Compare Moroccan Odyssey by National Geographic Expeditions vs Northern Morocco: Blue Cities & Bustling Marrakech by G Adventures
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| Trip |
3.5 | Average
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 5,995 | $ 549 |
| Price Per Day | $ 545 | $ 78 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Basic |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
9 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches and 7 Dinners |
6 breakfasts |
| Description |
Morocco’s mystique can be found in medinas that brim with color, soaring mountains that give way to endless desert, and stunning Moorish architecture. Discover the enchanting cities of Marrakech and Fez, venture into rose-colored kasbahs, and visit little-known mountain villages. Listen to the strains of Berber music around a campfire in the Sahara, and stay at the historic Palais Jamai in Fez. |
Now's the time to explore Morocco on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Modern, ancient, bohemian, sophisticated — no matter how many superlatives you can think of, northern Morocco surpasses them all. We’ve put together a trip that shows you all the best sights while still leaving money for a souvenir or two from the medina. Over seven days, you’ll tour old-world Fès and the famous blue-and-white buildings of Chefchaouen, then explore mysterious Marrakech and the bustle of Djeema El Fna. If you want to score serious culture points, there's nowhere better than beautiful Morocco. |
Days 1 & 2: U.S./Casablanca, Morocco
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche
Depart on an overnight flight to Casablanca. After time to relax the following morning, meet the group for welcome lunch at La Mer, overlooking the Atlantic ocean. This afternoon, visit the extraordinary Hassan II Mosque, which boasts the world's tallest minaret at 689 feet. Then stroll through the city’s Habous district and the mechouar, the ceremonial meeting place outside the Royal Palace.
Day 3: Casablanca/Marrakech
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sofitel Marrakech
Drive through the elegant Anfa neighborhood on the way to Marrakech, Morocco's legendary "pearl of the South." Enjoy a poolside lunch at the hotel before exploring the city of Marrakech. See the splendid Koutoubia Mosque and the Saadian Tombs, and visit Bahia Palace. Explore the labyrinthine streets of the medina, lined with market stalls and craftspeople; and soak up the colorful chaos of Djemma el Fna Square, where snake charmers and magicians captivate the passersby. Tonight, gather for a rooftop reception and dinner accompanied by traditional Gnaoua music in the heart of the old medina.
Day 4: Marrakech
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Sofitel Marrakech
Continue exploring the sites of Marrakech today. Meander through the stunning Majorelle Garden, once owned by Yves Saint-Laurent, and see an exclusive collection of Berber objects originating from diverse regions of Morocco at the Berber Museum. Explore historic Moroccan architecture with visits to the 14th-century Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Museum of Marrakech, located in the Dar Menebhi Palace. After lunch, venture back to the lively medina with our local guide or explore on your own.
Day 5: Telouet/Aït Benhaddou/Ouarzazate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Le Berbère Palace
Cross the High Atlas Mountains over the Tichka Pass, stopping to board 4x4’s for the trip to the Kasbah of Telouet. Once home to the powerful Glaoui clan, the kasbah’s crumbling exterior belies its rich tile and woodwork. After lunch in the village, drive through the Ounina Valley to the ancient fortified village of Aït Benhaddou, and delve into its warren of twisting lanes and shops. Continue to Ouarzazate, a former colonial trading post, now known for its movie studios where films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia were shot.
Day 6: Ouarzazate/Boumalne Dades
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Xaluca Dades
Learn about traditional adobe architecture in Taourirt Kasbah this morning. Then set out on the fabled Road of 1,000 Kasbahs. Arrive in Boumalne Dades, a small town nestled amid the crags and plateaus of the semidesert landscape. After lunch, head out on a hike in the dramatic Dades Gorge and visit nearby villages.
Day 7: Erfoud/Rissani/Merzouga
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Follow the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs to Erfoud, passing spectacular rock formations, oases, and rose plantations. In Erfoud, climb into 4x4s for the drive into the desert. Visit the suq in Rissani, a historic camel caravan stop. Later, ride into the dunes on a camel to watch the sun set on the Sahara. Return to our deluxe Berber tented camp to dine under the star-studded sky and enjoy an evening of Berber folk music and tales around the campfire.
