Compare Highlights of Morocco by Exodus Travels vs The Best of Morocco: Ancient Medinas to Modern Identity by Road Scholar

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
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrival Rabat, Orientation at CCCL, To Fez, Welcome Dinner
Fes D Hotel Merinides
Activity note: Drive from Rabat to Fez is approximately 138 miles: about 3 hours. Hotel check-in available from 7:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Morocco and transferring to the Center for Cross-Cultural Learning in Rabat, we’ll begin with Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Field trips will be led by our Group Leader unless otherwise specified. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. This is a Road Scholar FLEX program. It offers a more flexible schedule than our traditional programs with ample time for personal independent exploration and several meals on your own to enjoy the cuisine of your choice. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Afterwards, we’ll then board a private motorcoach and transfer to Fez where we will check in to the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a tasty buffet Welcome Dinner together, with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day 3
Spirituality, Religiosity & Daily Life in Morocco
Fes B,L Hotel Merinides
Activity note: Walking approx. 1.5 miles; about 2.5 hours; mostly flat terrain. Getting on/off a motorcoach; multiple short transfers.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a breakfast buffet featuring an egg dish, cereals, breakfast breads, and fruit, plus a variety of juices, milk, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We’ll start off our program with two introductory lectures in the hotel conference room given by university professors that will help to acquaint us with Moroccan culture. The first will focus on art and spirituality in Morocco. The second lecture is on women’s situation in Morocco. After a short break for refreshments, we’ll gather again to learn from another visiting university professor lecturer about the spirit of Fez and through her perspective, with emphasis on the general situation most women in Morocco may experience.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated meal, with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Founded in the ninth century and home to the oldest university in the world, Fez reached its height in the 13th and 14th centuries when it replaced Marrakesh as the capital of the kingdom. Setting out on foot with a local expert, we’ll explore some of the urban fabric and principal monuments in the medina — madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains — that date from this period. Making our way through the narrow streets and alleys, we’ll see some of the oldest Islamic Arab architecture in Morocco including the Medersa Bou Inania, the Fondouk Museum, and the leather tanneries. We will also walk by the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II where the founder of the first Islamic dynasty is buried.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Volubilis, Moroccan Agriculture, Town of Moulay Idriss
Fes B,L Hotel Merinides
Activity note: Driving approx. 110 miles total roundtrip; about 2 hours one way, with stops. Walking approx. 3 miles throughout the day; about 2 hours on our feet; some hills and uneven terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: As we transfer via motorcoach to Volubilis, our Group Leader will give a lecture highlighting agricultural practices in Morocco. Upon arrival at the Roman ruins of Volubilis, we’ll enjoy an expert-led field trip to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated in 1997. Volubilis features some of the best preserved Roman ruins in North Africa and archaeological evidence suggests the primary settlement occurred in about 40 CE upon a pre-existing Carthaginian site dating back to the 3rd century BCE. Eventually, Volubilis emerged as the administrative center in Roman Africa until an earthquake compelled its residents to abandon the city in the late 4th century CE. At its peak, it is estimated that the city housed up to 20,000 people. While here, we’ll learn about why Islam succeeded in Morocco while Christianity and Roman culture left so little impact. Since 2000, archaeological excavations have been carried out by the University College, London and the Moroccan Institut National des Sciences de l'Archeogie et du Patrimoine. We’ll then travel to Moulay Idriss for lunch.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Moulay Idriss, we’ll have plated meals with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Moulay Idriss is named after the Prophet Mohammed’s great grandson, who is considered the country's most revered saint. He came to Morocco from Mecca in the late 8th century, settled at Volubilis and converted the locals to Islam, eventually becoming their leader and also establishing Morocco's first imperial dynasty. Moulay Idriss is considered the holiest town in Morocco and the shrine of this saint is consequently the most popular pilgrimage destination in the country. Particularly in late August, the town fills with Moroccans of all walks of life for the annual moussem, or regional religious festival. Led by our Group Leader, we will set out on a walking field trip to explore the city and see how religion fits into daily life.

