Best of Morocco Tour
13 days/12 nights
DAY1:
CASABLANCA – RABAT
~1h20min
Upon arrival in Casablanca, after proceeding through immigration customs and collecting your baggage, our representative is waiting for you outside of the Arrival Terminal with a sign with your name on it. Then start discovering Morocco’s largest city and economic capital, Casablanca, best representation of the modern side of Morocco. Begin the city tour of Casablanca with an outside visit of Hassan II Mosque. It is the largest mosque in the country and the 7th largest in the world. You then continue to the Ain Diab Corniche for a pleasant stroll along the coast. Your next stop is Mohammed V Square in the city center. The city tour includes also the Habous Quarter, one of the oldest areas in Casablanca. The district was built by the French in the 1930s as an attempted solution to the ongoing housing shortage. It marries the best of traditional Moroccan architecture with modern facilities and French ideals – even the mosque fronts onto a strip of grassy lawn just like a village church. Then we will leave Casablanca along the coastline to Rabat for overnight.
– The tour of Casablanca is for early arrivals only.
– The tour of Casablanca is for early arrivals only.
DAY2:
RABAT – TANGIER [B]
~2h50min
After breakfast, we visit the political and administrative capital of Morocco. A clean central beach, an intact and evocative Kasbah, and an attractive walled medina that is far less touristy than in other Moroccan cities. Our tour starts from the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the landmark of Rabat, and the Hassan Tower, one of the oldest incomplete mosques of Morocco. The Kasbah of the Udayas, Rabat’s historic citadel occupies the site of the original Ribat (fortress-monastery) that gave the city its name. This afternoon, we drive along the highway that links the two cities. En route and time allowing, we may stop at Azilah (a small-town from the Berber era) known for its imposing ramparts and fortifications which enclose the old town of white and blue washed houses. Continuing on the highway (~1 hour), we soon enter the urban area of Tangier. We penetrate the intricate medina of Tangier to reach our hotel for the next two nights.
DAY3:
TANGIER – City tour [B]
Today we discover the city of Tangier, an incredibly unique city with many landmarks. Tangier is Morocco’s main gate to Europe and the settling place of many artists from around the world. The city is flanked by a row of French colonial–era buildings in Mendoubia Gardens, which is popular among young couples and local families on weekends. On the peak of the central hill, surrounded by historic cannons, an engraved stone monument displays the speech King Mohammed V gave to the French asking for Morocco independence in 1947. We will visit the Marshan district and its Roman tombs and admire the Moorish interiors of St. Andrew’s church. This magnificent church is a tribute to the harmony of Christianity and Islam where you can admire the Lord’s Prayer written in exquisite Arabic calligraphy and the numerous Moorish touches throughout the building. We cross the Fish Market where fresh fish is sold at auction to pay a visit to the Jewish Cemetery, dominating the sea front. Then head to the American legation, the first American property to ever open outside the United States and descend onto Petit Socco and enjoy a mint tea at Café Tingis, a favorite for the Beat Generation. We will then drive 15-min. outside Tangier along the sea to Cap Spartel where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean to visit the Caves of Hercules, where Hercules came to rest after he retrieved the golden apple. It’s interesting how the cave, in the shape of the Africa continent, opens and looks out toward the Atlantic. Rest of the day enjoying the beach, then drive back to your hotel for overnight.
DAY4:
TANGIER – CHEFCHAOUEN [B]
~2h15min
After breakfast we drive to Chefchaouen (also called Chaouen). The roads wind around the valley edges as we travel towards the Rif Mountains. En route we explore Tetouan, one of the two major ports of Morocco on the Mediterranean Sea, famous for the beautiful patios and palaces of Moorish heritage. Erected on an ancient Roman site, Tetouan was destroyed during the 15th century by the Portuguese. The fall of the kingdom of Granada in southern Spain in 1492 marked the renaissance of Tetouan. More than its architecture, the cuisine, the music, the jewelry, and the embroidery speak of their Andalusian origin. If time permits, visit the Ethnographical Museum to admire the glory of its Moorish Heritage. We continue to Chefchaouen through the dramatic Gorges of Oued Laou, connecting the Mediterranean beaches to the world-famous azure town. Upon arrival, we explore Chefchaouen, quite likely the most charming village in Morocco with its Medina, Bab el Ansar, and the famed Ras el Maa (waterfall), where a short walk takes us to Rif Sebbanine, the laundry district and its 15th century mosque. Chefchaouen is all about losing ourselves in its streets. The Kasbah built in the 15th century is worth a detour. Overnight to the hotel.
