Morocco Experience
Morocco is a North African country overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean sea. It is a melting pot of Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences. It is so easy to get lost in the magical beauty of Marrakech’s medina, souks, Atlas mountains, Sahara desert and much more.
To visit Morocco is still like turning the pages of some illuminated Persian manuscript all embroidered with bright shapes and subtle lines.
Edith Wharton
Overview
- Destination: Morocco
- Nearest City (Airport): Casablanca/Marrakech
- Dates: On request
- Months: Spring (Mid-March – May) & Autumn (September – October)
- Level: Easy
- Guide: Available
- Price: On request
Experience
The Moroccan kaleidoscope owes its colourful spectacle to the rich cultural history of Berbers, Arabs and Europeans. This melting pot of cultures also offers tasty cuisine, the endless Sahara Desert, the tall Atlas Mountains, the blue city of Chefchaouen. It is so easy to get lost in the crowded and colourful souks while bargaining for the exquisite handicrafts and souvenirs. Hiking up the Atlas mountains, exploring the Sahara, staying in a RIad and relaxing in a Hammam is an indeed novel experience. Bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean sea, Morocco experience promise to create unforgettable memories.
There are lots of things to do and places to see in Morocco. We have a few sample itineraries for your reference.
Based on your interest we could customize the right itinerary for you.
Itinerary
- SAMPLE ITINERARY I / IMPERIAL CITY TOUR: 9D/8N
- DAY 1 / CASABLANCA/RABAT: 86 KM/1.5 HR
- Arrival in Casablanca Mohamed V airport. Meeting your driver outside the airport holding a signboard including your name. Transfer directly to Rabat and check in to the hotel/riad for dinner and overnight stay.
- DAY 2 / RABAT
- Breakfast in hotel and start the visit of the administrative capital Rabat. The visit will include: Outside view of the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower & Mohamed V Mausoleum then Kasbah Oudaya. Some free time in the old Medina (city). Overnight stay and dinner at hotel/riad.
- DAY 3 / RABAT - CHEFCHAOUEN: 252 KM/3.5-4 HRS
- After breakfast, leaving Rabat and departure to the Blue Pearl of Morocco; Chefchaouen city. Beautifully perched beneath the raw peaks of the Rif, Chefchaouen is one of the prettiest towns in Morocco, an artsy, blue-washed mountain village that feels like its own world. While tourism has definitely taken hold, the balance between ease and authenticity is just right. The old medina is a delight of Moroccan and Andalucian influence with red-tiled roofs, bright-blue buildings and narrow lanes converging on busy Plaza Uta el-Hammam and its restored kasbah. Long known to backpackers for the easy availability of kif (cannabis), the town has rapidly gentrified and offers a range of quality accommodation, good food, lots to do and no hassles to speak of, making it a strong alternative to a hectic multicity tour. Check in to the hotel/riad for dinner and overnight stay.
