15 days tour

Highlights Of Morocco

$ 1,316 .00 USD

Total price per person

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Highlights Of Morocco

This tour includes:

Accommodation

We use a variety of accommodation throughout this tour, spending time in hotels, an auberge (inn), Sahara camp, lodge and riad. The accommodations typically used can be found on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are a few of the notable accommodations on this trip. Marrakech: Hotel Akabar / Hotel Ayoub (nights 1 and 13-14) We begin and end the adventure at Hotel Akabar (above), which has a sun terrace with a pool, restaurant and bar. It is within walking distance of the Djemaa el Fna square and 10 minutes from the Guรฉliz district, where there are many cafes, restaurants and shops. For some departures in 2024 and for all departures in 2025, we use the Ayoub Hotel and Spa or similar, which is also located in the new city. Rabat: Hotel Bouregreg (night 2) Right next to Rabat medina, this 69-room hotel is well placed for our adventures. Popular nearby stops include Rabat Beach (Plage de Rabat), Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas. The hotel also has two restaurants, one serving traditional Moroccan cuisine, the other serving international fare, plus a piano bar. Erg Chebbi, Sahara: Camp La Source (night 6) Our night in the Sahara is one youโ€™re unlikely to forget. We stay in a desert camp, where we enjoy a homemade meal. Spend the rest of the evening stargazing, chatting around the campfire, and join the camp staff as they play traditional music. Essaouira: Mechouar Plaza (nights 11-12) In Essaouira medina, the 20-room Mechouar Plaza has an ideal address. Itโ€™s decorated with exposed brick throughout and has a bar and restaurant serving Moroccan and international cuisine. For some departures, we stay at the Riad Dar El Qdima or similar. Worth knowing You can request a single room on this trip subject to availability. The single supplement applies to hotel nights only and therefore does not cover any nights in the mountains, desert or Sahara camp. Morocco is not set up for colder temperatures and so there may not be heaters available at the hotels. Of course, you can ask for more blankets.

Meals

There are 14 breakfasts and four dinners included. Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. Where meals are not included, budget for the following approximate prices. Lunches: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10) Dinners: In cities: 80-200 dirhams (US$8-US$19) In small towns and villages: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10) Drinks in restaurants Soft drinks: 10-20 dirhams (US$1-US$1.90) Beer: 30-50 dirham (US$2.85-US$5) Wine: From 150 dirham (US$14) Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip. If you have special dietary requirements, inform us prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (eg coeliac or vegan), you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home.

Guide

There is a local tour leader and a driver plus local guides at various sites.

Others

Arrival & departure transfers

Transport

For most of this trip, we use a private bus, the size of which depends on the group size. The roads in Morocco are reasonably good and driving conditions in towns and on the plains are good. On mountain roads, the pace is slower. Buses usually have air-conditioning and heating but please note this is not up to European standards.

Not included:

Insurance

Others

โ€” Travel insurance โ€” Visas or vaccinations โ€” Single supplement

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Itinerary of your trip Highlights Of Morocco

  • Day 1 Day 1: Start Marrakech
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Start Marrakech

      Buzzy Marrakech is a whirlwind of tradition and culture, an invigorating introduction to Morocco. However, today is a relaxing one, a chance for our group to congregate at the hotel and settle in. We may have a welcome briefing this evening or tomorrow, depending on when everyone arrives. Accommodation: Hotel Akabar or Ayoub Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 2 Day 2: Visit Hassan Ii Mosque; To The Capital, Rabat (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Visit Hassan Ii Mosque; To The Capital, Rabat (Breakfast)

      We drive to Casablanca this morning, a modern and commercial seaport. Here, we visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, which has a soaring 655ft (200m) minaret and a sliding ceiling to enable the sea breeze to cool the building. We have a guided tour of the mosque and the stunning ablutions hall with a local specialist. Please note: knees and upper arms must be covered. After, we drive two hours to Rabat, the political capital of Morocco, but second to Casablanca in importance. Here, we have free time to explore. Although mostly modern, Rabat has an excellent old town, where you can see distinctive buildings with Moorish and Andalusian designs. Also visit the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) before continuing to the busy souk to sample locally made treats, such as harsha (a semolina bread) with the special almond paste, amlou. Accommodation: Rabat Hotel Bouregreg (or similar)

  • Day 3 Day 3: Explore The Roman Site Of Volubilis And Meknes; To Fez (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Explore The Roman Site Of Volubilis And Meknes; To Fez (Breakfast)

      Strike out from Rabat on a 2hr 30min drive over the northern plain towards Meknes. The scenery changes as the land becomes more cultivated, this being one of the most fertile areas of Morocco. In Meknes, we meet our local guide for an exploratory walk in the old town. Built in the Spanish-Moorish style, the medina has crumbling ramparts with nine immense gates. We plunge into a busy local market, where vendors vie for attention and craftsmen sharpen their tools, before walking to El Hedim square, a scaled-down version of Djemaa El Fna in Marrakech. Then, we stand before the monumental Bab El Mansour gate, which was built in 1732. In the afternoon, we take a 45-minute drive to the largest and best-kept Roman ruins in Morocco: Volubilis, once a large Roman town and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Under the Romans, it was an affluent city. This can be seen in the beautiful second-century forum, the basilica and the capitol. We wander through the streets, discovering remains of townhouses with mosaic floors and see baths, oil presses, aqueducts and shops, all of which reveal the daily lives of the inhabitants. After exploring this site with a local guide, we continue our drive (approximately two hours) to the ancient city of Fez, where we spend two nights. Accommodation: Hotel La Paix (or similar)

