Compare Morocco Explorer by World Expeditions vs Best of Morocco by Eskapas

Day 1 Join Casablanca

If you are arriving on Day 1 of the trip you will be met and transferred to your group hotel. If you arrive on any other day please make your own way to the joining hotel as listed on your final tour voucher. Meet your guide and group members at a briefing at approximately 7:00pm on Day 1 (details will be at the reception of group hotel). Overnight: Idou Anfa Hotel (or similar).

meals : Array

Day 2 Drive to Rabat (approx 2 hrs drive)

This morning we will visit Casablanca’s beautiful Hassan II Mosque. Then we will drive to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, to visit the Grand Mosque - another very imposing and highly decorated structure. Overnight Riad Kelaa (or similar). Approx driving time: 2 hrs.

meals : B

Day 3 Drive to Chefchaouen (approx 4.5 hrs drive)

Drive north along the fertile plains to Ouazzane. Continue on the mountain road to Chefchaouen, which is built on the lower slopes of the Rif Mountains. The houses here are painted blue, typical of the Andalusian style. In the late afternoon we will visit the Medina. Overnight Hotel Dar Mounir (or similar). Approx driving time: 4.5 hrs.

meals : B,D

Day 4 Explore Chefchaouen

Full day to soak up the atmosphere of the prettiest mountain town of the Rif mountain range. After breakfast, we will have a guided tour to the Medina including the Kasbah, the Outa Lhmam square and the souks. There will be free time in the afternoon to explore on your own. The guide can offer various suggestions, such as a walk up to the Spanish mosque via the spring of Ras El Ma for a panoramic view; or visit to a local weaving shop or cooperative. Overnight Hotel Dar Mounir (or similar).

meals : B,L

Day 5 Drive to Fes via Moulay Idriss, Volubilis and Meknes (approx 4.5 hrs drive)

Today we have time to explore the ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis, the largest and best preserved in the country and originally one of the Roman Empire’s remotest outposts. We also wander around the beautiful village of Moulay Idriss, a holy site, named after Morocco’s most revered saint of the same name. Moulay Idriss was the great grandson of the Prophet Mohammed and founder of the first Moroccan dynasty. The city of Meknes was once the heart of the Moroccan sultanate with many impressive buildings as a result. Continuing to Fes, founded in the late 8th Century shortly after the Arabs swept across North Africa and Spain, we arrive at the symbolic heart of Morocco. It has become the cultural and religious centre of the country and has retained a distinctly Arab identity despite the arrival of some Berbers from the interior over the centuries. Today Fes is made up of three sections, the modern Ville Nouvelle, with its chic cafe-lined avenues, Fes el-Jdid and Fes el- Bali. Fes el-Bali is the original Medina and is one of the largest medieval cities in the world. Overnight Riad Yacout (or similar). Approx driving time: 4.5 hrs.

meals : B,D

Day 6 Explore Fes

After a guided tour of the city and old Medina we drive to Borj Sud, a Christian fort built in the 17th Century, for an almost aerial view of the old city and its surrounding olive groves. From here we venture into the Medina of Fes el-Bali which dates back to the 8th Century. In 1976 UNESCO declared this Medina one of the world’s cultural treasures; the palaces, mosques and fountains are among the most beautiful in Morocco. The colours and aromas of the olive and spice stores mixed in with communal bakeries and the mysterious perfume shops are just some of the delights that make this journey through the ancient alleyways, full of scurrying people and surprises, a memorable experience. We will also visit the tannery to watch the dying of leathers and a mosaic and tile factory to see how these stunning local handicrafts are made. We will enjoy a lunch in a traditional Moroccan restaurant. Overnight Riad Yacout (or similar).

meals : B,L

Day 7 Drive to Erg Chebbi (approx 8 hrs drive)

