Overview
Embark on a 13-day authentic Moroccan expedition from Tangier to Casablanca, featuring the captivating Blue City of Chefchaouen, the historic sites of Volubilis and Meknes, and the cultural hub of Fes, known as the Cultural Capital of Morocco. Traverse the legendary caravan routes to the Sahara Desert, where you’ll spend a night under the shimmering stars, then journey to the Dades Valley, passing through the remarkable Todra Canyon. Continue your adventure to Marrakech via the scenic Roses Valley, the iconic Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, and the majestic Atlas Mountains.
Highlights
- Discover the beautiful Blue pearl of Chefchaouen in Morocco northern
- Visit the main attractions and monuments of Rabat and Casablanca
- Visit the biggest mosque Hassan II in Casablanca
- Explore the spiritual capital of Morocco; Fes: Najjarine fountains and Museum
- Explore Quaraouyine university, the tanneries, the medrassa bouanania in Fes
- Explore the labyrinth souks/Markets in the old medina of Fes
- Spent a night in desert camt & enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars
- Take the secondary roads through the Dades Canyon
- Discover the beautiful Atlas Mountains dotted with tiny villages
- Cross the dunes of Sahara desert on the back of a camel
- Discover the spectacular gorges of Dadès and Toudra.
- Explore Marrakech Sightseeing and its green gardens
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrival to Tangier, evening in the Blue Streets of Chefchaouen
Whether you're arriving by ferry or plane, we will meet you upon arrival and go on a short tour to introduce you to Tangier's old medina. From there we will drive up into the valleys of the magnificent Rif Mountains, its peaks rising as high as 2456 meters at Jbel Tidirhine. After crossing the mountains we will continue across the fertile plains of Tetouan and limestone cliffs covered in cork oaks, pines, and wild olive trees before arriving in the mountain town of Chefchaouen, set like a gem between two Rif Mountain peaks. Chefchaouen is renowned for the distinctive blue-washed facades of its houses, painted that way by Jewish refugees who lived there in the 1930s, and is an unreal and unmissable destination for any trip to Morocco. The Chefchaouen medina features a Spanish-style plaza surrounded by numerous cafes, rooftop restaurants, and crafts stores that sell items unique to the Moroccan highlands. We will explore Chefchaouen in the afternoon and settle into our hotel, from which we will be able to enjoy the relaxed environment and spectacular mountain views of this one-of-a-kind town.
Day 2 :
Chefchaouen to the Cultural Capitol of Morocco
After breakfast we will continue our journey to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. This important Roman town features detailed and gorgeous mosaics that will give you a unique perspective on Morocco's ancient history. We will also visit the nearby town of Moulay Idriss, where Moulay Idriss I, who brought Islam to Morocco, is entombed. Moulay Idriss is considered to be the holiest town in Morocco. From Moulay Idriss we will continue to Meknes, often called the "Versailles of Morocco" due to the grandeur and intricacy of its buildings and monuments. We will take some time to explore its highlights, including the massive Bab Mansour Gate, the old Medina, and Moulay Ismail's shrine. From Meknes we will continue to Fes, where we will check in at your hotel before having dinner and settling in for the night.
Day 3 :
Fes Sightseeing with Official Local Guide
Following breakfast at the hotel, our accredited local guide will accompany you on a walking tour of the Fes medina. Step back in time as you wander through the labyrinth of twisting alleyways - donkeys and mules pass through the narrow streets, savour the aromas from the market stalls where countless spices and perfumes are traded, and explore the leather tanneries where men treat leather using century old techniques. We’ll cap the day with dinner at one of the many local restaurants of the medina then settle in for the evening at your hotel.
