Compare Morocco: Sahara & Beyond by G Adventures vs Best of Morocco by Firebird Tours

Day 1 Casablanca

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Please note that this tour does not spend any time in Casablanca. You may wish to come a day early in order to explore Casablanca, and take some time to see its medina, beachfront, and classic examples of Art Deco architecture. Be sure to also visit the spectacular Hassan II Mosque. Entrance is only permitted via guided tours, which operate from Saturday to Thursday at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, and 15:00, and on Fridays at 9:00, 10:00, and 15:00. These times are subject to change (particularly around Ramadan), please double check times with your hotel. Tickets can be purchased at the mosque. In the evening, there will be a brief meeting where you will meet your CEO and fellow group members to go over the details of the tour.

Please note that if you are traveling to Morocco between November and February, your tour will have a level of flexibility based off of winter weather conditions on roads in the mountains. Heavy snow is not uncommon, so plan on packing warmer clothing to suit conditions.

Day 2 Casablanca to Fez

Set out on a guided tour of two UNESCO World Heritage sites. venture to Volubilis and discover the soaring columns and remarkably well-preserved mosaic floors of this ancient Roman outpost. Then, visit the remains of the medieval city of Meknès, which served as Morocco’s imperial capital in the 17th century. Then, enjoy lunch at a G Adventures–supported women’s cooperative. Continue to Fez and check in to our hotel.

Meknès is one of the four Imperial cities and its name and fame are closely linked to that of the Moroccan Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made Meknès the centre of his empire and built many of the monuments that remain today. Continue through the rolling hills to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. Once an important Roman town situated near the westernmost border of Roman conquests, Volubilis was listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. After lunch, Continue to Fès to spend the night. Stay in the new city of Fès, built by the French during their Protectorate of Morocco.

This is a long and busy day. The times listed are actual driving times and do not include stops. We will stop to explore Meknès and Volubilis, and not arrive in Fès until the evening.

Day 3 Fez

Step back in time on a walking tour of the medina of Fez, a spellbinding World Heritage site dating back to the 9th century. Skirt past donkey carts as you take in the dazzling sights, from colourful mounds of spices to vividly painted ceramics, and observe Fez’s famous tanners treating and dying hides in the traditional manner. Pay a visit to the breathtaking Madrasa al-Attarine, a masterpiece of intricate Islamic architecture, and pass by the famed Al-Karaouine Mosque—home to the longest continually operating university in the world. We’ll meet a local calligraphy expert at a café later this afternoon for a demonstration of Arabic writing.

Day 4 Fez to Marrakech

This morning, travel to Marrakech, a melting pot of Amazigh, West African, Mediterranenan, and Arab influences. Immerse yourself in the colour and chaos of Djemaa el-Fna, the city’s main square, where storytellers and magicians captivate passersby and vendors of all kinds peddle their wares. Enjoy mouthwatering street food for dinner: consider sampling harira, a traditional Moroccan soup, or tangia, a slow-cooked meat stew.

Day 5 Marrakech

Set out in the maze of tiny streets and alleyways and view the Koutoubia Minaret; then head to a spice shop to discover an array of Moroccan spices. After, visit a converted riad or traditional house for a hands-on cooking class, learning how to prepare a delicious tagine and a variety of salads, and enjoy your creations for lunch.This afternoon, take a historical walk of the ancient medina with our local guide, including visits to the enchanting Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs, the 16th-century mausoleum where the Saadian dynasty ruler Ahmed al-Mansour and his family are interred.

Day 6 Marrakech/Aït Ben Haddou

Drive to Aït Ben Haddou, an ancient mudbrick settlement and UNESCO World Heritage site located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Explore this fascinating ksar, or fortified village, and compare the vistas of the city with scenes from the Game of Thrones series, Lawrence of Arabia, and Gladiator—parts of which were filmed here.

Day 7 Aït Ben Haddou/Erg Chigaga

Travel through the Draa Valley towards the Sahara. Venture into the desert on 4x4s, making your way to the great dunes of Erg Chigaga. Settle into our comfortable desert camp and set off on a desert walk. Climb to the top of the dunes to catch an unforgettable sunset over the Sahara, the world’s largest desert. Enjoy a traditional dinner back at the camp and gather around a fire beneath the stars for an evening of storytelling and traditional music.

