OVERVIEW
Looking for an exotic getaway? This luxurious journey takes you to Marrakesh, the ancient heart of Morocco where Berber, Moorish, Arab and African live side by side in harmony. Surrounded by salmon-pink ramparts its mysterious medina, Marrakesh blends the antique with the modern while incorporating a vital and cosmopolitan energy. You will fall instantly in love with Marrakesh, a city of contrasts and pervasive sensuality where sumptuous Riads and palaces of unrivaled refinement stand beside clamoring bazaars and twisting alleys filled with donkeys, snake charmers and much more. Marrakesh remains a captivating and wonderful destination hidden behind ochre ramparts.

In this short journey, you will spend one night at the tranquil seaside town of Essaouira, an unhurried fishing town known for its Portuguese harbor portraying influences of both Moorish and Portuguese design.

PROGRAM ITINERARY

DAY 01: MARRAKESH
Greetings and welcome at Marrakesh airport. Transfer to Riad La Maison Arabe. Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day will be at leisure. Your driver will be available for an orientation drive of Marrakesh. Dinner at the Riad.

Riad La Maison Arabe began in the mid 1940's as the first restaurant in the Medina of Marrakesh specializing in Moroccan cuisine. The restaurant quickly established itself as a legendary gastronomic meeting place frequented by distinguished travelers such as Winston Churchill and Queen Ingrid of Denmark. The Riad is located in the romantic medina of Marrakech, in the shadow of the Bab Doukkala mosque. It lives on today as an exclusive luxury Riad featuring 17 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a pool, spa and a cooking school.

DAY 02: MARRAKESH
Today, you will enjoy a sightseeing of Marrakesh nicknamed "The Pearl of the South," featuring a visit to the 16th century Saadian Tombs, "Dar Si Said" Museum of Moroccan Arts, the fragrant Menara Gardens, the Koutoubia Minaret and the magnificent Bahia Palace with its extraordinary tiles, opulent courtyards and fountains. After lunch on your own, you will visit of the Djemmaa-el-Fna Square where fortune-tellers, acrobats, vendors, snake charmers and magicians put on a never-ending show. In the evening, enjoy an entertainment dinner show at Le Comptoir restaurant. Overnight the Riad. (B)

DAY 03: MARRAKESH
Free morning at leisure. In the afternoon, you will explore the gardens of Yves Saint Laurent and the private Islamic Art Museum. Drive along the city ramparts dividing the town into the oldest and the newest parts of Marrakesh. The rest of your afternoon is free to spend as you wish with your guide/driver at your disposal. Suggested dinner at Bo & Zin restaurant and overnight at the Riad (B)

DAY 04: MARRAKESH / OURIKA VALLEY / MARRAKESH (100 Miles)
Excursion to the beautiful Ourika Valley. Nestled on the main road in Ait Ourir, the Ourika Valley is a beautiful, charming, hospitable and peaceful Berber village where you can take a short hike in the cooler mountain air. You will encounter beautiful isolated villages clinging to hillsides with plots of cultivated land lying along the river valley. Lunch in the Valley. Return to Marrakesh. Suggested dinner at the exquisite Yacout restaurant. Riad La Maison Arabe. (B, L)

DAY 05: MARRAKESH / ESSAOUIRA
Today we will travel to the romantic seaside town of Essaouira. After arrival and check-in, a sightseeing tour of the city will feature Essaouira's typical Portuguese harbor portraying influences of both Moorish and Portuguese design. Highlights will include the fishing harbor and the Skala (the Battery) left by the pirates. The afternoon is free to spend at leisure. Overnight at Sofitel Thalassa Mogador. (B)

DAY O6: ESSAOUIRA / MARRAKESH
After an early breakfast, we will drive you to Marrakesh airport for your return flight. End of our services

PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
•  Accommodations for 05 Nights at Riads as detailed in the program itinerary
•  Meals as indicated in the program itinerary
•  Transportation in a deluxe air-conditioned car with a private experienced English speaking driver/guide available throughout your journey (Gas included)
•  Excursion to the beautiful Ourika Valley
•  Entrance fees to all monuments as indicated on the program itinerary

NOT INCLUDED
•  Meals, alcohol drinks, mineral water, and other items of personal nature
•  Deviations expenses from the itinerary and any special handling.
•  International and domestic airfare. We offer competitive airfare from New York to Morocco.

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION:

# Night	City	Accommodation Class	Hotel & Riad  Name
4 Nights	Marrakesh	Luxury Riad	Riad La Maison Arabe
1 Nights	Essaouira	5-star Deluxe Resort	Sofitel Thalassa Mogador

NOTE: We will exercise our best efforts to secure the accommodations listed above, however, during busy seasons we may only be able to offer similar category accommodations.  In this case, clients will have the option to agree or cancel their booking.  In some instances, a request for a higher grade accommodation will result in an extra fee to compensate for the difference in price.

PROGRAM PRICE PER PERSON ($):

With Riads & Hotels (prices are per person, $US):
With 02 people: $2,995.00.
With 03 people: $2,675.00.
With 04 or more: $2,495.00.

Note: Add $290.00 per couple for the supplement (includes mandatory New Year's Eve dinner) for the 2008 Christmas and New Year period: Rates are subject to change without notice due to currency fluctuations beyond our control.