Compare Morocco: Melting Pot of Cultures by Road Scholar vs Highlights of Morocco - In Comfort by Exodus Travels
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Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 17 days | 15 days |
Price From | $ 4,516 | $ 2,400 |
Price Per Day | $ 266 | $ 160 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
Activities |
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Meals Included |
15 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches and 10 Dinners |
There are 14 breakfasts and four dinners included on this trip. Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. Where meals are not included, budget for the following approximate prices. Lunches: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10) Dinners: In cities: 80-200 dirhams (US$8-US$19) In towns and villages: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10) Soft drinks: 10-20 dirhams (US$1-1.90) Alcohol: Beer: 30-50 dirhams (US$2.85-US$5) Wine: 150 dirhams (US$14) and more Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip. If you have any special dietary requirements, please inform us before departure. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (eg coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home. |
Description |
Centuries of living mere miles from Europe and the Iberian Peninsula impressed upon the indigenous Berber people of northern Africa the imprint of a long parade of invaders, settlers and colonists. The result is today’s Morocco, a modern nation where a blend of Arabic, Berber and European heritage infuses every souk, square, medina and oasis. |
Few countries rival the diversity of Morocco, where history-soaked imperial cities, mighty mountains and desert dunes are easily accessed on one trip. This adventure encompasses the best of the country while also staying in stylish riads, boutique hotels and an auberge. The highlights are many: explore coastal Casablanca plus Rabat, Marrakech, Meknes and Fez, collectively known as the Imperial Cities; journey to the southern mountain ranges, where Amazigh villages meet palm oases; and ride a camel in the ever-magical Sahara. We also visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the 16th-century ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou and enjoy a village walk around the High Atlas mountains. We top it all off in the pretty coastal town of Essaouira, a fitting end to a highlight-packed adventure. We end with a tour in the vibrant city of Marrakech.Discover a diverse land of imperial cities, rugged mountains, Sahara dunes and Atlantic shores |
Day 1: In Transit to Program
In Flight
Day 2: Welcome and Introduction to Morocco
Accommodation: Rabat Cantor Hotel Terminus
Afternoon: Arrival to Rabat Sale Airport and Meet the group leader. Check in at the hotel Orientation Session: Morocco 101
Evening: Bus leaves for Hotel
Day 3: Islam, Rabat's History, and Cultural Diversity, Rabat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Cantor Hotel Terminus
Activity note: All the lectures are going to be in a conference room with air-conditioning, the lectures last for about 1:30 with a break of 20 minutes coffee break. The tour of Rabat I is going to be on the bus the whole time.
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Bus Tour: Daily Life in Rabat Lecture: Moroccan Politics
Lunch: Lunch at the Center
Afternoon: Lecture: the Veil in Islam and women issues The Veil in Islam has always been intriguing to both Muslims and non-Muslims. One finds a wide diversity in the definitions of the veil and its religious and social significance. This lecture aims at helping us understand this diversity and provides the social, historical and religious contexts of the veil in Islam. Lecture: Moroccan Costumes This session's objective is to clarify the different head covering and dresses that women wear in different regions of Morocco, depending on the tribes they belong to, depending on their interpretation of the religion, and depending on the situation they are in.Costumes of Morocco will be presented in this session in a fashion show format. Samples of Moroccan costumes, for both men and women, representing different regions, will be displayed. These costumes include the traditional outdoor dress in both rural and urban areas, as well as the fancy outfits worn on special occasions.
Dinner: Dinner at the Center
Evening: Musical Performance: Traditional Moroccan Music
Day 4: Landmarks, Moroccan Politics, and Music, Rabat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Cantor Hotel Terminus
Activity note: All the lectures are going to be in a conference room with air-conditioning, the lectures last for about 1:30 with a break of 20 minutes coffee break.
