PRIVATE TOUR: Take in the very best of Morocco on this 9 day private tour. Imperial cities and ancient kasbahs, Roman ruins, rugged Atlas mountains and the spectacular Sahara. From Marrakech, discover Ait Benhaddou and towering Todra Gorge, before camel trekking across desert dunes and camping beneath a blanket of stars. Then step back in time exploring ancient Fes el Bali, before taking in the highlights of Rabat and Meknes.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Marrakech & Majorelle Gardens
Discover the delights of Marrakech on a guided tour of the city today. First stop is the beautiful Majorelle Gardens which were designed by the French Artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s-1930s and bought in 1980 by Yves Saint Laurent, whose ashes were scattered here after his death. These botanical gardens are seen as Majorelle's greatest master piece, with their distinctive shade of cobalt blue architecture and extensive collection of exotic plants and trees. The gardens are home to 15 species of bird and there is also a Berber Museum representing the various indigenous tribes of Morocco.
Continuing your tour, head inside the rose coloured medina walls to explore the tangle of winding streets and alleys that open onto verdant gardens and bustling souks. At the heart of the medina is Djemaa El Fna, the city's exuberant market place and towering over it, is the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the tallest building in the city.
Overnight: Marrakech | Breakfast, Dinner
Ait Benhaddou
Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate. Bidding farewell to Marrakech, travel across the plains of haouz to reach the rugged High Atlas mountains. Admire the spectacular views around every hair-pin turn as you travel along the dramatic Tizi n Tichka mountain pass. Stop for lunch before continuing on to explore Ait Benhaddou, an incredible ancient fortified kasbah, which was built for defence purposes high on a hill. This beautifully preserved medieval city has famously featured in many blockbuster movies, including Gladiator and Laurence of Arabia.
From Ait Benhaddou, head south to the Hollywood of North Africa – Ouarzazate (pronounced war-zazat). Ouarzazate is famous for being the filming location for many other Hollywood blockbusters and famous TV shows including James Bond – The Living Daylights, The Mummy and more recently Game of Thrones.
Overnight: Ouarzazate | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camel trek into the Sahara
Ouarzazate - Todra Gorge - Merzouga (Sahara). This morning begin your journey into the Sahara, passing a medley of palm trees, beautiful rose fields and magnificent gorges. Travelling from Ouarzazate, there is a possibility of visiting the kasbah Amherdhil in Skoura before reaching Todra Gorge. Surrounded by towering vertical limestone cliffs, reaching heights of 1000ft, this impressive gorge is known as Morocco’s Grand Canyon. The charm of Todra lies in its changing colours as the sun slowly moves from east to west. Enjoy a stroll through the gorge before hitting the road again to reach Merzhouga – gateway to the Sahara.
Depending on the time of year, spend the afternoon relaxing by a pool and enjoying a refreshing swim before you climb aboard camels for an incredible trek into the Sahara Desert. Trek across the vast and silent desert to reach our remote Berber Camp, nestled amongst the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Watch an amazing sunset and enjoy an evening of local food and music, before settling down for an unforgettable night in the desert, under a spectacular blanket of stars.
Please note: If you would prefer the comfort of a hotel with en-suite facilities this evening, this can be arranged at no additional cost. Please do let us know your preferred option at the time of booking.
Overnight: Berber Camp | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey to Fes
Merzouga (Sahara) - Fes. Rise early this morning and climb back on your camels for the trek back to Merzouga, enjoying a truly stunning sunrise en route. There's time to freshen up and have breakfast in Merzouga, before hitting the road again. It’s a long drive to Fes today but there's plenty to see on the way. Pass through cedar forests full of Barbary Macaque monkeys in the Middle Atlas mountains and stop at Ifrane – a beautiful town, often likened to a Swiss Alpine resort. Along the way you're also likely to see Morocco’s nomadic Berbers – travelling across the mountains and often staying in make shift tents as they head to their next destination. Early evening arrival into Fes.
Overnight: Fes | Breakfast, Lunch
Medieval Fes el Bali
Fes is the oldest and largest medieval city in the world and its medina is a cacophony of aromas, sights and sounds. This morning step back in time on a guided tour of Fes el Bali - the old walled city. This fascinating medina is a veritable rabbit warren of 9400 alleys that often finish with dead ends – it's easy to get lost so be sure to stay close to your guide! During the tour visit one of the pungent leather tanneries that Fes is famous for, where you can enjoy wonderful views of the giant dye pits below, which are full of deep earthy tones.
Spend the afternoon at leisure. Relax or independently explore. Alternatively you can book an optional Tagine Making Class or a night of Moroccan entertainment and food at a restaurant in town (both payable locally).
Overnight: Fes | Breakfast
Volubilis & Meknes
Fes - Volubilis - Meknes - Rabat. This morning bid farewell to Fes and travel to the ruined Roman city of Volubilis, Morocco's best-preserved archaeological site. Explore this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site, which dates back to AD40, and admire the beautifully preserved mosaics. Next stop today is the imperial city of Meknes, which became known as the Versailles of Morocco due to its impressive buildings and elaborate monuments. Visiting Place El Hedim at the heart of the medina you'll see the magnificent Bab Mansour Gate. After lunch and some free time, continue on to Rabat – Morocco’s capital.
