Compare Luxury Morocco Vacation by Ker & Downey Africa vs Best of Morocco (Summer, Small Groups) by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 5,148 | $ 4,198 |
| Price Per Day | $ 858 | $ 420 |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | No |
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| Description |
See Morocco from above on a helicopter flight over the Ourika Valley, trek through the Agafay stone desert on a camel’s back and fly over the palm groves of Marrakech in a hot air balloon on this Luxury Morocco Vacation. |
Discover the spectacular sites of Morocco on this 10-day guided tour. View Morocco's largest mosque in Casablanca and indulge in a feast of aromatic tagines and exotic fruits inside the ancient palace in Fes. Then take time to watch the enticing art of belly dancing. Be awed by the rugged red mountains of Dades Valley, then sip wild-herb tea alongside local nomads. Before you reach Marrakesh, walk around one of Morocco's most impressive kasbahs at the gate of the Saraha, an earthen clay fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. And of course, you won't leave Morocco without seeing the snake charmers, storytellers and acrobats in Marrakesh's markets and souks, where you can buy anything from a cashmere scarf to a woven rug. |
Day 1: Arrive Marrakech, Morocco
Check-in Kasbah Bab Ourika
Your 6 day Luxury Morocco Vacation starts on arrival at Marrakech Menara International Airport. Touch down and enjoy a simple VIP fast track through customs to meet your dedicated Ker & Downey® Africa representative waiting for you at arrivals. Your private driver will be ready to transfer into the Atlas Mountains to Kasbah Bab Ourika, a mere one hour drive away. The Kasbah features 26 individually decorated rooms overlooking the Ourika Valley. Using a traditional Berber building technique, the eco-friendly Kashbah is constructed from rammed earth and blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. After a seamless check-in, spend the afternoon at leisure at the secluded swimming pool overlooking the surrounding olive groves, citrus orchards and the river below. Alternatively, explore the Kasbah’s organic vegetable garden or reboot after your travels at the traditional Hamman. In the evening, make your way to the dining area and indulge in Chef Michael Arthur’s unique Moroccan and European menu. Using fresh organic ingredients, the 3-course dining experience serves up delicious dishes, from Mediterranean fish soup to charcoal cooked beef tagine.
Where you’ll stay: Kasbah Bab Ourika
Kasbah Bab Ourika features 26 individually decorated rooms overlooking the Ourika Valley. Using a traditional Berber building technique, the eco-friendly Kashbah is constructed from rammed earth and blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings.
Experiences:
Spend the afternoon at leisure at the secluded swimming pool overlooking the surrounding olive groves, citrus orchards and the river below. Alternatively, explore the Kasbah’s organic vegetable garden or reboot after your travels at the traditional Hamman.
Day 2: Transfer to Ourika Valley, Atlas Mountains
Trekking
Fill up on a fresh and healthy breakfast served in the Kasbah’s garden or, upon request, brought to your room. Today, your guide will meet you for a gentle trek through the Ourika Valley in the Atlas Mountains. Pull on your walking shoes and meander through the fertile valleys of olive groves and vegetable gardens. En route, you will have the opportunity to explore the salt productions at Taourirte – a traditional Berber village, discover over 50 species of medicinal plants at the Nacatrome Bio Aromatic gardens and visit the saffron plantation at Takaterte. Refuel with a light picnic lunch before returning to the Kasbah for an afternoon at leisure. For dinner, choose to dine under the stars in the garden or have your meal brought to your room.
Where you’ll stay: Kasbah Bab Ourika
Kasbah Bab Ourika features 26 individually decorated rooms overlooking the Ourika Valley. Using a traditional Berber building technique, the eco-friendly Kashbah is constructed from rammed earth and blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings.
Experiences:
Discover the High Atlas mountain on a guided trek and explore the salt productions at Taourirte – a traditional Berber village. Your guided trek includes a stop at Nacatrome Bio Aromatic gardens, home to over 50 species of medicinal plants.
