Magical Morocco

MAGICAL MOROCCO 8 - 18 MARCH 2021 CASABLANCA, RABAT, MEKNES, FES, MERZOUGA, OUARZAZATE & MARRAKECH MAGICAL MOROCCO 8 - 18 MARCH 2021 CASABLANCA, RABAT, MEKNES, FES, MERZOUGA, OUARZAZATE & MARRAKECH MAGICAL MOROCCO 8 - 18 MARCH 2021 CASABLANCA, RABAT, MEKNES, FES, MERZOUGA, OUARZAZATE & MARRAKECH
Tour Summary

Our Small Group Tour and Conference to Morocco in March 2020 sees us traveling to one of the most spectacular destinations in the world. Morocco is a dazzling mosaic of Arab and Berber cultures — with a dash of African and European influence. All at once it is strange and romantic, alluring while still a little mysterious. What is certain though, is that Morocco has historically, and still continues to draw seekers of the exotic — people looking for adventure and luxury!

As one of Africa’s most popular travel destinations, Morocco caters for the novice as well as the seasoned traveler. You’ll find plenty to see and do, whether it be visiting the wonderous imperial cities or the mountain villages, exploring the ancient Roman ruins or seeing the desert oases and towering sand dunes.

Your Magical Morocco itinerary begins in Casablanca with VIP treatment on arrival at the airport and a transfer to the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel — situated on the Atlantic coast. The hotel is located close to the heart of Morocco’s largest and liveliest city.

Exploration of the Imperial Cities continues in Rabat — Morocco’s capital since 1912. Here you’ll visit the impressive 12th-century Tower of Hassan as well as the nearby Royal Mausoleum. Just outside Rabat is the fortress-like necropolis of Chellah, which includes Roman ruins in addition to Islamic domed shrines and tombs. You will also have time to explore the Kasbah of Udayas.

It is then onto Meknes with a visit to Dar el-ma, the huge barrel-vaulted structure that served as the city’s reservoir and the adjoining Heri el-Souani, a monumental grain-storage facility. Also on your itinerary is a quick visit to Bab Mansour — a gate with stunning tiles, marble pillars and a lacy web of carved stucco. The next stop is the ruins of Volubilis — the well-preserved ruins of the 2000-year old capital of Roman Mauritania. The mosaic floors here are among the finest in existence.

Why Travel With Amaco Small Group Tours?

  • All Inclusive Travel Packages
  • Small Groups - Max 40 People
  • Hand-picked Tours & Activities
  • 25+ Years Experience

Got a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. One of our expert team is available and would be happy to answer any questions you have.

1300 668 149 or +61 3 9545 0906

info@amacotravel.com.au

Fes, with one of the largest, most intact and impressive medieval cities is next on our itinerary. A UNESCO World Heritage site, you will truly feel like you have stepped back in time when you  walk through of the gates to the old medina. Visits to both Fes el-Bali (the older, more extensive part) and Fes el-Jedid (the newer, smaller part) medinas are planned as is a visit to the tanneries and the old Jewish Quarter, or mellah, with its synagogues and cemetery.

You’ll spend a night in the desert valley town of Erfoud — but not before passing through some of the most rugged yet picturesque landscapes you’ll ever witness. Along the way you’ll also see the Barbary Macaque and stare in wonder as you travel through Ziz Valley.

It is then onto Merzouga, the gateway to Erg Chebbi — a huge expanse of wind-blown and dunes. You will spend time learning about the local geology of the region and meet with a Bedouin family before settling into your luxury tented camp for the night.

Ouarzazate is the next destination on your Magical Morocco itinerary. Once nothing more than a sleepy camel stop, the town has grown in popularity thanks in part to its proximity to places like Toudra Gorge and Ait Ben Haddou. Also on your itinerary is a visit to Atlas Film Studios, the largest film studio in the world and where countless blockbuster films have been made.

You’ll then journey across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass — the highest of its kind in Morocco — before descending into Marrakech. This stunning city, with its ocher stucco buildings stretches out from the central square Djemaa el-Fna. Highlights of your time in Marrakech will include the Bahia Palace, the Saadiens Tombs and Majorelle Gardens.

We hope you can join us as we travel around Morocco in March 2021. For your comfort and touring pleasure, we’ve limited the number of participants to just 40 people. Register today or you will miss out!

