Tour of magical Morocco

Peace be upon you! Welcome to Morocco. Your adventure will begin with a welcome meeting at 6 PM this evening. If you have time, why not discover the vibrant Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco, at your own pace. Modeled after Marseille in France, this port city features an eclectic architectural style, a blend of French Art Deco buildings and Moorish government institutions. A great way to spend the day is to wander through the Old Medina and the city walls, then hop in a taxi and visit the Quartier Habous – the new medina filled with shaded squares, narrow alleyways, and arches leading from one souk to another. This is an ideal place to enjoy a Moroccan coffee and perhaps start working on your bargaining skills.

After enjoying breakfast, opt for a guided tour of the majestic Hassan II Mosque. This wonder, built in 1993 by over 6000 artisans, is one of the few mosques in Morocco open to foreigners. Afterwards, head to the station and board a local train to Meknes. From there, take a taxi for a journey through the gentle hills to Volubilis. Immerse yourself in a guided tour of these impressive Roman ruins, then make your way to the white village of Moulay Idriss, one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites in Morocco. Here, you will have the opportunity to witness a demonstration of the art of making mint tea, a sweet Moroccan delight! In the evening, you will have the chance to spend time with a local family, an experience made possible for foreigners only since 2005. Your guesthouse, an ancient traditional riad, offers a homely atmosphere and all optional meals are homemade, allowing you to savor an authentic taste of Morocco in your free time.

After enjoying breakfast, we will take you on a private journey to Chefchaouen, a captivating city whose name means 'look at the horns' due to the two mountain peaks that dominate it. This city is famous for its extraordinary blue buildings, painted to represent the Mediterranean Sea, and its sloping cobblestone streets. Chefchaouen is a delightful place to spend the day strolling around. You will have the afternoon free to explore: you might visit the Kasbah with its red walls, the fortress and the 15th-century underground, or the ethnographic museum. Alternatively, you could choose to spend the day wandering through the winding streets, stopping to pet the many cats that consider this city their home.

Today is another free day in Chefchaouen. If you want the streets all to yourself for the best photo opportunities, we suggest you wake up early and explore the iconic places while the city wakes up. We could take a guided tour to discover the sights, sounds, and scents of the medina, or enjoy the exquisite local specialties (the orange juice is delicious!) at a cafe in Plaza Uta el-Hammam. Alternatively, we might prefer to get away from the city and enjoy a hike and picnic in the surrounding hills. The hike is a popular option, as we can leave the shades of blue for a journey through the Rif mountains and join our guide at the Akchour waterfalls, a wonderful natural spectacle, full of green mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. We will cross the extraordinary rock formation The God's Bridge and then head back through the forest, immersing ourselves in the surrounding nature. In the evening, how about enjoying a tajine at a local restaurant or visiting a hammam, a traditional Moroccan spa?

Today you will travel to the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco: Fez. Vibrant, noisy, fascinating, and overwhelming, Fez is a visual and olfactory feast for the senses, with a huge, well-preserved medieval city that is the mother of all medinas. Later this afternoon, enjoy some free time and perhaps take a look at the exquisite carvings and tiles of the Medersa el Attarine near the spice and perfume market. Alternatively, Fez is a shopper's paradise for those who want to purchase a souvenir (or three).

Getting lost in Fes is half the fun, but today you'll have your local leader with you to help you find your way. Join your group through this vibrant maze of a city, full of artisans, markets, pottery, and beautiful mosques. Keep an eye out for the Medersa Bou Inania, one of the city's most fascinating buildings, recently restored and now open to visitors. You will also visit the famous tannery with its dyeing vats and a pottery factory where you can see potters working in a traditional way. Today will be a busy day, so remember to stay hydrated and bring some snacks.

This morning after breakfast, buckle up for a long day of travel. As you head towards the undulating dunes of the Sahara Desert, watch the ever-changing landscape pass by, immerse yourself in your book, listen to some of your favorite music, get to know your fellow travelers, and enjoy some scenic stops along the way to stretch your legs. Upon arriving at Merzouga, leave your luggage at your overnight camp and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your mode of transportation? Camel, of course! Prepare for a spectacular sunset as you cross the vast expanse of sand and return to your private camp for the night. At the camp, you will have a thin mattress, blankets, and sheets (and an auberge not too far away, just in case). Make sure to bring an extra night sheet and a sweater if it's winter (you would be surprised at how cold it can get, even in the desert). Sleep under the stars and experience one of those "I'm so far from home" moments.

This morning you will wake up much earlier than dawn, so don't forget to set your alarm. Climb up a nearby sand dune to watch the sunrise and experience the incredible play of light as the Sahara slowly comes to life. Return for breakfast, gather the rest of your gear and then travel west to Todra. You will encounter a bright green tapestry that might seem so out of place you'll think you're dreaming. This valley is quite impressive, with all its palm trees and mud-brick villages. Arrive at your hotel at the top of the valley, and if you wish, you can hike into the gorge, where sheer cliffs rise over 1000 feet above you.

