Incomparable Morocco
Experience the highlights of Morocco with this 12 day tour
About This Trip
This trip hits the highlights of Morocco with our own Morocco Premium Adventures twists. Think winding medieval medinas, be awestruck by a Sahara sunset and explore extraordinary landscapes. We can’t wait to show you why we love this itinerary!
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Arrival to Casablanca
DAY 2: Casablanca to Chefchaouen
DAY 3: Explore Chefchaouen
DAY 4: Chefchaouen to Fes
DAY 5: Explore the Fes Medina
DAY 6: Fes to Erfoud
DAY 7: Erfoud to Merzouga
DAY 8: Merzouga to Boumalne Dades
DAY 9: Boumalne Dades to “Moroccan Hollywood” Ait Ben Haddou
DAY 10: On to Marrakech
DAY 11: A Day in Marrakech
DAY 12: Departure
DAY 1
Arrive in Casablanca
Welcome to Morocco! Your transfer driver will meet you at the airport and ferry you through the bustling streets of Morocco’s largest city where you will catch glimpses of the local architecture that fuses tradition and modernity. Once you’re checked into your hotel and refreshed from your journey, it’s time to meet your guide. If you wish, we can also go for dinner depending on your arrival time.
DAY 2
Casablanca to Chefchaouen
Today we head inland to for a long drive to The Blue City. Chefchaouen, as the story goes, was painted blue to keep mosquitoes away, others say it was to attract tourists. Whatever the real reason is, this hilltop city is an immersion in a unique and colourful world, of blue winding alleyways, quirky shops and cafes offering an array of tasty treats. Once you are settled into your accommodation, it’s time to get out and explore.
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3
Explore Chefchaouen
So many options to choose from today! Enjoy a free day exploring Chefchaouen, getting pictures against the gorgeous blue background or instead experience a local hammam. For those who want something to get the heart rate up, there is a stunning 4 hour hike nearby, where you can explore the surrounding countryside and enjoy tea with a local family.
There is an optional evening activity to walk up the hill to the mosque overlooking Chefchaouen and watch the sun go down. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing evening in a Chefchaouen alfresco restaurant and perhaps catch some local music in the square.
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
Chefchaouen to Fes
From Chefchaouen, the next stop on your travels is the southernmost outpost of the Roman Empire – Volubilis. Stunningly preserved mosaics are scattered through the ruins and give insight into the people who once lived in the rolling hills. After your ancient world immersion, we will stop in the Green City, which is the birthplace of the first Islamic dynasty of Morocco, where you may see the shrine, commemorating it’s place in history. Have lunch in a family homestay and after lunch, the drive continues to Fes. Check into your hotel and if you fancy relaxing, try the beautiful hotel hammam spa. In the evening, enjoy a group dinner with a local family serving traditional speciality dishes from Fes.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5
Explore the Fes Medina
Most important to learn before entering the medina is Balak! Balak! – your guide will fill you in. The Fes medina was built in the 900’s and was an epicentre of both Islamic and Jewish education and culture. Wandering the noisy and tight, winding alleys will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time and can be an overwhelming barrage on the senses. Fes is the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco and it’s artistic heritage can be seen everywhere, but particularly in the architecture and decorations on its mosques and medersas. Explore the souks, see the tanneries, visit Merdersa Attarine one of the oldest schools in Morocco, and learn how local artisans make some of Morocco’s most recognisable craft items – like tagine cooking pots.
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6
Fes to Erfoud
Our journey into the Sahara begins early today. Driving across the wildly varied landscapes of the Middle Atlas mountain range you will see pine groves, giant cedar forests, and rugged mountain passes before enjoying a brief stop in the ski resort town of Ifrane. We will continue driving through thick cedar forests where perhaps, you will spot the Barbary macaque, a local resident monkey species. Afterwards, we will continue our journey with our next stop being a visit to the tent-home of a semi-nomadic family. Being part of a small group provides the opportunity to ask the family questions.
Lunch will be at a local restaurant in either Midelt or Zaida, villages both famous for trout farming. After lunch, we will continue our drive into the High Atlas Mountains, and in the late afternoon arrive into Erfoud. This small trading village is a gateway to the Sahara Desert. Check into our hotel for our single-night stay before Dinner.
