Morocco on a Shoestring
15 days
Duration15 days
In our humble opinion, there’s no better way to spend 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 Fes, Chefchaouen, the coastal hippie mecca of Essaouira, and plenty of souks to shop in and beaches to relax on. After a camel ride passing through endless dunes and a few market barters under your belt, you’ll feel like a local in no time.
This tour is operated by
-
Duration: 15 daysService level: Basic
-
Starts in: CasablancaPhysical Grading: Light
-
Ages: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Casablanca
Start place: 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 (closed Fridays) at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, and 14:00. 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 (closed Fridays) at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, and 14:00. These times are subject to change (particularly around Ramadan), please double check times with your hotel. Tickets can be purchased at the mosque.
End place: Casablanca
Day 2: Casablanca/Tangier
Start place: Casablanca
Travel up the coast to Tangier. Get lost in the winding streets and alleyways of the medina, and take a beachfront stroll. Be sure to sample some Moroccan mint tea.
End place: Tangier
Meals: B
Day 3: Tangier/Chefchaouen
Start place: Tangier
Explore this beautiful mountain town with white-washed buildings and blue accents. Opt to hike the Rif Mountains, take a traditional hammam or visit a local weavers' cooperative.
Meals: B
Day 4: Chefchaouen
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.
Opt to hike in the Rif Mountains, explore the town, try a traditional hammam or visit a local weavers' cooperative.
Day 5: Chefchaouen/Fès
Enjoy free time to shop in the world's largest medina, visit a Berber pharmacy, and take in the many colours of an ancient tannery.
Day 6: Fès
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 7: Fès/Marrakech
Travel across Morocco to the bustling city of Marrakech, and enjoy an evening exploring this fascinating city.
Meals: B
Day 8: 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 9: Marrakech/Nkob
Travel west into the desert, and stop off at Nkob, which is flanked by the Saghrou Mountains.
End place: Nkob
Meals: B
Day 10: Nkob/Merzouga
Start place: Nkob
In late afternoon, set off by camel to a desert camp deep in the dunes. Learn to tie a turban to keep the desert sun off your face and add a little flare to photos.
Enjoy a warm welcome (with mint tea). A traditional dinner under the stars, cooked by our hosts, awaits. In the evening, listen to stories about life in this region and, perhaps, some traditional music on the drums.
Enjoy a warm welcome (with mint tea). A traditional dinner under the stars, cooked by our hosts, awaits. In the evening, listen to stories about life in this region and, perhaps, some traditional music on the drums.
Head off on a camel ride into the dunes. Watch the sun go down from atop the dunes, and spend the night in a Berber camp.
Notes for the Sahara Desert tented camp stay:
There will be a chance to repack and take only overnight bags out to the desert. The accommodations are basic, with four people per tent (though feel free to sleep out under the stars). Bathroom facilities are basic and shared.
Mattresses with sheet and blanket are provided. For winter months (Nov- April), we recommend bringing a sleeping bag for additional warmth.
There will be the chance to shower upon arrival in Merzouga the following morning. Enjoy traditional local fare of a tagine with beef and vegetables at a Berber camp. (Vegetarian option also available.)
There will be a chance to repack and take only overnight bags out to the desert. The accommodations are basic, with four people per tent (though feel free to sleep out under the stars). Bathroom facilities are basic and shared.
Mattresses with sheet and blanket are provided. For winter months (Nov- April), we recommend bringing a sleeping bag for additional warmth.
There will be the chance to shower upon arrival in Merzouga the following morning. Enjoy traditional local fare of a tagine with beef and vegetables at a Berber camp. (Vegetarian option also available.)
End place: Marzouga
Meals: B, D
Day 11: Merzouga/Todra Gorge
Start place: Marzouga
Rise early to get on the trusty camels. Watch the sun rise before returning to Merzouga.
Depart early from the camp. Make the first stop of the day at Tineghir 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.
Depart early from the camp. Make the first stop of the day at Tineghir 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.
Walk through local village farmland near Todra to learn about the local way of life.
End place: Gorges du Todrha
Meals: B
Day 12: Todra Gorge/Ait Benhaddou
Start place: Gorges du Todrha
Travel along the “Route of 1000 Kasbahs” to the thriving town of Ouarzazate for a lunch stop. This town is home to Atlas Film Studios, where many films have been shot over the years, including "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Gladiator."
Continue on to the fascinating and beautiful Aït Ben Haddou, a wonderful example of a kasbah.
Continue on to the fascinating and beautiful Aït Ben Haddou, a wonderful example of a kasbah.
Get lost exploring the kasbah in the Atlas Mountains. Optional Moroccan cooking class.
End place: Ait Boulmane
Meals: B
Day 13: Ait Benhaddou/Essaouira
Start place: Ait Boulmane
Travel to the coast, and take in the laidback vibe of this coastal town on an orientation walk.
End place: Essaouira
Meals: B
Day 14: Essaouira
Start place: Essaouira
In the morning, don't miss the colourful and lively spectacle of the return of the boats to the port, with their baskets full of fish. Afterwards, head up to the ramparts on the old city wall for a great view over the city and out to sea. Browse the shops and art galleries or take a stroll along the long, sandy beach. This is the perfect place to unwind and relax with a cold beer or shisha pipe (waterpipe). The active might choose to take a surfing or windsurfing lesson, hire a fishing rod or just take a long walk on the beach.
In the evening, head to one of the local barbecue fish cafes where you can pick out the catch of the day and have it cooked to perfection for an amazing seafood dinner. Essaouira is also famous for its music scene and offers a great chance to check out a live performance.
In the evening, head to one of the local barbecue fish cafes where you can pick out the catch of the day and have it cooked to perfection for an amazing seafood dinner. Essaouira is also famous for its music scene and offers a great chance to check out a live performance.
Enjoy a free day to explore this funky coastal town.
End place: Essaouira
Meals: B
Day 15: Essaouira/Marrakech
Start place: Essaouira
Continue on to Marrakech where the tour ends upon arrival in the early afternoon.
Please book any onward travel after 4pm.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Discover Moment: Marrakech Your Big Night Out Moment: Marrakech Your Local Living Moment: Overnight at Berber Desert Camp, Sahara Bedouin Camp
- Visit to Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Orientation walk in Essaouira
- Local village farmland walk (Todra)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
-
Transport
Private air-con van, Public bus, Camel -
Accommodation
Simple hotels (13 nts), Tented desert camp (1 nt, multi-share)