[Visa-Free] North African Intrigue: 8-Day Luxury Morocco Adventure (round trip from Casablanca)

Important notes:

1. Due to seasonal conditions each year, from November to March daylight hours are shorter and mountain road travel carries increased risks. Some attractions will therefore be canceled. Thank you for your understanding.

2. Guest rooms in Chefchaouen are in short supply, so accommodation may be changed to Tetouan;

3. If accommodation is limited during the Meknes agricultural fair each April, the stay may be changed to Ifrane, the outskirts of Fes, or a Fes guesthouse.

4. Ifrane may be inaccessible due to seasonal heavy snow and road closures.

5. Camel riding in the desert is a complimentary activity. You may choose to participate or opt out based on your health. Camel riding involves risks and is an individual activity for which the company accepts no responsibility. Children and older adults are advised to exercise caution.

6. If traveling in June, July, August, or September, we recommend bringing a swimsuit.

7. Regulations on carrying cash across the border: Dear guests, under Morocco’s entry, exit and foreign exchange regulations, individuals carrying foreign banknotes worth EUR 4,000 or more when leaving Morocco must present the declaration form completed upon entry or exit, or the relevant certificate issued by a local bank. Otherwise, customs may seize the cash or take other appropriate action. We therefore remind all tour groups to strictly comply with the relevant Moroccan regulations.

8. Jemaa el-Fnaa Square safety reminder: The square is crowded, so please take care of your belongings. Individuals and stallholders selling goods are everywhere; shopping is at your own discretion, so please judge the authenticity of items for yourself. Moroccan henna painting and other activities are available in the square for a fee. Please be aware that these activities are not included.

9. Shopping reminder: Local guides in Morocco may promote products, but their authenticity cannot necessarily be guaranteed. Whether to buy is entirely up to you. The old medina of Fes is home to shops of all sizes, including mosaic, copperware, carpet and leather workshops showcasing Fes’s oldest crafts; these are not tourist shopping stores. If a local guide promotes products or takes you to a shop, you may decide whether to buy based on your own preferences. Our company does not require guests to enter shops or make purchases.

10. Please request our overseas inspection trip notes before departure. Please reconfirm the specific local arrangements with us before traveling abroad. Due to the circumstances in African countries, fees for meals, vehicles, hotels, etc. canceled at short notice while abroad are non-refundable.

Tour highlights:

A distinctive hotel experience: three nights at international five-star chain hotels, locally styled Riad guesthouses, and a distinctive castle hotel (luxury desert tent available as an option)

Enjoy the services of an experienced Chinese-speaking guide, with years of experience and attentive, concierge-style service.

A host of complimentary treats — desert camel ride, bonfire party (with tent) and local specialty meals

Comprehensive support throughout your trip — 24/7 support from our China–Morocco customer service team

Included

1) Hotels throughout the trip (including breakfast)

Hotel reference:

2N Casablanca: Moevenpick Hotel huotel 5* or similar

1N Marrakech: Hotel & Spa Riad Al Jazira courtyard hotel or similar

1N Ouarzazate: Oscar Hotel 4*, boutique four-star hotel, or similar

1N Merzouga: Hotel Tombouctou kasbah hotel, luxury desert camp Royal Oasis Camp, or similar (the default desert accommodation is a kasbah hotel with air conditioning. You may switch to a luxury desert camp without air conditioning at no extra charge for the experience; please note this when booking!)

1N Fes: Hotel Les Merinides Fes 5* or similar

1N Chefchaouen: Parador, Puerta Azul, Jibal 3–4 star hotel, or homestay

2) Ground transportation outside the country (a suitable bus will be arranged according to group size).

3) Airport transfers (no Chinese-speaking escort is included on transfer days)

4) Professional foreign driver and their accommodation and meals

5) Chinese-speaking escort and their accommodation and meals

6) Complimentary desert camel ride (a hazardous activity; participation is voluntary)

7) Dinner included at hotels in Fes, Ouarzazate, Merzouga and Marrakech (no refund if you choose not to dine)

[If your hotel stay falls on a special holiday such as December 24, December 31, or February 14, dinner may be provided in another city instead.]

