HIGHLIGHTS
- Morning city tour, Casablanca
- A traditional horse and carriage ride in Marrakesh
- City touring of Marrakesh including visiting the souk
- Two night stay in Imlil for an adventure in the Atlas mountains
- Berber village visits and walking tours
- Visit Ait Ben Haddou, UNESCO World Heritage listed village
- See Dades Canyon - an astounding landscape
- Visit a beautiful oasis
- A Sahara desert adventure with a camel trek from Merzouga,
- An overnight luxury desert camp stay
- Ascend to the Middle Atlas Mountains
- Full day tour of the UNESO World Heritage city of Fes.
- A day’s excursion visiting Moulay Idriss, and Volubilis a UNESCO World Heritage listed
- Tour the imperial city of Meknes
- Go deep into the Rif Mountains
- A 2 night stay in the enchanting sky blue city of Chefchaouen.
- Visit Akchour valley for a walking tour.
- Travel to Asilah city - a charming seaside town on the northern coast of the country
- 3 highlight dinners; Marrakech, Fes and Casablanca
- Best of small group touring, for solo travellers
PRE TOUR STAY
Consider arriving a day before the tour starting date, or enjoy a stopover. You can relax and refresh after your flight. The cost of the additional night/s of stay applies. Ask our travel team about this option, and the additional costs.
POST TOUR - ESSAOURIA
Ask about our post tour extension to ESSAOUIRA
DAY 1
Casablanca
Arrive to Casablanca, the starting point for your discovery of Morocco. This evening meet with your trip leader and fellow travellers for a welcome mint tea, and tour briefing.
Meals: none included
DAY 2
Casablanca – Marrakech
This morning take a guided city tour of Casablanca including a visit to the Mosque of Hassan II, situated on a promontory looking over the Atlantic, and with lovely views across Casablanca and the residential Anfa quarter. Impressively, it can hold up to 25000 worshippers. It is an enormous architectural masterpiece and the second largest religious building in the world, and its minaret is the world’s tallest at 210 metres. After lunch, travel to Marrakech.
HIGHLIGHT DINNER
Tonight, enjoy a fabulous highlight welcome dinner. All our meals included with Colours of Morocco are of a quality standard but highlight dinners take the dining experience to the next level.
Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Guided city tour Casablanca including Hassan II Mosque.
- Travel Casablanca to Marrakech, about 3 hours travel time
- Highlight dinner, Marrakech
SPECIAL NOTES:
- The Mosque of Hassan II is only open to non-Muslims on Fridays
DAY 3
Marrakech
This morning, take in the sites of Marrakech with a traditional horse and carriage ride. Visits include the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian tombs and the Bahia Palace. By lunch, we end at Djemaa el-Fna Square where there is time to take lunch and an unscheduled afternoon, to explore the market ‘Souk’, with smells of spice, and the chance to shop for some souvenirs.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Morning city tour of Marrakech by traditional horse and carriage
- Djemaa el-Fna Square – time for lunch
- Free afternoon - to explore the ‘Souk’
- Evening at leisure
FREE TIME:
- For Museum and fashion fans, consider a visit to Musee Yves Saint Laurent, Marrakech
DAY 4
Marrakech - Imlil
After breakfast we depart Marrakech for Imlil via Tahenaoute and Asni villages, with photo stops along the way to take in the scenery of the vibrant green valley that stays fresh during the hottest days of the summer. We then arrive to Imlil for our next two nights of stay for an adventure in the Atlas Mountains. While staying in Imlil there’s the option to explore with organised easy paced walks of three hours each day to discover the Berber culture.
Imlil is a village located in the foothills of the highest summit in Morocco Toubkal 4165 metres above sea level, and has a unique connection to several Berber villages. Arriving to Imlil there’s an orientation walk. In the afternoon there’s a walk (about 2-3 hours) to visit the Berber village of Aremd (1843 metres above sea level) and the waterfall set in the upper level foothills of the Western High Atlas mountains. Lunch is served Berber house in the village of Aremd. Tonight, a relaxed evening and dinner together.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel by road Marrakech to Imlil, 2 hours travel time
- Local orientation walk of Imlil.
