Meknes, Morocco

Our last day on land in Morocco was spent exploring the ancient city of Meknes, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our local guide led as through the winding, dusty streets to the ancient granary and stables, built in the 14th century, and still in remarkably good state of preservation. From there we were given a tour of the quiet and hushed interior of a highly ornate and intricately decorated tomb in the old part of the city. We rejoined the coach in the heart of the present day hustle and bustle of Meknes where camels stood beside parked Mercedes and women in traditional birkas stood chatting on cell-phones. East meets West, and ancient meets modern in Meknes.

A short drive took us to the ruined Roman city of Volubilis. In its heyday an estimated 15,000-20,000 people lived in comparative luxury in this sprawling 2,000 year old ruined complex. Although only one third of the city has been excavated and exposed it is enough to give a sense of the size, complexity and sophistication of this far-flung settlement of the ancient Roman Empire.

Following lunch we made the drive from Meknes to Casablanca where the National Geographic Endeavour was waiting in the enormous dock complex of Morocco's largest city. After the mandatory lifeboat and safety briefings we were introduced to the hotel staff by Hotel Manager Willie, enjoyed our first meal aboard and retired early following our lengthy last day in Morocco and in anticipation of our first day tomorrow in Portugal.