Destinations: Marrakech, Fes, Bine el Ouidane, Casablanca, Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Meknès, Ouzoud
Destinations: Agafay
Let Morocco’s aromatic souks, culinary tradition and vibrant spices feed your appetite for adventure. Indulge in the freshest seafood at Casablanca’s buzzing bazaars and fish markets, discover the art of goat cheese-making in the ‘blue pearl’ Chefchaouen and taste the drops born of Morocco’s acclaimed wineries in Meknes. Experience a Berber tea ceremony in the Atlas Mountains, and rejuvenate at a hammam in Marrakech.
Along the way, delve into Moroccan cuisine with hands-on cooking classes guided by expert chefs. Enjoy private airport transfers, tours of Morocco’s most lively cities and five-star stays, including a revamped fortress by stunning Lake Ouidane.
Under the watch of your tour director, wander the alleys of UNESCO World Heritage-listed medinas in Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech and stand before the immensity of Hassan II Mosque. With each destination a feast for the senses, you’ll take home the ultimate souvenir – the many memorable flavours of Morocco.
Destinations: Marrakech, Fes, Bine el Ouidane, Casablanca, Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Meknès, Ouzoud
Destinations: Agafay
Welcome to Morocco! Located on the northern Atlantic coast of Africa, this colourful country is brimming with Mediterranean influence. Full of well-preserved history, Morocco is famous for its ancient cities, ornate palaces and places of worship and labyrinthine markets.
Though often associated with its desert expanse, Morocco is in fact a haven of verdant green landscapes, rugged mountainous ranges, fertile valleys and beautiful beaches – as well as some of the most fresh and fragrant cuisine you’ll find the world over.
Upon arrival to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), you’ll be greeted by a private concierge, who will assist you with your bags and immigration before transporting you to your accommodation. After check-in, relax with a refreshing welcome cocktail while your guide briefs you on your upcoming journey.
Later this evening, join your fellow travellers and tour director for a dinner at popular traditional restaurant, Dar Dada.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore Morocco’s economic and industrial capital. With paths lined by palms and the Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop, Casablanca is a bustling metropolis with both modern infrastructure and beautifully preserved colonial architecture.
Take in the unique blend of old and new as you visit the city’s most prominent landmarks, such as the Hassan II Mosque, one of Africa’s largest mosques, set on an outcrop over the ocean. Built by King Hassan II, this architectural masterpiece was carved by hand out of stone, wood and marble, and is characterised by its 210-metre-tall minaret.
Continue on through city streets, stopping by one of the most famous urban markets, Marché Central. Round off your morning at the fish market, where fresh seafood fills iced stalls in abundance. Take your pick of the fare and wait as it is prepared for you at a nearby restaurant, where you’ll sit down for a midday meal.
Afterward, set out for Tetouan (approximately a four-hour drive). Check in at the opulent seaside St. Regis La Bahia Blanca Resort in Tamuda Bay and enjoy the rest of the day enjoying the blissful atmosphere.
Following a fuelling breakfast, set out to explore Tetouan. This city has been dubbed the ‘white dove’ of Morocco for its sweewping hills, winged with white houses. It’s also beloved for its central UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina and its Spanish Quarter, which divides the city’s older and newer districts.
Depart for Chefchaouen (approximately a one-hour drive), the Rif Mountains town known for its striking, blue-washed buildings and picturesque medina. Weave through the narrow and winding cobbled streets lined with tanneries, weaving workshops and a number of historical monuments. Then, visit the red-walled casbah at Uta el Hammam, a 15th-century fortress.
You’ll also stop by one of the town’s cheese shops to sample a selection of locally made goat cheeses, learning about different varieties and their production process. Guided by an expert, taste creamy young chevre, complex aged wheels and more, all paired with a selection of complimentary breads, dried fruits and honey.
If time permits, your guide may take you to the Spanish Mosque, an excellent lookout point to see Chefchaouen’s picturesque blues from above.
Return to your opulent Tetouan hotel, and enjoy a restful afternoon at your leisure.
Check out of your hotel after breakfast, then meet with your guide to depart for the imperial city of Meknes (approsimately 4.5 hours south). Upon arrival, you’ll make a stop at the acclaimed Les Celliers de Meknes, one of the city’s most well-known wineries before continuing on to explore this heritage marvel.
