619-324-1444 x3
JONATHAN@PLVACATIONS.COM
2024 LGBT Morocco Voyage (Source Journeys) LIMITED
“Here’s Lookin’ At You, Kid”
Experience the magical allure, where ancient traditions meet breathtaking landscapes.
Source Journeys invites you to join them on this small LGBTQ+ group luxury experience. From the romance of Casablanca to the excitement of Marrakech, join Source Journeys and 16 other like-minded travelers as they return to one of our most requested destinations: Morocco.
Travel back to a slower time of aromatic mint tea in cool courtyards. Stroll through sun-drenched bazaars overflowing with handmade jewelry and colorful tanginess. Morocco is a gateway to Africa and a country of dizzying diversity. Here you’ll find epic mountain ranges, ancient cities, sweeping deserts – and warm hospitality. Lodging is also a delightful adventure, both when you are are staying overnight in the Sahara in an exclusive tented desert camp or in Morocco’s most well-appointed and romantic Riads (traditional courtyard houses). With expert guides, learn the histories of Morocco’s ancient cities, discover ornate monuments to religious devotion, and savor one of the most diverse cuisines in the world.
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS:
- A small LGBTQ+ group of like-minded travelers
- Venture into the Sahara by 4×4 and Camelback
- Stay in a Luxury Tented Camp
- Explore Fez el-Bali, Morocco’s cultural heart, on a guided walk through its winding alleyways and past its myriad souks
- Tread the ancient Roman paths at Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Discover Marrakech at its most authentic, taking its sights, sounds, and scents of its UNESCO-listed Medina
- Visit local artisans works still reflect the influences of Morocco’s historic Roman, Moorish, and Berber cultures
Itinerary
OCT 4
Casablanca
“MARHABA!”
This is the traditional greeting used in Morocco to mean a warm “hello and welcome!”
Today you arrive in Casablanca. On arrival, your Source Journey’s group will be met by a representative of the airport where special arrangements have been made for you to pass through immigration formalities and clear customs. You are then transferred to your luxury hotel to start our unforgettable visit to Morocco.
Later this afternoon, discover the fascinating city of Casablanca. Your visit starts with a tour of the magnificent Hassan II Grand Mosque, one of the two mosques which can be visited in Morocco. The mosque is amongst the largest in the world and can house as many as 25,000 worshipers. The mosque’s minaret is the tallest religious structure in the world
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Casablanca
OCT 5
Casablanca to Fes via Rabat
This morning, drive to Rabat, the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco and the seat of its government.
Your tour will start with Hassan Tower, or Tour Hassan is Rabat’s most famous sight. Next will be a visit to Kasbah des Oudayas, a picturesque palace guarded by an impressive arched gate. Thereafter, you will tour the Mohamed VI Museum of Modern Contemporary art, a great introduction to Moroccan history and contemporary Moroccan artists.
At the conclusion of your tour of Rabat, continue to the cultural heart of Morocco, the magical Fes. Founded in the eighth century, it is home to several famed historical monuments, among them the Karaouine, the world’s first university.
Overnight: Riad Fes
OCT 6
Fes
Take a step back in time to the Middle Ages with a visit to Fez El Bali, the world’s largest living medieval medina-city and the cultural heart of Morocco. Explore some of the 9,000 narrow lanes, alleys, and souks that make up the labyrinth of the city’s old quarter. The medieval Medina is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight: Riad Fes
OCT 7
Meknes & Volubilis
Depart overland to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the largest and best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco.
From here, continue on to Meknes, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s great Imperial Cities. In Meknes, the impressive monuments recall the splendor of a city first built in the 17th century by the powerful sultan Moulay Ismail to rival the court of his contemporary, Louis XIV of France. During your visit, we will see the monumental Bab Mansour gateway, considered to be one of the finest gates in Morocco, as well as the Granaries and the Royal Stables, which were built to accommodate some 12,000 horses.
