CASABLANCA to MARRAKECH (14 days) Morocco Encompas

DAY 1: CASABLANCAWelcome to Morocco! After a short transfer from the airport, you will have a free day to explore this vibrant city. Tonight you will meet your fellow travellers at your pre-departure meeting at 6pm, organised at the joining hotel in the heart of town. (Dinner)Overnight: Hotel Diwan (or similar)DAY 2: MEKNESAfter breakfast we head to Rabat and have some time to visit Oudaia Kasbah, Hasssan tower, the Royal palace and Chellah. After lunch we move on to the more laid back city of Meknes where you get to enjoy some free time. (Breakfast)Overnight: Hotel Akouas (or similar)DAY 3: CHEFCHAOUENIn the morning we take a tour of the Roman ruins at Volubilis, the largest ancient site of Morocco. UNESCO-listed, the site dates back to AD40 and once ruled the entire Roman province of Mauritania. We then travel on to explore Chefchaouen, a haven of peace and tranquility. High up in the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen is a beautiful blue door and white-walled medina that was originally a Berber post. The main square is the heart of Chefchaouen, with the Kasbah (built back in the 18th century), central mosque and cafes with great local food. You can explore the busy market in a relaxed atmosphere. (Breakfast)Overnight: Hotel Madrid (or similar)DAY 4-5: FESAfter a free morning and lunch in Chefchaouen we will move onto the hustle and bustle of Fes, the oldest and largest medieval city in the world. Its medina is a heady mix of aromas, sounds and sights and we include a local guide to navigate us around the souk and city and learn about the history of this fascinating city. There is a lot to do and visit including plenty of mosques and palaces, but be aware that only Muslims can enter Mosques in Morocco. After day 6 exploring dye-pits, tanneries and restaurants, we return to our hotel to get ready for an optional night of Moroccan entertainment and food at a restaurant in town. (Full day city tour included). (2 x Breakfast)Overnight: Hotel Arena (or similar)DAY 6: MIDELTThis morning we journey over the Moyen Atlas and overnight at the mountainous location of Midelt. A small town that consists of little more than one main street, most tourists would not stop here but this is a beautiful alpine area surrounded by huge pine trees and a great place for hiking the tranquil surroundings. Midelt is also a good place for carpet shopping with a small friendly population. After our afternoon hike we enjoy a relaxing evening in this mountain location. (Breakfast, Dinner)Overnight: Hotel Kasbah Asmaa (or similar)DAY 7: SAHARA DESERTToday we enjoy a stunning drive into the Sahara Desert and a fantastic Moroccan lunch (optional), after which you can spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming (except in Winter months). Then we will head towards the desert and Merzouga. Here we can experience a camel ride where we trek into the desert for a night at our authentic Berber Camp. In the evening there is plenty of local food to enjoy also the opportunity to listen to local music and a night out under the incredible Sahara night sky filled with stars. (Camel trek included). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)Overnight: Auberge La Caravane (or similar)DAY 8: TODRA GORGEToday is spent exploring Todra Gorge, from its plunging depths to its 1000 foot high cliffs. You have the opportunity to discover the charm of Todra on your trek or go for optional Rock Climbing. You can witness its changing colours as the sun slowly moves from east to west. Or alternatively, you could choose just to chill out for the day. (Breakfast, Dinner)Overnight: Hotel Amazir (or similar)DAY 9: AIT BENHADDOUToday our journey takes us through Ouarzazate, where you have the chance for an optional tour of the Film Studios. We then drive on to Aït Benhaddou, a 'fortified city', situated along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. It is situated on a hill along the Ouarzazate River and boasts some beautiful examples of kasbahs, some of which remain inhabited. Granted UNESCO World Heritage listing, the site had been the setting for many films including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Here we also include a guided tour of the main Kasbah. (Breakfast and Dinner)Overnight: La Rose Du Sable (or similar)DAY 10-11: ESSAOUIRAToday we drive to Essaouira and the Atlantic Coast. We pass some stunning mountain scenery before arriving at a colourful fishing town situated within 15th century Portuguese fortifications. With fantastic beaches and great surf you will have enough free time to go surfing, wind surfing or kayaking or just relax on the beach or alternatively explore the UNESCO-listed medina with its various souks and woodcarving workshops. The beach is in front of the Medina and there are cafés with terraces where you can relax while drinking mint tea and watch Moroccan life go by. There is also optional horse trekking, quad biking available. (2 x Breakfast)Overnight: Hotel Miramar (or similar)DAY 12-13: MARRAKECHGlowing red, like a welcoming campfire, against the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, the name Marrakech conjures up images of an exotic city, of magic carpets, snake charmers and spices brought in by camel trains. Set within the rose-coloured walls of the medina lies a reality that is not that far removed from an exotic film set - a tangle of winding streets that open onto verdant gardens and dark alleyways that lead to bustling souks. You can explore the central square, the Djemâa-el-Fna, an extraordinary gathering and market place. It is full of colour, spicy aromas and traders. It is worth going to the market place in the evening when overflowing with food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians and henna artists. Towering over all this is the Koutoubia mosque, the tallest building in the city, and a reminder of the importance of Islam to the lives of the city's residents. Try a traditional hammam, a steam bath followed by an exfoliating massage - it's the ideal end to the trip. (2 x Breakfasts)Overnight: Hotel El Andalous (or similar)DAY 14: MARRAKECHThe tour ends after breakfast. For those flying out of Marrakech on this day you can arrange airport transfers with your guide, and these can be booked any time for this day – there is luggage storage at the hotel should you need to check out before your go to the airport. Additional nights in Marrakech can also be booked upon request, please contact us for details. (Breakfast)Please note - This trip is run in conjunction with a local operator.