ACL Members vacation
The Colours of Morocco Royal cities, kasbahs and souks

Day 1 To Morocco

At 14:55 flight (Luxair) from Luxembourg to Marrakech (arrival at 18:35), transfer to hotel in Marrakech. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Opera Plaza**** in Marrakech. (D)

Day 2 Marrakech

Marrakech has always been a centre of attraction for artists, bohemians and writers. The location in the middle of the large palm oasis and the incomparable flair of the city enchants all travellers to this day. The beautiful minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque is today Marrakech’s landmark and has been the model for all Moroccan minarets since it was built in the 12th century. The magnificent Saadian tombs and the Bahia Palace, still resplendent today, are excellent examples of the splendour of that time. In the afternoon, stroll through the lively, typical Moroccan souks. Countless traders loudly offer their wares for sale, craftsmen hammer and forge their products, you don’t know where to look first. Your sightseeing tour ends at the world-famous Djemaa El Fna square, where not only traders but also storytellers, snake charmers, musicians and jugglers cavort in the late afternoon and evening. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Opera Plaza****. (B,D)

Day 3 Marrakech – Casablanca

After breakfast we drive north to the coastal city of Casablanca. The contrast to Marrakech could hardly be greater: Casablanca is now a modern city of millions, the undisputed economic and commercial metropolis of the country. At the same time, the Atlantic port city looks back on an exciting history. We stroll through the central market, the French-influenced Habous quarter and admire modern street art in EL Hank. The majestic Hassan II Mosque (outside visit) is located directly on the sea, a perfect photo motif. Its 200-metre-high minaret, along with that of the Koutoubia, is one of the most beautiful in the country – and, it is said, one of the highest in the world. Dinner and overnight at the Best Western Plus Hotel in Casablanca. (B,D)

Day 4 Casablanca – Rabat – Fes

It is only a few kilometres to the capital of Morocco, also situated on the Atlantic Ocean. Rabat is the most modern of the four royal cities and is much quieter than other cities in the country. The King reigns and resides here, and numerous embassies and international organisations and cultural institutes are based in the government quarter. French savoir-vivre and oriental life combine to create a synthesis of the arts, and the quality of life in Rabat is much higher than in other Moroccan cities. Your tour (outdoor visits) leads to the Royal Palace, through the Ouadaya Gardens and the picturesque Kasbah to the Hassan Tower, Rabat’s landmark, and the mausoleum of Mohamed V. Afterwards, you will drive to Fes, the next highlight of your trip. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Nour Plaza**** in Fes. (B,D)

Day 5 Fes

Fes is undisputedly one of the most beautiful cities on earth and remains the intellectual and spiritual centre of Morocco. The elegant city was built on several hills and looks back proudly on its history: the oldest city in the country is also the city where Morocco was founded as a state. Its old town, the medina, is one of the largest walled old towns in the world, with massive entrance gates, countless narrow alleys, narrow streets and enchanted squares.There is simply everything: mountains of fresh fruit and fragrant spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and Moroccan handicrafts of all quality levels. There is a leather goods souk, the spice merchants’ souk, the potters’ area and other colourful markets and workshops, all separated by guild. An indescribable firework display for the senses! You could stroll for days through this picturesque, unique medina, drink a cup of tea in between and then plunge back into the shopping hustle and bustle. Afterwards you will visit the Royal Palace. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight stay at Hotel Nour Plaza**** in Fes. (B,D)

Day 6 Free time, optional: Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes, lunch included

Organise the day according to your own taste. Alternatively, you can book a varied day trip: In the morning you will visit the ancient site of Volubilis, in the 2000 year old ruins your guide will tell you about the Roman capital life in the province of Mauretania Tingitana at that time and the importance of the site for today’s Morocco. Moulay Idriss is one of the holiest cities in Morocco and is home to the tomb of the state founder of the same name. Meknes is the smallest of the four royal cities. The magnificent Bab al Mansour, the most beautiful city gate in Morocco, is also worth seeing, as is the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, which is decorated with gold and stucco. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Nour Plaza**** in Fes. (B,D)

Day 7 Fes – Marrakech

Drive through the Middle Atlas, with views of it and of the High Atlas, to Marrakech. The drive takes all day, but the recurring panoramic views of the two mountains and the occasional walks through the villages make it seem short. Especially as it is an ideal opportunity to process what you have experienced. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the Hotel Opera Plaza**** in Marrakech. (B,D)

Day 8 Marrakech, factual: Jardin Majorelle & YSL incl. lunch, return flight to Luxembourg

Organise the day according to your own taste. Check-out in the morning. Plunge into the alleys of the Old Town in a shopping frenzy and haggle for souvenirs. Alternatively, you can pay an optional visit to the new Musée YSL and the paradisiacal Jardin Majrorelle. The extensive park fascinates with its abundance of exotic plants and the famous “Bleu Majorelle” by painter Jacques Majorelle, who had the first gardens laid out in 1923. Fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent bought the garden after the painter’s death and lived there until he died in 2008 and his ashes were scattered in the park. The YSL Museum opposite shows, among other things, the influences of Marrakech on the works of the world-famous fashion designer, who was fascinated by the city. This excursion includes lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon transfer to Marrakech airport, at 19.25 hrs flight (Luxair) back to Luxembourg (arrival at 22.50 hrs). (B)

B=breakfast, D=dinner.

Programme, hotel and flight times are subject to change.