Compare Highlights of Morocco by Exodus Travels vs Morocco Desert Safari by Encounters Travel

Day 1 Start Marrakech

Buzzy Marrakech is a whirlwind of tradition and culture, an invigorating introduction to Morocco. However, today is a relaxing one, a chance for our group to congregate at the hotel and settle in. We may have a welcome briefing this evening or tomorrow, depending on when everyone arrives. Accommodation: Hotel Akabar or Ayoub Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Visit Hassan II Mosque; to the capital, Rabat

We drive to Casablanca this morning, a modern and commercial seaport. Here, we visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, which has a soaring 655ft (200m) minaret and a sliding ceiling to enable the sea breeze to cool the building. We have a guided tour of the mosque and the stunning ablutions hall with a local specialist. Please note: knees and upper arms must be covered. After, we drive two hours to Rabat, the political capital of Morocco, but second to Casablanca in importance. Here, we have free time to explore. Although mostly modern, Rabat has an excellent old town, where you can see distinctive buildings with Moorish and Andalusian designs. Also visit the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) before continuing to the busy souk to sample locally made treats, such as harsha (a semolina bread) with the special almond paste, amlou. Accommodation: Rabat Hotel Bouregreg (or similar)

Day 3 Explore the Roman site of Volubilis and Meknes; to Fez

Strike out from Rabat on a 2hr 30min drive over the northern plain towards Meknes. The scenery changes as the land becomes more cultivated, this being one of the most fertile areas of Morocco. In Meknes, we meet our local guide for an exploratory walk in the old town. Built in the Spanish-Moorish style, the medina has crumbling ramparts with nine immense gates. We plunge into a busy local market, where vendors vie for attention and craftsmen sharpen their tools, before walking to El Hedim square, a scaled-down version of Djemaa El Fna in Marrakech. Then, we stand before the monumental Bab El Mansour gate, which was built in 1732. In the afternoon, we take a 45-minute drive to the largest and best-kept Roman ruins in Morocco: Volubilis, once a large Roman town and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Under the Romans, it was an affluent city. This can be seen in the beautiful second-century forum, the basilica and the capitol. We wander through the streets, discovering remains of townhouses with mosaic floors and see baths, oil presses, aqueducts and shops, all of which reveal the daily lives of the inhabitants. After exploring this site with a local guide, we continue our drive (approximately two hours) to the ancient city of Fez, where we spend two nights. Accommodation: Hotel La Paix (or similar)

Day 4 Guided tour of Fez and the medina

The fascinating city of Fez is the intellectual and religious centre of Morocco. Founded more than 1,000 years ago, it has many mosques and medersas (theological colleges), including the ninth-century al-Karaouine University, whose architecture is very similar to that seen in Moorish Spain. Fez medina is one of the largest in the world, an immense warren of souks, home to thousands of craftsfolk with their tiny shops opening onto the narrow alleyways. Noisy and pungent, the medina is an absorbing experience. Our city guide walks us through different sections of the souk, including those selling leather, brass and copper. 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 up to a panoramic viewpoint over the city. Accommodation: Hotel La Paix (or similar)

Day 5 Drive to Merzouga, on the edge of the Sahara

Today, we travel to the edge of the Sahara, the largest hot desert in the world. It’s a 10-hour journey but with frequent stops and beautiful scenery along the way. We travel over the stunning Middle Atlas, down through the picturesque Ziz Valley and to the spectacular site of the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. We stay in a small and welcoming auberge (inn) by the dunes. Tonight is a good time to pack your overnight bag for the Sahara. Accommodation: Auberge La Source (or similar) Drive time: 8hr 30min

Day 6 Walk among the dunes; camel trek; overnight in a Sahara camp

A free morning means we have time to explore the largest erg (sand sea) in Morocco, or to relax in the shade of a palm tree by the dunes. The sand sea is famed for its pink tones that take on a spectacular rose colour at sunset. In the late afternoon, we take part in a classic Saharan experience – a 45-minute camel trek through the dunes, where we watch the sunset. We then return to the edge of the desert to spend the night in a camp. This evening, we enjoy a home-cooked meal, sit under the stars and join camp staff as they play traditional music and sing. You might like to dance around the campfire to the beating drums. Accommodation: Full-service at Camp La Source (or similar)

Day 7 To Skoura via the Todra Gorge

After sunrise, we leave our desert camp and head towards the little city of Skoura, which is nestled on a beautiful palm grove near Ouarzazate. Following the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs, we have vistas of ancient kasbahs nestled in lush palm groves. After around four hours of driving, we stop to explore Todra Gorge. We take a short walk along a narrow road through the gorge and have time to take photos. Of course, there is also the usual pop-up souvenir stalls to tempt you. Accommodation: Skoura Lodge (or similar) Drive time: 6hr 30min

Day 8 Skoura, the palm grove capital of Morocco

There is the opportunity to take a one-hour drive to Toundout Valley and enjoy a three-hour guided hike through an Amazigh village, where you learn a little of their culture. Alternatively, relax in and around the lodge, walking through the lush palm groves. Considered the palm grove capital of Morocco, Skoura offers peace and relaxation through its various walks discovering multiple palm groves and kasbahs. Accommodation: Skoura Lodge (or similar)

