ISTANBUL (IST) - CASABLANCA (CMN)
Meeting at the Turkish Airlines counter in the Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal three hours before departure. After baggage and ticket procedures, we will depart for Casablanca on Turkish Airlines flight TK617 at 12:05. Upon arrival in Casablanca at 15:00 local time, our tour of the city begins with a vehicle waiting for us at the airport. Casablanca, Morocco's main port, is famous as the setting for the 1942 Hollywood film "Casablanca." In addition to being the country's economic hub, it is also the most densely populated city. While strolling through its narrow streets, you can observe the rich cultural influences of Islam, France, and Berber traditions. Highlights of our tour include Mohammed V Square, the heart of Casablanca; United Nations Square, where Morocco's past and present are beautifully blended; the Hassan II Mosque, renowned for its grand architecture and home to the world's second-tallest minaret; the Old Medina; the Habous district, known for its open-air markets; and Ain Diab and Corniche, located along the Atlantic Ocean coastline. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel and have free time. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Casablanca-Rabat-Marrakech
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Upon arrival, our panoramic city tour will include the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V (built in memory of the grandfather of the current king and a pioneer of Moroccan independence), and the Royal Palace. Following the tour, we head to Marrakech. Once we arrive, we begin exploring Marrakech, whose name derives from the Berber phrase "mur akush," meaning "Land of God" in the language of North Africa's oldest indigenous people. Known as the "Red City" due to its distinctive red walls, Marrakech is one of the country's most important tourist destinations. Our city tour will feature the Bahia Palace, offering a remarkable glimpse into what it was like to be an aristocrat in 19th-century Morocco; the Koutoubia Minaret, one of the city's most iconic landmarks; the Majorelle Gardens, home to plant collections from around the world; and Djemaa El Fna square, known as the "Courtyard of Souks and Miracles," which serves as the heart of the city. After the excursion, we transfer to our hotel and enjoy free time. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Marrakech-Essaouira-Marrakech
After breakfast at the hotel, we will join a UNESCO World Heritage tour of Essaouira. A city that has hosted civilizations since prehistoric times, Essaouira is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and is renowned for its whitewashed old city walls, narrow streets, and traditional markets. The city center, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, is not only a fishing port but also a tranquil coastal town where art and culture are deeply intertwined. Compared to Marrakech, Essaouira offers visitors a relaxing escape with a notably peaceful atmosphere. Over the years, this ambiance has attracted many world-famous artists such as Cat Stevens, Jimi Hendrix, and Orson Welles, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of art and culture. Most recently, the town served as a filming location for the acclaimed series Game of Thrones. During our tour, we will visit the ramparts of Essaouira, Essaouira Fortress, the harbor home to the fish market, and the internationally famous Medina. As you explore Essaouira, blending the elegance of traditional Moroccan architecture with traces of modern life, you will have the opportunity to enjoy leisurely shopping. After the tour, we return to our hotel in Marrakech. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Marrakech-Atlas Mountains-Ouirika Valley-Marrakech
After breakfast at the hotel, we will join a half-day tour of the Atlas Mountains and Ourika Valley. The highest peak in this mountain range, which acts as a barrier separating the Mediterranean coasts of North Africa from the Sahara Desert, is Toubkal near Marrakech. We will visit a Berber house nestled in the shadow of Toubkal. These mountains also serve as a habitat for numerous plant and animal species, many of which are at risk of extinction. In this region, the unique culture and lifestyle of the Berbers—the oldest indigenous people of North Africa, who form the majority of the local population—offer visitors a distinct experience alongside the majestic grandeur of the mountains. After our excursion, we return to Marrakech. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Marrakech (RAK) - Istanbul (IST)
Free time after breakfast at the hotel and check-out procedures. Then, departure for the airport at the time announced by our guide. After baggage and ticket procedures, we will fly to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK620 at 16:50. Arrival at 23:30 local time, marking the end of our tour.