Enchanting Moroccan Odyssey Coastal and Cultural Delights

Welcome to Morocco! Upon your arrival at the airport, you'll be greeted and transported to your hotel to settle in. As you prepare to embark on this fascinating journey, our guide will get in touch with you later in the day to provide any necessary information and answer any immediate questions. Your day will culminate with a delightful dinner, allowing you the opportunity to savour Moroccan cuisine as you reflect upon the adventures that lie 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.

On the second day, we begin by exploring Casablanca, the largest city and economic hub of Morocco. Our guided tour takes us on a stroll along the city's impressive avenues, stopping at Mohamed V Square where you can admire the fountain, Moorish architecture, and palm-lined surroundings. We also enjoy a leisurely walk through the Arab League Park and the charming little Medina. A highlight of our tour is the visit to the spectacular Hassan II Mosque—Morocco’s only mosque open to non-Muslims. Its location by the sea, alongside a towering 210-metre minaret with lights indicating the direction of Mecca, makes it a truly remarkable sight.Following our exploration, you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy lunch in the delightful coastal area of La Corniche. We then set off to El Jadida, known for its Citadel of Mazagan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed by the Portuguese in the early 16th century. As we wander through its captivating streets, you’ll notice many remnants from its Portuguese past, such as the Manueline-style Church of the Assumption. We had intended to see the historic 16th-century cistern, but it is currently undergoing restoration.Our journey continues to Safi, where we arrive by late afternoon. Dinner will be provided, rounding off an enriching day of cultural discoveries.

On the third day of our adventure, we'll delve into the vibrant city of Safi, celebrated across Morocco for its exquisite ceramics, renowned for their vibrant colours and exceptional quality. Our journey begins with a visit to the Castle of the Sea, where you can capture photos of its dramatic fortress walls, and we'll wander through the delightful Medina. A stop at the Hill of the Potters will offer us a chance to explore various shops showcasing these stunning ceramics.Once we've absorbed the charm of Safi, we will continue to Essaouira, a coastal gem with its walled Medina facing the expansive Atlantic Ocean. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Essaouira is cherished by artists and painters for its stunning beauty. You will have ample time to enjoy lunch at your leisure and stroll through its narrow, characterful streets, adorned with whitewashed houses and robust sea-battered walls.Following our exploration, we'll journey along the picturesque Atlantic coastline, with a brief interlude in the quaint town of Taghazout, famous for its fishing heritage and appeal to surfers. As evening approaches, we'll arrive in Agadir, where you'll settle into your accommodation for the night. Dinner is included, providing the perfect end to a day of rich cultural exploration and coastal beauty.

In the morning, you will have the opportunity to unwind in Agadir, Morocco's premier beach destination. Relax on its expansive beaches, take a leisurely walk along the seafront, or indulge in some shopping at the local retail areas. After enjoying your free time, we'll depart post-lunch, heading towards Marrakech via a picturesque route through the Atlas Mountains. Upon reaching the hotel, you can experience the charm of a traditional horse-drawn Kalesa ride to Jemaa el-Fnaa square, renowned for its vibrant and lively atmosphere. Your day will conclude with an included dinner.

Today, we delve into the enchanting city of Marrakech, a place so iconic it gave its name to the country itself. Our exploration begins with a tour, guiding us through the city's imposing walls and the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square, filled with its vibrant activity. We also navigate the Medina, a maze of narrow alleyways, visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, and admire the grandeur of the Bahia Palace, with entrance fees included. Following the tour, you'll have free time for lunch, which is included, and to unwind either by the pool or in the hotel's tranquil garden. Alternatively, you might explore the bustling souks, where a myriad of treasures await discovery. In the evening, consider joining the optional Fantasy Party excursion for an unforgettable experience.

Today will be a day of adventure as we set off early from Marrakech for the enchanting Ouzoud Falls. These are the highest waterfalls in North Africa, cascading down from 110 metres in a breathtaking spectacle. Nestled within the Middle Atlas, the waterfalls are surrounded by stunning gorges, offering a peaceful retreat amidst nature. We will enjoy a short boat trip and savour a lunch with a magnificent view, both included in our visit. Keep an eye out for the playful macaques that inhabit this picturesque area.After our time at the falls, we continue our journey to the Southern Atlas, heading towards Fez. Upon arrival, we'll take a moment to appreciate the panoramic view of the city from the Marinid tombs, time permitting (alternatively, this visit may be rescheduled to fit the lighting conditions). Dinner will be included, rounding off a day filled with natural beauty and cultural exploration.

Our day begins in Fez, the cultural heart of Morocco, known for its ancient traditions and rich history. We are treated to a guided tour, starting at the iconic Bronze Gates of the Royal Palace. Exploring the Jewish quarter and the bustling souks, we delve into the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The Medina of Fez, home to the world’s oldest university, is a remarkable example of a traditional Arab city. The morning's adventure concludes with lunch in a historical palace within the Medina, setting the perfect scene of timeless elegance.Post-lunch, we head to Volubilis, a breathtaking archaeological site and World Heritage Site. Founded in the 3rd century BC, this site once served as a vital Roman outpost and continues to amaze with its architectural splendour. Our exploration then takes us to Moulay Idriss, a revered pilgrimage site and the resting place of the founder of Morocco’s first royal dynasty, the great-grandson of Prophet Muhammad. This city, steeped in spirituality, only opened its doors to non-Muslims in recent history.As the day draws to a close, we make our way to Meknes, where dinner and accommodation await us. This city, with its own unique allure, promises a fitting end to our day of discovery and history.

Our exploration begins in Meknes, a city recognised as a World Heritage Site. Established in the eleventh century by the Almoravids for military purposes, it later became the kingdom's capital during Sultan Moulay Ismail's reign (1672-1727), who founded the Alaouite dynasty. Ismail constructed a magnificent city in a Spanish-Moorish style, encircled by towering walls and grand gateways. We will marvel at the immense Bab el Mansur gate and experience the lively atmosphere of Place El Hedim, reminiscent of Marrakech's famed Jemaa square. Our visit includes entry to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.Following this, you'll have some leisure time before we resume our journey by bus, pausing for lunch in a service area. We then proceed to Rabat, the capital of the Kingdom. Our city tour encompasses the majestic Oudaia Kasbah, the iconic Hassan Tower, which houses the Mausoleum of King Mohammed V, the Andalusian Walls, the outer enclosure of the Royal Palace, and the contemporary embassy district.Afterward, you will have some free time to further explore Rabat at your own pace before we continue our journey, arriving in Casablanca by the end of the day, where you will join us for dinner.

Following breakfast, our time together concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your Moroccan adventure.