12 days tour

Treasures Of Morocco - Premium Adventure

Treasures Of Morocco - Premium Adventure

This tour includes:

Accommodation

The accommodations are all handpicked and some are unique places to stay on this Premium Adventure. We spend four nights in traditional riads, three nights in kasbah-style hotels, three nights in 4-5 star hotels and one night in a luxury desert camp. Featured nights on this trip: Fez: Riad Dilar (nights 2 & 3) Riad Dilar is a traditional establishment with wonderful Moroccan features including the typical wooden doors and mosaic tiles. It has an inner courtyard and a terrace. It is in a quiet location but still near the famous Medina. Merzouga: Riad Madu or Riad Chebbi (night 4) Riad Madu This is a Kasbah-style stay in the Sahara. The word madu mainly means respect, which embodies the philosophy of this family-run hotel Riad Chebbi Kasbah-style stay in the Sahara with rooftop terrace overlooking the desert. Sahara Camp (night 5) Jannat Luxury Camp Jannat Luxury Camp is located in the middle of the quiet sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. A small experienced crew work on making your stay memorable. The chef creates tasty Moroccan specialities and after dinner you can enjoy the star filled skies. Worth knowing The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We will endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice. Single supplement is available on this tour About riads Riads are traditional Moroccan homes, generally in the old part of the city or medina, where the wealthiest people would historically live. Theyโ€™re typically built around a central corridor with windows facing an internal courtyard (external windows are rare). Most have a rooftop terrace where breakfast is served. A night in a riad is an authentic Moroccan experience; however, riads do not have hotel-style facilities. Additionally, the rooms are not standardised and come in different sizes and shapes. Riads are built to keep sunlight to a minimum in order to keep the interiors cool in the extreme summer heat. In winter they become a cosy haven.

Others

Tipping for all hotel, local staff and drivers Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone

Transport

For most of this trip, we use a private air-conditioned bus. The bus sizes vary depending on group size but has plenty of room for sitting in different seats. The roads in Morocco are reasonably good throughout. On mountain roads, the pace will be slower.

Guide

All departures have a named tour leader, chosen for their expertise. They are fully qualified English-speaking Moroccan guides. In some locations, we are also joined by a guide local to the area.

Meals

There are 11 breakfasts, three lunches and seven dinners (one of which is a cooking class) included on this trip. Thereโ€™s a welcome dinner at our riad in Fez, and home-cooked lunches when we stay in the Sahara and the High Atlas. We also have an included dinner at our lodge in Skoura to sample their homegrown produce. In Marrakech, try creating local delicacies in a master cooking class and then enjoy the results. Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. Meals eaten out are reasonably priced โ€“ kebab and bread is approximately 72 Moroccan dirhams (US$7). In main towns, it is possible to find very good French and Moroccan restaurants where a meal and French wine will cost anything from 310 dirhams (US$30) upwards. Generally, dinner is likely to cost 80-155 dirhams (approximately US$8-US$15) not including drinks. Local beer, wine and soft drinks are reasonably priced, but you can pay more for imported alcohol. Your leader will recommend restaurants for each evening. Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian cous cous, tajine or omelettes, particularly during the more rural sections of the trip. If you have any special dietary requirements inform your sales representative in plenty of time before the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (ie coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food items with you from home.

Not included:

Flights

International flights before and after the tour are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Others

โ€” Tip for the tour leader โ€” Travel insurance: Exodus travel insurance policy โ€” Visa or vaccinations

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Treasures Of Morocco - Premium Adventure

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

      Day 1: Start Casablanca

      The adventure begins in the port city of Casablanca. Depending on flight arrival times, your expert leader will meet the whole group for a welcome briefing either this evening or tomorrow morning. There will be information about this meeting at the reception desk. Accommodation: Gray Hotel (five-star)

  • Day 2 Day 2: Hassan Ii Mosque; Volubilis Ruins; Moulay Idriss; Fez (Breakfast,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Hassan Ii Mosque; Volubilis Ruins; Moulay Idriss; Fez (Breakfast,Dinner)