- Afternoon walk (about 2-3 hours) to visit the Berber village of Aremd and surrounds
- Lunch at a Berber house in the village of Aremd
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
- Walking shoes required for afternoon walk, take water and sun protection
- Modest clothing; no revealing attire – cover shoulders, thighs & knees, décolletage
DAY 5
Imlil - Ait Ben Haddou - Boumalne Dades
Today is one of the longer days of travel. We will have an early Berber breakfast and head south to Ait Ben Haddou village and crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2260 metres above sea level), from the semi-arid regions of the south-east of the High Atlas to the more fertile plains of the Atlantic.
Later in our drive, we will stop to visit the ancient fortified city of Ait Benhaddou to explore the narrow alleyways of the clay Kasbahs. Three hundred Berber families used to live here, but now it’s only home to half a dozen. Ait Ben Haddou was built in the 11th century and is UNESCO World Heritage listing, and the Ksar Ait Benhaddou is one of the most extraordinary Kasbahs in Morocco. Located near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Ait Benhaddou is both dramatic and picturesque. The site has been a popular setting for films including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.
After lunch, we leave Ait Ben Haddou behind and head towards Boumalne Dades via the Valley of the Roses. Arriving to Boumalne Dades, we take the route to the Dadès Canyon – a highlight of this region. It’s here you will get the full impression of the astounding rock arrangement and Kasbahs landscape along the Dades River. There’s a stop to take in this immense landscape, before continuing to our accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Early start
- Travel by road Imlil to Boumalne Dades, 7 hours travel time
- A visit of the the ancient fortified city of Ait Benhaddou - UNESCO World Heritage listed
- Viewing the Dades Canyon
DAY 6
Boumalne Dades – Merzouga
Today, our Sahara adventure will start with a drive along the road of 1001 Kasbahs to Tinghir, the gateway to the Todra Gorge. Tinghir is a little desert spring town, well known for its ravines and stream and is a stunning oasis, with beautiful green palms.
There is some free time to explore the desert spring and the gulches, and find a local bistro for lunch. By the end of the day our camel caravan is waiting for us for a camel trek experience across the sand dunes for a terrific view of sunset, watching the changing shades of light over the dunes. Just at sunset, we should be arriving to our Sahara desert luxury camp. Tonight, under the glory of the stars, enjoy a Moroccan dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel by road Boumalne Dades to Merzouga, 4 hours travel time
- A stop at the oasis, Tinghir with free time
- Camel trek to the overnight desert camp
- Moroccan dinner under the stars
DAY 7
Merzouga – Midelt
Leaving Merzouga and the Sahara Desert in our wake, our first stop is at a little lookout to admire the Ziz Valley as we begin our climb up the Middle Atlas Mountains. After, we stop at the half-way point between Merzouga and Fes for our overnight stay. This afternoon, a local walk and meet with a local Berber family.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel by road Merzouga to Midelt, 4 hours travel time
- Afernoon walk
DAY 8
Midelt - Fes
DAY 9
Fes
Today, a fabulous full day tour of the UNESO World Heritage city of Fez. We see the famous tanneries and Andalusian or El Quaraoiyin Mosque. We visit Najjarine Square where you can sit and watch the world go by in a café, or visit the Souks. In the afternoon we visit New Fez (Al Jdid) which is considered the most colourful and always bustles with life.
Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Full day touring Fes
- Highlight dinner
DAY 10
Fes
From Fes, we take an excursion to visit Moulay Idriss, Volubilis and Meknes. First stop, Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, a small hilltop town that stands at the base of Mount Zerhoun with a labyrinthine of the medinas. Then not far away we visit Volubilis, the most impressive of the Roman sites in the country. Volubilis contains essentially Roman ruins of an ancient city built in a commanding site. Today, it is a UNESCO world heritage site. Finally, we continue to reach the imperial city of Meknes by early afternoon and tour its focal monuments, such as El Hedim Square and Bab Mansour. Meknes prides itself on its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. By late afternoon we have returned to Fes.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- A day’s excursion to the towns of Moulay Idriss, Volubilis and Meknes
- End of day return to Fes
DAY 11
Fes – Chefchaouen
From Fes, we travel north, deep into the Rif Mountains, where the earth meets the heavens, to explore the enchanting sky blue city of Chefchaouen. We arrive to Chefchaouen city, with time to get lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, a local guide will escort us for a visit of this Spanish blue city, to visit the kasbah and the market.
