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Tour Date: 06 Oct 2012 - 28 Oct 2012
Tour Cost ($AUD): $12,947.00
This magical itinerary starts in the mysterious and mystical North African countries of Morocco and Tunisia. At once full of contrasts, we visit magnificent Roman ruins, exotic souks, high mountains and the largest desert in the world, the Sahara. From here we move across to the ancient and surprising Mediterranean island of Malta, before crossing by ferry to beautiful Sicily. We stay in the fabulous mountain resort town of Taormina, where we enjoy views of one of the world's most active volcanoes, Mount Etna. This entirely original and exciting journey gives a completely new meaning to the word adventure!
06/10/2012 Australia - Dubai
Touareg tribesman
Check-in at your chosen Australian airport for the flight to Dubai.
07/10/2012 Dubai - Casablanca (LD)
Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
Depart Dubai Emirates Airlines EK 751, 07.35
Arrive Casablanca 11.55
On arrival in Casablanca we transfer to our hotel. In the afternoon we explore this frenetic city including the amazing Hassan II mosque.
Royal Mansour
27 Avenue de l'Armee Royale
Casablanca
Morocco
Ph: 0011-212-52-2458888
Fx: 2540784
08/10/2012 Casablanca - Rabat - Fez (BLD)
Ancient City Walls, Rabat
Today we depart Casablanca for the capital of Morocco, Rabat. Literally meaining 'fortified place', the city is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg. Here we visit the royal palace and the remarkable and strange Hassan tower. We then stroll down Kasbah de Oudaias which is one of Morocco's most stunning streets. After lunch we continue onto Fez.
Riad Maison Bleue
33 Derb el mitter
Talaa el Kabira
Fez
Morocco
Ph: 0011-212-35-741873
Fx: 740686
09/10/2012 Fez (BLD)
Medina, Fez
Fez is Morocco's oldest Imperial city and its "old town" is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Medina (old town) is called Fes el-Bali and behind its high walls is a magical, medieval city just teeming with life in every one of its 9000 narrow streets. Fez is the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco with a vibrancy that is unparelled in all of North Africa. Today we spend the whole day exploring the labyrinth of the old town.
10/10/2012 Fez - Volubilis - Meknes - Fez (BLD)
Fez
Today we head out of Fez to nearby Volubilis. A Roman settlement constructed on what was probably a Carthaginian city, dating from 3rd century BC. Volubilis was a central administrative city for this part of Roman Africa, responsible for the grain producing in this fertile region, and exports to Rome. What makes this UNESCO World Heritage Site so unique is that Volubilis, unlike so many other Roman cities, was not abandoned after the Romans lost their foothold in this part of Africa in the 3rd century. Even the Latin language survived for centuries! The countryside, which is spectacularly beautiful, can be seen from all sides of the ruined site. The city sits on a triangular-shaped, rich plain bordered on both sides by two small rivers.
11/10/2012 Fez - Erfoud (BLD)
Erfoud on the Edge of the Sahara
This morning we depart early as we begin to cross the Middle Atlas Mountains. Winding through Berber villages, forests and jagged rock faces of the Atlas Mountains we finally descend to Erfoud and the mighty frontier of the Sahara Desert.
Kasbah Xaluca
Route Arfoud a' Errachidia
Arfoud
Morocco
Ph: 0011-212-535-578450
12/10/2012 Erfoud - Sahara Desert - Erfoud (BLD)
Dunes of the Sahara Desert
After a relaxing morning we board 4-wheel drive vehicles for an exhilarating ride into the immense sand dunes of the Sahara. Here amongst the towering sand mass we witness an unforgettable sunset as we enjoy dinner in the silence of the desert.
13/10/2012 Erfoud - Todra /Dades Gorges (BLD)
Ruined Kasbah in Dades Gorges
This morning we head into southeast Morocco as we set out behind the High Atlas Mountains bound for Todra Gorges. This is a very beautiful journey as we traverse rivers and valleys that are the essential spine of the Atlas range. We enter the Dades Valley where the slopes above are dotted with ancient Berber villages and soaring snowy peaks.
