Welcome to Morocco! You will be picked up at the airport in Casablanca on arrival and transferred to your self-arranged hotel. Get settled into your room and get a good night's sleep before your adventure in Africa begins!. (This service is on a private basis.)

Casablanca

Casablanca is Morocco's most forward-minded city. It is where modern industry is churning most noticeably, and where Morocco's economy shows the most activity. Commonly used as Morocco's gateway, most international flights arrive and depart from here. Despite most travelers wanting to reach the Sahara or walk in Marrakesh's medina, Casablanca deserves a little more attention. It is where a culture as old as Morocco's gazes onto a modern world, and interprets modern fashions as its own. Much can be learned about Morocco's culture by walking its streets and meeting its people.

Casablanca Half-Day Tour

Today, you will have a half-day tour by car during which you will explore Casablanca's highlights. In addition to visiting the outside of the famous Hassan II Mosque, you may want to visit the Habous Quarter, the Central Market, United Nation Square, and the Ain Diab Corniche. One of the most interesting, rich historical aspects of Casablanca is the Art Deco architecture left by French colonialists through downtown Morocco. Many of these buildings are in various states of disrepair, but an absolute must-see for Art Deco enthusiasts is the Cinema Rialto on rue Mohammed Qorri. This particular neighborhood is rich with examples of Art Deco and is worth an afternoon stroll. There is also the Jewish Museum -- one of the only ones in the Muslim world.

*Please note: To visit the Hassan II Mosque, you must be dressed appropriately. Men should wear pants and shirts, no shorts or tank tops. Women must cover their heads, arms, and legs.

Casablanca - Chefchaouen

This morning, you'll take off with your private guide and driver for the "Blue Town" of Chefchaouen. En route, stop in Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Once in "Chaouen" you'll have the afternoon free to explore and relax.

Total travel time: 5 hours (This service is on a private basis.)

Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is one of the most iconic towns in Morocco, thanks to its sea of enchanting shades of blue. Taking a stroll through the winding streets of blue washed buildings, offers an experience that truly feels like a fairy tale. Chefchaouen is traditional enough to promise an authentic Moroccan experience, yet modernized enough to make travel here seamless and comfortable. With the recent renovation of the town's medina, what was once just a backpacker's destination, is now an irresistible retreat for all.

You will enjoy an orientation walk in Chefchaouen today with your guide and perhaps a short hike if you'd like. The rest of the day will be free to relax at your leisure.

Visit Meknes & the Roman Ruins of Volubilis

Today, you'll depart Chefchaouen following breakfast and head south towards the imperial city of Meknes, founded by the Berber tribe Meknassa in 711 (older than Rabat, Fez & Marrakech). Meknes used to be the capital of Morocco during the kingdom of Mly Ismail from 1672 to 1727. Take a tour of Bab Mansour and El Khzenand and enjoy lunch before continuing to Volubilis.

Volubilis is the most important and extensive remains of a Roman city in Morocco, and one of the most distant of the Empire’s domain, thanks to the powerful Berber tribes who showed themselves to be more than a match for the conquering legionnaires. Once one of the most important regions producing grain to feed the voracious Roman appetite, and wild animals to keep the crowds entertained as they tried to devour gladiators in the arena, this prosperous provincial city was home to some 200,000 residents at the height of its glory.

The fascinating sights here are overseen by the nearby village of Moulay Idriss, which looks like a camel sitting from a distance. The oldest town in Morocco, it was founded by Moulay Idriss I in 789, having fled Mecca because of religious and tribal conflicts. It was here that the Idrisid dynasty was founded, and the town has the only round minaret in Morocco. Then, you'll head to the Imperial City of Fez to prepare for tomorrow's full day.

(Total travel time: 4-5 hours) (This service is on a private basis.)

Private Tour of Fez

In Fez, you will be able to explore the UNESCO protected Fez Medina with a privately guided full day tour. Since this can be confusing due to well over 9,000 streets and alleyways, your guide will take you to the most worthwhile parts, including the Fondouk Nejjarine, the tanneries and the various craft souks. If you have particular places of interests, let us know!

Lunch is included today on the tour. (This service is on a private basis.)

Fez

An old and noble city, Fez truly is the center of culture and intellectualism in Morocco. Many of the country's most important historical movements began in Fez, and although the city has seen ruler after ruler come and go, it has stood strong for over 1,200 years. The rich history is apparent everywhere you look, as you navigate through the medina's narrow passages. Wind your way through the city and wake up your senses with the flavors and aromas behind every street corner. Money from tourism has poured into Fez in the past couple of decades, influencing the construction of more modern riads, to compliment an ancient lifestyle.

Journey to Erfoud via Ifrane & Ziz Valley

You will depart early this morning and head to Ifrane, the gateway into the Middle Atlas Mountains. From this alpine area, you'll continue onward through Ifrane and the expansive Ziz Valley oasis. It's here where you'll meet our local coordinator who will take you on a short walking tour through this rich agricultural area filled with date palms and small farmsteads. Following, lunch will be served at his family's humble home. Continue on to Erfoud where you'll enjoy a relaxing evening at the hotel, allowing you to be fully rested for tomorrow's desert adventure. Drive Duration: approximately 7 hours. (This service is on a private basis.)

Sahara Desert Experience

This morning you'll have some time to explore Erfoud Market and the old irrigation system at Khettarat before stopping for lunch at El Khorbat for some Berber pizza. Then we continue south to Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi region of the Sahara Desert. Once near the dunes, you'll take a 4x4 to meet the camels where a one-hour ride on these local dromedaries takes you into the encampment. If you'd rather not ride camels, you can continue into the desert camp via 4x4. You'll be sleeping in a Bedouin-style luxury tent. This tent area has actual beds/blankets/sheets, carpets aligning the ground, and western-style bathroom facilities. A scrumptious dinner will be served this evening.

