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Day 1 Start Marrakech

Welcome to the Red City, a pulsating destination moving at a frenetic pace. Our riad, however, is a pocket of peace with a central pool (ideal for a post-flight dip) and relaxed air. Depending on your arrival time, you can either rejuvenate at the accommodation or start exploring Marrakech. Jemaa el-Fna, the busy food stall-filled central square, is a five-minute walk away. There will be a welcome briefing at the riad this evening or tomorrow morning, depending on when most of the group arrives. Accommodation: Riad Tresor de Marrakech or Riad El Habib (or similar)

Day 2 Visit Hassan II Mosque; to the capital Rabat

This morning, we drive for three hours to Casablanca, a modern, commercial seaport city, to visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. After, we drive two hours to Rabat for lunch, the political capital of Morocco but second in importance to Casablanca. Although mostly modern, Rabat has an excellent old quarter that we take time to explore. Accommodation: Hotel le Musee (or similar)

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

We strike out from Rabat this morning over the northern plain towards the one-time capital of Meknes, a drive of around three hours. The scenery changes as the land becomes more cultivated, this being one of the most fertile areas in Morocco. Arriving in Meknes, we meet our guide and wander the narrow streets of the old city, exploring the souk and perhaps bartering for souvenirs. In the afternoon, we take a short drive to the largest and best-kept Roman ruins in Morocco: Volubilis, once a large Roman town and now a Unesco World Heritage site. After, we continue our journey to the ancient city of Fez, where we spend two nights. Accommodation: Riad Tafilalet, or Riad Fez Tresor   (or similar)

Day 4 Guided tour of Fez

This fascinating city is the intellectual and religious centre of Morocco. Founded more than 1,000 years ago, Fez has many mosques and madrasas (theological colleges) including the ninth-century al-Karaouine University, whose architecture resembles that of Moorish Spain. The medina in Fez is one of the largest in the world: an immense warren of souks, home to thousands of artisans with their tiny shops opening onto narrow alleyways. Our city guide walks us through different sections of the souk, including those selling leather, brass and copper. Of course, 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 to a panoramic viewpoint over the city. Accommodation: Riad Tafilalet or Riad Fez Tresor (or similar)

Day 5 Drive to Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara

We have a long journey today: approximately 10 hours, including plenty of stops and superb scenery. We venture over the Middle Atlas mountains, down through the picturesque Ziz Valley to the Hamada, a flat, stony desert gradually approaching the spectacular golden dunes that comprise Erg Chebbi. We stay in an auberge (inn) on the edge of the dunes, allowing us to climb one for sunrise tomorrow. Accommodation: Auberge Yasmina (or similar)

Day 6 Walk among the dunes; camel trek; free time

There is time today to explore the largest sand sea in Morocco or to relax in the shade of a palm tree by the dunes. The sand sea is famed for having pink tones that take on a spectacular rose colour at sunset. In the late afternoon, we enjoy a classic Saharan experience: a 90-minute camel trek through the dunes, before watching the sun sink below the horizon. We then return to our auberge for dinner. Accommodation: Auberge Yasmina (or similar)

Day 7 To Skoura via Todra Gorge

After breakfast, we head towards the little town of Skoura, which is nestled on a beautiful palm grove and located near the city of Ouarzazate. En route, we explore Todra Gorge and the picturesque oases within (journey time: approximately four hours). Following the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs for approximately two more hours, we see impressive ancient kasbahs nestled in palm groves. Accommodation: Chez Talout or Kasbah Ait Benhadda (or similar)

Day 8 Skoura, the palm grove capital of Morocco

There is an option to take a one-hour drive to Toundout Valley and enjoy a four-hour guided hike crossing an Amazigh village and Imi-noulawen valley, where we learn a little of their culture. Alternatively, relax in and around the lodge. Skoura will certainly offer peace and relaxation with various walks through palm groves and past kasbahs. Accommodation: Chez Talout or Kasbah Ait Benhadda (or similar)

