Compare The Best of Morocco: Ancient Medinas to Modern Identity by Road Scholar vs Best of Morocco (Summer, Small Groups) by Insight Vacations

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!

Day 1: Welcome to Casablanca

Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for your Welcome Dinner, with the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of good food.

Grand Mogador City Center, Casablanca.

Dinner

Day 2: Rabat, Imperial Meknes and Fes Relaxed Start

During an exploration of the sights of Casablanca view the huge Hassan II Mosque, the largest in the country. Venture to the très chic seaside strip known as the Corniche, which stretches to the west and is lined with trendy restaurants and cafes. Depart for the capital of Rabat to see the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower and visit one of the few holy places open to non-Muslims, the lavish Mausoleum of King Mohammed V. This site is both an architectural marvel and a monument to a great ruler. Travel to Meknes, one of the kingdom's great imperial cities where little has changed since its founding in the 11th century. Stand before the Bab el-Mansour, the monumental entrance to the imperial city and focal point of Square El-Hedim, before continuing to Fes. You'll be delighted with a superb Moroccan Highlight Dinner in an ancient palace at the entrance to the Medina. A colorful array of meze plates, aromatic tagines, exotic fruits and wine will be laid before you while you are entertained with a traditional folklore show. Enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere of belly dancers, drums and authentic music.

Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 3: Fes Sightseeing Relaxed Start

Led by your Local Expert, wander the maze of streets that make up one of the largest thriving ancient Medina's in the world, here you can admire traditional Moroccan handiwork during a visit to a carpet cooperative. Pass one of the world's oldest universities and see the hidden courtyards, mosques and workshops. Continue through the souks where an array of vendors sell food, clothes, leather goods and beautiful lights.

Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 4: The Ziz Gorges to Erfoud

Leave the bustle of the city behind and head for the spectacular snowcapped High Atlas Mountains. Pass through Ifrane before reaching the great cedar forests of Azrou. After stopping for lunch at Midelt, continue through the magnificent Ziz Gorges, past palm-fringed towns to Er Rachidia, built by the French at an important crossroads. Your destination is Erfoud, where the red sand buildings stand in stark contrast against the patches of greenery and surrounding desert. In the evening, there is an Optional Experience to meet the nomadic desert dwellers and marvel at the glorious Sahara sunset on a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud, Efroud.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Spectacular Ouarzazate

Venture towards the oasis of Tinehir and explore the Todra Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of the Sahara. At Boumalne du Dadès you will encounter the dry and rugged Dades Valley, dotted with oases of figs, olives, date palms and castellated mud houses—hugging the slopes. Meet the locals of the region when you visit a traditional Nomad house to try authentic Berber tea. The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs concludes at Ouarzazate, also known as the film capital of Morocco. Many blockbusters have been filmed here, including Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars.

Le Berbère Palace, Ouarzazate.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine

Day 6: To Marrakesh

Marvel at and photograph the architectural wonder of Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site that boasts one of Morocco's finest kasbahs. Your journey continues via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, before descending past charming mountain villages, dense woods and green fields to the ochre-colored city of Marrakesh. Meet the inspiring ladies of a local women’s cooperative over tea and snacks on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. With the rest of the day at your leisure, why not relax and enjoy the immaculate facilities of your hotel?

Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech.

Breakfast

Day 7: Marrakesh, Pearl of the South Relaxed Start

Meet your Local Expert in the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where you can take a moment to watch the dancers, snake charmers and storytellers. Wander the maze of the Medina and see the Koutoubia Mosque, with its minaret dominating the Marrakesh skyline. With time at leisure, you are free to continue exploring: try your hand at haggling in the souks or maybe visit a museum? In the evening, perhaps choose to join fellow guests at a vibrant restaurant on Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Here you will enjoy a slew of classic Moroccan dishes as you absorb the ambience and watch twirling belly dancers balance plates of lit candles on their heads.

Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech.

Breakfast

Day 8: Elegant Essaouira Relaxed Start

Venture to the west coast of Africa to reach the laid-back fishing town of Essaouira. After an orientation with your Travel Director why not spend the afternoon navigating the narrow alleyways, exploring the busy fishing port or maybe just relaxing on the beach? In the evening, you could sample the local seafood and wine at a waterside restaurant.

Atlas Essaouira & Spa.

Breakfast

Day 9: Return to Casablanca Relaxed Start

Once you've experienced the traditional charms of the country, Casablanca is a fascinating place to return to and offers a unique insight into modern Morocco. In the evening 'of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world' there really is only one place to be. Join your Travel Director at Rick's Café, recreated from the famous movie. Enjoy a hearty Celebration Dinner with drinks and no doubt a rendition of ‘As Time Goes By'. Here's looking at you kid!

Grand Mogador City Center, Casablanca.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 10: Au revoir Casablanca

Today, bid farewell to your journey along Morocco as you transfer to the airport.

Breakfast