      This morning, before leaving Casablanca, we visit the Hassan II Mosque, 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. We then begin our journey to Fez, stopping en route at Unesco-listed Volubilis, the largest and best-kept Roman ruins in Morocco. There are the remains of the forum, basilica and capitol. There are also well preserved mosaic floors of the wealthy town houses that graced this Roman city. After Volubilis we travel on to the attractive whitewashed holy city of Moulay Idriss to stretch our legs and have a traditional lunch. The town is built around the tomb of Moulay Idriss Moroccoโ€™s first Islamic leader. We will take a walking tour to see parts of the town. Our final destination is the world-renowned city of Fez, where our accommodation for the night is a traditional Riad. We enjoy a welcome dinner here, a chance for us to try tasty local fare and get to know one another. Accommodation: Riad Dilar Drive time: Six and a half hours

  • Day 3 Day 3: Explore Fez (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Explore Fez (Breakfast)

      Fez is the intellectual and religious centre of Morocco. Founded more than 1,000 years ago, it is the oldest of the Imperial cities in the kingdom with many mosques and madrasas (theological colleges). It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. This morning we join our local guide to explore the bustling narrow laneways, visiting different sections of the souq, including those selling leather, brass and copper. We also stop at the tanneries and pottery workshops to see traditional local crafts in action. Outside the medina, we visit the Jewish District (Mellah) and the exterior of the Royal Palace. We drive to a panoramic viewpoint for great photos of the city below. Accommodation: Riad Dilar

  • Day 4 Day 4: Drive To Merzouga, On The Edge Of The Sahara (Breakfast,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Drive To Merzouga, On The Edge Of The Sahara (Breakfast,Dinner)

      We start early for a full day of travelling to the Sahara with a journey through superb scenery and plenty of stops along the way. Our journey takes us over the Middle Atlas, through the picturesque Ziz Valley to the Hamada, a flat, stony desert gradually approaching the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. The journey is undoubtedly worth it, and weโ€™re rewarded with a night at the feature accommodation at Riad Madu or Riad Chebbi. Relax by the pool and enjoy watching the sun set over the desert. Accommodation: Riad Madu or Riad Chebbi (five-star) Drive time: Nine hours

  • Day 5 Day 5: Village Cultural Experience; Ride A Camel At A Saharan Camp (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Village Cultural Experience; Ride A Camel At A Saharan Camp (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Enjoy a leisurely start to the day (with perhaps another dip in the pool). Later this morning, we travel by 4ร—4 to Khamlia village for a wonderful cultural experience watching a Gnawa music show and eating a traditional lunch of Medfouna, a surprising take on pizza. The unique instruments used in Gnawa music create a distinctive sound. It is a unique blend of African, Arab and Amazigh influences. This afternoon, we transfer to our luxury desert camp and then undertake a genuine Saharan experience โ€“ a camel trek through the dunes to watch the desert take on a rose colour at sunset. After dinner cooked by our local chefs, we sit around the campfire and gaze at the stars. Accommodation: Jannat Luxury camp (four-star)

  • Day 6 Day 6: To Skoura Via The Todra Gorge (Breakfast,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: To Skoura Via The Todra Gorge (Breakfast,Dinner)

      Leaving the desert, we head towards the little town of Skoura. En route, we pass through the Todra Gorge, sheer cliffs rising dramatically on either side of the road. We take a short walk through this gorge so you can appreciate its majesty and take photos. Following the 1,000 Kasbahs Road for approximately two hours, we see several of these imposing buildings along the way in the palm groves. We stay in an original Kasbah lodge during our two nights in Skoura. Located in the heart of the Skoura Palm grove this lodge is decorated in traditional Moroccan style and all rooms have air conditioning. Accommodation: Kasbah Ben Damiette or similar Drive time: Eight hours

  • Day 7 Day 7: Skoura, The Palm Grove Capital Of Morocco (Breakfast,Lunch)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Skoura, The Palm Grove Capital Of Morocco (Breakfast,Lunch)

      Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then join the leader on a guided walk through the palm groves of sleepy Skoura. Dotted around the palm, fig, birch and tamarisk trees are some of the most beautiful kasbahs in southern Morocco, the largest of which is the Amerhidil Kasbah, once owned by the Glaoui family. We take a guided tour through the restored interior with a local guide. During our walk we stop for a picnic lunch. Accommodation: Kasbah Ben Damiette or similar

