MOROCCO
Embark on a captivating journey through Morocco, a land of mesmerizing contrasts that beckons us with its ancient ruins and sacred mosques, boundless desert and majestic mountains, grand kasbahs, and vibrant souks. As we traverse the imperial cities of Rabat, Fez, and Marrakech, and venture into the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains and vast Sahara Desert, we are embraced by the allure of a truly foreign land, an ancient culture, and remarkably warm and welcoming people. Prepare to open your eyes and hearts to the wonders of Morocco as we embark on this extraordinary adventure.
Highlights
- Small group Limited to 24 participants
- Private Sahara sunset excursion and camel ride on the dunes
- Visits to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Ancient ruins of Volubilis
- Scenic “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs”
- Dramatic Todra Gorge and Atlas Mountains
- Kasbah of Ait ben-Haddou
- Fez
- Marrakech’s medina and Djemaa el Fna Square
- Storied Casablanca and Hassan II mosque
- Outstanding accommodations
Price: $5,695 per person, double occupancy, land only
$6,195 per person, double occupancy, with economy class round-trip airfare from Charlottesville, VA, plus $784 airline taxes and fees
Other Gateway Cities Are Available
A limited number of single rooms will be available for a supplement of $1,495 to the per person, double occupancy rates.
Air upgrades (subject to availability) on round-trip Trans-Atlantic flight: Business Class - $3,995 per person. Premium Economy - $1,395 per person.
Lisa teaches a broad range of courses on visual culture including a survey of architectural history. Her chief research interest is medieval visual culture. Her most recent book, The Invention of Norman Visual Culture: Art, Politics, and Dynastic Ambition (Cambridge University Press, 2020), establishes a new interpretive paradigm for the eleventh and twelfth-century art and architecture of the Norman world in France, England, and Sicily. Recently, she and Kevin Murphy co-edited a collection of essays, Skyscraper Gothic (UVA Press), and co-curated a related exhibit at UVA’s Fralin Museum of Art, which opened in September 2021. Lisa has published books on Peterborough Cathedral and Vassar College (with Karen Van Lengen). She is currently writing a Corpus Vitrearum volume on the stained glass of the late medieval parish church, St. Michael le Belfrey, with Mary Shepard. In 2018, Lisa was awarded the Jefferson Scholars Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching. She held the NEH/Horace Goldsmith Distinguished Teaching Chair of Art and Architectural History (1999-2002).
Lisa has traveled extensively with Cavalier Travels, most recently to Scotland, Cuba, India, the French and Italian Rivieras, Japan, Egypt, and Iceland.
DAY 2 – Monday, November 11, 2024
Arrive Casablanca/Rabat
Upon arrival this afternoon in Casablanca, the commercial center of Morocco, we transfer by coach to Rabat and our hotel located near famed Hassan Tower. We have time to relax and refresh before dinner tonight at the hotel.
La Tour Hassan Dinner (D)
DAY 3 – Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Rabat
One of Morocco’s four ancient capitals, or imperial cities, Rabat is again the country’s capital, at once historic and contemporary, as we discover on today’s tour. We visit the necropolis of Chellah, built on ancient Roman ruins, and the Mohammed VI contemporary art museum then have lunch in a private home. On tap this afternoon: the 12th-century Kasbah of the Oudaias, the peaceful Andalusian Gardens, and Rabat’s medina, a UNESCO site. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner of traditional Moroccan fare at acclaimed Dinarjat in Rabat’s Old Town.
La Tour Hassan (B,L,D)
DAY 4 – Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Meknes/Volubilis/Fez
This morning we depart Rabat for Fez, stopping along the way in Meknes, Morocco’s youngest imperial city (and UNESCO World Heritage site). Here we visit the Dar Jamai Museum, housing a collection of traditional Moroccan ceramics, jewelry, textiles, metalwork, and cedarwood crafts. Then we continue to the ancient Roman ruins at the UNESCO site of Volubilis, known for its intricate and colorful mosaics. Late afternoon we reach Fez and our elegant hotel overlooking the medina.
