Compare North Morocco Adventure by Intrepid Travel vs The Marrakesh Express Tour by Morocco Discoveries
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Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 8 days | 9 days |
Price From | $ 780 | $ 810 |
Price Per Day | $ 98 | $ 90 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | N/A | |
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
Activities |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description |
Immerse yourself in the exotic cultures of North Morocco on this eight-day adventure. Wander through the Atlantic port of Tangier and the blue-hued streets of Chefchaouen, learn about your hosts’ culture in the sacred city of Moulay Idriss during a homestay experience and watch the sun bounce over the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Discover the medieval city of Fes and dance in the eternally festive Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech, where sights and sounds mingle to create a colourful chaos. This trip lets you soak up the extravagant sights of cities and ancient towns alike, and revel in the hidden delights of all North Morocco has to offer. |
Follow the footprints of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young on the Marrakech Express, dance to the Jajouka music like the Rolling Stones did in Chefchaouen, Enjoy the sacred music of Hmadcha in the holy city of like Peter Gabriel once fused in his repertoire. Explore the marvels of medieval time in the heartbeat of Morocco, Fez, the city of a unique spirit, intellect, and culture. |
Day 1 Casablanca
Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Morocco and the bustling city of Casablanca. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe you’d like to visit the art deco Villa des Arts – this gorgeous gallery dates back to the 1930s and holds numerous exhibitions of contemporary Moroccan and international art. If you're looking for a different cultural experience, you can discover a unique and fascinating part of Moroccan history at the Museum of Judaism. There’s a lot to see and do in Casablanca, so if you’d like to spend more time here before your trip begins, just speak to your booking agent.
Day 2 Tangier/Chefchaouen
This morning, take the TGV fast train to the coastal town of Tangier – a place of strategic importance to the Mediterranean as a gateway to Africa. Head out on a short orientation walk with your leader, then enjoy some free time exploring the town. Maybe duck into Café Hafa, which has hosted celebrities in the past like Sean Connery, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Why not enjoy the epic view overlooking the Gibraltar while you partake in the national brew of Morocco – a steaming cup of mint tea? In the afternoon, take a private transfer to the beautiful Chefchaouen. Set against a wide valley and nestled between two peaks in the stunning Rif Mountains, much of Chefchaouen was recreated by Andalusian refugees escaping the Reconquista – so you might just feel like you're in the hills of Spain. Follow your leader on an orientation walk and head to a great sunset viewpoint overlooking the town. In the evening, if you're feeling peckish, the local goat’s cheese is a popular treat.
Day 3 Chefchaouen
Today is a free day in Chefchaouen. Maybe take a guided tour of the sights, sounds and smells of the medina, or sample the delicious local specialties (the orange juice is delicious!) at a cafe in the Plaza Uta el-Hammam. Alternatively, you might prefer to get out of town and enjoy a hike and picnic in the surrounding hills. The hiking tour outside of the city is a popular option, as you can leave the shades of blue for a journey across the Rif Mountains and join your guide to Akchour Falls – a gorgeous natural wonder, abundant with lush mountains, rivers and waterfalls. In the evening, how about tucking into a tagine at a local restaurant or visiting a hammam – a traditional Moroccan spa? The night is yours to enjoy.
Day 4 Moulay Idriss
This morning, enjoy a spot of breakfast and then take a scenic drive through the countryside to the sacred village of Moulay Idriss. Explore the medina of this ancient town and gain an insight into traditional Moroccan life. See where the faithful gather to pay homage at the tomb of Moulay Idriss – the great-grandson of Mohammed, who brought Islam to Morocco. At sunset, enjoy the views over the plains of Volubilis below. Tonight, you’ll stay in a welcoming, local guesthouse and enjoy a hearty feast cooked by your host. Swap stories and learn about their culture – this is a truly unique experience.
Day 5 Volubilis/Meknes/Fes
Today, take a guided tour of the World Heritage-listed site of Volubilis – once one of the Roman empire's most remote bases. The remains make an undeniably impressive sight as they come into view on the edge of the long, high plateau. Explore the ancient hilltop ruins while your local guide gives you a deeper insight into the history of the place. After, continue to Meknes and take a couple of hours to explore at your own pace. The adventurous may want to try a camel burger for lunch at a local restaurant in the medina – don’t knock it ‘til you try it! Continue to Fes in the afternoon, where you'll spend the next two nights. Fes is the most complete medieval city in the Arab world, and the most ancient of Morocco's imperial cities. Known as the spiritual and cultural heart of the country, this is a great spot to find a local restaurant for an optional dinner with your group.
Day 6 Fes
This morning, enjoy breakfast and then take a guided walking tour of the Old City, known locally as Fes el Bali. Step back into the Middle Ages in the labyrinth of the medina, which is alive with craftsmen, markets, tanneries and mosques. Pass donkeys piled high with goods (this is one of the largest car-free urban zones in the world) and explore the specialty sections that divide the souk. Look out for the Medersa Bou Inania – one of the city's most beautiful buildings, which has recently been restored and is now open to tourists. Visit Medresse el Attarine and the splendid Funduq al-Najjarin – a beautifully restored 18th-century inn. You'll also see the famous tannery, known for the iconic view overlooking its dye pits, and a ceramics factory where you can see potters working in the traditional way. The afternoon is free for you to explore. You might like to feast on a dinner of Moroccan specialties tonight, like harira (chickpea soup) and chicken-stuffed pies with couscous.
