Highlights
- Explore the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
- Tour Tangier’s medina and sip mint tea
- Wander through Chefchaouen’s blue streets
- Discover ancient Roman ruins in Volubilis
- Ride camels and watch the sunset in Sahara
Itinerary
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Introduction
If you want to hit Morocco’s highlights, 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 spend a night in a mountain gîte.
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Day 1 Casablanca
Arrive at any time.
Please note that this tour does not spend any time in Casablanca.You may wish to come a day early in order to explore Casablanca, and take some time to see its medina, beachfront, and classic examples of Art Deco architecture.Be sure to also visit the spectacular Hassan II Mosque. Entrance is only permitted via guided tours, which operate from Saturday to Thursday at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, and 15:00, and on Fridays at 9:00, 10:00, and 15:00. These times are subject to change (particularly around Ramadan), please double check times with your hotel. Tickets can be purchased at the mosque.Included Activities:
– Welcome Moment – Meet Your CEO and GroupAdditional Notes: A general note about this tour: it has a very fast-paced itinerary, which covers a lot of ground. This is great as it allows us to see a huge amount in the time available, but it also means some early starts, some long drives in the minivan, and less free time than many other G Adventures tours.
AccommodationHotel Campanile CasablancaHotel -
Day 2 Casablanca/Chefchaouen
Stop in Tangier for a guided tour of the medina before continuing on to Chefchaouen for the evening.
Depart in the morning for Tangier. Take a guided tour of city sites, including the medina, kasbah, Grand Socco (a bustling square at the entrance to the medina) and Petit Socco, a little square in the medina perfect for people-watching and mint tea-drinking. In the afternoon, continue on to Chefchaouen.Meals Included:
– BreakfastTransport:
– Private Vehicle 02:00 Hr(s)Included Activities:
– Tangier Guided TourAccommodationHotel Madrid ChefchaouenHotel -
Day 3 Chefchaouen
Enjoy a free day in Chefchaouen to explore. The city, whitewashed in different shades of blue, is spectacular on its own but with the surrounding mountains, it’s a sight to behold. At sunset, opt to visit the Spanish Mosque for a stunning panoramic view of the city.
Take in the view from the mountains by pre-booking the Rif Valley Mountains Hike when booking your tour.Meals Included:
– BreakfastOptional Extras to chose from:
– Rif Valley Mountains HikeAccommodationHotel Madrid ChefchaouenHotel -
Day 4 Chefchaouen/Fès
Enjoy a G Adventures-supported traditional lunch before taking a guided tour of the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Continue on to Fès.
Continue through the rolling hills to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Take a guided tour of the best-preserved Roman ruins in this part of Northern Africa, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.After, continue to the imperial city of Fès, one of Morocco’s most interesting cities. Enjoy free time this evening.Meals Included:
– Breakfast
– LunchTransport:
– Private Vehicle 02:00 Hr(s)Included Activities:
– Mhaya Village Community Lunch
– Volubilis Guided TourAccommodationHotel Mounia FesHotel -
Day 5 Fès
Explore the labyrinth of streets within the famous Fès medina with a local guide. Take in a view of one of the ancient tanneries from above and marvel at the myriad of colour and processes.
The Fès medina is the world’s largest living medieval medina and a UNESCO site. Explore the artisan quarters, sample treats from the carts, and view Fès’ famous leather tannery from above.Meals Included:
– BreakfastIncluded Activities:
– Fès Medina Guided TourAdditional Notes: Only certified local guides are allowed to act as guides in the medina, so your CEO cannot go with you to the medina during free time.
AccommodationHotel Mounia FesHotel -
Day 6 Fès/Merzouga
Enjoy a long, but beautiful, travel day across the unique landscapes of Morocco to get to the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert.
Travel through the diverse landscapes that make Morocco so unique. Pass through cedar and pine forests, keeping an eye out for Barbary apes. Pass over the Middle Atlas Mountains through the pre-desert countryside with its deep gorges filled with a splendid oasis of green palm groves. Arrive at the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert.Spend the night in a desert auberge (simple hotel), located right on the edge of the dunes. Have a local-style dinner and spend the night.Meals Included:
– Breakfast
– DinnerTransport:
– Private Vehicle 10:00 – 11:00 Hr(s)Additional Notes: Some rooms may have shared bathroom facilities.
AccommodationAuberge Dunes D’OrHotel -
Day 7 Merzouga
Explore the sand dunes by foot or opt to take a 4×4 excursion around the dunes. In the late afternoon, enjoy a camel ride to watch the sunset before returning to your hotel for an evening of entertainment.
