Immerse yourself in the colourful tapestry of Morocco, where rambling souks and ornate mosques await your discovery. From the bustling streets of Casablanca to the golden dunes of the Sahara, every moment is filled with history and culture.
Your journey begins in the charming capital city of Rabat, where you’ll marvel at the Kasbah des Oudaias and Hassan Tower. Venture to the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen, where winding alleys lead to the 18th-century Kasbah Museum. Walk among the fascinating ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO-listed site showcasing some of North Africa’s best-preserved Roman architecture. In Fes, enjoy a full-day exploring the city’s mesmerising Islamic architecture, centuries-old monuments and historic Jewish landmarks.
Head south through the dramatic landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains to Merzouga, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich Berber culture. Experience the undulating dunes of Erg Chebbi in a 4x4 vehicle, sip tea with a nomad family and see a traditional Gnawa music performance. Ride a camel across sweeping sandscapes to a desert camp for an evening of Berber hospitality, music and dancing beneath the stars.
Travel to the towering cliffs of Todgha Gorge, where lush palm groves contrast with rugged red rock formations. Retreat to the fragrant Valley of Roses and enjoy lunch with a local Berber family in their home before arriving in Taroudant. Head to Marrakech to tick the Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace off your bucket list. As dusk falls, explore the open-air bazaars at Jemaa el-Fnaa, where sizzling street food and snake charmers delight. Conclude your adventure in Casablanca, where the grand Hassan II Mosque stands as a breathtaking architectural masterpiece.
This incredible small-group tour includes return international full-service flights, 14 nights of accommodation, 24 meals, an English-speaking tour guide and more.
Want more? Add extra days to your itinerary with Arrive Early and Stay Behind in Casablanca, Morocco packages.
Please note: Extra charges may apply, see the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details
Today, you'll depart for Casablanca, Morocco!
Overnight: None
Meals included: In-Flight
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your tour leader at the airport. You'll then be drive approximately one and a half-hours to the hotel in Rabat.
Overnight: ONOMO Hotel Rabat Terminus or similar, Rabat
Meals included: None
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Rabat to see the crenelated red ochre walls that were built during the rule of Sultan Yacoub El-Mansour. You'll then continue on to see the main monuments of the medina. Visit the Kasbah des Oudaias, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and Hassan Tower (entrances included).
In the afternoon, continue to Chefchaouen on your approximately 250-kilometre travel day. At this hidden gem, you'll tour the blue-washed old town of Chefchaouen by foot. Along the way, your guide will share stories of Chefchaouen’s history.
Your tour starts at the 18th century Kasbah Museum and was built by the legendary ruler, Moulay Ismail. It's fairly simple in design without architectural surprises, however it's surrounded by gardens on the interior and exterior. Inside the Kasbah you can visit the ethnographic museum which contains antique weapons, musical instruments and photographs of the old town. The main square is lined with cafés and shops selling a multitude of handicrafts, often not available elsewhere in the country.
Overnight: Dar Echchaouen Maison d'Hote & Riad or similar, Chefchaouen
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
This morning, you'll travel through the beautiful Rif Mountains to the ancient site of Volubilis on an approximately 250km travel day. As the capital of the Roman province of Mauritania Tingitana, UNESCO-listed Volubilis is one of the largest and best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. Despite the damage caused by the 1755 earthquake, this important Roman town managed to retain some detailed and very beautiful mosaics.
Later, you'll arrive in Fes, a city that holds a fascinating history and has played an important part in Moroccan trade, culture, religion and politics. The old and new towns are adjacent but totally separate entities and the panoramic views of Fes El Bali (the old city), seen from the North Borj (tower), are very useful to help you orientate yourself when you're in the narrow alleyways.
Overnight: Riad Marjana Suites & Spa or similar, Fes
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Fes to see Islamic architecture, UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic monuments and Jewish Heritage (Synagogue and Mellah).