  • Day 4 Day 4: Guided Tour Of Fez And The Medina (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Guided Tour Of Fez And The Medina (Breakfast)

      The fascinating city of Fez is the intellectual and religious centre of Morocco. Founded more than 1,000 years ago, it has many mosques and medersas (theological colleges), including the ninth-century al-Karaouine University, whose architecture is very similar to that seen in Moorish Spain. Fez medina is one of the largest in the world, an immense warren of souks, home to thousands of craftsfolk with their tiny shops opening onto the narrow alleyways. Noisy and pungent, the medina is an absorbing experience. Our city guide walks us through different sections of the souk, including those selling leather, brass and copper. No visit to Fez is complete without a visit to the tanneries. Outside the medina, we visit the Jewish District (mellah), the exterior of the Royal Palace and drive up to a panoramic viewpoint over the city. Accommodation: Hotel La Paix (or similar)

  • Day 5 Day 5: Drive To Merzouga, On The Edge Of The Sahara (Breakfast,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Drive To Merzouga, On The Edge Of The Sahara (Breakfast,Dinner)

      Today, we travel to the edge of the Sahara, the largest hot desert in the world. Itโ€™s a 10-hour journey but with frequent stops and beautiful scenery along the way. We travel over the stunning Middle Atlas, down through the picturesque Ziz Valley and to the spectacular site of the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. We stay in a small and welcoming auberge (inn) by the dunes. Tonight is a good time to pack your overnight bag for the Sahara. Accommodation: Auberge La Source (or similar) Drive time: 8hr 30min

  • Day 6 Day 6: Walk Among The Dunes; Camel Trek; Overnight In A Sahara Camp (Breakfast,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Walk Among The Dunes; Camel Trek; Overnight In A Sahara Camp (Breakfast,Dinner)

      A free morning means we have time to explore the largest erg (sand sea) in Morocco, or to relax in the shade of a palm tree by the dunes. The sand sea is famed for its pink tones that take on a spectacular rose colour at sunset. In the late afternoon, we take part in a classic Saharan experience โ€“ a 45-minute camel trek through the dunes, where we watch the sunset. We then return to the edge of the desert to spend the night in a camp. This evening, we enjoy a home-cooked meal, sit under the stars and join camp staff as they play traditional music and sing. You might like to dance around the campfire to the beating drums. Accommodation: Full-service at Camp La Source (or similar)

  • Day 7 Day 7: To Skoura Via The Todra Gorge (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: To Skoura Via The Todra Gorge (Breakfast)

      After sunrise, we leave our desert camp and head towards the little city of Skoura, which is nestled on a beautiful palm grove near Ouarzazate. Following the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs, we have vistas of ancient kasbahs nestled in lush palm groves. After around four hours of driving, we stop to explore Todra Gorge. We take a short walk along a narrow road through the gorge and have time to take photos. Of course, there is also the usual pop-up souvenir stalls to tempt you. Accommodation: Skoura Lodge (or similar) Drive time: 6hr 30min

  • Day 8 Day 8: Skoura, The Palm Grove Capital Of Morocco (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Skoura, The Palm Grove Capital Of Morocco (Breakfast)

      There is the opportunity to take a one-hour drive to Toundout Valley and enjoy a three-hour guided hike through an Amazigh village, where you learn a little of their culture. Alternatively, relax in and around the lodge, walking through the lush palm groves. Considered the palm grove capital of Morocco, Skoura offers peace and relaxation through its various walks discovering multiple palm groves and kasbahs. Accommodation: Skoura Lodge (or similar)

  • Day 9 Day 9: Journey To Tighza Via Ait Benhaddou (Breakfast,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Journey To Tighza Via Ait Benhaddou (Breakfast,Dinner)

      Leaving Skoura, we rejoin the main road and drive west along the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs via the desert city of Ouarzazate and to the well-preserved ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most spectacular in the Atlas range, and the location of several Hollywood films including Gladiator (2000). Here we tour atmospheric alleys and see the earthen walls of the dwellings. Continuing into the mountains, we branch east through a wide flat mountain valley, finally arriving at Anmiter, where we leave our bus and take a 90-minute walk on an uphill gradient to the Amazigh village of Tighza, where we spend the next two nights. Tighza is a rural village set in the Atlas mountains. From the terrace of our Riad you can look down into the valley and enjoy the sunset over the surrounding mountains. It is a peaceful retreat and provides the opportunity to meet local villagers and share their way of life. Our luggage is transported to the village for us. For those who do not want to walk, mules are available (100 dirhams, payable locally). Weโ€™re greeted with a mint tea on arrival at the village. Accommodation: Riad Bouchahoud (or similar) Drive time: 1hr 30min

