Authentic Morocco, it’s in the ancient medinas, labyrinthine souks, Sahara dunes and rippling Atlas peaks… but only if you know where to look. Thankfully, we know just the person. Join your expert tour leader to immerse yourself in the Imperial cities of Marrakech, Rabat and Fez, sleep in the Sahara after a camel trek, and explore dramatic valleys, oases, gorges and mountains. Along the way, you’ll meet local people to hear their stories, witness daily life and enjoy natural beauty on scenic walks. By the end, you’ll know authentic Morocco isn’t just found in the landmarks, it’s something far deeper.
All accommodation: 10 Classic nights (5 hotel, 2 riad, 3 lodge/auberge), 1 Simple night (Sahara camp) - All breakfasts, one lunch and three dinners - Immersive itinerary with all transport (private minibus) and listed activities - Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure - Arrival transfer for any flight, group departure transfer available
Not Included In The Price
Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.
Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Adventure starts in Marrakech
The adventure begins in buzzy Marrakech, a whirlwind of tradition and culture and an invigorating introduction to Morocco.
Around 6pm, say salaam alaikum to your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big Moroccan welcome over dinner.
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Day 2 Explore the souks and central square of Marrakech • Optional evening dance show
Join a local guide this morning for an exploration of the city, which takes in: Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech; Djemaa El Fna, the main city square, packed with stalls and performers; and the souks, where you can meet the vendors and learn how to properly barter thanks with the assistance of your guide.
Then enjoy free time in the afternoon for solo exploration. For a spellbinding evening, consider visiting Chez Ali restaurant to watch their nightly show, which combines traditional songs, dances, fantasia and even equestrian aerobatics.
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Day 3 Explore the enormous Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca • To the capital, Rabat
Leave around 7.30am and transfer (2hr 30min-3hr) to Casablanca, taking a route through semi-arid plains with views of the Atlas Mountains.
Upon arrival, we visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, which has a soaring 689ft (210m) minaret and a retractable roof to enable the sea breeze to cool the building. We have a guided tour of the mosque and the stunning ablutions hall with a local specialist. Please note: knees and upper arms must be covered.
After, we drive (1hr 30min) to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Here, we have free time to explore. Although mostly modern, Rabat has an excellent old town, where you can see distinctive buildings with Moorish and Andalusian designs. Also visit the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) before continuing to the busy souk to sample locally made treats, such as harsha (a semolina bread) with amlou (a special almond paste).
Day 4 Explore the Roman site of Volubilis • To Fez
Depart Rabat this morning and transfer (4hr 30min) to Volubilis, the largest and best-kept Roman ruins in Morocco. Under the Romans, it was an affluent city. This can be seen in the beautiful second-century forum, the basilica and the capitol. We wander through the streets, discovering remains of townhouses with mosaic floors and see baths, oil presses, aqueducts and shops, all of which reveal the daily lives of the inhabitants.
After exploring this site with a local guide, we transfer (one hour) to the ancient city of Fez.
Day 5 Tour the ancient madrasas and medina of Fez
Join your tour leader today for an immersive guided tour of Fez, the intellectual and religious centre of Morocco. Our five to six-hour exploration takes us to landmarks of the city, including the ornate city gate known as Bab Boujloud and the historic madrasas (theological colleges) of Al-Attarine and Bou Inania, plus the Jewish District (Mellah).
No exploration of the city would be complete without a visit to the medina, one of the largest in the world, an immense warren of souks, home to thousands of craftsfolk with their tiny shops opening onto the narrow alleyways.
Day 6 To the Ziz Valley • Stop to see Barbary macaques
Leave Fez early, around 7.30am-8am, beginning the long but rewarding drive to the Ziz Valley. Our first pause is in the cedar forest near Ifrane, where Barbary macaques live among the Middle Atlas trees; it’s also a useful comfort stop before we continue south.
We then continue to Er-Rich for lunch, before a final stop near the Ziz Valley, where the road gives us our first look over the palm-filled valley carved by the Ziz River.
Arriving around 4pm, we have time to rest and enjoy the pool. Later, you can join a 1hr 30min walk in the valley, a gentle introduction to life among the palms.
Day 7 See the fossils of Erfoud • Sunset camel trek • Camp under the stars
Continuing our journey, we drive (one hour) to Erfoud. Though small, this oasis town has become known for fossils, which are excavated locally and cut, carved and polished by master crafters. Spend time here browsing the fossil markets before we complete our journey (one hour) to the village of Khamlia on the edge of the Sahara.
Upon arrival, we leave our main luggage at a local inn, taking only what we need for the desert in an overnight bag. We then have time for optional activities, including a Gnawa performance and home-cooked medfouna (stuffed flatbread), before we meet our transport: a caravan of camels led by cameleers.
They’ll show you how to mount and ride your camels, before we start our trek (45-60 minutes) into the dunes. There’ll be time for photo stops and to watch sunset, before we arrive at our camp, where we enjoy dinner and music under the stars.
Day 8 Todra Gorge walk • Lunch at a local family home
Leaving the Sahara, we journey (five hours) to Todra Gorge, a dramatic limestone tunnel formed by the River Todra. Here, we walk (45-60 minutes) along a narrow road with plenty of photo opportunities. Of course, there are the usual pop-up souvenir stalls to tempt you.
We then visit a local family home for lunch (paid for locally). Aside from enjoying delicious Moroccan cuisine, this is also an excellent chance to experience traditional Moroccan life, which your tour leader will be happy to talk you through.
After, we depart for Skoura, an oasis town of rammed-earth buildings, where we can unwind with a dip in the pool.
Day 9 Hike through Skoura oasis
Join a local guide today to hike (one hour to 1hr 30min) through Skoura oasis. Stroll through palm groves, visit traditional kasbahs (entrance is 50 dirhams per person), and learn about local farming. With a guide, we also observe daily village life and enjoy scenic views of the lush oasis against the desert landscape.
This afternoon, relax and enjoy the hotel pool. Alternatively, you could enjoy an optional visit to Amridil Kasbah (paid locally).
Day 10 Wander the narrow lanes of Ait Benhaddou • Stay in the Atlas Mountains
Leave Skoura this morning and transfer (1hr 30min) to the well-preserved ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou. This World Heritage site is one of the most spectacular in the Atlas range, and the location of several Hollywood films including Gladiator (2000).
Here, we tour the atmospheric alleys and visit Akhenif Lglaoui, a women’s weaving co-operative specialising in preserving Moroccan textile arts while supporting local Amazigh women.
After, we continue (four to five hours) through the mountains to Ouirgane, a rural village in Toubkal National Park.
Day 11 Free day to relax in the Atlas Mountains • Optional walk in the mountains
After a busy few days of adventure, today has been left free for you to relax in your beautiful mountain setting. You can unwind by the pool, enjoying the views, or join a walk with a local guide around Lake Ouirgane and the surrounding area.
This evening, we come together for a farewell meal, in which we can unite and discuss our favourite moments from the tour.
Day 12 Adventure ends in Marrakech
You’ve explored Imperial cities, camped in the Sahara and walked through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Morocco; but, after breakfast, we transfer (two hours) to Marrakech, where our adventure ends at the airport.
Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, perhaps in Marrakech or the relaxed seaside cities of Essaouira or Agadir, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.