Begin the day in the oldest working medina in the world, which many refer to as a living museum. Fes has many mosques and madrasas (theological colleges), including the 9th-century Karaouine University. See wonderful mosaics and carved woodwork in Medersa Bou Inania, a group of buildings from the 14th-century which include an elegant minaret overlooking Talaa Kebira.
Visit the famous medina in Fes, which is one of the largest in the world. In its immense and confusing warren of souks, there are thousands of artisans in their tiny shops opening onto the narrow alleyways. The medina of Fes is a totally absorbing and unique experience. The tour will then continue to the Jewish District (Mellah), the Royal Palace and a panoramic viewpoint over the medina, before heading back to the hotel.
Overnight: Riad Marjana Suites & Spa or similar, Fes
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning, heading south on an approximately 460-kilometre travel day, you'll climb steadily into the dramatic landscapes of the Middle Atlas. Drive through a magnificent cedar forest, with the possibility of seeing some wild monkeys on the way.
Drive first towards the Immouzer and Ifrane, passing near the small mountain village of Azrou. This is the land of the fiercely independent Berbers, the Lords of the Atlas, whose traditions and ways still hold influence here in their mountain strongholds far away from the cities below.
After crossing the high Atlas at Tizi N'Tairhemt camel pass, continue via the Gorge du Ziz to Er Rachidia and the Ziz valley. You'll find that the area is dotted with palm trees, fortified villages and Berber farming communities. Pass by Erfoud, known for fossils and the quality of its dates, before continuing through arid desert plains that lead you to Merzouga at the feet of the Erg Chebi dunes.
Overnight: Riad Madu (Desert Experience) or similar, Merzouga
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Today, you'll explore the dunes in a 4X4 vehicle before visiting a nomad family and enjoying tea under their black tents to experience their daily life. Afterwards, you'll reach the small village of Khamlia to visit a music house. Here, you'll witness a traditional Gnawa music performance and enjoy time in the village for lunch (included).
In the afternoon, you'll trek or ride a camel from dune to dune to discover the breathtaking scenery. The sensation of being surrounded by endless desert is incredibly calming and the silence is overwhelming.
Upon arrival at the camp of Bedouin tents, take the opportunity to walk along the rim of the sand dunes as the sun begins to set. Later that evening, tuck into a traditional meal followed by music and dancing by the campfire.
Overnight: Madu Desert Camp (Desert experience) or similar, Erg Chebbi
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
An early wake up is available this morning for those who wish to enjoy the mesmerising sunrise before getting breakfast.
Following breakfast, a 4x4 vehicle will take you back to Merzouga where you'll then continue towards Boumalne Dades on an approximately 250-kilometre travel day. Along the way, stop at Rissani market before heading towards Tinejdad and visiting the Berber Museum of Khorbat. Opened in 2002, the Oasis Museum occupies a group of 3 restored houses inside the Ksar El Khorbat Oujdid. The Museum offers antiquities and objects of traditional use, explaining colour photographs, historic photographs, maps and sketches.
Afterwards, enjoy tea inside the Kasbah before continuing onto the marvellous Todgha (Todra) Gorge with its ochre and green colours. The gorge is a lush green oasis running deep into a valley that's inhabited by a Berber population in Kasbahs. Take a walk under the palm groves then follow the road of a Thousand Kasbahs where each of the oasis towns boast their own distinctive character. The mud and straw structures become more plentiful and ornate as you progress along the valleys to reach the marvellous Boumalne Dades.
Overnight: Hotel Xaluca Dades or similar, Boumalne Dades
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Today, you'll discover the beautiful Valley of Roses, famous for its beautiful rose gardens and adobe villages. Explore the village of Boutaghrar, known as the little “Moroccan Colorado”, located at the foot of the Middle Atlas.
You'll enjoy lunch with a local Berber family in their family home.
In the afternoon, take an approximately 120-kilometre drive to Ouarzazate, known as the Moroccan desert gate.
