Moroccan Wonders Explore Rich Heritage

Upon your arrival in Marrakech, Morocco extends a warm welcome. We'll organise your transfer to the hotel, ensuring a smooth start to your journey. In the afternoon, we'll indulge in a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride, taking you to the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, renowned for its lively atmosphere and cultural richness. This experience is included for your enjoyment. Dinner will also be provided, allowing you to savour the local flavours on your first evening in this captivating city. 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.

On the second day in Marrakech, we'll delve into one of the most captivating cities in the world, famous enough to lend its name to the entire nation. Our guided city tour covers the imposing city walls, the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the historic Medina, the elegant Koutoubia Mosque, and the exquisite Bahia Palace, with entry included for each. Following our explorations, you'll have some free time to enjoy lunch – already included – and to unwind by the hotel pool, relax in the garden, or dive into the bustling souks for a spot of shopping. As evening approaches, you might choose to experience the optional Fantasy Party excursion, a unique cultural event offered later in the day.

On our third day, we embark on a journey across the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, with their snow-capped peaks providing a dramatic backdrop to our departure from the lush palm groves of Marrakech. En route, you'll catch glimpses of quaint Berber villages nestled against the rugged edges of deep gorges. A significant highlight of our travels today is a stop at the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, famed for its roles in numerous iconic films. As we continue through landscapes reminiscent of ancient times, we arrive in Ouarzazate, noted for its majestic Kasbah. Our path then takes us through the picturesque Valley of Roses, ultimately reaching Boumalne Dades, where the day concludes with an included dinner. Please be aware that, in winter, snowfall may necessitate changes in this part of our itinerary. Safe access to the Sahara Desert is also contingent on road conditions.

On our fourth day, we embark on an adventurous journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Sahara Desert. As we travel, you'll witness the striking contrasts of the region – the Valley of the Kasbahs with its fascinating fortresses, expansive river valleys adorned with palm trees, harsh rocky plains transitioning into flourishing oases, and adobe villages that punctuate the horizon. Our itinerary includes a visit to the stunning Todgha Gorge, where towering cliffs rise dramatically over 100 metres high on either side of the canyon. Along the way, we will make a stop at a quaint adobe village near Khorbat to learn about the local desert community. Please be mindful that access may be influenced by weather conditions such as river flooding. We continue onwards to Erfoud, where you have the option to embark on an off-road excursion for an unforgettable experience of a sunset over the Sahara Desert's majestic sand dunes. Lunch will be included in today's itinerary.

We begin our day with an early departure from Erfoud, embarking on a journey through the dramatic gorges and stunning landscapes of the Atlas Mountains. Our route will take us across a high plateau, where nomadic shepherds often wander with their flocks. We'll pause briefly in Midelt, a bustling commercial hub at the heart of the region, renowned for its thriving agricultural scene. Afterward, we make our way to the Middle Atlas, stopping for an included lunch by a serene lake surrounded by natural beauty. As we progress, the scenery transforms markedly as we enter a lush region dominated by dense forests, frequently blanketed in snow during the winter months. In the vicinity of Azrou, we shall visit the "House of Cedars" within a national park. This small museum offers insights into the local ecology and history, and here, you will have the opportunity to observe the lively colonies of monkeys that inhabit the area. Continuing our travels, we reach Bhalil, a quaint Berber town in the Middle Atlas. Known for its colourful streets and unique dwellings, where traditional cave homes have merged seamlessly with modern houses, Bhalil offers a charming glimpse into local life. As the day draws to a close, we proceed to Fez, where we will take a moment to admire the ancient city's panoramic views from the Marinid Tombs before heading to our hotel. Dinner will be provided.

