Morocco
Day 01: Greetings! Welcome to Morocco! Your adventure kicks off today with a 6 pm welcome meeting in the renowned city of Casablanca. Consider arriving a day or two early to explore the city, known for its Art Deco buildings and the modern Hassan II Mosque. Roam the old medina, visit the Quartiers des Habous, and enjoy a stroll along the Corniche, where locals play football on the beach. Wrap up your day with a relaxing moment at one of the charming cafes sipping sweet mint tea.
Day 02: Embark on an early train journey to Rabat, a town steeped in history with Roman settlements, pirate tales, and the Moroccan parliament. Explore Arab monuments, including those from the Almohad and Merenid dynasties. Discover the ancient settlement of Sala in the Chellah area. After a brief orientation walk, enjoy free time in the old quarter, ascend Kasbah des Oudaias for ocean views, and then head to Meknes by train. Meknes, an imperial city, was crafted by Sultan Moulay Ismail, rivaling Versailles with its 25,000 slaves-built walls, gates, and palaces. Your evening is free to unwind or explore.
Day 03: Explore Meknes this morning, discovering the ancient imperial monuments on foot. Enjoy a unique camel burger for lunch in the medina. Later, journey through picturesque hills to Volubilis, a captivating Roman archaeological site. Marvel at the well-preserved ruins with a local guide and capture the stunning mosaics. Drive to Fes, the vibrant cultural heart of Morocco, where you’ll spend the next two nights. The evening is yours to savor in this lively city.
Day 04: Explore the enchanting Fes el Bali on a morning walking tour. Immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere of the bustling medina, discovering markets, tanneries, and mosques. Navigate car-free streets, witness craftsmen at work, and visit iconic sites like Medersa Bou Inania. Explore specialty sections of the souk, including Medresse el Attarine and the restored Funduk Nejjarine. Witness the famous tannery with its dye pits and a traditional ceramics factory. In the evening, join your group to savor Moroccan delights like harira and chicken-stuffed pastillas with couscous.
Day 05: This morning, embark on a private transfer to escape the bustling city for the tranquil Middle Atlas Mountains. Journey through diverse landscapes, encountering nomadic shepherds, cedar forests, and Barbary apes. Explore the market town of Midelt, originally a mining base, now surrounded by farmland. Visit the village of Berrem, interact with locals, and enjoy mint tea and Moroccan pastries. Support the community by staying at Ksar Timnay, a traditional kasbah-inspired accommodation with a refreshing pool.
Day 06: Embark on a journey to the majestic Sahara today, with stops to appreciate local kasbahs and palmeries. Encounter nomads on the move, traverse barren mountainsides, and explore frontier towns like Erfoud and Rissani. Reach the quaint Saharan village of Merzouga, set against the Erg Chebbi dunes. Leave your main baggage at the desert camp, ride a camel for a stunning sunset view amid rolling dunes, and spend the night under North African stars with a fireside feast.
Day 07: Climb the closest dune for a breathtaking Sahara sunrise, savor traditional breakfast, and journey to Todra Gorge. Explore El Khorbat’s oasis museum en route to Todra Valley, adorned with mud-brick villages. Your picturesque two-night stay features green valleys and wind-sculpted rock formations. Immerse yourself in the surroundings with a brief walk through the farmland.
Day 08: Explore Todra Valley today with a guided 10 km hike through the gorge and nearby mountain pass, taking approximately 4 hours. The trail, accompanied by a local guide, is moderately challenging and passes through Amazigh villages, offering a glimpse into the local culture. Enjoy the stunning surroundings of mountains and the distant Rose Valley. For lunch, consider joining locals in their mudbrick kasbah for an authentic cultural experience. Alternatively, relax by the hotel pool with breathtaking views of palmeries and cliffs.
Day 09: Head south to Ait Benhaddou, passing ancient kasbah ruins, colonial military outposts, and picturesque palm-filled valleys. Pause for lunch in Ouarzazate, known for filming Lawrence of Arabia and other classics. Consider a tour of Atlas Movie Studios. Explore Ait Benhaddou, once a vital caravan stop for Sahara salt transport. Your trip leader will guide you through the impressive clay kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the evening, savor Morocco’s renowned couscous and tagine at your guesthouse.
Day 10: This morning, traverse the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260 meters above sea level) to Toubkal National Park, home to North Africa’s highest peak. Pass snow-capped mountains and flower-filled valleys along the way. In the rural village of Imlil, stow your main luggage, load a daypack onto a mule, and embark on a short trek to the serene village of Aroumd. Nestled on a rocky outcrop, Aroumd offers a tranquil escape from the modern world with stunning views of the High Atlas Mountains. Immerse yourself in traditional Amazigh culture by spending the night in a family-run mountain home at the base of Mount Toubkal. Enjoy the warmth of woodstoves, the aroma of freshly baked bread, and experience authentic Amazigh hospitality with delicious home-cooked meals.
Day 11: Embark on an early morning hike through Imlil’s villages to Sidi Chamharouch, a scenic pilgrimage site with a waterfall. Enjoy a local-made tagline with stunning Atlas Mountain views. Later, explore Essaouira’s historic charm, with its sandstone walkways and beaches. Your tour leader will suggest activities like seafood auctions or people-watching at local cafes. Conclude the day with a fresh seafood dinner by the beach.
Day 12: Explore Essaouira’s historic sites with a local guide, wandering through the old medina, Jewish mellah, port, and Skala. Meet expert fishermen, discover traditional fishing techniques, and savor free time in the car-free streets filled with shops and art galleries. Experience the scent of Thuya wood, a local specialty, and enjoy a freshly cooked plate of the day’s catch for lunch. Consider a visit to a hammam or simply relax at your accommodation afterward..
Day 13: This morning, hop on a shared local bus to Marrakech – a blend of ancient charm and modern European influences. Join a guided walk through the lively medina with your trip leader, meeting local artisans and navigating the vibrant lanes. Taste Moroccan treats like doughnuts, mint tea, traditional bread, olives, nuts, dates, and harira. Immerse yourself in the spice markets, music, carpets, and perfumed gardens. Consider dining in Djemaa el-Fna Square, a bustling hub with henna painters, storytellers, and a street food bazaar offering Moroccan delights. Try local snail soup and end the night with tea at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square.
Day 14: Discover Marrakech at your own pace today. Explore the vibrant souqs dedicated to various trades like pottery, woodwork, copper, leather, carpets, or spices. Observe skilled artisans at work, practice your bargaining skills, and enjoy a tagine with new friends. Visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque with its 12th-century minaret, a prototype for Seville’s Giralda tower. Explore the tropical gardens of Jacques Majorelle or the exquisite Palais Bahia. In the evening, return to Djemaa el-Fna for dinner at one of the outdoor restaurants, creating the perfect setting for a farewell dinner.
Day 15: With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave at any time. If you’d like to spend more time in Marrakech, just speak to your booking agent.