Day 4 :
Fes to the Edge of the Sahara
We continue our journey onwards from Fes to Ifrane, through hills blanketed in forests of cork oak and giant cedar, where a few Barbary apes still call home. Passing through the Middle and High Atlas ranges, we will catch our first glimpse of Southern Morocco’s unique architectural style and stop for lunch overlooking a breathtaking view of the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas rising behind the town of Midelt. As we descend into the desert plains, the view changes from dramatic mountain peaks to an expansive oasis punctuated by countless Ksours (fortified villages), which then give way to a vast stony plain that marks the edges of the Sahara. Once among the dunes, you will be welcomed into a charming Kasbah where you will be able to relax beside the swimming pool, and enjoy the tunes of a desert blues band well into the evening.
Day 5 :
Desert Culture + Tea with Nomads + Camel Trek
Watching the sun rise amongst the dunes is a magical experience, and not to be missed. Your breakfast will be waiting for you upon your return, after which you will have the opportunity to visit the nomadic communities around Merzouga, stopping for tea in the souks, and enjoying the traditional Gnawa music. As the mid-day sun wanes, we will mount our camels and trek into the pink sands of the Moroccan Sahara; here, we will have ample free time for you to explore and take in the beauty and vastness of the desert dunes. Once the sun sets, a Moroccan dinner will be served alongside live music around the campfire, after which you are free to explore again - this time in the company of a million stars exploding against the pitch-black sky, and the all-encompassing silence of the Sahara at night.
Day 6 :
A Desert Sunrise, Africa's Hollywood and Todra Gorge
At your request, our staff will wake you at the crack of dawn to witness the spectacle of the desert sunrise, the colour of the sand contrasting beautifully with the palette of shadows on the dunes. After some light breakfast and tea we will ride the camels back across the desert to the Kasbah to freshen up before our journey back West towards the Todra Gorge, known as "Morocco's Grand Canyon". We will have lunch here and amble along the valley to take in the view. From there, we continue on to Ouarzazate, a bustling southern city often referred to as "The Hollywood of Morocco" owing to the many famous films shot on location such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Kingdom of Heaven, as well as several seasons of the hit show, Game of Thrones. Here, we will explore the nearby Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, the most famous kasbah inMorocco, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the backdrop for many of the films and shows shot on location.
Day 7 :
Lush Orchards and Fantastical Formations
After breakfast we will have some time to relax and enjoy the views from the terrace across the valley. You may also decide to take a 1-2 hour trek through the villages in the area, passing fields cultivated by the local Berber women with the peaks of the Atlas Mountains as the backdrop. We then end our journey for the day at Ouarzazate, a bustling southern city often referred to as "The Hollywood of Morocco" owing to the many famous films shot on location such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Kingdom of Heaven, as well as several seasons of the hit show, Game of Thrones.
Day 8 :
Ouarzazate to Marrakech, Fantastical Kasbahs
Following breakfast we will explore the nearby Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, the most famous kasbah in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the backdrop for many of the films and shows shot on location. We then continue north across the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech - a fantastical Arabian Nights city with myriad alleyways, souks, and market stalls. Marrakech is the second oldest imperial city, known as the "Southern Pearl" of Morocco, and has for centuries been an important stop for traders and travelers alike; this remarkable city never fails to satisfy the curiosity of adventurous travelers, and we’re sure you’ll love it too. We will arrive in Marrakech by the afternoon, giving you plenty of time to explore the vibrant streets at your leisure before settling in for the evening.
Day 9 :
Marrakech Sightseeing with Official Local Guide
Breakfast will be served at your Riad, after which a knowledgeable local guide will lead you through the labyrinth of Marrakech's winding alleyways, hidden gardens, and secret souks. You will continue to the Djemaa el Fna, the principal cultural space in Marrakech and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beside which the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque can be seen towering into the sky. In the evening this square overflows with food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians, and henna artists. Following your tour you will have the full day to spend at your leisure, whether its pampering yourself at a local spa with massage or further exploring the souks of the medina. We will spend the night at our hotel in Marrakech.