Other notes

- Special notes on child pricing: For 2 adults traveling with 1 child, children aged 3 and under (inclusive) travel free of charge if they do not occupy a bed or seat. Children aged 3–9 receive a 35% discount if they do not occupy a bed. Children aged 9 and above (inclusive) are charged the adult rate. For 1 adult traveling with 1 child, the child is charged the full fare.

Single-room policy:

- Room sharing is available free of charge. If no roommate can be arranged, a single room will be required and the single-room supplement must be paid.

Expenses at your own expense

1) Joining the tour outside the country; airfare from your home country or another region to Morocco is not included.

2) Single-room supplement at hotels

3) All lunches and dinners not otherwise included.

4) Hotel near the final drop-off point on the last night (please book in advance if needed)

5) Drinking water throughout the tour.

6) Admission tickets to all attractions throughout the tour (for specific prices, please refer to the tour quotation).

7) Other optional activities.

8) Alcoholic drinks, beverages, etc. during meals;

9) Driver and guide: €5/person/day (an equivalent amount in dirhams, US dollars, euros, pounds sterling, etc. is also accepted)

10) Fees for vehicles and driver-guides for guests' special requests beyond the normal daily tour activities (vehicle service hours are 09:00–21:00). If the driver and guide are separate, overtime costs for the driver, guide, and vehicle total €60 per hour;

11) Luggage storage fees and charges for overweight checked baggage.

12) Personal expenses and expenses not included in the quote.

13) Additional hotel charges due to seasonal price increases or local exhibitions, festivals, and other events.

14) Additional expenses resulting from unavoidable circumstances such as strikes, strong winds, dense fog, flight cancellations, heavy snow, itinerary changes, or schedule changes.

Suggested activities (at your own expense)

Optional Excursions Information

Please note: The prices below are for reference only. Any price changes will be subject to the prices announced at the time. For optional activities, please cooperate with and follow the tour guide’s itinerary; the guide’s schedule takes priority.

Attraction tickets and optional activities

Mosques other than the Hassan II Mosque are closed to visitors. If you need tickets for the attractions below, please exchange money into the local currency (dirhams) as needed and pay locally.

Hassan II Mosque

140 dirhams per person

Yves Saint Laurent Private Garden

170 dirhams per person

Bahia Palace

100 dirhams/person

Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate

130 dirhams per person

Bou Inania Madrasa in Fez

30 dirhams per person

Lunch and dinner costs (for reference)

Group lunch (minimum 6 people)

€12 per person per meal

Group dinner (minimum 6 people)

€12 per person per meal

Driver and guide tips

Total tips for the guide, driver, and restaurant (collected by the guide)

€5 per person per day

Changes and cancellation policy

Tour Information

I. Cancellation and change terms

1. Cancel the tour

More than 31 days before departure (including the 31st day), we charge 5% of the amount due on the booking order;

15–30 days before departure (including the 30th day): the company charges 20% of the amount payable on the booking order;

8–14 days before departure (including the 14th day), we charge 50% of the amount due on the booking order;

Within 7 days before departure (including the 7th day), once all vehicle and hotel reservations have been confirmed, the tour fees you have paid are non-refundable;

2. Change of date or tour

More than 31 days before departure (including the 31st day), we charge 5% of the amount due on the booking order;

15–30 days before departure (including the 30th day): the company charges 20% of the amount payable on the booking order;

8–14 days before departure (including the 14th day), we charge 50% of the amount due on the booking order;

Within 7 days before departure (including the 7th day), once all vehicle and hotel reservations have been confirmed, the tour fees you have paid are non-refundable;

*Receivables include the basic tour fee and additional accommodation charges.

Please note: If you are not cancelling the tour, you may cancel or amend additional nights free of charge up to 7 days before departure. Additional nights cannot be cancelled or amended within 7 days of departure.

[Note]:

If a participant is unable to join the tour as scheduled due to special circumstances, they may reschedule to a future tour, subject to the rescheduling terms stated above.

If a participant leaves the tour midway or does not take part in any group activity during the trip (such as meals or sightseeing), they must complete and sign the “Mid-Tour Withdrawal Declaration” provided by our company. Fees paid are non-refundable.

In all of the above cases, written notice must be provided; otherwise, it will be treated as an automatic forfeiture, and our company will not be held responsible.

