of Square El-Hedim, before continuing to Fes.
Accommodation: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Led by your Local Expert, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to the non-profit American Fondouk, speak with the volunteer veterinarians who care so passionately for the welfare of the animals. Wander the maze of streets that make up one of the largest thriving ancient Medina's in the world, here you can admire traditional Moroccan handiwork during a visit to a carpet cooperative. Pass one of the world's oldest universities and visit Medersa El Attarine, founded in 1325 located at the heart of the medina. Continue through the souks where an array of vendors sell food, clothes, leather goods and beautiful lights.
Accommodation: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Leave the bustle of the city behind and head for the spectacular snowcapped High Atlas Mountains. Pass through Ifran before reaching the great cedar forests of Azrou. After stopping for lunch at Midelt, continue through the magnificent Ziz Gorges, past palm-fringed towns to Er Rachidia, built by the French and formerly the historic crossroads between the imperial cities. Your destination is Erfoud, where the red sand buildings stand in stark contrast against the patches of greenery and surrounding desert. In the evening, there is an Optional Experience to meet the nomadic Berbers and marvel at the glorious Sahara sunset on a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Accommodation: Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud, Erfoud
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Today, discover the authentic desert town of Rissani. See the Tomb of Moulay Ali Cherif one of the founders of the Alaouite family who reigned during the second half of the 17th century. Next, a visit to the quarries of marine fossils with an antiquity of 360 million years. Stop at the famous kasbah aulad abdelm. This afternoon experience a traditional lunch of Madfouna also known as ‘Berber Pizza’, this dish is a delight for the senses with seasonal fillings and spices. This afternoon will be free time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. In the evening, there is an Optional Experience to marvel at the glorious Sahara sunset on a four-wheel drive vehicle. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Accommodation: Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud, Erfoud
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Venture towards the oasis of Tinehir and explore the Todra Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of the Sahara. At Boumalne du Dadès you will encounter the dry and rugged Dades Valley, dotted with oases of figs, olives, date palms and castellated mud houses—hugging the slopes. Meet the locals of the region when you visit a traditional Nomad house to try authentic Berber tea. The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs concludes at Ouarzazate, also known as the film capital of Morocco. Many blockbusters have been filmed here, including Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars.
Accommodation: Le Berbère Palace, Ouarzazate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Marvel at and photograph the architectural wonder of Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts one of Morocco's finest kasbahs. Your journey continues via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, before descending past charming mountain villages, dense woods and green fields to the ochre-colored city of Marrakesh. With the rest of the day at your leisure, why not relax and enjoy the immaculate facilities of your hotel?
Accommodation: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakesh
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, visit Dar El Bacha - an iconic landmark in the city of Marrakech. Meet your Local Expert and wander the maze of the Medina and see the Koutoubia Mosque, with its minaret dominating the Marrakesh skyline. Next, to the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where you can take a moment to watch the dancers, snake charmers and storytellers. With time at leisure, you are free to continue exploring: try your hand at haggling in the souks or maybe visit a museum? In the evening, perhaps choose to join fellow guests at a vibrant restaurant on Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Here you will enjoy a slew of classic Moroccan dishes as you absorb the ambience and watch twirling belly dancers balance plates of lit candles on their heads.
Accommodation: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakesh
Meals: Breakfast
Venture to the west coast of Africa to reach the laid-back fishing town of Essaouira. After an orientation with your Travel Director exploring the busy fishing port where you could sample the local seafood and wine at a waterside restaurant. Continue to the port city of El Jadida with its unique architectural mixture of Moorish-Portuguese-French influence.
Accommodation: Pullman Mazagan Royal Golf and Spa, El Jadida
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Once you’ve experienced the traditional charms of the country, Casablanca is a fascinating place to return to and offers a unique insight into modern Morocco. Perhaps visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque famous for its intricate Islamic architecture and one of the largest in the world. In the evening 'of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world' there really is only one place to be. Join your Travel Director at Rick's Café, recreated from the famous movie. Enjoy a hearty dinner with drinks and no doubt a rendition of ‘As Time Goes By'. Here's looking at you kid!
Accommodation: Gray Suites, Casablanca
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Today, bid farewell to your journey along Morocco as you transfer to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Insight Vacations (CA)
Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.
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