On arrival at Casablanca International Airport (CMN), you will be met and transferred to Grand Mogador City Center Hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the day is at your leisure.
In the afternoon, join your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a welcome meeting in the hotel lobby. Tonight, you will be given the option to dine on exotic and delicious Moroccan cuisine at an optional group dinner (surcharges apply, approx. EUR25-40 per person excluding drinks. Payable on the night).
Optional Activity:
- Group dinner (between EUR25-40 per person excluding drinks. Payable on the night).
After breakfast, visit Mechouar — a small urban municipality of ramparts and walls surrounding the Royal Palace in Casablanca — before driving northeast along the picturesque North Atlantic coastline to Rabat.
Here, unfold the charm of the imperial capital city on a guided walking tour, visiting the kasbah overlooking the Bou Regreg river, Mausoleum of Mohammed V and Hassan II Tower. Dive deep into the history of this amber-washed landscape at the exceptionally well-preserved Roman ruins of Volubilis and admire the classic beauty of Meknes depicted at Bab Mansour Gate, before visiting the holy town of Moulay Idriss.
Afterwards, traverse the countryside to the labyrinth of souks in Fez, just in time for dinner at Palais Medina & Spa Hotel.
Much of today will be spent discovering Fez. Unearth the unforgettable cultural highlights on and off the beaten track during a walking tour, before soaking in marvellous sights including the Bab Bou Jeloud Gate, Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, Quaraouiyine Mosque, Najjarine Square and spice market. This evening, savour dinner at Palais Medina & Spa Hotel before enjoying time at leisure.
This morning, you will bid farewell to Fez as you transfer to Erfoud.
Cross into the desert on a rewarding drive via the montane cedar woods of the middle Atlas Mountains. En route, be sure to soak in stunning scenery before arriving at an authentic kasbah-hotel.
Rise early for an unforgettable sunrise experience on camelback in the golden sand dunes. After breakfast, experience an off-road adventure like no other on a 4X4 safari.
Later, depart to explore the small city of Rissani, on the edge of the Sahara. Here, learn about the founding father of the Alaouite dynasty and the current Moroccan royal family at the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, before visiting the breathtaking natural beauty of Todgha Gorge.
Upon arrival to Ouarzazate, dinner is served at Le Berbère Palace.
Unearth the 16th-century Aït Benhaddou this morning, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and almost 1,000-year-old ksar that is now an iconic Hollywood set. This spectacular ksar has served as the backdrop for more than 15 productions, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
Roam the town with your local guide and hike to the top for a spectacular panoramic view. Then, enjoy homemade tea with a local family for a taste of real Moroccan culture and hospitality.
Afterwards, ascend through the scenic Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass before arriving in Marrakesh in the late afternoon. Tonight, join your group at the Fantasia Moroccan Dinner and Cultural Show. Settle inside a cushion-strewn Berber tent and enjoy a succulent Moroccan dinner serenaded by exotic singers, musicians, dancers and acrobats.
Your day begins with a guided walking tour of Marrakesh, covering the iconic Koutoubia Mosque — home to the minaret, which has become a symbol of the city — the Saadian Tombs and other cultural sights.
In the afternoon, launch your own cultural expedition into the labyrinth-like bazaars and imperial gardens around Jemaa el-Fna Square. A carnival of snake charmers, soothsayers, acrobats and conjurers, musicians and dizzyingly diverse Moroccan cuisine, this main square hasn’t stopped bustling since its creation in the 11th century. Be sure to have practised your haggling skills in advance!
After breakfast, drive west towards the welcoming Atlantic Ocean and the heart-warming coastal beach town of Essaouira, renowned for its surf, palm-lined avenues surrounding the fortified medina and atmospheric fishing port.
En route, visit an argan oil cooperative in one of the only argan oil-producing regions in the world.
Continue to Essaouira. Also known as Mogador, the modern city of Essaouira was not constructed until the late 18th century by Mohammed III. French and Arab influences shine through in this medina’s architecture. Essaouira played a major role in maritime trade, bridging Sub-Saharan Africa with Europe. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy free time to explore the city on your own before dinner with the group.
Returning to Casablanca via a coastal route through fields of argan trees, take a tour of the city including the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque, United Nations Square, Anfa residential quarter and a short visit to the medina. This evening, watch a stunning sunset over the ocean at Rick’s Café — a restaurant, bar and café inspired by the bar made famous by the movie Casablanca and enjoy the option for dinner here. Dinner will be included back at the hotel.
Enjoy one last breakfast with newfound friends, as your 10-day tour comes to an end with a transfer to Casablanca International Airport (CMN) today.