Day 9 Journey to Tighza via Ait Benhaddou

Leaving Skoura, we rejoin the main road and drive west along the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs via the desert city of Ouarzazate and to the well-preserved ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most spectacular in the Atlas range, and the location of several Hollywood films including Gladiator (2000). Here we tour atmospheric alleys and see the earthen walls of the dwellings. Continuing into the mountains, we branch east through a wide flat mountain valley, finally arriving at Anmiter, where we leave our bus and take a 90-minute walk on an uphill gradient to the Amazigh village of Tighza, where we spend the next two nights. Tighza is a rural village set in the Atlas mountains. From the terrace of our Riad you can look down into the valley and enjoy the sunset over the surrounding mountains. It is a peaceful retreat and provides the opportunity to meet local villagers and share their way of life. Our luggage is transported to the village for us. For those who do not want to walk, mules are available (100 dirhams, payable locally). We’re greeted with a mint tea on arrival at the village. Accommodation: Riad Bouchahoud (or similar) Drive time: 1hr 30min

Day 10 Full day of walking in the High Atlas; evening hammam

We start our day with an optional walk through the villages of the Tighza Valley, heading into the hills on mule tracks with the High Atlas peaks as our backdrop. The length of our trek depends on the group’s ability, but it is likely to be approximately four hours. The afternoon is free to relax with a book, enjoy the mountain views, take a stroll through the beautiful landscape or challenge the village children to a game of football. Tighza is one of just four villages in this remote valley and has been supported by Exodus for more than 10 years through various responsible tourism projects. We visit the village hammam, built with money raised by Exodus clients. This is an authentic experience and terrific fun. It is very much a traditional hammam and you are likely to get the opportunity to mix with the villagers, which further adds to the experience. A standard treatment is included, but you need to purchase a scrubber and soap for 20 dirhams (US$1.90) plus a customary tip of 20 dirhams. Refreshed, we return to the accommodation for our final dinner in the mountains. Accommodation: Riad Bouchahoud (or similar) Drive time: 1hr 30min

Day 11 Over the High Atlas Mountains to Essaouira

Leaving the riad, we walk back to our bus for a short drive to the palace of Telouet. This once-grand building stands abandoned and crumbling and we have deemed it unsafe to enter; however, we can walk around the outside and take photographs. We continue our scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, which at 7,415ft (2,260m) above sea level is the highest road in Morocco. The scenery is spectacular and there are some wonderful views of the mountains. We also stop at a women’s cooperative argan oil farm, where you can see the trees, get a demonstration of the production process, and purchase products if you’d like. Our journey finally brings us to the flat arid plains of Marrakech, and then onwards to the pretty seaside town of Essaouira. Accommodation: Riad Da El Qdima or Mechouar Plaza (or similar) Drive time: 7hr 30min

Day 12 Free day in Essaouira

Enjoy a free day in Essaouira, an old Portuguese fishing port overlooking the Atlantic. 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 its whitewashed houses with painted shutters, artisan workshops, boatyards and fishermen provide a marked contrast to the desert, kasbahs and cities we have so far visited. Our hotel is situated 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 Da El Qdima or Mechouar Plaza (or similar)

Day 13 To Marrakech; guided tour including Bahia Palace, finish in Djemaa el Fna

After breakfast, we drive back to Marrakech. In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided tour to find our bearings and soak up the atmosphere of this amazing city. Our guide takes us to the opulent Bahia Palace, a one-time royal residence, and ends the adventure in the Djemaa el Fna square, where the town becomes a maze of bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. It is worth seeing this renowned landmark in the evening, as Marrakech revolves around this open-air central square, with food stalls, juice sellers, snake charmers and acrobats. It is a place of night-time entertainment for both local people and tourists. Accommodation: Hotel Akabar or Ayoub Hotel (or similar) Drive time: 3hr 30min

Day 14 Free day in Marrakech

Today is free in Marrakech and there is no shortage of things to do. You might wish to visit the largest mosque in the city, Koutoubia, 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 could take a 30-minute calèche ride (a bright green horse-drawn carriage) to the Jardin Majorelle. These gardens are decorated throughout in indigo blue and were once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. For lunch, we recommend the Amal Women’s Training Centre and Moroccan Restaurant, which Exodus supports in their cause to empower women from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are a non-profit organisation dedicated to training 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: Hotel Akabar or Ayoub Hotel (or similar)

Day 15 End Marrakech

Enjoy your final breakfast this morning and take the chance to reflect on your unforgettable Morocco adventure. You’ve navigated lively medinas, ridden a camel in the Sahara and experienced a traditional hammam in the Atlas Mountains. Now, however, is the time to start your journey home and start planning your next adventure.