II. Morocco entry policy: Holders of Chinese, U.S., Canadian, Malaysian, and certain other passports are visa-exempt.

III. Preparation before departure:

Cash: In Morocco, only large shopping centers, stores, supermarkets, and restaurants accept credit cards (Visa, MasterCard). Many other stores, souvenir shops, and restaurants require cash. A meal at a local McDonald's costs around €7. You can prepare some cash in advance based on your spending habits—for example, around €40 per day. We recommend bringing a credit card.

Currency exchange: The local currency in Morocco is the Moroccan dirham (DHS/MAD). Most local hotels and banks offer currency exchange services. We recommend bringing foreign currency such as US dollars, euros, or British pounds and exchanging it locally. Keep your exchange receipts so you can exchange the money back at an airport bank on your return. Based on experience, exchange rates at banks after airport customs or at banks in the city are generally fair.

Documents: Please bring your passport, flight tickets, and personal travel essentials. Students may bring their student ID, as some attractions in Morocco offer discounted student tickets. We also recommend bringing four passport-sized photos and a photocopy of your passport (to make it easier to replace your documents if they are lost).

Clothing for winter and early spring: Choose clothing according to the season. The weather is generally mild and humid throughout the year. Winter and spring (December, January, February, and March) are somewhat cool, with an average temperature of 12°C and large differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures. We recommend bringing a light jacket, windbreaker, sweater, and similar items. Rain is possible from mid-to-late November through January, so please bring an umbrella. Sandstorms are possible in the desert; you may wish to bring a headscarf or scarf.

Clothing for summer: From June to September, we recommend bringing a swimsuit (some hotels have swimming pools). Summer sunlight is intense, especially in the south, where temperatures are higher. Vehicle air conditioning may also feel insufficient, so you may wish to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and other sun-protection items. Sandstorms are possible in the desert; you may wish to bring a headscarf or scarf.

Dress code: Morocco is a Muslim country. Women should avoid wearing overly revealing clothing, especially during Ramadan, as this may offend local residents or provoke an extreme reaction. Formal attire is required to enter Rick's Café, casinos, and cafés and restaurants in upscale hotels. Please prepare appropriate clothing in advance if you plan to visit these places.

Personal items: Influenced by European standards, hotels in Morocco often do not provide disposable items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and slippers. Most hotels also do not provide kettles, and not all hotels have hair dryers. If needed, we recommend bringing your own.

Motion sickness and related medications: Many medicines in Morocco require a doctor's prescription, and medical care is expensive. Morocco has many mountain roads, and local vehicles may have rear-facing seats. We therefore recommend bringing commonly used medicines, such as motion sickness tablets and furazolidone, in case you need them.

Personal travel insurance: Although our agency has travel liability insurance as required by law, it may only provide coverage in the event of a major travel accident. In keeping with international travel practices, we strongly recommend purchasing international travel insurance before departure, preferably with emergency assistance, that covers Morocco, to give yourself additional protection.

Drones prohibited: Bringing drones into Morocco is prohibited. If Moroccan customs finds one, it may be confiscated or forfeited. If police discover a drone during your trip, it may also be confiscated, and you could even face criminal charges.

Professional video cameras/photographic equipment: Morocco prohibits any unauthorized filming for advertising, news, videos, film and television programs, or commercial videos. Professional equipment without a permit may therefore be detained by customs. Please carefully assess whether to bring specialized long-lens video cameras or cameras. If you must bring them, we recommend packing them separately.

SIM cards: Before traveling, check whether international roaming is enabled on your phone. If you need a local SIM card, there are usually kiosks handing out local SIM cards near baggage claim in Casablanca or Marrakech. You can make calls for 1–2 minutes, but you will need to top up your phone or data credit yourself. Data costs around €1 per GB, and most airports offer mobile top-up services.

Power banks: Most tour buses and desert tents do not have power outlets. Please bring a power bank if needed.

Plug adapters: Morocco uses European- and German-standard sockets. Please bring a plug adapter if needed.

IV. Travel Notes on Accommodation, Meals, and Transportation:

About the driver: As Morocco is an Islamic country, drivers may stop to pray at certain times. Please be respectful.

If you have any complaints about matters such as the driver’s professionalism or attitude, please inform our company as soon as possible. We will do our best to resolve the issue promptly. Please trust that we want every guest to have a wonderful experience in Morocco.