Dinner: On your own to sample the local fare.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
Food Market of Fez, Moroccan Cooking & Cuisine
Fes B,L Hotel Merinides
Activity note: Getting on/off bus; short transfers. Walking approx. 1 mile total during group activities; about 1 hour; even terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Travelling by bus with our local expert and Group Leader, we’ll go on a grocery trip to the local souk, or market, where we will buy fresh ingredients and spices that we will use to prepare Moroccan cuisine. Fez is considered by some to be the capital of Moroccan fine and delicate cooking. Then, at a riad (a traditional Moroccan home) that has been restored to serve as a beautiful guest house, we will take part in a cooking lesson. A renowned chef who has been at the helm of kitchens in some of Fez’s best restaurants will teach us how to prepare a delicious regional dish and help us along the way. Once we finish, we’ll all taste some of what we made.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we’ll have plated meals, with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You may wish to continue exploring Fez, the second-largest city of Morocco with a population of approximately 1 million that has been called the “Mecca of the West” and the “Athens of Africa.” There is much to experience in Fez el Bali, the oldest walled part of Fez that was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. It is believed to be the biggest car-free urban area in the world.

Dinner: On your own to explore the local cuisine.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
Lecture, Al-Qarawiyin University, Attarin Madrasa, Issawa
Fes B,D Hotel Merinides
Activity note: Driving approx. 13 miles throughout the day; less than 1 hour. Walking approx. 2 miles throughout the day during group activities; mostly even terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: A university will join us at the hotel in the conference room for a lecture focused on the relationship between Islam and politics in Morocco. Leaving from the hotel via motorcoach, we’ll travel with a local expert to a Medina Gate on our way to visit Al-Qarawiyin Mosque and University, which was founded by a woman in the 9th century and is the oldest continually functioning university in the world. On a walk through the old city, we’ll stop at the historic Attarin Madrasa where our local expert will discuss art and spirituality in Morocco during an on-site lesson.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: Hotel plated meal.

Evening: In the hotel conference room, we’ll delight in an Issawa musical performance given by a female band of singers that demonstrates the artistic combination of Sufi music and melodic, medieval Moroccan poetry. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 7
Rural Weekly Market, Beni Mellal, Ahidous Performance
Beni mellal B,L,D Hotel Chems
Activity note: Driving approx. 206 miles; about 6 hours total, 2 of which on windy roads through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Minimal walking throughout the day.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we’ll begin our transfer to Afourar via Khenifra. North of Beni Mellal in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, we will visit one of Khenifra’s rural weekly markets, called a souk, where villagers come to shop, trade, socialize, and visit a doctor or healer. Traditionally ancestral, souks are evolving to include contemporary consumable products and services.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Khenifra, we’ll have plated meals with tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We’ll then complete our transfer to the inland city of Afourar at the foot of Mount Tassemit next to the plains of Beni Amir. Upon arrival, we’ll check in and take some time to relax.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet meal with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Still at the hotel, we’ll enjoy an Ahidous performance, a traditional dance performed by Berber tribes from the Atlas Mountains in which men and women, side by side, dance in soft and undulating rounds accompanied by singing punctuated by bendir instrument (a small drum). The choreography of Ahidous brings the community together in order to “speak” and sing the issues of daily life, be it social, economic or political. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 8
Diverse Cultures Merging in Marrakech
Marrakech B,L Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa
Activity note: Driving approx. 120 miles total; about 5 hours, with stops. Walking less than 1 mile; less than 1 hour; mostly flat terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a tasty buffet meal with water included.

Morning: Once checked out, we’ll transfer to Marrakech, Morocco’s fourth-largest city after Casablanca, Fez, and Rabat. Like many Moroccan cities, Marrakesh is comprised of both an old fortified city packed with many people working in stalls — the medina — and modern neighborhoods, the most prominent of which is Gueliz. Near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and a few hours from the edge of the Sahara Desert, its name originates from the Berber words mur (n) akush, which means “Land of God.” En route, our Group Leader will provide a lecture on the health care system in Morocco. Upon arrival in Marrakech, we’ll check into the hotel.

