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Exploring Morocco with the South Carolina Medical Association

Oct 5 - 14, 2027
Exploring Morocco with the South Carolina Medical Association image
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Morocco

Join the South Carolina Medical Association for a remarkable journey through Morocco—a land where vibrant colors, ancient traditions, and enduring stories intertwine. This all-inclusive experience leads travelers through Casablanca, Fez, and ultimately Marrakech, offering a deep and immersive look at many of the country’s most captivating sights. On this five-star trip, travelers will also have a medical education opportunity.

Along the way, participants will wander through centuries-old medinas, explore bustling souks, admire exquisite architecture, and witness the cultural richness that has long inspired writers and artists from around the world.

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For More Information:

Please contact Masahiko at masahiko@johnshorstravel.com. We'd love to have you join this fabulous tour!

Overview

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Overview

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Morocco

DAY 1: Tuesday

Oct 5, 2027
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Arrive at Casablanca International Airport

Be greeted by a private driver at the airport, who will take you to our five-star hotel located in the heart of the old city and near many of Casablanca’s most famous monuments.

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Note: If guests wish to arrive one day earlier, so that they may relax for a full day before the tour starts they may do so. Anyone arriving one day early will still have complimentary airport pickup, but will be on their own for October 5th in terms of activities, and will be charged for an extra night at the hotel.

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Arrive in Casablanca

Casablanca, Morocco’s vibrant coastal metropolis, blends modern energy with timeless charm. From its striking Art Deco architecture to its bustling medinas and oceanfront boulevards, the city offers a captivating mix of culture, history, and contemporary life.

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Check in to hotel and enjoy free time

Our hotel will be a luxurious five-star property situated in the historic center of Casablanca, offering convenient access to many of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The hotel will be The Hyatt Regency Casablanca, or a similar hotel in the same class.

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Welcome Dinner

Time6:30 p.m.

We will meet in the lobby for a welcome drink at the hotel bar before walking together to Casa Jose Puerto for dinner.

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DAY 2: Wednesday

Oct 6, 2027
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

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Walking Tour

Time10:00 a.m.

Meet in the lobby and depart with our local guide for a walking tour of the magnificent King Hassan II Mosque complex, which features the tallest minaret in the world and can accommodate more than 100,000 people.

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Enjoy lunch at Rick’s Café

Time12:30 p.m.

This famous restaurant recreates the atmosphere of Casablanca, the classic film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.

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Optional Medina Excursion

Time2:00 p.m.

As this is our first full day on tour, guests may return to the hotel to relax and enjoy its amenities, including the pool and spa. Or guests may join their tour leader on an excursion to the nearby medina (the ancient walled part of the city) to explore.

For this excursion, the tour leader will accompany interested guests to a local shop offering watches, handbags, and other merchandise.

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Please note that we will explore other significant medinas later on in the trip.

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Return to the hotel and enjoy free time

Time4:00 p.m.

Guests who joined the medina excursion will return to the hotel to enjoy free time.

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Dinner

Time6:30 p.m.

Meet in the lobby and enjoy dinner together at Dar Beida, the Moroccan restaurant located inside the Hyatt Regency.

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DAY 3: Thursday

Oct 7, 2027
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

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Check out from the hotel

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Depart for Fez

Time9:00 a.m.

Meet in the hotel lobby with your bags packed, and depart on a private bus for Fez. We will take a detour to explore Volubilis along the way, the ancient Roman city often referred to as the “Moroccan Pompeii”. The drive to Volubilis will take about three hours.

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Arrive at Volubilis

Time12:00 p.m.

Volubilis is one of Morocco’s best-preserved ancient Roman cities, known for its impressive ruins, detailed mosaics, and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. A visit here offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s Roman past and its architectural legacy.

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Lunch

After touring Volubilis, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.

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Continue to Fez

We’ll wrap up our visit to the Roman site after lunch and begin the final stretch of our drive to Fez. The drive from Volubilis to Fez will take about 1.5 hours.