Road safety: After boarding, passengers must not move around inside the vehicle and must fasten their seat belts to prevent injuries caused by bumps, acceleration, sudden braking, winding mountain roads, or other conditions.

Hotel charges: If your hotel room has a refrigerator or minibar stocked with drinks and snacks, these are usually chargeable. Please confirm with the hotel before consuming them.

Drinking water: Water is generally not included in the itinerary, and tap water at hotels is not safe to drink. Guests may purchase drinking water in advance. Alternatively, after meeting the driver, you can ask them to stop at a supermarket, small shop, gas station, or another place to buy drinking water. Drinking water at hotel restaurants is usually charged separately.

About some attractions and facilities:

Most luxury desert tents do not have air conditioning. December, January, and February are cold, while July and August are hot. During these periods, we recommend staying at a hotel on the edge of the desert. From December to February, temperatures in the desert vary greatly, so wear warm clothing or a down jacket if you go out at night to stargaze.

Camels: Desert camel rides carry some risk. Please decide whether to ride based on your own circumstances. Children aged 12 or under may not ride alone and must be accompanied by a parent, who assumes responsibility. Children, teenagers, and older adults should carefully consider whether to ride; this activity carries risks, and the decision to ride is entirely personal. Individuals are fully responsible for any falls, bites, or other injuries. Those who are not physically suited to the activity are advised not to participate. Carrying an umbrella or engaging in horseplay while riding is strictly prohibited, as these actions may startle the camel.

The town of Ifrane may be inaccessible due to seasonal snowfall and road closures

Morocco has many mountain roads, especially the several-hour winding route between Marrakech and Ouarzazate. If you suffer from motion sickness, please prepare in advance.

Please note the following regarding meals at Rick's Café in Casablanca:

Formal attire is required for dining. Guests wearing short outfits, T-shirts, or ripped jeans may be denied entry.

Photography may sometimes be prohibited inside restaurants.

Please do not speak loudly or make a commotion inside restaurants.

If the group dines here, guests may be asked to open their bags for inspection, so please be prepared. The restaurant's service is poor, and we do not recommend visiting.

Shopping reminder: In Morocco, local guides may offer goods for sale. The authenticity of these goods cannot be guaranteed, and whether to buy is entirely up to each traveler. In particular, the old medina of Fez is home to many shops of all sizes. Its mosaic, metalwork, carpet, and leather workshops showcase some of Fez’s oldest crafts and are not tourist shopping outlets. If a local guide promotes products or takes you to a shop, you may choose whether to buy according to your own circumstances. Our company does not require travelers to enter shops or make purchases.

Marrakech Jemaa el-Fnaa night square advisory: The square is crowded, so please take good care of your belongings. Individuals and stallholders are selling goods throughout the square; shopping is a personal choice, so please check the authenticity of items yourself. Moroccan henna painting and similar activities are also available in the square and are chargeable. Please be aware.

Reminder to check for forgotten items: Before checking out, please check your room again for any belongings you may have left behind. Pay particular attention to small items that are often forgotten, such as passports, residence permits, mobile phones, glasses, chargers, plug adapters, and jewelry. Do not leave belongings on the vehicle seats. If you forget something, our company will do its best to help locate it but will not be liable for any loss or damage resulting from lost items.

Tips: Morocco is a tipping country. After receiving hotel or restaurant service, you can leave an appropriate tip; €1–2 is sufficient. See the quotation for the recommended driver tip.

Photography: Many local people do not want to be photographed, especially local women wearing veils. Please ask for permission before taking photos with people or photographing them.

Unsolicited approaches and henna: If anyone approaches you on the street, do not engage. Young people may pretend to be helpful by showing you the way or offering assistance, but they often ask for a tip afterward. Local women who approach you on the street to sell “henna designs” are often trying to extort money.

Tax refunds: Purchases at stores in Morocco marked “Duty or Tax Free” may qualify for a tax refund. Purchases of over 2,000 dirhams qualify for a 13% refund. Present the tax refund form and goods to customs for inspection and a stamp (ask airport staff for the exact location), then apply for the refund at a refund counter (Global Blue or a bank). We recommend carrying refund items by hand or completing the refund process before checking them in.

