Led by an expert local guide, this exciting 9 day group tour is an excellent way to see the country through the eyes of someone who calls it home. From Marrakech, travel by private vehicles to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, before camel trekking across the Sahara. Take in the Imperial Cities of Fes, Rabat and Meknes and uncover many of Morocco’s key sites through the expertise of specialist guides. By night bed down in comfortable locally-owned 4-star hotels and enjoy many included meals.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to Marrakech
Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Marrakech airport you’ll be met and transferred to our hotel. This evening meet your fellow travellers and enjoy free time to explore the delights of Djemaa el Fna.
Overnight: Marrakech
Majorelle Gardens & Marrakech City Tour
After breakfast we head over to the beautiful Majorelle Gardens just a short drive from the hotel. These botanical gardens were designed by the French Artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and 1930s. He used a distinctive shade of cobalt blue for the majority of the garden and although a lot of his other work has largely been forgotten – this garden is seen as his greatest master piece. The garden has been owned by Yves Saint Laurent since 1980 and his ashes were scattered here after his death in 2008. The garden contains an extensive collection of exotic plants and trees and is home to 15 species of bird. There is also a Berber Museum representing the various indigenous tribes of Morocco including over 600 artefacts. The newly opened Yves Saint Laurent museum nearby is also well worth a visit - this museum was opened in 2017 and is dedicated to the life and works of Yves Saint Laurent himself. Please note entrance into the YSL museum is not included.
This afternoon you will meet up with the rest of the group who are coming in from Casablanca before embarking on a guided tour of Marrakech. Inside the rose coloured medina walls is a 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 - UNESCO World Heritage Listed
Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate. Departing the city this morning we travel across the plains of haouz and reach the great High Atlas mountains. Climbing over the pass of Tizi n Tichka, we stop for lunch and then continue onwards with great views over the Mountains and valleys to Ait Benhaddou. This incredible ancient fortified Kasbah was built for defence purposes high on a hill and is a stunningly well preserved medieval city which has famously featured in many blockbuster movies, including Gladiator and Laurence of Arabia as its beauty is unequal to any other fortified kasbah in south Morocco. Carrying on we continue 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 we begin our journey into the Sahara with a medley of palm trees, rose fields and magnificent gorges. Travelling from Ouarzazate, there is a possibility of visiting the kasbah Amherdhil in Skoura before seeing the rose fields and reaching scenic Todra Gorge. Surrounded by towering vertical limestone cliffs reaching heights of 1000ft, it 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. After time to wander through Todra we hit the road again for Merzhouga – our base before we head into the Sahara. Depending on the time of year, spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming before climbing aboard our camels for an incredible trek into the Sahara Desert to watch a beautiful sunset and spend the night at our remote Berber Camp, nestled amongst the dunes of Erg Chebbi. We enjoy local food, music and an amazing night camping in the Sahara. If you would prefer to take a Jeep to the Berber camp, this can be arranged locally through your guide at no additional cost.
If you would prefer the comfort of a hotel with en-suite facilities this evening, opt for our Sahara hotel alternative at no additional cost. Please do let us know your preferred option at the time of booking.
Overnight: Berber Camp | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fes
Merzouga (Sahara) - Fes. Departing early, we climb back on our camels disembarking for a truly stunning sunrise. After freshening up and breakfast in Merzouga we’re back on the road heading for Fes. It’s a long drive today however there is a lot to see on the way. We’ll pass through cedar forests full of Barbary Macaque monkeys on our way through the Moyen Atlas mountains. Just before Fes we stop at Ifrane – a beautiful town, often likened to a Swiss Alpine resort. Along the way we also start to see our first glimpse of Morocco’s nomadic Berbers – travelling across the mountains and often staying in make shift tents as they head to their next destination. We arrive into Fes in the early evening.
Overnight: Fes | Breakfast, Lunch
UNESCO listed Fes el Bali, dye-pits & tanneries
Fes is the oldest and largest medieval city in the world and its medina is a cacophony of aromas, sights and sounds. This morning we enjoy 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 – so be sure to stay close to the group! We also visit the dye-pits and tanneries before lunch in the medina. The remainder of the day is at leisure – why not take part in 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. Departing Fes this morning we visit the fascinating UNESCO listed Roman ruins of Volubilis, which date back to AD40. Continuing on we stop at the Imperial City of Meknes, which became known as the Versailles of Morocco due to its impressive buildings and elaborate monuments. After lunch and some free time our final stop of the day is Rabat – Morocco’s capital where we overnight.
Overnight: Rabat | Breakfast
Rabat & Casablanca
Rabat - Casablanca - Marrakech. This morning we take a guided tour of Rabat and visit some of the capital’s highlights, including the impressive Chellah - a necropolis and complex of ancient, medieval ruins, the Royal Palace and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. After lunch we continue to Casablanca where we visit the Hassan II Mosque, which has the tallest minaret and is the third largest mosque in the world - it can hold 25,000 worshippers at any one time. After our visit to the mosque we say goodbye to our fellow passengers leaving us in Casablanca and continue on to Marrakech for the night.
Overnight: Marrakech | Breakfast
Marrakech
Our amazing tour of Morocco ends today after hotel check out. An included onward departure transfer to the airport is provided.
Breakfast
Need to start your tour in Casablanca?
If you find that Casablanca is the better airport for you to fly to and from then why not check out our Road to Casablanca tour. The start dates and duration are the same and you'll also visit the same places that this tour does.
