- Wander ancient medinas and roman ruins
- Ride a camel into the sahara
- Spend a night in a desert tent and a mountain gîte
- Enjoy traditional moroccan fare at a local home
- Shop in seaside essaouira
- Set eyes on the blue city of chefchaouen
If you want to hit Morocco’s highlights, this is your adventure. Wander through kasbahs, spice markets, and cities pulsing with energy on this comprehensive trip. Climb onto a camel and explore the edge of the Sahara before admiring the views from the heights of the Atlas Mountains. Experience the energy of imperial cities as you explore souks stuffed with exotic wares. Then take a moment to appreciate this amazing adventure as you camp under the stars among some of the world's biggest sand dunes.
- Only ground transport
42,855 G Adventures Travel Reviews & Ratings
100% Recommend
C
Catherine
I had a great time. The trip was very interesting, well-organised and good value for money. Group size and mix were ideal. November 2015
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Operator G Adventures
L
Leslie
We have always had a great experience with G Adventures. October 2015
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Operator G Adventures
C
Christine
Aziz was a fantastic guide. The itinerary was well planned. July 2015
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Operator G Adventures
E
Evelyn
G Adventures made the process clear and easy from beginning to end. The arrangements were smooth and professional, including the representatives, guide, accommodations, optional excursions, etc. June 2015
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Operator G Adventures
A
Anthony
Excellent CEO and a well planned trip. May 2015
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Operator G Adventures
Day 1 Casablanca
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 (closed Fridays) at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, and 14:00. These times are subject to change (particularly around Ramadan), please double check times with your hotel. Tickets can be purchased at the mosque. Additional Notes: 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. Included Activities: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
Day 2 Casablanca/Chefchaouen (1B)
Depart in the morning for Tangier. Take a guided tour of city sites, including the medina, kasbah, Grand Socco (a bustling square at the entrance to the medina) and Petit Socco, a little square in the medina perfect for people-watching and mint tea-drinking. In the afternoon, continue on to Chefchaouen. Included Activities: Tangier Guided Tour Transport: Private Vehicle Private Vehicle
Day 3 Chefchaouen (1B)
Enjoy a free day in Chefchaouen to explore. The city, whitewashed in different shades of blue, is spectacular on its own but with the surrounding mountains, it's a sight to behold. At sunset, opt to visit the Spanish Mosque for a stunning panoramic view of the city.
Day 4 Chefchaouen/Fès (1B, 1L)
Continue 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 the imperial city of Fès, one of Morocco's most interesting cities. Included Activities: Meknes Community Lunch Volubilis Guided Tour Transport: Private Vehicle Private Vehicle Private Vehicle
Day 5 Fès (1B)
Enjoy a half-day medina walking tour, with free time in the afternoon to explore more of the city. 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. In the evening, opt for dinner in a converted riad complete with local specialties, music, and belly dancing or visit a local hammam to chat with the locals. Additional Notes: Only certified local guides are allowed to act as guides in the medina, so your CEO cannot go with you to the medina during free time. Included Activities: Fès Medina Guided Tour
Day 6 Fès/Merzouga (1B, 1D)
Travel through the diverse landscapes that make Morocco so unique. Pass through cedar and pine forests, keeping an eye out for Barbary apes. Pass over the Middle Atlas Mountains through the pre-desert countryside with its deep gorges filled with a splendid oasis of green palm groves. Arrive at the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. Spend the night in a desert auberge (simple hotel), located right on the edge of the dunes. Have a local-style dinner and spend the night. Additional Notes: Some rooms may have shared bathroom facilities. Transport: Private Vehicle
Day 7 Merzouga/Sahara Bedouin Camp (1B, 1D)
Enjoy a free day until heading out on a camel safari in the late afternoon. Spend the cool morning exploring the undulating golden sand of the dunes or simply relaxing by the pool. Opt to explore the surrounding communities on a 4x4 excursion. In the afternoon, take an overnight bag and set off on a 1-hr camel ride to a desert camp deep in the dunes. Local guides will teach you how to mount and dismount and how to tie a turban to keep the desert sun off your face and add a little flare to your photos. Enjoy a warm welcome at the desert camp followed by a traditional dinner under the stars. There will be time to hear stories about life in this region and perhaps, if lucky, be treated to some traditional music on the drums. Additional Notes: Notes for the Sahara Desert tented camp stay: There will be a chance to repack and take only overnight bags out to the desert. The accommodations are basic, with four people per tent (though feel free to sleep out under the stars). Bathroom facilities are basic and shared. Mattresses with sheet and blanket are provided. For winter months (Nov- April), we recommend bringing a sleeping bag for additional warmth. There will be the chance to shower upon arrival in Merzouga the following morning. Included Activities: Overnight at Berber Desert Camp Transport: Camel
Day 8 Sahara Bedouin Camp/Todra Gorge (1B)
Rise early to get on our trusty camels. Watch the sunrise before returning to Merzouga. 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 Berber delicacies. Transport: Camel Private Vehicle
Day 9 Todra Gorge/Ait Benhaddou (1B)
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. In the evening there may be the chance for an optional cooking class. Learn the secrets of how to make the perfect tagine and then sample your skills for dinner. Included Activities: Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah Guided Tour Transport: Private Vehicle
Day 10 Ait Benhaddou/Aroumd (1B, 1D)
Leave the pre-desert country for the magnificent High Atlas Mountain landscape, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2260m. Head into the splendid Toubkal National Park, passing through small villages on winding mountain roads, arriving at the village of Imlil. With our main luggage transported by mule, embark on the walk from Imlil to the little village of Aroumd (1 hr), arriving at our simple mountain gîte for the night. Enjoy a homemade dinner of local produce in the cozy salon. Settle in and enjoy the tranquility, fantastic views, and clean mountain air of this magical region. Additional Notes: Accommodation is multi-share, up to six beds in each room. Bedding is provided, but you will need to bring a sleeping bag for additional warmth if travelling between November and April. You will also need to bring your own towel. Bathroom facilities are shared. Included Activities: Mountain Gîte Stay with Traditional Moroccan Meal Mountain Gîte Stay with Traditional Moroccan Meal Transport: Private Vehicle While the walk to the gîte is uphill, it is achievable by anyone of average fitness. Take it at a slow pace! Walking
Day 11 Aroumd/Essaouira (1B)
After breakfast, take a scenic hike back down the mountain to meet the van in Imlil and head to the coastal town of Essaouira, arriving mid-afternoon. The rest of the day is free to explore as you wish. Browse the many shops for leather, jewellery, lamps or trinkets. Watch the brightly painted ships bring their catch into the busy harbour or take a stroll along the long, sandy beach. This is the perfect place to enjoy some local seafood and unwind. Transport: Walking Private Vehicle
Day 12 Essaouira (1B)
Enjoy a free day exploring this coastal port town any way you like.