DAY5:
CHEFCHAOUEN – VOLUBILIS – MEKNES – FEZ [B]
~4h20min
Drive to Ouazzane, home of many pillars of Sufism and holy city for Moroccan Jewish population who still make pilgrimages to venerate the tomb of several marabouts (Moroccan saints), particularly MoulAnrhaz, the local name for Rabbi Amram ben Diwan, an 18th-century rabbi who lived in the city and whose burial site is associated with several miracles. We drive to the ancient Berber city of Volubilis to explore its stunning ruins. Impressive stone arches and columns, some tumbled down and others still standing tall against the vivid blue sky, invite us to take a step back in time. Only about half of the 40-hectare UNESCO site of Volubilis has been excavated. The better-known monuments are in the northern part of the site, farthest from the entrance in the south: The Capitol, dedicated to the Triad of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, dates 218AD; the Basilica and 1,300 sq. meters Forum are nearby. Here, floors of what were once family dwellings are still covered with decorative tile mosaics depicting mythological beings, such as Orpheus charming animals with their lyre and Hercules performing his legendary 12 labors. The fact that so many of these tiles are still in place with their colors, after centuries of exposure to the elements, is astonishing! Then off to the imperial city of Meknes, the one-time home of the Moroccan sultanate with its Medina all-winding narrow streets and grand buildings that justify its stamp of Imperial City. Remnants of three sets of fortifications, ingeniously incorporated into the city roads network, emphasize its past importance and glory. The king’s tomb sits at the heart of what remains of the original imperial city, flanked by an almighty royal granary, and the magnificent Bab el-Mansour. Continue to Fez for overnight.
DAY6:
FEZ – City tour [B]
Today you take a step back in time into the Middle Ages with the visit of one of the most imperial, timeless, and untouched cities in the world, the cultural heart of Morocco, Fez El Bali (Old Fez). Enjoy exploring some of the 9,000 narrow lanes and alleys in the souks (open air markets) that make-up the labyrinth of the city’s old quarter, originally founded in the 8th century. The Imperial capital was a renowned medieval learning center, and at its heart remains the Karaouine, one of the oldest, still functioning universities in the world. Nearby is the Attarine Medersa (Koranic college), a jewel of Hispano-Moorish architecture, built in the 14th century. Then you’ll visit the Nejjarine Square, with its beautiful fountain, a mosaic of elaborate tilework, and the fondouq (Caravanserai) that has been converted to a Museum of Carpentry. In the 13th Century the Merinide Dynasty built Fez El Jdid (New Fez) with its Royal Palace, mosques, madrasas (Koranic schools), souks and the city walls. Most notably, Fez El Jedid is home to the Mellah (Jewish quarter), which provides an interesting insight into Jewish architecture. The wrought iron decorated windows and splendid carved wood balconies of the old mansions are particularly outstanding. One of the most interesting sites in Fez is the leather souk with the oldest leather tannery in the world. The tannery dates back nine centuries. In addition to the tannery, you will visit a clay workshop, the artisan quarters, and other souks. The medieval Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to tour hotel for overnight.