- DAY 4 / CHEFCHAOUEN - VOLUBILIS (164 KM/1.5-3 HRS) | VOLUBILIS - MEKNES (32 KM/0.5 HRS) | MEKNES - FES (64 KM/1 HR)
- Heading to Fes and stop at Volubilis and Meknes for visit. The Archaeological Site of Volubilis : The Mauritanian capital, founded in the 3rd century B.C., became an important outpost of the Roman Empire and was graced with many fine buildings. Extensive remains of these survive in the archaeological site, located in a fertile agricultural area. Volubilis was later briefly to become the capital of Idris I, founder of the Idrisid dynasty, who is buried at nearby Moulay Idris. Volubilis contains essentially Roman vestiges of a fortified municipium built on a commanding site at the foot of the Jebel Zerhoun. Covering an area of 42 hectares, it is of outstanding importance demonstrating urban development and Romanisation at the frontiers of the Roman Empire and the graphic illustration of the interface between the Roman and indigenous cultures. Because of its isolation and the fact that it had not been occupied for nearly a thousand years, it presents an important level of authenticity. It is one of the richest sites of this period in North Africa, not only for its ruins but also for the great wealth of its epigraphic evidence. Meknes : Quieter and smaller than its grand neighbour Fez, Meknès feels rather overshadowed and receives fewer visitors than it should. It’s more laid-back with less hassle, yet still has all the winding narrow medina streets and grand buildings that it warrants as an imperial city and one-time home of the Moroccan sultanate. Sultan Moulay Ismail, the architect of Meknès’ glory days, might be a little disgruntled at the city’s current modesty, but visitors will find much to be enchanted by. Remnants of no less than three sets of fortifications, ingeniously incorporated into the city's road networks, make it clear how important this city once was. The king's tomb sits at the heart of what remains of the original imperial city, flanked by an almighty royal granary, the magnificent Bab el-Mansour – the likes of which even Fez can't compete with – and Pl el-Hedim, a local mini-me of Marrakesh's popular Djemaa el-Fna. Bab Mansour : The focus of Pl el-Hedim is the huge gate of Bab el-Mansour, the grandest of all imperial Moroccan gateways. The gate is well preserved with lavish (if faded) zellij and inscriptions across the top. It was completed by Moulay Ismail’s son, Moulay Abdallah, in 1732. The two white columns either side of the bab are Corinthian marble, plundered from a Marrakesh palace. They were acquired by Moulay Ismail during his lifetime but only added to the bab by Moulay Abdallah after his father's death. Along the top of the gate, the Arabic inscription extols Bab el-Mansour's virtues with a confidence befitting of the king. Heri Souani: The king's immense granaries and stables, Heri es-Souani, were ingeniously designed. Tiny ceiling windows, massive walls and a system of underfloor water channels kept the temperatures cool and air circulating. Incredibly the building provided stabling and food for 12,000 horses, and Moulay Ismail regarded it as one of his finest architectural projects. The giant vaults are impressive and atmospheric – particularly in the darkest corners – with original cedar wood doors leaning against the walls. Transfer to Riad Dar Bensouda Hotel in Fes for dinner and overnight stay.
- DAY 5 / FES
- Fes can seem like it is in a state of perpetual pandemonium; some visitors fall instantly in love and others recoil in horror. After breakfast, you will discover which of these visitors you will be when you will get into the Medina for example; the old part of Fes with its numerous souks is a paradise for craftsmen whose timelessness will charm you. You must stroll through its alleys in order to truly appreciate the architectural marvels found there. Adobe and brick walls, pillars decorated with zelliges (mosaic tiling) and climbing patios are among the gems of the medina's refined architecture. During this tour you will stop by Karaouyine Mosque & University. One of Africa’s largest mosques and possibly the oldest university in the world, this complex is the spiritual heart of Fez and Morocco itself. Another stop where you will get to enter the site is what is considered the finest of Fez’ theological colleges; the Medersa Bou Inania or Attarine medresa. You will not miss the Tanneries for sure. It’s one of the city’s most iconic sights (and smells), offering a unique window into the pungent, natural process of producing world-class leather using methods that have changed little since medieval times. Other stops during the tour include Nejjarine Fountain and Moulay Idriss grave. Back to your riad at the end of the day for a calm night after the hectic tour. Transfer to hotel/riad for dinner and overnight stay.
- DAY 6 / FES - IFRANE (64 KM/1.5 HR) | IFRANE - BENI MELLAL (224 KM/3.5-4 HRS) | BENI MELLAL - MARRAKECH (191 KM/3 HRS) | MARRAKECH - AGAFAY (30 KM: 1 HR): TOTAL 509 KM/ 10-12 HRS (WITH LEISURELY STOPS ALONG THE WAY)
- Breakfast then start the long journey to Marrakech but first you will stop by the lovely city Ifrane. It is tidy, ordered and modern, it feels more like Switzerland relocated to the Middle Atlas than North Africa. Its clean air, scrubbed streets and leafy outlook make it popular with tour groups. Another stop crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains is Beni Mellal. A very typical location make it the most important city of the region but overall with its surroundings does represents another charm of Morocco. Arrival to Marrakech and transfer to your camp in Agafay desert. Dinner and overnight under tents. Dinner and stay overnight in the Camp at Agafay Desert.
