Morocco will surprise you with its variety from the high Atlas Mountains, to deep Todra Gorge and Sahara Desert.
It's ancient Medinas and Kasbahs and famous cities like Marrakech, Fez and Casablanca as well as the Roman city of Volubilis provides a never ending trail of excitement and places to explore. After a relaxing stay by the beach in Essouaira, join a local surf school and learn to ride the waves!
Areas Visited: Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Fes, Sahara, Todra Gorge, Essaouira, Taghazout
Day 1
Marrakech - Your Morocco travel adventure begins with you being met at Marrakech airport and transferred to your hotel. Be sure to arrive in time for the pre-departure meeting in the hotel at 18.00pm. After the meeting we include dinner.
Day 2
Rabat and Casablanca - Your trip starts with a drive to Casablanca, made famous by Humphrey Bogart in the film "Casablanca". We visit the stunning Hassan 2 mosque, which has the tallest minaret in the world and can hold 25,000 worshippers at one time. In the afternoon we head straight to Rabat to enjoy the evening atmosphere of Morocco's capital city.
Day 3
Meknes- We spend the morning in Rabat and have some time to visit Oudaia Kasbah, Hasssan tower, the Royal palace and Chellah. Then we move on to the more laid back city of Meknes where you get to enjoy some free time.
Day 4
Chefchaouen & Volubilis - In the morning we take a tour of the Roman ruins at Volubilis, the largest ancient site of Morocco. UNESCO-listed, the site dates back to AD40 and once ruled the entire Roman province of Mauritania. We then travel on to explore Chefchaouen, a haven of peace and tranquillity. High up in the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen is a beautiful blue door and white-walled medina that was originally a Berber post. The main square is the heart of Chefchaouen, with the Kasbah (built back in the 18th century), central mosque and cafes with great local food. You can explore the busy market in a relaxed atmosphere.
Days 5 to 6
Fes -After a free morning and lunch in Chefchaouen we will move onto the hustle and bustle of Fes, the oldest and largest medieval city in the world. Its medina is a heady mix of aromas, sounds and sights and we include a local guide to navigate us around the souk and city and learn about the history of this fascinating city. There is a lot to do and visit including plenty of mosques and palaces, but be aware that only Muslims can enter Mosques in Morocco. After day 6 exploring dye-pits, tanneries and restaurants, we return to our hotel to get ready for an optional night of Moroccan entertainment and food at a restaurant in town. (Full day city tour included).
Day 7
Midelt- This morning we journey over the Moyen Atlas and overnight at the mountainous location of Midelt. A small town that consists of little more than one main street, most tourists would not stop here but this is a beautiful alpine area surrounded by huge pine trees and a great place for hiking the tranquil surroundings. Midelt is also a good place for carpet shopping with a small friendly population. After our afternoon hike we enjoy a relaxing evening in this mountain location.
Day 8
Sahara Berber Camp- Today we enjoy a stunning drive into the Sahara Desert where you are rewarded by a fantastic Moroccan lunch, after which you can spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming. Then we will head towards the desert and Merzouga. Here we can experience a camel ride where we trek into the desert for a night at our Berber Camp. In the evening there is plenty of local food to enjoy also the opportunity to listen to local music and a night out under the incredible Sahara night sky filled with stars.
Day 9
Todra Gorge - Today is spent exploring Todra Gorge, from its plunging depths to its 1000 foot high cliffs. You have the opportunity to discover the charm of Todra on your trek or go for optional Rock Climbing. You can witness its changing colours as the sun slowly moves from east to west. Or alternatively, you could choose just to chill out for the day.
Day 10
Aït Benhaddou - Today our journey takes us through Ouarzazate, where you have the chance for an optional tour of the Film Studios. We then drive on to Aït Benhaddou, a 'fortified city', situated along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. It is situated on a hill along the Ouarzazate River and boasts some beautiful examples of kasbahs, some of which remain inhabited. Granted UNESCO World Heritage listing, the site had been the setting for many films including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Here we also include a guided tour of the main Kasbah.
Days 11 to 12
Essaouira- Today we drive to Essaouira and the Atlantic Coast. We pass some stunning mountain scenery before arriving at a colourful fishing town situated within 15th century Portuguese fortifications. With fantastic beaches and great surf you will have enough free time to go surfing, wind surfing or kayaking or just relax on the beach or alternatively explore the UNESCO-listed medina with its various souks and woodcarving workshops. The beach is in front of the Medina and there are cafés with terraces where you can relax while drinking mint tea and watch Moroccan life go by. There is also optional horse trekking, quad biking available.
Days 13 to 14
Marrakech - Glowing red, like a welcoming campfire, against the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, the name Marrakech conjures up images of an exotic city, of magic carpets, snake charmers and spices brought in by camel trains. Set within the rose-coloured walls of the medina lies a reality that is not that far removed from an exotic film set - a tangle of winding streets that open onto verdant gardens and dark alleyways that lead to bustling souks. You can explore the central square, the Djemâa-el-Fna, an extraordinary gathering and market place. It is full of colour, spicy aromas and traders. It is worth going to the market place in the evening when overflowing with food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians and henna artists. Towering over all this is the Koutoubia mosque, the tallest building in the city, and a reminder of the importance of Islam to the lives of the city's residents. Try a traditional hammam, a steam bath followed by an exfoliating massage - it's the ideal end to the trip.
Day 15
Marrakech to Taghazout - After breakfast in Marrakech, you will be escorted to the bus station by your guide, where he will help you onto the bus to Agadir. You will be met at Agadir bus station and transported to Taghazout. After lunch in Taghazout, you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon having a professional surf session. It's not as easy as it looks!
Day 16
Taghazout - After breakfast on the camp terrace, you’ll have an action-packed day of surfing, including another surf lesson in the afternoon.
Day 17
Taghazout to Marrakech - Your last morning is at leisure so you could choose to chill out at the beach. Alternatively the optional activities on offer are to book an extra surf lesson or go horse riding. Then you’ll take the bus back to Marrakech and spend your last night in the city!
Day 18
Marrakech - The tour ends after breakfast, and you can spend the last few hours soaking up the rich Marrakech culture before hotel checkout at midday.
Trip Price: £1099.00
