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Essential Morocco

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Essential Morocco

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Description

From couscous to camels, mint tea to tanneries, get a taste of Morocco’s best bits on this ‘Moorish’ adventure through mountains, gorges, desert and Berber villages. Kick start in the French-infused port city of Casablanca, hang out with a local family on a homestay in Moulay Idriss, navigate the mother of all medinas in the cultural capital of Fes, wind your way up through Tizi n’Tichka and the High Atlas mountains, before indulging in a Berber-style BBQ, riding camels along the sand dunes during sunset, and setting up camp under the Saharan stars. From the colourful and chaotic Marrakech markets to the rolling hills and Roman ruins of Volubilis – this is an essential adventure through Morocco that you can’t miss!

Trip Name
Essential Morocco
Last Updated
2022-05-24
Days
11
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Don't get in a hoof when you're offered a camel burger in Meknes – it’s a local delicacy! And like all good food in the medina, this unusual lunch is cooked before your eyes at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant.
  • Prepare for the best mint tea of your life on a visit to the Tawesna teahouse. This experience is more than just a cuppa, it’s about discovering a culture, sharing a true moment and contributing to the economic inclusion of women – be part of it!
  • It's easy to get lost in a labyrinth (think less David Bowie film, more medieval maze), especially when there are enticing distractions at every turn. Never fear, your local guide knows the city of Fes like a lifelong friend.
  • Who knows where the best street food is in Marrakech? Those who know the streets of Marrakech best. Venture out for some street food tasting in the maze of Marrakech streets with a local expert.
  • Barbecue meats are the absolute best. Stop by the local barbecues on road from Ait Benhaddou to Marrakech for mouth-watering kefta and veggies, then wash it all down with a local drink!