Spend the night in a simple desert camp which provides a peak into traditional desert living. Each tent is outfitted with sheets, pillows, a raised bed, towels, and covers against the desert cold and it has a separated ensuite with simple portable toilette and wash basin. While the accommodation is basic, it is quite comfortable and offers a truly unique experience.

Day 8 Erg Chigaga/Zagora

After breakfast, head out from the desert and pause at the small town of Tamegroute to visit a library of ancient Islamic texts. Then drive to the oasis town of Zagora, where a colourful regional market is held twice a week. Enjoy a talk on the history of the Draa region, centered around the Draa River—the longest river in Morocco—and unwind at our beautiful riad. Take a dip in the swimming pool, or relax with a drink on the patio.

Day 9 Zagora/Taroudant

Head off the beaten path towards the Anti-Atlas or Lesser Atlas mountains. Stop at the town of Taliouine, a thriving centre for harvesting saffron—the world’s most expensive spice—and continue to our stunning riad in Taroudant.

Day 10 Taroudant

Concealed within striking red walls and framed by snow-dusted peaks, the market town of Taroudant is often called “Little Marrakech.” Wander through the old town at leisure and browse its lively shops. Spend the afternoon at our riad, exploring its flower-laden paths or enjoying a book by the pool.

Day 11 Taroudant/Tafraout

Venture deeper into the Anti-Atlas region, known for its spectacular natural rock formations and stark, lunar landscapes. Visit Aït Mansour Gorge, a stunning valley of pink-hued cliffs that harbour lush palm groves. Take a walk through the valley in the shade of towering palms and have lunch at the home of a local family. Later, hike to the rock formation known as Le Châpeau de Napoléon, or Napoleon’s Hat, before continuing to Tafraout for the evening.

Day 12 Tafraout/Essaouira

Travel to the beautiful port town of Essaouira on the Atlantic coast. Stroll the windy beaches, soak in the leisurely atmosphere of the medina, and watch the hustle and bustle of fishermen at the port. Opt to check out the city’s happening live music scene.

Essaouira is also famous for its music scene and offers a great chance to check out a live performance.

Day 13 Essaouira

Enjoy a day of leisure in this charming coastal city, where Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens, and Frank Zappa all famously travelled for inspiration. Walk along the 18th-century ramparts overlooking the Atlantic, and buy fresh fish from the market, which we’ll take to a local restaurant to cook up for our lunch. Opt to browse the colourful shops and art galleries that line the white-washed streets of the medina.

Day 14 Essaouira/Marrakech

Return to Marrakech and visit the ornate 12th-century Menara Gardens and the Majorelle Gardens, once owned by legendary French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. Opt to view the beautiful collection of Amazigh artifacts at the Berber Museum, or visit the nearby Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Enjoy a farewell dinner with the group tonight.

In the afternoon, have free time to further explore the fascinating city of Marrakech and dive into the labyrinthine souks. Visitors and locals alike find everything they desire here, whether it’s spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or famous Moroccan lanterns. The selection is exhaustive. Don’t forget to bargain. It's definitely part of the fun. Once you’ve tired yourself out, relax at one of the tea houses around the square, indulge in the ubiquitous sweet mint tea and watch life go by from a shady spot.

Day 15 Marrakech

Depart at any time.

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca

Welcome to Casablanca - Morocco's largest city and in fact one of the largest and most important hubs in entire Africa! Your private driver meets you at the airport and transfers you to the hotel.

The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the surroundings on your own or take a good rest in your comfortable room.

Day 2: City Tour of Casablanca and Transfer to Rabat

Meals: Breakfast

Following breakfast, you check out from your hotel and meet your local guide and driver in the hotel lobby. You then go on a 4-hour tour of Casablanca.

During the tour, you get to see the major highlights of the city, including Hassan II Mosque, the second largest religious building in the world, designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau. You also have a chance to explore the Hassan II Square and stroll down the Atlantic Boardwalk.

