Agadir to Casablanca: Mystical Marrakesh Overland Adventure (Single 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
$2299
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
3 Days/ 2 Night
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Meals Included
Meals included
Agadir is situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. An earthquake destroyed much of the city in 1962, but it has resurrected itself as a modern holiday resort town boasting more than 300 days of sunshine annually.
Meet your guide and depart by motorcoach for a brief orientation drive. At the summit of Cap Ghir, take in the stunning view of the city and sea below. The earthquake destroyed much of the ancient Kasbah (fort) built in 1540, but parts of it remain, and its front gate still bears the words, "Fear God and honor thy King," inscribed in Dutch. Enjoy some free time to explore the kasbah area and take a picture with a camel. Your guide offers some tips about shopping, photo opportunities, meeting times and haggling.
Continue to the town center for a photo opportunity outside the Tarboljt Mosque.
The colorful souks (markets) are the perfect place to unleash your razor-sharp bargaining skills as you purchase mementos from bemused Moroccan vendors.
A 50-minute drive brings you to the Tighanimine Women's Cooperative. Moroccan workers demonstrate step-by-step how Argan oil is sustainability processed. The cooperative employs 68 women. View the laboratory where the oil is tested and visit the boutique where the final products are on display.
Enjoy a delicious traditional Moroccan lunch at a local hotel.
The afternoon is spent on a scenic drive to Marrakech, arriving in time for dinner. The rest of the evening is on your own.
Hotel: The Savoy, Le Grand Hotel Marrakesh (or similar)
Day 2 (B/L/D)
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy an outside visit to the Koutoubia Mosque — a renowned emblem of Marrakech. Koutoubia's minaret inspired the architects of the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat. Built in the 12th century, this square tower of finely worked, dressed stone is 252 feet tall and dominates the Marrakech skyline.
Continue to the Bahia Palace — a small folly commissioned in 1880 by Sidi Moussa and a remarkable example of 19th-century Eastern architecture. It took 15 years to complete and demonstrates how the privileged lived in the Imperial City. Marble, stucco and mosaic textiles dominate in apartments opening onto courtyards filled with fountains and plant life.
Visit one of the jewels of Marrakech — Dar Si Said Museum. Although the museum has seen better days and parts of it are undergoing renovation, the building's graceful architecture alone makes a visit worthwhile. Admire traditional Berber culture exhibits, giving insight into everyday life in historical Morocco. Particularly noteworthy are the basin of Cordoba and the large wooden doors from the old storage houses in the Anti-Atlas.
Enjoy lunch at the heart of the medina (Old Town).
The Dar el Bacha Museum is one of the most beautiful palaces in the Ochre City. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, Dar el Bacha was the residence of Thami El Glaoui, Pasha of Marrakech.
Walk through the Jewish Quarter, where Moroccan and Spanish Jews studied in rabbinical schools.
A labyrinth of souks (markets) presents an opportunity for shopping. Souk Smarine is an important thoroughfare, traditionally dominated by the sale of textiles, clothing and Moroccan handicrafts. Its maze of colorful alleys and small squares is home to a dazzling array of stalls and ateliers devoted to specific crafts.
Finally, don't miss Djemaa el Fna Square — the beating heart of Marrakech, where a multitude of street artists, fire-eaters, mimes, snake-charmers and street musicians perform among stalls of dried fruits and leather goods.
Enjoy dinner at a renowned restaurant in the city.
Hotel: The Savoy, Le Grand Hotel Marrakesh (or similar)
Day 3 (B/L)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and take a horse and carriage ride to the Majorelle Gardens. Enjoy a short walk through the gardens, which belonged to the late Yves Saint Laurent. Today, they form a collection of plants from the four corners of the earth, flourishing among elegant ornamental lakes surrounding an Art Deco villa. Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé fell in love with the colors of Marrakech and resided here for much of their lives. Nearby, explore the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, housing more than 5,000 dresses and 15,000 valuable and memorable YSL haute couture accessories. Stunning blues and greens line one side of the entrance hall, reds and tangerines the other.
Lunch is served at a typical Moroccan palace.
After an exciting and eventful day, meet the ship in Casablanca. Time permitting, enjoy a panoramic drive through the city and a photo stop at Hassan II Mosque before re-embarking the ship.
Notes:
Monuments and shops are closed on holidays. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Daytime temperatures are high and 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. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants. You must book this overland PRIOR to sailing; the cut-off date is 60 days before the ship's call at Agadir. Accommodation is included (hotels are subject to change). Transfers (if any), transportation by air-conditioned coach, any flights and 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.
Cancellation Policy: This excursion is non-refundable within 60 days prior to arrival at Agadir. Any cancellations made after this deadline will be subject to full payment of the tour cost, including if you cancel your cruise within 60 days prior to arrival at Agadir.
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 <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.