DAY7:
FEZ – IFRANE – MIDELT – ERFOUD [BD]
~6h05min
This morning, depart Fez to pass through many amazing cities and villages, the first of which are Ifrane, also called “Morocco’s Switzerland”,a charming ski town with sprinkled with European-style chalets. Continue to Midelt, which serves as the commercial center of a large agricultural hinterland. It is also one of Morocco’s principal cities for the mining industry. You will have some free time in Midelt before continuing your journey through the dramatic Ziz Gorges to arrive in Erfoud. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY8:
ERFOUD – KHAMLIA – MERZOUGA [BLD]
~1h00min
After breakfast, a 4×4 vehicle will be waiting for you to continue your journey to the dunes of Erg Chebbi, perhaps the largest dunes in the Sahara Desert. En route, we will visit Berber villages to get a close interaction with this amazing culture. We will visit a camel milk cooperative and continue to Rissani where we will visit one of the best traditional markets in Sahara, “a place where they sell just donkeys and other commodities for sheep, goats and cows”. Stop in the village El Khamlia for lunch (included). Then continue to an African village or Gnawa Village. The dunes of Erg Chebbi are a strikingly strange natural formation. On the top of the flattest area you could imagine, a long mountain of sand suddenly arises, surrounded by flat and desolate nature on both sides. You will end up wondering if your vision is really real! It is without surprise that this unreal landscape has given rise to legends and myths among the locals. Upon arrival at the camp, get onto the back of a camel and venture into the desert to witness one of the most beautiful sunsets of your lifetime. Traverse the golden sands of the Sahara until you reach the perfect spot for one of nature’s greatest shows. As another day comes to an end, watch the sky come to life with a fiery glow, and the rays playfully changing colors of the endless dunes surrounding you. Enjoy your dinner under the stars/tent then overnight.
DAY9:
MERZOUGA – DADES – SKOURA – OUARZAZATE [BD]
~5h20min
We drive to Tinghir and Todra Gorges, the highest and narrowest gorges of Morocco. Situated on the east side of the High Atlas Mountains, the Todra Gorges are recognized around the world as one of the most spectacular canyons. Here, both the Todra and Dades Rivers have carved out cliff-sided canyons on their 25-miles stretch through the mountains, leaving behind a series of landforms and etches in the rock. The Todra is the name of the last 600 meters (just under 2,000 feet) of the canyons. The gorge is popular for its hiking paths and a well-maintained dirt road for visitors to share with mules and donkeys. After lunch (on your own), we’ll drive through the Dades Valley with its majestic sandcastles and incredible rock formations known as Monkey Toes. The route through Dades Valley is also known as “the Road of One Thousand Kasbahs”. You’ll catch a spectacular view of a vast valley dotted with small s and hundreds of ancient fortifications. The sand-colored walls of the Kasbahs may all start to look the same, but each holds a special historical treasure within, and offer innumerable opportunities for remarkable photos. Continue to Skoura, a quiet little village speckled with palm tree groves, Skoura is surrounded by acres of palm groves, which are a paradise of palm and olive trees peppered with Kasbahs and small villages. This is where we find Kasbah Amridil that stands out from the rest. Originally built in the 17th century, it is one of Morocco’s most iconic living museums that has withstood the test of time. Then we drive to Ouarzazate for dinner and overnight.
DAY10:
OUARZAZATE – AIT BEN HADDOU – MARRAKECH [B]
~3h50min
After breakfast, we visit Taourir Kasbah, one of the most beautiful Kasbah in Morocco. After the French left in 1953, the movie business flourished in Ouarzazate. The visit of the Film Studios is optional. Then, you might recognize the sand-colored houses of this impressive ksar (fortified city) when you’ll see the spectacular fortress of Ait Ben Haddou, the iconic landscape immortalized in such films as, Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Alexander, and Game of Thrones among others. Ait Ben Haddou is a massive fortification made up of six Kasbahs all listed as UNESCO world heritage. You can spend time in its maze of winding streets until reaching a fortified granary at the top of which you’ll get an amazing view of the valley. We leave Ait Ben Haddou, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the magnificent TizIn Tichka pass to Marrakech, our home for the next three nights.
