Compare Morocco: Sahara & Beyond by G Adventures vs Grand Tour Of Morocco by Wingbuddy

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: USA - Casablanca (Morocco)

Flight with good itinerary.

Day 2: Casablanca

Arrival at Casablanca Mohamed V airport. Welcome, Assistance and transfer to the hotel in Casablanca. Check‐in. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Casablanca - Rabat

Morning visit of Casablanca, the economical capital of Morocco: the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, the Mohamed V and United Nations squares, the Central Market, the Habbous quarter and the residential area of Anfa. Stroll along the Aïn Diab seaside. Independent lunch. Departure to Rabat: visit of the administrative capital of Morocco with the Hassan tower, the Mohamed V Mausoleum, the Kasbah of Oudayas and the medina. Check‐in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Rabat - Meknes - Fez

Departure to Fez with the visit of the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Continue to Meknes. Independent lunch. Visit of the city formerly known as «the Moroccan Versaille», Bab Mansour, the most preserved gate in Morocco, Hari Souani and the old media. Arrival in Fez. Check‐in. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Fez

The whole day is dedicated to the sightseeing of Fez: visit of the medieval medina, the medersas, the karaouine mosque and the famous Nejjarine Fountain. Independent lunch. Continuation of the visit through the old medina. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Fez - Midelt - Erfoud

Departure to Midelt via Azrou. Independent lunch. Continuation through Midelt, Ziz River and series of fortified villages. Arrival in Erfoud and check‐in at the hotel. Dinner and accommodation.

*Optional Excursion ($) to Merzouga dunes by 4x4 ($40 taxes included / person approx.) bookable at destination.*

Day 7: Erfoud - Tineghir - Ouarzazate

Departure to Tineghir via Rissani. Visit of the ruins of Ksar Abbar and through the Tinjdad road, arrival at Todra Gorges. Independent lunch. Continuation to Ouarzazate via El Kelâa M´gouna and the Dades valley. Arrival in Ouarzazate. Check‐in. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

Day 8: Ouarzazate - Aït Benhaddou - Marrakesh

Visit of Ouarzazate with Tifoult and Taourirt Kasbahs. Then departure to Aït Ben Haddou village. Independent lunch. Visit of the ruins of this ancient Kasbah, Continuation via the Tiz‐In‐Tichka pass and Taddert to Marrakesh. Check‐in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

 Day 9: Marrakesh

The entire day will be spent visiting Marrakesh: the Saadian tombs, the Koutoubia, the Bahia palace and the Menara gardens. Independent lunch. Visit of the souks, and the Djemaâ El Fna square. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Optional Diffa Fantasia Diner & Show ($49 taxes included / person)

A Diffa Fantasia dinner will be served under caïdal tents at the famous «Chez Ali» restaurant while enjoying fantasia performance with camels and horses shows, folkloric and belly dancers. Return to the hotel and overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Marrakesh - Essaouira

Departure to Essaouira. Independent lunch. Visit of the city. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Essaouira - Oualidia - Casablanca

Departure to Casablanca via El Jadida with a stop at Oualidia. Independent lunch. Continuation along the Atlantic coast to reach El Jadida for an orientation tour. Arrival in Casablanca. Check‐in at the hotel; Dinner and overnight.

Day 12: Casablanca - USA

Departure transfer to Mohamed V airport for the return flight. Assistance with the boarding formalities.

‐End of our services‐