Chefchaouen and Northern Morrocco
A brand-new tour which gives us three nights in the prettiest and
most atmospheric village in Morocco followed by four in the legendary
Hotel Minzah in Tangiers. Our tour begins and ends in Casablanca.
Everybody who visits Chefchaouen is captivated by its beauty and charm.
It is old-world Morocco at its finest. During our two days we shall
have time to explore the town itself whilst there will be an opportunity
to walk in the spectacular scenery of the Rif Mountains.
The itinerary then takes us down to Tetuan, a fascinating city, part
Spanish colonial and part medieval Morocco. Its Medina is UNESCO World
Heritage. We then move along the coast to Tangiers and the Hotel Minzah,
an historical location if ever there was one associated with all the
famous people who have lived in or visited the city. Our visits include
the American Legation, the Kasbah and the Museums whilst we shall devote
half a day to exploring the legacy of the many British people who lived
in Tangiers during its heyday.
DAY 1: We fly into Casablanca and sleep in the excellent Hotel Maamoura.
DAY 2, 3 & 4: The journey from Casablanca to Chefchaouen takes us
through central Morocco up to the heart of the Rif Mountains. Until
the second decade of the 20th century, this marvellous town was off-limits
to westerners. It then became part of the Spanish Protectorate and,
in many ways encapsulates the strong links between Spain and Morocco.
It is exotic and outrageously picturesque, its people are immensely
welcoming and in Casa Hassan it boasts one of the loveliest small hotels
in Morocco. (Rick Stein was one of the many Europeans to fall under
its charms).
DAY 5: Our itinerary takes us away from Chefchaouen and up towards the
coast. We spend much of the day in Tetuan, a fascinating city, once
capital of Spanish Morocco and combining an astonishing mixture of ancient
Moroccan and European elements. Indeed, this might well be the theme
of the tour, as so many of the places we visit have influenced or been
influenced by the presence of Europeans. Indeed, our destination, Tangiers,
is the quintessential international city: the oldest in Morocco and
yet much shaped by its 20th-century history as a safe haven for disenchanted
or rootless Europeans and North Americans.
DAYS 6, 7 & 8: In Tangiers we stay at the legendary Hotel Minzah.
Built for the British in the 1920’s it is one of the classic trio
of luxury Moroccan hotels (the others are in Fez and Marrakech). It
offers history, atmosphere and 5-star comfort and is the perfect place
for our relaxed exploration of this wonderful city.
During our day away from the city we visit the Cave of Hercules, eat
in the magical Hotel Mirage and spend the afternoon in the exquisite
coastal town of Asilah. We also follow in the footsteps of many of the
artists, writers and self-exiled aristocrats who made Tangiers their
home in the middle of the 20th century. Needless to say, the food throughout
the tour will be Morocco’s finest whether in Casa Hassan, the
Café Saveurs des Poissons, the Minzah or the Mirage.
DAY 9: We return to Casablanca for our return flight.
Our great friend Julian Comrie will
accompany the tour as Guest Photographic Lecturer, offering advice and
encouragement to expert and novice alike.
TRAVELLING COMPANIONS: JULIAN COMRIE
FRPS, is a well-known photographer and photographic tutor. He
has published many books and his collections of photographs of Somerset,
Dorset and Oxford are best-sellers. He has exhibited widely and successfully
and has been accompanying Chris's Tours for 18 years.
THIS TOUR DEPARTS: 22nd February 2010
OUR HOTELS: The Maamoura in Casablanca;
Casa Hassan in Chefchaouen and the 5-star Minzah in Tangiers.
NUMBER IN PARTY: 12-18
THE PRICE OF THIS TOUR: £1450
(single supplement £150)