Morocco Journey
9 days
From
$ 1699
Duration9 days
From atop towering Moroccan dunes, peer across the sands to watch the sun rise over another North African day. Experience such highlights during a nine-day adventure to the country’s top spots. Discover the fresh cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains, meander the winding lanes of old Marrakech, and explore the dunes of the desert. Meet musicians, Berbers, and artisans, and soak up the exotic beauty of Morocco.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 9 daysService level: Upgraded
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Casablanca
Please note that this tour does not spend any time in Casablanca.
You may wish to come a day early in order to explore Casablanca, and take some time to see its medina, beachfront, and classic examples of Art Deco architecture.
Be sure to also visit the spectacular Hassan II Mosque. Entrance is only permitted via guided tours, which operate from Saturday to Thursday at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, and 15:00, and on Fridays at 9:00, 10:00, and 15:00. These times are subject to change (particularly around Ramadan), please double check times with your hotel. Tickets can be purchased at the mosque.
You may wish to come a day early in order to explore Casablanca, and take some time to see its medina, beachfront, and classic examples of Art Deco architecture.
Be sure to also visit the spectacular Hassan II Mosque. Entrance is only permitted via guided tours, which operate from Saturday to Thursday at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, and 15:00, and on Fridays at 9:00, 10:00, and 15:00. These times are subject to change (particularly around Ramadan), please double check times with your hotel. Tickets can be purchased at the mosque.
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Day 2: Casablanca/Fès
Drive to the imperial city of Meknès for a guided tour of some of its fascinating sites. Continue on to the ruins of Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. After the ruins it’s off to Fès.
This is a long and busy day. The times listed are actual driving times and do not include stops at Meknès and Volubilis. We will not arrive in Fès until evening.
Meals: B
Day 3: Fès
Step back in time and embark on a walking tour of a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the Medina of Fès. Explore winding lanes and alleys to visit the many artisans, tanneries, and shops with an expert local guide. After, enjoy a G Adventures-supported traditional tagine lunch at a cooperative that benefits rural Moroccan women and children. This evening, opt to have dinner and entertainment at a historic riad.
A G Adventures-supported traditional lunch.
Meals: B, L
Day 4: Fès/Merzouga
Start early and watch the scenery of this diverse country change while travelling over the Middle Atlas mountains. Pass through cedar forests and the ski area of Ifrane into the desert regions. Drive by the vast palm groves of the Ziz Valley and right up to the majestic Saharan sand dunes. Keep your eyes open for a glimpse of Barbary apes en route.
Spend the night in a comfortable Kasbah-style desert hotel at the edge of the dunes.
Spend the night in a comfortable Kasbah-style desert hotel at the edge of the dunes.
Travel through the Middle Atlas mountains to the Sahara Desert, overnighting in a kasbah-style desert hotel at the edge of the dunes.
Meals: B, D
Day 5: Merzouga/Tinghir
Explore the Sahara on a thrilling 4x4 dunes tour. Visit the village of Khamliya where you will meet Gnaoua musicians and learn about the history of their music in the Sahara before enjoying a performance. Later, visit local nomads to learn about nomadic life over cups of mint tea in one of their homes. Return to our Auberge then transfer to Tinghir for the evening.
Meals: B, D
Day 6: Tinghir/Ouarzazate
Start the morning with a visit to the Dades Gorge with its unusual natural rock formations and stunning scenery. Continue with a scenic drive along the "Route of a 1000 Kasbahs" with an included visit to Kasbah Taourit.
Continue to Ouarzazate, a former Foreign Legion stronghold. In Ouarzazate opt to visit a Berber herbalist and find out about the traditional medicines and cooking spices of the Berber people.
Continue to Ouarzazate, a former Foreign Legion stronghold. In Ouarzazate opt to visit a Berber herbalist and find out about the traditional medicines and cooking spices of the Berber people.
Visit Dades Valley then continue along the “Route of 1,000 Kasbahs” with an included visit to Kasbah Taourit. Opt to visit a Berber herbalist in Ouarzazate.
Meals: B
Day 7: Ouarzazate/Marrakech
Continue on to the village of Aït Benhaddou. During your visit to the Kasbah, lose yourself in the narrow, winding passageways and feel the magical atmosphere of this incredible structure.
Travel to Marrakech through the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2200m in the High Atlas Mountains. Travel along winding mountain roads with breathtaking views from the highest peaks of Morocco.
Travel to Marrakech through the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2200m in the High Atlas Mountains. Travel along winding mountain roads with breathtaking views from the highest peaks of Morocco.
Visit Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then continue to Marrakech. Take some free time to wander this incredible city. Opt to take a historical tour, visit the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, or wander the souks and shops.
Meals: B
Day 8: Marrakech
Later this afternoon enjoy free time to explore the fascinating city of Marrakech and dive into the labyrinthine souks. Travellers and locals alike find everything they desire here. Whether it’s spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or famous Moroccan lanterns, the selection here is exhaustive. Don’t forget to bargain; that’s definitely part of the fun. Opt to indulge in the chaos of the famous Djemaa el Fna square to watch acrobats and fortune tellers plying their trade.
Visit a historic riad for a hands-on cooking class from a master Moroccan chef and enjoy the lunch that you have prepared. Later this afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Marrakech or visit the bustling markets.
Meals: B, L
Day 9: Marrakech
Depart at any time.
Please note that check-out time from the hotel is normally mid-morning, but luggage storage is available.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Sahara Dunes & Culture Excursion, Merzouga Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Moroccan Foodie Experience, Marrakech Your G for Good Moment: Mhaya Village Community Lunch, Meknès
- Arrival transfer
- Guided city tour of Meknès including the ancient granaries and stables of Moulay Ismail and Bab Mansour
- Guided tour of Volubilis including visit to Roman ruins
- Guided walking tour of the Fès medina including artisans' quarters and Fès tannery
- Dades Gorge walk
- Visit Taourirt kasbah and take a tour of Aït Ben Haddou kasbah
- Enjoy free time to explore Marrakech
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private air-con minivan/coach, 4x4 vehicle, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (8 nts)