Enjoy the rare opportunity to explore one of the world’s most fascinating destinations in a small private group with knowledgeable guides that will enhance your understanding of the attractions off the beaten path.
During this two-day exploration of Morocco, you will discover the fascinating history and culture of Marrakech and behold its architectural treasures before heading to Casablanca for another wonderful cultural experience.
Day 1
After disembarking the ship in the modern city of Agadir, you will drive inland to Marrakech. As an introduction to the architectural wonders of the Red City, you will visit the Bahia Palace, one of Morocco’s most spectacular buildings. Constructed in the late 19th century, it is an artistic masterpiece of Moroccan architecture with Andalusian character. Highlights include an expansive marble-tile courtyard, lavishly painted cedar ceilings, colorful mosaics and intricate latticework.
Following lunch at a traditional restaurant downtown, you will continue to the walled medina and its maze of alleys and side streets. After browsing the seemingly endless souks, you will enjoy more free time in Jemaa el-Fnaa square. You can’t help but marvel at the activity in this long-time gathering place in the heart of Marrakesh. Expect to see snake charmers, fortune tellers and a myriad of other colorful characters. The square is so representative of the fabric of Marrakech that UNESCO included it on its List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Later in the afternoon, you will check into the Hotel Sofitel Marrakech Lounge and Spa or similar for a bit of relaxation before dinner. A horse-drawn carriage will bring you to the restaurant, where you will watch a traditional show while dining. The belly dancers in the show will perform to Gnawa music, a deeply hypnotic music marked by low-toned, rhythmic melodies played on a skin-covered lute. Following the performance, you will return to the hotel for the evening.
Day 2
After breakfast and check out from the hotel, you will take a brief but panoramic drive through Marrakech as a prelude to the photo stop at Koutoubia Mosque, whose soaring minaret is the city’s most famous landmark. It dates from the late 12th century, when most of North Africa and the southern Iberian Peninsula were part of the Almohad Empire.
The natural wonders of Marrakech will be apparent as you meander through the Majorelle Gardens, which French painter Jacques Majorelle created in 1919. Plants from five continents are on display, many of them that Majorelle collected while traveling the world. French designer Yves Saint Laurent purchased the gardens in 1980 and restored them, as you will discover while touring the on-site Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
Lunch follows, after which you will settle in for a scenic drive to Casablanca. Before re-embarking the cruise ship in port, you will pause for photos of the modern Hassan II Mosque, which can accommodate 25,000 worshippers.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details and the times indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. The Destination Services team will provide a final update itinerary once you board ship. Please review it carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1:
8:00am Depart the port in Agadir
8:20am Drive toward Marrakech
12:15pm Visit the Bahia Palace in Marrakech
1:15pm Lunch
2:45pm Browse the medina and souks
4:00pm Free time at Jemaa El Fna Square
4:45pm Check in to the hotel
7:30pm Horse-drawn carriage transfer to the dinner venue
8:00pm Traditional dinner and show at Dar Marjana
TBA Return to the hotel
Overnight at the Hotel Sofitel Marrakech Lounge and Spa or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast and check out of the hotel
9:15am Enjoy a brief but panoramic drive through Marrakech
9:30am Pause for photos of the Koutoubia Mosque
10:00am Visit Majorelle Gardens and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
12:00pm Lunch at La Maison Arabe or a similar venue
1:30pm Drive to Casablanca for an exterior look at the Hassan II Mosque
5:30pm Re-embark the ship in Casablanca harbor
Expected Weather
May: Max 29 C (84 F) and min 15 C (59 F)
October: Max 28 C (82 F) and min 14 C (57 F)
What to Bring
Light loose clothing, comfortable shoes, sun protection and an umbrella.
Currency
MAD (Moroccan Dirham). USD and Euros are accepted in the tourist area shops
Electricity
220 volts. Bring a travel converter for electronic devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements
A valid passport is required.
Hotel Address
Hotel Sofitel Marrakech Lounge and Spa
Rue Harroun Errachid Quartier de l´Hivernage Marrakech 40000, Marrakech, Morocco
Phone: +212 5244-25600
*We will only substitute a hotel in unforeseen situations. If a hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotel listed in this program will be used.
Program includes
1 overnight at the Hotel Sofitel Marrakech Lounge and Spa – Superior Room
Touring, entrances and meals per the itinerary.
Beverages with meals – 1 soft drink + water during lunches and 2 glasses of wine as well as water at the dinner show
Program does not include
Gratuities for drivers and guides
Any meals or beverages not listed above.
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