Today we will be on the road by 7:00am. We travel in our air-conditioned minibus passing through the agricultural regions of north Morocco and the fertile plains irrigated by the Oued Aggai in the foothills of the Middle Atlas. We then begin a long climb through an old cedar forest and holm oaks. The scenery changes dramatically where beyond Timhadite lies a completely barren plateau, reminiscent of a lunar landscape pitted with small volcanic craters, the largest of which is Sidi Ali, an immense lake bordered by steep cliffs. After stopping for lunch at the breathtaking Ziz Gorges we continue on past palm-fringed towns to Erfoud and Merzouga, and to the sand dunes at Erg Chebbi. Here the deep orange-hued dunes of the vast Sahara stretch for miles. Overnight Auberge Tombouctou (or similar). Approx driving time: 8 hrs.

meals : B,D

Day 8 Erg Chebbi, drive to the Dades Gorge (approx 5 hrs drive)

Today we'll rise before dawn to experience the amazing colours of a Saharan sunrise from the saddle of the traditional Berber transport: a camel. On returning to our hotel we have breakfast and commence our journey to the Dades Gorge. En route we have lunch at the spectacular Todra Gorges and visit some of Morocco’s greatest antiquities, the Kasbahs of the eastern slopes of the High Atlas. We drive on to the spectacular Dades Gorge where we stay in a small local hotel. We also take time to explore the countryside and wander for a few hours through the fertile fields and local villages soaking in rural Morocco. Overnight Hotel Xaluca (or similar). Approx driving time: 5 hrs.

meals : B,D

Day 9 Visit Berber villages en route to Ouarzazate (approx 2.5 hrs drive)

En route to Ouarzazate (pronounced war-zar-zate), we explore the Kasbahs, oasis and Berber villages in the fertile valleys along the eastern flanks of the Atlas Mountains. We may visit the ancient Kasbahs of Skoura and depending on the day, explore the markets of El-Klaa Mgouna. The earthen town of Ouarzazate lies among the shadows of date and pomegranate trees on the banks of the Dades River. Overnight Dar Mouna guesthouse near Ait Ben Haddou (or similar in Ouarzazate). Approx driving time: 2.5 hrs.

meals : B,D

Day 10 Visit Ait Ben Haddou then to Marrakesh (approx 4.5 hrs drive)

This morning we will visit the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, the most exotic and best preserved in the entire Atlas area. We will have lunch here before continuing on to Telouet and the former palace of Pasha El Glaoui, the Berber chieftain. Passing sandy coloured Kasbahs and the shy Berber women in their traditional black costumes, we leave the arid desert area and cross the High Atlas Mountains to arrive in Marrakesh late in the afternoon. Framed by the snowy heights of the Atlas Mountains and thousand-year-old palm groves, Marrakesh has a profound impact on all that visit it. Overnight Riad Berta (or similar). Approx driving time: 4.5 hrs.

meals : B,D

Day 11 Visit medinas, palaces and gardens in Marrakesh

Today we are led by our expert guide to discover the soul of Marrakesh. We visit gardens, mosques, palaces, and the souqs of the old Medina before reaching the humming centre of Marrakesh: the Djemaa el-Fna. The atmosphere of this square is overwhelming with its jumble of food stalls, snake charmers, fortune and storytellers and the wide variety of people that flock to its attractions. We return in the evening, when the square really comes alive. It is a must to taste the many wonderful dishes on offer at the stalls. Overnight Riad Berta (or similar).

meals : B,L

Day 12 Trip concludes in Marrakesh

Our trip concludes after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport if you depart Marrakesh today. For departure on any other day, transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.

meals : B

Day 1: Marrakesh Arrival

Meals: Dinner

Arrival to Marrakech airport, MEET&GREET & transfer to hotel Overnight

Day 2: Marrakech to Essaouira to Casablanca

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Early departure to Essaouira the Portuguese city anciently called Mogador. Visit of this city once known as capital of the hippies and which is full of Portuguese history as a harbour city with the most ancient fortified port in the world still preserved. Optional seafood lunch. Afternoon, departure to Casablanca passing by the Atlantic road, with stops in Oualidia and El Jadida. Orientation tour of El Jadida (built by the Portuguese and previously known as Mazagan "Mazagão") with possibility to visit the Portuguese Cistern. Overnight: Casablanca

