15 Day Magical Morocco Adventure

Day 1: Casablanca, Morocco

Today we have a welcome meeting at 6pm to start your Morocco Adventure with a bang. We will be gathering your insurance and next of kin details so please ensure you have these ready for our meeting. Kindly inform the hotel reception if you foresee you may be late for this meeting. We recommend arriving a day or two earlier so that you can enjoy the highlights of Casablanca.

Heavily influenced by Marseille in France, Casablanca is famous for its art deco buildings and beautiful Mosques. Explore this city meandering through the old medina and city walls. You can even hop in a taxi and make your way to the Quartiers des Habous, which is the new medina. Finish off your day of exploring with a relaxing stroll along the Corniche and enjoy a glass of sweet mint tea in one of the lovely cafes.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: No meals included on this day
Optional Activities: Jewish Museum (MAD50), Villa des Arts – art gallery and museum (Free), Casablanca – Guided Tour of Hassan II Mosque (MAD130)

Day 2: Rabat – Meknes, Morocco

Today we explore the capital of Morocco – Rabat. Just a one hour train from Casablanca, Rabat’s history is rich and long and the beautiful historical landmarks are a testament to this. There are plenty of ancient Arab monuments, some of which date back to the 10^th – 15^th century.  Formerly known as Sala, Chellah is the earliest known settlement in Rabat.

We enjoy the history on a walk through the city’s old quarter before marvelling at spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean at Kasbah des Oudaias. Next, we take a three hour train ride to the regal city of Meknes built by 25 000 slaves when Sultan Moulay Ismail sought to create his own version of Versailles.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlight: Rabat Orientation Walk
Travel Time: 1 hour Train Ride + 3 hour Train Ride

Day 3: Volubilis – Fes, Morocco

This morning you are free to explore Meknes at your leisure. Having been transformed from a provincial town to a remarkable imperial city, Meknes is filled with sight-seeing opportunities. Marvel at the monuments in the city from the Heri es Souani Granary, a colossal architectural accomplishment, to the crumbling palaces. If you’re feeling hungry, try a camel burger at a charming local restaurant in the medina.

Later we make our way to Volubilis, traveling through beautiful rolling hills and olive plantations. Once a provincial Roman capital, the remaining ruins of the empire is the reason Voulbilis is now listed as a World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, we take a tour of the ruins with a local guide. Don’t forget to bring along some water, a hat, sunscreen and sunblock on this excursion as it can get really hot.

Keep your camera ready as this town provides amazing photo opportunities with the beautiful mosaics along the Decumanus Maximus. After exploring Volubilis, we take a two hour drive to the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco – Fes. We spend two nights here so there is ample time to explore. Fez is a visual and colourful feast for the senses and is sure to delight with one of the biggest medinas.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlights: Entrance and guided tour of Volubilis
Travel Time: 1 hour Private Mini Bus + 2 Hour Private Mini Bus

Day 4: Fes, Morocco

Today we embark on a guided walk through the old city, locally known as Fes el Bali. Venture once again into the Middle Ages in the maze of the Medina, which is buzzing with craftsmen, markets, tanneries and mosques.

Look out for the donkeys with high heaps piled on their backs and investigate the hidden gems of the souk. Pay special attention to the Medersa Bou Inania, one of the city’s most beautiful and treasured structures, recently restored and presently open to tourists.

We visit Medresse el Attarine and the spectacular Funduk Nejjarine, a wonderfully renovated eighteenth century inn. Marvel at the iconic tannery, known for the famous view which overlooks its dye pits, and a ceramics factory. At night, you may join a delightful dinner with your group (own expense). The dinner is made up of Moroccan favourites like harira (chickpea soup) and chicken-stuffed pastilla with couscous.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 Night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlight: Fes Guided Walking Tour

Day 5: Midelt, Morocco

Today we leave the buzzing city behind and make our way to the calm and scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. The journey is long (+/- 4 hours) but beautiful. We travel south passing through lush valleys, cedar and pine forests which is an incredible contrast to the arid rocky landscapes. Look out for the nomadic shepherds tending to their flocks and Barbary apes, North Africa’s only monkey.

Initially constructed to be a base for mining in the area, Midelt is now a market town and is surrounded by vast farmland and orchards. Once we arrive, we stretch our travelling legs on a walk and visit Berrem Village, where we observe local farming. There is an opportunity to attend a traditional music performance in Midelt.

Accommodation: Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlight: Walk and visit of Berrem Village
Optional Activity: Folklore music performance (MAD600)
Travel Time: 4 hour Private Mini Bus

Day 6: Sahara Camp, Morocco

Today, it’s a five-hour drive towards the vast Sahara Desert. Travelling in our own private minibus allows us to stop and appreciate the views on Kasbahs and palmeries (valleys filled with date palms, fields and plantations).