After the tour, your driver takes you to the capital of Morocco -Rabat. Upon arrival, you check into your hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Day 3: City Tour of Rabat

Meals: Breakfast

Following breakfast, you meet your local guide and driver in the hotel lobby and go on a 4-hour tour of Rabat's major highlights.

Located on the Atlantic coast in the north-west of Morocco, the city is the product of a fertile exchange between the Arabo-Muslim past and Western modernism adapted under the French Protectorate. Bearing the unique cultural value, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

During the tour, you visit the 12th-century Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan II Tower - the most visited sight in Rabat, the medieval fortified Chellah Necropolis, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.

After the tour, you are transferred back to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Day 4: Highlights of Fes

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you check out from the hotel and meet your driver in the lobby. You are then transferred to Fes, the spiritual capital of Morocco. Upon arrival, you have some free time before meeting your guide and driver for a 5-hour city tour.

During the tour, you see the 14th-century gates of the King Palace, the shrine of Moulay Idriss, the Mellah (Jewish quarter), and old Fes Medina with its traditional markets and tanneries.

Together with the guide, you enter the ancient Bou Inania Madrasa founded in 1351 AD. You then proceed to the Fondouk el-Nejjarine - which was declared a national monument in 1916. Today this building is a home to the Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts.

After the tour, you return to your riad and have the rest of the day at your leisure.

Optional tour: Cooking class in Fes, Morocco

The 4-hour cooking class takes you first to local souks where together with your chef you shop for the best ingredients. You then have a workshop on the rooftop or in the gardens.

Day 5: Day Trip to Meknes and Volubilis

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast at your hotel, you meet your driver and set out to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Upon arrival, you meet your guide who shows you the 2000-year-old ruins, adorned with beautiful mosaics and colorful tiles depicting Roman mythology. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your next stop is the city of Meknes, where together with your local guide, you explore its major highlights in about 3 hours. You start with admiring the grand entrance to the city and as well the most beautiful gates in the world - Bab Mansour.

Then your guide takes you to the Dar Jamai Museum* with its amazing local arts and crafts, following your visit to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.

Next, you proceed to the Royal Stables, which is a massive stable yard that was constructed to comfortably house no less than twelve thousand royal horses.

After the tour, you are transferred back to your hotel in Fes.

Please note: the Dar Jamai Museum can be closed for temporary exhibitions. The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is under reconstruction till the end of 2018.

Day 6: Trip from Fes to Merzouga

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Following breakfast, you meet your driver and start off your way to the city of Merzouga. A long (7,5 hours) but fascinating ride awaits!

While traveling through the Middle Atlas Mountains, you pass the town of Ifrane often referred to as the Switzerland of Morocco for the surrounding mountainous landscapes and famous ski resorts. Another highlight of the area is Ifrane National Park - the natural reserve abundant with aromatic Atlas Cedar and a home to the largest population of Barbary macaques at this point considered to be endangered species.

Closer to Merzouga, you make a stop and enjoy panoramic views of Ziz Valley which has historically formed a part of a traditional caravan trading route between the settlements of Northern Sahara.

Upon arrival, you are transferred to your hotel. You then enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant and have the rest of the day free.

Day 7: Exploring the Sahara Desert

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

In the morning, you have some free time to relax and prepare for today's adventure. At around noon, you meet your driver who takes you to the starting point of your camel trek* journey through the sand dunes.

One of the highlights of the day is a stop at a small village of Khamilia where you can watch and listen to the locals playing the typical music of the region - Gnawa.

Before the sunset, you arrive at the Berber camp and enjoy a wonderful dinner by the campfire.

The desert is probably the best place to gaze at the stars. Take this chance and witness the Milky Way!

Note: Your luggage is transferred to the camp by vehicle.

*Camel trek can be replaced with 4X4 drive to the camp. Contact your destination specialist for more information.

Day 8: Todra Gorge and Scoura Oasis

Meals: Breakfast

After hearty breakfast at the camp, your driver* takes you back Merzouga.

