Ze Casbah
Intimate Morocco
August 30 - September 9, 2007
“COME WEEZ ME TO ZE CASBAH”
The word “Casbah” refers to any old fortress city in North
Africa. It is one of the great myths of the movies that Charles Boyer
(as Pepe Le Moko) uttered these classic words to Hedy Lamarr in the
movie “Algiers.” In actuality Pepe Le Peuw, a parody of
Boyer’s character, said the phrase in a 1949 cartoon. Whatever
the source, the word “Casbah” suggests a place of mystery,
excitement and romance. The image that comes to mind is of Humphrey
Bogart and Ingrid Bergman spooning and swooning in “Casablanca,”
a movie set in a coastal city in exotic Morocco. Toto Tours invites
you to Ze Casbah, where there is infinitely more to see and
do than visit Rick’s Café.
Morocco offers a tremendous diversity of atmosphere
and activities, and is vastly different from north to south. The most
popular destinations are the Imperial Cities of Casablanca, Fez, Meknes
and Marrakech. These cities are dominated with “medinas”
or walled cities dating back hundreds of years. Many have magnificent
villas, but most astonishing are the palatial dwellings restored by
Europeans and Americans. Walking through these walled cities transports
you back in time to understand the history and culture of these wonderful
people.
Moroccans are immeasurably friendly and hospitable.
Shopkeepers will typically invite you to sit and have traditional mint
tea, or a new acquaintance may invite you to his home for a special
meal featuring couscous. Moroccan cuisine is held in high regard worldwide,
and this is certainly not the place to diet. Morocco is truly a feast
for both the eyes and the palette.
There is something intangibly magnetic about
Morocco. This has been proven over and over by the numbers of people
who have chosen it as a second home, or who visit it regularly. It is
the playground of distinguished writers, sophisticated bohemians, artists,
showbiz stars, and great film directors.
Toto Tours offers a magical journey to
Morocco with a wide range of activities as diverse as the country itself.
Travel to the Imperial Cities, careen over Saharan sand dunes in four-wheel
drive vehicles, thrill to a sunset camel ride to a desert oasis, and,
most of all, experience the sultry allure of the casbah. This is an
adventure unlike any other, and one you don’t want to miss. Come
weez us to . . . Ze Casbah!
ITINERARY
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Depart from New York City
Depart New York City’s JFK International Airport today on Royal
Air Maroc Flight AT201 at 6:40pm. Your tour cost includes the price
of this flight.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Arrival in Casablanca / Rabat
Our Royal Air Maroc flight arrives in Casablanca at 6:40 this morning.
Pass through simple customs formalities (no visa required for US passport
holders), then enjoy a brief overview sightseeing tour of Casablanca,
Morocco’s business capital. The highlight is a visit to the new
Hassan II Mosque on the ocean, the second largest mosque in the world
after Mecca and the only one open for guided tours to non-Muslims. This
site is a magnificent example of true Moroccan architecture and handcrafted
opulence.
Continue by motorcoach one hour up the coast
from Casablanca to Rabat, Morocco’s capital. A tour of the city
includes the Kasbah of Oudaya, the 12th century Hassan Tower and Chella,
and the mausoleum of Mohammed V, the father of Morocco’s present
king. We also drive by the Royal Palace and other government buildings.
We celebrate the launching of our tour with a Welcome Dinner at Les
Casseroles En Folie, rated the best French restaurant in the country. (Breakfast
/ Welcome Dinner)
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Meknes & Volubilis / Fez
After breakfast travel to Meknes, a former imperial city. Tour the
old ramparts, the Agdoul Basin (which was used to water the royal gardens
and amuse the favorite concubines), the Moulay Ismail royal stables,
granaries, and Dar el Ma (House of Water), built in the 17th and 18th
centuries to house, feed and water the sultan’s 12,000 horses.
Also visit the Bab el Mansour, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco,
and the Moulay Ismail mausoleum, one of the few holy sites open to non-Muslims.
Continue on to Volubilis, the Roman capital
of northwestern Africa, with impressive and well-preserved Roman ruins,
including approximately 30 mosaic floors dating back to 25 BC. Upon
arrival in Fez, we check in to our hotel for a free evening. (Breakfast)
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Fez
Today enjoy a full day guided sightseeing tour of this famous Imperial
City, highlighting the old and new medinas. Sites will include the Medersas
(religious schools) of Bou Inania and Attarine, Nejjarine Fountain,
the picturesque Bab Bajloud gate, and the Karaouyine Mosque, the largest
in all of North Africa. The quaintness that characterizes Fez continues
through the narrow streets of the medina, many only four feet wide.