The day's exploration begins with a guided tour of Fez, introducing you to the cultural heart of Morocco. We'll enter through the striking Bronze Gates of the Royal Palace, navigate the vibrant souks, and delve into the historical tannery district. Fez, famed as the cultural capital and for hosting the world’s oldest university, retains an authentic Moroccan atmosphere, particularly in its impressive Medina. Following our city tour, we'll enjoy lunch in a historic palace within the Medina, offering a taste of tradition (included). Our afternoon continues with a journey to Volubilis, an archaeological site recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Founded in the 3rd century BC, Volubilis served as the capital of Mauretania Tingitana and later thrived as a Roman military outpost, home to many ancient monuments. Afterward, we'll visit Moulay Idriss, a revered town and pilgrimage site, being the final resting place of the founder of Morocco's first royal dynasty and a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. Until 1912, this town was closed to non-Muslims and overnight stays were only permitted from 2005 onward. The day concludes with our arrival in Meknes for dinner (included) and an overnight stay.

Today begins with an exploration of Meknes, a remarkable World Heritage Site founded in the eleventh century by the Almoravids. As the political capital during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail, it boasts an impressive blend of Spanish-Moorish architecture, encapsulated by towering walls and grand gates. You'll be awe-struck by the majestic Bab el Mansour gate and the bustling atmosphere of El Hedim Square. Our visit will include entry to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. After some free time to soak in the city's unique ambiance, we will proceed on our journey, pausing for lunch along the route. Our next stop is Rabat, the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco. Here, we will tour the mighty Udayas Kasbah, the historic Hassan Tower, and the majestic Mausoleum of King Mohamed V. We'll also see the Andalusian Walls, the exterior of the Royal Palace, and the vibrant modern embassy district. Following our visit, you will have some free time to explore at your leisure before we continue our travels. We will conclude our day in Casablanca, arriving in the evening where dinner will be provided.

We begin our morning with an included guided exploration of Casablanca, Morocco's largest city and its economic hub. We will wander along the city's broad boulevards, visit the elegant Mohamed V Square adorned with a fountain and surrounded by Moorish architecture and palm trees, and meander through the Arab League Park. Our journey will also take us through the charming little Medina. Included is a visit to the remarkable Hassan II Mosque, set alongside the sea. This is the solitary mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims, boasting a 210-metre-high minaret equipped with laser lights that point towards Mecca. After the morning's activities, you have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at La Corniche's delightful maritime area.Post-lunch, we make our way to El Jadida. Known for its citadel (Mazagan), this area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, having been constructed by the Portuguese in the early 16th century. We'll enjoy a leisurely stroll through its picturesque streets, which retain numerous traces of the Portuguese era, including the Manueline-style Church of the Assumption. Please note that the old 16th-century cistern is currently under restoration and is anticipated to reopen during the season. After soaking in the historical atmosphere of El Jadida, we proceed to Safi, arriving in the late afternoon where dinner will be provided.

Today, we will explore Safi, famed across Morocco for its exquisite ceramics renowned for their vibrant hues and exceptional craftsmanship. Our tour includes a visit to the Castle of the Sea, where we'll admire its remarkable fortress walls, and a stroll through the charming Medina, exploring colourful shops on the Hill of the Potters. Afterwards, we'll travel to Essaouira, a city whose walled Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its whitewashed houses and beautiful sea views, it's a haven for artists and painters alike. You’ll have free time here to enjoy lunch and wander through its quaint streets, embraced by the robust walls where waves spectacularly crash. Our journey then continues along the breathtaking Atlantic coast, with a brief stop in Taghazout, a picturesque fishing village popular among surfers. As we proceed to Agadir, we'll arrive in the evening in time for an included dinner, staying overnight in this vibrant coastal city.

You'll have the morning at leisure in Agadir, Morocco's premier beach destination. Unwind on its expansive beaches, take a refreshing stroll along the scenic seafront, or indulge in some shopping at the various retail outlets. In the afternoon, we'll set off on our journey back to Marrakech, via a spectacular highway that meanders through the Atlas Mountains. We'll arrive in Marrakech later that evening, where dinner will be included at the hotel.

Following a leisurely breakfast, our adventure draws to a close, leaving you with cherished memories of your Moroccan journey. As your travels come to an end in the vibrant city of Marrakech, we trust you'll carry with you the sights, sounds, and flavours of this enchanting land. Safe travels on your onward journey!