Inspired by Harry & Meghan to visit Morocco?

Jules Verne itineraries range from a short break in Marrakech to a Grand Tour fit for a duke and duchess

Whilst brief, there can be little doubt that The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s visit to Morocco earlier this week will have whetted many a traveller’s appetite for a first-time or return visit to this wonderful country.

A chaotic and colourful, mysterious and mythical land shaped by many nations, Morocco blends Arabic, French and African influences to whisk visitors – royal or otherwise – on a magic carpet ride of unforgettable experiences. Discover the vibrant markets, enchanting gardens, souks and palaces of Marrakech, explore the historic and cultural delights of Tangier, Rabat and Casablanca, and venture high into the spectacular Atlas Mountains for breath-taking scenery.

Among the many highlights of Harry & Meghan’s short tour of Morocco was a visit to a boarding house in the High Atlas Mountains run by Education for All, an NGO (non-profit organisation) that builds and runs high-quality boarding houses close to schools for girls aged 12-18. By enabling the girls to feel settled and thrive in their studies, Education for All aims to reduce the school drop-out rate: the organisation sees an average pass rate of 90% across all years and now has 50 girls enrolled at university. During their visit, the Duke of Sussex presented the Founder of Education for All, Michael McHugo, with an MBE for his work in improving gender equality in education in Morocco.

Michael McHugo is also the driving force behind Kasbah du Toubkal, a premier mountain retreat just 60 km from Marrakech. Perched on an imposing outcrop 1,800 metres above sea level, at the foot of Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, Kasbah du Toubkal considers itself more a Berber hospitality centre than a traditional hotel, offering genuine friendliness, warmth and hospitality, and includes a 5% levy in its guests’ accommodation bills that is channelled back to the villagers.

Keen to experience Kasbah du Toubkal for yourself? Jules Verne’s nine-night Secret Morocco tour includes the option of a two-night stay at this remarkable property, as well as three nights in Marrakech, two in the port city of Essaouira and two in the southern Moroccan city of Taroudant. Departing 21 April, 16 June, 1, 15 & 22 September, 6 & 13 October, 10 November and 1 December, the price is from £1,395 pp (two sharing), including flights (Gatwick), transfers, nine nights’ B&B, two lunches and five dinners, excursions as per the itinerary, and the services of guides and local representatives.

Jules Verne’s Morocco holiday selection also includes…

• The VJV Riad: a four-night stay at the traditional Angsana Riad Blanc in old Marrakech. Located in the medina, close to Dar Si Said Museum and ten minutes’ walk from the city’s famous Djemma el-Fna Square, this is a delightful base from which to enjoy excursions that include the Bahia and Badia Palaces, the Saadian Tombs, the Majorelle Gardens and YSL (Yves St. Laurent) Museum, as well as an optional full-day tour (additional cost) to the High Atlas Mountains with lunch at Kasbah du Toubkal. Departing 10 March, 9 & 23 June, 21 July, 25 August, 8, 22 & 29 September, 13 & 27 October, 17 November and 1 December, the price is from £545 pp (two sharing), including flights (Gatwick), transfers, four nights’ B&B, one lunch, one dinner, excursions as per the itinerary, and the services of local guides and representatives.

• Grand Tour of Morocco: Travelling from the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts to the Atlas Mountains, and from the desert to the Imperial cities, this comprehensive 14-night itinerary features a varied selection of accommodation, including riads, heritage hotels and coastal properties. Food is an important part of any visit to Morocco, and the culinary highlights of this tour include lunch at the exclusive and historic La Mamounia hotel in Marrakech, and delicious Moroccan meals in Fez and Marrakech.  More details here. Departing 28 April, 1 & 15 September, 6 & 20 October and 3 November, the price is from £1,895 pp (two sharing), including flights (Gatwick, transfers, 14 nights’ B&B (three each in Marrakech and Fez, two each in Rabat and Essaouira, and one each in Tangier, Erfoud, Boumalne Dades and Taroudant), eight lunches, 12 dinners, excursions as per the itinerary, and the services of guides and local representatives.

• Highlights of Morocco: Carefully designed to distil the authentic Jules Verne experience into a shorter, more affordable arrangement that will appeal to travellers with limited time and/or budget, this seven-night tour features visits to Marrakech’s Koutoubia Minaret, the Majorelle Gardens, Bahia Palace and Dar Si Said Palace Museum as well as Fez’s medersas (theological schools), museum and medina, Roman Volubilis, Meknes’ ramparts and stables, Imperial Rabat, Casablanca and the Hassan II mosque. Departing 19 March, 4 June, 17 September, 15 October and 12 & 19 November, the price is from £795 pp (two sharing), including flights (Stansted), transfers, seven nights’ B&B (three nights each in Fez and Marrakech, and one night in Casablanca), six lunches, excursions as per the itinerary, and the services of guides and local representatives.

Offering short breaks, long-haul stays and multi-centre itineraries to 106 countries spanning Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific and The Americas, Jules Verne offers a tempting array of holidays that range from relaxing river and coastal cruises, spectacular rail journeys and unforgettable grand tours to trips created with a particular focus on history, art and culture, or wildlife. Travelling in small escorted groups led by expert guides who showcase the true character of a destination, whether closer to home or far-flung, Jules Verne clients are assured of authentic travel experiences with a twist.

Fully ABTA and ATOL bonded, and winner of many travel awards, Jules Verne’s expert staff organise every detail, ensuring that clients can book in complete confidence. This commitment is further reinforced by Jules Verne’s 100% Price Guarantee; the holiday price is fixed when clients book and will remain so, even if Jules Verne’s costs increase subsequently.

For more information on Jules Verne’s collection of Worldwide Journeys, call 020 3553 3722 or visit www.vjv.com.

ENDS

Press: For more information on Jules Verne, contact Karen Carpenter at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email k.carpenter@travelpr.co.uk.