HIGHLIGHTS
- Time on the coast @ Essaouira
- In Marrakech traditional horse and carriage ride.
- City touring of Marrakesh including visiting the souk
- Visit Ait Ben Haddou, UNESCO World Heritage listed village
- See Dades Canyon - an astounding landscape
- Sahara desert adventure and a camel trek
- An overnight luxury desert camp stay
- Ascend to the Middle Atlas Mountains
- Full day tour of the UNESO World Heritage city of Fes.
- A guided tour of Volubilis; UNESCO World Heritage listed
- Go deep into the Rif Mountains
- A 2 night stay in the enchanting sky blue city of Chefchaouen
- Locally guided tour in Tangier
- High Speed train Tangier to Casablanca
- Best of small group touring, for solo travellers
PRE TOUR STAY
Consider arriving a day before the tour starting date, or enjoy a stopover. You can relax and refresh after your flight. The cost of the additional night/s of stay applies. Ask our travel team about this option, and the additional costs.
DAY 1
Casablanca
Arrive to Casablanca, the starting point for your discovery of Morocco. This evening meet with your trip leader and fellow travellers for a welcome mint tea, and tour briefing.
Meals: none included
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Welcome meeting with tour leader
DAY 2
Casablanca to Essaouira
After breakfast, depart for the port and resort town of Essaouira. Along the way we make a stop to visit the pretty Portuguese fortified city originally known in Berber as ‘Mazagan’, now part of the city of El Jadida. Closer to Essaouira we stop at Safi for a walking tour of this Atlantic coastal port city known for its industry of pottery. Then, we continue to Essaouira to check into our hotel by the end of the day with an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Transfer to Essaouira
- Lunch stop along the way (on own account)
- Mazagan, El Jadida City
- Safi
- Dinner at hotel
DAY 3
Essaouira
After breakfast at the hotel, set out for our locally guided city tour of Essaouira. Today, we also visit the Jewish Quarter with its synagogue and the Sqala, finishing in the port where you can have a seafood option for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Morning city walking tour of town
- Visit the Jewish Quarter and the Sqala
FREE TIME EXTRAS:
- Meet for a group dinner with an ocean sunset view
DAY 4
Essaouira - Marrakech
This morning, we set off early to travel to Marrakech. Along the way, we make a stop an Argan oil house. Here, you'll have the opportunity to learn first-hand how Argan oil is made, a traditional process that has been passed down through generations. After the demonstration, we continue our journey to Marrakech. Upon arrival in Marrakech, we'll enjoy lunch with a scenic view of the Mellah quarter.
In the afternoon, we'll embark on a half-day city tour of Marrakech, visiting iconic sites such as the Koutoubia Mosque and the Bahia Palace. We'll end our tour at Djemaa el-Fna Square, where you'll have free time to explore the bustling market ‘Souk’, with its vibrant atmosphere and a diverse array of shops.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel Essaouria to Marrakech, about 3 hours travel time by road
- Visit an Argan oil house
- Lunch
- Half-day city tour of Marrakech
DAY 5
Marrakech
We start the day with a short drive to visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Majorelle Garden, and Berber Art Museum. These cultural landmarks offer a fascinating insight into Moroccan art and heritage. After our visit, we'll take a horse carriage ride back to the hotel, providing a leisurely and picturesque way to return while taking in the city's sights. You'll then have the afternoon free to explore Marrakech at your leisure. In the evening, we gather for our highlight dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Majorelle Garden, and Berber Art Museum
- Horse carriage ride back to the hotel
- Highlight dinner
DAY 6
Marrakech – Boumalne Dades
We will have an early breakfast and head south to Ait Ben Haddou village. Located near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Ait Benhaddou is both dramatic and picturesque. The site has been a popular setting for films including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.
We cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2260 metres above sea level), from the semi-arid regions of the south-east of the High Atlas to the more fertile plains of the Atlantic. It’s a longer day of travel but a visit to the ancient, fortified city of Ait Benhaddou will distract you from the time on the road. In Ait Benhaddou, explore the narrow alleyways of the clay Kasbahs. Three hundred Berber families used to live here, but now it’s only home to half a dozen. Ait Ben Haddou was built in the 11th century and is UNESCO World Heritage listing, and the Ksar Ait Benhaddou is one of the most extraordinary Kasbahs in Morocco.
