Compare Morocco Kasbahs & Desert by G Adventures vs The Historic Tunisia by Tunisia Tours

Day 1 Casablanca

Arrive at any time.

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.

A general note about this tour: it has a very fast-paced itinerary, which covers a lot of ground. This is great as it allows us to see a huge amount in the time available, but it also means some early starts, some long drives in the minivan, and less free time than many other G Adventures tours.

Day 2 Casablanca/Fès

Enjoy a G Adventures-supported traditional lunch. Take a guided tour of the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis before continuing on to Fès.

Start early and drive through the rolling hills to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Take a guided tour of the best-preserved Roman ruins in this part of Northern Africa, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After, continue to Fès, one of Morocco's most interesting cities. Take some free time to explore upon arrival. Opt to experience a traditional hammam and get to know the locals.

We will be staying in the the new city of Fès, built by the French during their Protectorate of Morocco. This area has the feel of a French provincial town, with its cafés, restaurants, and wide boulevards. Head off for a Moroccan feast at one of the many restaurants and finish off the night with some famous Moroccan mint tea.

Day 3 Fès

Explore the labyrinth of streets within the famous Fès medina with a local guide. The Fès medina is the world’s largest living medieval medina and a UNESCO site. Explore the artisan quarters, sample treats from the carts, and view Fès' famous leather tannery from above. Enjoy free time this afternoon.

Day 4 Fès/Merzouga

Drive south towards the desert and embark on a camel ride into the dunes to watch the sunset. Head back to your hotel for a night of entertainment under the stars.

Start early today for a drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains to reach the edge of the Sahara. Settle into your hotel at the edge of the dunes and enjoy a warm welcome with mint tea. In the late afternoon, take a camel ride deep into the dunes to watch the sunset. Learn to tie a turban to keep the desert sun off your face and add a little flare to photos. This evening, indulge in a traditional dinner, then gather around a campfire under the stars near to your hotel. Listen to stories about life in this region and, perhaps, some traditional music on the drums.

Day 5 Merzouga/Todra Gorge

Rise early to watch the sunrise. After breakfast, continue through a stone desert to the stunning Todra Gorge. Wedged between massive cliff walls, the gorge is filled with a green oasis of palm trees. This serene spot is great for hiking, relaxing on the edge of the river or sampling some local Amazigh (also known as Berber) delicacies.

Opt to spend the morning exploring the undulating golden sand of the dunes, discovering the surrounding communities on a land cruiser desert excursion. You can pre-book this optional excursion when booking your tour.

Day 6 Todra Gorge/Aït Ben Haddou

Visit the Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Opt to participate in a tagine cooking class for an intro to Moroccan cuisine.

Travel along the “Route of 1000 Kasbahs” to the thriving town of Ouarzazate for a lunch stop. This town is home to Atlas Film Studios, where many films have been shot over the years, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Continue on to the fascinating and beautiful Aït Ben Haddou, a wonderful example of a kasbah.

Day 7 Aït Ben Haddou/Marrakech

Head to Marrakech and take a guided medina visit. Opt to visit the Djemaa el Fna Square in the evening to see the gathering of musicians and street performers. Don't leave without indulging in a feast at the famous food stalls.

The journey to Marrakech includes breathtaking views throughout the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m). Arrive in Marrakech in time for lunch with the rest of the day free to wander the city.

Day 8 Marrakech

Depart at any time.

Opt to get up early and catch the sunrise over Marrakech by pre-booking the Hot Air Balloon excursion. Please ensure you allow enough time to return from the activity when planning your onward journey.

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help you book extended accommodation.

Day 1: Tunis Arrival

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: DAR BEN GACEM

Upon arrival in Carthage International Airport, you will be met by your private driver and taken to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your time of arrival, you will begin with a tour of the old medina (ancient city) of Tunis. From the charming architecture to the picturesque souks (markets), the ancient medina is well worth a visit. Dinner will be served in the hotel.

Day 2: Bardo Museum / Carthage / Sidi Bou Said / Tunis

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: DAR BEN GACEM         

After breakfast, you will set out to visit the National Museum of Bardo. The Bardo Museum contains some of the most complete and ancient Roman Mosaics in the entire world. From the museum, you will head off to explore the famous ruins of Carthage. Your guide will take you to the Phoenician Cemetery, Antonin’s Bath, Punic Harbors, the Carthage Museum and more. Depending on your time, you may want to take a drive up to the beautiful Sidi Bou Said, which overlooks the Gulf of Tunis.  Dinner will be out at a restaurant in Tunis

Day 3: Dougga / Bulla Regia / El Kef

Accommodation: DAR CHENNOUFI

After breakfast, you will move on to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dougga. Some people have called Dougga one of Tunisia’s best Roman historical sites. From here, you will head off to explore Bulla Regia! This archaeological site has a wonderful display of Roman mosaics and semi-underground housing. You will spend the night in the upscale Dar Chennoufi.

Dinner will be served in the hotel.

Day 4: Makthar / Kairouan

Accommodation: LA KASBAH

After breakfast, you will set off to explore the Roman site of Makthar. Scattered with temples, arches and amphitheaters, Makthar allows for a glimpse into the Roman life.  Next you will move on to the spiritual capital of Tunisia, Kairouan. You will want to visit the amazing mosque of Sidi Okba, the ancient medina, and Aghlabid pool. Dinner will be served in the hotel.

Day 5: El Jem / Sousse

Accommodation: MOVENPICK RESORT AND MARINE SPA

After breakfast you will depart of the magnificent coliseum of El Jem. Perhaps Tunisia’s most spectacular site, El Jem is a must see. Stop for a minute to imagine life in the gladiator times while discovering the history of El Jem. Your final destination will be the coastal city of Sousse.

Day 6: Sousse – Sousse Medina

Accommodation: MOVENPICK RESORT AND MARINE SPA

After breakfast you will have a free day to either relax in Sousse or take an excursion to one of the surrounding areas.  Sousse was founded in 800 BC, so there is plenty of history to been seen in this ancient city.  The Great Mosque, the archeological museum and the “Good Shepard” catacombs all tell a story of Sousse’s ancient past.  Dinner will be at the hotel.

Day 7: Nabeul / Kerkouane / Haouaria / Tunis

Accommodation: DAR BEN GACEM

After a relaxed breakfast, north through the Cap Bon peninsula.  Your trip will take you through the coastal town of Nabeul which is Tunisia’s pottery capital.  On to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kerkouane which boasts some of the best preserved ruins of the Punic era.  Haouaria is situated at the tip of the peninsula and boasts a majestic coastline.  The end of the day takes you back to Tunis.  Dinner will be at the hotel.

Day 8: Depart Tunis

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for departure.