Day 13 Essaouira/Marrakech (1B)
Journey to Marrakech. After arriving in the "Red City," join a certified city guide for a tour of the Marrakech medina. Visit the historical Koutoubia Minaret and gardens, Bahia Palace, the Mellah, and the Saadian Tombs. Later, opt to discover the secrets of this amazing, ancient city. Relax at one of the tea houses around the square, watching the hustle and bustle from a shady spot. End the day like a local with an optional group dinner in the famous food stalls of Djemaa el Fna. Included Activities: Marrakech Medina Guided Walk Transport: Private Vehicle
Day 14 Marrakech (1B)
A great place to start your adventure is Djemaa el Fna square, in the heart of the medina. The square changes its offerings throughout the day. Finish up your souvenir shopping or wander the new part of the city for a taste of the modern.
Day 15 Marrakech (1B)
Depart at any time.
- G Adventures for Good: Meknes Community Lunch
- Meknès Local Living: Overnight at Berber Desert Camp
- Sahara Bedouin Camp Local Living: Mountain Gîte Stay with Traditional Moroccan Meal
- Aroumd
- Tangier guided tour
- Volubilis guided tour
- Fes medina guided tour
- Sahara Desert excursion with camel ride
- Todra Gorge stay with walk through local villages
- Aït Ben Haddou kasbah visit
- Aroumd village walk (High Atlas)
- Marrakech medina guided walk
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Solo Notes
Age Notes
Min. Age: You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Important Notes
1. ITINERARY PACE This is a very fast paced itinerary which covers lots of ground. While this is great as it allows us to see a huge amount in the available time, it also means some early starts, some long drives in the mini van and less free time than many other G Adventures. We feel that if you enter this trip with this knowledge and expectation, you will appreciate even more the variety of locations we are able to include in this itinerary. 2. TRANSPORT We use a 16-seater minivan for this tour. With a full group every seat will be used. The legroom in the minivan is possibly smaller than you may be used to and taller passengers may find space a little cramped. It is important to be aware that as it is not a legal requirement in buses in Morocco, your vehicle may not be equipped with seat belts. 3. CAMEL RIDE AND DESERT CAMP Please note that it is not possible to reach our desert camp by 4WD or any other vehicle. There is the option to walk (can be very hot and tiring) for those who cannot/prefer not to ride a camel. 4. WEATHER Please note that the climate in Morocco can be both very hot during the day in summer months (up to 50°C) and cold at night in the mountains in autumn, early spring and winter (down to -6°C). Summer months, from April to September are very hot throughout Morocco. Winter months November to March can be cool to cold, especially in the Atlas Mountains, with high probability of snowfall. Most Moroccan buildings are not equipped with heating, so without proper layers you will be cold at night. Please bring appropriate clothing for the months in which you are travelling and check temperatures before you leave. Bedding is provided in the desert camp and the gîte, but in winter months if you feel the cold you may wish to bring a sleeping bag too. 5. RAMADAN According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between May 15th and June 14th, 2018. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.
Meals
Breakfasts on tour Many breakfasts are included as part of your tour. Moroccan breakfasts tend to be different from your usual cereal and toast morning fare – most will be very simple - a croissant or sweet roll with jam and instant coffee and some hotels will have buffets where you will have more variety. While you are experiencing what a Moroccan family would eat, some travellers do find the provided breakfasts a bit “bread heavy” and enjoy buying fruit the day before to supplement their breakfast. Lunches and dinners Moroccan cuisine is world famous and your CEO will be taking the chance to show you the best of it. Staples include cous cous, a type of grain topped with stew, tagine which is actually the name of the pot this tasty dish is cooked in, and brochette, bbq skewers of meat. These dishes will generally cost between 45- 80 MAD depending on the type of restaurant and which part of the country you are in. Other tastes not to be missed include pastilla, a sweet pasty with a savoury filling which is traditionally pigeon and harira, a delicious soup based on chick peas and filling enough when teamed with fresh bread to be a whole lunch. If you are heading to the coast the fresh seafood cooked at one of the local markets is a must eat! Snacks Morocco's fresh orange juice is highly recommended and you should not leave without trying a glass. The brave can try the tiny snails which are perhaps the local's favourite snack but you might prefer a cone of piping hot bite-size fried cake donuts. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Trip ID#: gadventure-22844
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