Welcome to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest and most modern city, made famous by the movie of the same name starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Casablanca is a curious mix of ancient Berber influences and modern European hustle and bustle, plus lots of cool places to enjoy the nation’s favourite drink - mint tea, of course. 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, meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a delicious welcome dinner at a traditional Moroccan restaurant.

Our day is dedicated to exploring Morocco’s cosmopolitan hub, Casablanca. Originally settled by Berber tribes, Casablanca has witnessed a series of transformations throughout history, including periods of rule by the Phoenicians, Romans, and Portuguese. However, it was the French invasion in the 18th century that truly reshaped the city, laying the foundation for its modern identity that we’re familiar with today. After gaining independence in 1956, Casablanca continued to thrive, evolving into Morocco’s commercial and economic capital, retaining its diverse cultural heritage. We’ll explore the busy streets of Casablanca and acquaint ourselves with its European-influenced architecture along the Ain Diab Esplanade and in the Central Market. We will also visit the incredible Hassan II Mosque, seen by many as a symbol of Morocco’s rich cultural heritage and Islamic architecture. Completed in 1993, this mosque is the largest in Morocco and the second largest in the world! We’ll visit Rick’s Café, a romantic café inspired by the 1942 film ‘Casablanca’ and have some free time here for lunch, before we continue our tour to uncover Casablanca’s famous Art Deco architecture. Casablanca’s unique style is called ‘architecture mauresque’ or ‘Moorish architecture’ beautifully blending French Art Deco with Islamic flare. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore at your own pace.

This morning we say goodbye to beautiful Casablanca, with our eyes firmly set on mesmerising Fez. En route, we head north to Morocco’s smallest imperial city, Meknes. Founded in the 11th century, Meknes is quieter, smaller and more laid-back than Fez, but still has the winding narrow Medina streets and grand buildings of an imperial city. On arrival into Meknes, we’ll enjoy an orientation tour of the old city referred to as the ‘Versailles of Morocco’. We begin at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old medina, a bustling maze of narrow streets, home to artisanal shops, traditional markets and historic buildings. The Royal Stables is next on our agenda, an architectural marvel that once housed thousands of horses, showcasing Meknes’ royal and military might. We’ll also visit Bab el Mansour Gate, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco.

Special Experience

Visit a picturesque winery in Meknes delighting in the scenery while tasting locally produced wines with a delicious lunch.

The hillside vineyards and the mild temperature make the Meknes region the most ideal wine-growing area. Among the most popular red grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Grenache. These varieties bring specific characteristics to the wines, such as fruity aromas, balanced tannin structure and great complexity.

Our adventure today takes us to the ancient archaeological site of Volubilis, one of the best-preserved sites in all of Morocco. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Volubilis stands as a lasting testament to the civilisations that once thrived in the region. Its origins trace back to the 3rd century BC when it was first established as a Phoenician settlement, evolving over centuries into a thriving Roman city. Volubilis served as a pivotal administrative city for this part of Roman Africa, responsible for grain production and exports to Rome. We’ll dive into the site’s rich history through its partly excavated ruins. We return back to Fez at approximately midday, giving you the perfect opportunity to uncover the city at your own pace. Perhaps you want to take it easy and wander down the endless alleys, or you may wish to relax at the hotel. Whatever you do, the choice is yours!

Our day is dedicated to uncovering Morocco’s cultural and spiritual heart, Fez. Founded in the 9th century, Fez is a beautiful labyrinth of narrow laneways, bustling souks and ancient landmarks. This unique city offers visitors a glimpse into Morocco’s captivating past with its centuries-old traditions and historic atmosphere. We’ll begin our exploration by visiting 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. Make sure you have your camera handy today! The rest of the evening is at leisure for you to explore or relax.

Our drive to Merzouga today takes us past the town of Midelt, situated on the high plains between the Middle Atlas and the High Atlas Mountain ranges. In this quaint market town, the majority of the buildings are sand-coloured, resulting in a beautiful contrast against the imposing mountains that surround the city. Here we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch, before continuing in 4x4 jeeps to our desert camp accommodation. The town of Merzouga 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!

Deluxe Experience

Experience the tranquil beauty of the Sahara Desert, staying in a luxury camp surrounded by breathtaking desertscapes.

Located strategically in the middle of the big dunes of the Erg Chebi Desert, Merzouga luxury desert camps offer a spectacular nomadic experience. We enjoy two nights under the stars here, having the opportunity to experience a camel ride at sunset and enjoy sunrise from the top of the golden dunes.