Overnight: Riad Fes
OCT 8
Fes to Merzouga
Today, your Source Journeys group travels into the desert, passing through the impressive Atlas Mountains, and discover the Tafilalet region, famous for its savory dates and gorgeous scenery.
Upon arrival to Erfoud, you will travel by four-wheel-drive vehicle along the desert dunes to your tented campsite. For the final part of your journey to the camp, you will exchange the four-wheel drive for a more traditional mode of transportation as you cross the final dunes on camelback to reach your camp. On arrival, we will enjoy a reception of mint tea and pastries followed by a sundowner drink in the dunes.
Later this evening, you’ll savor a mouth-watering dinner served around a campfire, or in a tent, complete with traditional entertainment. Watching the sunset over the high dunes of the Sahara Desert is a highlight of Merzouga Luxury Camp, set in the middle of the golden sand dunes.
Overnight Merzouga Luxury Camp
OCT 9
Merzouga to Quarzazate
Ouarzazate was once a stopping point for African traders en route to the cities of Morocco and Europe. You will pay a visit to the Todra Gorges and the even more impressive picturesque oases that they hide. Travel through the southern slopes of the High Atlas range, following the Dades Valley and passing flourishing crops, irrigation canals, and palm trees.
Along the way, you’ll make a stop to visit an amazing, small private museum in a Ksar near Tingherir, which houses exhibits that showcase the local art, culture, and history.
Overnight: Berber Palace
OCT 10
Quarzazate to Marrakech via Ait Benhaddou
Today, you travel through the stunning Atlas Mountains to reach the thrilling and colorful city of Marrakech. En route, stop in the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, the most exotic and best-preserved Kasbah in the whole of the Atlas region. The village has starred in an array of movies, such as Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, Gladiator, and The Mummy.
You finally arrive in Marrakech. Pearl of the South, Jewel of the South, The Red City – just a few of the nicknames Marrakech has acquired over the years. Part Berber, part Arab, and part African, Marrakech is the heartbeat of Morocco where palaces and monuments of unrivaled refinement sit calmly alongside snake charmers and Gnaouan drums, pulsing constantly from Djemâa el Fna Square – the most exuberant marketplace in the world.
Overnight: Villa des Orangers
OCT 11
Marrakech
This morning, you will each take a seat in a horse-drawn carriage for a ride through Marrakech’s famous, beautiful gardens which are dotted around the city.
We begin with a visit to the Menara gardens, which date back to the 12th century and are set among extensive orchards and olive groves. At the center is a rectangular pool with a fabulous view of the Atlas Mountains.
From here it’s on to visit the Jardin Majorelle (Majorelle Gardens), originally designed in 1924 by French artist Jacques Majorelle.
These peaceful garden settings offer a variety of exotic plants such as bamboo, cacti, bougainvillea, and palms. Streams and fish-filled pools also flow through the tranquil gardens.
Near the Majorelle Gardens, is the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, where the most precious YSL works are gathered. Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé fell in love with the colors of Marrakech and therefore resided here for some of the most beautiful years of their lives.
Overnight: Villa des Orangers
OCT 12
Marrakech
Today, you will discover the Mysteries of Marrakech and the city’s architectural attractions, the majority of which are located inside the Medina, the old walled section of the town.
Together with the rest of your Source Journeys group, you begin by exploring the labyrinthine souks and perhaps indulge in some shopping!
Next, we will explore Jemaa El Fna, the city’s main square, which is home to a multitude of street artists and food stalls. Over the years the square has become the beating heart of Marrakech, where fire-eaters, acrobats, snake charmers, and street musicians perform at every turn.
We’ll continue to the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque, an emblem of Marrakech to view its beauty from the gardens and the square.
Your small LGBTQ+ group will take a look at the Dar El Bacha. Formally the private residence of Thami El Glaoui (who ruled over Marrakech from 1912 to 1956), Dar El Bacha Palace has historically hosted magnificent celebrations and receptions in the presence of the Greats of this world, including Winston Churchill and Jacques Majorelle.