Around noon, you meet your driver who transfers you to the spectacular gorge of Todra - one of the most breathtaking sights in Morocco. The gorge was carved by the Todra river that formed cliff-sided canyons in the mountains. The final 2000 ft of the gorge are stunning as the canyon narrows to a flat stony track, which is as little as 30 ft wide in areas with sheer and smooth rock walls.

Upon arrival in Skoura Oasis in 4,5 hours, you check in to your centrally located hotel for overnight.

*Camel trek is available and should be requested in advance. Contact your destination specialist for more information.

Day 9: Driving to Marrakech

Meals: Breakfast

Following hearty breakfast at your hotel, you continue your trip. The first highlight of your 4,5-hour journey is a charming city of Ouarzazate which is often referred to as the Gates of the Desert and was formerly an important hub for African traders.

While your journey continues, you reach another UNESCO site - Ait Benhaddou, the unique mud brick city on the edge of the High Atlas Mountains that was often featured in movies, mostly replacing Jerusalem.

Next comes the Rose Valley - the region between the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert which is the major producer of rose oil and water in the whole country. Traveling in April or early May allows you to see the Rose Valley in all its beauty.

The final leg of your journey takes you through the famous mountain pass in Morocco - Tizi’n’Tichka, and gives you the opportunity to admire magnificent views of numerous Berber villages, snow-capped mountains, and green valleys.

Upon arrival in Marrakech, you check into your centrally-located hotel and have the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 10: Sightseeing in Marrakech

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, you set off on an exhilarating sightseeing tour of Marrakech with your guide and driver. During your 5-hour tour, you see the major highlights of the ancient city.

You begin your walking tour in the old quarter of Marrakech where you visit the 19th century Bahia Palace, covered with colorful tile work, and see its eight-hectare gardens with fountains. You then proceed to Saadian Tombs - marble tombs for the Saadian dynasty. Accessible only through a small passage in the Kasbah Mosque, the tombs were neglected until aerial photography exposed them in 1917.

Your next stop is El Badi Palace located nearby and believed to have contained more than 350 opulent rooms, in addition to a large pool, sweeping courtyard, and several gardens. The pieces from the El Badi Palace were used to create a new palace in Meknes, leaving just the shell of the palace behind.

Continue to the souks, the largest you can find in Morocco. We suggest you try haggling as it is an inherent part of Moroccan trading culture.

In the afternoon, you venture into the new city and visit the Majorelle Gardens - a magical petite garden estate designed by Jacque Majorelle and maintained by Yves Saint Laurent.

After the tour, you return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free.

Optional tour: Secrets of Moroccan Spices Cooking class in Marrakech, Morocco

This workshop is aimed at teaching you how to prepare a real traditional home-made Moroccan meal and make the right choice between so many amazing oriental spices.

Optional tour: Air-ballooning in Marrakech, Morocco

Early in the morning, meet your driver and travel about 15 miles north of the Palmeraie of Marrakech. Upon arrival, you help to set up the balloon and slowly take off enjoying the spectacular views of rising sun.

Day 11: Day trip to Essaouira

Meals: Breakfast

Early in the morning following breakfast, you meet your driver-guide in the hotel lobby and venture off to the Jewel of the Atlantic, the amazing coastal town of Essaouira known for its distinctive white houses and blue doors.

Upon arrival in about 2,5 hours, you start exploring the former Portuguese fishing village. During your tour, you see Old Medina which is currently part of UNESCO World Heritage and stroll down the Atlantic Boardwalk. Another highlight of the area is the Scala du Port fishing harbor that offers breathtaking views of the Portuguese ramparts.

After the tour, you are transferred back to your hotel in Marrakech.

Day 12: Departure

Meals: Breakfast

This is the last day of your tour of Morocco. After breakfast, you check out from the hotel and meet your driver who transfers you to the Marrakech* airport for your flight back home.

We hope you enjoyed your Morocco experience and we'll be looking forward to seeing you on our tours again!

*Transfer to the Casablanca airport can be added at extra charge. Contact your destination specialist for more information.