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Peregrine Travel Centre

Premium Morocco Highlights with Essaouira

Premium Morocco Highlights with Essaouira

From $ 4,445 AUD

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Description

Take in the rich history and diverse culture of Morocco on a 12-day journey through this North African gem. Marvel at the Mosque of Hassan II in French-infused Casablanca, discover the charming streets of the Medina in magical Meknes, uncover ancient history at the Roman ruins of Volubilis, wander through the labyrinth of twisting alleyways in Fes el Bali, relax in the lakeside settlement of Bine el Ouidane and as the sun goes down, watch Djemaa el-Fna come to life with markets and magicians in Marrakech. End your adventure by relaxing in the coastal, European-inspired Essaouira where you can kick back, feast on fresh seafood and take it all in.

Trip Name
Premium Morocco Highlights with Essaouira
Last Updated
2024-08-07
Days
12
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Marvel at the Mosque of Hassan II in Casablanca, dive into the heart of Fes’s medina, witness the evening transformation of Djemaa el-Fna in Marrakech and unwind in the laidback seaside city of Essaouira.
  • Get to the heart of the real Morocco as you travel with an experienced local leader, swap stories with the locals in Fes and visit a family in the Atlas Mountains.
  • Taste the best of Morocco’s cuisine as you enjoy a meal at one of Casablanca’s best restaurants, eat pastillas with a local family (Exclusive Experience), make mint tea in the Atlas Mountains and take part in a tasting tour in Marrakech.
  • Uncover the most impressive Roman ruins in Morocco during an Exclusive Experience at the World Heritage site of Volubilis, where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch made with locally sourced ingredients.
  • Experience incredible beauty, world-class hospitality and panoramic views during your Feature Stay at Widiane Resort, a tranquil oasis surrounded by the Atlas Mountains.

