Morocco In-Style

Welcome to Casablanca, Morocco's largest and most modern city, made famous by the movie of the same name starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Casablanca is a curious mix of ancient Berber influences and modern European hustle and bustle, plus lots of inviting places to enjoy the nation's favourite drink — mint tea, of course.

Its name, meaning ‘White House' in Spanish, comes from the brilliant, whitewashed walls of the Old Medina. Wander a little and you'll spot the elegant French colonial buildings with Moorish arches and Art Deco details. It's a city that wears its past and present side by side.

We don't want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don't, we recommend you arrive at your hotel by 5:00pm.

This evening, meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a delicious welcome dinner at a traditional Moroccan restaurant.

Our day is dedicated to exploring Morocco's cosmopolitan hub, Casablanca. Originally settled by Berber tribes, Casablanca has witnessed a series of transformations throughout history, including periods of rule by the Phoenicians, Romans and Portuguese. However, it was the French invasion in the 18th century that truly reshaped the city, laying the foundation for its modern identity that we're familiar with today. After gaining independence in 1956, Casablanca continued to thrive, evolving into Morocco's commercial and economic capital, retaining its diverse cultural heritage.

We'll explore the busy streets of Casablanca and acquaint ourselves with its European-influenced architecture before visiting the extraordinary Hassan II Mosque. Rising dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean, this remarkable mosque is truly one of the great architectural sights of the Islamic world. Completed in 1993, it is the largest mosque in Morocco and the second largest in the world, with a soaring minaret that stands 210 metres tall.

During our visit we'll step inside to admire the incredible craftsmanship found throughout the mosque, from intricate tilework and carved cedar wood ceilings to vast marble floors and beautifully detailed arches. We'll also explore the impressive ablutions hall below, where rows of elegant marble fountains were designed for ritual washing before prayer. The scale, beauty and artistry of this space make it just as memorable as the mosque above.

We'll then visit Rick's Café, a romantic café inspired by the 1942 film ‘Casablanca'. Enjoy some free time here for lunch before we continue our tour to uncover Casablanca's famous Art Deco architecture. Casablanca's unique style is called ‘architecture mauresque' or ‘Moorish architecture' beautifully blending French Art Deco with Islamic flair.

Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore at your own pace.

This morning, we say goodbye to beautiful Casablanca and travel east to Morocco's smallest imperial city, Meknes, located in northern-central Morocco. Founded in the 11th century, Meknes is quieter and smaller than other imperial cities but still has the winding narrow Medina streets and grand buildings.

On arrival into Meknes, we'll enjoy an orientation tour of the old city referred to as the ‘Versailles of Morocco'. We begin at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old medina, a bustling maze of narrow streets, home to artisanal shops, traditional markets and historic buildings.

We'll see impressive gates, palaces and gardens built during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century including the magnificent Bab el Mansour Gate. Considered one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco, it is the perfect place for photos while marvelling at its ornate beauty.

Special Experience: Visit a picturesque winery in Meknes delighting in the scenery while tasting locally produced wines with a delicious lunch. The hillside vineyards and the mild temperature make the Meknes region the most ideal wine-growing area. Moroccan wines often incorporate local grape varietals like Carignan, Grenache and Cinsault. These varieties bring specific characteristics to the wines, such as fruity aromas, balanced tannin structure and great complexity. It's wonderful to experience a different side of Meknes and its surroundings, especially if you appreciate wine and want to explore the emerging wine culture in this region of Morocco.

After our visit, we will continue our journey to Fez, one of Morocco's most enchanting imperial cities, known for its labyrinth of ancient streets, vibrant souks and rich history that has earned it the nickname the country's cultural and spiritual heart. Upon arrival, we will check in to our beautiful Moroccan riad, which will be our home for the next 3 nights.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Our adventure today takes us to the ancient archaeological site of Volubilis, one of the best-preserved sites in all of Morocco. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Volubilis stands as a lasting testament to the civilisations that once thrived in the region. Its origins trace back to the 3rd century BC when it was first established as a Phoenician settlement, evolving over centuries into a thriving Roman city. Volubilis served as a pivotal administrative city for this part of Roman Africa, responsible for grain production and exports to Rome.

During our guided visit, we'll explore the partially excavated ruins and discover the fascinating stories behind this once flourishing city. Make sure to keep an eye out for the amazing mosaics, still in situ, that Volubilis is famous for, many of which remain beautifully preserved in their original locations.

We return back to Fez early this afternoon, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore the city at your own pace. You might choose to wander the endless winding alleys of the medina, soak up the vibrant atmosphere or simply relax at your authentic riad and watch the world go by. Whatever you choose, it will be a wonderfully flexible way to enjoy Fez.

Today involves approximately 2 hours of walking.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Our day is dedicated to uncovering Morocco's cultural and spiritual heart, Fez. Founded in the 9th century, Fez is a beautiful labyrinth of narrow laneways, bustling souks and ancient landmarks. This unique city offers visitors a glimpse into Morocco's captivating past with its centuries-old traditions and historic atmosphere.