Day 3: Transfer to Marrakech
Check-in Riad de Tarabel
Wake up at your own pace and enjoy one final breakfast at Kasbah Bab Ourika. After check-out, your private driver will meet you to transfer to the Marrakech Airport for a unique helicopter adventure over the “Three Valleys of the Atlas”. Grab your camera and get snapping as the 1 hour scenic flight takes you over Lalla Takerkoust Dam and the Asni and Ourika valleys. Your driver will meet you at touch down and transfer you into the heart of the Ochre City, Marrakech for the next leg of your luxury Morocco vacation. For lunch, we recommend dining poolside at the Selman Hotel, where you can enjoy sunny Mediterranean cuisine before you arrive at your final destination – Riad de Tarabel. Located in the heart of the Marrakech Medina, the old colonial mansion boasts 10 suites surrounding a courtyard garden. After a seamless check-in, check-in, you will have time to reboot before meeting your expert guide for an insider tour of the city’s bustling marketplace, the Djemaa El Fna Square.
Where you’ll stay: Riad de Tarabel
Riad de Tarabel is located in the heart of the Marrakech Medina. The old colonial mansion boasts 10 suites surrounding a courtyard garden and is a peaceful escape from the bustle of the Medina.
Experiences:
Experience a unique helicopter adventure over the “Three Valleys of the Atlas” before making your way to Marrakech. Meet your expert guide for an insider tour of the city’s bustling marketplace, the Djemaa El Fna Square.
Day 4: Marrakech
Medina tour & camel trekking
After a hearty breakfast at the Riad de Tarabel, your guide will meet you for a walking tour of the city’s Old Medina. Wander through the narrow streets of the old city, browse the buzzing stalls at the local souks and admire the ancient monuments of Bahia Palace, Saadian tombs, and the Koutoubia Mosque. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a modern Moroccan lunch at Nomad rooftop and enjoy views of the surrounding Medina and Atlas mountain range. Before the sun sets over Marrakech, embark on a 4×4 to the Agafay stone desert, a mere 40 minutes away. Saddle up for a slow-paced camel trek before dinner at the luxury nomad camp and your onward journey back to Marrakech.
Where you’ll stay: Riad de Tarabel
Riad de Tarabel is located in the heart of the Marrakech Medina. The old colonial mansion boasts 10 suites surrounding a courtyard garden and is a peaceful escape from the bustle of the Medina.
Experiences:
Wander through the narrow streets of the old city and browse the buzzing stalls of the souks on a guided tour of the Medina. Enjoy a slow-paced trek through the Agafay stone desert on the back of a camel at sunset.
Day 5: Marrakech
Hot air balloon experience
Rise before the sun – today has something incredible in store for you! Your driver will meet you to transfer you to the palm groves of Marrakech for a sunrise hot air balloon ride beside the Ochre City. Once back on land, enjoy a traditional Berber breakfast served under a canvas tent before making your way back to Marrakech aboard a vintage style sidecar. Venture off the beaten track alongside your expert expat guide as he winds through the deserted palm grove roads towards Marrakech. Your sidecar adventure ends at the Yves Saint Laurent’s Majorelle Gardens, a 40-year passion project by French Orientalist artist, Jacques Majorelle. The botanical gardens lead past bright blue visages towards the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, featuring the designer’s collections inspired by the colour palette of Marrakech. Return to the Riad de Tarabel for an afternoon at leisure at the swimming pool or return to the Media to browse the souks for souvenirs. Tonight, you can choose to dine at the Riad’s restaurant or enjoy dinner in the city.
Where you’ll stay: Riad de Tarabel
Riad de Tarabel is located in the heart of the Marrakech Medina. The old colonial mansion boasts 10 suites surrounding a courtyard garden and is a peaceful escape from the bustle of the Medina.
Experiences:
Soar over the palm groves of Marrakech on a sunrise hot air balloon ride before venturing back to the city on a sidecar adventure. In the afternoon, stroll amongst the exotic plants of Jardin Majorelle.
Day 6: Departure
Transfer Marrakech International Airport
Day 6 marks the end of your Luxury Morocco Vacation. After a hearty breakfast and easy check-out of Riad de Tarabel, your driver will meet you and transfer you to Marrakech International Airport for your onward journey home.
Day 1: Welcome to Casablanca
Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for your Welcome Dinner, with the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of good food.
Grand Mogador City Center, Casablanca.