Xaluca Dades
Dades Gorges
Morocco
Ph: 0011-212-524-830060
14/10/2012 Dades Gorges - Ouarzazate - Marrakech (BLD)
High Atlas Mountains
This morning we set off towards the astonishing town of Ouarazate. Located 210km south of Marrakech, we pass the Atlas Mountains through the Tizi-n-Tichka passage at 2970 meters altitude. Ouarzazate is a wonderful example of a classic Kasbah which in many ways resembles a mud city of central Yemen. This jewel is the last caravan city on the journey through to Timbuktu. This beautiful setting has been used for many films including Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, Gladiator, Kundun, Legionnaire and many more.
Riad Moucharabieh
27 Derb Road
Bab Doukkala
Marrakech
Ph: 0011-212-
15/10/2012 Marrakech (BLD)
Riad in Marrakech
After breakfast we explore Marrakech. Enchantingly situated at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains, its rose-coloured walls set within lush green gardens, olive groves and palmeries, Marrakech is one of Morocco's four Imperial Cities. Lying deceptively on the edge of the Sahara, its very name conjures up images of magic carpets and snake charmers. After dark, the central square in the medina, Jemaa-el-Fna, comes to life and puts on a show little changed since medieval times. It is a riot of enticing colour, noise and smells, with dancers, fire-eaters, acrobats, and snake charmers. The shadowy alleyways of the souks form a vast marketplace selling herbs and potions, carpets and candles, jewellery, spices, meat and metalwork. Marrakech has long been an important crossroads and trading centre for the Arabic, Berber and black African civilisation. To the Arabic northerners, it is seen as the "beginning of the south".
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16/10/2012 Marrakech - Casablanca (BLD)
Ruins of Volubilis near Fez
Today we leave Marrakech for our journey north to Casablanca.
Royal Mansour
27 Avenue de l'ArmeeRoyale
Casablanca
Morocco
Ph: 0011-212-52-2458888
Fx: 2540784
17/10/2012 Casablanca - Tunis (BLD)
Downtown Tunis
This afternoon we board our flight to Tunis.
Depart Casablanca Tunisair TU 712, 16.25
Arrive Tunis 19.45
On arrival in Tunis we transfer to our hotel.
Hotel Africa
50 Ave Habib Bourguida
Tunis, Tunisia
Ph: 0011-216-71-347477
Fx: 7147432
18/10/2012 Tunis (BLD)
 Souk in the old quarter of Tunis
Modern-day Tunisia is one of the safest and most stable countries in North Africa. Around the 11th century BC, Tunisia began to turn her attention to Europe through commerce and trade. The Phoenicians were the first to colonise the country, hence the fabled city of Carthage. Many other civilisations also influenced the country including Byzantines, Arabs, Ottomans and French. Indeed, the French granted Tunisia independence only in 1957, after a series of violent upheavals.
Today we visit Tunis, starting with the world-famous Bardo Museum. This museum has one of the richest collections of Roman mosaics and marble. After lunch we start to explore the souks, located in the Old Quarter. This area is known as the Medina, which is a World Heritage Site. The souks are home to a huge array of beautiful and distinctive objects. Exploring the range of goods available at a Tunisian souk, from ancient souvenirs to modern novelties (and almost everything that falls in between), is indeed an experience worth cherishing.
19/10/2012 Carthage (BLD)
Whitewashed buildings of
Sidi Bou Said
Today we travel to the eastern side of Lake Tunis, opposite to the capital itself. Here lie the ruins of the ancient city of Carthage. This settlement has a rich history and was of vital importance to the Phoenicians, Punics and Romans. We see the wonders of these civilisations as we visit the baths, cisterns, cathedral and Roman amphitheatre.
After lunch we visit the nearby village of Sidi Bou Said. The beautiful blue and white buildings of the settlement are perched on a cliff overlooking the Bay of Tunis. A legend tells of Saint Louis coming to the town to wage war, but falling in love with a Berber princess. He proceeded to change his name and become the patron saint of Sidi Bou Said! As we meander along cobblestone streets towards the mountain of Bou Kornine, we begin to understand the enchantment that embraced Saint Louis on his first visit here.
