Arrival and Casablanca

Casablanca-Settat - Welcome to the west coast of Morocco! Discover Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco, known for its modernity and significant French influence. This architectural gem invites you to visit the renowned Hassan II Mosque and marvel at its stunning craftsmanship. Perched on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Hassan II Mosque can accommodate 25,000 worshippers inside, with space for an additional 80,000 in its courtyard. Uniquely, it is one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Delight in the intricate marble work, wood and stone carvings, and gilded cedar ceilings.

Explore Parc de la Ligue Arabe and visit the Casablanca Cathedral (no longer in use) to appreciate mid-19th-century Mauresque architecture, a blend of European art deco and Moorish style. Wander through the Old Medina, the only part of the city predating the French protectorate, before exploring the Hobous, or new medina.

To Rabat and Chefchaouen

Rabat - Head north to the first imperial city and the current capital, Rabat, a vibrant city rich in history. Discover the medieval fortification of the Chellah Necropolis in the heart of Rabat, exploring its Roman and Islamic ruins. Find the Kasbah Des Oudaias, a grand entrance to Rabat’s original city center, and stroll through the serene white and blue-washed streets. Visit the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens before exploring the Hassan Tower, a minaret of the unfinished mosque and Mausoleum of Mohamed V, a 12th-century project abandoned shortly after construction.

Chefchaouen - Continue northward, observing the landscape transition from flat plains and rolling hills to the rugged terrain of the Rif Mountains. Known as the “Blue City,” Chefchaouen features narrow, winding streets and blue-hued buildings, offering a relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals. Spend time in the compact medina along the northern hillside and enjoy a meal in Plaza Outa el Hammam before touring the kasbah (old fortification). As the day ends, head to the Spanish Mosque for a final view over Chefchaouen as the sun sets behind the mountains.

Roman Ruins of Volubilis and Imperial Cities of Meknes and Fes

Meknes - Start early to capture unobstructed photos before heading to the Roman city of Volubilis. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Volubilis boasts Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins. Explore the expansive complex, discovering the intact columns of former buildings, large merchant homes, temples, and colorful mosaics, including the Labors of Hercules.

Continue south to the second imperial city, Meknes. Spend some time exploring Ville Impériale (Imperial City) and the medina. Don’t miss the grand Bab al-Mansour gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.

Fes - Proceed eastward to Fes, the third imperial city. With its impressively large (and somewhat confusing) old medina, Fes is a city worth getting lost in. Before venturing into the medina on foot (the largest urban car-free zone in the world), drive uphill to the ruins of the Merenid Tombs for a panoramic view of the medieval city. Alternatively, visit the Mellah (old Jewish quarter and cemetery) in Fes el Jdid for another perspective. Return to your traditional riad for a warm meal.

Fes: Exploring the Imperial City and Medieval Medina

Fes el-Bali - Fes is the oldest of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities and perhaps the most fascinating to explore. It boasts the most complete medina in the Arab world, relatively unchanged since its founding over 1000 years ago. Often regarded as the country’s cultural capital, it comprises three parts: two medina quarters, Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid, and the more modern, French colonial-influenced Ville Nouvelle. Meet your guide and spend half a day learning about the history and culture as you navigate the narrow streets of the medinas.

Begin in Fes el Bali at the Bab Boujeloud gate and enter the main thoroughfare of Talâa Kebira. Observe the Spanish and Tunisian influenced architecture as you pass by shops and souks (markets). One of the most unique sights in the old Medina is the tanneries, with Chouara Tannery being a notable example.

Into the Desert: Erfoud, Merzouga, and the Sahara

Merzouga - Cover a lot of ground today as you journey south toward your final destination outside the desert town of Merzouga. Ascend the Middle Atlas mountains through fragrant cedar forests and over the Col du Zad pass. Pause in the “Apple City” of Midelt—known for its fruit orchards—and enjoy lunch near the Moulouya River. Continue to the palm forests of the Ziz Valley via the Tizi n’Talremt pass, noting the many fortified ksars merchants built to protect and store their precious goods (gold, salt, and spices).

Arrive in Erfoud, renowned for dates and fossils, and visit a local artisan collective to learn about the types of fossils found in the area. Head toward the sea of sand of Erg Chebbi, where some dunes reach over 600 feet tall (183 m). In Merzouga, meet your camel and embark on a trek to your evening’s accommodation: a Bedouin-style tent.

Desert Adventures Around Merzouga, Rissani Market, Todra Gorge

Merzouga - Rise early to witness the sunrise before preparing for sandboarding. You can also opt for an ATV tour or the Erg Shibbi (sand dune) tour. Alternatively, relax by the pool in Merzouga if you prefer.

Leave the dunes behind and explore the traditional Saharan village of Khemliya—its people originally from Mali. Experience traditional music, drumming, and dancing before taking a leisurely walk around the village and its farmed plots in the sand. From there, visit the market town of Rissani to explore the live animal auction and nearby ‘donkey parking lot’. Continue west to Tinerhir and admire the extensive stretch of oasis and the community of buildings that follow the greenery. Stop at the Todra Gorge and descend to the water’s edge to relax in the refreshing water of the Todra River.