We travel through stunning scenery from desolate mountainsides to rich valleys, making stops in frontier towns like Erfoud and Rissani, before arriving at the little Saharan village of Merzouga. With the decor of the orange-shaded Erg Chebbi sand dunes, the fascinating Saharan town of Merzouga feels pleasingly disconnected from the rest of the world.

Packing your main luggage in the overnight camp, situated on the edge of the desert, we hop on camels for an hour journey into the sunset. The Erg Chebbi hills are the most dazzling in the nation and a necessary highlight of any visit to Morocco. We spend the night under starry skies at our desert camp. Sit back and take in all the desert has to offer while the locals prepare a delicious dinner.

Accommodation: Desert Camp (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel Time: 5 hour Private Mini Bus + 1 hour Camel Ride

Please Note: The facilities at camp are simple with bedding and basic toilets available. Between April and October, the blankets provided are usually adequate however, during the colder months, between November and March, you may want to bring along a sleeping bag. There is no electricity available at the camp therefore ensure that your phones, cameras and anything you may need are fully charged.

Day 7: Todra Gorge, Morocco

Take a walk up the nearest dune to witness the spectacular desert sunrise and indulge in delicious traditional food before we begin our journey to Todra Gorge. On our way, we make a stop at the oasis Museum of El Khorbat before continuing to the beautiful Todra Valley.

The drive is 5 hours in total, passing through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and mud-brick villages propped on hillsides. The scenery is truly spectacular. Our home for the next two nights will be amongst vast green valleys and stunning wind formed rock structures.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlight: Museum El Khorbat
Travel Time: 5 hour Private Mini Bus

Day 8: Todra Gorge, Morocco

Today is free to explore at your leisure. There is an opportunity to enjoy a guided hike with a number of hiking trails to choose from. The most popular trail and one we highly recommend is a four hour trail of about 10 km. The trail offers spectacular scenery with the towering mountains and famous Rose Valley as the backdrop. It isn’t too challenging however a moderate level of fitness is required.

We pass Berber villages where you’ll meet local Berbers and perhaps share the delight of a cup of mint tea. If the hike is appealing to you, ensure that you have good walking boots or trainers, sunglasses, sunscreen and ample water. For lunch, join local ladies in a mud-brick Kasbah and experience how people of this culture live. If hiking isn’t your forte, feel free to relax at the hotel pool. The views of the rich palmeries and high cliff faces provide a relaxing atmosphere.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Todra Gorge Hike (MAD250), Todra Gorge Lunch in a mudbrick kasbah (MAD70), Henna tattooing (MAD50), Hamam – public baths (MAD100)

Day 9: Ait Benhaddou, Morocco

Travel for four hours today as we make our way to Ait Benhaddou. The journey offers many spectacular sites as we pass ancient Kasbah ruins, previous colonial military bases, rigid mountains and palm tree valleys.

We stop for lunch in Ouarzazate, famous for many film productions such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Sheltering Sky and Black Hawk Down. If there is extra time, you can take a guided tour of Atlas Movie Studios.

Following our stop, we continue the journey to Ait Benhaddo. Previously a stop for caravans carrying salt across the Sahara it is now a World Heritage Site boasting clay architecture. There is an optional cooking demonstration where you can learn the secrets to couscous and tagine – Morocco’s most loved cuisine.

Accommodation: Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities: Atlas Movie Studios (MAD50), Kasbah Toaurirt (MAD20)
Travel Time: 4 hour Private Mini Bus

Day 10: Aroumd, Morocco

Say goodbye to the Sahara and adventure over the breath-taking Tizi n’Tichka Pass, 2,260 meters above sea level, to Toubkal National Park. Watch as snow-dappled mountains and valleys in full blossom pass by. Once we reach Imlil we prepare for our walk into a traditional mountain village. Pack your main luggage in the overland truck and put your luggage for the day on a pack mule.

We take an hour walk up to the serene Aroumd village, a truly peaceful destination far from the modern world. If you are not up to walking, you are free to hop on the mule instead. Settled on a rocky outcrop, this remote town of Aroumd offers dazzling views over the High Atlas Mountains and an exceptional chance to encounter customary Berber culture.

Tonight we rest in a family-run mountain home (gite) in Aroumd. Encompassed by the smell of woodstoves and bread we meet the family and enjoy the unique hospitality and food of the Berbers.

Accommodation: Shared homestay /Gite (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities: Mule ride – Imlil to Aroumd (MAD80)
Travel Time: 5 hour Private Minibus & 1 hour hike

Day 11: Essaouira, Morocco

Weather dependent, this morning we head off on a morning stroll through the valleys and trails of the spectacular Atlas Mountains. Later, we head west towards the Atlantic Coast and the old fishing town of Essaouira. Offering beautiful views, where the medina overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and the contrast of the Sandstone walkways and whitewashed houses.

This artist’s town was once home to many British and Jewish people, and its appeal has lured individuals like Orson Welles and Jimi Hendrix, who spent a lot of his time here during the 1960’s. It is one of North Africa’s most charming spots, and you will before long wind up slipping into the laidback nature of this Moroccan town with its twist of the European coastline.