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's 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, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. 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 fees 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 group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome 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 group leader or local representative 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. When you arrive at Casablanca Airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe visit the Villa des Arts. This gorgeous Art Deco gallery holds numerous exhibitions of contemporary Moroccan and international art. If you’re looking for a different type of cultural experience, you can also visit the Museum of Judaism. Tonight, celebrate the beginning of a new adventure over dinner with your group, trying classic dishes like tagine and couscous.
Day 2 - Fes
This morning, you’ll visit one of the most impressive sites in Casablanca – the mighty Mosque of Hassan II. Second only in size to the great mosque at Mecca, the huge building sits partly on land and partly over sea and is one of the only religious sites open to non-Muslims. Later, leave Casablanca and drive to Meknes, where you’ll explore the charming streets of the medina – the old walled section of the city. Drive on to the mosaic-filled Roman ruins of Volubilis, where a local guide will show you around and help you imagine the bustling city that once was. Enjoy a picnic lunch of fresh bread, cheese, seasonal fruits and olives from the market. In the late afternoon, continue to Fes, your home for the next two nights.
Day 3 - Fes
Today, you’ll discover Fes’s huge, well-preserved medieval Old City and medina on a morning walking tour with your leader. Wander through the twisting streets and alleyways and explore the speciality sections that divide the souq as your leader talks you through the local customs and traditions. Pass historic khans, dye pits and stalls, then take a break from the hustle and bustle at a family-owned tea house before a visit to the ornate inner courtyards of the Islamic school El-Attarine Madrasa and Funduq al-Najjarin – an 18th-century inn. You’ll then have a free afternoon before dinner tonight, where you'll be warmly welcomed into the home-turned-restaurant of a local family for a pastilla dinner in a private after-hours experience. Learn how the iconic Moroccan pie is made as you chat with your friendly hosts about life in Fes.
Day 4 - Bine el Ouidane
Travel from Fes to Bine el Ouidane, with plenty of breaks along the way to appreciate the ever-changing Moroccan landscape. Bine el Ouidane is a small settlement perfectly placed on the bank of the lake, surrounded by sheer rocks. Your Feature Stay accommodation for the night sits at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, on the edge of the huge lake. Maybe spend your afternoon soaking up the calm surroundings in the swimming pool or kick back with a drink on the terrace.
Day 5 - Bine el Ouidane
Today you’ll head out onto the water, hopping in a small boat to see more of the turquoise lake and surrounding rocky gorges. Float over the water and take in the views. Then, head to the house of a local farming family in the village that sits on the lake. Have a cup of tea as the family shares their stories on farming in Morocco and what their life is like here. You will also be treated to a home-cooked lunch, before heading back to the hotel for a free evening. Maybe lounge by the infinity pool, hike the surrounding mountain trails or treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage or jacuzzi session at the health spa.
Day 6 - Agafay
Today you’ll make your way to Agafay – a red-rock desert in the South of Marrakech. Along the way, stop at Ouzoud Falls –a collective name for several waterfalls in Azilal, which all empty into the El-Abid River’s gorge. Take in the immensity of the cascades, then continue on to the rolling landscape of the desert. Arrive at your desert camp in the late afternoon, freshen up in your tents, then head out to catch the sunset as it lights up the horizon. If you like, you can also take part in an optional camel riding experience here. Later, have dinner at camp then be treated to a stargazing experience, as an English-speaking guide points out the constellations and planets above.
Day 7 - Marrakech
Wake up early this morning to catch the sunrise over the desert. After breakfast, you’ll then travel to Marrakech. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk with your leader to the great square of Djemaa el-Fna – one of the largest public spaces in the world and the city's most iconic landmark. As day turns to night, the square transforms into a hive of activity. Once you’ve got your bearings, the rest of the evening is yours to explore at your own pace. Maybe have dinner on one of the restaurant balconies overlooking the humming square with views of the Koutoubia Mosque.
Day 8 - Marrakech