Day 10 :
Towards the Salty Breeze of Essaouira
Departing Marrakech after breakfast, we make our way through lush valleys filled with orange groves, ancient olive trees, and argan oil cooperatives to the quaint seaside town of Essaouira. This windswept fishing port with its broad beaches and an ancient walled medina, has long been a popular vacation destination for Moroccans. It is also a creative hub where many of the country's wood carvers and artists have made their home, and each year, hosts the Gnaouas Music Festival in the month of June. Stroll along the ramparts and beach as you take in the relaxed vibe of its small but lively medina, or visit the port to savour the catch of the day. We will have dinner in Essaouira and spend the night in a tranquil local hotel.
Day 11 :
Essaouira at Your Leisure
Breakfast is served at your riad, and it’s time to explore Essaouria at your leisure. Meet local artists in their studios and browse their artwork, or head to the lively fish market for a savory lunch of fresh grilled fish caught just this morning. A short walk along the beach at low tide reveals the crumbling ruins of the fort of Borj El Barod, and a boat ride to the island of Mogador offers glimpses of the rare Eleanora's falcon. Should you fancy watersports, you may even want to try one of the many offered on the popular local beaches, including surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, bodyboarding, and kayaking. If you are feeling somewhat tired from your travels, Essaouria is a perfect place to recoup - simply sit in one of the many beachside cafes on Place Moulay Hassan, relax, and watch the waves roll in with a mint tea and a Moroccan pastry. We will once again spend the night in our Essaouira riad.
Day 12 :
Essaouria to Casablanca for One Last Dinner
On this final day of your Moroccan adventure, we will leave Essaouria and journey back to the bustling city of Casablanca, continuing up the coastline through quiet coastal towns to El Jadida where we may pay a visit to the citadel and be able to see the underground cistern. Upon our arrival in Casablanca we will have dinner and spend the night at our hotel.
Day 13 :
Casablanca at Your Leisure, Transfer to the Airport
As we bid you farewell, we will help you with any departure formalities and arrange for your transfers to the airport. We hope you enjoyed your journey with us, and hope to see you again soon.
Cost
The trip cost includes
- Pick up service from your accommodation in Marrakech Fuel included
- Private Transport by an A/C vehicle Professional English speaking driver
- Overnight in desert camp dinner and breakfast are included Local guide at ait ben haddou Kasbah
- Camel ride for sunset and sunrise (one camel each)
- Half-board accommodations in selected hotels Riads or Kasbahs (breakfasts & two dinners are included)
- Official art historian guide in Fes & Marrakech Drop off service at your accommodation in Marrakech
- You can stop everywhere to take photos
The trip cost exclude
- Entrance fees Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities Lunches and drinks
- The flights tickets to and from your homeland Anything not mentioned in the program
Frequent asked questions
Is Morocco a Safe Destination?
Morocco has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and, compared to the US and Europe, is considered a very safe destination. Moroccan people are known for their hospitality and they will make you feel very welcomed, for more information on the topic contact us and we’ll provide you with some personal single-traveller experiences.
Is There any Dress Code for Women Visiting Morocco?
No. You may wear whatever you feel comfortable in, we only have one exception on tours of the Mosque like Hassan II. To enter you would need to dress conservatively as you would in a church (no shorts, tanks tops, etc.).
As in any country you should use direction with your attire if you want to avoid unwanted attention.
What currencies can I exchange in Morocco?
US Dollars, Sterling and Euros are readily exchangeable. We recommend you take a mixture of cash and credit cards. Scottish bank notes and Australian dollar travellers cheques and cash are NOT normally accepted in Morocco.
The form of the meeting at the airport, where?
With accurate information on the schedule of your arrival, our guide and our driver await you at the customs exit at the airport, with a sign with your name and first name. It’s always easy, this appointment. In case of concern, you can contact us by phone with our contact information noted in our emails. We are always at your disposal 24 hours a day
Can we pay the balance by check?
Travel checks are not accepted in Morocco only Cash and credit cards are accepted