Cross the spectacular Todra Gorge and the famous 'Road of 1000 Kasbahs', enjoying the wonderful views of the Dades gorges. You will make a stop at Skoura, where the picturesque little houses seem like a mirage beyond the bed of a dried-up river. Refresh yourself with a sip of the world's finest mint tea at the Tawesna tea room, whose profits go to support the village women's association projects. This is not just a tea break, it's an opportunity to discover a culture, share an authentic moment, and contribute to the economic inclusion of women. Continue towards the medieval town of Ait Benhaddou, built with mud bricks, which glows in the late afternoon sun. If Ait Benhaddou looks familiar, it's because you've seen it before - maybe not in person, but certainly on the screen! Think of 'Gladiator' and 'Game of Thrones': many movies and TV shows have been filmed in this kasbah! Explore the old streets and climb up to the fortress for a breathtaking view of the old town. You can also (for a small fee) visit one of the most charming old houses and climb up to the turrets for a view over the river. You will spend the night just outside the walls.

After enjoying today's breakfast, we will continue westward, taking in the rural landscapes as we climb towards the Tizi n'Tichka. This is an astonishing mountain pass located at 2260 meters above sea level, the highest on the road to Marrakech. Leaving the High Atlas behind us, we will descend into the plains surrounding Marrakech, arriving in the late afternoon. With no scheduled activities, this is a fantastic opportunity to dive into the fun of Djemaa el-Fna Square. Here you will find a multitude of fire-eaters, fortune-tellers, performers, musicians, and street vendors all vying for your attention.

Marrakech is a feast for the senses. This morning, you'll have the chance to navigate the maze-like streets with a knowledgeable local guide. You'll kick off with a tour of the old medina, meandering through vibrant souks and sampling sweet and savory delights in a local dining experience. Picture grilled meats, fresh salads, mint tea, and couscous. The rest of the day is yours to shape as you wish, you could opt for a bike ride, a quad adventure, or indulge in a luxurious hammam and spa. The possibilities are endless! You might also want to visit Le Jardin Secret, a traditional medina garden restored for the 21st century. This historic riad, once owned by a powerful local leader U-Bihi, boasts one of Marrakech's most captivating courtyards, with exotic and traditional Islamic gardens fed by an ancient underground irrigation system. For lunch, you might want to visit the AMAL Women's Training Center: Amal is a non-profit organization that provides disadvantaged women with comprehensive gastronomy training, helping them find employment and improve their living conditions. In the evening, you'll surely be drawn back to Djemaa el-Fna for a night on the town.

After breakfast, you will have the morning free to stroll, rest, or take part in an optional fun activity. Say goodbye to some of your travel companions, as others will join you for the next leg of the adventure. Today at 4:00 PM you will have another welcome meeting, followed by a tasting of street food snacks. There will be all kinds of excellent pastries, fresh juices, tea, and even bowls of snail soup to carry around if you're feeling a bit adventurous! As evening falls, you might want to explore the city's vibrant nightlife with your new travel companions. Marrakech has some fantastic rooftop bars, so find one with a view and order your favorite cocktail.

After this morning's breakfast, head to Taghazout. This quiet and relaxed fishing village has quickly earned a solid reputation as one of the country's top surfing spots. The waters remain warm throughout the year and the surfing is top-notch for both beginners and experienced surfers (so there are no excuses not to catch some waves). After you've had your fill of the beautiful local beaches, ask your guide for the best spots for a seafood dinner, before spending the night at a local surf camp.

Kick off your adventures in the sleepy town of Taghazout with an early morning yoga session to help relieve tension before diving back into the water. Interestingly, the skills required for surfing and yoga tend to complement each other, through concentration, flexibility, and balance. Good news if you were thinking of hitting the waves again today! Not sure how to get on the board or didn't get the chance yesterday? No stress: a half-day surf course is scheduled today to teach you the basics and, if you already know the basics, there's always time to refine your skills in uncharted waters.

Wake up at dawn today to enjoy the sunrise, then set off towards the enchanting fishing village of Essaouira. Along the way, make a stop at a women-run cooperative dedicated to the production of Argan. Witness the process as these women collect Argan from the trees, watch the kernels being roasted and pressed, and then taste the Argan oil and paste, all locally produced! Upon reaching your destination, a place where the medina overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Essaouira, which means 'little picture', will surely make you take many photos in this picturesque spot. Accompanied by a local guide, explore on foot the old medina, the Jewish quarter, the port, and along the skala (sea wall). Later, you will have the opportunity to taste street food, including harira (soup), mesman (flatbread), Moroccan sweets, and samples of olive oil and honey. Your accommodation for the night is truly special, one of the most charming of your trip in Morocco, so enjoy it!

Engage in pleasant conversations with the locals during a bus trip to Marrakech. With no commitments after arrival, you are free to explore at your leisure. You can start your journey from the bus station or walk back to your hotel with our guide. If you're looking for a longer experience, we have a range of optional activities to help you get to know the city better. Why not try becoming a Moroccan chef with a cooking class from Urban Adventure led by a local? Travel through the souks of Marrakech to buy the best ingredients, then learn the secrets to preparing an authentic tagine in a typical riad setting, while getting to know the family that hosts you. For more information on the Tajine cooking class, visit urbanadventures.com. If you need to arrange an extra overnight stay for this night, please do not hesitate to speak with your booking agent.