Delve into the fascinating history of Meknes, beginning at the Bab Mansour, a monumental gate admired for its intricate decoration. Then, see the final resting place of Mouley Ismail, Morocco’s longest-reining sultan. As the mausoleum is one of few spiritual places within Morocco with areas open to the public, seize the opportunity to admire this representation of intricate Islamic design.
At Meknes’ central square, Place el Hedim, observe the bustling street markets, making sure to enjoy some traditional Moroccan street food for lunch.
In the afternoon, drive onward another hour to your hotel in Fes for check-in.
Today marks the beginning of your exploration of Morocco’s cultural (and former) capital, Fes. Home to some of the country’s most revered mosques such as the Karaouine Mosque and the shrine of Zaouia Moulay Idriss II, Fes is also commonly regarded as the spiritual seat of Morocco.
Begin the day with a visit to the media, where your guide will introduce you to the unique flavours, ingredients and tradition central to Moroccan cuisine. Then, visit a family-owned riad (a traditional home) and join the staff of a local restaurant as you try your hand at crafting popular Moroccan delicacies. Learn the secrets of the trade and delight in the fruits of your labour, including a salad, main meal and dessert, and a digestif of celebratory Moroccan tea.
After lunch, return to the city’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina and navigate its narrow and winding paths, marvelling at the traditional architecture as you take in its vibrant atmosphere. The 13th-century Old Town is Morocco’s largest. You’ll make a stop at one of the world’s oldest universities, the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, and Bou Inania Madrasa, the only Islamic learning centre in Morocco.
Begin today with a walking tour of Fes’ street food stalls. Allow the sweet, spicy and savoury scents in the air to guide you down narrow alleys and discover a new favourite. You may like to try a Moroccan ‘baghir’ pancake, ‘mlawi’ flat bread, or ‘harcha’ semolina crepe. Indulge in a sweet pastry alongside refreshing mint tea, as well as hearty ‘bissara’ bean soup, olives, goat cheese and more.
Continue into the afternoon, as you wander past a number of artisanal workshops showcasing various crafts, spices and textiles. Observe traditional leather tanning at the Chouara Tannery and learn about the craft, then explore the Mellah to learn about Fes’ Jewish heritage.
In the evening, return to your hotel to unwind.
Following breakfast, depart for Bin El Ouidane as your driver spends the day navigating the beautiful landscapes of the Atlas Mountains. Pass Ifrane, a charming town with alpine architecture that has been dubbed the ‘Switzerland of Morocco’. Drive through the whispering cedar forests of Azrou, home to a small population of Barbary macaques.
After a nearly six-hour drive in total through the scenic valleys and winding country roads, reach the village of Bin El Ouidane, nestled between the snow-capped peaks of the Middle Atlas mountain range. Watch the sun disappear behind the mountains as it casts a glow atop the Lake of Ouidane from the comfort of your luxurious accommodation in the heart of Berber country.
Once you’ve had a chance to settle in, join the group for a selection of appetisers showcasing the depth of Moroccan cuisine as you take in panoramic views of the lake, followed by dinner at one of the resort’s own restaurants.
Today, you’ll learn about the traditional Berber cuisine of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Depart for the local market after breakfast, where you’ll explore the vibrant colours and aromas of the freshest local ingredients alongside the expert chefs of Widiane Resort.
Back at the resort’s kitchen, learn the secrets of Moroccan cooking as you prepare a meal in a traditional tagine. With the chefs’ guidance, you’ll walk through the process step-by-step, then savour the flavours of your work, with the recipes you’ve learned your ultimate souvenir to share with friends and family back home.
In the afternoon, you may wish to explore the resort’s beautiful natural surroundings during an optional outdoor activity like kayaking, paddleboarding or a boat tour across the lake.
Come evening, you’ll be treated to dinner at the resort, before enjoying the rest of the night as you wish.
Depart Bin El Ouidane this morning, stopping at the home of a Berber family. This Indigenous group have long preserved their unique traditions and identity, secluded in the remote and mountainous regions of Morocco for thousands of years. Experience their warm hospitality during a traditional tea ceremony accompanied by beldi bread, honey and dried fruits.
Afterward, continue to the cascading Ouzoud Falls where you’ll stop for a tagine lunch. Depending on the time of year, the waterfall terraces are a rich ochre red, staining the waters that flow between them, or flanked in verdant vegetation.