- DAY 7 / MARRAKECH
- Transfer from the camp to the Pearl of the South and start the visit with your local guide. Marrakech: Founded by the Almoravides in the 11th century, Marrakech is the home of prestigious monuments bearing witness to history. Marrakech is the teeming medina, the permanent friendliness of its inhabitants, the elegance of its men, the delicate beauty of its women, the delicious taste of its cooking, and the permanent spectacle of Jamaâ El Fna Square, a forum of the imagination conjuring up dreams and witness to the fleeting daily discourse of its inhabitants. Bahia Palace: Imagine what you could build with Morocco’s top artisans at your service for 14 years, and here you have it. The salons of both the petit riad and grand riad host intricate marquetry and zouak (painted wood) ceilings while the vast grand courtyard, trimmed in jaunty blue and yellow, leads to the Room of Honour, with a spectacular cedar ceiling. The harem offers up yet more dazzling interiors with original woven-silk panels, stained glass windows and rose-bouquet painted ceilings. Another entrance included in the visit is the gift that was offered from the famous artist Yves Saint Laurent to Marrakech; Majorelle Gardens. Koutoubia Mosque: The hall-type mosque has 17 aisles and 112 columns covering a total floor area of 5400 square meters and is thus among the largest of its kind. The square minaret, which wasn’t completed until the reign of Yacoub el Mansour (1184-1199), was the direct model for the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat. It is considered the ultimate structure of its kind. The tower is 69 meters in height and 12, 8 meters in length. Six rooms one above the other, constitute the interior, leading around them is a ramp, by way of which the muezzin could ride up to the balcony. Jamaa El Fna: You’ll discover drama in progress. The hoopla and halqa (street theatre) has been non-stop here ever since this plaza was the site of public executions. By mid-morning the soundtrack of snake-charmer flutes has already begun, but the show doesn't kick off until sunset when restaurants fire up their grills, cueing musicians to tune up their instruments. Unesco declared the Djemaa el-Fna a 'Masterpiece of World Heritage' in 2001 for bringing urban legends and oral history to life nightly and although the storytellers who once performed here have since given way to acrobats, musical performers, and slapstick comedy acts, Djemaa's nightly carnival continues to dazzle. Berber musicians strike up the music and Gnaoua troupes sing while henna tattoo artists beckon to passersby and water-sellers in fringed hats clang brass cups together. Transfer to hotel/riad for others for dinner and overnight stay.
- DAY 8 / MARRAKECH
- The day is free at leisure for shopping and individual discovery of the city more charming attractions. Vehicle will be at disposal along with the guide. Airport transfers for two guests. Overnight stay and dinner at hotel/riad.
- DAY 9 / DEPARTURE FROM MARRAKECH / MENARA AIRPORT
- After breakfast, departure and transfer to Marrakech Menara airport for return flight and assistance to the boarding formalities.
- SAMPLE ITINERARY II / ATLAS MOUNTAINS - SAHARA DESERT - IMPERIAL CITY TOUR: 10D/9N
- DAY 1 / Marrakech – atlas mountains (Imlil Valley): 65 km drive
- We will start our day-out at 9 am from Marrakech by a 4WD vehicle or mini van for 1.5 hour drive south up the Moulay Brahim Gorges, and the Berber village of Asni very popular for its weekly market every Saturday then to Ait Maizan valley. Imlil is a small village at the foothills of the highest mountains in Morocco Jbel Toubkal. Imlil is the center to hire mountain guides and mules due its unique possition and its connection to several Berber villages and a very popular start point of treks and hikes for climbing Toubkal mountain. Arrival to Imlil here we shall leave our vehicle to start our walk towards the south to the Berber village of Aroumd (1843 m) set in the upper level foothills of the Western High Atlas mountains, a main trailhead with streams and paths branching out in all directions to get our lunch which will be served in a luxury Riad in the village. Afterwards you can take a short walk before we return to the Riad for the night.