Dar Lys (B,L,D)
DAY 5 – Thursday, November 14, 2024
Fez
Today we explore Morocco’s oldest imperial city, considered the “Athens of Africa” for its wealth of cultural, educational, and religious institutions. We begin with a comfortable walk through the Fez medina, where we see some hidden treasures, including the Blue Gate, the most picturesque of the Old City’s historic gates; the medieval school of Bouanania; the 12th-century home of Jewish scholar Maimonides; and the authentic food market. We also visit the traditional quarter where we watch artisans craft the acclaimed Fez pottery and ceramics. After lunch together in the medina, we tour the old Mellah (Jewish quarter) and its 17th-century synagogue and the royal gates.
Dar Lys (B,L,D)
DAY 6 – Friday, November 15, 2024
Fez
We begin today with a visit to the Al-Attarine Madrasa, whose highlight is a small courtyard showcasing intricately detailed tilework and carving decorations dating to the early 1300s. We then continue our discovery on a walking tour of the medina focusing on the artisans’ quarters, the 14th-century Koranic schools, and Al Karaouine, the medieval theological university. The remainder of the afternoon is free for independent exploration and lunch on our own. Tonight, we enjoy a private dinner at an intimate family-run riad in Fez.
Dar Lys (B,D)
DAY 7 – Saturday, November 16, 2024
Midelt/Erfoud
Traveling inland today, we cross the fertile plains beyond Fez and continue through the Middle Atlas mountain range. We stop in the small town of Midelt for lunch. Continuing on we cross the Ziz River, passing rows of sky-scraping palm trees and fortified villages before reaching our kasbah-style hotel in Erfoud late in the day. Dinner tonight is at our hotel.
Le Palais du Désert (B,L,D)
DAY 8 – Sunday, November 17, 2024
Erfoud/Rissani/Merzouga
This morning we visit the city of Rissani, with its 18th-century ksar, a virtually impenetrable warren of alleys. We enjoy a tour highlight this afternoon as we set out on a sunset excursion to the breathtakingly beautiful sand dunes at Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara. In the enormous silence we watch the sun set over the desert as we take a camel ride along the erg. Following this experience, we’ll have dinner together in this desert setting before returning to our hotel tonight.
Le Palais du Désert (B,L,D)
DAY 9 – Monday, November 18, 2024
Erfoud/Tinehir/Todra Gorge/Ouarzazate
Our destination today is in the snow-topped High Atlas. The day features one beautiful scene after another, including the village of Tinehir, a stunning mountain oasis rising on a series of riverside terraces lush with palm trees; and the spectacular 984-foot Todra Gorge, home to a variety of rare bird and plant species. Following lunch here we visit El Kelaa des Mgouna, known for its roses, then set out on the fabled “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs” ancient caravan route, a region of fortresses with elaborately decorated façades. Late afternoon we reach the town of Ouarzazate (the “door of the desert”) where we spend the night.
Le Berbere Palace (B,L,D)
DAY 10 – Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Ait ben-Haddou & Marrakech
En route to Marrakech today, we stop first at uninhabited Ait ben-Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of southern Morocco’s most scenic villages that is often used as a location for fashion and film shoots. Its old section consists of deep red kasbahs packed together so tightly they appear to be a single unit. Then as we begin our descent from the High Atlas, we pass through typical villages with fortified walls and stone houses with earthen roofs. In Tizi N’Tichka, we traverse the Pass of the Pastures (alt. 7,415 feet), where life is much as it was centuries ago: shepherds bring their flocks to the high pastures every summer, then return with them to their villages in autumn. We arrive in Marrakech late this afternoon and dine tonight at our hotel.