We will also tour the city’s souks, the intriguing open-air marketplaces
of Morocco. Dinner tonight is at the fabulous Maison
Bleue. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Monday, September 3, 2007
Erfoud
After breakfast, drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping
in Midelt to visit the Blue Spring of Meski, en route to Erfoud. In
Erfoud, we are met by a caravan of 4x4 vehicles and proceed about an
hour off-road to the desert Dunes of Erg Chebbi, said to be the largest
in Morocco. Here we mount camels for a dramatic ride around the dunes
at sunset. We arrive at a specifically prepared campsite for dinner
and entertainment, enjoying local Berbere music around a campfire, then
a multi-course Berber desert dinner. We enjoy the adventure of an overnight
stay in the desert in deluxe Berbere tents. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
1000 Kasbahs to Ouarzazate
We start our day very early for the long, though picturesque, drive
(6 hours) along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs. Pass by palm grove oases
and kasbah dwellings through the Dades Valley, along the Gorges of Todra
(with its impossibly high cliffs), and through the Skoura Kasbah. Finally,
we arrive in Ouarzazate, which has been Morocco’s center for international
filmmaking. Late afternoon check-in at our hotel, and the rest of the
evening is free. (Breakfast)
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Ait Ben Haddou / Marrakech
This morning, visit the impressive Ait Ben Haddou, an 11th century
structure designated a UNESCO historical treasure. Continue up the High
Atlas Mountains over the breathtaking Tiz N’Tichka Pass, then
through the fertile Haouz Plain to the “pink city” of Marrakech,
our home for the next four nights. The evening is free to check out
what is happening at the fantastic Djemaa el Fna Square. (Breakfast)
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Marrakech
After breakfast, embark on a city tour visiting the Menara Gardens,
its Saadian Pavilion, and olive groves. Visit the old medina with its
wondrous old world exotic charm, wandering through the labyrinth of
back streets and alleyways. Afterwards, tour the Saadian Tombs and Bahia
Palace with lush Moorish-style gardens. Finally, stroll Djemaa el Fna
Square, site of one of the world’s liveliest marketplaces, full
of snake charmers, dancers and sellers of all kinds. The remainder of
the day is free for independent adventures. (Breakfast)
Friday, September 7, 2007
Essaouira
After breakfast enjoy a full day excursion to the Atlantic coast and
the unique fishing village of Essaouira, stopping en route at a fascinating
Women’s Handicrafts Co-op. Tour Essaouira’s medina, famous
for its works of local artists in paintings, pottery, and carvings from
Thuya wood. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own. In late
afternoon return to Marrakech for overnight. (Breakfast)
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Free Day / Farewell Dinner
The entire day is free in Marrakech to do your last-minute souvenir
shopping, additional sightseeing, or relaxing at our wonderful hotel.
This evening, Toto Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner at Le Yacout, a traditional
Moroccan restaurant rated one of the best in the country. (Breakfast
/ Farewell Dinner)
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Departure
The tour ends officially after breakfast this morning. We provide a
transfer to the Marrakech Airport for our return flight departing Marrakech
at 9:55am and returning to New York (via Casablanca) at 3:30pm the same
day. (Breakfast)
ACCOMMODATIONS
(Click hotel name to read description)
Rabat: Farah
Hotel Rabat
Fez: Jnan
Palace Hotel
Erfoud: Deluxe Bivouac in the Desert
Ouarzazate: Le
Berbere Palace
Marrakech: Sofitel
Hotel
PREPARING FOR THIS TOUR
Entry Requirements—For U.S. Citizens a valid
passport is the only document required to enter Morocco for stays of
up to 60 days.
Immunizations—No immunizations are currently
required for travel to Morocco, but it is wise to have your inoculations
up-to-date. Is your tetanus booster current?
Exit Requirements—There is currently no separate
departure tax required of visitors leaving Morocco other than that included
with the cost of your airline ticket.
Suggested Viewing
(movies filmed in Morocco)
- Hideous Kinky (1998) w/ Kate Winslet.
- The Sheltering Sky (1990) w/ Debra Winger.
- The Mummy (1999) w/ Brendan Fraser.
- The Man Who Would Be King (1975) w/ Michael Caine.
WHAT TO BRING
During September, the weather in Morocco is like late summer back home,
with cooler temperatures usually ranging from low 60s degrees F (at
higher elevations) to 90-92 degrees F (in the desert). We are staying
at lovely properties, and many of our included dinners are at upscale
restaurants. Nice casual clothes are appropriate for our group dinners.