DAY11:
MARRAKECH – City tour [BD]
After breakfast, enjoy the city tour of Marrakesh, the “Red City”, a majestic place filled with palaces, gardens, markets, and mosques. Upon arrival, you will first stand by the Koutoubia Mosque with its 282 ft minaret, an architectural landmark dating back to the late 12th century. You will continue to the 19th century stunning Bahia Palace and discover the intricate work done by the local artisans to decorate this splendid home built by a powerful Vizir for his Harem. The building includes one hundred and fifty rooms, countless courtyards and interior gardens, a veritable labyrinth of corridors, a Koranic school, hammams, a harem, stables. From there we will start exploring artisan quarters and the colorful Souks to interact with the real life of Marrakech people. Continue to Dar El Bacha Museum of Confluences, built in 1910 and was the residence of Thami El Glaoui, named Pasha of Marrakech by Sultan Moulay Youssef in 1912. It is one of the medina’s finest examples of Riad architecture, dripping with Moroccan Zellige (colorful geometric tilework), intricate white plasterwork and heavy carved cedar-wood lintels. Before sunset we will be strolling in the square of which the city is so famed, Jemaa El Fna. Located at the entrance of the Medina, this triangular square is surrounded by restaurants, stands and public buildings, and provides everyday commercial activities and various forms of entertainment. It is a magical circus where fortune tellers, henna artists, fire eaters, snake charmers, dancing wild costumed monkeys, story tellers, hypnotic medicine-men, cross dressers, tooth pullers, musicians including real Gnaoua, and acrobats gather in a cacophonic feast. After the tour, head to your hotel to freshen up. When you are ready, transfer to a local restaurant to enjoy your dinner. Back to your hotel for overnight.
DAY12:
MARRAKECH – City tour [BD]
Day at leisure or wander on your own. You may want to sign in for one of the following optional activities:
Retreat at a modern Berber-style villa and Cooking Class
This retreat experience will start by a pickup from your hotel at 10:00AM by our English-speaking driver aboard a deluxe car for a 20-min. drive to the Valley of Ourika. Upon arrival at the entrance to the trail you will switch to a camel/donkey/mule -depending on availability- for transfer to the Bennounas Farm. A welcome drink is served by the Farm hosts, followed with a tour of the property that is surrounded by a spectacular décor with the Atlas Mountains in the background. Enjoy a 20-min. meditation under the tent or in the meditation room (yoga class optional upon request on your own expenses). Light lunch will be served. Swimming pool is available for use (if season permits) and fresh drinks are at your disposal (extra charge for alcohol drinks and wine) or enjoy a breathtaking walk in the surroundings. We will start to prepare for the cooking class at 4PM. First, we’ll pick up vegetables from the garden if season permits, then bring them to the kitchen to begin an immersed experience with the New York Times 3-stars Executive Chef. You will dine on the food you cooked. After dinner, witness the sunset on the terrace of the villa. Moroccan tea or coffee will be served. Return to your hotel.
Traditional Hammam and Massage
A hammam is a traditional Moroccan Spa. Historically, the hammam was a public bathhouse for the locals to clean off the dirt and grime invariably accumulated after traveling through the desert. Today, the hammam still serves this purpose for the locals, and is brought to a higher level for the tourists. In the hammam, you’ll be submerged by a complete relaxation experience within an authentic oriental décor where you’ll be listening to your own body in an atmosphere filled with water, oils, essences and perfumes. Enjoy a 30-min. scrub done by expert hands with black soap or soothing spices eliminating toxins from your body. After Hammam, sway to the massage room where you will experience a 30-min. traditional Moroccan massage to eliminate tensions and gain energy and vitality. A tea is served in the relaxing room before you leave.
Cooking Class and Dinner
At 4PM, you’ll be picked up at the hotel for a unique gastronomic experience, at The Bennounas Farm, in the Ourika Valley. The cooking class takes place on the terrasse of a modern Berber-style villa, in a spectacular setting with the Atlas Mountains in the background. The 3-stars New York Times Chef Azzeddine Bennouna and his wife Marie will greet you in their property where you will discover the secrets of the Moroccan cuisine. The food you prepared will be served for dinner with a glass of wine. This activity includes a tour of the property with picking fresh produces from the garden if season permits; a traditional welcome tea session; a bread making demonstration done by a native Berber woman; and the preparation of a Moroccan dish. While the food is cooking, you are welcome to jump in the pool -if season permits! After dinner, back to your hotel for overnight.