An early start this morning will see us marvelling at the beautiful sunrise that will illuminate the golden sands of the Sahara. Make sure you bring your camera with you, as this is an experience you’ll want to remember forever! After breakfast, we’ll depart in 4x4 jeeps deep into the Sahara Desert.

Special Experience

Travel to Khamlia, a small desert village, enjoying Moroccan tea and Gnaoua music with local nomads.

We’ll enjoy a cup of Moroccan mint 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 combined with acrobatic dancing.

Tonight, we will catch the beautiful sun as it sets over the desertscape surrounding our camp. A totally special and mesmerising sight!

This morning we’ll say goodbye to the stunning Sahara Desert and drive through the Dades Valley with its majestic sand castles and incredible rock formations that are known as ‘monkey toes’. The route through Dades Valley is often referred to as ‘the Road of One Thousand Kasbahs’, and it’s on this road that we’ll be able to view a vast valley dotted with hundreds of small oases and ancient fortifications. We continue our journey through Toudgha Gorge, a gorgeous canyon on the road to Skoura. In Skoura, we’ll enjoy lunch with a local Berber family, gaining real insight into their fascinating culture. The Berber’s are an indigenous ethnic group native to north Africa, renowned for their distinct culture, language and rich history, and their presence in Morocco dates back thousands of years. They are traditionally nomads, and still today, many Berber tribes maintain their nomadic lifestyle. Lastly, we make our way to Ouarzazate. Often called the ‘Door of the Desert’, this fortified city is nestled amid the Atlas Mountains and its caramel-coloured buildings blend almost seamlessly into the desert’s golden sand. Ouarzazate 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 in Ouarzazate, the rest of the day is ours to spend at leisure.

Our day is dedicated to exploring Ouarzazate and the beautiful Taourirt Kasbah. Among one of the most captivating Kasbahs in Morocco, the Taourirt Kasbah’s rich history dates all the way back to the French departure in 1953. Here, we’ll immerse ourselves in the cinematic legacies of the Ouarzazate Kasbahs, where the Moroccan film industry thrived in the post-French era. We’ll also discover the allure of the famous Atlas Studios, located just 5-kilometres west of Ouarzazate. This incredible location boasts the title of the world’s largest film studio by acreage! Nestled amid the desert and mountains, this amazing studio has preserved the sets from renowned productions including Gladiator and Game of Thrones, making it a must-visit destination when in the region. We’ll return to Ouarzazate in the early afternoon, where you’ll have the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore this beautiful town some more or simply to relax.

Saying goodbye to the beautiful city of Ouarzazate, we’ll make our way to the picturesque, fortified Berber village or ‘ksar’ of Ait Ben Haddou. This traditional mudbrick city (that dates back to the 11th century) is on the UNESCO World Heritage-list and is a striking example of the architecture of southern Morocco. Here, we enjoy a delicious lunch and a visit to the film sets of some famous Hollywood movies including Lawrence of Arabia, The Living Daylights, The Mummy and Gladiator. We’ll continue our journey to the magical ‘Rose City’ of Marrakesh. One of the four Imperial Cities of Morocco, Marrakesh 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.

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’ll 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 then continue on to the aristocratic Bahia Palace which functions as a Royal residence and see the Koutoubia Mosque, considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. We then head to Marrakesh’s main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa. Considered one of the most famous squares in Africa, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site serves as the epicentre of the city where locals and visitors alike come to experience its lively atmosphere. We’ll also uncover Melah, the city’s old Jewish Quarter.

Special Experience

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

Deluxe Experience

Delight in a private chef’s table experience at the renowned Azalai Uran Souk restaurant

At Chef FZ ’s Private Table, dining is an intimate affair, best shared among a select few. Enter an exclusive world, where the chef’s creativity and passion for cooking awaits. Nestled in an authentic setting, you’ll experience the magic up close as FZ creates a culinary symphony before your eyes. Prepare to be captivated by the chef’s menu, a savory feast that rivals Michelin-starred experiences. Each meticulously crafted dish tells a story, tantalizing both the palate and the imagination. From delicate appetizers to beautifully presented dishes, every step is a testament to Chef FZ 's mastery and passion for culinary perfection.

Our day is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful Kasbah and its facilities – this is a great chance for you to kick back and relax after our journey so far! Later this afternoon, we’ll come together to indulge in a grand high tea experience.

Deluxe Experience

Delight your taste buds in a decadent high tea at the enchanting Royal Mansour Marrakesh.

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)

Today we depart the idyllic Marrakesh and make our way back to the beautiful Casablanca. We’ll have the afternoon at leisure for you to wander the city at your own pace, before enjoying a lovely group farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

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.