Dades Valley, Ouarzazate, and Aït Benhaddou Kasbah

Ouarzazate - Travel along the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs to Morocco’s most famous kasbah, Aït Benhaddou. Pass through the Dades Valley and Boumalne Dades. Stop in Kela’a M’gouna to admire the cultivated rose bushes. Visit a rose collective to see the process of converting rose petals into rose water and oil. Continue west to stop in Ouarzazate and discover how its nearby regions have been featured in movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Black Hawk Down. Join a movie studio tour and visit the Musée du Cinema to learn more about the filmmaking process and history of the area.

Ait Ben Haddou - Travel to nearby Aït Benhaddou. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the old ksar dates from the 11th century when it held an important position along the trans-Saharan trade route. Settle into your accommodation in the old town, before wandering the near-empty alleys and passageways in the late afternoon. Climb up to the old Granary—an excellent vantage point to see the kasbah and surrounding area. Game of Thrones fans may want to trek down to the river to see the gates featured in the popular HBO series. Long after the day crowds have left, enjoy a quiet dinner overlooking the valley.

Tizi n’Tichka Pass over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech

High Atlas Mountains - Leave Aït Benhaddou behind to begin the ascent over the High Atlas mountains. Spot Mount Toubkal, the mountain range’s highest peak, at 13,671 feet (4,167 m). Near the top, stretch your legs for a great panoramic view of the mountains. Stop in Taddert to visit an Argan Oil Cooperative and learn, as well as sample, how the argan nut and fruit are processed for various uses. As you descend the High Atlas, you will notice a dramatic change in the climate and landscape. Soon you will be a part of the noise and clamor of Marrakech.

Marrakech - After a long day on the road, settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon as you like. In the early evening, the main square—and busiest square in all of Africa—Jemaa el-Fna, comes alive with musicians, performers, snake charmers, games, and food stalls, a catch-all of entertainment! If you want to enjoy the spectacle from a distance, choose one of the many cafés surrounding the square and enjoy a cup of mint tea and a meal. From there, take an evening stroll to admire the floodlit Koutoubia Mosque—the minaret influenced the Hassan Tower in Rabat.

Marrakech: Exploring the Red City

Marrakech - Nicknamed the “Red City” for its red sandstone walls and buildings, Marrakech was once an important trading capital for Atlas mountain tribes and remains an exciting former imperial city. Begin exploring Marrakech’s ancient medina, starting with discovering the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens in the daylight. Though the mosque cannot be entered by non-Muslims, it’s worth checking out its 12th-century foundations and 253 feet (77 m) minaret. Visit the fountains and pools in the adjoining garden.

Indulge your senses as you explore the complicated labyrinth of souks, tucked behind ordinary restaurants and shops. Check out Souk el Attarin, Souk Chouari, and Souk Smata for a selection of spices, woodwork, and babouche (traditional Moroccan slippers). Visit Souk des Teinturiers or the dyers’ souk to see how cloth and yarn are dyed using traditional methods. Next, admire the fine example of Moroccan Islamic architecture of the Ben Youssef Madrasa.

Hiking around Amizmiz and the High Atlas Mountains

Amizmiz - Today you will venture south of Marrakech to the small town of Amizmiz in the foothills of the High Atlas mountains (about one hour south). Spend time exploring the modest market in the old town before joining your mountain guide to trek the narrow roads and mule paths in the surrounding hills. Hike between small Berber villages and observe the local farmers and shepherds as they tend to their animals and the landscape. You may even see children on their way to or from school, which are typically shared between a few nearby villages.

Stop and enjoy lunch with a local family and gain insight into their daily lives as you learn how to make homemade bread. Continue your hike into the afternoon before returning to another local Berber home where you will be welcomed for dinner and provided with a room to retire for the evening.

Amizmiz back to Marrakech

Marrakech - Have breakfast with your hosts before saying goodbye and heading out on the trail. Continue to explore the local scenery and other nearby towns before returning to Marrakech.

Upon arriving in Marrakech, explore the kasbah area south of Jemaa el-Fna and check out the Saadian Tombs and discover the 500-year-old craftsmanship that went into its construction. Visit the sunken gardens of the 17th-century El Badi Palace as you work your way through the mellah and to the 19th-century Bahia Palace. If there’s time, you may wish to check out the Dar Di Said Museum (also known as the Museum of Moroccan Arts) to see exhibits of clothing, antiques, jewelry, and beautifully carved Hispano-Moorish decorations of carved cedar wood.

Return to Casablanca & Departure

Marrakech - Rise early and complete any last-minute gift and souvenir shopping before finding the 12th-century Almoravid Koubba. The only surviving Almoravid monument, the Koubba was rediscovered in 1948.

Casablanca - Transfer to Casablanca. Depending on your departure details, you may wish to stroll along the Boulevard de la Corniche to Rick’s Café, a bar, restaurant, and café influenced by the movie classic, Casablanca, and grab a bite to eat before your return flight home.

• Camel ride/Sandboarding
• Luxury Camp with private toilet and shower
• Dinner
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast
• 11-Nights Accommodations

• Tips
• Lunches

Discover the vibrant cities and stunning desert landscapes of Morocco on this comprehensive 12-day tour. Start and finish in the contemporary city of Casablanca, journeying through the imperial cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech, along with the charming hillside town of Chefchaouen. Experience a trek into the Sahara, enjoy camping beneath the stars, explore desert towns and kasbahs, and hike the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.