If you want to hit Morocco’s highlights and time’s a little tight, this is your adventure. Wander through kasbahs, spice markets and cities pulsing with energy on this comprehensive trip. Climb onto a camel and explore the edge of the Sahara before admiring the views from the heights of the Atlas Mountains. Experience the energy of imperial cities as you explore souks stuffed with exotic wares. Then take a moment to appreciate this amazing adventure as you camp under the stars among some of the world's biggest sand dunes.
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Day 1 Casablanca
You are welcome to arrive in Casablanca at any time, as today is a designated arrival day with no planned activities. Please note that there will be an important welcome meeting this evening at our joining hotel. Please check the hotel notice board for more information on the location of this meeting or ask at reception. Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents to this meeting, as you will be required to fill out some important pre-trip admin documents. After learning more about our tour and plans for the following day, you are welcome to join our leader and your travelling companions for an optional dinner nearby.
Please note, this tour does not spend any time in Casablanca. You may wish to come a day early in order to explore Casablanca's small medina, beachfront and classic examples of Art Deco architecture. Be sure to visit the spectacular Hassan II mosque. Entrance is only permitted via guided tours which operate from Saturday to Thursday (closed Fridays) at 09h00, 10h00, 11h00, and 14h00. Please refer to optional activity section of these notes for prices. These times are subject to change (particularly around Ramadan)please double check these times with your hotel.
Overnight in Casablanca.
A general note about this tour. This is a very fast paced itinerary which covers lots of ground. While this is great as it allows us to see a huge amount in the available time, it also means some early starts, some long drives in the mini van and less free time than many other G Adventures.
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Day 2 Meknes (1B)
This morning, we drive from Casablanca to Meknes, a drive of around 4 hours.
In the afternoon we enjoy a guided walking tour of Meknes.
We start our tour in front of the impressive 18th century Bab Mansour, the ornamental gate to the imperial city of Meknes built by Sultan Moulay Ismail in honour of himself. The gate faces Place el-Hadim, where, after dark fills with many Moroccan families coming to be entertained by story-tellers, snake-charmers, horse rides & medicine men. To the left of the square you’ll find one of Morocco’s most colourful & friendliest fresh produce souqs & home to the city’s famous confectionaries. Behind the square is the entrance to the rambling souqs where you can discover the many artisans and their crafts.
From here we enter what is left of the imperial city (Meknes was flatten by a huge earthquake in 1755) & visit the small but impressive Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, pass by the entrance of the Meknes Royal Palace & end up at Moulay Ismail’s massive Heri es Souani. This was his personal stable & granary for his 12,000 horses.
Overnight in Meknes.
Approx travel time: Casablanca to Meknes, 4 hrs
Please note this is actual driving time, not including stops.
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Days 3- 4 Volubilis, Fez (2B)
This morning we'll make our way through the rolling hills for a guided visit of the impressive Roman ruins of Volubilis, the best preserved Roman ruins in this part of northern Africa. Once an important Roman town situated near the westernmost border of the Roman Empire, in 1997 Volubilis was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wandering through the deserted streets where chariots once passed, you can envision the vibrance the town once had. Listen to your local guide explain about life in the Roman Empire as you peer into old bathhouses, marveling at the still-present mosaic floors and gazing up at the towering marble pillars.
We leave the Roman Empire to make our way to Fez. We will be staying in the the new city of Fez, built by the French during their Protectorate of Morocco. This area has the feel of a French provincial town, with its cafés, restaurants and wide boulevards.
The Fez medina is the world’s largest, living medieval medina in the world & in the 11th century, was the largest city in the known world.
We enter through one of the great gates into the chaotic, confusing & melee that is the Fez medina. We explore the medina’s many artisans’ quarters, such as the brass & copper souqs, the wedding souq & the carpenters plus its bakers, butchers & spice sellers,including Fez’s famous Tannery, where we have great views from its panoramic viewpoints.
We’ll also get to see its religious & historical heart when we visit Moulay Idriss II’s Mausoleum (the founder of Fez), the 14th century Bou Inania Medersa & the 9th century Al Karaouine University.
This evening, why not head off for a Moroccan feast at one of the many restaurants and finish off the night with some famous Moroccan mint tea.
Day 4 is free for you to explore Fez and its medina at your leisure. Your CEO will provide you with options for your day, including transport options to get you from the hotel into Old Fez.
(Please note, only certified local guides are allowed to guide in the medina, so for the free day your CEO cannot accompany you here, but will be able to help you find a local guide if you wish. or of course you can just wander at your leisure!)
Overnight 2 nights in Fez.
Approx travel time: Meknes to Volubilis, 45 mins. Volubilis to Fez, 2 hrs
Please note this is actual driving time, not including stops.
