Highlights of Morocco
15 days
From
$ 1549
Duration15 days
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.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 15 daysService level: Standard
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Starts in: CasablancaPhysical Grading: Light
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Casablanca
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.
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.
Arrive at any time.
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.
Day 2: Casablanca/Chefchaouen
Start place: Casablanca
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.
Stop in Tangier for a guided tour of the medina before continuing on to Chefchaouen for the evening.
Meals: B
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.
Opt to hike in the Rif Mountains, explore the town, try a traditional hammam or visit a local weavers' cooperative.
Meals: B
Day 4: Chefchaouen/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.
After, continue to the imperial city of Fès, one of Morocco's most interesting cities.
Enjoy a G Adventures-supported traditional lunch before taking a guided tour of the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Continue on to Fès.
A G Adventures-supported traditional lunch
Meals: B, L
Day 5: Fès
Enjoy a half-day medina walking tour, with free time in the afternoon to explore more of the city.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Meals: B
Day 6: Fès/Merzouga
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.
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.
Enjoy a long, but beautiful, travel day across the unique landscapes of Morocco to get to the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert.
Some rooms may have shared bathroom facilities.
Enjoy a local dinner at a desert auberge.
End place: Marzouga
Meals: B, D
Day 7: Merzouga/Sahara Bedouin Camp
Start place: Marzouga
Enjoy a free day until heading out on a camel safari in the late afternoon. Spend the cool morning exploring the undulating golden sand of the dunes or simply relaxing by the pool.
Opt to explore the surrounding communities on a 4x4 excursion.
In the afternoon, take an overnight bag and set off on a 1-hr camel ride to a desert camp deep in the dunes. Local guides will teach you how to mount and dismount and how to tie a turban to keep the desert sun off your face and add a little flare to your photos.
Enjoy a warm welcome at the desert camp followed by a traditional dinner under the stars. There will be time to hear stories about life in this region and perhaps, if lucky, be treated to some traditional music on the drums.
Opt to explore the surrounding communities on a 4x4 excursion.
In the afternoon, take an overnight bag and set off on a 1-hr camel ride to a desert camp deep in the dunes. Local guides will teach you how to mount and dismount and how to tie a turban to keep the desert sun off your face and add a little flare to your photos.
Enjoy a warm welcome at the desert camp followed by a traditional dinner under the stars. There will be time to hear stories about life in this region and perhaps, if lucky, be treated to some traditional music on the drums.
Explore the sand dunes by foot or opt to take a 4x4 excursion. In the late afternoon, enjoy a camel ride to overnight in a desert camp.
Notes for the Sahara Desert tented camp stay:
There will be a chance to repack and take only overnight bags out to the desert. The accommodations are basic, with four people per tent (though feel free to sleep out under the stars). Bathroom facilities are basic and shared.
Mattresses with sheet and blanket are provided. For winter months (Nov- April), we recommend bringing a sleeping bag for additional warmth.
There will be the chance to shower upon arrival in Merzouga the following morning. Enjoy traditional local fare at a Bedouin camp in the Sahara.
There will be a chance to repack and take only overnight bags out to the desert. The accommodations are basic, with four people per tent (though feel free to sleep out under the stars). Bathroom facilities are basic and shared.
Mattresses with sheet and blanket are provided. For winter months (Nov- April), we recommend bringing a sleeping bag for additional warmth.
There will be the chance to shower upon arrival in Merzouga the following morning. Enjoy traditional local fare at a Bedouin camp in the Sahara.
Meals: B, D
Day 8: Sahara Bedouin Camp/Todra Gorge
Rise early to get on our trusty camels. Watch the sunrise before returning to Merzouga.
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 Berber delicacies.
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 Berber delicacies.
Walk through local village farmlands and explore Todra Gorge.
Enjoy breakfast back at the auberge.
End place: Gorges du Todrha
Meals: B
Day 9: Todra Gorge/Ait Benhaddou
Start place: Gorges du Todrha
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.
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.
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.
End place: Ait Boulmane
Meals: B
Day 10: Ait Benhaddou / High Atlas Mountains
Start place: Ait Boulmane
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.
With our main luggage transported by mule, embark on the walk from Imlil to the little village of Aroumd (1 hr), 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.
With our main luggage transported by mule, embark on the walk from Imlil to the little village of Aroumd (1 hr), 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.
Enjoy a walk to the village of Aroumd, at the base of the High Atlas Mountains. Let a mule carry the bags up to this mountain hideaway and hike alongside. Enjoy views of Mt Toubkal from the mountain gîte before a home-cooked dinner.
Accommodation is multi-share, up to six beds in each room. Bedding is provided, but you will need to bring a sleeping bag for additional warmth if travelling between November and April. You will also need to bring your own towel. Bathroom facilities are shared.
End place: Around
Meals: B, D
Day 11: High Atlas Mountains / Essaouira
Start place: Around
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.
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.
Walk back to Imlil and transfer to the coastal town of Essaouira. The day is free for exploration.
End place: Essaouira
Meals: B
Day 12: Essaouira
Start place: Essaouira
Enjoy a free day exploring this coastal port town any way you like.
End place: Essaouira
Meals: B
Day 13: Essaouira/Marrakech
Start place: Essaouira
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.
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.
Drive to Marrakech for a medina tour with a certified city guide. Opt to visit Djemaa el Fna Square in the evening to see the gathering of musicians and street performers.
Meals: B
Day 14: Marrakech
A great place to start your adventure 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.
Enjoy a final free day to explore.
Meals: B
Day 15: Marrakech
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Mhaya Village Community Lunch, Meknès Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Mountain Gîte Stay with Traditional Moroccan Meal, Aroumd (Aremd) Your Discover Moment: Marrakech
- Tangier guided tour including the medina, kasbah, and the grand and petit souks
- Volubilis guided tour including Roman ruins
- Fès medina guided tour including artisans' quarter and Fès tannery
- Sunset camel ride in the desert
- Todra Gorge stay with walk through local villages
- Aït Ben Haddou kasbah tour
- High Atlas Mountains hike
- Marrakech medina guided walk including Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa square
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private air-conditioned van, Camel, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (13 nts), Mountain gîte (1 nt, multi-share)