Morocco: Markets & Mountains
13 days
From
$ 1049
Duration13 days
In our humble opinion, there’s no better way to spend just under two weeks than travelling around majestic, marvelous, magical Morocco. In a country with no shortage of highlights, we make sure to hit all the main ones, including Fès, Chefchaouen, the Atlas Mountains, and plenty of souks to shop in and medinas to explore. After a camel ride through the desert and a few market barters under your belt, you’ll feel like a local in no time.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 13 daysService level: Basic
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Casablanca
Arrive at any time.
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.
Day 2: Casablanca/Chefchaouen
Travel up the coast to Rabat. Spend a few hours exploring the city's old quarter, then walk up to Kasbah des Oudaias to enjoy the breathtaking views. After lunch, head to Chefchaouen, one of the prettiest towns in Morocco with it's blue washed hues perched beneath the peaks of the Rif mountains. Enjoy an orientation walk on arrival.
Travel to Chefchaouen, the blue city of Morocco. En route, stop in Morocco's capital, Rabat to explore.
Meals: B
Day 3: Chefchaouen
Take in the view from the mountains by pre-booking the Rif Valley Mountains Hike. At sunset, opt to visit the Spanish Mosque for a stunning panoramic view of the city.
Enjoy a free day in Chefchaouen to explore. The city, whitewashed in different shades of blue, is spectacular on its own but with the surrounding mountains, it's a sight to behold.
Meals: B
Day 4: Chefchaouen/Fès
Opt to visit the imperial city of Meknes by pre-booking the Meknes City Tour when booking your tour.
Travel to Fes. Enjoy free time to see the Belghazi Museum, visit a Berber pharmacy, or take in the many colours of an ancient tannery.
Meals: B
Day 5: Fès
In the evening, opt for dinner in a converted riad complete with local specialties, music, and belly dancing.
Enjoy another free day in Fes. Explore the artisan quarters, sample treats from the carts, and view Fès' famous leather tannery from above.
Only certified local guides are allowed to act as guides in the medina, so your CEO cannot go with you to the medina during free time.
Only certified local guides are allowed to act as guides in the medina, so your CEO cannot go with you to the medina during free time.
Meals: B
Day 6: Fès/Marrakech
Travel across Morocco to the bustling city of Marrakech, and enjoy an evening exploring this fascinating city.
Meals: B
Day 7: Marrakech
A great place to start is Djemaa el Fna square, in the heart of the medina. The square changes its offerings throughout the day. Do some souvenir shopping or wander the new part of the city for a taste of the modern.
Enjoy a free day to explore all that Marrakech has to offer. In the evening, welcome new friends to the group and join your CEO for a night on the town.
Meals: B
Day 8: Marrakech/Todra Gorge
Make the first stop of the day at Tinghir to visit the town and go for a walk through the palm groves. Then head to the breathtaking Todra Gorge to spend the night nestled between the sheer cliff walls among the palm trees and gurgling river. This serene spot is great for hiking, relaxing on the edge of the river or sampling some local Berber delicacies.
Head towards the stunning Todra Gorge.
Meals: B
Day 9: Todra Gorge/Merzouga
Settle into your hotel at the edge of the dunes and enjoy a warm welcome with mint tea. In the late afternoon, take a camel ride deep into the dunes to watch the sunset. Learn to tie a turban to keep the desert sun off your face and add a little flare to photos.
In the evening, gather around a campfire near to your hotel to indulge in a traditional dinner under the stars. Listen to stories about life in this region and, perhaps, some traditional music on the drums.
In the evening, gather around a campfire near to your hotel to indulge in a traditional dinner under the stars. Listen to stories about life in this region and, perhaps, some traditional music on the drums.
Travel towards the desert and embark on a camel ride into the dunes to watch the sunset. Head back to the hotel and enjoy an evening of dinner and entertainment under the stars.
Enjoy traditional local fare of a tagine with beef and vegetables. (Vegetarian option also available.)
Meals: B, D
Day 10: Merzouga/Aït Ben Haddou
Rise early to watch the sunrise. Depart early and travel along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs to Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most fascinating and beautiful kasbahs renowned UNESCO world heritage site.
Leave the desert behind and get lost exploring the famous kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou.
Meals: B
Day 11: Ait Benhaddou/Aroumd
Travel through the magnificent High Atlas Mountain landscape, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2260m. Head into the splendid Toubkal National Park, passing through small villages on winding mountain roads, arriving at the village of Imlil.
With our main luggage transported by mule, embark on the hike from Imlil to the little village of Aroumd (1 hr), arriving at our simple mountain gîte for the night.
Enjoy a homemade dinner of local produce in the cozy salon. Settle in and enjoy the tranquility, fantastic views, and clean mountain air of this magical region.
With our main luggage transported by mule, embark on the hike from Imlil to the little village of Aroumd (1 hr), arriving at our simple mountain gîte for the night.
Enjoy a homemade dinner of local produce in the cozy salon. Settle in and enjoy the tranquility, fantastic views, and clean mountain air of this magical region.
Head towards the Atlas Mountains. Enjoy a hike to the village of Aroumd, at the base of the High Atlas Mountains. Let a mule carry the bags up to this mountain hideaway and hike alongside. Enjoy views of the Mt Toubkal from the mountain gite before a home-cooked dinner.
Accommodation is multi-share, up to six beds in each room. Bedding is provided, but you will need to bring a sleeping bag for additional warmth if travelling between November and April. You will also need to bring your own towel. Bathroom facilities are shared.
Meals: B, D
Day 12: Aroumd/Marrakech
Journey to Marrakech. After arriving in the "Red City,"opt to discover the secrets of this amazing, ancient city. Relax at one of the tea houses around the square, watching the hustle and bustle from a shady spot. Opt to visit Musée de Marrakech, explore the ruins of El Badi Palace or wander through Jardins Majorelle.
End the day like a local with an optional group dinner in the famous food stalls of Djemaa el Fna.
End the day like a local with an optional group dinner in the famous food stalls of Djemaa el Fna.
Hike back to Imlil and transfer to Marrakech.
Meals: B
Day 13: Marrakech
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Marrakech Your Big Night Out Moment: Marrakech Your Local Living Moment: Mountain Gîte Stay with Traditional Moroccan Meal, Aroumd (Aremd)
- Enjoy free time in Rabat
- Explore the blue city of Chefchaouen
- Visit the medina and souks of Fès
- Tinghir orientation walk
- Local village walk along the Todra Valley
- Sunset camel ride in the desert
- Traditional dinner and drums under the stars
- Aït Ben Haddou kasbah tour
- Hike in the Atlas Mountains
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private air-con van, Camel -
Accommodation
Simple hotels (11 nts), Mountain gite (1 nt, multi-share)