Morocco: Sahara & Beyond
15 days
From $ 3199
Duration15 days

The culture of the Berbers in northern Africa dates back as many as 5,000 years. Discover their enduring legacy on this 15-day adventure into Morocco’s rich cultural heritage. Explore the souks and streets of Marrakech and Fès, spend a night in a comfortable tented camp in the Sahara, enjoy dinner with a traditional Berber family, and unwind amid the coastal beauty of Essaouira. Throughout this magical ride, open your eyes to each dazzling place — and earn a new point of view.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 15 days
    Service level: Upgraded
  • Starts in: Casablanca
    Physical Grading: Light
  • Ages: 12+
Morocco: Sahara & Beyond - Tour Map

Itinerary

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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.

In the evening, there will be a brief meeting where you will meet your CEO and fellow group members to go over the details of the tour.
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Meals: D
Day 2: Casablanca/Fès
Meknès is one of the four Imperial cities and its name and fame are closely linked to that of the Moroccan Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made Meknès the centre of his empire and built many of the monuments that remain today.

Continue through the rolling hills to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. Once an important Roman town situated near the westernmost border of Roman conquests, Volubilis was listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.

Continue to Fès to spend the night. Stay in the new city of Fès, built by the French during their Protectorate of Morocco.
Take a guided tour of the imperial city of Meknès. Continue on to the ruins of Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. After seeing 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. We will stop to explore Meknès and Volubilis, and not arrive in Fès until the 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, visit a nearby café where we meet a local expert in Islamic calligraphy for a demonstration on "beautiful writing". A G Adventures-supported traditional lunch
Meals: B, L
Day 4: Fès/Marrakech


Travel to Marrakech. In the evening, experience all the colour and chaos with a visit to the famous Djemaa el Fna square. Watch storytellers and acrobats as you enjoy a simple and delicious local meal at a market food stall.
Meals: B, D
Day 5: Marrakech
Today, take a historical tour of the city, including the Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs. Visit a historic riad for a hands-on cooking class from a master Moroccan chef, and enjoy the lunch that you have prepared.
Meals: B, L
Day 6: Marrakech/Ait Benhaddou

Travel to Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Atlas Mountains, and explore this ancient “Kasbah" (fortress) village.
Meals: B, D
Day 7: Ait Benhaddou/Erg Chigaga
Spend the night in a simple desert camp which provides a peak into traditional desert living. Each tent is outfitted with sheets, pillows, a raised bed, towels, and covers against the desert cold and it has a separated ensuite with simple portable toilette and wash basin. While the accommodation is basic, it is quite comfortable and offers a truly unique experience.
Travel through the Draa Valley to Zagora and venture into the desert on 4x4s. Stop at Tamegroute to visit the library of ancient Islamic texts and local pottery makers. Continue off-road to the great dunes of Erg Chigaga to our comfortable desert camp. Opt to take a camel ride or to climb to the top of the dunes for views of the vast Sahara. Enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Erg Chigaga/Zagora
Cross the desert back to Zagora and enjoy a talk on the history of the Draa region. You’ll also get to visit some of the local historical sites.
Meals: B
Day 9: Zagora/Taroudant
Head towards the Anti-Atlas region to the carpet towns of Tazenakht and Taliouine, where saffron is harvested. Continue to Taroudant for the night.
Meals: B
Day 10: Taroudant
In Taroudant, visit the famed leather tanneries and local markets. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore on your own.
Meals: B
Day 11: Taroudant/Tafraout
Enter the Anti-Atlas region known for its natural rock formations and visit Aït Mansour Gorge and the Painted Rocks. Continue through a palm valley and have lunch in a local village house. After, take a hike through the Chapeau du Napoleon before continuing to Tafaroute for the evening.
Meals: B, L
Day 12: Tafraout/Essaouira
Essaouira is also famous for its music scene and offers a great chance to check out a live performance.
Travel to the Atlantic coast to the port town of Essaouira. Opt to visit a local “hammam” (traditional spa and steam baths).
Meals: B
Day 13: Essaouira
Enjoy a day of leisure in this coastal city. Watch the colourful and lively spectacle of the return of the boats to the port with their baskets full of fish. Pick out the best of the bunch, which we’ll take to a local restaurant to cook up for our lunch. Opt to browse the shops and art galleries or take a stroll along the long, sandy beach. The active might choose to take a surfing or windsurfing lesson, or rent a fishing rod. Want to soothe aching muscles? Pre-book the Traditional Hammam Experience on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour.
Meals: B, L
Day 14: Essaouira/Marrakech
In the afternoon, have free time to further explore the fascinating city of Marrakech and dive into the labyrinthine souks. Visitors and locals alike find everything they desire here, whether it’s spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or famous Moroccan lanterns. The selection is exhaustive. Don’t forget to bargain. It's definitely part of the fun. Once you’ve tired yourself out, relax at one of the tea houses around the square, indulge in the ubiquitous sweet mint tea and watch life go by from a shady spot.
Return to Marrakech and visit the Menara Gardens and the Jardin Majorelle. Enjoy a farewell dinner with the group in Marrakech.

Meals: B, D
Day 15: Marrakech
Depart at any time.
Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Islamic Calligraphy Class, Fès Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Moroccan Foodie Experience, Marrakech Your G for Good Moment: Mhaya Village Community Lunch, Meknès Your Foodie Moment: Djemaa el Fna Market Square Visit, Marrakech
  • 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
  • Guided night walk of Djemaa el Fna square with local meal
  • Marrakech medina walk and spice shop visit
  • Marrakech tour including souks, Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs
  • Visit the ancient kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou
  • Sahara excursion by 4x4 including a visit to the town of Tamegroute
  • Overnight in a comfortable, traditional desert camp with dinner under the stars
  • Explore the Draa region and orientation tour of Zagora
  • Taroudant markets and tanneries visit
  • Aït Mansour Gorge excursion
  • Visit to Tafraoute
  • Explore Essaouira
  • Visit Menara Gardens and the Jardin Majorelle
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Transport

    Private air-con minivan, Walking, 4x4
  • Accommodation

    Hotels (13 nts), Comfortable desert camp (1 nt)

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