Spend the cool morning exploring the undulating golden sand of the dunes, discovering the surrounding communities on a land cruiser desert excursions. You can pre-book this optional excursion when booking your tour.In the afternoon, take a camel ride deep into the dunes to watch the sunset. Learn to tie a turban to keep the desert sun off your face and add a little flare to photos.This evening, indulge in a traditional dinner, then gather around a campfire under the stars near to your hotel. Listen to stories about life in this region and, perhaps, some traditional music on the drums.Meals Included:
– Breakfast
– DinnerIncluded Activities:
– Camel RideOptional Extras to chose from:
– Merzouga Land Cruiser Desert ExcursionAccommodationAuberge Dunes D’OrHotel -
Day 8 Merzouga/Todra Gorge
Rise early to watch the sunrise. After breakfast, continue through a stone desert to the stunning Todra Gorge. Wedged between massive cliff walls, the gorge is filled with a green oasis of palm trees. This serene spot is great for hiking, relaxing on the edge of the river or sampling some local Amazigh delicacies.
Meals Included:
– BreakfastTransport:
– Private Vehicle 03:30 Hr(s)AccommodationHotel AmazirHotel -
Day 9 Todra Gorge/Aït Ben Haddou
Visit the Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Opt to participate in a tagine cooking class for an intro to Moroccan cuisine.
Travel along the “Route of 1000 Kasbahs” to the thriving town of Ouarzazate for a lunch stop. This town is home to Atlas Film Studios, where many films have been shot over the years, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.Continue on to the fascinating and beautiful Aït Ben Haddou, a wonderful example of a kasbah.In the 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 dinner.Meals Included:
– BreakfastTransport:
– Private Vehicle 04:00 Hr(s)Included Activities:
– Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah TourAccommodationLa Rose du Sable Ait BenhaddouHotel -
Day 10 Ait Benhaddou / High Atlas Mountains
Enjoy a hike to the village of Aroumd (Aremd), at the base of the High Atlas Mountains. Soak in views of Mt Toubkal from the mountain gîte hideaway before a home-cooked dinner.
Leave the pre-desert country for the magnificent High Atlas Mountain landscape, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2260m. Head into the splendid Toubkal National Park, passing through small villages on winding mountain roads, arriving at the village of Imlil.Embark on the 1 hour hike from Imlil to the little village of Aroumd (Aremd), arriving at our simple mountain gîte for the night.Enjoy a homemade dinner of local produce in the cozy salon. Settle in and enjoy the tranquility, fantastic views, and clean mountain air of this magical region.Meals Included:
– Breakfast
– DinnerTransport:
– Private Vehicle 05:00 Hr(s)
– Hiking 01:00 Hr(s)Included Activities:
– Mountain Gîte Stay with Traditional Moroccan MealAdditional Notes: Accommodation is multi-share, up to six beds in each room. Bedding is provided, but you may choose to bring a sleeping bag for additional warmth if travelling between November and April. Bathroom facilities are shared.
AccommodationAuberge Tafraout ArmedHotel -
Day 11 High Atlas Mountains / Essaouira
Hike back to Imlil and transfer to the coastal town of Essaouira. The day is free for exploration.
After breakfast, take a scenic hike back down the mountain to meet the van in Imlil and head to the coastal town of Essaouira, arriving mid-afternoon. The rest of the day is free to explore as you wish.Browse the many shops for leather, jewellery, lamps or trinkets. Watch the brightly painted ships bring their catch into the busy harbour or take a stroll along the long, sandy beach. This is the perfect place to enjoy some local seafood and unwind.Meals Included:
– BreakfastTransport:
– Walking 01:00 Hr(s)
– Private VehicleAccommodationRiad Nakhla EssaouiraHotel -
Day 12 Essaouira
Enjoy a free day exploring this coastal port town any way you like.
Want to soothe aching muscles? Pre-book the Traditional Hammam Experience when booking your tour.Meals Included:
– BreakfastOptional Extras to chose from:
– Traditional Hammam Experience in EssaouiraAccommodationRiad Nakhla EssaouiraHotel -
Day 13 Essaouira/Marrakech
Drive to Marrakech for a medina tour with a local guide. Opt to visit Djemaa el Fna Square in the evening to see the gathering of musicians and street performers.
Journey to Marrakech. After arriving in the “Red City,” join a certified city guide for a tour of the Marrakech medina. Visit the historical Koutoubia Minaret and gardens, Bahia Palace, the Mellah, and the Saadian Tombs.Later, opt to discover the secrets of this amazing, ancient city. Relax at one of the tea houses around the square, watching the hustle and bustle from a shady spot.End the day like a local with an optional group dinner in the famous food stalls of Djemaa el Fna.Meals Included:
– BreakfastTransport:
– Private Vehicle 03:00 Hr(s)Included Activities:
– Marrakech Medina Guided TourAccommodationHotel Oudaya MarrakechHotel -
Day 14 Marrakech
Enjoy a final free day to explore.
Opt to get up early and catch the sunrise over Marrakech by pre-booking the Hot Air Balloon excursion.Another great place to start your day of exploring is Djemaa el Fna square, in the heart of the medina. The square changes its offerings throughout the day. Finish up your souvenir shopping or wander the new part of the city for a taste of the modern.Meals Included:
– BreakfastOptional Extras to chose from:
– Hot Air Balloon MarrakechAccommodationHotel Oudaya MarrakechHotel -
Day 15 Marrakech
Depart at any time.
Meals Included:
– Breakfast