Day 9 Journey to Imlil village via Ait Benhaddou ‘ksar’

Leaving Skoura, we rejoin the main road and drive west along the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs via the desert city of Ouarzazate and onto the well-preserved ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou. This Unesco World Heritage site is one of the most spectacular in the Atlas and a location for several Hollywood films including Gladiator (2000). We then continue our drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, with a variety of scenery to enjoy on our way to the village of Imlil. Accommodation: Toubkal Garden or Riad Atlas (or similar)

Day 10 Walking in the High Atlas; evening hammam

We start our day with an optional walk to explore the area. From Imlil, we stroll past a variety of fruit trees including cherries, apricots and quince (if it's the right season, you can even grab a hanging walnut). We follow a small irrigation channel and cross paths with mules as we pause beside a tranquil waterfall. Our gentle hike continues for approximately 50 minutes until we reach the Amazigh village of Aroumd. We spend the rest of the day at leisure, strolling around the village and observing the women carrying bundles of firewood and crops on their backs, while children play on the small bridge nearby. This evening, we visit the village hammam – a truly authentic experience and terrific fun. It is very much a traditional hammam and you may mix with the villagers, which further adds to the experience. A standard treatment with soap and scrubber is included but it is customary to give a tip of 20 dirhams (US$2). Refreshed, we return to the riad for our final dinner in the mountains. Accommodation: Toubkal Garden or Riad Atlas (or similar)

Day 11 Over the High Atlas Mountains to Essaouira

After breakfast, we have a scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech.  The scenery is spectacular and there are some wonderful mountain views as we go. We stop at a women's cooperative argon oil farm, where you can see the trees growing, get a demonstration of the production process and have the opportunity to purchase products. Our journey finally brings us to the flat arid plains of Marrakech, and then onwards to the pretty seaside town of Essaouira. Accommodation: Riad Ben Atar or Al Madina (or similar)

Day 12 Free day in Essaouira

We have a free day in Essaouira, an old Portuguese fishing port overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. 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 the whitewashed houses with painted shutters, artisan workshops, boatyards and fishermen provide a marked contrast to the desert, kasbahs and cities we have visited so far. Our hotel is 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 Ben Atar or Al Madina (or similar)

Day 13 To Marrakech; guided tour including Bahia Palace, the Saadian tombs, finish in Djemma el Fna

After breakfast, we drive back to Marrakech. In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided tour of this amazing city. Our guide takes us to the Bahia Palace and the Saadian tombs, ending in Djemaa el Fna, where the town becomes a maze of bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. It is worth seeing this renowned landmark in the evening, when it comes to life with people visiting food stalls, juice sellers, snake charmers and acrobats. Accommodation: Riad Tresor de Marrakech (or similar)

Day 14 Free day in Marrakech

Today is free and there is no shortage of things to do in Marrakech. You might wish to visit Koutoubia, the largest mosque in the city, 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 can unwind by taking a 30-minute ride on a calèche (a bright green horse-drawn carriage) to the Jardin Majorelle. These tranquil gardens are decorated throughout in indigo and were once owned by French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. For lunch, we highly recommend the Amal Women's Training Centre and Moroccan Restaurant, which we support in their cause to empower women from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are a non-profit organisation dedicated to training their 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: Riad Tresor de Marrakech (or similar)

Day 15 End Marrakech

The trip ends after breakfast, though if you’d prefer a little more time to explore Marrakech, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Day 1 - November 5, Thursday

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Barcelo Anfa (a 5 Star hotel or its equivalent)

Driving: ~ 1 hour

Arrival & Welcome to Morocco!

Arrive at Casablanca airport where we will meet our guide and driver at the arrival hall. They will be with us for the entire trip. We’ll head into the city and check-into our hotel where we’ll have time to rest and freshen up after a long day of travel.