  • Day 8 Day 8: Journey To Imlil Village Via Ait Benhaddou (Breakfast,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Journey To Imlil Village Via Ait Benhaddou (Breakfast,Dinner)

      Leaving Skoura, we rejoin the main road and drive west along the 1,000 Kasbahs Road via the desert city of Ouarzazate and onto the well-preserved ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most spectacular in the Atlas, and a location for several Hollywood films including Gladiator (2000). After admiring this vast site from the riverbed, we take a walk through the winding village streets. Once a bustling village today the ksar is home to around 10 families. From here we continue our drive through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing Tizi nโ€™Tichka Pass at 7, 415ft (2,260m) above sea level. The drive to the village of Imlil is a winding one with a variety of scenery to enjoy. Accommodation: Riad Jnane Imlil or similar Drive time: Ten hours

  • Day 9 Day 9: Walk To The Amazigh Village Of Aremd; Evening Hammam (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Walk To The Amazigh Village Of Aremd; Evening Hammam (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Imlil is the starting point for trekkers climbing Mount Toubkal, the tallest mountain in North Africa. Our gentle hike takes us to the small Amazigh village of Armed set into a hillside. The Amazigh are the true indigenous people of North African countries residing mainly in Morocco. Along the way we see many fruit trees including cherries, apricots and quince. We follow a small irrigation channel where we are likely to meet villagers and their mules. Stopping at the edge of a waterfall we will take a break with a fresh orange juice. From here we will carry on uphill to the village where we will enjoy a home-cooked lunch in a local guesthouse. After lunch we do a little more hiking around the village then return to Imlil for your traditional hammam experience. A standard treatment with soap and scrubber is included but it is customary to give a 20 dirham (US$2) tip. The restaurant at our Riad has panoramic views of Imlil village and the surrounding mountains. Accommodation: Riad Jnane Imlil or similar

  • Day 10 Day 10: Over The High Atlas Mountains To Marrakech (Breakfast,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Over The High Atlas Mountains To Marrakech (Breakfast,Dinner)

      This morning, we travel over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. Along the way, we stop at a womenโ€™s argan oil cooperative where we see a demonstration of how this multi-use oil is produced. There is also an opportunity to purchase a range of products which make for an unique gift from Morocco. Onwards our journey takes us to the flat arid plains of Marrakech. Here we have a guided tour, visiting the Bahia Palace and the Saadian tombs. The tour ends in the central square of Djemaa el Fna, where the town becomes a maze of bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. The square comes alive every evening with food stalls, juice-sellers, snake charmers and acrobats entertaining both the locals and the visitor. Our final accommodation on this tour are boutique hotels located in the modern town area of Gueliz. Accommodation: Stars or Bab or 2 Ciels Hotel (four-star) Drive time: One and a half hours

  • Day 11 Day 11: Marrakech Cooking Class; Free Time (Breakfast,Lunch)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Marrakech Cooking Class; Free Time (Breakfast,Lunch)

      We start the day with a trip to the local market to purchase ingredients before embarking on a cookery class of recipes to impress your friends when you get home. Enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch. This afternoon, take free time to see more of Marrakech. You might wish to visit the largest mosque in the city, Koutoubia, or venture through the souqs and old streets of the medina. After bartering for souvenirs, you may have time for a short visit to the Koranic School and Museum of Marrakech. After this, you can unwind by taking a 30-minute ride on a calรจche (a horse-drawn carriage) to the Jardin Majorelle. These tranquil gardens are decorated throughout in indigo blue and were once owned by Yves St Laurent. Your expert leader can help plan your free time. This evening, enjoy the vibrancy of Djemaa el Fna together for one last time. Accommodation: Stars or Bab or 2 Ciels Hotel (four-star)

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

      Day 12: End Marrakech (Breakfast)

      Weโ€™ve scaled dunes on camelback, eaten lunch with an Amazigh family and toured the greatest cities in Morocco. But after breakfast, this tour draws to a close. Speak to your sales representative if youโ€™d like to extend your stay in Marrakech and explore the city further.

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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

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 16 / Max: 80

Age range allowed for this experience.

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