Africa & Middle East

From timeless golden dunes to vibrant, bustling bazaars and the age-old remains of civilizations past, explore some of Morocco’s most fascinating sights. Discover the fresh cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains, meander the winding lanes of old Marrakech, and ride into the desert on a 4x4. Meet musicians, artisans, and nomads as you soak up the mystique of this captivating North African nation.

Your escorted tour of Morocco is an escape from the crowds typically found at busier times of the year. Begin your vacation with a welcome dinner in legendary Casablanca. Follow North Africa’s infamous Barbary Coast to the capital-city Rabat—once the haven for 16th-century pirates—and take a drive to see the massive medieval battlements and Royal Palace. Throughout the week, you’ll encounter incredible historic and cultural sites. Marvel at the architecture and history of Meknes—the 11th-century military settlement, turned into an impressive city in the Spanish-Moorish style by the legendary Sultan Moulay Ismail. On your guided sightseeing tour, you’ll see the monumental, gated walls that surround the city, elaborate mosques, and the palace.

Continue to Fez, considered to be Morocco’s spiritual and artistic center, and see the magnificent entrance to the Royal Palace. Drive through the old Jewish quarter, travel to the traditional entrance to Old Fez at Bab Bou Jeloud and follow your Local Guide through the labyrinthine streets of its Medina and the remarkable architecture of the Medersa Bou Inania. Next stop is the vibrant oasis of Marrakesh. Explore the “Red City” amid its sandstone walls and buildings with your Local Guide. You’ll visit Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs (or Badia Palace), the Djemaa El-Fna town center and colorful marketplace. Return to Casablanca for a panoramic drive to visit the Hassan II Mosque. Then, top it all off with a delicious farewell dinner to celebrate your Moroccan Escape!

Point your compass south for the diverse and enchanting sights of South Africa and Zimbabwe. The glorious panoramas from Cape Town’s Table Mountain and the candy-hued streets of the Bo-Kaap neighborhood set the stage for the sweet sights to come. Six open-air game drives in Private Game Reserve near Kruger National Park offer a fascinating glimpse of up to 42 mammal species and 350 bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for the “Big 5”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo—before branching out in Johannesburg. Here, you’ll explore Soweto, the city’s largest township, including the former home of Nelson Mandela and the significant sites of the anti-apartheid movement.

Your South Africa vacation crescendos at Victoria Falls, called Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) on the Zambezi River. Twice the height of Niagara Falls, this breathtaking waterfall spanning the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia offers twice the photo ops. A Small Group Discovery tour for the wild mannered!