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. We also offer a triple share option on this tour, please contact us for details. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
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Extra Prices
Hotels
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.
Adam Park Hotel & Spa, Marrakech
Guests can expect a very comfortable stay at the Adam Park Hotel & Spa. Each of the elegant rooms feature a patio or balcony with views of the surrounding area. Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. Several restaurants offer a variety of options including Italian specialities, Moroccan favourites and international cuisine. There are also plenty of ways to unwind after a day exploring Marrakech, with an outdoor pool, fitness centre and a spa offering rejuvenating massage treatments.
Riad Zahri, Marrakech
This intimate Riad has just 9 rooms whilst also offering an array of spa features including Turkish steam bath, massage treatments and Turkish baths as well as an indoor pool. If you are feeling a little more energetic you can enjoy hiking, horse-back riding and golf in the surrounding area. The accommodation is situated in the heart of Marrakech, near Rahba Kedima Square. Attractions within an easy drive include Jardin Majorelle Garden, Koutoubia Mosque and Saadian Tombs and the riad is an easy is 15 minutes' walk to the city 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 Dar Alia, Rabat
Boasting a fantastic location, just a short walk from the entrance to the Kasbah of the Udayas, Riad Dar Alia is wonderful choice for a stay in the capital. It offers a number of uniquely decorated rooms in a traditional Moroccan style. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property and a restaurant serves a variety of Moroccan specialities.
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.
All went smoothly. Our guide was very attentive and keen to make sure that everything fell into place. We were more than happy with Houcine and the way he took care of us. Pass on our thanks to him.”
Tour guide and local guides were outstanding, very knowledgeable and ready to answer any questions. Highlights for me were camel ride in the desert and the Roman ruins at Volubilis. I thought that stop at Casablanca was a bit of a filler as apart from the mosque there did seem to be much of interest or time available. Appreciate that distances between stops can be long.”
The overall tour was great, and very informative, and luved that it was a small group
We where disappointed on the Jeep used in the sahara desert very old and it was more like a Ute
We where also advised on the greet and meet that the tipping fees and entrance fees had been increased, much to our surprise. ”
Fantastic tour taking in the many highlights of beautiful Morocco. Omar our amazing tour guide was knowledgeable about the country, history and many sites we visited. There was no question he couldn’t answer. His upbeat approach to everything was infectious and he calmly managed to get us from place to place on time..which was no mean feat with our group! A wonderful trip which will remain in our memories for years to come. Highlights include the camel trekking/berber camp and Fez. The riad we stayed in was beautiful. Thanks to Hassan too for his safe driving! ”
Fantastic tour taking in the many highlights of beautiful Morocco. Omar our amazing tour guide was knowledgeable about the country, history and many sites we visited. There was no question he couldn’t answer. His upbeat approach to everything was infectious and he calmly managed to get us from place to place on time..which was no mean feat with our group! A wonderful trip which will remain in our memories for years to come. Highlights include the camel trekking/berber camp and Fez. The riad we stayed in was beautiful. Thanks to Hassan too for his safe driving! ”
My totally Morocco trip was wonderful. I gave it 4/5 only because I was really packed and there wasn’t enough free time. What made it really great was our tour guide Omar!!! He was amazing!! He is passionate, has extensive knowledge of the Morocco history and culture, has great sense of humor and did everything possible to make sure we were happy. We were 11 people in the group from around the world but he made us one team!! He included everyone even in music choices while we were traveling. He was our tour guide, entertainer, photographer, and translator! ”
Omar was an amazing tour guide. He was very helpful and got to know everyone personally.
He shared a wealth of knowledge and answered any questions we had.
He gave 100% all day everyday. ”
Aziz, our tour guide was excellent.
I enjoyed very much the part of the itinerary from Marrakech to Volubilis (that included Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Eig Chebbi Dunes, Fes and Volubilis)
I didn't care at all for Rabat. ”
We really enjoyed the tour and the guide (Jamal) took good care of us. ”
We had many good experiences on this tour. However, the original description of travel distances and times were completely wrong. The journey from Ouarzazate to the Sahara is stated at 5.5 hours - in reality it was 10 hours. The following day we were asked to wake-up at 5.15am for the morning trek back to the hotel. Left there at 8.30 to travel to Fes. Arrived at the Fes hotel at 9pm - that's 12.5 hours. Too late to get any food, other than a sandwich from a supermarket. Yes, there were some stops along the way, but those two days were far too long and tiring. It wasn't acceptable for your guests or the driver and tour guide - both of which were excellent in the circumstances. If the itinerary had been accurate and stated what the tour was really like, then we wouldn't have booked with you.
The vehicle used for the tour was rather uncomfortable - maybe if the journeys were shorter then probably OK. But 22.5 hours on and off over two days was too much. The aircon was not good either - especially at the back.
The first day we were in Marrakech we were taken on a tour of the city and told that it was about 2 -2.5 hours with some time to ourselves at the end. 4 hours later after having rushed around in the afternoon heat there was no time left to ourselves to explore. Didn't really appreciate being taken into a shop where the owner spent 20 minutes trying to sell us all sorts of (expensive) medication.
There were many places we enjoyed seeing and some good memories, but we wouldn't travel with you again.
Finally, I want to thank our guide Mustapha who helped me after I had an accident in the desert. He found a doctor who treated me at the hotel and helped me to recover.”
At a Glance
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All went smoothly. Our guide was very attentive and keen to make sure that everything fell into place. We were more than happy with Houcine and the way he took care of us. Pass on our thanks to him.”