Nestled in a green mountain valley 600 metres above sea level, Chefchaouen was originally built up as a hidden outpost to push back the increasing incursions of European powers into Morocco that started in the 15th century. Much calmer and cosier than Fez, Chefchaouen’s most striking feature is, without a doubt, is the old city’s picturesque sky-blue painted walls and streets built on a mountainside. Tourists just can’t get enough of Chefchaouen’s innumerable charms. Among the major sights in Chefchaouen are the Kasbah, the Ras El Maa river valley, and the hillside Spanish Mosque (a 30 minute hike from town).
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel by road Fes – Chefchaouen, 3.5 to 4 hours travel time
- Guided tour of Chefchaouen by a local guide
DAY 12
Chefchaouen
This morning we depart for a half hour drive to Akchour valley to reach God Bridge, a naturally formed rock bridge. We have a three hour walk including time for a lunch stop with the option to enjoy a tagine or a barbeque. We walk back to return to our vehicle, and by the end of the day are back in Chefchaouen. There’s some free time to enjoy the atmosphere of the blue town, and tonight your trip leader will offer the option to go out for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Drive to Akchour valley to God Bridge
- Guided walk, 3 hours
FREE TIME:
- Trip leader will escort the group for dinner at a local restaurant (on your own account)
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
- Walking shoes required for the walk, take water and sun protection
DAY 13
Chefchaouen – Asilah – Casablanca
This morning we leave the blue city for a small Mediterranean town, Asilah. A gorgeous seaside town on the northern coast of the country, Asilah has a rich and varied history. With roots as far back as the 16th century, Asilah is a fascinating display of Morocco’s unique heritage. A Portuguese fortress leans precariously over the cliffs, while charming blue and white Moroccan houses line the streets. Finally, we head back to Casablanca for a final night of stay and a highlight dinner to celebrate our colourful adventures through Morocco.
HIGHLIGHT DINNER
Tonight, enjoy a fabulous highlight farewell dinner. All our meals included with Colours of Morocco are of a quality standard but highlight dinners take the dining experience to the next level.
Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Travel by Road, Chefchaouen via Asilah to Casablanca, 5 hours travel time
- Free time in Asilah
- Arrive to Casablanca end of day
- Out for a farewell highlight dinner, Casablanca
DAY 14
Departure
After breakfast, your Morocco trip comes to a close.
Meals: Breakfast
ESSAOUIRA EXTENSION – 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
- 3 nights boutique hotel stay in the Medina.
- Daily breakfast
- Half day locally guided city tour
- English speaking guide
- Moroccan half day cooking class, with lunch
DAY 14
Casablanca via el Jadida to Essaouria
After breakfast, depart for the port and resort town of Essaouira. Along the way we make a stop at El Jadida city, just 90 kilometres south west of Casablanca to visit the pretty Portuguese fortified city of Mazagan, now part of the city of El Jadida. On the way today, we also make a stop for a lunch break. Later in the afternoon we check into our hotel with the rest of the day at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 15
Essaouira – Local Guided Tour
Breakfast at your boutique hotel. After breakfast, set out for our locally guided city tour of Essaouira. This afternoon is yours to explore and make your own local discoveries. There’s so much to explore, you will not be short of things to do in this popular coastal city.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 16
Essaouira – Moroccan Cooking Class
Breakfast at your boutique hotel. Aprons on! Today is your half day Moroccan cooking class with lunch to follow, savouring the fruits of your labour from your morning cooking class. Part of the morning includes a market visit to pick up the ingredients for your lesson. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 17
Essaouira via Safi to Casablanca
Breakfast at your boutique hotel. We head back to Casablanca by road, and we make a stop at the city of Safi renowned for its pottery handicrafts, and from here continue back to Casablanca to meet your onward flight or return to a Casablanca hotel.
Need more time on holidays – ask us about extending your stay in Essaouira.
Meals: Breakfast
Itineraries may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. If there is any itinerary change prior to departure of significance we aim to inform you prior to travel. Itinerary changes while on tour will be informed by your tour leader/guide while on tour.