Foreign currency regulations: Rules on carrying cash across the border: Dear guests, under Morocco's entry, exit, and foreign exchange regulations, individuals leaving Morocco with foreign currency banknotes worth EUR 4,000 or more must present the declaration form completed upon entry or exit, or relevant documentation issued by a local bank. Otherwise, customs may confiscate the cash or take other appropriate action. We therefore remind all tour groups to comply strictly with Moroccan regulations.

Health advisory: Morocco's summer desert temperatures are extremely high, and the country has many mountainous areas and canyons. The drive to desert regions can also be lengthy. Please assess whether your health and fitness are suitable for this trip. Travelers with underlying conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure, as well as those aged 70 or older, are advised to consider carefully before traveling.

Force majeure: Any additional expenses arising from itinerary delays, changes, or cancellations due to unavoidable circumstances such as weather, natural disasters, war, coups, strikes, or delays or cancellations of scheduled transportation must be paid by the guest.

V. Travel safely—safety first

Avoid going out at night: Although Morocco is generally reasonably safe, every country has risks at night, especially on weekend nights when football fans’ emotions can be highly volatile. When returning to your hotel at night, avoid going far unless necessary, and do not go out alone. If you must go out, we recommend traveling with others, preferably accompanied by a man.

Traveling alone: Group activities are the safest way to travel. Please avoid leaving the group or going off on your own during the trip. Do not talk to strangers, and be sure to note the hotel address and phone number at each stop.

Thieves: Pickpockets are everywhere in Morocco, and robberies also occur from time to time. You must carry your passport, air tickets, cash, and valuables such as cameras, jewelry, and watches with you. It is best to wear a crossbody bag to avoid snatch theft by motorcyclists. Try not to walk along the roadside while talking on your phone.

Safekeeping of valuables: Do not leave valuables in the vehicle. If the vehicle is stolen, broken into, or robbed, neither the driver nor the vehicle company will provide compensation. Please keep your personal belongings safe. Valuables should not be left in your room either; store them in the hotel safe or keep them with you at all times (including during breakfast—never leave yourself and your bag apart). As in hotels around the world, hotel cleaning staff in Morocco may enter rooms, whether occupied or unoccupied, to change bedding and supplies or carry out maintenance. Given the country’s economic conditions and level of development, please safeguard your belongings to avoid the risk of hotel staff with poor standards being tempted by valuables.

Sidewalks: Traffic in some areas of Morocco can be chaotic, and traffic lights are often ignored. Please take great care when crossing the street. Never stand in the roadway; use the sidewalk.

Alcohol: In Morocco, alcohol may only be consumed in designated places. Under local regulations, bringing your own alcoholic beverages into a restaurant to drink is prohibited; doing so may lead to police involvement and criminal liability.

Road safety: Take care while traveling by vehicle. Please fasten your seat belt while the tour bus is moving, and do not walk around inside the bus.

Seat belts: Under local law, seat belts must be worn while the vehicle is in motion, including when stopped at traffic lights (by the front passenger and passengers). Any fines imposed by the police for not wearing a seat belt must be paid by the guest.

Risky activities: Please take care when participating in activities such as camel rides. There have been incidents of people falling off camels and camels biting people when startled. Carrying an umbrella while riding is strictly prohibited. Children, teenagers, and older adults are advised not to participate. Other activities, such as desert motorcycling, also carry risks. Please assess your own circumstances; all risks and liability are assumed by the individual.

Accidents: As mentioned above, we strongly recommend purchasing personal travel accident insurance locally before your trip, with coverage for Morocco. If an accident occurs, please call our company’s emergency number, and we will do our best to help. Costs not covered by insurance, including but not limited to rescue and medical treatment, will be your responsibility.

VI. Other Practical Information and Reminders

Useful phone numbers:

• Emergency calls within the city: city area code + 19 • Emergency calls outside the city: city area code + 177

• Fire: city area code + 15 • Ambulance: city area code + 15

Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Kingdom of Morocco

Address: 16, Charia Ahmed Balafrej, Souissi, Rabat

Tel: (212-537) 754056/92

E-mail: [email protected]/ Website: ma.china-embassy.org/chn/

• Our local emergency telephone number: In an emergency, you can call our local emergency staff. Please see the tour departure notice for details.

• Morocco country code: 00212. To call Morocco from a third country, dial 00212 + the local mobile number (without the initial 0).

Wishing everyone a wonderful and smooth trip to Morocco!