Dinner
Day 2: Rabat, Imperial Meknes and Fes Relaxed Start
During an exploration of the sights of Casablanca view the huge Hassan II Mosque, the largest in the country. Venture to the très chic seaside strip known as the Corniche, which stretches to the west and is lined with trendy restaurants and cafes. Depart for the capital of Rabat to see the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower and visit one of the few holy places open to non-Muslims, the lavish Mausoleum of King Mohammed V. This site is both an architectural marvel and a monument to a great ruler. Travel to Meknes, one of the kingdom's great imperial cities where little has changed since its founding in the 11th century. Stand before the Bab el-Mansour, the monumental entrance to the imperial city and focal point of Square El-Hedim, before continuing to Fes. You'll be delighted with a superb Moroccan Highlight Dinner in an ancient palace at the entrance to the Medina. A colorful array of meze plates, aromatic tagines, exotic fruits and wine will be laid before you while you are entertained with a traditional folklore show. Enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere of belly dancers, drums and authentic music.
Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 3: Fes Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Led by your Local Expert, wander the maze of streets that make up one of the largest thriving ancient Medina's in the world, here you can admire traditional Moroccan handiwork during a visit to a carpet cooperative. Pass one of the world's oldest universities and see the hidden courtyards, mosques and workshops. Continue through the souks where an array of vendors sell food, clothes, leather goods and beautiful lights.
Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: The Ziz Gorges to Erfoud
Leave the bustle of the city behind and head for the spectacular snowcapped High Atlas Mountains. Pass through Ifrane before reaching the great cedar forests of Azrou. After stopping for lunch at Midelt, continue through the magnificent Ziz Gorges, past palm-fringed towns to Er Rachidia, built by the French at an important crossroads. Your destination is Erfoud, where the red sand buildings stand in stark contrast against the patches of greenery and surrounding desert. In the evening, there is an Optional Experience to meet the nomadic desert dwellers and marvel at the glorious Sahara sunset on a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud, Efroud.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Spectacular Ouarzazate
Venture towards the oasis of Tinehir and explore the Todra Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of the Sahara. At Boumalne du Dadès you will encounter the dry and rugged Dades Valley, dotted with oases of figs, olives, date palms and castellated mud houses—hugging the slopes. Meet the locals of the region when you visit a traditional Nomad house to try authentic Berber tea. The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs concludes at Ouarzazate, also known as the film capital of Morocco. Many blockbusters have been filmed here, including Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars.
Le Berbère Palace, Ouarzazate.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: To Marrakesh
Marvel at and photograph the architectural wonder of Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site that boasts one of Morocco's finest kasbahs. Your journey continues via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, before descending past charming mountain villages, dense woods and green fields to the ochre-colored city of Marrakesh. Meet the inspiring ladies of a local women’s cooperative over tea and snacks on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. With the rest of the day at your leisure, why not relax and enjoy the immaculate facilities of your hotel?
Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech.
Breakfast
Day 7: Marrakesh, Pearl of the South Relaxed Start
Meet your Local Expert in the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where you can take a moment to watch the dancers, snake charmers and storytellers. Wander the maze of the Medina and see the Koutoubia Mosque, with its minaret dominating the Marrakesh skyline. With time at leisure, you are free to continue exploring: try your hand at haggling in the souks or maybe visit a museum? In the evening, perhaps choose to join fellow guests at a vibrant restaurant on Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Here you will enjoy a slew of classic Moroccan dishes as you absorb the ambience and watch twirling belly dancers balance plates of lit candles on their heads.
Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech.
Breakfast
Day 8: Elegant Essaouira Relaxed Start
Venture to the west coast of Africa to reach the laid-back fishing town of Essaouira. After an orientation with your Travel Director why not spend the afternoon navigating the narrow alleyways, exploring the busy fishing port or maybe just relaxing on the beach? In the evening, you could sample the local seafood and wine at a waterside restaurant.
Atlas Essaouira & Spa.
Breakfast
Day 9: Return to Casablanca Relaxed Start
Once you've experienced the traditional charms of the country, Casablanca is a fascinating place to return to and offers a unique insight into modern Morocco. In the evening 'of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world' there really is only one place to be. Join your Travel Director at Rick's Café, recreated from the famous movie. Enjoy a hearty Celebration Dinner with drinks and no doubt a rendition of ‘As Time Goes By'. Here's looking at you kid!
Grand Mogador City Center, Casablanca.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 10: Au revoir Casablanca
Today, bid farewell to your journey along Morocco as you transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