20/10/2012 Tunis - Malta (BD)
Waterfront at Valetta
Arrive Malta 14.40
On arrival in Malta we transfer to our hotel. First settled around 5200 BC, the strategic importance of Malta was recognized by the Phoenicians, who occupied it, as did, in turn, the Greeks, Carthaginians, and Romans. Steeped in history, the afternoon is at
leisure in the beautiful district of Sliema.
Victoria Hotel
Gorg Borg Oliver Street
Sliema, Malta
Ph: 0011-356-21-334711
Fx: 334771
21/10/2012 Malta (BLD)
Valletta
After breakfast we start to explore the island of Malta and its 7,000-year history. We start in the capital, Valletta, and visit the beautiful Barraca Gardens for superb panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. We also visit the Grand Master's Palace, which is the seat of government and the private residence of the President of Malta. After lunch we head south to the three cities of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea. Here we discover the narrow shady streets that make this historic area unique.
22/10/2012 Malta (BLD)
Waterfront, Malta
This morning we have an early start in order to visit Malta's sister island of Gozo. A mere 20 minutes away from the mainland, it enjoys a unique Mediterranean setting. It is a place where time has stood still and where traditions and customs form part of the daily life of the islanders. The pace of life is slow and most of the population still follow their forefathers' trades of farming and fishing.
23/10/2012 Malta (BLD)
The island of Gozo
After breakfast we visit Mdina, the old capital of Malta located in the central part of the island. This ancient walled settlement is also known as 'The Silent City' and has spectacular views of the countryside from its bastions.
After lunch we visit Rabat, a village next to Mdina, where we enjoy a short walk around the narrow winding roads leading to the area of St Paul's Catacombs and the grotto. We explore the catacombs before returning to our hotel.
24/10/2012 Malta - Pozzallo -Taormina (BLD)
Scala dei Santa Maria steps, Caltagirone
This morning we depart from Malta on an early morning ferry to the Sicilian port of Pozzallo.
Depart Malta 07.00
Arrive Pozzallo 08.30
On arrival in Sicily we start our journey north with a visit to the nearby town of Caltagirone. In addition to beautiful architecture, Caltagirone is at the heart of Sicily's ceramic tradition. After our visit here we head towards Catania where we explore the Piazza Duomo, which is impressively surrounded by baroque buildings in the centre of the city. After lunch we continue north to the wonderful town of Taormina.
Hotel Monte Tauro
Via Madonna Delle Grazie 3
Taormina
Sicily
Ph: 0011-39- 0942-24402
Fx: 24403
25/10/2012 Taormina (BLD)
The beautiful town of Taormina, Sicily
This morning we explore Sicily's most picturesque town, located on the terrace of Mount Tauro. Since the end of the 19th century, Taormina has become a world-famous international resort where visitors are captured by its charming atmosphere, ancient history and unspoilt beauty. The afternoon is at leisure to fully appreciate Taormina.
26/10/2012 Taormina - Mt Etna - Taormina (BLD)
Mt Etna, Sicily
We leave Taormina in 4WD vehicles to drive to the base of Mount Etna. To the ancient Greeks, Mount Etna was the realm of Vulcan, the god of fire. At 3,350m high, it is one of the world's most active volcanoes.
Eruptions throughout the 20th century occurred frequently from the four active craters at the summit and on its slopes. Etna is monitored by 115 seismic activity centres spread around the mountain and is under constant satellite surveillance. We also visit the Thieves Cave, the extinct craters of Sartorius Mounts and the lava flow of the 2002 eruption.
27/10/2012 Catania - Rome - Dubai (B)
Early this morning we transfer to Catania for our flight to Dubai, via Rome.
Depart Catania Alitalia AZ 1744, 10.40
Arrive Rome 11.55
Depart Rome Emirates EK 098, 14.30
Arrive Dubai 23.00
28/10/2012 Dubai - Australia
In Dubai we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian city.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Easy
OCTOBER 2012 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: $12,947
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $2,947
INCLUDED IN COST:
* All flights between Australia and North Africa/Dubai and Australia
* All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change)
* All accommodation (twin share)
* All transfers
* All ground transportation
* All meals as specified
* All local guides throughout
* Tour leader
* All entrance fees for specified sightseeing
* All visas and courier fees
* All tips and gratuities
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Insurance
* Personal expenses
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 per person at the time of booking.
All tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
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