What is included

• Joining Riad in Marrakech
• All food
  
• Berber camping
  
• Mules / camels to carry backpacks
  
• English speaking guide
  
• Cooks
  

What is not included

• International flight transfers and taxes
• Pre and Post tour Accommodation
  
• Items of a personal nature & spending money
  
• Travel Insurance and Visas
  
• Local Tour Payment
  

AIT BENHADOU Ait Benhadou is famous for it's kasbah's which are being restored by UNESCO. The setting is stunning and has been used in the making of many films, including Lawrence of Arabia, Sodom and Gomorrah and Jesus of Nazareth to name a few. Some of the Kasbahs date back to the 16th century.

MARRAKECH In ancient times Marrakech was called 'Morocco City' and sometimes referred to as the 'Pearl of the South'. The colour of Marrakech is most remarkable, a reddish-brown describes it best. The city walls, the houses and the soil are all of the same shade and even the new French-style quarter contains houses tinted to the some colour. Marrakech has approximately 2Okms of walls enclosing gardens and lakes. Its great pride and landmark, visible from many miles, is the Koutoubia Tower, sister to the Tower of Hassan in Rabat and the Giralda Tower in Sevillle. It is said that after the third of these was completed, the cruel sultan had the eyes of his architect put out, lest he should build another more beautiful tower elsewhere. One of the most striking features of Marrakech is the huge open souk, which for the past eight centuries has been the scene of parades, executions and entertainment, as well as the centre for buying and selling for hundreds of miles around. It is now the liveliest place imaginable, where all sorts of exotic entertainment can be seen, from poetry reading to snake charming to acrobatics. The enthusiastic may wish to hire a bicycle to further explore Marrakech and its environs. Particularly of interest are the many beautiful public and private gardens.

Cooking and Food
When camping, the cooking is done by a cook.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation passengers should stay at the pre-departure hotel.
 
Riad Douja

Rue Sidi Bouloukate No. 48,
Marrakech Medina.
Ph: +212 (0) 24 42 96 36
Email: riad-douja@caramail.com    

PEOPLE OF THE AREA

THE ARABS Morocco has a significant Arab population. The Arabs spread across North - Africa in two great waves, in the 7th and 11th centuries. They stamped their religion, culture and language on the countries in the west. They also destroyed the irrigation-based civilisation of North Africa and it was not until the French arrived that any attempt was made to restore this type of agricultural economy.

THE BERBERS Berbers have long been the inhabitants of North Africa, though their exact origins have never been traced, they were converted to Islam by the Arabs who arrived in the area around the 7th century AD, Mostly animal breeders, they are often nomads who travel with their flocks. Berbers do not just belong to a loose linguistic group, but are a distinct branch of the Caucasoid race. They have also a remarkable uniformity of culture considering their scattered distribution. Techniques of agriculture, weaving and pottery show strong similarities throughout the Berber areas, whether on the fringe of the Sahara or in the snow-capped Atlas mountains.

LIFE ON TOUR

MEETING POINT AND TIME Meeting Time: You will be met by our Tour Leader, who is looking forward to your arrival. You should be at The Hotel by 6 P.M. on Day 1 of the Tour. Please don't miss it. If you are unable to meet at this time please leave a note or message prior, or look at reception from your crews details on how to meet up with the tour. All tours in Morocco end after breakfast on the final day.

RECCOMENDED SPENDING MONEY & OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES we are not responsible for price changes or unavailable excursions on your tour. All optional activities are completed at your own risk and are not necessary endorsed by us, Before Participating in these activities you should check carefully if you are covered by your medical insurance.

Budgeting: To cover drinks and souvenirs and the odd visit to a restaurant or nightclub, we recommend bringing at least the equivalent of £10. per day spending money in either £'s or Euro's. Although Cash often gives a higher exchange rate, we do advise to bring some Traveller Cheques for security as well. (Thomas Cook, American Express) Credit Cards are useful but in general are hard to use and should be used as a backup for cash. Remember the optional excursions are optional and you do not have to do them all, they are extras and not core to the enjoyment of your holiday. At times you may have to choose between activities. You need to bring enough British Pounds or Euros with you to cover the Local Tour Payment, Visas and Options. Reliance on Credit cards may be a problem that will dog you for the whole tour.

• Please do not rely on your Credit, Cirrus and Maestro Cards for local currency withdrawals except in the larger cities. American Express and diners club is rarely accepted.
• We usually have a traveller's cheque stop once a week or so; but cash is the only real answer.
• Bring a mixture of denominations, both large and small notes. Please make sure that the notes are in perfect condition, no nicks or tears.
• Do bring your sales advice slip for your traveller's cheques or at least a copy. Most banks require this advice slip before changing your cheques. This is a response to counterfeit traveller's cheques in the market.
• You will not have to carry hard currency around with you once you join our expedition, the safe we have provided on the truck is used for this purpose and you will only need to carry on your person enough local currency for daily use.

VISAS Visas are not included in the tour price or recommended daily spending money. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that you have all the visas for your tour. Visa requirements do change at times so we advise you to check the current requirements before the commencement of your tour. Most visas must be used within 3 months (or less) from the date of issue so make sure you don't apply for them too early. If you are doing a longer tour make sure your visa will be valid for the time when you are due to enter that country. For information check out www.visaproject.com