Upon our afternoon arrival, there is time to explore the coastal town. Your tour guide will brief you on your options for the rest of the day. Watching the fishermen catch and sell fish is always a fun way to spend the day or, if you prefer, roam the streets exploring local cafes and restaurants. Tonight, feel free to share a meal with your group and explore the town by night. Our accommodation for the next two nights is situated in the middle of the old medina, providing a truly memorable stay.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Highlight: Half-day hike in the Atlas Mountains
Travel Time: 5 hour Private Mini Bus

Day 12: Essaouira, Morocco

Today we embark on a guided walking tour of Essaouira. We venture through the old medina, Jewish mellah, port and skala (sea wall). After our excursion, the day is free for you to explore on your own. Essaouira provides the perfect infrastructure for relaxed exploration; the streets are narrow with limited space for cars.

Take a stroll to the fishing port where you can observe the fishermen at work and perhaps indulge in a fresh plate of the daily catch. The abundance of shops and intriguing art galleries make it a pleasant place to unwind.

A truly laid back town, the air is filled with the scent of oils used to polish the coloured Thuya wood inlaid in the tiny shops. There is also an opportunity to relax by indulging in a hamam, Morocco’s public baths.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Highlight: Guided Walking Tour of Essaouira
Optional Activities: Hamam – public baths (MAD200), Berber Massage (MAD350), Horse Riding in Essaouira (MAD250), Seafood Market Lunch (MAD80)

Day 13: Marrakech, Morocco

Socialise with the locals as we take a 3 hour shared bus ride to Marrakech. A city of vibrant colours, spice markets, exotic carpets, delicious food, musicians and fragrant gardens. Marrakech is a feast for the senses and a pleasant mixture of ancient and modern.

Tonight, we dine with the masses at the famous Djemaa el Fna – one of the world’s biggest public spaces and unique to Marrakech. This square comes alive at night with henna painters, storytellers and performers among a street food bazaar.

You will find countless food stalls serving Moroccan delicacies including snail soup for the adventurous! Indulge in delicious Moroccan pastries and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice perhaps ending the day relaxing with a cup of tea at a roof-top restaurant overlooking the buzzing square.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Highlight: Dinner at Djemaa el Fna
Travel Time: 3 hour shared bus ride

Day 14: Marrakech, Morocco

Explore as much or as little as you’d like today. Roam the city for some retail therapy at the markets, taking in the variety of smells and scenery on offer. Each market is dedicated to a distinct trade in the seemingly infinite mosaic of souqs; pottery, woodwork, copper, leather, carpets and spices.

See how the craftsmen perfect their work and practise your haggling skills. If you’re in the mood to relax, sip on a cup of tea or share a tajine, full of Morocco’s pure scent.

For those wanting to explore, pay a visit to the famous Koutoubia Mosque and its 12th century minaret, a famous model for the Giralda tower in Seville. Wander through the gardens of the French painter Jacques Majorelle (currently owned by Yves Saint Laurent).

Marvel at the magnificent Muslim architecture of Palais Bahia or visit Palais Badi known to be one of the most striking palaces in the world. Not forgetting the most recently revealed Saadian tombs, a gem of the Medina.

Locating all of these sites may be challenging but that’s part and parcel of exploring this amazing city. This evening you will be eager to visit Djemaa el Fna one last time where you can enjoy one of the many outdoor restaurants to end your adventure.

Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Marrakech – Marjorelle Gardens (MAD70) , Palais Bahia visit (MAD70), Palais Badi (MAD70), Saadian Tombs (MAD70), Medersa Ben Youssef (MAD40), Museum of Marrakech (MAD40), Urban Adventures – Tajine cooking class (MAD640), Hammam & Massage in a luxury spa (MAD750), Heart of the Atlas Mountains cycling day tour (MAD2000), Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour (MAD350), Quad biking, Barrage Lalla Takerkoust (MAD1650), Palmery cycling tour (MAD350), Asni &Ouirgane with lunch (MAD1806), Oukaimeden day tour (MAD1882), Ourika Valley day tour (MAD1817), Hot Air Ballooning (MAD2050), Cascades d’Ouzoud day tour (MAD2207), Quad Biking the Rock Desert & Palmgrove (MAD715) ,Urban Adventures – Medina, Palace and Tombs half day tour (MAD630), Urban Adventures – A Taste Of Marrakech (MAD605)

Day 15: Marrakech, Morocco

Our colourful Morocco adventure comes to an end today. The check-out time is usually around 12pm however, you are free to leave any time before that. If you would like to explore this vibrant city more, additional accommodation can be pre-booked. There are tons of optional activities for you, speak to your tour guide to find out more.

Meals: Breakfast

Onward Travel Plans

Due to circumstances beyond our control while on tour (such as border crossings, traffic, breakdowns and delays, etc), the end time on the last day cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we strongly recommend you stay the night and fly out the next day. Please consult with your booking consultant.