Breakfast: Breakfast at the Hotel
Morning: Visit Chellah, Hassan Tower and the Oudaya Gardens
Lunch: Lunch with the group
Afternoon: Lecture: Arab spring and Social Movements in Morocco Experiential Session: Hands-on sessions in traditional Moroccan cooking. At the time of micro-waves, frozen food, and processed food, at the time also of working women and tight daily schedule, Moroccan families or more exactly Moroccan women, still spend a lot of time in preparing their meals. Making Couscous is time consuming and the process is so complicated that the woman's skill is evaluated with how delicious her couscous is! In this experiential session, the process of preparing couscous will be demonstrated and explained. The different recipes of couscous will also be uncovered to show the variety and the different uses of spices, meat, vegetables, and sauces, the combination of sweet and salty, the social importance and the symbolism of couscous in Moroccan culture
Dinner: Dinner wth the group
Evening: Musical Performance: Andalusian Music Musical performance prepared for this with readings of Arabic poetry reflecting the Andalusian heritage in Morocco
Day 5: Arts in the North and Daily life in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Riad Chaouen
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Departure to Chefchaouen Via Assila Field trip: The Murals of Asilah
Lunch: Lunch with the group
Afternoon: Continue the drive to Chefchouen Lecture entitled “Issues and Opportunities in Northern Morocco” that will cover Drug Plantation and Business, and Illegal Migration.
Dinner: Dinner with group
Day 6: Chefchaouen: the Blue Pearl City From 1471
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Riad Chaouen
Activity note: The city of Chefchaouen is located on hills. The field trip through the town is 3 hours with 20 min stops at the different sites. Participants can be transferred back to the hotel at any point during the field trip if desired.
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Guided visit of the Medina Explore the town of Chefchaouen which is famous for its blue-rinsed houses and buildings, a tradition that comes from the town's former Jewish population. It offers many native handicrafts that are not available elsewhere in Morocco, such as wool garments and woven blankets. The goat cheese native to the area is also popular here
Lunch: Lunch at the Local restaurant in Chefchaouen
Afternoon: Group discussion
Dinner: Dinner on your own
Day 7: Sufism in Morocco, Fes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Merinides
Activity note: The drives between each of the cities are 1.5 hours in duration with a rest stop between each city. In Ouezzane, choose between walking on an uneven terrain or getting a ride to the private home where lunch will take place.
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Bus leaves Chefchaouen for Fes via Ouazzane En route to Fez, stop in Ouezzane. A town north of Fez, Ouezzane is considered a holy city by Morocco's Jewish population, and is a popular destination for those wishing to venerate the tombs of several Moroccan saints known in Berber Marabouts. Take a field trip to a typical rural weekly market and an excursion to The Mosque of Moulay Abdellah Cherif. Bus Lecture: Health care system in Morocco
Lunch: Lunch with the group in a private house in Ouazzane
Afternoon: Lecture: Sufism in Islam Religion in Morocco is a combination of both Knowledge and Popular Culture. Knowledge is based on the written texts and belief in popular culture is a more concrete entity that is expressed through rituals and practices that are sometimes unique to Morocco. Our visits to the sanctuary towns such as Chefchaouen, Ouezzane, Mouley Idriss and Fes will highlight the idea of spirituality, Sufism, Moroccan mysticism and sainthood, and the concept of Maraboutism in Morocco. Resume the trip to Fes Field Trip: Farming and Agriculture Check in at the Hotel
Dinner: Dinner at the hotel
Day 8: Fes, 12 Centuries of Urban Life
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Merinides
Activity note: The field trip through Fes is 5.5 hours in duration including several stops and lunch in between. Participants can be transferred back to the hotel at any point during the field trip if desired.
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Guided Visit: Daily Life in the Old Medina of Fes Local guides of the city of Fes will accompany the group through the narrow streets and alleys of Fes. Our senses will be challenged through the smells, sights and the sounds of the oldest Islamic city. Fes displays its beauty to the visitors through its Arab and Islamic architecture. We will explore different monuments such as the Medersa, the Foundouq museum, the tanneries and will walk by the mausoleum where the founder of the first Islamic dynasty is buried as well as the Qaraouyine Mosque built by a woman in the 9th century
Lunch: Lunch in the heart of the medina in a local Moroccan restaurant.
Afternoon: Resume the tour of Fes Coach back to the hotel followed by free time.
Dinner: Dinner on your own
Day 9: Roman Heritage of Morocco, Fes
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Merinides
Activity note: The visit to Volibulis is two hours in length. The bus will be parked within a 15 minute walking distance from the site and participants can return to it at any time
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Bus leaves for Volubulis Bus lecture: Educational System in Morocco Guided Visit: The Roman Ruins of Volubilis where you will have time to visit these Roman Ruins. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Volubilis features the best preserved Roman Ruins in North Africa. Archaeological evidence suggests initial settlement occurring in 40 AD upon a pre-existing Carthaginian site dating back to 3rd century BC. Eventually, Volubilis emerged as the administrative center in Roman Africa until an earthquake compelled its residents to abandon the city in the late 4th century AD. Since 2000, archaeological excavations have been carried out by the University College, London and the Moroccan Institut National des Sciences de l'Archeogie et du Patrimoine.
Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Moulay Idriss.
Afternoon: Guided Visit: Moulay Ismail Mosque, the Granary and Mansour Gate Coach back to Fes
Dinner: Dinner on your own
Day 10: Middle Atlas Mountains and Sahara Lifestyle, Erfoud
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Chergui Kasbah Hotel
Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
Morning: Bus leaves to Erfoud via Errachidia Bus Lecture: Amazighi Issues
Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant - Midelt
Afternoon: Resume trip Erfoud Bus Lecture: Nomads and semi-Nomads Check in Hotel Chergui Orientation to the Desert Experience
Dinner: Dinner at the Hotel
Day 11: Nomads of the Sahara, Merzouga
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Nomadic Tents
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Bus leaves for Rissani Field Trip: The souk of Rissani, Field Trip: Ksour of Tafilalt, the medieval city and the largest Saharan oasis of Morocco.The oasis comprises the fortified villages of Erfoud, Arab Sebbah du Ziz, Rissani, Seffalat, Aoufous, and Jorf, together with palm groves stretching 30 miles (50 km) along the Wadi Ziz. Tafilalt is noted for its dates, most of which it exports. Architecture in the Desert Lecture: The Nomads of Morocco
Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant- Rissani
Afternoon: Board 4-wheel drive vehicles for excursion to the dunes of Merzouga This afternoon board 4-wheel-drive vehicles for an excursion to the dunes of Merzouga. Then, visit an NGO in the desert village of Hassi Labied and meet its members; children & women benefiting from literacy classes and more. Also learn about irrigation systems in the desert. Take a camel ride to the top of the dunes to enjoy the sunset.
Dinner: Dinner in the tent camp
Evening: Musical Performance; Gnawa of Khamlia. Watch a performance of Sub-Saharan Moroccan music and dance called Gnawa of Khamlia. Gnawa or Gnaoua refers to both a style of music that fuses classical Islamic Sufism with Pre-Islamic traditions, and an ethnic group/religious order partly descended from former slaves. Characterized by deep low toned sinter melodies, call and response singing, hand clapping and cymbals, Gnawa music strives to evoke a deep hypnotic trance, often aimed at frightening off evil spirits.
Day 12: Architecture and Human Rights Issues in Morocco, Ouarzazate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Ibis Moussafir Ouarzazate
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Take Jeeps to Erfoud Bus leaves to Ouarzazate via Tinjdad and Tinghir Field trip: Oasis and Palm Trees
Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant - Todgha Gorges
Afternoon: Bus lecture: Human rights violations and Truth and Reconciliation process in Morocco History of Human rights in Morocco Resume trip to Ouarzazate Continue to Ouarzazate, on the bus learn about the western Sahara. Then, drive through the Road of 1000 Kasbahs and stop at Kalaa M'Gouna (The Roses Valley). Upon arrival in Ouarzazate, check into the hotel. Check in at the Hotel
Dinner: Dinner at the Hotel
Day 13: Berber life in The High Atlas Mountains, Marrakech
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Atlas Medina
Activity note: The drive to Marrakech will cross the high Atlas Mountains in which part of this drive will be at an elevation of 7,200 ft.
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Guided Visit to Kasbah Glaoui Take an excursion to the Kasbah Glaoui , Palace of the last ruling family of southern Morocco, led by a native guide. Then depart for Marrakech Bus Lecture: Sahara Issues Resume trip to Marrakech
Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in the highest pass in Morocco.
Afternoon: Resume trip to Marrakech
Dinner: Dinner at the hotel
Day 14: Marrakech: Authenticity and Modernity
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Atlas Medina
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Orientation field trip through Marrakech. Known as the Red City and an important former imperial city, it lies at the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Marrakech has the largest traditional market in Morocco and also has one of the busiest squares in Africa and the world, Djemaa el Fna. The square bustles with acrobats, story-tellers, water sellers, dancers, and musicians. By night food stalls open in the square turning it into a huge busy open-air restaurant. Guided Visit of Marrakech, Koutoubia Mosque, El-Bahia palace and Ben-Youssef Mederssa
Lunch: Lunch on your own
Afternoon: Free time in Jamaa Lafna, the Open Outdoor Theatre
Dinner: Dinner on your own
Day 15: A day with Berber Women of the high Atlas Mountains, Marrakech
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Atlas Medina
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Departure to the Boulouane village
Lunch: Lunch and open group discussion with the villagers
Afternoon: Tea ceremony Optional walk in the village Departure for Marrakech
Dinner: Dinner with the group.