Dinner tonight will be served at the iconic Rick’s Cafe created in authentic Moroccan style as an homage to the famous film, “Casablanca”. The rest of the evening will be at your leisure. Bring a swimsuit; this hotel as many of ours will on this trip has a pool as well as an excellent hammam and spa which will help soothe your jet lag.

NOTE: Outdoor temperatures range from 52 – 74 degrees Fahrenheit in November.

Day 2 – November 6, Friday

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Riad El Amine (An opulent 5 star hotel and spa or its equivalent)

Driving: ~4 hours

Casablanca to Fes

Today we’ll begin the day with a visit of the Hassan II Mosque. This is the largest mosque in Morocco and 5th largest in the world. It’s also the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims and we’ll do a short-guided visit of the interior.

Then, we’ll get on the road heading north to the ancient town of Fes. We’ll have a lunch break en route at a local restaurant. After arriving in the city, we’ll drop our luggage at the riad and begin exploring the city. Founded in 781AD, Fes is now considered the world’s largest car-free urban zone. Instead of cars, mule-drawn carriages speed through the alleyways. Today, we’ll check out a local pharmacy with its mysterious canisters of roots, flowers, and powders. The afternoon will include stops at the Medina’s Jewish quarter and the Medersas. In addition, we’ll also stop by the world’s oldest and longest operating learning institution, the University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859AD.

Dinner tonight at our hotel will be served at Eden in the Palais Amani, an excellent restaurant that combines Moroccan and French influences.

Day 3 – November 7, Saturday

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Accommodation: Riad El Amine (or equivalent)

Driving: ~4 hours

Exploring Fes

Today we’ll explore the souks and artisan quarters of Fes. We’ll visit the legendary tanneries, where ancient techniques are still used to prepare Moroccan leather which is then used in a variety of goods from clothing to bags as well as other handicrafts. We’ll head behind the scenes to see the workshops of local potters, rug makers, and other artisans. Lunch will be included at a local restaurant in the Medina.

This afternoon, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to shop or explore on your own. Guests also have the option to book a special tasting trip of Fes for the early evening.

Optional Extra: $100 Tasting Trails of Fes. On this tasting trip, those who book will join an expert local culinary leader and story-teller for a truly unique look into the world of Fessi cuisine and culture. The trip will include stops at three different food souks allowing the chance to try traditional Moroccan street food including dried meats, milawi, harsha, briwats, spicy sardines, spicy potato cakes, soups, olives and more. At the honey souk we’re you’ll be able to taste an array of delicious wild honey, discuss their flavors and health-giving properties and find out why honey is so important in Moroccan cooking and Islamic culture. We’ll investigate traditional cooking methods by visiting a furnace where the water for the communal bath house ‘hammam’ is also heated, and a 400-year-old ‘furan’ or communal oven and bakery. The evening will conclude with a stop at a tea seller shop to discover the world of spices and secret to preparing Morocco’s signature drink.

Dinner tonight is not included, but recommendations will be provided for those who do not take the tasting trip, plus you can also enjoy the riad’s Moroccan restaurant.

Day 4 - November 8, Sunday

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Riad Kalaa (A 4-star hotel or its equivalent)

Driving: ~3.5 hours

Volubilis & Rabat

Today we will venture back in time to Morocco in the 1st century: an epoch of tumultuous transformation, where people from all over the Mediterranean and Northern Africa were migrating to the fertile Middle Atlas Mountains. Volubilis, located about 30 kilometers from Fes, is an ancient Berber and Roman city considered by many as not only the capital of the Kingdom of Mauretania but also the administrative center of Roman Africa. This morning, you’ll wander among the dramatic ruins up-close-and-personal through homes, temples and public buildings of the Greek, Syrian, and Jewish city dwellers. Exceptionally well preserved, the ruins offer colorful mosaics adorning many of the floors where you can picture what it was like to wander the cypress-lined city in its Golden Age!