After lunch, we leave Ait Ben Haddou for an overnight stay in Boumalne Dades
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Early start
- Travel by road to Boumalne Dades via Ait Ben Haddou, 7 hours travel time by road
- Visit of the ancient fortified city of Ait Benhaddou - UNESCO World Heritage listed
- Dinner at hotel
DAY 7
Boumalne Dades
After breakfast, depart for the mesmerising Boumalne Dades Gorges. Marvel at the stunning natural rock formations and breathtaking landscapes. Following our visit to the gorges, we'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, embark on a 30 minute walk in the valley, allowing us to further immerse ourselves in the beauty of the surroundings. Later in the afternoon, we drive back to our hotel, and dinner will be served at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Viewing the Dades Canyon and leisure
- 30-minute walk in the valley
- Dinner at the hotel
DAY 8
Boumalne Dades to Merzouga
From Boumalne Dades our Sahara adventure will start with a drive along the road of 1001 Kasbahs to Tinghir, the gateway to the Todra Gorge. Tinghir is a little desert spring town, well known for its ravines and stream and is a stunning oasis, with beautiful green palms.
There is some free time to explore the desert spring and the gulches. Later, we stop for a lunch break in Touroug before continuing our journey.
By the end of the day our camel caravan is waiting for us for a camel trek experience across the sand dunes for a terrific view of sunset, watching the changing shades of light over the dunes. At sunset, we should be arriving to our Sahara desert deluxe camp. Tonight, under the glory of the stars, enjoy a Moroccan dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel by road to Merzouga, 4 hours travel time
- A stop at the oasis, Tinghir with free time
- Camel trek to the overnight desert camp
- Moroccan dinner under the stars
SPECIAL NOTES:
If you prefer not to join the camel ride there is the alternative to reach the camp by vehicle.
DAY 9
Merzouga to Azrou
Later today enjoy lodgings in the heart of the Middle Atlas mountains.
Leaving Merzouga and the Sahara Desert after a sunrise breakfast in the golden ocean of sand dunes, we begin our climb up the Middle Atlas Mountains. By lunch, we arrive in Midelt, a town in the high plains of Morocco between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas Mountain ranges. Midelt is a bustling Berber market town with tagine restaurants dotted along the main street. The town is about the halfway point to Fez and is where we enjoy a local tagine lunch together and continuing the drive to Azrou city in the middle of the Atlas Mountains.
This evening meet with a local family for a cooking class and learn how to make a tagine and a demonstration of how to make mint tea.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel by road to Azrou with a visit to Midelt along the way (6 hours travel time)
- Photo stop for view across the Ziz Valley
- Typical Tagine lunch, Midelt
- Meet with a local family, cooking class & afternoon tea
- Dinner (part of cooking class)
DAY 10
Azrou to Fes
After breakfast and check out from our hotel, we start the day with a morning walk in the cedar forest, where you may encounter the native Barbary macaques. Following our walk, we take the road back to Ifrane city, often referred to as "Little Switzerland" for its Alpine-style architecture, and it’s here we take a break for lunch. Afterwards, we continue our journey to Fes.
Upon reaching Fes, we visit New Fez (Al Jdid), which is considered the most colourful part of the city and bustles with life. This afternoon, make your own discoveries, including time for a traditional bathhouse experience (a unique experience, and recommended), otherwise known as a ‘Hammam’.
Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Morning walk in the cedar forest
- Travel Azrou to Fez with a visit to Ifrane along the way
- Lunch stop in Ifrane
- New Fez
- Highlight group dinner
FREE TIME EXTRAS:
Time for a traditional bath house experience (Royal Medina Spa Ben Abad) on option. Modesty is left at the door as the experience requires disrobing.
DAY 11
Fes
After breakfast, embark on a fabulous full-day tour of the UNESCO World Heritage city
of Fes. We start with a visit to the famous tanneries, where you can witness the traditional method of leather dyeing that has been practiced for centuries. We then visit the Andalusian Mosque and the historic El Quaraoiyin Mosque, which dates back to the 9th century and is considered one of the oldest universities in the world. Next, we explore Najjarine Square, a bustling hub where you can sit in a café and watch the world go by, or browse the local souks known for their intricate crafts and vibrant atmosphere.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- A day tour of Fes
- See the famous tanneries
- Andalusian Mosque and El Quaraoiyin Mosque
- Exploration of Najjarine Square and the souks
DAY 12
Fes
After breakfast, we depart from Fes and head first to Meknes, an imperial city known for its grand monuments and historical significance. It’s an orientation tour, and pass by the impressive Bab Mansour gate, one of the finest examples of Moorish architecture in Morocco, and El Hedim Square, a bustling hub surrounded by cafes and markets. We next arrive to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and ancient Roman city. Explore the well-preserved ruins, including majestic columns, intricate mosaics, and the Triumphal Arch. Discover the city's role as a thriving centre of Roman culture and trade in ancient times.