Arrival time is subject to change depending on traffic conditions.

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Arrive in Fez

Time4:00 p.m.

Fez, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart, is a city rich in history and tradition. Known for its sprawling ancient medina—one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world—Fez invites visitors into a maze of vibrant souks, centuries-old madrasas, and beautifully preserved architecture. With its deep artistic heritage and timeless atmosphere, Fez offers an unforgettable glimpse into Morocco’s past.

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Check in to the hotel

Our hotel will be a 4.5-star property in the heart of the city. We will be checking into the Fes Marriott Hotel Jnan Palace, or a similar property.

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Dinner

Time6:30 p.m.

Meet in the lobby and enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Jnan L'Fassi.

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DAY 4: Friday

Oct 8, 2027
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

After several busy days of sightseeing and travel, today is designed to be a free day to relax at the spacious hotel complex or do some shopping in the city.

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Optional: Traditional Tile Shop Visit

Time10:00 a.m.

If interested, meet your tour leader and our local guide and depart with them for a visit to a local tile shop. Here, you will see how craftsmen use centuries-old techniques to create intricate tables, fountains, platters, and much more.

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Lunch

Everyone visiting the tile shop will enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.

For those staying at the hotel, enjoy lunch at your own leisure.

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Optional: Visit to a Traditional Moroccan Carpet Store

Time1:30 p.m.

For anyone interested, we will take an optional shopping excursion to a lovely carpet store, where local weavers create traditional Moroccan carpets.

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Return to the hotel for free time

Time3:30 p.m.

Head back to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

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Independent Dinner

Enjoy the evening at leisure and independently.

DAY 5: Saturday

Oct 9, 2027
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

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Walking tour of Fez

Time10:00 a.m.

Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for a walking tour with our local guide.

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Medina of Fez

Walk through the city's medina, a labyrinth of shops, mosques, and lively open markets. With more than 9,000 winding alleys, it stands as one of the best-preserved and most authentic ancient cities in the Arab world—an endlessly fascinating world unto itself.

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Tannery of Fez

The Tannery of Fez is a famous traditional leather workshop where artisans dye and treat leather using centuries-old methods. Its colorful stone vats make it one of the most iconic sights in the city.

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Lunch

Time12:00 p.m.

Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, Palais Lahlou.

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Visit the Al-Attarine Madrasa

Time2:00 p.m.

The Al-Attarine Madrasa is one of Fez’s most beautiful historic schools, known for its stunning zellij, carved cedar wood, and serene courtyard. A visit offers a glimpse into traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and the scholarly life of the past. Though small, it’s richly detailed and perfect for appreciating the medina’s peaceful architectural beauty.

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Return to hotel and enjoy free time

Time3:30 p.m.

Head back to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

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Dinner

Time6:15 p.m.

Meet in the lobby and depart in our private bus for a nearby restaurant, Palais Faraj, which is housed in a former palace and features wonderful views of the city. Here we will savor a special, multi-course meal, while enjoying a wonderful view of Fez.

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DAY 6: Sunday

Oct 10, 2027
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

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Check out from the hotel

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Depart for Marrakech

Time9:00 a.m.

Meet in the lobby with bags packed for our departure to Marrakech. We will stop at several spots along the way. This drive will take about six hours.

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Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a simple restaurant along the way.

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Check in to our hotel

Time4:30 p.m.

Arrive at our five-star hotel and check in. Our hotel will be the Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial & Spa, or a similar property.

Arrival time is subject to change depending on traffic conditions and detours.

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Independent Dinner

Enjoy the evening at leisure and independently.

DAY 7: Monday

Oct 11, 2027
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

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Walking tour of Marrakech

Time10:30 a.m.

Meet in the hotel lobby and depart with our local guide for a walking tour of Marrakech. We will start by passing the Koutoubia Mosque.