After breakfast today, meet your local guide and set off on a morning tour of the old medina, through the bustling souks that are the lifeblood of the city. Explore tranquil courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace. Stop by the Koutoubia Mosque – the inside is for Muslims only, but the famous minaret is a sight to behold. Walk back through the streets of the old medina to Djemaa el-Fna. The food here is best experienced like a local, so be sure to bring your appetite as your local guide will take you for a tasting session where you’ll try a range of seasonal delights like freshly squeezed orange juice and fried Moroccan donuts. The rest of the day is free. Maybe visit Le Jardin Secret – a traditional medina garden with a magnificent courtyard – or head back into the medina and practice your haggling skills.
Day 9 - Marrakech to Essaouira
After breakfast you’ll leave for Essaouira – a city where the medina brushes up against the Atlantic Ocean. Get to know this laidback city during an orientation walk with your leader who will help you navigate a maze of market stalls and narrow streets while sharing insights on local life in one of North Africa's most attractive places. Pass the harbour filled with colourful boats and explore the fish souk. Here, you’ll choose a catch of the day and take it to a local restaurant where you can hand over your market purchase for it to be grilled – a fresh catch for lunch! Your leader will also take you to the fresh vegetables markets where you can choose your salads and veggies to accompany your seafood lunch. Enjoy a delicious meal together with the rest of your group.
Day 10 - Essaouira
The name Essaouira means ‘little picture’, which is appropriate for this picturesque place. This artists' town was once home to British and Jewish populations, and its charm has seen the likes of Orson Welles and Jimi Hendrix, who (according to local legend) spent much of his time here in the 1960s. Enjoy a free day to wander the city’s charming sandstone streets. Maybe explore the coast and sand dunes on horseback or discover the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum and its collection of artefacts, woodwork, carpets and stringed instruments. Or sit back and watch the kite surfers ride the crashing waves. You can also discover the taste of Morocco in a cooking class, or head outside of the city to the beautiful surroundings on a daytrip.
Day 11 - Marrakech
The morning is free for you to explore further. Maybe pick up some local handicrafts at the markets or enjoy a final coffee in the square to soak up the easy-going rhythm of this Moroccan town. In the afternoon, you’ll drive back to Marrakech. When you have settled into your hotel, you’ll likely be drawn back to the Djemaa el-Fna and its surrounding medina. Eating out at one of the many outdoor restaurants lining the square is a great way to finish your adventure.
Day 12 - Marrakech
Your trip ends today after breakfast today you’re free to leave at any time. If you have arranged a private airport transfer, you’ll be advised of the pick-up time. If you’d like to extend your stay in Marrakech, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
23-12-202402-01-2025AUD $ 4,565-
28-12-202407-01-2025AUD $ 4,445-
07-01-202518-01-2025AUD $ 5,135-
28-01-202508-02-2025AUD $ 4,945-
04-02-202515-02-2025AUD $ 4,755-
08-02-202519-02-2025AUD $ 4,990-
22-02-202505-03-2025AUD $ 4,895-
01-03-202512-03-2025AUD $ 4,755-
12-03-202523-03-2025AUD $ 4,800-
15-03-202526-03-2025AUD $ 4,755-
22-03-202502-04-2025AUD $ 4,755-
26-03-202506-04-2025AUD $ 4,755-
30-03-202510-04-2025AUD $ 4,755-
01-04-202512-04-2025AUD $ 4,995-
02-04-202513-04-2025AUD $ 4,945-
03-04-202514-04-2025AUD $ 5,135-
05-04-202516-04-2025AUD $ 5,135-
06-04-202517-04-2025AUD $ 5,135-
12-04-202523-04-2025AUD $ 4,945-
17-04-202528-04-2025AUD $ 4,945-
19-04-202530-04-2025AUD $ 4,945-
21-04-202502-05-2025AUD $ 4,945-
22-04-202503-05-2025AUD $ 4,945-
24-04-202505-05-2025AUD $ 4,945-
26-04-202507-05-2025AUD $ 4,945-
27-04-202508-05-2025AUD $ 4,945-
29-04-202510-05-2025AUD $ 4,945-
01-05-202512-05-2025AUD $ 4,945-
03-05-202514-05-2025AUD $ 4,945-
04-05-202515-05-2025AUD $ 4,945-
08-05-202519-05-2025AUD $ 4,945-
10-05-202521-05-2025AUD $ 4,945-
11-05-202522-05-2025AUD $ 4,945-
15-05-202526-05-2025AUD $ 4,755-
17-05-202528-05-2025AUD $ 4,755-
20-05-202531-05-2025AUD $ 4,755-
22-05-202502-06-2025AUD $ 4,755-
24-05-202504-06-2025AUD $ 4,755-
27-05-202507-06-2025AUD $ 4,755-
31-05-202511-06-2025AUD $ 4,755-
03-06-202514-06-2025AUD $ 4,895-
08-06-202519-06-2025AUD $ 4,755-
14-06-202525-06-2025AUD $ 4,755-
17-06-202528-06-2025AUD $ 4,755-
21-06-202502-07-2025AUD $ 4,755-
26-06-202507-07-2025AUD $ 4,755-
28-06-202509-07-2025AUD $ 4,755-
05-07-202516-07-2025AUD $ 4,755-
19-07-202530-07-2025AUD $ 4,755-
24-07-202504-08-2025AUD $ 4,755-
02-08-202513-08-2025AUD $ 4,755-
16-08-202527-08-2025AUD $ 4,945-
30-08-202510-09-2025AUD $ 4,945-
01-09-202512-09-2025AUD $ 5,135-
03-09-202514-09-2025AUD $ 5,135-
04-09-202515-09-2025AUD $ 5,135-
06-09-202517-09-2025AUD $ 5,135-
08-09-202519-09-2025AUD $ 5,135-
11-09-202522-09-2025AUD $ 5,135-
13-09-202524-09-2025AUD $ 5,135-
15-09-202526-09-2025AUD $ 5,135-
17-09-202528-09-2025AUD $ 5,135-
19-09-202530-09-2025AUD $ 5,135-
20-09-202501-10-2025AUD $ 5,135-
22-09-202503-10-2025AUD $ 5,185-
23-09-202504-10-2025AUD $ 5,135-