Pack light and try to limit yourself to two small suitcases. Pack any
medications you require in a carry-on bag just in case your luggage
doesn’t arrive when you do. Leave expensive jewelry at home—it
marks you as a wealthy tourist and easy target!
Suggested Packing List:
____ Passport.
____ 2 pair nice casual long pants (chinos or khaki).
____ 1 pair denim jeans for camel ride.
____ 3 pair shorts.
____ Shirts, socks, underwear for 9 days.
____ Comfortable walking shoes.
____ Daypack or fanny pack.
____ T-shirts (4 – 5).
____ Casual, long sleeved shirts (4 - 5) for dinners.
____ Sunscreen / lip balm.
____ Sunglasses.
____ Personal toiletries.
____ Swimsuit.
____ Camera and extra batteries / film or digital memory.
____ A good book for the long flights.
MONEY MATTERS
The Moroccan monetary unit is the dirham (MAD), which is nominally
divided into 100 centimes but these are sometimes called francs. Coins
denominations are much like U.S. currency, in 1, 5, 10, and 25 centimes.
ATMs are widely available throughout the cities, with displays in English
and French, though they are nearly impossible to find in smaller towns.
Bank debit cards, Visa & Mastercards work in most ATMs for cash
withdrawals. Major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants,
shops and tourist attractions—but it is wise to always carry some
cash with you. As of September 25, 2006, the interbank exchange rate
was 8.70 MAD to the US $1.
To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations”
link above. Type in the information requested in each field, print the
form, then sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check.
You also have the option to pay for your tour deposit with a Visa or
MasterCard. The remaining balance is due 80 days prior to departure
(by June 10, 2007). Tour registration is not complete until we have
received both the form and your deposit check.
Toto Tours does not accept credit cards
as a form of payment except for the amount of the tour deposit ($500
maximum can be charged per tour). An installment plan is possible. Our
mailing address is: Toto Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
60626-4753. Make checks payable to: Toto Tours, Ltd.
LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS
Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to
these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole
or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness,
medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person
from whatever cause. All participants are required to sign a standard
liability form.
The tour operators reserve the right to accept
or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make
whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed
departure with a minimum of ten participants.
Toto Tours is not responsible for airline cancellation
or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants for air
tickets purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed
departure. All prices are based on September 25, 2006, currency exchange
rates and are subject to change in the event of a significant decline
in the value of the dollar.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated
from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages)
you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain
traits. They are:
- fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate
the positive;
- good natured realists who are willing to accept situations
as they exist;
- undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad
weather;
- willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for
granted;
- eager to try new things & test limits;
- punctual;
- not whiners!
Delight in the savory aromas and cuisine of Morocco and ride through
the desert at sunset atop a camel on this magical tour of Ze Casbahs
in Morocco. If you any questions, please call us toll free at: 800-565-1241.
THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)
Price: $3,695 double occupancy (including airfare
from New York)
Private Room: $600 extra, if available. (Paying a
single supplement is not required. Toto Tours can match you with a roommate
if you are traveling alone and prefer to share a room.)
Deposit: $500 (Due at time of registration for the
tour. May be paid with a credit card.)
Remaining Balance: $3,195 double / $3,795 single
(Assumes a $500 deposit has already been received.)
Remaining Balance Due: June 10, 2007
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this
date.)
Included: Round-trip air transportation from New York’s
JFK Airport; nine nights hotel accommodations; breakfast daily at our
hotels; Welcome and Farewell Dinners; air-conditioned coach transportation
throughout (except for jeeps at the desert); all meals and activities
as listed in the itinerary; fully guided and escorted tour.
Not Included: Ground transportation for any sightseeing
on your own (taxis, local guides, etc.); meals and optional activities
not specifically included in the itinerary; tips to local guides and
drivers, gratuities for waiters or porters; alcoholic beverages; insurance;
laundry; telephone calls; faxes; or any other expenses of a personal
nature.
A Note About Airfare: We have included round-trip
group airfare on Royal Air Maroc from JFK in New York, arriving into
Casablanca and returning from Marrakech. The cost is less than can be
obtained publicly, and includes all taxes and airport fees. We are only
holding 20 seats, and must release unsold space 90 days prior to departure.
The fare is not upgradable and is not good for travel other than the
dates specified in the itinerary. If for some reason you decide to book
your own air transportation to Morocco, you may deduct $750.00 from
the published tour price.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend you purchase travel insurance with AIG Travel Guard to
cover for unforseen events prior to and during your trip. Please follow
the link below or call us for more information.
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