GET OUT OF LONDON

Return flights to Rabat from £49

Tangier, Casablanca and Rabat. Names that conjure up exotic images from movies, books and travel documentaries. Is the reality different? Let's found out.
With our base in the capital of Rabat, we can explore this underrated city with it's grand French-era buildings, amazing patisseries, immaculate gardens and vibrant medina.
A short train ride away is Casablanca, a very different city with chaos mixed with sights such as the huge Hassan Mosque, the truly unique medina and the beach boulevards.
Then we can take the 300km train (yes, Morocco has these) to Tangier, the famous city with less chaos, a beautiful old medina, amazing cafes and food options and incredible views as far as Spain.
Our 1st trip to Morocco promises to be one of our best.

The Itinerary (subject to change)

Sun 22
Depending on arrival times, you will have a chance to explore Rabat. Wander the narrow lanes of the medina where you could stumble upon anything. Take tea or coffee in a lovely patisserie or wander to the Kasbah and down to the beach.

Mon 23
After breakfast we will have a guided tour. Highlights are the grand French-era buildings, the bustling medina, the hilltop castle and nearby beach. We should have time to sample a Moroccan tea overlooking the sea from a lovely café.
I will then take you to the Chellah fortress. A wonderful Roman and Islamic site surrounded by nature and huge storks' nests. A beautiful restaurant with incredible views is also here.
In the evening you can choose a restaurant of your choosing.

Tue 24
Today we will take the train to Casablanca. More chaotic than Rabat, our guide will show us the highlights of this famous city. Along with various mosques, churches and gardens there is the grand Hassan Mosque, the 3rd largest in the world and one of very few you can visit. The medina is also an incredible experience, if you dare!
We will then have time for lunch, possibilities are the famous Rick's Café, a recreation from the famous film (filmed in Hollywood) or one of many cheaper places nearby.
We can then wander the boulevard and head back to Rabat in time for a rest and evening food.

Wed 25
Today we will take the high-speed train to Tangier. Travelling at 300kph we will be there in no time. Wandering the lovely seaside boulevard and beach (Spanish quality) we will meet our guide and explore the city with a fascinating history of British, French and many other influences and where many famous faces spent time.
Highlights are the pleasantly organised medina with superb cafes and souvenirs, the fortress with views as far as Spain and the chance of a hidden church with a fascinating history.
Free time for lunch, there are many good places, and don't miss a Moroccan tea high on the fortress with amazing views.
We will wander slowly back for our train and our final evening back in Rabat.

Thu 26
Depending on flights, you can enjoy more of Rabat or take a trip to sights nearby.

Payment

The total cost of the trip will be £525. You’ll need to pay a £10 deposit via PayPal when you RSVP to reserve your place. After this the balance of £515 will be payable on Feb 1st.

Note: Meetup will charge £1.62 to attendees on sign up. It is better to pay the £10 deposit to the bank account below for free and I will RSVP you myself (email me first).

Note: A small amount of single rooms are available for £125. Please let me know if you require one of these.

Please pay the balance to the following bank account, not to PayPal:
Sort Code: 070116
Account: 12731649
Bank: Nationwide
Name: Ian Moran

The deposit and balance are non-refundable unless the trip is cancelled.

The price includes:

• 4 nights accommodation in a quality 3 star hotel in the centre of Rabat with breakfast.
• Taxis to and from Rabat airport (only if arriving Sun and departing Thu)
• Guided tours of Rabat, Casablanca and Tangier.
• Entry to Chellah in Rabat & Hassan Mosque in Casablanca.
• Return train to Casablanca and high-speed train to Tangier

The price doesn’t include:

• Flights to Rabat– you’ll need to book these yourself.

Outbound flights on March 22

• Ryanair from Stansted: 14.45-19.05

Return flights on March 26

• Ryanair to Stansted: 21.25-23.45

Note: There is also a pricier 07.10 BA from Gatwick outbound. Return there are some EasyJet transfer flights to Gatwick or Luton.

Important: Get out of London is in no way responsible for any accidents, illnesses or loss of belongings. Please make sure you have adequate insurance.

This trip will be confirmed when 5 people have signed up
Direct flights to Tbilisi from London!

