We say a huge ‘ahlan wa sahlan’ to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest and most modern city. Casablanca’s name, translating easily to ‘White House’ in Spanish was inspired by the sparking white-washed buildings of the Old Medina and is the perfect starting point for our adventure through the sights and sounds of this lively country. Hugging the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, the port city of Casablanca acts as the commercial hub of western Morocco. Despite its growing modernity, Casablanca has thankfully managed to retain much of its traditional flare. The city’s French colonial legacy is evident throughout, with areas of the town featuring Mauresque architecture, Moorish design elements and European art deco themes — a truly fascinating mix awaits us. We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your hotel by 4:00pm. This evening we’ll meet our fellow travellers and Tour Director for a welcome drink.

A full day exploring the busy streets of Casablanca awaits us today. We begin our sightseeing by acquainting ourselves with the city’s European-influenced architecture along the Ain Diab Esplanade. Lined with tall palm trees and bursting with vibrancy, this beach front promenade is popular with both local residents and tourists alike. We’ll then head to the Central Market, one of the most famed urban markets in Morocco. Highly regarded as one of Casablanca’s hidden gems, here we’ll take a peep into local life as vendors and buyers go about their day. Get ready to get lost in the strong aromas, chaotic sounds and local goods on offer here. Up next on our agenda is the iconic Hassan II Mosque, an opulent mosque that is set on an outcrop jutting out over the ocean. This 210 metre tall minaret is a major landmark for the city, and once you visit, it’s easy to understand why. It’s the largest mosque in Africa, and the second largest in the world, and interestingly, it’s one of only two mosques in Morocco that is open to non-Muslim spectators. Make sure to pay attention to the fine Moroccan artisanship on display, seen through the hand-carved stone, intricate marble floor and exquisite ceilings. After some free time for lunch, we’ll make our way to the Quartier Habous. Also known as Nouvelle Medina (New Medina), it was built in the 1930s by the French with the aim to solve a housing crisis in the city. What we’re left with today is a bustling medina that features a picturesque mix of Moroccan and European architectural styles. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a group welcome dinner at a typical Moroccan restaurant. Bring your appetite!

This morning we depart for Essaouira, a charming town nestled on Morocco’s Atlantic coast that was once the old Portuguese city of Mogador. The city was strengthened by a French architect who was a follower of Vauban. Combine these influences and the result is the very attractive and picturesque town it is today. Over time more and more artists have flocked to Essaouira, making it a fascinating place to visit. On arrival, the rest of the afternoon is ours to enjoy at leisure and begin acquainting ourselves with the city.

We’ll begin our day of sightseeing at the city’s port to experience the lively atmosphere as the boats come in and fish are sold. It’s one of the most animated spots in town and a spectacle not to be missed! We’ll then discover the ‘Door of the Navy’, built in year 1184 of the Hegira (Hegira is the journey of Islamic prophet Mohammed from Mecca to Yathrib/Medina which is believed to have happened in AD 622) to connect the city with the port. Place Moulay el-Hassan, and a stroll through the town’s colourful Kasbah are also on the agenda for today.

Travelling inland, we make our way to the magical ‘Rose City’ of Marrakesh. Marrakesh is one of the four Imperial Cities of Morocco and was founded in the 11th century by the Berber dynasty, Almoravid. It soon became the capital of the Islamic Empire that stretched as far as Spain and western Africa. During the rule of Yousef Ben Tachfine, Marrakesh was blessed with fine gardens, palaces, mosques and legendary walls, and was influenced by the Almoravid conquest of southern Spain. Morocco was colonised by the French in the 20th century and the strong influences from these countries can be felt today. Upon our arrival into Marrakesh, we’ll enjoy an orientation tour before having some free time for lunch.

Special Experience

We experience the atmosphere of Marrakesh’s main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, as we pass through this living, breathing spectacle of food, music and entertainment, getting a taste of this lively city.

We’ll have the chance to enjoy a real taste of Morocco at dinner, complete with dancers and musicians in a local restaurant.