Lunch: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet meal with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Free time. Enjoy the afternoon to begin exploring the fascinating areas of Marrakech. The Group Leader will be available to offer suggestions.

Dinner: On your own to explore the local cuisine.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9
Koutoubia Mosque & Saadian Tombs
Marrakech B,L Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa
Activity note: Driving approx. 13 miles; less than 1 hour. Walking approx. 2 miles total throughout the day; about 2 hours; mostly even terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a tasty buffet meal with juice, coffee, tea, water included.

Morning: Arriving via motorcoach, we’ll start out the day led by our Group Leader and local expert on an exploration of Marrakech in the Djemaa el Fna square where we will view the Koutoubia Mosque — dating to 1200 CE — whose beautiful minaret rises nearly 70 meters and can be seen from much of the city. Then we’ll carry on with our local expert to experience the 16th-century Saadian Tombs, resting place of Saadian Sultan Ahmed el-Mansour ed-Dahbi, whose tastes included imported Italian marble and archways gilded with pure gold. The tombs lay hidden and mostly forgotten until 1917 when they were discovered during an aerial survey.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we’ll have plated meals with tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 10
Aghmat Archeological Site, Suburbs of Marrakech
Marrakech B,L Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa
Activity note: Driving approx. 24 miles one way; about 1.5 hours each way. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; mostly even terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Our field trip of the day will be to the archaeological site of Aghmat, about 30 kilometers southeast of Marrakech. As we interact with site excavators and local residents, we’ll learn how Aghmat was built around a former Arab Andalusian king (Mouatamid Bnou Abbad) who had been exiled from Sevilla in southern Spain to the south of Morocco until his death. Aghmat was an important city for routes through the Atlas Mountains and on the trans-Saharan trade roads. While here, locals will detail how such a site intertwines with the reality and daily life of the area’s inhabitants.

Lunch: At Al-Karam Cooperative of Aghmat, we’ll enjoy a delicious plated lunch with some local folks. Coffee, tea, water included.

Afternoon: We’ll then return to Marrakech. The remainder of the afternoon will be free.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 11
Majorelle & Menara Gardens in Marrakech, Soulayman Palace
Marrakech B,D Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa
Activity note: Driving approx. 19 miles; about 1 hour. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; mostly flat terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Led by a local expert, we’ll explore two renowned, enchanting gardens, beginning with the Majorell Gardens, home to French artist Jacques Majorelles in the 1920s. Majorelles built houses on the property and surrounded them with pools, banana trees, coconut palms and bougainvilleas. Later, the French couturier Yves Saint-Laurent bought the property and transformed part of it into a private museum of North African artifacts and opened the garden to the public. Then we’ll continue to Menara Gardens, a 16th-century pavilion surrounded by an immense, ornamental lake. This idyllic setting has offered a pleasant escape from Marrakech to its inhabitants for centuries.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy the local cuisine.

Afternoon: Free time. We’ll then gather at a predetermined time and place for transfer to Soulayman Palace.

Dinner: At Soulayman Palace, we’ll enjoy a delicious plated dinner accompanied by a musical performance. Tea and water are included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: We’ll then return to the hotel. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer tomorrow.

Day 12
Bahia Palace, To Casablanca, Square of Jemaa El-Fna
Casablanca B,L,D Ibis Casablanca City Center
Activity note: Driving approx. 156 miles; about 5 hours total, with stops. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; flat terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Setting out from the hotel by motorcoach, we’ll go on a field trip led by a local expert to explore the Bahia Palace and gardens, built in the late 19th century and intended to be the greatest palace of its time — the name means “brilliance.” As the black slave Abu Ahmed rose to power and wealth, he had the Bahia palace built by bringing in craftsmen from Fez. The structures tell a lot about the taste of the nouveau-riche of its time. We’ll then return to the hotel.

Lunch: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet meal with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: After checking out of the hotel, we’ll board our motorcoach and transfer to Casablanca. We’ll check in at the hotel upon arrival with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a delicious plated farewell dinner with water included; other beverages available for purchase. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

Day 13
Program Concludes
Casablanca B
Activity note: Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a breakfast buffet with juice, coffee, tea, water. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!