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Morocco - Trip code DMR Discovery
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344Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

From the beating heart of the historic medina in Fes to the tranquillity of village life in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, an adventure spanning Morocco's stunningly diverse landscapes awaits. Starting from Rabat, with its easy going seaside feel, explore the delights of Fes, visit ancient Roman ruins, sample fine Moroccan wines and finish up watching the Jemaa el-Fna come to life in Marrakech.

Why we love this trip
  • Chefchaouen the 'blue town' - Discover one of Morocco's most iconic towns nestled beneath the towering peaks of the Rif Mountains.
  • Culinary experiences - Take part in a wine tasting tour, try a refreshing glass of mint tea and get a real insight into Moroccan food with a home-cooked lunch and dinner under the stars on the last night.
  • Imperial Fes - Explore the medina of Fes with its labyrinth of narrow alleyways crammed full of eclectic artisan shops and food stalls.
  • Upgraded Range - Immerse yourself in Morocco's magnificent ancient cities and contrasting landscapes, staying in our hand-picked selection of characterful premium riads and hotels.
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 8

    Lunch: 1

    Dinner: 2

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

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    Accommodation

    1 nights comfortable guesthouse

    1 nights premium hotel

    6 nights premium riad

  • i

    Trip pace:

    Moderate

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 14
    Explore average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Trip starts in Rabat

Our tour of Morocco starts in Rabat, the political and administrative capital of Morocco since 1956. With its palm lined streets, manicured boulevards and easy going pace of life, Rabat is the perfect place to start our Moroccan adventure.

If you arrive to the city early, there are plenty of sights to keep you occupied. In contrast to other cities in Morocco, Rabat has a relaxed, European feel to it. The city is easy to navigate, with Hassan II avenue dividing the new town and the old medina which is crammed full of craft shops, exotic spices and food stalls.

At 7pm, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception for a welcome meeting. If you want to, there'll be the chance to go out for dinner afterwards. If you arrive later, our tour leader will catch up with you the following morning before we check out.

A transfer from Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) or Rabat Airport (RBA) to Villa Mandarine is included on all trips in our Upgraded range regardless of your arrival day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 14 days prior to departure. The journey from the airport to our hotel is around 90 minutes.

Our first night is based at a family run hotel set in beautiful gardens with a swimming pool. The hotel features a sun terrace and has a restaurant, offering a choice of freshly prepared French and Moroccan dishes. The homely bedrooms are well appointed with air conditioning, free wifi and have a private small terrace on the ground floor or balcony on the first floor overlooking the expansive gardens.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - City tour of Rabat, drive to Chefchaouen, known as the 'Blue Town'

Our first stop is Rabat's historic centre. After taking in the views across the city including the Oued Bou Regreg river estuary, we'll walk over to Rabat's most famous landmark, the intricately carved Hassan Tower. The marble interior of the Mausoleum of Mohammed V lies directly opposite the tower. Our next stop is the royal palace, which we'll view from the outside, after which we'll head to the Kasbah des Oudaias, a fortified area of the city perched on top of a cliff with commanding views of the city behind it and the ocean in front. The Kasbah has a distinctive Andalusian flavour, with whitewashed houses and narrow winding streets surrounded by imposing fortified walls. There's time to enjoy a refreshing glass of mint tea or orange juice before we stroll around the Andalusian gardens, a haven of tranquillity, offering a shady retreat.

After a break for lunch, we bid farewell to Rabat and drive to Chefchaouen. It's a drive of around five hours which will take most of the afternoon with a stop or two along the way, and we'll arrive into the famous 'blue town' in the early evening. Our base for the next two nights is a bright and spacious riad in the heart of the medina. Featuring a traditional Moroccan hamman, a large roof terrace with fine views of Chefchaouen and an indoor swimming pool and a spa with a wide choice of massages and treatments available, it's the perfect spot to relax and take a break from the bustling streets outside.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Riad

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Full day to explore the winding streets of Chefchaouen. Traditional lunch with a local family

Set beneath the towering peaks of the Rif Mountains, we have a full day to delve into the treasures of Morocco's 'blue town', Chefchaouen, one of the most attractive towns in Morocco. After breakfast, accompanied by our tour leader we'll take a stroll into the medina. With its stacked white and blue houses set against red tiled roofs, the town is a photographer's dream.

Our walking tour of the medina takes in the narrow, winding lanes of Chefchaouen, which give you an idea of Andalusia's influence over Morocco. There's time to discover many of the artisan stalls and stop for a glass of mint tea in a shaded café watching the world go by. The heart of the medina is the Plaza Uta El Hammam, with a backdrop of the commanding red walls of the kasbah and the Grand Mosque. It's not hard to appreciate why Chefchaouen draws visitors from all over the world with is easy going charm.