Approximate Driving Time = 3 hrs (This service is on a private basis.)

Sahara Desert

The limitless expanses of the Sahara feels like a final frontier. As one of the world's most sparsely populated regions, the Sahara Desert provides unspoiled beauty in the void of life. This dramatic destination showcases some of Morroco's most memorable and iconic experiences. Spend an evening in a Berber-style camp, sleep beneath a blanket of stars, admire epic sunrises & sunsets and explore the endless sea of powder sand dunes by camel back. These unparalleled activities promise an experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.

Sahara Desert Exploration

Rise early for a walk in the famous Erg Chebbi dunes or continue your explorations by camel or 4WD (the choice is yours). Your guide can also take you to experience some local culture in the nearby village of Khemlia to listen to Gnawa spiritual music before heading back to camp for another night on the dunes. (This service is on a private basis.)

Tinjedad Berber History & Valley of Kasbahs

Today begins your journey to Ouarzazate. In Tinjedad, you'll be able to make a stop at a local Berber-history museum that also serves excellent lunches. Here, we can arrange a guided walk of this lesser-visited palm oasis if you'd like. En route to Ouarzazate, if you'd like to visit the Dades or Todra Gorge (Todra being a bit more touristy), either one will add at least two hours to your transport time today. We do not recommend this in the cooler months with shorter days, though.

You'll end today in the scenic Valley of Kasbahs on the edge of Ouarzazate.

Approximate Driving Time = 6 hrs (This service is on a private basis.)

Visit Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou & Telouet Kasbah

Today you will visit the Taorirt Kasbah once owned by the Glaouis family. You will also be stopping at the UNESCO world heritage site at Ait Ben Haddou. A little later in the journey, you will visit the Telouet Kasbah, located along the former caravan route from the Sahara over the Atlas Mountains sitting at an elevation of 5,900 ft. Then, you'll head into the High Atlas Mountains and the small Berber village of Imlil.

(Total travel time: 4 hours) (This service is on a private basis.)

Atlas Mountains

Northern Africa's highest mountain range has given birth to unique cultures ever since humans first began exploring its mountain passes. The high peaks completely stop the dry Sahara winds from the south, allowing for the comfortable Mediterranean weather that most Moroccan cities enjoy. Berbers call this place home, and it really takes a local guide to know where the semi-nomadic people are at any given point throughout the year. During the warm months of June through September, this is a hiker's paradise, while snow in the high peaks from September to May, transform the area into a sought after skiing destination .

Atlas Mountains Hike & Journey to Marrakesh

After breakfast this morning, set off for a day hike in the Atlas Mountains with your guide. You can discuss hiking options best suited for your abilities with your guide today. After you have returned from your fun excursion, it will be time to transfer back to your accommodation later today.

Check in to your hotel (self-arranged) upon arrival, and spend the evening at your leisure. (This service is on a private basis.)

Marrakesh

Marrakesh represents the maze of shops, entertaining street performers, exotic foreign spices and hard working street vendors, that Morocco is known for. Marrakesh welcomes the quintessential Moroccan travel experience. Each of the imperial cities have their own medinas, but there is a reason that foreigners know about the Marrakesh Medina best. Where berber tribes once traded their gold and ivory, vendors now sell trinkets to tourists, in a world where the atmosphere has remained the same for centuries. The churning of commerce is thriving more than ever, and the result is quite magical.

Marrakesh Guided Tour

After breakfast, you will set off for a guided tour of the most remarkable historical sites in Marrakesh! This outing will provide you the opportunity to understand more about this old city. It is no surprise that Marrakesh is the number one destination in Morocco and one of the world's top ten destinations. Founded in 1060 by the Al Moravide dynasty, this city has played an important role in Moroccan economy and politics, throughout centuries. Not far from the High Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is also a gateway to the Berber culture and Mountain life style.

Time permitting, you will visit Bahia Palace, Badi Palace, the Saadian tombs, Ben Youssef Mederssa, Koutoubia gardens, Majorelle Gardens and a tannery. Bring your camera for the incredible photo opportunities! (This service is on a private basis.)

Spend this free day as you like, and enjoy the amenities at your hotel.

Journey to Essaouira

From Marrakesh, you'll head to the most laid-back beach town in Morocco. This artsy and relaxed coastal region is home to a wonderful medina, ramparts, a great beach with wind and surfing activities, and excellent restaurants. Drive Duration: approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Upon arrival, you'll enjoy a short visit to the city's historical sites before your afternoon free time. (This service is on a private basis.)

Essaouira

A medieval city, complete with fortified walls around a protected harbor, Essaouira shows European influence from the outside, but becomes distinctly Moroccan once you walk through its streets. The scents and smells of a fishing economy mix interestingly with regional spices, family riads and ubiquitous storefronts. Surfers come from all around the world to take advantage of the city's infamous, constant winds.

Journey to Casablanca

This morning you will make your way along the Atlantic coast to Casablanca for the final days of your Moroccan exploration. Along the way, you'll pass the cities of Safi and El Jadida and enjoy the great views over the ocean. (This service is on a private basis.)

You have a free day today to further explore Casablanca with its unique mix of architecture, medinas, and perhaps a stroll through central market or the Boulevard de la Corniche.

In the morning, you will be picked up at your self-arranged hotel and transferred to the airport for your departure flight home. We hope you had an amazing time in Morocco! (This service is on a private basis.)