Enjoy a free evening and rest before tomorrow’s journey into the Sahara.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7
Erfoud to Merzouga
Today, there is an optional late departure, and we continue our journey to Merzouga with its vibrant orange and red Sahara sands of Erg Chebbi. There is an option at lunchtime to visit Khamlia and experience sub-Saharan music. The village of Merzouga feels frozen in time, and the ever-shifting Erg Chebbi dunes are the most stunning in the country, towering up to 150m, but ever-changing make this place an essential must-see on a visit to Morocco. We will only take a backpack each from here, and head into the desert where you will have tome to relax at your luxury glamping accommodation before setting off on a desert camel ride in the evening to watch the sunset over the dunes.
On a clear night, the last of the golden rays reflect off the orange dunes and set the landscape ablaze. Head back to camp for dinner, and spend the evening next to the open fire, enjoying live music and dancing under the stars.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
Merzouga to Boumalne Dades
We recommend starting this morning early with a walk up the nearest dune for a spectacular Sahara sunrise. After leaving the desert behind, we will drive to our next stop – the 11th-century irrigation system created by the Almoravid dynasty, a technological feat in its day. After, drive to the Ksar of El Khorbat and take a walk inside the ancient fortified ksar (a Berber walled city typically used to keep desert raiders out). We’ll then visit a Berber museum to learn about the history, architecture, and daily life of Berbers in this region. After Lunch we will then drive to Todra Gorge for a short walk, where you can take the opportunity to take pictures of the stunning landscape and rock formations and the mud-brick villages perched on the hillsides. Tonight’s hotel is in the Dades Valley, scattered with oases and palm groves against the backdrop of rocks wind-sculpted into stunning formations.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9
Boumalne Dades to “Moroccan Hollywood” Ait Ben Haddou
Drive through the Gorge of Dades, stop at the famous monkey finger rocks and get some fantastic photographs of these unique rock formations. We will continue our journey stopping in the Rose Valley for natural rose water before continuing along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Visit the Khasbah of Amridil, then pass through Ouarzazate, also known as Moroccan Hollywood. At Ait Ben Haddou climb the winding streets to the top for spectacular views to the High Atlas. TV and movie buffs may recognize the citadel from Game of Thrones and Gladiator.
Tonight we relax in a nearby Kasbah where you can unwind by the pool or check into the hotel Hammam.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10
On to Marrakech
Today we will drive for several hours through picturesque Moroccan countryside, winding through the Atlas Mountains and heading to the bustling city Marrakech. The High Atlas Mountain passes are magnificent, and there will several photo opportunity stops along the way. After checking in to your Marrakech hotel, you might like to head to the great square of Jemaa el Fna, one of the largest public spaces in the world to experience the nightlife, s=which is vastly different to what you will experience during the day.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11
A Day in Marrakech
After breakfast, a local guide will take you on a morning tour of the old medina and Djemaa el-Fna square, through the bustling souks. Explore the tranquil courtyards and discover the chambers and salons that make up the Bahia Palace and enjoy the beautiful Le Jardin Secret. There is an option to visit the Majorelle Garden in the afternoon, with its Yves St Laurent and Berber museums. The evening is yours – perhaps spend your last night enjoying a final dinner and relaxing.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12
Farewell
After a final Moroccan breakfast, you make your way to your next destination, whether that be the airport or somewhere else for more Moroccan adventuring. If you wish to explore Marrakech and it’s surrounds further, we can help. Take a look at our Day Tours for more options.
Included Meals: Breakfast
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Your MPA guide
- Handpicked high-quality Riad and Hotel accommodation
- Private transport
- Meals as detailed on the itinerary
- Airport transfers
- Guided tours in Fez and Marrakesh
- Luxury Glamping in the Sahara Desert
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Flights
- Tips for the driver and guide
- Meals not detailed on the itinerary
- Alcohol
- If you would like a single room, there is a supplement charge.
- Additional private excursions or classes
- Insurance
- Book your flights into Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) and out of Marrakech Menara International Airport (RAK).
- The itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances out of MPA’s control.
GALLERIE
