The Real Deal: A guided tour with stops in Casablanca, Rabat, Moulay Idriss, Fez, Chefchaouen, Tangier, and Marrakech; one night at Hotel Guynemer in Casablanca; four nights in hotels at various tour stops; one night each at a shared homestay, aboard an overnight sleeper train, and at Le Caspien Hotel in Marrakech; two breakfasts and one lunch; guided sightseeing throughout the trip, including a tour of the Roman ruins of Volubilis and a visit to a tannery and a ceramic factory in Fez; transportation by train, bus, and taxi; and the services of English-speaking guides, from $1,100 per person—including all fees.
When: Departures available most Fridays Feb. 26–June 24, 2011; add $25 per person for Dec. 31.
The fine print: Airfare is not included. Based on double occupancy. There is no single supplement; solo travelers will be paired up with someone of the same sex. Group size ranges from one to 12 participants. Travel insurance, which you can book through Intrepid, is mandatory; call for rates. Allow about $308 per person to cover the cost of food and beverages. To book, refer to trip code XSB. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: No deadline; based on availability.
Contact Intrepid Travel, 800/970-7299, intrepidtravel.com.
Why it's a deal: The cost of the Magical Morocco package breaks down to about $138 per night and includes accommodations (hotel stays, a homestay, and an overnight train ride), some meals, guided sightseeing, all ground transportation, hotel taxes, and the services of experienced English-speaking tour guides. You also benefit from the convenience of a pre-packaged itinerary and from the local expertise of Intrepid Travel's staff.
More: Optional excursions include a guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca ($15 per person) and a scenic drive along the Mediterranean coast to Tangier ($15 per person). Pre-tour nights at Hotel Guynemer in Casablanca start from $38 per person per night based on double occupancy; add $26 for a solo traveler. Post-tour nights at Le Caspian in Marrakech start from $50 per person per night; add $28 for a solo guest.