Overnight: Villa des Orangers
OCT 13
Departure Marrakech
Today, you bid farewell to magical Morocco as each member of your group departs for the airport, where your international departure flight awaits. Source Journey’s representative collects you from your hotel and accompanies you to the airport, where they will assist with the check-in formalities.
Accommodations
Hyatt Regency Casablanca
Located between the art deco facades and the old medina, Hyatt Regency Casablanca invites you to a refined and energizing 2.0 inspired by the city of Casablanca and its’ Moroccan legendary hospitality. At Hyatt, Regency Casablanca enjoys the amazing view of the city. Provided with free Wi-Fi, all of the air-conditioned rooms and suites at Hyatt Regency Casablanca are overlooking the Art Deco or Hassan II mosque.
Riad Fes
Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux is renowned for its luxury, impeccable service and fine restaurant. Restored to its original glory, Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux is located in the heart of the ancient city of Fez. It has succeeded in combining refinement with inspiration and invites you to relax and enjoy your stay in a serene atmosphere with décor reminiscent of Arabian Nights. Riad Fes provides guests with the opportunity to travel back in time and enjoy the splendor and authenticity of the lifestyle of Fassi nobility
Merzouga Luxury Camp
Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp is your special home in Morocco. It demands nothing much of you, but to relax and gaze at the ever-changing colors of the desert. Situated in the quiet and idyllic sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, this splendid desert camp caters to your memorable vacation. This Private Luxury Camp offers Ten spacious luxury tents with a sense of comfort and prestige. The Private Camp is designed for those who enjoy the peace that utter silence can afford. Getaway for a day or two and revel in the luxury atmosphere, reflecting or taking walks in one of the most enchanting Sahara Desert of the world
Enjoy your special night under the stars at this beautiful Oasis in a premium tented camp. Experience a camel ride at sunset and sunrise from the top of the dunes. Your desert experience includes an authentic Moroccan dinner under the stars and breakfast in the morning
Berber Palace
Located in Ouarzazate town center, the Berbere Palace is just 5 minutes from the famous Kasbah de Taourirt and 5 minutes from the Airport. It offers an outdoor swimming pool and a spa center with a hammam, sauna, and hot tub. Each room and suite at Berbere Palace are air-conditioned and equipped with free Wi-Fi access and satellite TV. Rooms also have en suite facilities and a private balcony or terrace. The Berbere features 3 restaurants that serve French, Italian and traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Villa Des Orangers
Located close to the famous Jemaa El Fna square, the Villa des Orangers is a riad, a traditional medina house. This elegant and pleasant hotel with 27 rooms and suites is built around three verdant patios with a fountain, leading to galleries with carved plaster arcades. Upstairs, suites with private terraces overlook the medina. Rooftops converted into swimming pools, gardens, and sun decks overlook the old town and the Koutoubia Mosque and have an unobstructed view of the Atlas mountains.
Pricing
Included in this Journey
- Meet & Greet and Fast track service upon arrival at Casablanca Airport
- 5-Star Deluxe Accommodations throughout
- Daily Breakfasts
- Welcome Dinner in Casablanca
- 8 Lunches & 4 Dinners
- Private English-speaking guide
- Transfers and excursions by a private modern air-conditioned bus
- All entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary
- Excursion in Desert camp by a 4×4 vehicle and Camel Ride
- Portages at Airports and Hotels
- Fully escorted by Source Journeys
Not Included in this Journey
- International Airfares
- Visa Fees (If applicable)
- Gratuities
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
- Personal Expenses
- Airport taxes (if any)
- Covid-19 Test (if applicable)
Passports: Your valid passport should have at least two consecutive blank pages and should be valid for at least six months after your planned departure from the country you are visiting. An entry visa may be required. Arrival Airport (CMN) and Departure Airport (RAK)
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