Kirker launches latest dedicated brochure to Morocco

Warming winter breaks, tailor-made itineraries and two new Cultural Tours tempt discerning travellers for 2015

Specialist tour operator for discerning travellers, Kirker Holidays has launched the latest edition of its dedicated Morocco brochure. Offering a superb selection of short breaks and longer holidays – including two new escorted Cultural Tours – the brochure offers a tantalising glimpse into this fascinating corner of North Africa, where diverse landscapes, historic sites, warm weather and an equally warm welcome await.

Encompassing the vibrant cities of Marrakech, Fes and Casablanca, and atmospheric small towns and villages such as Taroudant, Oualidia and Ouarzazate, Kirker’s Morocco programme stretches from coast to countryside. The charming seaside setting of Essaouira – where Kirker has added a new property for 2015, the three-star Riad Perle d’Eau – is a must-see that’s about to become even easier to visit, thanks to the introduction of direct easyJet flights from May 2015 – whilst delightful properties in La Palmeraie, the Ourika Valley and the characterful hamlets of Imlil and Toubkal are amongst the options for those wishing to base themselves somewhere rural and serene, yet within easy travelling distance of Marrakech.

Prefer to stay in the desert? Kirker also offers a choice of hand-picked accommodation in Le Grand Sud, the perfect complement to a visit to one of Morocco’s Imperial cities that takes travellers off the beaten track, journeying through mountain passes, rolling plains and Berber villages to reach the golden sands of the Moroccan Sahara.

Choose from the five-star opulence of Dar Ahlam (House of Dreams) in the delightful palm grove of Skoura or the Xaluca Palace in Boumalne Dades (at the edge of the Dades Valley), or opt for the simple charms of Kasbah Derkaoua, a three-star property in Erfoud built from traditional Moroccan materials such as pise (a mixture of straw and mud that provides excellent insulation). For the ultimate desert experience, spend a night under canvas at the Merzouga Bivouac, arriving by camel at sunset before enjoying dinner – prepared on site by local Berbers and served on your own private patio.

Or why not enjoy the best of both worlds, basing yourself in Marrakech and adding a tailor-made, three-night excursion from Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert – staying at the Riad Lamane in Zagora, the Merzouga Bivouac and the Xaluca Palace? This three-night trip costs from £798 pp (two sharing) including transportation, private guides and all meals.

Marrakech short breaks cost from £629 pp (two sharing) including flights (London), return private car transfers, accommodation with breakfast, a private walking tour of the medina with an expert local guide, Kirker’s Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing, and the services of the Kirker Concierge to book further guided excursions or a table for dinner.

Kirker’s expert team can create a tailor-made Moroccan holiday to suit any tastes, whether for a first-timer to Morocco or a returning visitor who has already ticked off the ‘must-see’ sights and is now keen to get under the skin of the country.  Need a few restorative days avoiding the chilly blasts of a UK winter? Kirker can arrange an indulgent, sun-soaked break blending stress-free relaxation with exquisite North African cuisine and attentive, friendly service. Keen to spend longer and learn more about Morocco’s rich cultural heritage? Allow the specialists at Kirker to put together a multi-centre itinerary – combining city, coast and countryside stopovers – that includes the services of an expert local guide and driver, to ensure you get the very best from your experience.

For culturally-inclined travellers who enjoy visiting a destination in the company of a small group, led by an expert lecturer, Kirker has added two NEW Moroccan holidays to its popular escorted tours selection:

• Historic Morocco & The Fez Festival is a five-night escorted holiday, led by renowned Morocco expert Barnaby Rogerson, that features a visit to one of the country’s most fascinating cities during the annual Fez Festival of World Sacred Music as well as visits to Casablanca, Meknes and Volubilis. One of the most important events in the World Music calendar, the Fez Festival promises a bohemian array of performances held at different venues around the city.

Departing 21 May, the price is from £1,715 pp (two sharing) including Royal Air Maroc flights (Gatwick), five nights’ accommodation with breakfast (one at the five-star Sofitel Tour Blanche in Casablanca, four at the four-star deluxe Riad Maison Bleue in Fez), three lunches in local restaurants, excursions as per the itinerary, and the services of Barnaby Rogerson and a local English-speaking guide.

• Imperial Morocco is a ten-night escorted tour, led by journalist and travel writer Fiona Dunlop, exploring this legendary land of rich colour, turbulent history and breathtaking landscapes. Beginning in the administrative capital, Rabat, the group moves on to Meknes and Volubilis, the largest and best-preserved Roman site in the country (dating from the 3^rd Century BC) that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a two-night stay in Fez, where highlights include Dar Batha (the Museum of Moroccan Arts) and the chance to experience the labyrinths, souks and artisan quarters of Morocco’s oldest city, the tour continues on to the Atlas Mountains before driving across the desert dunes to Merzouga and onwards through the Dades Valley to Ouarzazate. Last stop on this unforgettable Moroccan adventure is Marrakech, where a three-night stay – and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s famously vibrant atmosphere – awaits.

Departing 18 March & 28 October, the price is from £2,890 pp (two sharing) including flights (London), ten nights’ accommodation with breakfast, ten dinners, four lunches, all entrance fees/gratuities, and the services of Fiona Dunlop and a local guide.

For further information or to discuss a tailor-made itinerary to Morocco, contact Kirker Holidays on 020 7593 2288 or visit www.kirkerholidays.com.

Ends / 11 December 2014

Press: Contact Karen Carpenter at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440 or email k.carpenter@travelpr.co.uk. At Kirker Holidays, please contact Ted Wake, Sales & Marketing Director, on 020 7593 2281.