Before You Depart

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Flights from the U.S. and back are on the following schedules. Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing customs and immigration if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least three-and-a-half hours. Please note that flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT

Royal Air Maroc does not assign seats in advance, and smarTours® is not involved in seat assignments. Seat assignments can only be arranged at the airport upon check-in.

BOOKING YOUR OWN FLIGHTS

Booking your own flights has advantages like flying from your home airport, choosing your own seats, upgrading your seats, and using and collecting airline miles. Tour-only travelers are responsible for arranging their entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. Unused land services including those caused by air schedule changes and delays are non-refundable and smarTours cannot be held responsible.

When booking your flights, please note that our tour starts in Casablanca and ends in Rabat. We recommend that you:

• Fly into Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN)
• Fly out of Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN)

TOUR MEETING POINT

When and where you’ll meet the rest of the group depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.

• smarTours Group Air Travelers: Upon arrival in destination, please proceed through customs and immigration. Our Tour Director will be waiting for you at the airport upon arrival in the arrivals area near the point you clear customs with a smarTours sign.
• smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: We recommend you arrive around 4 PM to settle in before joining the welcome orientation and dinner on Day 1. Hotel check-in is generally not before 4 PM.

TOUR ENDING POINT

The final end point for your tour depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.

• smarTours Group Air Travelers: On our last day, we’ll transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.
• smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: The tour ends after breakfast on the last day. Generally, hotel check-out is prior to 12 PM (noon).

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. U.S. citizens do not require visas. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates for current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.

TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS

Final instructions, documents, and travel tips will be emailed to you 10–14 days before the scheduled start of your tour. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact smarTours.

ACCOMMODATIONS

In Marrakesh, authorities have tightened regulations concerning automobiles in the medina. Automobiles are no longer to drive through and/or park in the old part of the medina. The drop off area is approximately 0.5 miles away. In Dades, the accommodation is a riad. Riads are traditional multi-story Moroccan homes that have been converted into hotels. Riads do not have elevators and will require the use of stairs.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Immunizations are not currently required. However, you may wish to consult your personal physician, local public health authorities or Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as to their suggestions.

CLIMATE

The temperature in Morocco ranges from the mid-50s to the mid-70s in the fall and spring, the mid-60s to mid-90s in the summer and mid-40s to mid-60s during the winter.

Clothing

Some religious sites may require more conservative attire (no sleeveless tops, short skirts or shorts).

RAMADAN

Ramadan is a month-long Islamic holiday taking place from March 10th, 2024 through April 9th, 2024. smarTours operates tours during this time with very few obstacles. Moroccans don’t expect foreigners to fast during Ramadan. There is a very nice local atmosphere that travelers enjoy. Some timings may be adjusted to the planned itinerary.

NON-INCLUDED MEALS

You may dine at the hotels or restaurants recommended by your Tour Director. Average cost for a hotel dinner (excluding drinks) is about $15-20 per person. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals, but not all restaurants will do so.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency or U.S. Dollars. Your hotels will be able to exchange cash to local currency or you can withdraw local currency from an ATM. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.

BAGGAGE

Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage and one carry-on piece. Please check with the airline for the maximum weight and size for luggage. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.