Destination

Morocco

Duration

11 Days / 10 Nights

Value For Money

All Inclusive Tour Package

Start & End Location

Start Casablanca – End Marrakech, Morocco

Start Date & Time

8th March 2021 @ 7:00pm

End Date & Time

18th March 2021 @ 9:00am

Registration Fees

Conference Participant: $995 pp
Non-Conference Participant: $695 pp

Travel Packages

Amaco Family Price (for previous Amaco Conference Participants): $8,995 pp

Early Bird Price (if booked on or before 27 September 2020): $8,995 pp

Standard Price (if booked on or after 28 September 2020): $9,495 pp

Morocco Single Supplement (if traveling alone): $2,495 pp

Price Includes

  • 1 x night accommodation at Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca (16-17 Mar 2021)
  • 3 x nights accommodation at Hotel Sahrai Fes (17-20 Mar 2021)
  • 1 x night accommodation at Hotel Xaluca Erfoud (20-21 Mar 2021)
  • 1 x night accommodation at Camp Mardani (21-22 Mar 2021)
  • 1 x night accommodation at Hotel Berbere Palace Ouarzazate (22-23 Mar 2021)
  • 3 x nights accommodation at Fours Seasons Hotel Marrakech (23-26 Mar 2021)
  • 10 x Breakfasts, 9 x Lunches, 10 x Dinners
  • Rabat City Tour (16 Mar 2021)
  • Meknes Highlights Tour (16 Mar 2021)
  • Volubilis Archaeological Tour (16 Mar 2021)
  • Jewish Quarter Tour of Fes (17 Mar 2021)
  • Fes Madina Tour (18 Mar 2021)
  • 4x4 Desert Jeep Tour (20 Mar 2021)
  • Todgha Gorge & Valley of Roses Tour (21 Mar 2021)
  • Atlas Studios & Ait-Ben-Haddour Tour (22 Mar 2021)
  • Marrakech City Tour (23 Mar 2021)
  • YSL & Jardin Majorelle Tour (24 Mar 2021)

Gold Amaco Standard

  • Airport transfer as detailed in the itinerary for group arrivals and departures
  • Beverages with all included lunches and dinners (alcoholic beverages where permitted)
  • Services of specialist English speaking guides
  • All applicable entrance fees, taxes and porterage
  • Amaco staff escort
  • Hassle free luggage management
  • Tips to guides and drivers

Price Excludes

  • International airfares to and from the conference
  • Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, mini bar, room service, laundry and business communications
  • Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
  • Travel, optional tours & excursions not included in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
Itinerary

Day 1 (Mon 16 Mar 2021) Arrive in Casablanca, Morocco

After arriving into Casablanca you will be met by Amaco staff and our local operators and transferred to our group hotel. Following check-in, you are free to relax in your room or begin enjoying the area surrounding the hotel.

Enjoy Networking Welcome Drinks at the hotel followed by dinner at Rick’s Café, the mythical saloon from the 1942 classic film ‘Casablanca’. Here you will have the opportunity to meet other participants and their partners as well as your Amaco hosts.

Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca

Included Meals: Welcome Networking Drinks & Dinner

Day 2 (Tue 17 Mar 2021)Rabat, Meknes & Volubilis

Depart Casablanca this morning and head directly for Rabat — Morocco’s modern capital and at the same time one of the historic imperial cities. In Rabat you’ll visit the Chellah Necropolis, Hassan Tower and the Royal Tomb.

Depart Rabat following lunch and head for Meknes, another of the imperial cities. Here you’ll visit the huge barrel-vaulted structure that served at the city’s reservoir and the adjoining grain-storage facility — a monumentally large building. Also included is a quick visit to Bab Mansour — one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco. It is then onto Volubilis, one of the capitals of ancient Roman Mauritania. The UNESCO World Heritage site has been extensively excavated and is home to a number of beautiful mosaic floors.

Arrive hotel early evening and enjoy a beautiful roof-top dinner.

Overnight: Hotel Sahrai Fes

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 (Wed 18 Mar 2021)Fes

Conference Session 1 & 2 will take place this morning followed by lunch at the hotel.

In the afternoon we’ve planned a walking tour through the Mellah, the old Jewish Quarter in Fes. Among the beautiful buildings, you will be able to find a gold souq and charming antique furniture shops where you can shop for unusual and unique pieces. The area is also home to an ancient cemetery and a number of synagogues. The tour ends at the Royal Palace.

Dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Overnight: Hotel Sahrai Fes

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 (Thu 19 Mar 2021)Fes

Your exploration of Fes continues today with a quick photo stop at a panoramic lookout before heading into Fes al-Bali. This maze-like structure is the oldest walled part of the city, is home to the oldest university in the world, and is also the largest carfree urban area in the world. Our walking tour features a number of visits including stops at Madras Bou Inania, one of the finest examples of Marinid architecture. We’ll also visit the famous Chouara Tannery which has been in operation since the 1tth century and generally operates in the same fashion as it did in the early centuries.

Lunch is included during the tour. Return to the hotel late afternoon with some free time before dinner.

Dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Overnight: Hotel Sahrai Fes

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 (Fri 20 Mar 2021)Fes to Erfoud

Today you depart Fes and head to Erfoud, an oasis town in the Sahara Desert — but it doesn’t mean that there won’t be anything to see or do. We’re allowing for a stop in Ifran, filled with red-tiled chalets that would not be out of place in the Swiss Alps. It’s in this area where you can also expect to see Barbary monkeys.

The journey continues following lunch. You’ll also be amazed by the Ziz Valley. At various points along the way, the largely hidden river feeds a string of oases and brings to life what would otherwise be dirt and stone. You’ll have some free time before dinner.

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Xaluca Erfoud

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 (Sat 21 Mar 2021)Erfoud to Merzouga

Conference Session 3 & 4 will take place this morning followed by lunch at the hotel.

It’s into the 4×4 vehicles as you venture out to the luxury tented camp that will be your home this evening. Along the way, you’ll stop at Ksar Maadid, an ancient fortified village and then a local fossil quarry. We’ve also planning to visit a Bedouin family where you’ll learn about how they live and enjoy their hospitality.

Enjoy dinner under the stars this evening.

Overnight: Camp Mardani

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 (Sun 22 Mar 2021)Merzouga to Ouarzazate

Leave the sand dunes behind this morning as you head towards Ouarzazate. Along the way, you’ll have time to shop for fossils before heading to Todgha Gorge — an amazing series of limestone canyons in the High Atlas Mountains. The height of the easily accessible gorge walls reach almost 400m in some places.

Following lunch, we travel to Kalaat M’Gouna — the Valley of Roses. Arrive at the hotel mid-afternoon with some free time before dinner.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.

Overnight: Hotel Berbere Palace

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 (Mon 23 Mar 2021)Ouarzazat to Marrakech

Your first stop this morning is the Atlas Film Studios — the largest in the world. It is then onto Ksar Ait-Ben-Haddou which is probably the best example of a traditional pre-Saharan village.

After lunch we continue towards Marrakech, traveling through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass — the highest of its kind in Morocco. Arrive late afternoon with some free time prior to dinner.

After a full day driving, we’ve elected to have dinner at the hotel this evening rather than head out again.

Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 (Tue 23 Mar 2021)Marrakech

Conference Sessions 5 & 6 will take place this morning followed by lunch at the hotel.

You’ll then enjoy an afternoon tour of Marrakech including the Saaidian Tombs, The Bahai Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, and the vast Jemma el-Fna Square. Return to the hotel late afternoon.

You’ll head to one of the cities best restaurants for dinner tonight.

Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 (Wed 25 Mar 2021)Marrakech

Your final full day in Morocco includes a visit to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum which is devoted entirely to the works of the legendary fashion designer. From there, you’ll visit the Jardin Majorelle — one of the most visited sites in Morocco. You’ll have ample time to wander through the superb gardens and explore the Berber Museum before lunch.

The afternoon has been left free for you to do any last-minute shopping or to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.

A Farewell Dinner will take place this evening.

Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel Marrakech

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 (Thu 26 Marh 2021)Marrakech

MORNING

The Magical Morocco itinerary ends today. Participants will be transferred to the airport for their onward flights.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Travel Options & Extensions

Given everything that has happened in the travel industry of late – you’re correct to be vigilant about where you spend your travel dollar.

Amaco is not only a member of AFTA, the Australian Federation of Travel Agents but we are also ATAS Travel Accredited. This means we have met strict industry standards and criteria. Only the best industry agents achieve this accreditation meaning that you can travel with us knowing that you’re in safe and capable hands.

With almost 25 years’ experience in planning and running conferences, we understand that participants often want to add additional travel destinations and adventures either before or after the all-inclusive packages we provide.

Other operators might discourage you from doing this. Sometimes, it’s because of the added complexity it creates and at other times they’ll try to talk you out of it simply because they don’t have capable or experienced consultants with the breadth and depth of the consultants we employ.

Australia is such a long way from many of the places we conference in – so we encourage all participants to make the most of the time away. This might mean departing earlier than the rest of the group and visiting other destinations before meeting up with the main group at the conference or staying on at the conclusion and doing some additional travel.