  • Day 10 Day 10: Full Day Of Walking In The High Atlas; Evening Hammam (Breakfast,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Full Day Of Walking In The High Atlas; Evening Hammam (Breakfast,Dinner)

      We start our day with an optional walk through the villages of the Tighza Valley, heading into the hills on mule tracks with the High Atlas peaks as our backdrop. The length of our trek depends on the groupโ€™s ability, but it is likely to be approximately four hours. The afternoon is free to relax with a book, enjoy the mountain views, take a stroll through the beautiful landscape or challenge the village children to a game of football. Tighza is one of just four villages in this remote valley and has been supported by Exodus for more than 10 years through various responsible tourism projects. We visit the village hammam, built with money raised by Exodus clients. This is an authentic experience and terrific fun. It is very much a traditional hammam and you are likely to get the opportunity to mix with the villagers, which further adds to the experience. A standard treatment is included, but you need to purchase a scrubber and soap for 20 dirhams (US$1.90) plus a customary tip of 20 dirhams. Refreshed, we return to the accommodation for our final dinner in the mountains. Accommodation: Riad Bouchahoud (or similar) Drive time: 1hr 30min

  • Day 11 Day 11: Over The High Atlas Mountains To Essaouira (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Over The High Atlas Mountains To Essaouira (Breakfast)

      Leaving the riad, we walk back to our bus for a short drive to the palace of Telouet. This once-grand building stands abandoned and crumbling and we have deemed it unsafe to enter; however, we can walk around the outside and take photographs. We continue our scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, via the Tizi nโ€™Tichka pass, which at 7,415ft (2,260m) above sea level is the highest road in Morocco. The scenery is spectacular and there are some wonderful views of the mountains. We also stop at a womenโ€™s cooperative argan oil farm, where you can see the trees, get a demonstration of the production process, and purchase products if youโ€™d like. Our journey finally brings us to the flat arid plains of Marrakech, and then onwards to the pretty seaside town of Essaouira. Accommodation: Riad Da El Qdima or Mechouar Plaza (or similar) Drive time: 7hr 30min

  • Day 12 Day 12: Free Day In Essaouira (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Free Day In Essaouira (Breakfast)

      Enjoy a free day in Essaouira, an old Portuguese fishing port overlooking the Atlantic. The settlement dates to the 15th century but the present town was constructed around 1760 by Sidi Mohammed ben Abdullah, who needed a base from which to suppress a revolt from Agadir. Today, the town is extremely relaxed and its whitewashed houses with painted shutters, artisan workshops, boatyards and fishermen provide a marked contrast to the desert, kasbahs and cities we have so far visited. Our hotel is situated in the heart of the old walled city, where we have plenty of time for shopping in the souks or strolling along the beach. With many pleasant cafes and some outstanding seafood restaurants, there is plenty of choice for our evening meal. Accommodation: Riad Da El Qdima or Mechouar Plaza (or similar)

  • Day 13 Day 13: To Marrakech; Guided Tour Including Bahia Palace, Finish In Djemaa El Fna (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 13: To Marrakech; Guided Tour Including Bahia Palace, Finish In Djemaa El Fna (Breakfast)

      After breakfast, we drive back to Marrakech. In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided tour to find our bearings and soak up the atmosphere of this amazing city. Our guide takes us to the opulent Bahia Palace, a one-time royal residence, and ends the adventure in the Djemaa el Fna square, where the town becomes a maze of bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. It is worth seeing this renowned landmark in the evening, as Marrakech revolves around this open-air central square, with food stalls, juice sellers, snake charmers and acrobats. It is a place of night-time entertainment for both local people and tourists. Accommodation: Hotel Akabar or Ayoub Hotel (or similar) Drive time: 3hr 30min

  • Day 14 Day 14: Free Day In Marrakech (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 14: Free Day In Marrakech (Breakfast)

      Today is free in Marrakech and there is no shortage of things to do. You might wish to visit the largest mosque in the city, Koutoubia, or venture through the souks and old streets of the medina. After bartering for souvenirs, we have time for a short visit to the Koranic School and Museum of Marrakech. After, you could take a 30-minute calรจche ride (a bright green horse-drawn carriage) to the Jardin Majorelle. These gardens are decorated throughout in indigo blue and were once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. For lunch, we recommend the Amal Womenโ€™s Training Centre and Moroccan Restaurant, which Exodus supports in their cause to empower women from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are a non-profit organisation dedicated to training students to become self-sufficient and improving their quality of life through acquiring new skills in a professional restaurant setting. For a superb traditional Moroccan meal and the opportunity to support this worthy cause, do pay them a visit. This evening, itโ€™s common for the group to enjoy a final meal together on Djemaa el Fna. Accommodation: Hotel Akabar or Ayoub Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 15 Day 15: End Marrakech (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 15: End Marrakech (Breakfast)

      Enjoy your final breakfast this morning and take the chance to reflect on your unforgettable Morocco adventure. Youโ€™ve navigated lively medinas, ridden a camel in the Sahara and experienced a traditional hammam in the Atlas Mountains. Now, however, is the time to start your journey home and start planning your next adventure.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 16 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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