Compare Highlights of Morocco - In Comfort by Exodus Travels vs The Majesty of Morocco by Titan Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 15 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 2,400 | $ 1,684 |
| Price Per Day | $ 160 | $ 168 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | There are 14 breakfasts and four dinners included on this trip. Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. Where meals are not included, budget for the following approximate prices. Lunches: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10) Dinners: In cities: 80-200 dirhams (US$8-US$19) In towns and villages: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10) Soft drinks: 10-20 dirhams (US$1-1.90) Alcohol: Beer: 30-50 dirhams (US$2.85-US$5) Wine: 150 dirhams (US$14) and more Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip. If you have any special dietary requirements, please inform us before departure. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (eg coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home. | N/A |
| Description |
Few countries rival the diversity of Morocco, where history-soaked imperial cities, mighty mountains and desert dunes are easily accessed on one trip. This adventure encompasses the best of the country while also staying in stylish riads, boutique hotels and an auberge. The highlights are many: explore coastal Casablanca plus Rabat, Marrakech, Meknes and Fez, collectively known as the Imperial Cities; journey to the southern mountain ranges, where Amazigh villages meet palm oases; and ride a camel in the ever-magical Sahara. We also visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the 16th-century ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou and enjoy a village walk around the High Atlas mountains. We top it all off in the pretty coastal town of Essaouira, a fitting end to a highlight-packed adventure. We end with a tour in the vibrant city of Marrakech.Discover a diverse land of imperial cities, rugged mountains, Sahara dunes and Atlantic shores |
From the labyrinthine streets of Fez to the buzzing souks of Marrakech, dramatic mud-brick citadels to traditional Berber villages, and from lush valleys to the snow-dusted Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert sands, Morocco is simply spellbinding. Not only does this fully-escorted tour expertly introduce the heritage and beauty of this exotic land, it also reveals its legends, romance and lavish hospitality. |
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 London - Marrakech - Casablanca
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport and your direct, scheduled Royal Air Maroc or easyJet flight to Marrakech. On arrival we transfer by road to Casablanca and stay overnight at the Kenzi Tower Hotel (4T).
Day 2 Casablanca - Rabat
This morning we depart for an included city tour of Casablanca. We then depart for Rabat where sightseeing includes the Mohammed V Mausoleum and the Tour Hassan. We stay overnight at the The Hotel Farah (3T).
Day 3 Rabat - Meknes - Volubilis - Fez
We leave Rabat this morning for the Imperial City of Meknes and visit the Old Granaries and stables before continuing past the Holy City of Moulay Idriss. Later we proceed to the Roman city of Volubilis, renowned for its mosaic floors. We stay for two nights in Fez at the Les Merinides hotel (3T+).
Day 4 Fez
This morning we visit the oldest Imperial City in Morocco beginning with the Medina Fez El Bali or Old Fez, bustling with artisans and merchants. Continue through the labyrinthine streets to the Karaoiune quarters.
Day 5 Fez - Erfoud
A day of contrast lies ahead, as we stop at Ifrane before continuing to the Middle Atlas and finishing the day travelling by 4x4 vehicle to the edge of the Sahara desert. We stay overnight at the Kasbah Hotel Xaluca (4T) in Erfoud.
Day 6 Erfoud - The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs - Dades
Today the Todgha Gorge and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs await. At nearly 300 metres in height, the Todgha Gorge is spectacular. We stay overnight in Dades at Hotel Xaluca (4T).
Day 7 Dades - Marrakech
This morning we visit Kasbah Taourirt and then in the area of Ait Benhaddou with its wonderful Kasbah. We pass over the Tizi n’Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains, the highest in the country, and arrive in Marrakech. We stay for three nights at the Palm Plaza (3T+) hotel, located in the Agdal district.
Day 8 Marrakech
On our city sightseeing tour this morning you will experience the vibrant sights that are so evocative of Marrakech including the Medina, a labyrinth of small alleys famed for its stalls and souks, and Djemaa El Fna Square.
Day 9 Marrakech
A day at leisure to further explore the city.
Day 10 Marrakech - London
Transfer to Marrakech Airport for a scheduled Royal Air Maroc or easyJet flight to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport which may be via Casablanca. On arrival you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.