DAY 1: Arrive in Marrakech, transfer to hotel On your arrival in Marrakech airport (RAK) our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in, relax after your flight, and have a first look around. Extra nights before the tour starts are available on request. If you arrive early enough, you can head into Marrakech's famous Djemaa el Fna Square for a first taste of Moroccan food at one of the main street stalls, while watching the many street performers and salesmen offering their wares. OVERNIGHT: Marrakech hotel MEALS: Dinner EXTRAS: Extra day in Marrakech - pre-tour Single room supplement - Standard Hotels (MOSHDS) Single room supplement - Comfort Hotels (MOSHDS) Single room supplement - Superior Hotels (MOSHDS) DAY 2: Marrakech, city tour Today's tour of Marrakech, Mararkech's second oldest Imperial City, starts in the morning with visits to the Menara Garden, the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, home to the minaret which has become a symbol of the city, the Dar Si Said Museum, and the Bahia Palace which hosts intricate and beautiful Arabic craftsmanship. After a break for lunch in the hotel, we spend the afternoon exploring the old centre of the city. Home to many different types of traders these bustling and aromatic souqs and handicraft quarters provide a real taste of Morocco. The tour finishes at the Djemaa el-Fna Square, which is well worth revisiting later in the evening when it is packed with street food stalls, musicians and entertainers - one of Morocco's highlights. Full-board option: dinner with show. OVERNIGHT: Marrakech hotel MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch EXTRAS: Full board supplement (Morocco Desert Safari) DAY 3: Across the Atlas Mountains to Ait Benhaddou and onwards to Boumalne After breakfast this morning we bid farewell to Marrakech and take a scenic drive across the mountains of the high Atlas, passing through the Tich'n'Tichka pass at an altitude of 2260m. After descending out of the mountains we'll stop at what is probably the most well-known kasbah in Morocco - Ait Benhaddou. The kasbah is a UNESCO protected monument and has appeared in countless movies. In the afternoon we continue our journey to the desert, travelling through Ouarzazate and Kalaa Mgoune before arriving at the town of Boumalne where we spend the night. Full board option: Lunch OVERNIGHT: Boumalne Hotel MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner EXTRAS: Full board supplement (Morocco Desert Safari) DAY 4: Todra Gorge, Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes We leave Boumalne today and continue on towards Erfoud, we'll pass by the Todra Gorge where rock faces reach up to 250m. Erfoud is on the edge of the famous Erg Chebbi sand dunes where you'll have a 4x4 drive into the dunes before returning to your Erfoud accommodation for the night. You then have two options for tonight. The standard tour spends the night in a hotel in Erfoud, with a 4x4 safari to the sand dunes for sunrise or sunset. Alternatively you can take a 4x4 safari to the sand dunes for sunset, and then have dinner and spend the night at a comfortable Berber Camp at the edge of the dunes. OVERNIGHT: Erfoud Hotel (or Berber Desert Camp) MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner EXTRAS: Full board supplement (Morocco Desert Safari) Overnight Desert Camp, 4x4 Safari and Dinner DAY 5: Tinjdad Oasis, Dades Canyon, Road of a Thousand Kasbahs You can rise early this morning and if staying in the desert camp take a walk or camel ride to witness an amazing sunrise over the Erg Chebbi sand dunes before returning to the camp. If staying in the hotel at Erfoud, an option is available to take 4x4 vehicles into the desert to enjoy sunrise on the dunes. After breakfast we then head away from the desert and to the impressive Tinjdad Oasis before we continue on to the Dades Canyon, close to Tinghir, whos rocks tower around 250 metres above you. Our journey then continues along the 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs' crossing Kalaat M’Gouna and the Skoura Valley before arriving at Ouarzazate or 'place of no noise'. An incredibly dramatic landscape, this area has played host to countless well known films and is home to the famous Atlas movie studios. We'll take a short tour of the city this afternoon before taking dinner at the hotel. OVERNIGHT: Ouarzazate Hotel MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner EXTRAS: Full board supplement (Morocco Desert Safari) DAY 6: Cross the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. Free afternoon After breakfast today we'll make another crossing of the Atlas Mountains and the Tizi N'tichka col on our way back to Marrakech. You'll arrive in time to spend the afternoon exploring Marrakech's souqs and bazaars further for some final sightseeing and souvenir shopping, and to enjoy a final night back in the Djemaa el-Fna Square after dinner in the hotel. OVERNIGHT: Marrakech Hote MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner EXTRAS: Full board supplement (Morocco Desert Safari) DAY 7: Marrakech departure
, transfer to the airport Our exciting week in Morocco comes to an end today. You'll have free time until you are transferred to the airport for your departure
flight. Subject to your flight departure
time, additional options such as spectacular hot air balloon flight (which runs first thing in the morning for around 4 hours with a flight of around 1 hour) or a full day trip to the Ourika Valley including lunch are available today. Extra nights in Marrakech are available if you would like to extend your stay to accommodate these options or just to spend a bit more time exploring Marrakech. OVERNIGHT: N/A MEALS: Breakfast EXTRAS: Marrakech hot air balloon flight Ourika Valley half day tour Extra day in Marrakech - post-tour