Majestic Morocco From Medinas to Mountains

Upon your arrival in Marrakech, you'll be warmly welcomed to the vibrant land of Morocco. We'll take care of your transfer to the hotel, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure. In the afternoon, we have a delightful experience lined up for you – a ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage. This charming journey will lead you to the renowned Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, a lively hub brimming with local culture and energy. As the sun sets, we'll enjoy an included dinner, offering a taste of Moroccan hospitality. With the day perfectly set in motion, you can settle into the rhythm of Marrakech with the excitement of exploration just ahead. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Today, we will delve into the vibrant city that inspired the name of the entire country, Morocco. Our guided tour promises a rich exploration of Marrakech, starting with its imposing city walls and the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, a bustling hub of activity. We’ll navigate through the enchanting Medina and visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, renowned for its magnificent minaret. Our journey continues to the Bahia Palace, where you can admire the splendid architecture—entry is included.After the morning's explorations, you'll have time to enjoy lunch, which is provided. The afternoon offers an opportunity to unwind by the hotel pool or relax in the gardens. Alternatively, you may choose to explore the vibrant souks, immersing yourself in the colourful local atmosphere. In the evening, we invite you to consider an optional excursion—the Fantasy Party—which offers an entertaining insight into Moroccan culture.

We'll embark on a journey across the Atlas Mountains today, where the majestic peaks, often capped with snow, provide a stunning backdrop as we bid farewell to the palm-lined landscapes of Marrakech. En route, we will pass by charming Berber villages, dramatically perched on the edges of deep gorges. Our adventure includes a visit to the famous fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, known for its appearances in numerous films. As we meander through biblical-style landscapes, we'll make a stop at Ouarzazate, celebrated for its striking Kasbah. Continuing through the picturesque Valley of Roses, our day will culminate in Boumalne Dades, where we will enjoy an included dinner. Please be aware that in winter, snowdrifts may disrupt travel plans, potentially requiring adjustments to our itinerary. Access to the Sahara Desert will depend on road conditions.

On our fourth day, prepare for a captivating adventure through the Sahara Desert. Our route will take us through the Valley of the Kasbahs, with its picturesque river valleys adorned with countless palm trees. You'll be mesmerised by the striking contrast between the rugged plains and the verdant oases, interspersed with adobe villages and imposing fortresses—silent sentinels of ancient caravan routes.One of the highlights today is our visit to the Todgha Gorge, where you'll marvel at the sheer canyon walls, rising over 100 metres on either side. As we journey on, we'll pause at a small adobe settlement near Khorbat, where you'll have the chance to learn about the local desert community. Please note that access to this area may be influenced by weather conditions, particularly river flooding.Our travels continue towards Erfoud. For those interested, there's an optional off-road excursion to the Sahara Desert sand dunes, offering a breathtaking, panoramic sunset experience. Lunch is included in today's itinerary, ensuring you stay refreshed and invigorated as we explore these awe-inspiring landscapes.

We'll depart early from Erfoud, crossing the Atlas Mountains once more, through dramatic gorges and breathtaking landscapes. Our journey takes us over a high, chilly plateau, home to nomadic shepherds. We pause in Midelt, a commercial hub in the heart of the region, primarily recognised for agriculture. Our route continues with a lunch stop (included) amidst the picturesque backdrop of the Middle Atlas, beside a tranquil lake in a stunning natural setting. As we progress, the scenery transforms into a region rich in forests, where snow often blankets the area in winter. Near Azrou, we visit the "House of Cedars" located in a national park—a small museum offering insight into the region. Here, you may observe lively groups of monkeys that inhabit the surroundings. Our travels lead us next to Bhalil, a quaint, tranquil town occupied by Berbers of the Middle Atlas, known for its charming old town with vibrant streets. Historically, the inhabitants lived in caves, now integrated into the houses. Our journey concludes in Fez, where we'll admire panoramic views of the ancient city from the Marinid Tombs before heading to our hotel. Dinner will be included.

We begin the day with a city tour of Fez, entering through the Bronze Gates of the Royal Palace. We'll explore the bustling Jewish quarter, delve into the vibrant souks, and visit the renowned tannery district. Fez, the cultural heart of Morocco, houses the oldest university in the world and is celebrated for its remarkable Medina, which retains a traditional Arab atmosphere unrivalled by any other city. Our morning exploration concludes with lunch at a historic palace within the Medina, where you'll enjoy a taste of local cuisine.In the afternoon, our journey takes us to the Archaeological Site of Volubilis, where entrance tickets are included. As a noted World Heritage Site, Volubilis was founded in the third century BC and served as the capital of Mauretania Tingitana. It became a crucial military outpost during the Roman Empire, featuring numerous beautiful monuments that you can explore.Next, we visit Moulay Idriss, a sacred city and significant pilgrimage site for Muslims in Morocco. It is here that the great-grandson of Muhammad and the founder of Morocco's first royal dynasty is buried. Historically closed to non-Muslims until 1912 and not allowing overnight stays until 2005, Moulay Idriss offers a unique glimpse into Moroccan religious heritage.Our day concludes in Meknes, where dinner and accommodation will be provided. Enjoy the evening in this city marked by its grand history and vibrant culture.

Today, we explore Meknes, a city of great historical significance, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids, Meknes served as the capital during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail (1672-1727), the founder of the Alaouite dynasty. Be captivated by the Spanish-Moorish architecture of this impressive city, enveloped by towering walls and grand gates. Particularly striking is Bab el Mansur, an enormous gateway that offers a glimpse into the city's storied past. The vibrant atmosphere of El Hedim Square might remind you of Marrakesh's Jemaa el-Fnaa. We will visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, where the illustrious sultan rests.After our exploration, you will have some free time to wander at your own pace before we continue our journey by coach. Lunch will be taken en route as we travel towards Rabat, the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco. Here, we embark on a city tour, visiting notable sites such as the formidable Oudaia Kasbah, the Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of King Mohamed V, alongside the impressive Andalusian Walls. As we stroll through the streets, you'll see both the traditional outer facade of the Royal Palace and the modern embassy district. After the tour, enjoy some free time to explore further before we continue to Casablanca, arriving by evening. Dinner will be provided, offering a chance to unwind after a day rich in history and culture.

Today, we'll begin with a guided tour of Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and economic hub. We’ll amble along its grand avenues and visit the impressive Mohamed V Square, noted for its central fountain, Moorish architecture, and surrounding palm trees. Our walk will take us through the Arab League Park and into the charming little Medina. As part of our tour, we’ll enter the stunning Hassan II Mosque—the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims. This architectural marvel is set by the sea and boasts a 210-metre-high minaret, equipped with laser lights directed towards Mecca. Following our explorations, you’ll have the chance to enjoy lunch at your leisure in the scenic seaside district of La Corniche. Later in the day, we will make our way to Marrakech, where dinner will be provided at the hotel.

After breakfast, our journey concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your time in Morocco. Safe travels!