Compare Best of Morocco by Firebird Tours vs 12 Days Highlights of Morocco by MPT
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 12 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 2,988 | $ 2,400 |
| Price Per Day | $ 249 | $ 200 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included |
11 Breakfasts and 2 Dinners |
|
| Description |
Explore Morocco with our classic tour package featuring vibrant Casablanca, culturally mixed Rabat, spiritual Fes, Roman ruins of Volubilis and Meknes, authentic Marrakech. Experience overnight in the Sahara Desert - probably the best place to gaze at the stars. Drive through diverse terrains from the Middle to High Atlas Mountains, through cedar and green oak forests and to deep cliff-sided canyons, with your private driver-guide along for the whole trip. |
This 12 days tour gives you a chance to discover the best of Morocco starting from Casablanca and back, visiting the capital of Morocco Rabat, the blue perle Chafchouaen, Ancient Berber Roman city of volubilis, the imperial 17th century city Meknes, the medieval cultural city Fes. Travelling south east towards Merzouga crossing the so called the Swidzerland of Morocco Ifran, Azro town, the Seder forest, the Mid-Atlas moutains landscapes, Ziz valley, the city of fossils Arfoud, reaching the mysterious goldden Sahara dunes in Merzouga camel ride experience crossing the sand dunes, spend a magical desert night, Todra and Dades Gorges, City of roses Kalaa Magouna, Skoura Oases and Kasbahes, the world of cinema Ouarzazate, The famous Kasbah Ait benhaddou, driving through the High Atlas mountains, exploring the mesterious city Marrakech, The atlantic portuguese town Essaouira and more. |
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.
Day 1: Casablanca airport transfer
Pick up from the airport in Casablanca – Check in your hotel and relaxation.
Day 2: Casablanca-Chefchaouen
Casablanca & Rabat excursion. Lunch on the way to Chefchaoun – Free time and Overnight stay in Chefchaoun
Day 3: Chefchaouen
Guided visit of Chefchaoun , free time and overnight in Chefchouen.
Day 4: Chefchaouen-Fes
After breakfast drive to Fes visiting Volubilis and Meknes. Overnight stay in Fes.
Day 5: Full day guided tour of Fes
After breakfast, full day guided tour to discover the historical heritage of Fes city, the tour allows you to explore historical sites such as Madrasa EL Bouinania, El Quaraoiyin mosque and university, south tower, pottery village, Nejjarine Square, the residence of the king, Tanners, Jewish quarter and more . free time and Overnight stay in Fes.
Day 6: Fes-Merzouga
8 am departure from Fes. Travel South-east and visit the ‘lion city’ of Ifran, Midelt, the Cedar forests and monkey’s troops of Azrou, lunch at Midelt. Ziz Valley, Continue traveling south– east exploring the Middle Atlas landscapes. Reach the gateways of Sahara desert through the cities of Rissani and Erfoud. Camel trek to your desert camp – timing prior to sunset to enjoy the glorious view – an evening of traditional music, free time exploring the dunes, dinner and overnight stay in your private desert tent.
Day 7: Merzouga-Ouarzazat
Early wake up for the spectacular sunrise, Breakfast then camel ride back to the car, Drive west towards Tinghir visiting Todra gorge and oasis, drive to Ouarzazate via Boumalne, El kalaat megouna visiting Amridil Kasbah, dinner and overnight stay in Ouarzazate.
Day 8: Ouarzazat-Marrakech
After breakfast, visit the world of cinema Ouarzazate & Ait Ben Haddou kasbah. drive through the hight Atlas Mountains, and Tichka pass to Marrakech. Overnight stay in Marrakech.
Day 9: Full day guided visit of Marrakech
After breakfast meet the Guid and start discovering Marrakesh with its historical heritage, the visit includes ( Bahia palace, saadian tombs, Koutoubia mosque, jemaa el-fna Square, Souks, Jardine secret or Majorel garden.. Etc, free time and overnight stay in Marrakech.
Day 10: Marrakech-Essaouira
Transfer to Essaouira via Chichaoua,Argan forest, Guided tour descovering the town, Check in your hotel free time and overnight stay.
Day 11: Essaouira-Casablanca
Drive to Casablanca via the coast line, Check in your hotel , free time andovernight stay.
Day 12: Casablanca-aiport transfer
Transfer to Casablanca airport at any time.