Day 16: Casablanca Between Myths and Reality
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Ibis Casa City Center
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Bus leaves for Casablanca Check in at the Hotel
Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant- Casablanca
Afternoon: Guided visit of Casablanca (Hassan II Mosque) Questions and Answers Program Wrap-up session
Dinner: Farewell dinner
Day 17: Program Concludes, Casablanca
Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast: Early breakfast
Morning: Depart for Mohamed V airport
Day 1 Start Marrakech
Welcome to the Red City, a pulsating destination moving at a frenetic pace. Our riad, however, is a pocket of peace with a central pool (ideal for a post-flight dip) and relaxed air. Depending on your arrival time, you can either rejuvenate at the accommodation or start exploring Marrakech. Jemaa el-Fna, the busy food stall-filled central square, is a five-minute walk away. There will be a welcome briefing at the riad this evening or tomorrow morning, depending on when most of the group arrives. Accommodation: Riad Tresor de Marrakech or Riad El Habib (or similar)
Day 2 Visit Hassan II Mosque; to the capital Rabat
This morning, we drive for three hours to Casablanca, a modern, commercial seaport city, to visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. After, we drive two hours to Rabat for lunch, the political capital of Morocco but second in importance to Casablanca. Although mostly modern, Rabat has an excellent old quarter that we take time to explore. Accommodation: Hotel le Musee (or similar)
Day 3 Explore the Roman site of Volubilis and Meknes; to Fez
We strike out from Rabat this morning over the northern plain towards the one-time capital of Meknes, a drive of around three hours. The scenery changes as the land becomes more cultivated, this being one of the most fertile areas in Morocco. Arriving in Meknes, we meet our guide and wander the narrow streets of the old city, exploring the souk and perhaps bartering for souvenirs. In the afternoon, we take a short drive to the largest and best-kept Roman ruins in Morocco: Volubilis, once a large Roman town and now a Unesco World Heritage site. After, we continue our journey to the ancient city of Fez, where we spend two nights. Accommodation: Riad Tafilalet, or Riad Fez Tresor (or similar)
Day 4 Guided tour of Fez
This fascinating city is the intellectual and religious centre of Morocco. Founded more than 1,000 years ago, Fez has many mosques and madrasas (theological colleges) including the ninth-century al-Karaouine University, whose architecture resembles that of Moorish Spain. The medina in Fez is one of the largest in the world: an immense warren of souks, home to thousands of artisans with their tiny shops opening onto narrow alleyways. Our city guide walks us through different sections of the souk, including those selling leather, brass and copper. Of course, no visit to Fez is complete without a visit to the tanneries. Outside the medina we visit the Jewish District (mellah), the exterior of the Royal Palace and drive to a panoramic viewpoint over the city. Accommodation: Riad Tafilalet or Riad Fez Tresor (or similar)
Day 5 Drive to Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara
We have a long journey today: approximately 10 hours, including plenty of stops and superb scenery. We venture over the Middle Atlas mountains, down through the picturesque Ziz Valley to the Hamada, a flat, stony desert gradually approaching the spectacular golden dunes that comprise Erg Chebbi. We stay in an auberge (inn) on the edge of the dunes, allowing us to climb one for sunrise tomorrow. Accommodation: Auberge Yasmina (or similar)
Day 6 Walk among the dunes; camel trek; free time
There is time today to explore the largest sand sea in Morocco or to relax in the shade of a palm tree by the dunes. The sand sea is famed for having pink tones that take on a spectacular rose colour at sunset. In the late afternoon, we enjoy a classic Saharan experience: a 90-minute camel trek through the dunes, before watching the sun sink below the horizon. We then return to our auberge for dinner. Accommodation: Auberge Yasmina (or similar)
Day 7 To Skoura via Todra Gorge
After breakfast, we head towards the little town of Skoura, which is nestled on a beautiful palm grove and located near the city of Ouarzazate. En route, we explore Todra Gorge and the picturesque oases within (journey time: approximately four hours). Following the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs for approximately two more hours, we see impressive ancient kasbahs nestled in palm groves. Accommodation: Chez Talout or Kasbah Ait Benhadda (or similar)
Day 8 Skoura, the palm grove capital of Morocco
There is an option to take a one-hour drive to Toundout Valley and enjoy a four-hour guided hike crossing an Amazigh village and Imi-noulawen valley, where we learn a little of their culture. Alternatively, relax in and around the lodge. Skoura will certainly offer peace and relaxation with various walks through palm groves and past kasbahs. Accommodation: Chez Talout or Kasbah Ait Benhadda (or similar)
