The journey of a lifetime awaits in Morocco on this exhilarating two week adventure. From the sights and sounds of Marrakech, the ancient Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and the vast Sahara Desert, to the history of Fes, Rabat and Meknes, there’s plenty to amaze. Plus top off your trip with a relaxing few days by the coast in breezy Essaouira.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to Marrakech
Upon arrival at Marrakech airport you’ll be met and transferred to our hotel in the centre of town. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore Marrakech - why not head to the medina and discover the delights of Djemaa el Fna, the exuberant market place, which is a hive of activity, sights and smells at both day and night. Later on there will be a welcome meeting at the hotel at 19:30hrs.
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 and costs 100 MAD per person if you would like to go in.
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
UNESCO World Heritage Listed - Ait Benhaddou & Ouarzazate
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 in 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. If you would prefer to take a Jeep to the Berber camp, this can be arranged locally through your guide at no additional cost. We enjoy local food, music and an amazing night camping in the Sahara.
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: Merzouga | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sunrise camel trek & the beautiful town of Ifrane
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
Fes el Bali medina, 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
Roman ruins of 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 city tour & Hassan II mosque
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 to the charming old town of Essaouira
Marrakech - Essaouira. Today we have a leisurely morning before starting our journey to Essaouira on Morocco's Atlantic Coast via private transfer, and upon arrival enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Why not find a restaurant in the charming old town and try the local cuisine.
Overnight: Essaouira | Breakfast
Free time in coastal Essaouira
Essaouira – Marrakech. Spend the next three days exploring the sights and delights of Essaouira at your own pace. Set on the rugged shores of the breezy Atlantic Coast, this charming seaside city offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. While away the days here exploring its winding streets lined with whitewash houses, picking your way through the shops in its ancient medina, or by sitting at an ocean-facing restaurant sipping on a cup of coffee. During the warmer months why not try some water sports too, as the windy shores here offer ideal conditions for wind and kite surfing. Early evening of day 12 we return to Marrakech for the night.
Overnight: Essaouira (2), Marrakech (1) | Breakfast x 3
Marrakech
Our amazing tour of Morocco ends today after hotel check out. An included onward departure transfer to Marrakech airport will be 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 Casablanca to Essaouira tour. The start dates and duration is the same and you'll still visit everything the same as this tour.
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.
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.
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.
Atlas Essaouira and Spa, Essaouira
The elegant Atlas Essaouira & Spa is set on Essaouira's beachfront, with its own private beach. Kick back and relax at the hotel which has two swimming pools alongside a poolside bar and delightful terrace. For a spot of pampering, head to the hotel spa with its traditional hammam. There's also a fitness centre on site and the hotel has a choice of two restaurants. A traditional Moroccan and Mediterranean restaurant and a beachfront restaurant serving seafood and grilled dishes. The air-conditioned guestrooms are bright, modern and spacious, with satellite TV, WiFi and a mini bar.
Riad Zahra , Essaouira
Located in the residential district, the Zahra offers calm, relaxation and a peaceful stay. Its comfortable guestrooms are decorated in traditional Moroccan style and are equipped with an en suite and satellite TV. The property has a restaurant serving Moroccan and international specialities. There is another restaurant that serves grilled dishes. Riad Zahra is an ideal starting point for nautical activities or to discover Essaouira and the surrounding area. For your entertainment, the hotel proposes numerous activities including desert trips in a 4x4, surfing and kite surfing lessons.
Tour guide was excellent
Tour was a bit rushed. Would have preferred multiple days in fewer cities. Too much bus time
Pick up for our airport departure never turned up. Had to make our own way there ”
Great experience, but never again. There were plenty of photo opportunities and some fun experiences, we learned a lot and saw a ton. The tour itself was too much time spent on the bus. I would have rather visited one less city and spent less time on the bus. Also, the stops with sales pitches were aggravating. I felt like I was being sold timeshares every day. Lastly, the hotel accommodations were not top notch. We had a variety of issues in each hotel from ants in the room to a none working toilet.
All that said, Omar our tour guide was EXCEPTIONAL! He is one of the only reasons I would even consider returning. Omar had a plethora of knowledge about the areas and was always above and beyond friendly and helpful. His pleasant demeanor and kindness were all the held this trip together. We also had a wonderful driver named Moostafa that was very kind and helpful. ”
The tour was amazing. Omar is the most fantastic tour guide!”
Our guide Omar was really exceptionally good. Knowledgeable, passionate, professional, friendly & charismatic. Responsive 100%. Omar had a great sense of knowing what the group needs - when to give us history information, when to give quiet for napping, when to provide some mood music . The itinerary is challenging. Suggest removing some things on long day from desert to Fes ( remove monkeys, gorge) or give a short dinner break before Fes. The highlights were most definitely camels/camp, Fes, Essasouria. The meals provided were all very good. Bus - legroom challenging and I’m only five feet tall and the seats were bit sloped from wear which make them uncomfortable after long hours. AC was working well though. We were disappointed that the promoted hotel was not available in Essaouria. Especially since we had booked at least ten months prior. ”
Our guide Omar we couldn’t fault he was thoughtful had a great sense of humour he made the tour for us along with the wonderful people we met. We were very disappointed in our final 3 nights when we expected to be in a resort which is what we paid for. If you’re going to change the resort we expect same as was advertised. Also the motel we went to after the camel ride was not good enough our shower didn’t work and we put into a room they had been slept in and not cleaned. Besides these two things we had the most wonderful time and would travel with On-The-Go again. We especially loved the small group size.”
Omar was amazing , nothing was a problem and had an amazing memory on all details through out the trip he is a real asset to the company!!”
Our guide was Omar, he was exceptional! So knowledgable about the history and culture on every place we visited. He was very kind and helpful with anything that was needed and nothing was too much trouble. He was funny, had a great sense of humour and was very easy going. He was amazing and I would not hesitate to do another tour with your company if he was the tour guide. We highly recommend him. ”
We had a great experience with the tour we took in Morocco last year. The organization of the tour was perfect and we have no complaints, only praise for the excellent job done by the whole team. Congratulations!”
The tour was fantastic and our guide was great. he was very friendly and informative. i would definitely reccomend this trip.”
Guide was great.
Tour could have had an extra day travelling from desert to the next destination. We missed the “Swiss village “ due to it being dark and everyone was exhausted. Very disappointing.
Also fossils were of great interest to us and only 1 other group member so our time was very brief despite the guide doing his best.
Air con on minibus was very poor. ”
At a Glance
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Tour guide was excellent
Tour was a bit rushed. Would have preferred multiple days in fewer cities. Too much bus time
Pick up for our airport departure never turned up. Had to make our own way there ”