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Days 5-6 Merzouga (2B,2D)
We have a full day's drive on day 5, through the diverse landscapes that make Morocco so unique. Pass through the cedar and pine forests, over the Middle Atlas Mountains through the pre-desert countryside with its deep gorges filled with splendid oases of green palm groves and finally into the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert – all in one day! Keep your eyes open for a glimpse of Barbary apes en route.
We spend the night in a desert auberge (simple hotel), located right on the edge of the dunes. Here we will have dinner local-style and spend the night. Please note, some rooms may have shared bathroom facilities at the desert hotel.
Day 6 is free until we head out on our camel safari in the late afternoon. Why not spend the cool of the morning exploring the undulating golden sands of the highest dunes in North Africa? Or simply relax by the pool or read a book in the cool communal couch area.
We also offer an optional activity of a 4x4 safari into the sand dunes of the Sahara desert. Ask your CEO for more details and current price of this exciting adventure.
Taking only our day packs with what we will need for this evening, in the late afternoon we set off on an hour's camel ride to our desert camp deep in the dunes. Your local guides will teach you how to mount and dismount and other handy camel-related safety tips. Be sure to get them to teach you the trick of tying your turban to keep the desert sun off your face and add a little flare to your photos. From your first cup of mint tea you'll enjoy a warm welcome at our desert camp. A traditional dinner under the stars, cooked by our hosts awaits. In the evening there will be time to hear stories about life in this region and perhaps, if we are lucky, we might be treated to some traditional music on the drums.
Facilities are very basic - each Bedouin tent sleeps approximately 4 people but most people prefer to relax and enjoy the sounds of silence during a night under the starry desert skies.
Mattresses and a sheet and blanket are provided. For those travelling in the winter months (Nov- April), we recommend a sleeping bag for additional warmth. It is back to nature as far as bathroom facilities go.
We will take breakfast on our return to our Merzouga auberge.
Day 5: Overnight in Merzouga (Auberge); Approx travel time including stops: Fez to Merzouga, 10-11hrs
Day 6: Overnight in the Sahara Desert (Nomad Camp); Approx travel time: Merzouga to camp, 1hr (by camel)
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Day 7 Todra Gorge (1B)
We rise early for a morning departure by camel from the camp and return to our auberge where we take our breakfast.
We continue by bus to Tinehrir and into the Todra Valley and enjoy a walk in the lush palm groves. Learn more about local life in this region, including which crops are grown, and how the land is farmed. You may even be lucky to taste some of the fruit in season straight from the source.
Heading to the stunning Todra Gorge, we spend the night in this beautiful and peaceful area. The Todra River has carved out cliff-sided canyons through the mountains with the final 300m of the gorge being the most spectacular as the canyon narrows to a flat stony track as little as 10m wide in places with sheer and smooth rock walls up to 160 m high on each side.
Today the Todra river looks more like a stream as it runs its way through the gorge, with hotels and restaurants huddled against the steep walls.
It is easy to walk through the gorge - there is a well-maintained dirt road to walk along. And the scenery is spectacular.
Staying in a hotel nestled in between the sheer cliffs of the gorge, you will have the chance to enjoy a relaxing evening indulging in local Berber cuisine.
Overnight in Todra Gorge.
Approx travel time: Merzouga to Todra Gorge, 4-6 hrs
Please note this is driving time and does not include stops. As we visit the Palmery en-route, we do not arrive in Todra until late afternoon.
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Day 8 Aït Benhaddou (1B)
This morning we continue along the "Route of a 1000 Kasbahs" to Ouarzazate where we will take our lunch break.
We continue on to the village of Aït Benhaddou. Aït Benhaddou is a wonderful example of a collection of kasbahs, a type of fortress. Carefully restored over the years and now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is now considered to be one of the best preserved kasbah villages in Morocco. A few families still call the kasbah their home, but the majority of locals have gradually moved to the nearby settlement. During our visit to the Kasbah, lose yourself in the narrow, winding passageways and feel the magical atmosphere of this incredible structure.
This evening there may be the chance for an optional cooking class. Learn the secrets of how to make the perfect tagine and then sample your skills for your dinner. Later impress your friends with your culinary skills!
Overnight in Ait Ben Haddou.
Approx travel time including stops: Todra Gorge to Ait Benhaddou, 5-6 hrs.
Our arrival time in Ait Benhaddou will be around mid-afternoon, depending on how long we spend in Ouazarzate en-route.
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Day 9 High Atlas Mountains (1B,1D)
We leave the pre-desert country for the magnificent High Atlas mountain landscape, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2260m, before heading into the splendid Toubkal National Park, passing through small villages on winding mountain roads, arriving at the village of Imlil.
With our main luggage transported by mule, we embark on the walk from Imlil to little village of Aremd (45 minutes to one hour), and the simple mountain gite.
