Day 1: Casablanca
Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco! Upon your arrival at Casablanca Airport, a representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Your adventure kicks off at 6 pm with a welcome meeting, where you’ll get to know your fellow travellers and group leader. If you arrive early, consider visiting the Villa des Arts, a stunning Art Deco gallery featuring contemporary Moroccan and international exhibitions. For a unique cultural experience, explore the Museum of Judaism, which offers fascinating insights into Moroccan history. This evening, celebrate the start of your journey with a welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant, where you’ll savour classic Moroccan dishes like tagine, couscous, and pastilla.
Day 2: Meknes
This morning, visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the second-largest mosque in the world, partly situated over the sea and open to non-Muslims. Afterward, drive north along the coast to Rabat, the elegant capital and first imperial city of Morocco. Stroll through the medina and souks before exploring the scenic Kasbah des Oudaias, where you can enjoy mint tea at a café overlooking the ocean and Bou Regreg River. Continue your visit with a trip to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the grand minaret of Hassan II Mosque, before heading to Meknes, the former capital of Morocco.
Day 3: Chefchaouen
Today, explore the charming streets of Meknes’s medina, a lesser-known gem where locals go about their daily lives. Visit the shrine of Moulay Ismail, check out the granaries, and stop by a local market bustling with vegetables, olives, and sweets. Then, travel to the ancient ruins of Volubilis, a former Roman provincial capital, where a local guide will share the site's history. Enjoy a picnic lunch of fresh bread, cheese, and seasonal fruits from the market before continuing to Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains and famous for its stunning blue-washed buildings.
Day 4: Chefchaouen
This morning, embark on a guided tour of Chefchaouen’s medina, wandering its picturesque alleyways, cobbled plazas, and unique doorways. Sample delicious goat's cheese, a local specialty. The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure—capture more photos of the blue buildings, shop for handicrafts, or relax at a café. If you’d like, ask your leader about arranging a home-cooked dinner for the evening.
Day 5: Fes
Bid farewell to Chefchaouen and journey to Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Upon arrival, unwind at a local hammam (spa)—ask your leader for recommendations. Later, enjoy a unique dinner experience as you’re welcomed into a local family’s home-turned-restaurant for a pastilla meal. This celebrated dish features layers of pastry, meat, caramelised onions, lemon, and sugared almonds, and you’ll learn about its preparation while chatting with your hosts about life in Fes.
Day 6: Fes
Today, delve into the Old Town, known as Fes el Bali. Once a major center of education and culture, the medieval city is filled with legendary religious institutions and historic sites. Your leader will narrate stories as you navigate the winding streets, passing donkeys laden with goods and vibrant market stalls. Take a break for mint tea in a family-owned tea house, then continue your exploration with visits to Al-Attarine Madrasa, the tanneries, and the beautifully restored Funduk Nejjarine. The afternoon is free for further discoveries.
Day 7: Erfoud
Leave the bustling city behind and head to the desert oasis town of Erfoud. Prepare for a long drive, making stops to capture the stunning Moroccan landscape. Travel through olive groves, past shepherds, and by forests of cedar and pine, with views of the High Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Erfoud, a gateway to the Sahara Desert, known for its striking red sand buildings and delicious local dates, celebrated with an annual festival.
Day 8: Merzouga
Explore Khemliya, a village near the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, famous for its traditional music and dance. Enjoy a local specialty, medfouna, for lunch before embarking on a camel ride through the desert to your Feature Stay accommodation—an enchanting camp hidden among the dunes. Experience desert life in well-appointed tents with large beds and en suite bathrooms. Tonight, indulge in a traditional feast under the starlit North African sky, accompanied by live Gnaoua music around a cozy fire.
Day 9: Dades
Awake to a breathtaking desert sunrise before heading to Todra Gorge, a dramatic trench rising over 250 meters. Enjoy a gentle hike through the gorge, then continue to the stunning Dades Valley for a two-night stay. This region features breathtaking scenery, with lush green valleys contrasting against sculpted rock formations. Relax by the pool at your accommodation and soak in the views.
Day 10: Dades
Enjoy a full day to explore this beautiful backcountry. You can choose from a couple of trekking options, including a 10 km circuit suitable for various fitness levels. Start with a short transfer and trek with a local guide, stopping in a village for tea with an Amazigh family. This unique experience offers a glimpse into Amazigh life against the stunning backdrop of the surrounding mountains and the famous Rose Valley.
Day 11: Ait Benhaddou
Depart the Dades Valley along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, stopping first at Skoura Oasis to explore its impressive kasbahs, including Kasbah Ameridhl. Continue to Ait Benhaddou, a hilltop site largely unchanged since the 11th century and known for its stunning clay architecture. Wander through the Old Town and climb to the top for scenic views. Visit Taman’Art Space, an art studio where you can chat with the local artist over tea. Enjoy lunch at Tawesna, a community-run teahouse that supports local women, and savour Amazigh bread, soup, sweets, and mint tea.
Day 12: Oukaimden
Leave Ait Benhaddou after breakfast and drive through the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, making photo stops along the way. Your destination is Oukaimden, a tranquil village ideal for walking and relaxation. At an altitude of 1000 meters, enjoy stunning views of Mount Toubkal and consider some hiking options with a local guide this afternoon.
Day 13: Marrakech
Today, participate in a hands-on cooking class with a local chef, harvesting fresh ingredients and learning to season with aromatic herbs. Cook traditional tagines and salads, then savour your creations for lunch. Afterward, head to Marrakech and check in to your hotel. In the evening, explore the vibrant Djemaa el-Fna square, which transforms into a lively hub at night. Consider enjoying a cup of tea at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square.
Day 14: Marrakech
After breakfast, embark on a morning tour of Marrakech’s old medina with a local guide. Explore the bustling souks, peaceful courtyards, and Bahia Palace. Stop by Koutoubia Mosque, famous for its minaret, then return to Djemaa el-Fna, where you can taste some of the best freshly squeezed orange juice. The rest of the day is free for exploration—perhaps visit Le Jardin Secret or practice your haggling skills in the medina. For your final evening, consider joining your group for a farewell dinner, with recommendations from your leader for local restaurants.
Day 15: Marrakech
Your journey concludes today after breakfast. You are free to depart at your leisure following check-out. If you’ve arranged a private airport transfer, your pick-up time will be provided. If you’d like to extend your stay in Marrakech, please consult your booking agent in advance.
