Morocco has a long and fascinating history, with influences from Berber, Arab, and European cultures. Exploring cities like Marrakech, Fez, and Casablanca allows you to see ancient medinas, beautiful palaces, and historic sites that showcase this rich heritage. The kasbahs (fortresses) and medinas (old towns) in Morocco feature stunning architecture, with intricate tilework, ornate carvings, and beautiful courtyards. These structures provide a glimpse into Morocco's architectural heritage and offer fantastic photo opportunities. This tour allows you to immerse yourself in its vibrant culture. You can taste traditional Moroccan cuisine, shop for handmade crafts in bustling souks, and experience traditional music and dance performances.
Day 1: Casablanca, Rabat
After arrival formalities in Casablanca, meet our representative who will drive you to your hotel in Rabat, where you'll have the rest of the day to rest and relax. Late afternoon, meet your Tour Manager for an orientation chat followed by a light dinner. [D]
Day 2: Rabat
This morning, take a tour of Rabat. You'll see the Royal Palace, the ancient ruins of the Chellah, the Oudaya Kasbah and the imposing 12th-century red sandstone Hassan Tower. Visit the Museum of Ornaments before having dome time free for lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon at leisure to continue your exploration of Rabat. [B]
Day 3: Rabat, Volubilis, Fez
This morning, head to Fez with a stop to explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for an extraordinary insight into ancient Morocco. You'll discover a variety of opulent residences, important monuments and olive mills nestled among the remains of the city's fortified walls. Notable attractions include the well-preserved triumphal arch of Caracalla and a captivating array of mosaics and vibrant tiles depicting Roman mythology. In the afternoon, continue to the imperial city of Fez. On arrival, you'll settle into your hotel. This evening, enjoy a special dinner hosted by a local family, allowing you to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture and traditions.* [B/D]
*Dinner at a local's home in Fez may be rescheduled for another day, depending on your host's availability.
Day 4: Fez
Today will be dedicated a guided tour to discover the many hidden treasures of the medina that only a Moroccan guide can know. Fez was the capital of Morocco for over 400 years and is home to Al Karaouine University. The city is particularly famous for its tanneries and the Fès el Bali medina. The best view of the tanneries is from a visit to the surrounding leather stores. See the Attarine Medersa, the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, the fountains and the Nejjarine museum and, finally, admire the exterior of the royal palace and stroll through the medina's famous Jewish quarter, where you'll have the opportunity to walk through one of Morocco's few remaining Jewish cemeteries. [B]
Day 5: Fez, Erfoud
Today, we’ll cross Morocco towards the south, which requires a 6-hour-and-30-minute drive to Erfoud via the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, passing through Ifrane, a charming ski resort, Errachidia and the lush Ziz Valley. Arrive at your hotel in Erfoud in the early evening for dinner and overnight. [B]
Day 6: Erfoud (Rissani)
Departure to explore the small town of Rissani, on the edge of the Sahara. in the way, stop at a fossil factory to learn more about this unique activity, famous in the region. On arrival in Rissani, visit the lively souk and an 18th-century ksar. Then on to the ancient ruins of Sijilmasa on the River Ziz, once a Berber town and medieval trading depot. Return to Erfoud for an afternoon at leisure, or join the optional Sahara excursion, including a camel ride in the desert. After sunset, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. [B/D]
Day 7: Erfoud, Todgha, Dadès, Ouarzazate
This morning, we continue our journey to Tinghir via the Tinjdad road. Stop to visit the Todgha canyons, which rise to a height of 800 feet. After a brief stop in the Dades canyons, continue on the route of the thousand Kasbahs to the Dades valley, famous for its roses and annual rose festival. Arrive at your hotel* later in the evening, in time for dinner. [B/D]
Day 8: Ouarzazate, Marrakech
Today, we visit Ouarzazate, a desert town at the gateway to the Sahara. Walk through the village of Taourirt, built in the 12th century and still inhabited today. Your visit also includes the Kasbah Taourirt, an impressive structure built to house hundreds of people. Finally, you'll visit Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This afternoon, you'll reach Marrakech via Morocco's highest road point, , which offers impressive scenery in the heart of the Atlas mountain range. [B]
Day 9: Marrakech
After breakfast, take a tour of the city. Visit the Saadian tombs, dating from the 16th century, visit the Koutoubia minaret and the magnificent Bahia Palace. Finally, the tour ends with a stroll through the medina before arriving at Djemaa el Fna square. The afternoon is at leisure, or you can join an optional cooking class and learn how to prepare traditional Moroccan tagines and salads. In the evening enjoy a dinner with traditional show and, after dinner, you may take an optional horse-drawn carriage ride through Djemaa el Fna square and the lively streets of Marrakech at night. [B/D]
Day 10: Marrakesh
Today, explore the city at your leisure or join one of our optional tours. In the evening, enjoy a typical Moroccan dinner with a show. [B/D]
Option: Hot-air balloon flight*. Get up before dawn to take part in today's optional hot-air balloon excursion, which will allow you to witness the sunrise over Marrakech. Drift over the magnificent landscape, before returning to earth to enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast
Option: Tour to Essaouira*, whose medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an excellent example of a North African fortified town. Walk along the city walls, just north of Place Moulay Hassan, where local artists sell their paintings. Continue to the Skala of the City, a fortification built along the cliffs that defended the city against sea attacks. Explore the medina's many souks, including the spice and jewelry souks. Visit a jewelry store, renowned for its quality and design.
*The Marrakech sunrise hot-air balloon excursion with breakfast and the Essaouira day trip run concurrently. Passengers may choose to take part in only one of these excursions.
Day 11: Marrakesh, Casablanca
Take a morning drive to Casablanca and enjoy a city tour that includes seeing the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque* and the magnificent Corniche waterfront. Continue through Casablanca's residential neighborhoods to the city center to visit Place Mohamed V, the Habous district and Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral. This evening, you'll bid farewell to Morocco and your Tour Manager at a hotel reception. [B/D]
*The Hassan II Mosque is subject to unexpected closures for local religious observances. Details will be provided locally by your Tour Manager.
Day 12: Casablanca, USA
Depending on your flight schedule yu may have some time for last shopping or just relaxing. AT the appointed time our representative will pick you up and drive you to the airport to board your flight back home.
[B] = Breakfast | [B/L] = Breakfast & Lunch | [B/D] = Breakfast & Dinner