27-09-202508-10-2025AUD $ 5,135-
28-09-202509-10-2025AUD $ 5,135-
01-10-202512-10-2025AUD $ 5,135-
02-10-202513-10-2025AUD $ 5,135-
03-10-202514-10-2025AUD $ 5,135-
04-10-202515-10-2025AUD $ 5,290-
07-10-202518-10-2025AUD $ 5,135-
09-10-202520-10-2025AUD $ 5,135-
10-10-202521-10-2025AUD $ 5,135-
11-10-202522-10-2025AUD $ 5,135-
12-10-202523-10-2025AUD $ 5,135-
15-10-202526-10-2025AUD $ 5,135-
18-10-202529-10-2025AUD $ 5,390-
21-10-202501-11-2025AUD $ 5,135-
24-10-202504-11-2025AUD $ 5,135-
25-10-202505-11-2025AUD $ 5,135-
27-10-202507-11-2025AUD $ 5,135-
29-10-202509-11-2025AUD $ 5,135-
01-11-202512-11-2025AUD $ 4,945-
06-11-202517-11-2025AUD $ 4,945-
11-11-202522-11-2025AUD $ 4,945-
15-11-202526-11-2025AUD $ 4,945-
18-11-202529-11-2025AUD $ 4,945-
20-11-202501-12-2025AUD $ 4,945-
25-11-202506-12-2025AUD $ 4,945-
29-11-202510-12-2025AUD $ 4,945-
08-12-202519-12-2025AUD $ 4,945-
16-12-202527-12-2025AUD $ 4,945-
23-12-202503-01-2026AUD $ 4,945-
27-12-202507-01-2026AUD $ 4,945-
30-12-202510-01-2026AUD $ 4,945-
03-01-202614-01-2026AUD $ 4,990-
17-01-202628-01-2026AUD $ 4,990-
31-01-202611-02-2026AUD $ 4,990-
07-02-202618-02-2026AUD $ 4,990-
14-02-202625-02-2026AUD $ 4,990-
21-02-202604-03-2026AUD $ 4,990-
28-02-202611-03-2026AUD $ 4,990-
07-03-202618-03-2026AUD $ 4,990-
11-03-202622-03-2026AUD $ 4,990-
14-03-202625-03-2026AUD $ 4,990-
21-03-202601-04-2026AUD $ 4,990-
23-03-202603-04-2026AUD $ 4,990-
25-03-202605-04-2026AUD $ 4,990-
28-03-202608-04-2026AUD $ 4,990-
01-04-202612-04-2026AUD $ 5,190-
04-04-202615-04-2026AUD $ 5,190-
06-04-202617-04-2026AUD $ 5,190-
08-04-202619-04-2026AUD $ 5,190-
11-04-202622-04-2026AUD $ 5,190-
13-04-202624-04-2026AUD $ 5,190-
15-04-202626-04-2026AUD $ 5,190-
18-04-202629-04-2026AUD $ 5,190-
19-04-202630-04-2026AUD $ 5,190-
20-04-202601-05-2026AUD $ 5,190-
22-04-202603-05-2026AUD $ 5,190-
25-04-202606-05-2026AUD $ 5,190-
27-04-202608-05-2026AUD $ 5,190-
29-04-202610-05-2026AUD $ 5,190-
02-05-202613-05-2026AUD $ 5,190-
04-05-202615-05-2026AUD $ 5,190-
06-05-202617-05-2026AUD $ 5,190-
09-05-202620-05-2026AUD $ 5,190-
11-05-202622-05-2026AUD $ 5,190-
13-05-202624-05-2026AUD $ 5,190-
16-05-202627-05-2026AUD $ 5,190-
18-05-202629-05-2026AUD $ 5,190-
20-05-202631-05-2026AUD $ 5,190-
23-05-202603-06-2026AUD $ 5,190-
27-05-202607-06-2026AUD $ 5,190-
30-05-202610-06-2026AUD $ 5,190-
03-06-202614-06-2026AUD $ 4,990-
06-06-202617-06-2026AUD $ 4,990-
10-06-202621-06-2026AUD $ 4,990-
13-06-202624-06-2026AUD $ 4,990-
17-06-202628-06-2026AUD $ 4,990-
20-06-202601-07-2026AUD $ 4,990-
27-06-202608-07-2026AUD $ 4,990-
04-07-202615-07-2026AUD $ 4,990-
11-07-202622-07-2026AUD $ 4,990-
18-07-202629-07-2026AUD $ 4,990-
25-07-202605-08-2026AUD $ 4,990-
01-08-202612-08-2026AUD $ 4,990-
08-08-202619-08-2026AUD $ 4,990-
15-08-202626-08-2026AUD $ 4,990-
22-08-202602-09-2026AUD $ 4,990-
29-08-202609-09-2026AUD $ 5,190-
02-09-202613-09-2026AUD $ 5,390-
05-09-202616-09-2026AUD $ 5,390-
07-09-202618-09-2026AUD $ 5,390-
09-09-202620-09-2026AUD $ 5,390-
10-09-202621-09-2026AUD $ 5,390-
12-09-202623-09-2026AUD $ 5,390-
14-09-202625-09-2026AUD $ 5,390-
16-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 5,390-
17-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 5,390-
19-09-202630-09-2026AUD $ 5,390-
21-09-202602-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
23-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
24-09-202605-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
26-09-202607-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
28-09-202609-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
30-09-202611-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
01-10-202612-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
03-10-202614-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
05-10-202616-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
07-10-202618-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
08-10-202619-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
10-10-202621-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
12-10-202623-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
14-10-202625-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
15-10-202626-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
17-10-202628-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
19-10-202630-10-2026AUD $ 5,390-
21-10-202601-11-2026AUD $ 5,390-
22-10-202602-11-2026AUD $ 5,390-
24-10-202604-11-2026AUD $ 5,390-
26-10-202606-11-2026AUD $ 5,390-
28-10-202608-11-2026AUD $ 5,390-
31-10-202611-11-2026AUD $ 4,990-
04-11-202615-11-2026AUD $ 4,990-
07-11-202618-11-2026AUD $ 4,990-
11-11-202622-11-2026AUD $ 4,990-
14-11-202625-11-2026AUD $ 4,990-
18-11-202629-11-2026AUD $ 5,190-
21-11-202602-12-2026AUD $ 5,190-
25-11-202606-12-2026AUD $ 5,190-
28-11-202609-12-2026AUD $ 5,190-
02-12-202613-12-2026AUD $ 5,190-
09-12-202620-12-2026AUD $ 5,190-
16-12-202627-12-2026AUD $ 5,190-
23-12-202603-01-2027AUD $ 5,190-
28-12-202608-01-2027AUD $ 5,190-
30-12-202610-01-2027AUD $ 5,190-

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (8 nights),Feature Stay (2 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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