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Casablanca
Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. There are no planned activities until your important welcome meeting at 6 pm, if you have time, why not check out Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco. Modelled after Marseille in France, this bustling port city has an eclectic architectural style, a fusion of Art Deco French colonial buildings and Mauresque (Moorish) government institutions, all mixed in with an old medina and the city's modern-day landmark - the Hassan II Mosque. A great way to spend the day exploring Casablanca is to wander around the Old Medina and city walls, then jump in a taxi and visit the Quartier Habous – the new medina full of shaded squares, narrow streets and lined with arcades that lead from one souk to another. This is a great place to enjoy a Moroccan coffee and maybe start working on your bargaining skills. Finish the day with a walk along the Corniche and watch the locals enjoy games of football on the beach during sunset. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Day 2 - Meknes - Moulay Idriss
After breakfast, opt to take a guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque (entrance fee payable locally), more than 6000 craftsmen joined forces to build this beauty in 1993 and it's one of the few mosques in Morocco that foreigners can enter. Later, head to the station and take a local train to Meknes (approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, jump into a taxi and head to the whitewashed village of Moulay Idriss – one of Morocco's most important pilgrimage sites – then go for a stroll and indulge in a rather unusual lunch, a camel burger! However if you’re a vegetarian, don’t get the hump, there’ll be an option for you too! You’ll also witness a demonstration on the art of mint tea making, this sweet treat is a Moroccan speciality. Tonight, you'll get to hang out with a local family, an experience that’s only been allowed for foreigners since 2005 – lucky you!
Day 3 - Fes
Take a drive through the beautiful rolling hills to Volubilis and enjoy a guided tour of these epic Roman ruins, then head back to Meknes where you'll meet your local guide for a tour of the city. Continue your adventure on a 40-minute train ride to the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco – Fes. Vibrant, noisy, fascinating and overwhelming, Fes is a visual and pungent feast for the senses, with a huge, well-preserved medieval old city that’s the mother of all medinas. Later this afternoon, enjoy some free time and perhaps check out the exquisite carvings and magnificent tile work at the Medersa el Attarine, near the spice and perfume market. Alternatively, Fes is a shopping heaven for those who want to pick up a souvenir or two.
Day 4 - Fes
Getting lost in Fes is half the fun, but you'll have an orientation walk this morning to help you get the lay of the land first. Join your leader on an orientation walk through this vibrant labyrinth of a city – alive with the many craftsmen, markets, ceramics and beautiful mosques – navigate the narrow alleyways and visit the famous tannery and stop for that iconic view, overlooking the dye pits. Look out for the Medersa Bou Inania, one of the city's coolest buildings, which has recently been restored and is now open to visitors. You'll also visit the famous tannery and its dye pits (which are also famously stinky, but well worth it), and a ceramic factory where you can see potters working in the traditional way. Today is going to be a big day so remember to keep hydrated and pack some snacks.
Day 5 - Midelt
Travelling south across a bunch of different terrain, you will reach Ifrane, a mountain resort established by the French in 1929. After a short stop for coffee and an opportunity to stretch your legs, continue further south. Then, at Midelt, the landscape opens up, giving way to awesome views to the west. This smallish market town, surrounded by farmland and orchards, is a great spot to break up the journey to the Sahara and watch Berber people and nomadic shepherds tending to their flocks. You'll stay the night in Midelt, but first it's time for a nice walk (approximately 2 hours). The walk itself is easy, but the terrain is rocky in some places, so wear your best walking shoes. Bring your camera too, or your smartphone or whatever, because the scenes along the way might just make your Instagram account explode.
Day 6 - Merzouga
On your way to the desert, stop at the spectacular narrow defile known as the Gorges du Ziz, then head to the large town of Errachidia. Pass the 500-year-old ruins of the Ksar of Meski then descend into the Ziz Valley, a particularly fertile region that produces figs, olives, dates and tamarisk – a fruit grown for its tannin and used in the curing of leather skins. Arrive in Merzouga, drop your main bags off at your overnight camp set next to a simple Auberge (that's French for ‘inn'), and get ready for a once in a lifetime experience – a desert full of awesome. The mode of transport? Camel, of course! Brace yourself for one heck of a sunset, this ride takes about an hour, going through the vast expanse of sand, and loops back to your private camp for an overnight stay. In the camp, you'll have a thin mattress, blankets and sheets (and auberge not so far away, just in case). Make sure you bring a sleeping sheet if it's winter (you'd be surprised how cold it can get). Sleep under the stars and have a mind-blowing 'I am so far from home' kinda moment.
Day 7 - Todra Gorge - Dades Valley
Hope you remembered to set your alarm this morning, because you'll be getting up well before the crack of dawn. Climb to a nearby sand dune to catch the sunrise and experience the amazing interplay of light as the Sahara slowly comes alive all around you. Head back for brekkie, collect the rest of your gear together and then travel west to Todra. Come across a bright tablecloth of green that might seem so out of place you'll think you are dreaming! This valley is pretty impressive, with all its palm trees and mud-brick villages. Arrive at your hotel at the top of the valley, then take a hike into the gorge where sheer cliffs rise more than 1000 feet above you.
Day 8 - Ait Benhaddou
