Lot 71
The Road to Morocco

Seven (7) day, six (6) night Moroccan adventure for two (2) couples
Round-trip, business class airfare from New York to Casablanca on Royal Air Maroc
Round-trip, domestic airfare from Casablanca to Marrakech
Three (3) nights at the Villa des Orangers of Marrakech in a private rooftop terrace suite
Privately guided tours of famous Marrakech landmarks including the Koutoubia Mosque, Djemaa el Fnaa, Ali ben Youseff Medersa, Musee de Marrakech, Dar Bellarj, Majorelle Gardens and others
Private tasting dinner at Palmeraie, prepared by Chef Xavier Mathieu
Three (3) nights in a superior suite at Kasbah Tamadot, Richard Branson’s luxurious retreat in the High Atlas Mountains

This Saharan adventure can best be introduced with the slightly-adapted lyrics of a classic Crosby, Stills and Nash song: “Looking at the world through the sunset in your eyes… trying to make the plane to clear Moroccan skies… Hope the days that lie ahead bring us back to where they led… Would you know you’re riding on the Marrakech Express?” Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon, and for the rest of your life, starting when you land in Casablanca and transfer to your flight to Marrakech.

Morocco is a fascinating and enigmatic country. It is one of the most progressive and vibrant nations in the Arab world and was the first country, in 1777, to recognize the fledgling United States of America as a sovereign state. In fact, The Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship, signed by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, has been in continuous effect since 1786. Morocco is therefore perhaps the most welcoming and hospitable place for Americans to discover the mystery and majesty of the Islamic world.

You’ll visit some of the most awe-inspiring and captivating sites in Morocco beginning with Marrakech, readily identified by the reddish-pink hue of its most ancient structures. It is a colorful, cosmopolitan and contemporary city, redolent with spices and flowers. You’ll stay in a private rooftop terrace suite at the Villa des Orangers, an exquisite Relais & Chateaux boutique hotel surrounding three serene courtyards. From your terrace, admire the city’s defining landmark, the 12th century tiled minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque. Close to the mosque is the Djemaa el Fnaa, the greatest public square in all of Africa. Once a meeting and trading hub for this region of Africa, the square is most exciting at sunset when it fills with storytellers, healers, snake charmers and acrobats. You can watch it all from the comfort of one of the many cafés lining its perimeter.

One evening in Marrakech, enjoy a private culinary feast at an exclusive club in Palmeraie. Arrive by horse and carriage and be treated to a custom tasting menu, complete with wine pairings for each course. Chef Xavier Mathieu, trained under Joël Robuchon and Marc Veyrat, may greet you at your table to introduce your dining experience.

No visit would be complete without seeing the souks where spices, rugs, jewelry, copper and indigenous art are traded as they have been for centuries. The first thing you may notice about the medieval Ali ben Youseff Medersa, the 16th-century Koranic university nearby, is its breathtaking architecture. The delicate intricacy of the stucco, carved cedar and zellij (mosaic) in the central courtyard makes the building seem taller than it actually is. You’ll find more to take your breath away at the Musee de Marrakech and Dar Bellaj, the city’s most fascinating cultural showplaces. Quieter moments await you in the Marjorelle Gardens and the Menara Gardens, whose reflecting pool, olive groves and view of the Atlas Mountains make it a very romantic spot.

Those majestic peaks will be your next destination; more specifically, Kasbah Tamadot, Richard Branson’s luxurious retreat in the rolling foothills of the High Atlas. With a unique blend of Moroccan textures and colors, this exclusive hideaway of only 18 rooms and suites is less than an hour from Marrakech and offers a spa, hammam (traditional Turkish steam bath), library, tennis courts and pools inside and out. While here you may trek to a local village, sip Morocco’s famous mint tea or simply bask in opulent comfort.

Don’t miss this Marrakech Express—bid first, bid fast, bid highest!

Insider’s Note: Lunch, high tea, non-alcoholic beverages and laundry service are included during your stay at the Villa des Orangers. Gratuities, lunches, dinners, trekking/hiking fees and services on days at leisure are not included. Trip must be taken between January 27, 2008 and January 26, 2009, excluding Christmas, New Year’s and Easter seasons. Morocco is extremely popular and should be booked as far in advance as possible. All accommodations, arrangements and services are subject to availability at time of booking. Subject to change without notice. Subject to availability. Restrictions apply.

DONORS: Heritage Tours Private Travel
Airfare provided by an anonymous donor