Lunch is included today at a local family's house. After being welcomed by our hosts, we'll have a short tour of their home and then settle down to enjoy a delicious home cooked three course traditional Moroccan meal followed by tea and pastries. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. You may wish to hike up to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views or head back to our riad to use the hamman or relax on the terrace with a good book.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Riad

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4 - Drive to Fes, visiting the Roman ruins at Volubilis enroute. Afternoon wine tasting

Crossing the Rif Mountains, we make our way to the ancient ruins of Volubilis. Morocco's best-preserved Roman site, Volubilis was once the capital of the province of Mauritania Tingitana and home to 20,000 people. We'll take the chance to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site with a local guide. Spanning several hectares, the site has remarkably well preserved mosaic floors, carved columns and avenues, giving a sense of what life would have been like in this once bustling Roman outpost.

The area around Volubilis is blessed with rich fertile plains ideal for wine production. The combination of clay and limestone soil with a Mediterranean climate of hot summers and mild winters, enables growers to produce high quality wines including rich, full bodied reds made from imported grape varieties including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. We'll be greeted at the vineyard by our resident wine guide who will accompany us on a short tour of the vineyard and production facilities, before we get the opportunity to taste three different wines.

Today's final destination is Morocco's cultural capital, Fes. Steeped in history, Fes has played an important part in Moroccan trade, culture, religion, and politics throughout the centuries. We'll arrive at our riad located in a quiet corner of Fes' historic medina. Lovingly restored using intricately carved cedar wood, with mosaic floors, it is set out in a traditional manner with rooms arranged around a central courtyard. It's the perfect base from which to explore this vibrant city.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Riad

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - A full day exploring the imperial city of Fes, including its bustling medina

Today, we'll wake up in the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities, Fes. In its golden age, Fes was a hub of art, philosophy and trade and is still referred to as Morocco's artisan capital.

This morning, we'll delve into Fes el-Bali, the oldest quarter of the city, with a guided tour of the old medina. The day starts with a short drive to the viewpoint at Borj Nord for a look at the sprawling city from above to get our bearings; we'll then visit the royal palace in the Fes El Jedid district, see the palace from the outside and take a short stroll around the historic Jewish quarter.

The highlight of the day is the chance to head into the old medina and souks. Nothing quite prepares you for your first visit - you'll see weavers, coppersmiths and tanners all hard at work, the narrow winding streets and covered bazaars are a riot of noise, colour, smells and life and rolled into one. During our walking tour we'll also get to see the famous tanneries and dye pits where leather products are still produced by timeless traditional methods used for hundred of years.

This afternoon is free to enjoy meandering at your own pace. You might like to head into the new town and take a seat at one of the European-influenced cafes that line the pavements in the French Ville Nouvelle district. Alternatively, stay in the medina and get lost in Fes' addictive pandemonium or return to the tranquillity of our riad to use the hamman, have a massage or relax on the terrace with fine views overlooking the city.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Riad

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Drive to Ouzoud, with commanding views of the Atlas mountains

After breakfast, we'll leave Fes driving along the foothills of the Atlas mountains to Ouzoud. Today is a longer travelling day with around six hours of driving. Along the way we'll make a stop for a short walk in the Atlas cedar forest in Azrou, where there's a good chance we will get to see a troop of Barbary apes that inhabit the woodlands. During our drive to Ouzoud, we'll also make a break for lunch.

We'll reach our home for the night mid afternoon. Tonight we stay in a traditional guesthouse on the outskirts of the peaceful village of Ouzoud, far removed from the hectic streets and medina of Fes. The guesthouse is surrounded by olive groves, almond and fig trees and features a swimming pool and terrace with views of the Atlas mountains. Dinner is included at our guesthouse tonight.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Guesthouse

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7 - Drive to Marrakech, late afternoon visit to the Jemaa el-Fna square

A leisurely start to the day, we take a fifteen minute walk from our guesthouse to the Ouzoud waterfall (for those that don't wish to walk, there is the option to take the bus to the falls). After seeing the waterfalls we'll drive directly to Marrakech, arriving around lunch time.

With its dusty rooftops, maze-like streets and bustling souks, Marrakech encompasses the essence of Morocco. The afternoon will be free to spend as you wish. Should you wish, you can join our tour leader for a short stroll through the medina to the Jemaa el-Fna (the main square), the beating heart of the city for a late afternoon wander. The square comes alive at night with food stalls offering all sorts of delicacies.

Our riad in Marrakech is centrally located in the medina with a roof terrace overlooking the city.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Riad

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Marrakech city tour, evening stargazing and dinner in the Agafay desert

Today we'll dive straight into the heady delights of Marrakech with a guided tour of the city. Marrakech is a destination like no other, offering a vibrant new sight, sound, or scent at every turn. We'll pass by the rose-coloured Koutoubia (booksellers) Mosque on the way to the Saadien Tombs and Bahia Palace, famous for its decorated stucco walls and marble floors.

We'll fuel up on fresh pastries from a traditional bakery before continuing to the medina on foot. There, we'll be guided through the labyrinth of spice-scented souks, passing by craftsmen selling rugs, leather goods and crockery, before dropping by a spice shop to sample ripe dates and almonds. Finally, we'll navigate our way out and into the energetic Jemaa el-Fna Square where we will get to enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a hot drink, after which we have free time to do some last minute souvenir shopping or further explore the souks.