From Todra Gorge, travel along the ‘Road of 1,000 Kasbahs’ and enjoy views of the Dades Gorge. You'll also travel past the town of Skoura, home to the beautiful little houses rising like a mirage beyond a dry riverbed. Quench your thirst with a mouthful of mint tea (the best in the world!) at Tawesna teahouse, whose profits are devoted to the projects of the women association in the village. This experience is more than just a cuppa – it’s about discovering a culture, sharing a true moment, contributing to women economic inclusion and sustainable tourism – be part of it! Continue to the medieval mud-brick town of Ait Benhaddou, which is at its best in the late afternoon sun. If you wonder why Ait Benhaddou looks familiar to you, it’s probably because you’ve seen it before! Perhaps not live, but certainly on the silver screen, Gladiator, Game of Thrones and loads of other movies and shows were filmed in this kasbah. Explore the many old streets and climb up to the fortress for a superb view over the old town, you can also (for a small fee) enter one of the most interesting of the old houses and climb up to the turrets for a view over the river. You'll spend the night just outside the walls.
Day 9 - High Atlas - Marrakech
Continue west, passing a few Berber villages before stopping for a delicious BBQ lunch in one of the many townships along the way – enjoy mouth-watering kefta (Moroccan minced meat) and veggies served with fresh bread, then perhaps wash it all down with a local drink. Continue to take in those epic views of the countryside as you wind your way up towards Tizi ‘n Tichka. This is a whopping 2260 metres above sea level, the highest pass on the road to Marrakech and often gets covered with snow during the winter months. Leaving the Atlas behind, you'll descend into the plains that surround Marrakech and arrive late afternoon. With no planned activities after your arrival, this is a good chance to get lost in the fun of Jemaa el Fna, where there are so many fire eaters, fortune tellers, actors, musicians and hawkers vying for your attention.
Day 10 - Marrakech
Marrakech is a feast for the senses, and this morning you’ll get to venture out for some street food tasting in the maze of Marrakech streets with a local expert. Set off on a tour of the old medina, through the bustling souks that are the lifeblood flowing through the city and sample some sweet and savoury specialities. Explore tranquil courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom, and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace. This splendid mansion was built in 1866 for a former slave who rose to power within the government. The rest of the day is free so where do you start? Why not head out on a cycling trip, go quad-biking or indulge in a Luxury Hammam and Spa, the options are endless. You might also like to visit Le Jardin Secret, a traditional medina garden revived for the 21st century. Once owned by a powerful local chief U-Bihi – who was poisoned by Mohammed IV – this historic riad has one of the most beautiful courtyards in Marrakech, combining exotic and traditional Islamic gardens that are fed by original khettara, an underground irrigation system. For a meaningful activity, you may want to visit AMAL Women’s Training Center for optional meal. Amal is a non-profit organization that helps disadvantaged women gain work experience by providing a comprehensive training in gastronomy. Every year 30 to 40 women complete the training which then helps them to find appropriate employment and improve their living conditions. Please ask your tour leader for more details. In the evening you will no doubt be drawn back to Jemaa el Fna for a final night out.
Day 11 - Marrakech
There are no activities planned after breakfast this morning, why not become a Moroccan MasterChef in an Urban Adventure’s cooking masterclass with a local guide? Journey through the souks of Marrakech and shop for the best ingredients before learning the insider tricks on how to whip up a deliciously authentic tagine in a classic riad setting, while getting to know the family that lives there. To find out more about ‘Tajine Cookery Class’, visit urbanadventures.com.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-06-202222-06-2022AUD $ 1,350-
26-06-202206-07-2022AUD $ 1,275-
07-07-202217-07-2022AUD $ 1,285-
14-07-202224-07-2022AUD $ 1,250-
24-07-202203-08-2022AUD $ 1,225-
31-07-202210-08-2022AUD $ 1,225-
21-08-202231-08-2022AUD $ 1,250-
28-08-202207-09-2022AUD $ 1,225-
04-09-202214-09-2022AUD $ 1,275-
18-09-202228-09-2022AUD $ 1,259-
25-09-202205-10-2022AUD $ 1,325-
02-10-202212-10-2022AUD $ 1,325-
09-10-202219-10-2022AUD $ 1,325-
16-10-202226-10-2022AUD $ 1,325-
23-10-202202-11-2022AUD $ 1,350-
30-10-202209-11-2022AUD $ 1,275-
06-11-202216-11-2022AUD $ 1,275-
13-11-202223-11-2022AUD $ 1,275-
27-11-202207-12-2022AUD $ 1,225-
08-12-202218-12-2022AUD $ 1,225-
18-12-202228-12-2022AUD $ 1,275-
25-12-202204-01-2023AUD $ 1,275-
01-01-202311-01-2023AUD $ 1,390-
15-01-202325-01-2023AUD $ 1,335-
22-01-202301-02-2023AUD $ 1,335-
29-01-202308-02-2023AUD $ 1,335-
05-02-202315-02-2023AUD $ 1,335-
12-02-202322-02-2023AUD $ 1,335-
26-02-202308-03-2023AUD $ 1,335-
05-03-202315-03-2023AUD $ 1,390-
12-03-202322-03-2023AUD $ 1,390-
19-03-202329-03-2023AUD $ 1,390-
02-04-202312-04-2023AUD $ 1,445-
09-04-202319-04-2023AUD $ 1,445-
16-04-202326-04-2023AUD $ 1,445-
30-04-202310-05-2023AUD $ 1,445-
14-05-202324-05-2023AUD $ 1,445-
28-05-202307-06-2023AUD $ 1,445-
11-06-202321-06-2023AUD $ 1,390-
25-06-202305-07-2023AUD $ 1,390-
06-07-202316-07-2023AUD $ 1,335-
13-07-202323-07-2023AUD $ 1,335-
23-07-202302-08-2023AUD $ 1,335-
30-07-202309-08-2023AUD $ 1,335-
10-08-202320-08-2023AUD $ 1,335-
20-08-202330-08-2023AUD $ 1,335-
27-08-202306-09-2023AUD $ 1,390-
03-09-202313-09-2023AUD $ 1,390-
10-09-202320-09-2023AUD $ 1,445-
17-09-202327-09-2023AUD $ 1,445-
24-09-202304-10-2023AUD $ 1,445-
01-10-202311-10-2023AUD $ 1,445-
08-10-202318-10-2023AUD $ 1,445-
15-10-202325-10-2023AUD $ 1,445-
22-10-202301-11-2023AUD $ 1,445-
29-10-202308-11-2023AUD $ 1,390-
05-11-202315-11-2023AUD $ 1,390-
12-11-202322-11-2023AUD $ 1,390-
26-11-202306-12-2023AUD $ 1,335-
07-12-202317-12-2023AUD $ 1,335-
17-12-202327-12-2023AUD $ 1,390-
24-12-202303-01-2024AUD $ 1,390-

Accommodation

Desert camp (1 night),Guesthouse (2 nights),Hotel (7 nights)

Transport

Camel,Minibus,On foot,Taxi,Train

Map

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