The red royal city of Marrakesh is the real heartbeat of Morocco, set within sight of the snowy peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. Our entire day is dedicated to sightseeing here. First, we visit the 16th century monument site of the Saadian Tombs which remained sealed until 1917 when they were rediscovered. The tombs are brilliantly decorated with intricate carvings, colourful tiles and Arabic scripts. We’ll then continue to the aristocratic Bahia Palace which functions as a Royal residence and see the Koutoubia Mosque, considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Its minaret is even a reference point for international architecture – the 12th century 70-metre-high tower is the prototype for Seville’s La Giralda and Rabat’s Le Tour Hassan. Our last stop is a visit to the enchanting Jardin Marjorelle, gifted to the city by famous French fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent.

Enjoy a late start to the morning before departing for our wonderful culinary experience today.

Special Experience

We’ll take a cooking lesson in a beautiful Moroccan riad, then enjoy the food we’ve prepared for lunch.

Optional Excursion

Hot Air Balloon Ride. Embark on an unforgettable early morning journey, drifting above the enchanting landscapes of Morocco as the sun stretches its first rays over the endless ochre dunes and the Atlas Mountains unfold beneath you. Includes return transfers, a flight of approx. 60 minutes, and a Berber breakfast. From Euro 230pp (minimum 2 people)

This morning, we make our way through the scenic Atlas Mountains and the twisting Tizi n’Tichka pass to the picturesque, fortified Berber village or ‘ksar’ of Ait Ben Haddou. A traditional Mud Brick city, and a striking example of southern Moroccan architecture, the town is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We continue our travels to Ouarzazate, which is also a noted film-making location with films such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven shot here. On arrival we visit the majestic structure of the Taourirt Kasbah, a giant sandcastle that decided to get fancy. Rising from the desert in all its sunbaked glory, the cinnamon coloured walls of this ancient Berber stronghold whisper stories of ancient sultans, and once inside, the intricate carvings and colourful tiles contrast with the fortress’ rugged exterior, like a warrior with a soft side. It’s no wonder this Kasbah is considered to be among the most beautiful in Morocco! After our explorations, we continue to our guesthouse in Skoura.

This morning we stop at the famous palm grove of Skoura, one of the few that is still inhabited and cultivated in Morocco. We’ll then visit 17th century wonder of Kasbah Amridil, which appears on Morocco’s 50-dirham note. Amridil is a living museum, showcasing typical life in a Kasbah over the centuries. A local pottery house is also on the agenda for today, where we’ll get to see gorgeous locally made handicrafts. After some free time for lunch, we’ll take part in a traditional calligraphy workshop with a local artisan using a typical reed pen, the traditional qalam. Here, our teacher will guide us through the mesmerizing curves of Arabic script and we have the chance to create our own ink masterpiece.

We depart Skoura through the Dades Valley, continuing past Erfoud, on the edge of the majestic Sahara Desert. This valley is carved by the Dades River and is sprinkled with ancient kasbahs, lush palm groves and dramatic rock formations. We then make our way into the vast Erg Chebbi dunes before arriving in Merzouga. And just when we think Morocco couldn’t get any more magical, we arrive in the town of Merzouga, which is often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Sahara’ and is the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. The dunes are among the largest in Morocco and measure up to 160 metres high . Here, we’ll change vehicles to 4WD’s for the last leg of our journey to the deluxe campsite.

Special Experience

Immerse yourself in the serenity of desert life, spending a night in a deluxe camp nestled in the dunes of the Sahara Desert.

Whilst staying overnight in the desert camp, we will be able to take in spectacular views of the natural landscape as the sun sets over the golden slopes.

An early start this morning, and an experience never to be forgotten, as we set off to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the sweeping sands of the Sahara Desert. Marvel at the changing colours of the morning as the sun rises over the dunes, before returning to the camp for breakfast. After breakfast we depart in a 4WD for Khamlia, a small desert village, where we’ll enjoy a cup of Moroccan tea in a traditional home setting with local Gnaoua music as entertainment. Gnaoua music (or Gnawa music, as it is also known) is quite a show, being a combination of Berber, Sufi and sub-Saharan African religious songs and rhythms with acrobatic dancing. We’ll also visit the mines in Memphis before continuing onto the traditional artists’ village of Tissirdmine for lunch amongst the palms. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy the Kasbah.