Day 9 Journey to Imlil village via Ait Benhaddou ‘ksar’
Leaving Skoura, we rejoin the main road and drive west along the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs via the desert city of Ouarzazate and onto the well-preserved ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou. This Unesco World Heritage site is one of the most spectacular in the Atlas and a location for several Hollywood films including Gladiator (2000). We then continue our drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, with a variety of scenery to enjoy on our way to the village of Imlil. Accommodation: Toubkal Garden or Riad Atlas (or similar)
Day 10 Walking in the High Atlas; evening hammam
We start our day with an optional walk to explore the area. From Imlil, we stroll past a variety of fruit trees including cherries, apricots and quince (if it's the right season, you can even grab a hanging walnut). We follow a small irrigation channel and cross paths with mules as we pause beside a tranquil waterfall. Our gentle hike continues for approximately 50 minutes until we reach the Amazigh village of Aroumd. We spend the rest of the day at leisure, strolling around the village and observing the women carrying bundles of firewood and crops on their backs, while children play on the small bridge nearby. This evening, we visit the village hammam – a truly authentic experience and terrific fun. It is very much a traditional hammam and you may mix with the villagers, which further adds to the experience. A standard treatment with soap and scrubber is included but it is customary to give a tip of 20 dirhams (US$2). Refreshed, we return to the riad for our final dinner in the mountains. Accommodation: Toubkal Garden or Riad Atlas (or similar)
Day 11 Over the High Atlas Mountains to Essaouira
After breakfast, we have a scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. The scenery is spectacular and there are some wonderful mountain views as we go. We stop at a women's cooperative argon oil farm, where you can see the trees growing, get a demonstration of the production process and have the opportunity to purchase products. Our journey finally brings us to the flat arid plains of Marrakech, and then onwards to the pretty seaside town of Essaouira. Accommodation: Riad Ben Atar or Al Madina (or similar)
Day 12 Free day in Essaouira
We have a free day in Essaouira, an old Portuguese fishing port overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The settlement dates to the 15th century but the present town was constructed around 1760 by Sidi Mohammed ben Abdullah, who needed a base from which to suppress a revolt from Agadir. Today, the town is extremely relaxed and the whitewashed houses with painted shutters, artisan workshops, boatyards and fishermen provide a marked contrast to the desert, kasbahs and cities we have visited so far. Our hotel is in the heart of the old walled city, where we have plenty of time for shopping in the souks or strolling along the beach. With many pleasant cafes and some outstanding seafood restaurants, there is plenty of choice for our evening meal. Accommodation: Riad Ben Atar or Al Madina (or similar)
Day 13 To Marrakech; guided tour including Bahia Palace, the Saadian tombs, finish in Djemma el Fna
After breakfast, we drive back to Marrakech. In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided tour of this amazing city. Our guide takes us to the Bahia Palace and the Saadian tombs, ending in Djemaa el Fna, where the town becomes a maze of bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. It is worth seeing this renowned landmark in the evening, when it comes to life with people visiting food stalls, juice sellers, snake charmers and acrobats. Accommodation: Riad Tresor de Marrakech (or similar)
Day 14 Free day in Marrakech
Today is free and there is no shortage of things to do in Marrakech. You might wish to visit Koutoubia, the largest mosque in the city, or venture through the souks and old streets of the medina. After bartering for souvenirs, we have time for a short visit to the Koranic School and Museum of Marrakech. After, you can unwind by taking a 30-minute ride on a calèche (a bright green horse-drawn carriage) to the Jardin Majorelle. These tranquil gardens are decorated throughout in indigo and were once owned by French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. For lunch, we highly recommend the Amal Women's Training Centre and Moroccan Restaurant, which we support in their cause to empower women from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are a non-profit organisation dedicated to training their students to become self-sufficient and improving their quality of life through acquiring new skills in a professional restaurant setting. For a superb traditional Moroccan meal and the opportunity to support this worthy cause, do pay them a visit. This evening, it's common for the group to enjoy a final meal together on Djemaa el Fna. Accommodation: Riad Tresor de Marrakech (or similar)
Day 15 End Marrakech
The trip ends after breakfast, though if you’d prefer a little more time to explore Marrakech, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.