Day 8: Merzouga/Fez
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Sahrai
Awaken early for a walk across the sandscape as the rising sun paints the dunes orange and gold. Return to the camp for a hearty breakfast, then head north into the high-mountain plains on your way to Fez. Arrive in Fez late this afternoon, and settle into your room at the stunning Hotel Sahrai perched above the city, your home for the next three nights.
Day 9: Fez
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Sahrai
Spend the day exploring this magnificent imperial city. Visit the Royal Palace and Fes Jdid, home to the historic Jewish Quarter. Delve into the lively medina, where merchants preside over colorful mounds of spices and tanners soak skins in vats of dye. Discover the 14th-century Bou Inania Madrasa, characterized by its intricately carved stucco walls, arches, and cornices. See the Nejjarine Fountain, covered in exquisite mosaics, and the Kairaouine Mosque.
Day 10: Fez/Volubilis and Meknes
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Sahrai
Today you may choose to explore Fez at your own pace or take an excursion to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a World Heritage site; and Meknes, Morocco’s 17th-century capital. Tonight, toast our Moroccan adventure at a farewell dinner and reception.
Day 11: Fez/U.S.
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, transfer to the Fez airport for your return flight or transfer to Casablanca for flights departing in the afternoon.
Day 1 Casablanca
Arrive at any time. Get excited for your first night out with your fellow travellers. Take to the streets in the heart of Casablanca and hit up one of your CEO’s favourite local spots. Enjoy connecting with your fellow travellers while getting to know Casablanca. Your first night out is just that – the first of many and a perfect way to set the tone for the rest of your grand adventure.
You may wish to come a day early in order to explore Casablanca by day, 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 at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, and 15:00, and on Fridays at 9:00, 10:00, and 15:00. These times are subject to change (particularly around Ramadan), please double check times with your hotel. Tickets can be purchased at the mosque.
Day 2 Casablanca/Chefchaouen
With a good night's sleep behind you, set out from Casablanca. With the bright blue waters of the Atlantic to your left and the sun drenched wonders of Morocco to your right, travel up the coast to Morocco's capital city, Rabat. Stretch your legs as you wander the ramparts and colourful alleys of the city's old quarter. Take in breathtaking views from Kasbah des Oudaias, then indulge in lunch. After you've eaten the hangry away, continue toward Chefchaouen. Here, beneath the soaring Rif mountains, feeling the blues takes on a different meaning. Take an orientation walk through the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen before settling in for the night.
Day 3 Chefchaouen
Hoping for free time to explore all Chefchaouen has to offer? Wish granted! Spend your day taking in the splendor of the city and it's surrounding geography. If the (Rif) Mountains are calling, you should definitely answer. Opt to pre-book the Rif Valley Mountains Hike. Or, opt to visit the Spanish Mosque for breathtaking sunset views of the city.
Day 4 Chefchaouen/Fès
Fès awaits! Upon arrival, put your free time to good use by visiting an Amazigh (or Berber) pharmacy (a far cry from the kind of pharmacy you may be used to at home). Wander the many mazes of Fès's colourful, ancient tanneries.
Day 5 Fès
With so much to see, another free day in Fès is always a good idea. Breathe in decadent spices (oxygen is for the weak anyway, right?) as you sample treats from the many food carts scattered throughout the medina. Explore the artisan quarters as you take in the city that is often referred to as the cultural heart of Morocco.
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.
Day 6 Fès/Marrakech
After getting back on the road and watching the scenery roll by, arrive in vibrant, bustling Marrakech. Spend the evening exploring the gardens, souks, and other wonders of Marrakech.
Day 7 Marrakech
Parting is such sweet sorrow, but perhaps consider booking a few extra nights in Marrakech to experience the city further.
Opt to get up early and catch the sunrise over Marrakech by pre-booking the Hot Air Balloon excursion. Please ensure you allow enough time to return from the activity when planning your onward journey.
If you are planning on participating in the hot air balloon activity, please do not book onward travel until after 2:00 pm.