While the walk to the gite is uphill, we take it at a slow pace and it is achievable by anyone of average fitness.
Accommodation is multi - share, with 3-6 beds in each room. Bedding is provided but you will need to bring a sleeping bag for additional warmth if travelling in the months Nov-April. You will need to bring your own bath towel. Bathroom facilities are shared.
Tonight we enjoy a homemade dinner of local produce in the cozy dining room.
Settle in and enjoy the tranquility, fantastic views and clean mountain air of this magical region.
Overnight in the Atlas Mountains (Aremd).
Approx travel time: Ait Benhaddou to Imlil, 5hrs
Walk from Imlil to Aremd, approximately 45 mins to 1 hour.
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Days 10-11 Essaouira (2B)
After breakfast we'll walk back out to meet our transport in Imlil and head to the Atlantic beaches of Essaouira, arriving in the mid afternoon.
On arrival, we take an orientation tour of the old Portuguese port area, the fortifications and the centuries old medina, enabling you to make the most of your explorations tomorrow.
Day 11 is free to browse the many shops for the many crafts on sale, watch the brightly painted ships bring their catch into the busy harbour or take a stroll along the long, sandy beach. It's a perfect place to enjoy some local seafood and unwind.
You might even like to enjoy some of the wide variety of adventure and water sports on offer such as wind surfing and horse riding. Your CEO can arrange camel riding on the beach in Essaouira for you - approximate cost eur30 - please ask them for more details if you are interested.
Overnight in Essaouira.
Approx travel time including stops: Imlil to Essaouira, 5hrs
Walk down from the gite to Imlil, approx 45 minutes to 1hr.
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Days 12-13 Marrakech (2B)
In the morning, we continue our journey to Marrakech.
Once in Marrakesh, a great place to start your explorations is Djemaa el Fna square, the heart of Marrakech, that changes its offerings throughout the day. In the morning you’ll wander past the fresh orange juice stalls, water sellers in colourful costumes with traditional leather water bags and brass cups, and snake charmers reminiscent of an era past.
As the day progresses the snake charmers are replaced by Chleuh dancing-boys, story-tellers, magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines. As the sun sets, the square fills with dozens of food-stalls, packed with locals and the entertaining chefs and waiters. Grab a spot on a bench with the other diners and try the Tanjia (slow cooked lamb), Harira soup, grilled seafood, famous Moroccan couscous, tajine, snails or even sheep’s head for the truly adventurous, and wash it all down with some spiced tea.
To really get a taste of everyday life in Marrakech, head into the maze of tiny streets and alleyways of the ancient medina. Tourists and locals alike will find everything they desire in the souks, whether it’s spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or famous Moroccan lanterns, the selection here is exhaustive, and don’t forget to bargain, it's definitely part of the fun. Perhaps end the day like a local with an optional group dinner in the famous food stalls of Djemaa el Fna.
For a little more history on the afternoon of Day 12 or the morning of Day 13 (depending on season) we embark on a guided visit of historical Marrakech including the Koutoubia Minaret and gardens, Bahia Palace, the Mellah and the Saadian Tombs. Take the afternoon to get lost in the Souks. Once you’ve tired yourself out, relax at one of the tea houses around the square, indulging in the ubiquitous sweet mint tea, watching the hustle and bustle from your shady spot.
Overnight in Marrakech.
Approx travel time: Essaouira to Marrakech, 3hrs
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Day 14 Marrakech (1B)
You are free to depart at any time today. Please note that check-out time from the hotel is normally mid-morning, but luggage storage facilities are available. We are able to organise extra post-trip accommodation if you wish to extend your stay for a few more days. Please ask at the time of booking.
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Hotel Oudaya
Moroccan House Hotel
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Max 15, Avg 10
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Hotels (11 nts), gîte (1 nt, multi-share), nomad camp (1 nt, multi-share)
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Private air-con van, camel, walking
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13 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
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Your local guide will recommend different optional activities, feel free to ask him for more information.
Please note that prices are quoted in Moroccan Dirhams (Dh)
Casablanca (for those who have time in the city before the trip starts)
Hassan II Mosque (Sat to Thurs) 9, 10, 11 and 2pm – Dh120
Villa de Arts (Tues to Sat) – free
Jewish Museum (Mon to Fri) - Dh30
Meknes
Dar Jamai Museum (Wed to Mon) - Dh20
Medersa bou Inania - Dh10
Koubbat as Sufara - Dh10
Heri es Souani - Dh10
Fez
Medersa bou inania – Dh10
Medersa el Attarine - Dh10
Dar batha museum (Wed to Mon) - Dh10
Belghazi museum - Dh20
Merzouga- Desert
Half-day 4x4 excursion around the Dunes of Merzouga
Price: 25 euro per person (270 dirhams) Includes: 4x4 jeeps with driver/guide
Ait Ben Haddou
Cooking class - Dh100 (includes dinner)
Essaouira
Camel ride on beach at Essaouira Price: 29 euro per person (315 dirhams) Includes: riding camel, transfers from/to hotel.