On our last afternoon in Morocco we'll head out into the Agafay desert, a distance of around 30km from Marrakech. A world away from busy city life, Agafay has a similar landscape to the Sahara with dramatic rocky outcrops and a backdrop of some of Morocco's highest peaks in the Atlas mountains. Arriving around 5pm, we'll be welcomed by our hosts with a drink, followed by a three course dinner served under the stars. After dinner we turn our attention to the night sky as a blaze of stars emerge - free from light pollution, the full majesty of the galaxy we call home can be seen unfold as the skies darken. A telescope is provided and we'll be accompanied by a local guide who will point out the constellations, with a tour of the night sky. We return to Marrakech for our last night, arriving back at our riad around 10.30pm.

Accommodation:

Grade: Premium Riad

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9 - Trip ends in Marrakech

Our tour of Morocco ends at our riad in Marrakech.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our riad. A transfer to Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) from our Marrakech riad is included on all trips in our Upgraded range regardless of your departure day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 14 days prior to your tour departing.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Morocco

Climate

The climate is both Mediterranean and Atlantic. The dry, hot season is from May to October when summer temperatures can reach 38°C and above (if sight seeing is included we will do our best to avoid the heat of the day during this period). Temperatures may drop significantly at times during the night as the day's heat rapidly diminishes. From December to January snow can be expected on mountain passes and it can be wet. In winter, day temperatures will probably be around 18-25°C, dropping to perhaps 0-5°C.

Time difference to GMT

0

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Islam

Language

Arabic, Berber, French.

Budgeting and packing

Clothing

Summer: Clothing should be lightweight as the temperture is hot in the summer.

Winter: Usually warm during the day but thicker clothing is advisable for cold nights (Nov-Mar). A waterproof jacket, trousers and fleece are recommended in the winter months.

Morocco is a Muslim country and it is important to dress with respect for local customs. People may be offended by shorts or revealing dresses, which can attract unwelcome attention. We advise that in general both men and women should cover shoulders, upper arms and knees. Transparent, plunging necklines and tightfitting clothes should be avoided. Women should also cover their heads when
entering a sanctuary, though in general, mosques are forbidden to non-Muslims.

Footwear

We recommend comfortable shoes or trainers with good ankle support as we spend time visiting several sites with uneven terrain, the walking tours in the medinas will also be on uneven pavements so footwear with good grip is advisable, sandales or flip flops would not be advisable for the city tours.

Luggage

20Kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and daypack is recommended.

Equipment

A filter water bottle, sunhat and high factor sunscreen are all essential, whilst we recommend swimming costumes and towels.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £20 to £25 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Accordingly, you should allow £30.00 per person for group tipping.

Morocco

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£8.00 - 12.00
Dinner price
£12.00 - 20.00
Beer price
£3.50
Water price
£1.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
Recommended Currency For Exchange
US Dollars, Sterling and Euros are readily exchangeable at banks and currency exchanges found in all towns and cities. We recommend you take a mixture of cash and credit cards. Scottish and Northern Ireland issued bank notes are sometimes not accepted.
Where To Exchange
Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you.
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available in all the main towns and cities, although some only accept cards issued in Morocco
Credit Card Acceptance
Not all places.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus

Accommodation notes

Our first night is Rabat is in a family run hotel, set in beautiful gardens with a large swimming pool. The hotel features a sun terrace and has a restaurant offering a choice of freshly prepared French and Moroccan dishes. The homely bedrooms are well appointed with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and have a private small terrace on the ground floor or balcony on the first floor overlooking the expansive gardens.

Our base in Chefchaouen is a bright and spacious riad in the heart of the medina. Featuring a traditional Moroccan hamman, a large roof terrace with fine views of the blue town and an indoor swimming pool and a spa with a wide choice of massages and treatments available, its the perfect spot to relax and take a break from the bustling streets outside.

The riad we use in Fes was built in the 14th century and has been lovingly restored using intricately carved cedar wood, with mosaic floors, it is set out in a traditional manner with rooms arranged around a central courtyard. Featuring a spa and wellness centre, a small outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant its a great base from which to explore this vibrant city.

On day six we stay in a traditional guesthouse rated 'comfortable' on the outskirts of the peaceful village of Ouzoud. The guesthouse is surrounded by olive groves, almond and fig trees and features a swimming pool, a homely lounge and restaurant and terrace with views of the Atlas mountains.

In Marrakech we use two different riads, please check your booking confirmation for details of which one you will be staying in. Both are centrally located in the medina packed full of character and have a roof terrace overlooking the city where breakfast is served.

Morocco

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Morocco: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

UK passport holders are requested to have at least 3 months validity from the date of entry into Morocco. All other nationalities please check with your nearest embassy for requirements of passport validity.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Morocco

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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Print Trip Notes

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