After exploring Volubilis, we take lunch together at a local restaurant. We take a panoramic drive to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, a sacred town nestled amid picturesque hills. Admire panoramic views of the town and learn about its spiritual significance as the burial place of Moulay Idriss I, a key figure in Morocco's Islamic history.
Later in the day we arrive back to Fes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Visit to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- A visit of picturesque Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
DAY 13
Fes – Chefchaouen
We depart Fes early to reach Chefchaouen before lunch. Our route takes us north, deep into the Rif Mountains. Chefchaouen’s most striking feature is, without a doubt, it is the old city’s picturesque sky-blue painted walls and streets built on a mountainside. Tourists just can’t get enough of Chefchaouen’s innumerable charms. Among the major sights in Chefchaouen are the Kasbah and the hillside Spanish Mosque (a 30 minute hike from town).
Enjoy the charm of this unique city; it’s a photographer’s dream and ideal to wander about, shop and discover at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel by road Fes – Chefchaouen, 3.5 to 4 hours travel time
- Explore Chefchaouen at leisure
- Dinner at hotel
DAY 14
Chefchaouen (Akchour Cascades)
Today, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Rif Mountains with a morning excursion to Akchour Cascades. Enjoy a scenic hike through lush landscapes to discover the picturesque waterfalls and the impressive Bridge of God (Le Pont de Dieu). You'll have the option to picnic along the trail or stop at local tea shops. Return to Chefchaouen in the afternoon to explore the charming blue streets at your leisure, perfect for shopping, relaxing, or visiting local cafes and restaurants.
Meals : Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Explore Akshour Cascade
- Morning walk
SPECIAL NOTES:
The walk is an option. If you wish to opt out, stay in town and enjoy at leisure. Chefchaouen is a very inviting town - a great place to relax, walk about, enjoy the local shops and restaurants.
Day 15
Chefchaouen – Tangier
Depart Chefchaouen in the morning and head towards Tangier. Upon arrival in Tangier, start your exploration with a visit to the Hercules Caves (Grottes d'Hercule), a natural cave system with historical and mythical significance. Afterward, proceed to Cap Spartel to enjoy panoramic views where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea.
After visiting Cap Spartel and the Hercules Caves, we take lunch together at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of Tangier's old city, exploring its Kasbah, Medina, and other cultural landmarks. The evening is at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel by road Tangier
- Visit to Cap Spartel and the Hercules Caves
- Lunch
- Guided afternoon tour of the old city, Tangier
DAY 16
Tangier – Casablanca
This morning, after breakfast, take some leisure time to relax or explore Tangier corniche on your own. From Tangier, depart for Casablanca on the high-speed train; take in the spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea on one side and mountains on the other.
Arrive in the afternoon to Casablanca and transfer to our hotel for our final night of stay. We will celebrate our journey with a farewell dinner at Rick’s Cafe.
Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Fast train to Casablanca Voyageurs (2hrs10min)
- Afternoon Casablanca Hotel Check In
- Farewell dinner at Rick’s Cafe
DAY 17
Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, your Morocco journey concludes.
Meals: Breakfast
FREE TIME EXTRAS:
City Tour, Casablanca | pay direct to guide
For those not departing until later in the day, take part in a city tour of Casablanca including a visit to the Mosque of Hassan II, situated on a promontory looking over the Atlantic, and with lovely views across Casablanca and the residential Anfa quarter. Impressively, it can hold up to 25000 worshippers. It is an enormous architectural masterpiece and the second largest religious building in the world, and its minaret is the world’s tallest at 210 metres.
SPECIAL NOTES:
- The Mosque of Hassan II is only open to non-Muslims on Fridays.
Itineraries may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. If there is any itinerary change prior to departure of significance we aim to inform you prior to travel. Itinerary changes while on tour will be informed by your tour leader/guide while on tour.