Surf lessons – Dh 480 – 900 (depending on length)
Horse riding - Dh 250
Quad biking - Dh 450
Kite Surfing – Dh 35 1(hrs), Dh 50 (2hrs)
Surfing rental - Dhs15, 20, 25, 30 (1hr, 2 hrs, 3 hrs, 1 day)
Boat excursion along the coast: Dh 20 (1hr)
All Essaouira activities are weather and season dependent.
Marrakech
Traditional Hammam (steam bath) including massage – Dh 300
Moroccan 3 course dinner and folklore entertainment in a traditional restaurant overlooking the famous Djemma el Fna Square - Dh 400
Ali Ben Youssef Medersa - Dh 40
Koubba Ba’adiyn - Dh 40
Museum of Marrakech - Dh 40
El Badi Palace - Dh10
Dar si Said - Dh10
Majorelle and Museum of Islamic Art - Dh 30
Bicycle hire – Dh 70–100 per day
All prices are per person (unless stated otherwise), and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.
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Breakfasts on tour
Many breakfasts are included as part of your tour.
Moroccan breakfasts tend to be different from your usual cereal and toast morning fare – most will be very simple - a croissant or sweet roll with jam and instant coffee and some hotels will have buffets where you will have more variety.
While you are experiencing what a Moroccan family would eat, some travellers do find the provided breakfasts a bit “bread heavy” and enjoy buying fruit the day before to supplement their breakfast.
Lunches and dinners
Moroccan cuisine is world famous and your CEO will be taking the chance to show you the best of it.
Staples include cous cous, a type of grain topped with stew, tagine which is actually the name of the pot this tasty dish is cooked in, and brochette, bbq skewers of meat. These dishes will generally cost between 45- 80 MAD depending on the type of restaurant and which part of the country you are in.
Other tastes not to be missed include pastilla, a sweet pasty with a savoury filling which is traditionally pigeon and harira, a delicious soup based on chick peas and filling enough when teamed with fresh bread to be a whole lunch. If you are heading to the coast the fresh seafood cooked at one of the local markets is a must eat!
Snacks
Morocco's fresh orange juice is highly recommended and you should not leave without trying a glass. The brave can try the tiny snails which are perhaps the local's favourite snack but you might prefer a cone of piping hot bite-size fried cake donuts.
Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
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Guided walk in Meknes, Guided tour of Volubilis, Guided walk in Fez, Overnight Berber tented camp and camel excursion in desert, Walk though local village farmland near Todra, Entrance to Aït Benhaddou kasbah, Hike in the Atlas Mountains, Orientation walk in Essaouira, Guided walk in Marrakech.
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Wandering ancient medinas and Roman ruins, riding a camel into the Sahara, spending the night in a desert tent and a mountain gîte, bargaining in exotic souks.
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On this trip you can expect to stay in local hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights.
Please note that Morocco is a developing country and as such the infrastructure is not as reliable as you would expect at home. Expect quirky plumbing and the odd cold shower!
While in the mountains our accommodation will be basic refuge-style multi-share with shared unisex facilities. In Merzouga we will stay in a traditional desert auberge (guesthouse) and in the desert we will spend a night at a nomad camp: Facilities at the camp are very basic - we all sleep in one large communal tent. Mattresses and bedding are provided. For those travelling in the winter months (Nov- April), we recommend a sleeping bag for additional warmth. It is back to nature as far as bathroom facilities go. There will be the chance to take a shower after breakfast on our return to our Merzouga auberge the following morning.
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Please note that there is a lot of fast paced travel on this itinerary which necessitates some long travel days in our mini van. We feel that if you enter this trip with this knowledge and expectation, you will appreciate even more the variety of locations we are able to include in this itinerary.
We use a 16-seater minivan and with a full group every seat will be used. The legroom in the minivan is possibly smaller than you may be used to and taller passengers may find space a little cramped. It is important to be aware that as it is not a legal requirement in buses in Morocco, your vehicle may not be equipped with seat belts. The minivans have air conditioning, however please note that summer temperatures in Morocco can easily reach 50 celsius. When the outside temperature is so hot, a minibus air conditioning system will not be able to cool the bus to the temperatures you are used to enjoying at home. Please bear in mind that travelling in Morocco in summer will inevitably involve very hot temperatures and some discomfort may be experienced when travelling.
Please note that, owing to both space constraints in the minibus and weight constraints when transporting baggage by mule to Aremd mountain gite, we can carry no more than one check-in size bag and one day pack per person. Please see the What to Take section of these notes for further details.
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UUsually included in flight tickets.
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