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Explore the Medina of Marrakech

Explore the historic medina of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its winding alleys, traditional souks, and historic pink ramparts.

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Lunch

Time12:30 p.m.

Enjoy a rooftop lunch at L’Mida.

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Free time

Time2:00 p.m.

Guests will have the opportunity shop, with our local guide, at a variety of high-end stores that are known for their silk carpets, precious perfumes, rare spices, gems, and much more.

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Dinner

Time6:30 p.m.

Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant.

DAY 8: Tuesday

Oct 12, 2027
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

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Jardin Majorelle

Time10:00 a.m.

Meet in the hotel lobby and depart with our local guide. We will have tickets to visit Jardin Majorelle, the enchanting garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later beautifully restored by the iconic designer Yves Saint Laurent.

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Yves Saint Laurent Museum

We will also visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, a beautifully designed space dedicated to the life and legacy of the legendary French couturier. The museum showcases an exceptional collection of his iconic haute couture creations, original sketches, and personal archives, offering a fascinating look into his creative world and lasting influence on fashion.

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Lunch

Time12:30 p.m.

Enjoy lunch at a nearby rooftop restaurant.

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Optional Afternoon Exploration

Time2:30 p.m.

Guests may return to the hotel to enjoy its outdoor pool and various amenities, or explore more of this vibrant city with our local guide.

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Dinner

Time8:00 p.m.

Meet at the hotel lobby and depart for Comptoir Darna. This popular restaurant is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and live belly dancing performances.

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DAY 9: Wednesday

Oct 13, 2027
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

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Medical Education Opportunity

Time9:30 a.m.

For this morning, we will join a local organization and participate in a medical education activity. Guests will board vans and head to a location about one hour outside Marrakech (most likely in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains).

Details to be confirmed closer to the date.

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Lunch

Time1:00 p.m.

Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.

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Camel Ride

Time2:30 p.m.

After lunch, we will travel to a nearby valley for a scenic camel ride.

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Free Time

Time4:30 p.m.

Return to the hotel to relax or continue exploring independently.

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Farewell Dinner

Time6:30 p.m.

Meet in the lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant for our farewell dinner.

DAY 10: Thursday

Oct 14, 2027
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Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel

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Check out from the hotel

Check out11:00 a.m.
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Tour with John Shors Travel concludes

Private transportation provided to Marrakech Menara Airport.

Tour Details & Pricing

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All-Inclusive Tour*

*This is an all-inclusive tour with the exception of alcoholic beverages, two dinners, and hotel incidentals such as laundry, room service, etc.)

Price of Tour:

  • $8,995 USD per person, based on double occupancy

  • $11,495 USD per person, based on single occupancy

Price includes: 

  • Accommodations at high-end hotels 

  • All transportation within Morocco

  • Most meals and non-alcoholic drinks

  • Fees (tours, guides, etc.)

  • Excursions 

  • All tips

Price does not include: 

  • International airfare to Casablanca and from Marrakech

  • One dinner in Fez and one dinner in Marrakech

  • Alcoholic drinks

  • Activities during free times such as golf, spa, etc.

  • Hotel incidentals such as room service, minibar, phone charges, laundry, etc.

  • Charges incurred if guests opt to arrive early in Casablanca or stay late in Marrakech

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Additional Notes

Exact tour details may differ slightly from what is listed above, depending on recommendations from local guides; as restaurants close, streets are refurbished, etc.

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Traveler Disclaimer

Before booking your slot, please ensure that you are physically and mentally fit to travel fully unassisted. This includes being able to:

  • Walk two or more miles per day, including on uneven surfaces

  • Go up and down steps and inclines

  • Stand for periods of time

  • Carry personal bags and luggage independently 

Have a look at our full “Traveler Expectations and Disclaimer” page here.

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Cancellation Policy

Our cancellation policy can be found on our FAQs page.

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Travel Insurance Recommendation

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. For your convenience, you can explore options from our trusted travel insurance partner here.