Passing terraced plains and more tiny villages, make your way to an argan oil manufacturing facility. Witness the practice of processing and pressing oil from argan seeds, a uniquely Moroccan treasure used for both cosmetic and culinary purposes. You’ll also learn about the importance of the practice for women in the region.
Descend from the mountains toward bustling Marrakech (an approximately 2.5-hour drive). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel, then step out on your own into the forgiving coolness of evening to explore the energetic sights and sounds of the medina and the city’s most famous landmarks.
Today, get to know the ‘Red City’ in depth, beginning with a visit to the beautiful Majorelle Gardens of Yves Saint Laurent. Wander the impeccable grounds and relish in this serene oasis in the middle of the bustling city.
At its centre, find the cobalt blue Art Deco studio which houses the Musée Berbère, displaying a snapshot of Morocco’s Indigenous generations through some 600 artifacts. Learn the stories of the gardens’ former owner and French painter Jaques Majorelle, whose artistic legacy lives on in the gardens’ preserveation of hundreds of plants and the museum.
Next, it’s time to dive into the heart of the medina to embark on another gastronomic adventure. As you navigate the labyrinth, sample a collection of Moroccan delicacies from freshly baked bread to sweet pastries and fragrant spices.
Then, head south of the souks to the 19th-century Bahia Palace, once home to sultans and the French governante in Morocco. Its complex of rooms and gardens is filled with intricate tiling, an impressive example of the country’s appreciation of fine architecture. Trace the colourful mosaics and carved stucco designs as you make your way through the former royal residence.
Take the rest of the day to appreciate the comforts of your accommodation or perhaps enjoy another wander through the medina.
Following a delicious breakfast at your hotel, take another deep dive into the culinary tradition of Morocco led by skilled local chefs in a cooking class.
Begin with a visit to the souks for fresh local ingredients. Then, at a nearby riad, you’ll be guided through the preparation of traditional couscous dishes using age-old techniques and family recipes. As you sit down to lunch, learn about communal dining in Moroccan culture within the serene courtyard or magnificent dining hall of La Maison Arabe.
After lunch, discover the luxurious rituals of an authentic hammam, the traditional public steam bathhouse ritual prominent in Moroccan and Turkish cultures, at elegant Hammam de la Rose (or similar) just outside the medina. Delight in a ‘detox cocktail’ before you partake in a traditional bath (30-minutes) which includes a black soap wrap with indulgent essential oils, an exfoliating scrub, a moisturising treatment for the hands and feet and finally, a relaxing massage with a choice of verbena and jasmine oil, argan oil exfoliant, rosemary oil toner or calming orange blossom essence.
Later, gather for a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.
Bid farewell to Morocco as you take your private transfer to the Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) for your onward journey.
As you weave your way through Morocco’s diverse landscapes, collect the ultimate souvenir – a lasting knowledge of Moroccan culinary tradition. Savour Moroccan wine in fertile Meknes, and breathe in the fragrant aromas of mint tea paired with sweets and breads in Fes’ souks.
Dive into hands-on cooking classes, where you’ll learn to craft traditional Moroccan delicacies like couscous and tagines under the guidance of expert chefs. Sample exquisite goat cheeses in the charming blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen and learn the secrets of this age-old tradition, then visit the vibrant markets of Casablanca and embrace their fresh seafood tradition.
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Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.
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Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.
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Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation
Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation. If you choose to change, change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes’.
For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with the hotel.
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Transfers
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Your tour begins at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) and ends at Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK), with roundtrip airport transfers.
Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. ** If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.**
Please book your flights to arrive at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) by 4pm on Day 1 and depart from Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) at any time on Day 12. For the extended tour, please book your flights to depart from Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) at any time on Day 13.
Roundtrip airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information:
Morocco
Time zone: GMT +01:00
Telephone: +212
Currency: Moroccan dirham
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.
Tipping: 10–20% gratuity is expected in Morocco for service workers in restaurants, hotels, spas, salons and more.
Language: Arabic
Climate: Tropical climate with temperatures reaching as high as 35 degrees and as low as 5 degrees in the Sahara. Summers are dry rather than humid with a cooler climate in the mountains. During winter, the country enjoys an average temperature of 21 degrees.
Dress code: Relaxed but respectful, especially when visiting religious institutions.
Optional experiences