Overnight: Riad Dar Chamaa or similar, Ouarzazate
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
This morning you'll visit Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Used many times as a backdrop for many Hollywood blockbusters, it was once one an important fortress stronghold on the old Salt Road Caravan Routes where traders brought salves, gold, ivory and salt from sub-Saharan Africa to Marrakech and beyond.
In the afternoon, drive through the volcanic mountains of the Anti-Atlas on an approximately 290-kilometre travel day. Head to Taznakht, a small town known for weaving Berber carpets before stopping in Taliouine, the capital of Saffron.
You'll then arrive in Taroudant, located at the intersection of the Souss Valley and the mountains of the High Atlas. Known as the “Little Marrakech”, this was the first capital of the Saadian’s dynasty during the 16th century and was a refuge for rebel princes, coveted by the southern tribes. Nowadays, people come here to rest in the shade of its stunning ochre walls.
Overnight: Riad Dar Zitoune or similar, Taroudant
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Today is yours free at leisure to discover Taroudant on your own.
Overnight: Riad Dar Zitoune or similar, Taroudant
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Today you'll drive approximately 260 kilometres to Agadir, the pearl of Morocco's main western seaport on the Atlantic Ocean.
Continue along the beautiful coastal road to Essaouira, the modern name of the famous historic city of Mogador. This is a colourful coastal fishing town that offers an ocean climate, beautiful beach, fishing port, impressive fortifications and a wonderful Medina. Afterwards, enjoy visiting the Skala du port, the Jewish quarter and the government craft centre for silver.
Overnight: Riad Mimouna or similar, Essaouira
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning is free so you can enjoy the unique atmosphere offered by Essaouira at lesiure.
In the afternoon, you'll head to Marrakech, the mythical walled ochre city. Jemaa El Fna Square lies in the heart of Marrakech, where music and local folklore are displayed in a setting from Arabian Nights. The cultural heritage of the city is unqieu with monuments of great wealth and fine architecture. Upon arrival, enjoy time at leisure to discover the city at your own pace after an approximately 180-kilometre travel day.
Overnight: Riad Passali or similar, Marrakech
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, enjoy a guided tour of the red city. Like many North African towns, Marrakech is divided into 2 distinct parts, the Gueliz (the modern French-built city) and the Medina (the Old City).
Start at the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech that's famed for its minaret which has inspired other buildings such as the Hassan Tower of Rabat. You'll then visit the fascinating Saadian Tombs, dating back to the time of Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur who reigned from 1578 to 1603. These remarkable tombs are renowned for their beauty, in particular their steles and stucco-work. Continue on to Bahia Palace and Museum, built to be the most impressive palace of its time as it captures the essence of both Islamic and Moroccan style.
The tour ends in Jemaa el-Fnaa where the town becomes a maze of bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques (entrance fees included for attractions visited). It's worth seeing this renowned landmark in the evening as Marrakech revolves around the open-air central square with night-time entertainment for both locals and tourists. Alternatively, you can join one of the optional activities available.
Optional Activity: Horse Drawn Carriage Ride
Please see current pricing in Important Information.
Optional Activity: Moroccan Dinner & Show
Please see current pricing in Important Information.
Optional Activity: Marrakech Cooking Class
Please see current pricing in Important Information.
Please note: Only the Horse Drawn Carriage Ride or Marrakech Cooking Class may be chosen on Day 14 due to time restrictions.
Overnight: Riad Passali or similar, Marrakech
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, you'll depart for Casablanca.
Here you'll see the Hassan II Mosque (fee included), an important religious and cultural site built on the sea and dominated by its 210-metre-high minaret.
Enjoy time at leisure in the afternoon after an approximately 240-kilometre travel day.
Overnight: Hotel Odyssee Center or similar, Casablanca
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, you will be transferred to Casablanca airport for the return flight to Australia (or New Zealand).
Please note: If your flight departs early, breakfast will be arranged for pick up from the hotel reception the night before.
Overnight: None
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
Please note: Some flights may arrive +1 day later.
Meals included: None
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