Mystical Marrakech Overland Adventure (Double Accommodations)
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Port
Agadir, Morocco
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All,68
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$999
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
2 Days/ 1 Night
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Meals Included
Meals included
Day 1 (L/D)
Leave the ship and begin the approximately 3½-hour road journey to Marrakech.
Approaching Marrakech, you'll glimpse the reddish-brown ramparts that encircle a large part of the city -- one of its premier sights. Enter through one of the imposing gates and discover the Pink City, with lunch at a traditional Moroccan restaurant at the heart of the Medina.
In the afternoon, visit one of the jewels of Marrakech - the holy site of Medersa Ben Youssef. The current structure of this Koranic school was built around 1570. It is the biggest Medersa (school) in the whole of the Maghreb (west). Opposite the entrance to the Ben Youssef Mosque, teh Qoubba Almoravides was the ablution (Christian washing ritual) center for believers going to the mosque.
Next, your guide leads you on a stroll through the medina (Old Town). Its narrow alleys are filled with the aroma of exotic spices and an endless variety of shops, selling everything from carpets to old books and antiques.
At the heart of Marrakech is the famous Djemaa el Fna Square, whose fame is based on its charm rather than its beauty. Something is always happening here -- there is an almost-tangible atmosphere. It is where people meet in the daytime, but the square really comes to life in the evening when musicians, acrobats, snake-charmers, vendors and storytellers entertain an appreciative audience. Spend some time at leisure here.
Head to the hotel to check in and freshen up. Transfer to a local authentic restaurant for a Moroccan dinner. Overnight in Marrakech. Overnight at Savoy Le Grand Hotel OR Similar
Day 2 (B/L)
Check out of your hotel after breakfast and set out for a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. You'll travel alongside the magnificent ramparts of the city.
You're headed to the Majorelle Garden. Lovely shaded grounds, graced by exotic trees and plants combined with the appeal of the museum, make the Majorelle Garden a favorite destination for visitors and locals alike. The gardens were once the home and haven of the garden's namesake -- French painter Jacques Majorelle, who was born in 1886 and settled in Marrakech in 1924. Here, he created a serene retreat with a stunning home, spacious work studio and vast garden in which he could indulge his botanical interests by growing plants and trees from around the world. The property was later sold to Yves Saint-Laurent, the famous couturier, and Pierre Berge.
Next, visit the Dar el Bahia Palace. Built by the Grand Vizier Ba Ahmed, this grand residence is a warren of close, intimate rooms, beautifully adorned with unique mosaics and ceiling decorations, and edged by small gardens and courtyards. Highlights of your palace exploration include an introduction to the magnificent council chamber, the central, marble-paved courtyard, and the apartments of the Sultan's favorite concubine.
You will also admire cultural treasures such as the Koutoubia Mosque, which for centuries dominated the skyline of Marrakech. Indeed, the historic mosque is the tallest in Marrakech. Completed in 1199, the building boasts a famous minaret that was used as a model for Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat. Spend some time at Koutoubia Mosque contemplating its decorative flourishes and interesting past before you enjoy lunch at Dar Rhizlane Restaurant.
All too soon, it's time to set off on the approximately four-hour drive by air-conditioned motorcoach to Casablanca, where you will head to the pier and re-board the ship.
Notes:
Monuments and shops are closed on holidays. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Daytime temperatures are high. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses, wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Bring local currency, as many vendors do not accept credit cards or US dollars. Do not take photos of military personnel without their consent. Always mind your belongings, particularly at tourist points of interest or in crowded places. The tour is guided; an escort from the ship's staff may or may not also accompany the group. You must book this overland PRIOR to sailing. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants. The cut-off date is 60 days before the ship's call. Due to the popularity of this tour and strict booking conditions, cancellation fees start 60 days prior to the call. Accommodation is included (hotels are subject to change). Airport assistance and transfers, transportation by air-conditioned coach, all entrance fees indicated in the itinerary, an English-speaking guide (unless otherwise noted), water on the vehicle, and meals (as indicated) are also included. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Bring your passport with you on tour. Important information regarding visa requirements: It is solely each participant's responsibility to obtain any necessary visas, tourist cards and vaccinations, if required, to participate in Overland Adventures and/or Overnights and to keep apprised of any policy changes. Visas may be required for any/all countries your tour departs from and travels through and for the country where you will re-join the ship. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the cruise. Your travel agent can assist you with your visa needs. If you require further assistance, Holland America Line's preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. US and Canadian citizens can reach them by phone or email: US citizens: 866 788 1100 or email customerservice@cibtvisa.com. Canadian citizens: 866 935 8472 or email customerservice@cibtvisas.ca. CIBTvisas phone numbers and email addresses for Dutch, German, Australian, United Kingdom, Belgian, Singapore, Spanish, Swiss and French citizens can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of Holland America Line's website, in the Cruise Preparation area. Applications and additional information can be downloaded from the CIBTvisas website at https://CIBTvisas.com/hollandamerica. You must advise CIBTvisas of your Overland Adventures or Overnights, as the visa requirements for these vacation enhancements may vary from those required for your cruise.