- DAY 2 / Imlil – Tichka pass2260m – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley: 400 km drive
- Today we drive towards the Moroccan desert. First over the spectacular pass, passing through many Berber villages, and, once in the desert, riverside oases and barren hillsides clustered with kasbahs. After lunch we drive to the Valley of the Roses, with beautiful views of the Dades valley, valley of a thousand Kasbahs. Overnight stay in Dades.
- DAY 3 / Dades – Todra Gorges – Erg Chebbi Dunes: 300 km drive
- After breakfast we drive to Todra Gorge, and after a short stop, drive on to ‘Auberge Palais du Dunes’ at the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Once you arrive the hotel you will have some mint tea and you can get prepared for overnight at the camp in the middle of the Sahara. You drive with your camel to the camp were the cook is preparing your dinner. After dinner you will have an amazing time, there is music and you can see the sky filled with stars.
- DAY 4 / Merzouga – Midelt – Ifran – Fez: 470 km drive
- On the last day of your Marrakech to Fes tour, make sure you wake up as early as possible to enjoy desert sunrise at its best over the huge sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. This is, by all means, the best moment of Merzouga desert. After you have changed your clothes and finished breakfast, the journey towards Fes will start through the Ziz Valley gorge and Azrou. On the way, the views of lush green cedar forests, along with numerous monkeys on the trees, will keep you entertained. In the evening, you will be dropped at your hotel.
- DAY 5 / Guided tour of Fes
- After breakfast, you will begin your guided tour of the medina, one of the world’s largest walled-in cities. You will explore the narrow streets lined with fresh fruits, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco. A visit to the King’s Palace, the tanneries, and potters are just a few places you will experience. For lunch, you will eat in a traditional restaurant in the heart of the medina. After lunch, you will complete the tour and return to your hotel/riad for the evening.
- DAY 6 / Fes – CHEFCHAOUEN: 200 km drive
- In the morning of the third day around 8 am you will drive straight to the blue city of Chefchaouen. Along the way you will pass through many small towns and stop for breaks to get Chefchouen a bite early to have time to walk inside of the blue streets of the medina and take pictures also experience the local food of the little city. Overnight stay in a hotel/riad.
- DAY 7 / Chefchaouen – Rabat – Casablanca: 300 km drive
- Early morning our car / minivan will be at the parking waiting for pick up you to drive back to Marrakech, Crossing the farms of sugar Kane, break in Souk Larbaa El Gherb one of the popular towns in the north west of Morocco, arrive to Rabat do ashort visit for Chelah Gardens and Hassan Tower keep driving towards Casablanca lunch in there.
- DAY 8 / Casablanca – Marrakech: 260 km drive
- After breakfast we start our visit of Casablanca, Hassan 2 mosque and the cathedral church, driving towards Marrakech by the highway. Drop of at the Riad in the medina.
- DAY 9 / Marrakech
- After breakfast, you meet the local guide, to start your tour around the red city. Walk through the souk , one of the heritage areas to Ali Ben Youssef Medersa (the school), the Koubba Ba’Adiyn, Koutoubia Mosque, Palais el-Badi, Palais Bahia and the Saadian Tombs. In the evening, spend time at the famous Place Djemaa el Fna to soak up the spectacle of Berber and gnaoua music, acrobats and tantalizing food stalls.
- DAY 10 / Departure
- After breakfast, departure and transfer to Marrakech Menara airport for return flight and assistance to the boarding formalities.
Inclusions
INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation in Double/Single rooms on in selected hotels/riads according to suggested options with breakfast and dinner.
- Private transfers In/Out.
- Transport with driver.
- 4WD for transfer Marrakech-Agafay-Marrakech (x2 vehicles).
- English speaking guide at disposal for guidance and assistance.
- All current tourist taxes.
EXCLUSIONS
- Extra meals, beverage and drinks of any type unless otherwise specified.
- Entrance fees to monuments according to the programs based on the itinerary: Heri Souani / Roman Ruins / Bou Inania Medresa / Bahia Palace & Majorel Gardens.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Any bank transfer or payment transaction charges.
- GST (Not applicable for international remittances).
- Any item not mentioned in inclusions.
Map
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