Overnight: Rabat | Breakfast
Rabat & Casablanca
Rabat - Casablanca - Marrakech. Take in highlights of the imperial city of Rabat this morning, visiting the impressive Chellah - a necropolis and complex of ancient medieval ruins, the Royal Palace and the marble Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
There's time to enjoy lunch in Rabat before beginning the journey back to Marrakech, stopping in Casablanca en route. Providing a sharp contrast to the imperial cities, the modern port city of Casablanca, is the industrial and economic heart of Morocco. In this bustling city, visit the famous Hassan II Mosque, which has the tallest minaret and is the third largest mosque in the world. The mosque can hold 25,000 worshippers at any one time! Arrive back into Marrakech for the final night of your holiday.
Overnight: Marrakech | Breakfast
Marrakech
Sadly your Moroccan adventure ends today. A departure transfer to the airport is provided.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
Read MoreHotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Palais des Princesses, Marrakech
Formerly a princely residence, the Riad Palais des Princesses is a timeless gem hidden behind the walls of the medina. Fully refurbished 5 years ago it is now an exclusive residence with just 17 rooms. Guest rooms are decorated in a charming and comfortable style with traditional furnishings and bright interiors. There is free wi-fi available throughout and fitness facilities. The rooftop terrace is a great place to sip some tea and enjoy the endless view of the city and the Atlas Mountains in the background. Well located in the centre of Marrakech close to the famous Djema El Fna souk in the city's medina.
Dellarosa Hotel Suites & Spa, Marrakech
Just a short walk from the medina, Dellarosa Hotel Suites & Spa tastefully blends modern architecture with Moroccan authenticity. Guest rooms are tastefully decorated with comfortable beds and excellent en suite facilities. The hotel also has a restaurant Organza serving up a delicious array of Moroccan and International dishes as well as a bar for a tasty beverage or two. Those looking for some pampering should head to the onsite spa and wellness centre.
Ksar Ben Youssef, Ouarzazate
Ksar Ben Youssef is a newly built, traditional hotel located just 5kms from the centre of Ouarzazate. Offering 18 spacious air-conditioned rooms, with a variety of bedding configurations. Its large pool, overlooked by a rooftop terrace with shady nooks, is the perfect respite from the desert heat. Guests can enjoy a buffet style breakfast from the on-site restaurant or dine on one of the many terraces.
Dar Amoudou, Ouarzazate
Nestled in the heights of Ouarzazate's old district of Ait kdif, Dar Amoudou is a guest house with nine traditional styled rooms that offer all the modern comforts of a luxury hotel including; air conditioning, heating, free Wi-Fi, satellite channels and of course, en-suite facilities. Offering breathtaking views of Ouarzazate and the Atlas Mountains, the attractive terrace is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the magical surroundings, whilst also enjoying traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Camp Touareg, Merzouga
Set amongst the bright orange dunes of Erg Chebbi, Touareg Berber camp is designed with a traditional Moroccan theme. Tents are simply furnished with metal framed double, twin or triple beds. All bedding is provided including a pillow, sheets and a blanket (more blankets in winter). A Moroccan rug on the floor and solar generated electricity (after night fall). The camp has two toilet blocks and a large dining tent. Camping out in the desert is an incredible experience. Watch the sunset over the dunes, enjoy simple but tasty Moroccan cuisine and spend the evening by the camp fire, under a spectacular star filled sky.
Hotel Atlas Saiss Fes, Fes
Hotel Atlas Saiss Fes is a popular 4 star hotel, conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from Nouvelle Ville. The hotel offers spacious and comfortable guest rooms, equipped with free WiFi, flat screen TVs, air conditioning and en suite bathrooms. Facilities include a restaurant, 24 hour room service and a sauna (at an additional cost). Start the day with a generous continental breakfast before heading out to explore the enchanting imperial city of Fes. After a busy day, relax on the hotel terrace, enjoy a tasty meal at the restaurant or rejuvenate in the sauna.
Riad Reda , Fes
Located in the heart of the animated souks of Fes, Riad Reda combines traditional Moroccan design with modern air-conditioned rooms. Each room has a private bathroom and free WiFi is provided throughout the property. In the evening guests can enjoy dinner in the exquisitely decorated restaurant or simply relax in one of the lounge rooms.
Riad Dar Zouhour, Rabat
Riad Zouhour has been recently and lovingly restored in a charming and traditional style. Located in the Medina District of Rabat, and just a two-minute walk to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Kasbah of the Udayas; the Hassan Tower Mosque and Royal Palace of Rabat are also within easy walking proximity to the riad. Its rooms are quiet and comfortable, and you can enjoy some R&R in the hamman after a busy day exploring, or just sit and relax on the sun terrace and patio.
At a Glance