This morning, we cross the desert again and make our way to the small village of Midelt, driving through the spectacular wooded Middle Atlas Mountains. Midelt is a market town and former French administrative post and is also one of Morocco's principal cities for the mining of several minerals. Here, we’ll stop and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, sit back and enjoy the mountainous scenery this afternoon as we continue to Fez, one of the oldest Imperial Cities. Fez is also a great place to purchase beautifully decorated ceramics, make sure you barter though! Fez is arguably the symbolic heart of Morocco, set in the gentle rolling countryside of the mid Atlas Mountains. The World Heritage-listed medina of Fez el-Bali (old Fez) is one of the largest living medieval cities in the world, and its gates and walls are magnificent.

We spend the day discovering the sights of this unique city. This morning we visit the famous Medina, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1981. Here the narrow lanes and colourful traders make for some fantastic photo opportunities. We see the souks with the myriads of craftsmen, the famous tanneries and carpet stalls. Our sightseeing in the Medina includes the Karaouine Mosque and the fountains of Carpenter's Square. The Mosque is one of the oldest of its kind in the western Muslim world and does not allow non-Muslims to enter, so the best place to view this magnificent building is from the top of Medersa Attarine (when open). We’ll also visit the famous ancient old operation tannery, processing the hides of sheep and goat in stone vessels filled with a range of colourful dyes. The rest of the evening is at leisure for us to get out and explore on our own, or simply enjoy the night, catching our breath and relaxing at the hotel.

From Fez we head north to Morocco’s smallest imperial city, Meknes, founded in the 11th century. Quieter and smaller than Fez, it’s also more laid-back but still has the winding narrow Medina streets and grand buildings of an imperial city. Here, we’ll enjoy an orientation tour of the old city known as the ‘Versailles of Morocco’ and see the old medina, Royal Stables and the Bab el Mansour Gate. Next, we continue to the ancient archaeological site of Volubilis. UNESCO World Heritage-listed Volubilis is a partly excavated Roman city, developed from the 3rd century BC as a Phoenician settlement. Volubilis was a central administrative city for this part of Roman Africa, responsible for grain production and exports to Rome. Volubilis is in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh’s Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Here it is quiet and free from the hordes of locals and tourists, providing the perfect opportunity to stop and reflect whilst soaking up the impressive Roman ruins and preserved mosaics. After a guided tour, we return to Fez.

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

After a morning at leisure we travel to Chefchaouen, undoubtedly one of the prettiest gems in all of Morocco. Tucked away in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen looks like it’s been washed in every shade of blue imaginable and wandering the streets here is like stepping into a real-life watercolour painting where every alley is a new shade of sapphire, cobalt or periwinkle. Founded in the 15th century by Moulay Ali Ben Rachid, the original settlement began as a small fortress to protect the area from attacks by Portuguese invaders. The Medina and its fountains, the Kasbah, the Great Mosque and Ras al-Ma’, the traditional water source for the town are all fascinating examples of Chefchaouen’s varied history. Upon arrival at our hotel, we’ll have some free time to relax and unwind before enjoying dinner here.

Today we’ll explore the town’s picturesque streets on foot. Wandering through the winding lanes and alleyways is a true photographers delight – the variety of colours from different wares and shops contrast with the vivid blue buildings. This town is also the perfect place to shop for souvenirs such as woven blankets and wool that are not commonly available elsewhere in Morocco. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to experience the delights of this stunning town at your own pace. There is an option to walk with your Tour Director towards a stunning lookout point over the town and surrounding mountains.

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

We continue to Rabat today, the capital of Morocco. While smaller than many of the other cities we’ve visited, it certainly has plenty of charm. From palm-lined boulevards in the ville nouvelle to an ancient walled medina, you’ll find less tourists but the same vibrant culture. We enjoy a city tour here, first visiting the Kasbah of the Oudayas which illustrates the Islamic and French colonial heritage of the city. We’ll also see the medina, Mohamed V Mausoleum and the iconic Hassan Tower, a 12th century minaret that overlooks the remains of a mosque. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure before our group farewell dinner at a local restaurant tonight.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to our new friends and to mesmerising Morocco. We hope you leave with the memories of a lifetime.