Battlefield Tour Morocco Operation Torch
The United States had last sent armed forces to Morocco during the Second Barbary War of 1815. However, on 8th November 1942 US forces would again be off the coast of Morocco. The Western Task Force was landing on the coast between Port Lyautey and Fedala and Safi. This was the beginning of American involvement in North Africa, other landings would take place in Algeria and before the end of the year American and British forces would be on the outskirts of Tunis. The Panzerarmee Afrika counter-attacked delaying the end, but six months to the day of these landings the war in North Africa would finally be over. While in Morocco we will also look at the most famous desert fighters of them all the Foreign Legion. We shall cross the Atlas Mountains and follow one of their longest marches, see their longest tunnel and examine two of their typical “No Surrender” battles. Who wouldn’t want a drink in Ricks Café in Casablanca? This is a 5* exclusive and exciting tour that encompasses WW2 and the romance of the desert and the Foreign Legion.
5th August Arrive Casablanca, met and transferred to our hotel; check in at hotel. Dinner & overnight. (D) 6th August After breakfast we visit the Ben Msik war cemetery. We then start a sightseeing tour of the economic capital Casablanca. See all of the major sites in Casablanca including the Imperial Hotel Pattons HQ. You will be able to admire the enchanting mixture of modern and traditional influences that shape the city while visiting the Central Market and the Habous District for a closer look at the Habous market. Proceed to the Mahkama (law court) and visit the Royal Palace from outside. Continue on to visit of the seaside resort and the residential district of Anfa Hil and then on to panorama visit to Hassan II Mosque which is the largest mosque in the Islamic world after that of Mecca in Saudi Arabia and Mohammed V Square. The afternoon is at leisure to relax at the hotel or to stroll by the Atlantic beach. (B D) 7th August Today we visit the landing beaches at Fedala where Patton and the 3rd Infantry Division landed. We then move onto the landing beaches at Port Lyautey where units from the 9th Infantry Division and 66th Armoured Regiment landed, under command of General Truscott. At both sites we shall examine the landings and the bridgehead and the fight for the “Kasbah” Return to Casablanca. Back to the hotel, freshen up. Dinner at Restaurant Rick’s Café, back to the hotel & overnight (B D)
8th August After breakfast we head to Marrakech via the landing beaches at Safi, Where, under the command of General Harmon the remainder of 9th Infantry Division and the 67th Armoured Regiment landed. We will also visit the defensive position at Pointe de la Tour and La Railleuse. We then continue to our hotel in Marrakech. Dinner is at a local restaurant. (B D) 9th August “In the footsteps of the Foreign Legion” After an early departure, we cross the High Atlas Mountains and reach the 2260 m-high Tizi N’Tichka pass and the Foreign Legion Memorial. Then we continue on until we reach the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. Then continue towards Ouarzazate through the implacable Hamada. Overnight at Ouarzazate. (B D) 10th August After breakfast, we head down the “road of a thousand kasbahs” for Errachida, via the Taourirt Kasbah, then to the Legion battlefield at Skoura. On through Tineghit, to our hotel in Errachida. (B D)
11th August An early start with 4x4s, as we head towards the Legion stronghold of Boudenib. We shall spend the day in this area examining Legion fortifications and battlefields and the dramatic story of the “40 against 400”. We then return Errachida. Dinner & overnight at hotel (B D) 12th August This morning we head north to Fez via the “Tunnel der Legionnaire” and Midelt another Legion stronghold. Overnight in Fez. (B D) 13th August Breakfast at hotel, departure to Fez Airport for your afternoon flight home, or join our flight to Marseille. (B)
Included in price TBC A/C bus for all transfers and battlefields as per itinerary, 4x4 vehicles. 1 bottle of mineral water per day per person while touring, 5 and 4* Hotels, Meals as itinerary (B D), Entrance fees to monuments. Arrival & departure transfers, Battlefield Guide. Campaign booklet