Sofitel Marrakech (B,L,D)
DAY 11 – Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Marrakech
Once the capital of southern Morocco, the imperial city of Marrakech is an alluring oasis with a temperate climate, distinct charm, and fascinating sights. Our day-long tour includes the beautifully proportioned Koutoubia Mosque with its distinctive 282-foot minaret visible from miles away; the lovely Andalusian-style El Bahia Palace (part of which is still used by the royal family); and the ruins of 16th-century Palais El Badii. After lunch at our hotel, mid-afternoon we embark on a walking tour of the medina, ending at Djemaa el Fna Square, a UNESCO site and the heart of Marrakech, crowded with snake charmers, entertainers, storytellers, musicians, barbers, and sellers of fruit, water, and spices. Dinner tonight is on our own in this exotic city.
Sofitel Marrakech (B,L)
DAY 12 – Thursday, November 21, 2024
Marrakech
This morning we travel by horse-drawn carriage from Menara Park to Majorelle Gardens, a private botanical garden with some 15 species of birds native to North Africa and known for its cobalt blue accents. Following a tour of the gardens we visit the nearby Yves St. Laurent Museum, housing a vast collection of the designer’s haute couture and design works. The afternoon is at leisure before dinner tonight at a local restaurant in the city’s Old Town.
Sofitel Marrakech (B,D)
DAY 13 – Friday, November 22, 2024
Marrakech/Casablanca
We leave Marrakech this morning by coach for storied Casablanca, Morocco’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. After a brief orientation tour of the city, we visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, Morocco’s only functioning mosque open to non-Muslims. Sitting on the Atlantic shoreline, the mosque boasts a prayer hall the size of London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. Tonight we celebrate our Moroccan adventure at a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Le Casablanca Hotel (B,D)
DAY 14 – Saturday, November 23, 2024
Depart for U.S.
After breakfast this morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.
Breakfast (B)
Please note: This trip involves full days of sightseeing and significant amounts of walking on stairs and uneven surfaces. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour to its fullest.
- La Tour Hassan – 2 nights
- Dar Lys – 3 nights
- Le Palais du Désert – 2 nights
- Le Berbere Palace – 1 night
- Sofitel Marrakech – 3 nights
- Le Casablanca Hotel – 1 night
Meals
31 meals: 12 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 11 dinners
Price: $5,695 per person, double occupancy, land only
$6,195 per person, double occupancy, with economy class round-trip airfare from Charlottesville, VA, plus $884 airline taxes and fees
Other Gateway Cities Are Available
A limited number of single rooms will be available for a supplement of $1,495 to the per person, double occupancy rates.
Air upgrades (subject to availability) on round-trip Trans-Atlantic flight: Business Class - $3,995 per person. Premium Economy - $1,395 per person.
Price includes: Round-trip air transportation from specific cities; 12 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe, Superior First Class, and First Class hotels; extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees; services of a professional Tour Director; private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip; luggage handling for one bag per person; gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers.
Price Does not include: Airfare and airport transfers when purchasing a Land Only package; airfare from your hometown to your departure city; costs of passports and visas; immunizations and inoculations; personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, room service, and meals not specified; communication charges; optional sightseeing; gratuities to your Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director, which are at your discretion (suggested gratuities: $10–$15 per traveler, per day); and travel protection insurance. Additional baggage fees may apply and are subject to change at any time. You should confirm directly with your airline(s) prior to departure. Anything not specifically listed as included.
Ready to register? The best way to do this is by phone so that we can ensure we are meeting all of your needs. Please call us at 866-765-2646 or e-mail cavaliertravels@virginia.edu with your contact information and the best time to reach you.
A deposit of $500 per person (a $200 service fee is non-refundable) is required to reserve your spot. Final invoicing will be done approximately 110 days prior to departure. Final payment is due 95 days prior to departure (August 7, 2024).
Your reservation is not confirmed until your deposit is paid and processed. Payment may be made by American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or VISA, or by personal check. If paying by check, please make check payable to our tour operator, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc.
Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., reserves the right to cancel any reservations that are not paid in full at any time after final payment is due. If you make your reservation after the final payment date, payment in full will be required upon reservation.
Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.
Please read this information carefully, as payment of a $500 deposit per person represents your acceptance of the following Terms and Conditions.
Cavalier Travels reserves the right to use photos that might include you in marketing materials and for other purposes unless you specify otherwise.
Payment Schedule: A deposit of $500 per person (a $200 service fee is non-refundable) confirms your reservation. The balance of your invoice is due 95 days (August 7, 2024) before departure.
Cancellation, Refunds, and Changes: If you must cancel your trip, the effective date of cancellation will be upon the University of Virginia’s receipt of your notification. Refunds for cancellations are subject to the following per person charges: cancel 95 days or more before departure: $200 charge; cancel 94-65 days before departure: 25% of tour price; cancel 64-45 days before departure: 50% of tour price; cancel 44-30 days before departure: 75% of tour price; cancel 29-0 days before departure: no refund. If you make any changes to your reservation from 94 to 30 days prior to departure, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. will apply a $100 per person administrative fee, in addition to any fees or penalties imposed by third parties. Changes are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. If your reservation changes from double occupancy to single occupancy for any reason, you will be charged the single supplement. No changes are allowed within 30 days of departure.
Upon reservation, you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport, as well as your date of birth and gender. In the event an airline ticket is issued with incorrect information you have provided, you will be responsible for charges associated with the ticket’s reissue.
Responsibility: The liability of the University of Virginia, as sponsor, and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., as tour operator, is strictly limited. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. purchases transportation, hotel accommodations, and restaurant and other services from independent suppliers not under our control. We serve only as agents for these suppliers in securing tour arrangements, and therefore will not accept responsibility for wrongful, negligent, or arbitrary acts or omissions of these independent contractors, or of their employees, agents, servants, or representatives. The University of Virginia and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. are not liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, or delay that may be caused by events not within our control, including, without limitation, acts of terrorism, war, strikes, the defect of any vehicle, or the negligence or default of any third party. All coupons, receipts, and tickets issued are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the air carriers, cruise lines, and other independent suppliers. We will make every effort to operate our tours as planned, but we reserve the right to make itinerary changes as necessary. If unforeseen circumstances require us to change a hotel, we will select alternative accommodations of the same or better quality.
Health and Medical Issues: We request that you be in good health to participate in this University of Virginia tour. There is a considerable amount of walking, and you must be able to get on and off motorcoaches on your own. We regret that we cannot offer individual assistance; in such cases you must be accompanied by a companion who will assist you. Please note that many of our itineraries, for reasons beyond our control, cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Please call or e-mail us to inquire and we will do our best to answer any questions you may have. We reserve the right to remove anyone whose physical or mental condition, in our opinion, compromises the operation of the tour or detracts from the enjoyment or safety of the other passengers. In that event, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and the University of Virginia assume no financial responsibility for any unused portion of the tour.
Air Transportation – Important Information: Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. includes in its tour price round-trip economy air from designated gateway cities, and contracts with those airlines the company feels provide the level of service, routings, and value necessary for your entire trip. While another airline may offer a more direct connection, it may be at a price unavailable at the lower group rates. You will receive your preliminary air schedule approximately 2½ months prior to departure. Please note that seat assignment on your international flight is usually done at airport check-in. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. is unable to guarantee any seat assignments. Due to the nature of tour operator tickets, other restrictions apply, including, but not limited to, frequent flyer mileage accrual, stopovers, alternate travel dates, upgrades, and airline taxes and fees. If you prefer to make your own travel arrangements, Land Only is available on most tours. Since international and domestic air schedules are subject to change at any time, we recommend that if you choose to make your own airline reservations, you do not purchase non-refundable tickets or those with high penalties for changes. If you choose to make your own air arrangements, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. shall not have any liability for any loss resulting from cancellation of this tour or changes in this tour.