We’ll leave Volubilis and head to a nearby vineyard for lunch. While Morocco is not as famous for its wines as Italy or France, there are several excellent local vineyards here. We’ll savor lunch paired with a wine tasting. Then we’ll enjoy a short visit of the stunning imperial gates that dot the neighboring city of Meknes (45 minutes away from Volubilis).

We’ll then continue driving to Rabat, the capital city, and our home for the night. We’ll have dinner at our small charming riad dating back to 1815 located in one of the most picturesque parts of town and then the rest of the evening will be at leisure.

Day 5 – November 9, Monday

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Terres Des Etoiles (Luxury tented camp or equivalent)

Driving: ~4 hours

Onwards to the Agafay Desert

This morning we’ll begin with a short-guided trip of Rabat. We’ll visit the Yacoub al-Mansour Esplanade, which is home to two must-see monuments: First, the King’s Mausoleum, which was built in 1971 and houses the remains of the late King Hassan II, Prince Abdallah, and their father King Mohamed V. In front of the Mausoleum, you’ll find the Hassan Tower, an incomplete red sandstone minaret which began construction in 1195 AD. We’ll then wrap up our visit of Rabat at the Kasbah des Oudayas, an Almohad fortress built in 1150 AD. From the Kasbah des Oudayas, we can take a stroll through the winding blue streets, and possibly enjoy a mint tea at the Cafe Maure overlooking the Bou Regreg River. Plus, we’ll have the chance to meet a lovely local artist, Wafae, who hand makes leather goods and is an expert at Moroccan Caligraphy. We shall visit her atelier and chat a bit about Moroccan art and design.

After lunch at the lovely Dar Naji in Rabat, we’ll get on the road to the Agafay desert. While Agafay is not the Sahara and there are no sand dunes, this rocky desert is still a fun place to go glamping for a night! We’ll arrive in time for a sunset camel ride and then a special tented dinner with some local music. Then we’ll enjoy a restful night’s sleep in our luxury tents.

Day 6 – November 10, Tuesday

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: 2 Ciels Boutique Hotel (or equivalent)

Driving: ~1 hour

Visiting Moroccan Artisans

After a leisurely morning at our camp, we’ll drive to the nearby village of Tamsloute. Here, we’ll visit Maslouhi, a collection of artisans cooperatives that specialize in everything from rugs, blankets, pottery, leather, and mosaics. We’ll enjoy a trip of the village with stops into different artisan workshops and have the chance to observe how the blankets, rugs, pottery and other unique Moroccan wares sold in the souks are created. Try your hand at running a big blanket loop and discover how several women work together to create a single rug.

The town itself is an interesting stop with a fortress dating back to the founding of Islamic Morocco. Today it is full of street murals and friendly locals. We’ll enjoy lunch at a local family’s home before heading into Marrakech, something not often experienced on a standard trip.

We’ll have some free time upon arrival to Marrakech and for anyone who wishes to enjoy a Moroccan hammam spa treatment** – appointment slots will be arranged at La Maison Arabe.

**Optional Extra: Hammam Spa Treatment. Hammam means “spreader of warmth”. Walking into a hammam is like walking through time into a spacious and ornate wellness sanctuary, a quiet retreat in an atmosphere of half-lit silence, seclusion and heat. Silence is an integral part of the cleansing process and helps the body and spirit liberate itself from the excess and superfluous. The hammam traditional ritual involves several steps to cleanse, detoxify, and help you relax. This is one of the world’s most ancient traditions; a black-soap cleanse, followed by a cascading cold-water rinse. This prepares your skin for an invigorating scrub, which leaves you soft and free of accumulated toxins and impurities. After another rinse, a Ghassoul mask of Moroccan volcanic clay is applied to the body, face, and hair. The last step of this centuries-old practice of purification is a relaxing massage using pure oils, Morocco’s precious youth elixir!