Day 3: Casablanca to Meknes to Fez

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Short visit of the Economic Capital: the Habous district, the Royal Palace, the Mohamed V square, the residential area of Anfa and the outside of the Mosque Hassan II. Departure to Meknes, the Ismailia capital with the longest ramparts in Morocco (40 km). Optional lunch. Visit the famous Bab Mansour gate, the Royal Stables and the Jewish quarter. Departure to the holy city of Moulay Driss (panoramic view) and visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Continuation to Fez. Overnight: Fes Mileage: 320 km

Day 4: Fes

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

The whole day is devoted to the visit of the spiritual capital: the Medieval Medina and its souks, The Royal Palace, Attarine or Bou Anania Medersa, Nejjarine fountain and the outside of Moulay Idriss mausoleum and Karaouine Mosque. Optional lunch in a traditional restaurant in the Medina. Overnight: Fes

Day 5: Fez to Rabat to Marrakech

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Departure to Rabat, the Administrative Capital, and visit of the Royal Palace (Mechouar), Ouadayas Garden & Kasbah, Mohamed V Mausoleum and Hassan Tower Mosque. Optional seafood lunch. Continuation to Marrakesh via high-way. Overnight: Marrakech Mileage: 495 km

Day 6: Marrakesh

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Full day visit of Marrakech, the second oldest Imperial city <<The Ochre city". The historical visit includes Menara Garden, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, Koutoubia and Dar Si Said Museum. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon, visit of the souks, handicraft quarters and the famous Jemaa El-Fna Square with its non-stop entertainment. Optional dinner with show. Overnight in hotel. Overnight: Marrakech

Day7 : Marrakesh to Ait Benhaddou to Zagora

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Departure to Ait Benhaddou through Tizi n'tichka pass (2260m of altitude). Visit of its famous Kasbah, a UNESCO world heritage site, that served as decor for many great movies such as Laurence of Arabia, Troy, Gladiator, Games of thrones... Optional lunch. Continuation to Zagora crossing the Draa valley Overnight: Zagora Mileage: 380 km

Day 8: Zagora to Nkob to Tazzarine to Erfoud

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Departure to Erfoud with a stop at Tamgroute village known for its pottery Center. The route also includes the villages of Tansikht, Nkob, Tazzarine and Alnif with splendid pre- saharian sceneries. Optional lunch at Alnif. Afternoon, continuation to Erfoud via the village of Rissani, birthplace of the Alaouites Dynasty. Overnight: Erfoud Mileage: 300 km

Day 9: Erfoud to Tinghir to Quarzazate

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

In case the previous night was spent in the hotel in Erfoud, you can opt for optional 4x4 excursion to Merzouga to admire the sunrise from top of the sandy dunes. Departure to Tinghir, visit of its magnificent Todra Canyons where rocks reach an altitude of 250m. Optional lunch in local restaurant near the canyons. Afternoon, continuation to Ouarzazate via the road of the 1000 Kasbahs crossing Kalaat M'Gouna & Skoura valley. Short tour of Ouarzazate city upon arrival. Overnight: Ouarzazate Mileage: 350 km

Day 10: Quarzazate to Marrakech

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

A low sun illuminates Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou in Morocco, with snow-covered mountains in the background Departure to Marrakech. Optional lunch in restaurant. Afternoon free at leisure or optional excursions. Dinner and overnight in hotel. Overnight: Marrakech Mileage: 220 km

Day 11: Marrakech Departure

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast Transfer with assistance to Marrakech Menara airport for departure. End of our services. Overnight: N/A