Day 7 Marrakech
Say goodbye to Fes and hop on a train to Marrakech. Ride along with the locals through the scenic landscape and arrive late afternoon. Join your knowledgeable local guide for a walking tour in the medina and meet a local character on the way who’s passionate about coffee and has devised a special way of brewing in the hot sand. Tonight, join the crowds for an optional dinner in the Jemaa el Fnaa – the city's main square and one of the largest public meeting places in the world. When night falls, it transforms into a hive of activity. Henna-painters, performers and storytellers share the square with a street food bazaar, packed with stalls that are loaded with Moroccan favourites.
Day 8 Marrakech
There are no activities planned for today and your trip ends after breakfast. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring in Marrakech (subject to availability), just speak to your booking agent.
Day 1: Casablanca
Orientation meeting at the hotel will be at 3:30 pm. You will be also introduced to your local guide who will take on a monumental afternoon tour exploring the marvels of Casablanca. Dinner and accommodation will be at the hotel.
Day 2: Casablanca To Rabat
After breakfast a tour of Casablanca Mosque is offered for those who wish to do it. A mosque guide will be at the entrance to give you a tour of the Great Mosque. This is the 2nd largest Mosque in the Islamic World with sublime Moorish architecture and decor. walk to the nearby Gallery of Photography is the vicinity, again this for those who do not wish to visit the Mosque. At 11:00 we will catch the Train to Rabat. We will Check you to your hotel and start visiting the marvels of Rabat. Lunch is on you. We will take you to the Souika where you will be introduced to a variety of budget inexpensive food stands and small eateries to choose from. We will meet later at 3:00 pm at Bab Souika to start our walking historic tour of Rabat. A local guide will be with us to show you around Rabat. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Day 3: Rabat – Meknes – Moulay Idriss – Volubilis
After breakfast, we will hop in our Van and travel toward Meknes. Today is the day of historic and spiritual discoveries of ancient Morocco. Meknes is an imperial City symbolizing the era of a Moorish renaissance. A Little Versailles of Morocco if you wish with medieval ramparts and gates out of this world. We will visit its Palaces like Dar Jamaii and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismael not to forget its water reservoir, an edifice of a medieval setting. Your adventure will take you to the next town of Moulay Idris, a holy city to Moroccans as it holds the history of the Morocco first Islamic city. Our first stop will be at the Central Market for a festive lunch the Moroccan way with best traditional eateries and Camel Burger stands, Tastiest food you ever had. Later on, your local guide will take you on a historical/spiritual visit of this marvelous hill town. Dinner will be at the roof of your guest house in the old city of Moulay Idris with a marvelous view on the is a unique city that was not opened to tourist only till 2005.
Day 4: Travel From Moulay Idriss To Fez
Only a couple of miles away from Moulay Idris you will find the Roman ruins of Volubilis. We will take an hour hiking trail from Mount Zerhoun passing by Fertassa Spring across the ancient olive groves a path that was created by the Roman travelers that would lead us to the Roman Capital of Volubilis. Visit Volubilis with a site archeological guide then proceed to Fez in your private deluxe Van. Check to your riad in the Heart of the 9th century old Medina. Then start visiting the outskirts of the Medina and its ramparts, gates, and forts punctuated by a North and South Overhill panoramic breathtaking views. This will bring us to a sunset hiking over the Mount Zalagh overlooking millennium olive trees groves the city of Fez in a visible distance. Return to your Riad in the Medina where a Moroccan Tagine is cooked for you the Fez Fashion to enjoy your dinner.
Day 5: Walking Tour Of Old Fez
Your adventure continues exploring the marvels of Morocco, but today it is a challenge to all what you have imagined. Only when you step in the labyrinth of the Medina of Fez that you will realize how different it is to anything you have ever seeing before or even imagined. Step back in time and follow your guide who will take you on a maze of narrow streets, blind turns, and overhead dwellings in a lively fashion like it uses to be twelve hundred years ago. Still lively and most authentic. I do not want to take the magic away, wait till you get there. It is an explorer delightful walking adventure. Enjoy your guided tour of Fez. A full day walking experience replete of discoveries and activities. Dinner will be at Restaurant la Medina with Moroccan music and dance.
Day 6: Travel From Fez To Chefchaouen
CTM class A bus to Chefchaouen in the morning. Visit Chefchaouen with your local guide who will take on a walking tour to explore one of the best blue cities in the Mediterranean. Enjoy the medieval streets and central square vibrant market. Experience the lively ambiance of its Moorish cafe houses and typical Moroccan restaurants. a night in one of its authentic guesthouses will top all the above.
Day 7: Chefchaouen - Tangier - Marrakech
TRavel to Tangier in the morning where you will have your local guide waiting fro you to greet and take you on historic discovery of Tangier. Spend the full day in the Kasbah. After dinner we will take you to the train station of the highlight of this trip. An overnight Train with Couchette to the exciting Marrakesh.
Day 8: Marrakesh City Tour
Arrive in the morning to Marrakech. We will check you to your hotel to relax for a couple of hours then start your guided walking tour of Marrakech. Your local guide will meet you in the morning at the lobby of your hotel to take you walking visit of historic and artistic Marrakech. You will devote your morning to the exploration of Marrakech’s many historical sites, then the afternoon to auction markets of principal goods crafted in Marrakech. We will take you to guilds auctions of goods before they reach the shelves of Bazaars and shops. We will teach you how to bargain and how to be part of this traditional market without an intermediary. Shopping in Marrakech has become a nightmare though you find all imaginable arts and crafts the touristy shops have their networking that is not sustainable at all and does not benefit the artisan by any means. Our professional buyer will advise on goods qualities and help you to deal with artisans directly.