PM Meet back up with the whole group to go for cocktails at La Mamounia, built in 1929. It’s one of the most beautiful hotels in the world with a magnificent garden. After imbibing, we’ll head to Dar Cherifa for a gourmet Moroccan dinner in the oldest riad in Marrakech. After our repas, we’ll take a guided leisurely stroll through Djemma el Fna square at night when it is lit up with street performers and food vendors as we make our way back to our hotel for a restful night of sleep.

Day 7 – November 11, Wednesday

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: La Maison Arabe (or equivalent)

Driving: < 30 mins

Sights, Souks & Tastes of Marrakech

After breakfast, we’ll have a guided trip of the Medina and souks. As you walk through the Medina, you’ll also see Medersas or religious schools and the Jewish quarter before delving into the myriad pathways of the Souk. The term Souk refers to the markets, and the markets of Marrakech are located in a serpentine set of alleyways with twists and turns that can confuse even frequent travelers to the city! Our expert guide will give us an overview of how the souk is laid out and where the different sections are located, each focused on a different set of goods (Clothes, spices, lamps, shoes, traditional crafts, etc). After the guided trip wraps up around lunchtime, you’ll be free to keep exploring on your own.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. There again should be a few time slots for the hammam spa at La Maison Arabe.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a visit to the market and a Moroccan Cooking Class in the Medina at a traditional home. After cooking we’ll sit down to a sumptuous dinner with our chef and teachers.

Day 8 – November 12, Thursday

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight: Overnight: La Maison Arabe (or equivalent)

Driving: < 30 mins

Majorelle Gardens & Amal Association

Optional Extra: Hot Air Balloon Ride. If you want an exceptional start to the day, add a hot air balloon ride which begins before sunrise on the outskirts of Marrakech. Just as the sun is rising, you will soar up above the Marrakech valley and experience the region from a whole new perspective. You’ll observe the countryside, dotted with Berber villages, palm groves, and farmlands as they meet the High Atlas Mountains. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience and the perfect start to the day. Consider doing this even if you have vertigo because normally it’s not frightening even for those who are afraid of heights.

After breakfast, we’ll explore the historical palaces and monuments of Marrakech, including the Koutoubia Mosque (the iconic sight of Marrakech), the Badi Palace and the Bahia Palace (stunning examples of traditional Moroccan architecture), and the Saadien Tombs (with their famous carvings and wood ceiling panels).

Then we’ll head into the modern section of the city to have lunch at the Amal Association. Amal is an NGO helping Moroccan women of disadvantaged backgrounds such as widows, divorced or single mothers, orphans, or those with little to no education, all of whom are often stigmatized by society. Their mission is to provide training in culinary and hospitality skills so the women can then find employment and become more self-sufficient. “Amal” means hope in Arabic and indeed it brings hope and empowerment to these women facing extremely challenging circumstances. We’ll have the chance to support their work as we dine at the restaurant and learn more about their inspiring work using food for good.

After lunch, we’ll visit the stunning Majorelle Gardens. Global fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent made his 2nd home in Marrakech for many decades, and his vision drove every detail behind the lush gardens. We’ll also visit the small must-see Berber Museum and the YSL Museum dedicated to his fashion designs. There will be some free time this afternoon to do some final shopping. Our guide can be made available to negotiate pricing and shipping if necessary.

For our final farewell meal tonight, we’ll start with a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city as day turns to dusk. We’ll be dropped off at a special secret garden where we’ll enjoy our farewell dinner, a gourmet spread of Moroccan specialties set up at tables poolside in the center of the gardens. To top it all off, there will be surprise live entertainment making the evening even more memorable. Plus, we’ll all receive a henna tattoo to remind us of Marvelous Magical Morocco! Traditional Moroccan dress provided for all.

Day 9 – November 13th, Friday

Departure

Bid farewell to our driver and guide, who we will surely count as friends for life, along with all the sights and sounds of the past week’s adventures. Drive to Marrakech airport 2.5 hours ahead of your departing flight to ensure plenty of time for customs and security.