Either way – our consultants are perfectly positioned to assist you with making these arrangements and will do all the hard work for you – seamlessly combining your personalised itinerary with the group program.

CAN I BOOK MY OWN FLIGHTS?

Yes… not a problem. We understand that people may have a preferred Travel Agent they want to use and we don’t have any issues with you doing so. We’ll advise you of suggested arrival and departure times to allow you to make use of our group transfers.

That said though… we do have experiences consultants who are ready and waiting to help… even if that means just giving you a comparison price – nothing wrong with some competition.

We do ask for a copy of your itinerary so that we can double-check it to ensure that it fits with our program and group itinerary.

One word of warning, however, when booking flights independently – as the non-ticketing Agent we’re not notified of any changes or cancellations to your booking. If anything changes with your booking, it will be up to your agent to contact you and then for you to contact us.

It is also worth pointing out that even though we’ll have experienced staff members escorting the group during the conference, as the non-ticketing Agent we are unable to make contact or deal with the airline on your behalf.

CAN I CHOOSE MY OWN CLASS OF TRAVEL?

We used to include flights in our travel package but found that in many cases the fares were more expensive than the best available daily fares or were not applicable for people who were looking to extend pre or post the main conference travel dates.

We also felt it was unfair on you, as a participant, to unknowingly pay a premium for a more flexible group fare when you are already committed to attending the conference.

By not including the airfare in the package, you are able to work with one of our experienced and knowledgeable Travel Consultants to arrange flights on any airline and from any destination depending on your preferences…. including the class of travel.

CAN I VISIT OTHER DESTINATIONS BEFORE OR AFTER THE CONFERENCE?

In short….. Yes!

You’re encouraged to talk to our experienced travel consultants to learn more about the options open to you either before or after the conference itineraries. We will gladly work with you to put together a personalised itinerary that can include as much or as little as you want.

We believe it is important for your own peace of mind to know that our consultants are all employed directly by Amaco Small Group Tours and are located in our office.

We don’t subcontract out the travel to a third party which means you can be comfortable knowing that whatever arrangements you make through Amaco will be tied together with the conference program to make one continuous, seamless travel itinerary. We’ll put as much care and effort into your extension as we put into the planning of the conference.

Whether it is simply booking some airport transfers with a couple of nights accommodation through to more elaborate arrangements we are perfectly positioned to incorporate any individual travel plans into your overall conference itinerary.

Email or call us so we can put together your perfect itinerary.

WHAT ABOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE?

Much has been said about the value of travel insurance – especially given the broad-based exclusion policies many underwriters have in place which protects them from claims resulting from pandemics and epidemics.

Amaco provides travel insurance from some of the most reputable companies in the industry including Cover-More, SureSave and AussieTravelCover – and always at competitive rates. Over the last few months, there have been a number of enhancements to the policies available which many of the credit card policies do not include.

Please call our office and we will gladly work with you to obtain a quote from any or all of our insurance suppliers.

Education

Amaco is an Accredited Education Provider for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural & Remote Medicine.

Each conference we run includes an education syllabus that assists GP’s, pharmacists and health professionals to improve the quality of care they provide to patients and customers while at the same time providing them the opportunity to travel to and experience new and exciting destinations.

Our conference will allow delegates the opportunity to earn CPD points based on the content and time in session. As has been the case with past conferences, we will work closely with participants affiliated with other associations to ensure that they receive maximum recognition for attending the conference.

The content of the education sessions will be relevant to GPs, Medical Specialists, Pharmacists, Dentists, Nurses and other health providers. We encourage all attendees to register for the conference sessions.

The Education Committee for the Magical Morocco Conference will be selected in the third or fourth quarter of 2020 with final conference topics to be chosen based on the feedback from our previous conference attendees and with input from the RACGP, ACRRM and Medical Journals. Suitable speakers will be approached based on the topics selected.

Subject to final accreditation, the Magical Morocco Conference will include an Accredited Education Activity (formerly Category 1 Activity) affording delegates the opportunity to earn up to 40 points.

ACRRM members can also expect the education program to be accredited and to earn CPD points. RACGP and ACRRM accreditation will be applied for under the triennium 2020 to 2022.

As has been the case in the past, Amaco will work with pharmacy bodies and those affiliated with other associations to ensure that they receive maximum recognition for attending the conference.

We welcome applications from potential presenters and encourage anyone interested to contact us to obtain further information.

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