Mediterranean Christian cruises
Christian cruise

Morocco Pre or Post-cruise Discover Tour

This 6 day tour is a complete tour of this fascinating country and is taken prior to the commencement of the Purposeful Africa sailing for those who want to travel together with other believers to catch a glimpse at this Westernized Islamic country.  We will dine with missionary friends who are on assignment in this Islamic westernized country.

Day 1 Casablanca - We discover the charming languor of Casablanca. Like a dreamy mirage, the shimmering city of white appears against the azure of the surrounding sea. Steeped in romantic mystique and intrigue, Casablanca’s whitewashed dramatic Hispano-Moorish homes lay scattered amid Art Deco jewels and an elegant city center. Its ancient Arab quarter and new medina, with undeniably French influence, mark the passage from past to present. Casablanca’s modern attitude and big-city edge makes it today the most cosmopolitan of all Moroccan cities, a vibrant economic hub with the largest port found anywhere in the Maghreb. Some of the highlights we’ll explore include the majestic Hassan II Mosque (the only mosque non-Muslims are permitted to enter in Morocco), the lively squares of Place des Nations Unies and Mohammed V— hosting some of the city’s most impressive architecture — and we’ll take a firsthand look at the tony residential quarter of Anfa before we dine on fine Moroccan cuisine at a seaside restaurant. In morning, we’ll begin our adventure past the stunning, changing scenery from the north of Morocco to the south.

Day 2 Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fez  Next, we’ll travel en route to explore the most ancient of the four Imperial Cities, the pearl of the Arab world — Fez. We’ll make a stop in Rabat, the “Imperial Garden City.” Driving south past palm-filled gorges nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains, discover a colorful land of mystery and contrasting beauty as a gateway opens to brilliant vistas and scenes of mud-brick Berber villages en route to Rabat. The indigenous people of North Africa form the Berber tribe. Predating the Arabs, these herders and rug-weavers who dwell in the mountains maintain their pre-Islamic rituals and beliefs.   Entering Rabat’s enormous Almohad Gate to the Kasbah des Oudaias, situated on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find magnificent views. Inside the gates discover artisan galleries, an ornate 17th century palace now part of the Musée des Oudaia (Museum of Moroccan Arts), and the beautiful Andalusian Gardens near the famous Tour Hassan, a 12th century minaret intended to be the highest and the largest in the Muslim world. And not to be missed in the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and King Hassan’s stately official palace. Then as we travel past centuries-old olive groves and vineyards we near Meknes, the Ismalian capital, famous for its 25-mile-long walls. Heading to port Bab El Mansour and Bab El Khamis, journey back thousands of years and explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubulis sprawled over a wildflower-dotted hillside, where a magnificent triumphal arch presides over the awesome remains of palaces and mansions, Roman baths and basilicas, and stunning mosaics. Sumptuous dinner and lodging at Fez.

Day 3 Fez is the holiest city in the Islamic world after Mecca and Medina. Founded at the beginning of the 9th century by Moulay Idriss II, and barely unchanged, this enchanting city has been a seat of government, philosophy, medicine and most notably religion since then. Fez, the best surviving example of an ancient Arab city, is comprised of the “new” city, established in the 12th century, and the 2,000-year-old medina, where donkeys and mules laden with goods still trawl alongside buyers through the ancient market, itself a fascinating maze of lanes, blind alleys and bustling souqs assaulting the senses with spices and exotic delicacies. Fez is the perfect place to hone your bargaining skills in buying souvenirs, brightly colored hand-loomed carpets or fine crafted artisan goods. Visit the famous leather tanneries, a honeycomb of vats erupting in an explosion of brilliant color. Then, climb to the venerated Merenid Tombs for a spectacular panoramic view of Fez. Dinner and lodging again in Fez.
 

Day 4 – Ifrane – Beni Mellas – Marrakesh  Travel to Ifrane, a pleasant mountain city oddly out of place with its wooden chalets and steep-pitched roofs that stud this skiing village, evoking a Swiss resort. An area long popular with Moroccans on holiday, five tranquil lakes rest near dense holm oak and cedar forests, where raptors, acrobatic booted eagles, and Egyptian vultures fly overhead. We’ll pass through Azrou, a famous Berber village and then stop for lunch in Beni Mellal before we continue traveling through the picturesque countryside to Marrakesh.  Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 5 & 6  An enchanting palm oasis set against the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is Morocco’s second oldest Imperial City and retains the majestic splendor of its ancient past. Buildings are blushed in hues of rosy earth, and horse-drawn carriages clip along broad avenues lined with palm, lime and orange trees. Donkeys carrying carts trawl past fragrant gardens of roses, honeysuckle and jasmine. Explore the ancient Bahia Palace from the days of the harem, now populated by a sentry of nesting storks, enter the ancient royal Saadien Tombs and view the majestic Koutoubia Mosque before entry into the 9th century walled medina. The night beats in the heart of the old city’s famed square, Djemaa el-Fna, where delectable fare is grilled over coals in bustling torch-lit open-air markets. Snake charmers, hustlers and mischievous monkeys unfold as part of the nightly drama as Berber acrobats, musicians and engaging storytellers engage the crowds. Wind your way through the serpentine labyrinth of the spice-filled air of the bustling souk, unchanged for over 1000 years, where you’ll discover the best of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. We’ll cap off our evening at the spectacular dinner event, Fantasia, where we’ll bear witness to a splendid dramatic display of Arabian Nights,  folkloric troupes, and stately Arabian steeds charging in dynastic battles as of yore.   End the second day by transferring to the ship or taken to the airport for your departure home.