Retreat at a modern Berber-style villa and Cooking Class
This retreat experience will start by a pickup from your hotel at 10:00AM by our English-speaking driver aboard a deluxe car for a 20-min. drive to the Valley of Ourika. Upon arrival at the entrance to the trail you will switch to a camel/donkey/mule -depending on availability- for transfer to the Bennounas Farm. A welcome drink is served by the Farm hosts, followed with a tour of the property that is surrounded by a spectacular décor with the Atlas Mountains in the background. Enjoy a 20-min. meditation under the tent or in the meditation room (yoga class optional upon request on your own expenses). Light lunch will be served. Swimming pool is available for use (if season permits) and fresh drinks are at your disposal (extra charge for alcohol drinks and wine) or enjoy a breathtaking walk in the surroundings. We will start to prepare for the cooking class at 4PM. First, we’ll pick up vegetables from the garden if season permits, then bring them to the kitchen to begin an immersed experience with the New York Times 3-stars Executive Chef. You will dine on the food you cooked. After dinner, witness the sunset on the terrace of the villa. Moroccan tea or coffee will be served. Return to your hotel.
Traditional Hammam and Massage
A hammam is a traditional Moroccan Spa. Historically, the hammam was a public bathhouse for the locals to clean off the dirt and grime invariably accumulated after traveling through the desert. Today, the hammam still serves this purpose for the locals, and is brought to a higher level for the tourists. In the hammam, you’ll be submerged by a complete relaxation experience within an authentic oriental décor where you’ll be listening to your own body in an atmosphere filled with water, oils, essences and perfumes. Enjoy a 30-min. scrub done by expert hands with black soap or soothing spices eliminating toxins from your body. After Hammam, sway to the massage room where you will experience a 30-min. traditional Moroccan massage to eliminate tensions and gain energy and vitality. A tea is served in the relaxing room before you leave.
Cooking Class and Dinner
At 4PM, you’ll be picked up at the hotel for a unique gastronomic experience, at The Bennounas Farm, in the Ourika Valley. The cooking class takes place on the terrasse of a modern Berber-style villa, in a spectacular setting with the Atlas Mountains in the background. The 3-stars New York Times Chef Azzeddine Bennouna and his wife Marie will greet you in their property where you will discover the secrets of the Moroccan cuisine. The food you prepared will be served for dinner with a glass of wine. This activity includes a tour of the property with picking fresh produces from the garden if season permits; a traditional welcome tea session; a bread making demonstration done by a native Berber woman; and the preparation of a Moroccan dish. While the food is cooking, you are welcome to jump in the pool -if season permits! After dinner, back to your hotel for overnight.
DAY13:
MARRAKECH or CASABLANCA AIRPORT [B]
~0h20min or ~2h35min
After breakfast, we will assist you to the airport for your return flight.
Included Services:
| City | 4* Hotel (or similar) | 5* Hotel (or similar) | Deluxe Hotel (or similar) |
| Rabat | Riad Zyo | Villa Mandarine | Tour Hassan |
| Tangier | Marina Bay Hotel | Barcelo Tangier | Villa Josephine |
| Chefchaouen | Vancii Hotel | Riad Lina | Riad Lina |
| Fez | Hotel L’Escale | Les Merinides | Sahrai Hotel |
| Erfoud | Chergui Hotel | Palais du Desert | Palais Masandoia |
| Merzouga | Madu Camp | Merzouga Luxury Camp | Desert Luxury Camp |
| Ouarzazate | Dar Chamaa | OZ Palace | Berber Palace |
| Marrakech | Longue Vie | JAAL resort Hotel | Villa Des Orangers |
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