• After last year's amazing trip, its time for those who missed out to visit two of the most fascinating and upcoming destinations in Europe.
• Tbilisi must be one of the coolest and most unique cities in Europe and has access to amazing day trips to Georgia's must-see destinations, such as the magnificent Caucasus mountains, Stalin's birthplace and incredible ancient churches and landscapes. Yerevan in Armenia, likewise, will allow us to explore one of Europe's oldest Christian civilisations, awe-inspiring nature and varied culture.
• This trip will be led entirely by myself with a bus/taxi and driver, enabling a bargain-priced and unique trip with flexibility and fun the keywords.
• With an option to visit Georgia or extend your trip on a free full-day, action-packed transfer to Armenia (or even do just Armenia if you have been to Georgia) this trip promises something for everyone.

The Itinerary (Subject to change)

Georgia: Apr 28 - May 2nd

Day 1: Early arrivals (subject to times and availability) may have a bonus casual sightseeing tour of the more obscure/quirky sights, there are plenty (walkways in the sky, cable cars, Soviet architecture).
Evening EasyJet arrivals: Taxi to the hotel / Evening food and pub crawl.
Day 2: Morning in a private minibus to the nearby famous sites of Mtskheta, including Jvari Monastery, Svetitskhoveli Cathedral and other sites of interest with snacks/lunch stop.
Afternoon casual tour of the Old Town with spectacular churches, parks, quirky architecture, hidden sights, cute cafes etc.
Evening in Tbilisi with time for exploring Georgian cuisine, wine and nightlife in this buzzing city (think hipster mixed with classic old-school Eastern-Europe vibes).
Day 3: Visit to the Caucasus mountains (weather permitting). Truly spectacular 3-hour journey with stops on the way. Kazbeg Town with an easier hike to a wonderful viewpoint that most tourists don't know about / Superb lunch with incredible views/ Taxis up to the famous Gergeti Trinity Church for an incredible view / Journey back and evening in Tbilisi.
Day 4: Visit to Gori and the Stalin Museum, Gori Fortress / Lunch in nearby restaurant / Visit to nearby ancient rock town of Uplistsikhe with a little surprise / Back in plenty of time for last sightseeing in Tbilisi and evening drinks.

Armenia Extension: May 2 - 6

Day 5/transfer day: People departing on evening flights have time for last sightseeing whilst those going to Armenia will enjoy a sight-packed free transfer with visits to sites in Armenia such as Akhtala, Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries, spectacular scenery, a fantastic lunch option and a visit to Lake Sevan, before evening arrival to Yerevan and evening food and drink options.
Day 6: Casual all-day tour of Yerevan with a wealth of Soviet and older sites, Genocide Memorial Complex, Republic Square, Freedom Square, Cascade Complex, great food and souvenir markets, lunch and coffee stops. Rest at the 4-star hotel before evening food and drink options.
Day 7: Full day trip to central Armenia through wonderful landscapes / Khor Virap monastery with incredible views of Mount Ararat / Small hike to Noravank Monastery, a truly awe-inspiring place / Areni with its caves, churches and wineries / Visit to a small family winery in the countryside with lovely food and drinks / Evening in Yerevan.
Day 8: Visit spectacular Garni gorge via a small hike and nearby Roman temple / Charent's Arch / Geghard Monastery.
Back to Yerevan with plenty of time for afternoon sightseeing, souvenir buying before final food and drinks.
Day 9: Taxis to the airport. Late departures may visit the nearby Etchmiadzin Cathedral, possibly the world's oldest.

Payment (Please write to me which trip/s you are interested in)

Georgia and Armenia: £950 for all 8 days (discount and free transfer)
Georgia only: £500
Armenia only: £500
Single rooms: £90 for Georgia and discounted £150 for both trips.

You’ll need to pay a £10 deposit via PayPal or bank transfer when you RSVP to reserve your place.

The remaining balance of £490 or £940 for the full 8 days (+ single room supplement if applicable) should be paid to the account below by March 1st.

Note: Meetup will charge £1.62 to attendees on sign up. It is better to pay the £10 deposit to the bank account below for free and I will RSVP you myself.

Please pay the balance to the following bank account, not to PayPal:

Sort Code: 070116
Account: 12731649
Bank: Nationwide
Name: Ian Moran

Note: The deposit and balance are non-refundable unless the trip is cancelled.

Important: Get out of London is in no way responsible for any accidents, illnesses or loss of belongings. Please make sure you have adequate insurance.

What's included and recommended flights: Please see comments section.