We'll begin the day at a scenic viewpoint, where the vast sweep of the old city stretches out before us. From here, you can truly appreciate just how grand and intricate Fez is. After taking in the views, we'll head to a ceramics workshop. Here, we will learn how the beautiful plates, tagines and mosaics are crafted by hand and the work that goes into producing these intricate wares.

Next, we'll make our way to the famous Medina, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site since 1981. Here, the narrow lanes and colourful traders make for some fantastic photo opportunities. We'll see the souks with the myriads of craftsmen, the famous tanneries and carpet stalls. Be sure to keep your guide in sight as with over 70km of labyrinthian alleyways you do not want to get lost!

Our sightseeing in the Medina includes the Karaouine Mosque and the fountains of Carpenter's Square. The Mosque is one of the oldest of its kind in the western Muslim world, and while non-Muslims cannot enter, we will get a wonderful view from the top of Medersa Attarine when it is open.

We'll also visit the famous old operation tannery, processing the hides of sheep and goat in stone vessels filled with a range of colourful dyes. The vivid colours and distinctive scents are unforgettable and watching the craftsmen at work is a memory that will stay with you and makes for some amazing photos. We will also make a stop at a textiles workshop to see skilled artisans weaving various colourful materials into beautiful pieces.

The rest of the evening is at leisure for you to explore or relax.

Today involves approximately 4 to 5 hours of walking.

Our drive to Merzouga today takes us past the town of Midelt, situated on the high plains between the Middle Atlas and the High Atlas Mountain ranges. In this market town, the majority of the buildings are sand-coloured, resulting in a beautiful contrast against the imposing mountains that surround the city. Here we'll enjoy a delicious lunch, before continuing to Merzouga, where we will transfer to 4WD vehicles for our journey to our desert camp accommodation.

The town of Merzouga is often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Sahara' and is the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. These towering dunes are among the largest in Morocco and measure up to 160 metres high and stretch endlessly across the golden landscape.

Deluxe Experience: Experience the tranquil beauty of the Sahara Desert, staying in a luxury camp surrounded by breathtaking desertscapes. Located strategically in the middle of the big dunes of the Erg Chebbi Desert, Merzouga Sandy Tents offers an unparalleled desert experience. We enjoy the night under the stars here, having the opportunity to experience a camel ride at sunset and enjoy sunrise from the top of the golden dunes.

Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.

Rise early to experience a beautiful sunrise illuminating the golden sands of the Sahara. With your tent surrounded by dunes, you will not need to walk far to enjoy this truly ethereal experience. Make sure you bring your camera with you, as this is an experience you'll want to remember forever!

After breakfast, we'll depart in 4WD jeeps, travelling deeper into the Sahara Desert to explore the surrounding landscapes and communities.

Special Experience: Travel to Khamlia, a small desert village, enjoying Moroccan tea and Gnaoua music with local nomads. We'll enjoy a cup of Moroccan mint tea in a traditional home setting with local Gnaoua music as entertainment. Gnaoua music (or Gnawa music as it is also known) is quite a show, being a combination of Berber, Sufi and sub-Saharan African religious songs and rhythms combined with acrobatic dancing.

Tonight, we will catch the beautiful sun as it sets over the desertscape surrounding our boutique hotel riad. A totally special and mesmerising sight!

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

This morning we'll say goodbye to the stunning Sahara Desert and drive through the Dades Valley with its majestic sand-coloured castles and incredible rock formations that are known as ‘monkey toes'. The route through Dades Valley is often referred to as ‘the Road of One Thousand Kasbahs', and it's on this road that we'll be able to view a vast valley dotted with hundreds of small oases and ancient fortifications.

We continue our journey through Todgha Gorge, a gorgeous canyon on the road to Skoura. Here, we will have some time to walk through the gorge, enjoying its beauty and taking some amazing photos. In Skoura, we'll enjoy lunch with a local Berber family, gaining real insight into their fascinating culture. The Berber's are an indigenous ethnic group native to north Africa, renowned for their distinct culture, language and rich history, and their presence in Morocco dates back thousands of years. They are traditionally nomads, and still today, many Berber tribes maintain their nomadic lifestyle.

Lastly, we make our way to Ouarzazate. Often called the ‘Door of the Desert', this fortified city is nestled amid the Atlas Mountains and its caramel-coloured buildings blend almost seamlessly into the desert's golden sand. Ouarzazate is also a noted film-making location with films such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven shot here.

On arrival in Ouarzazate, the evening is ours to spend at leisure.

Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

Our day is dedicated to exploring Ouarzazate and the beautiful Taourirt Kasbah.

Among one of the most captivating Kasbahs in Morocco, the Taourirt Kasbah's rich history dates all the way back to the French departure in 1953. Here, we'll immerse ourselves in the cinematic legacies of the Ouarzazate Kasbahs, where the Moroccan film industry thrived in the post-French era.

We'll also discover the allure of the famous Atlas Studios, located just 5-kilometres west of Ouarzazate. This incredible location boasts the title of the world's largest film studio by acreage! Nestled amid the desert and mountains, this amazing studio has preserved the sets from renowned productions including Gladiator and Game of Thrones, making it a must-visit destination when in the region.

We'll return to Ouarzazate in the early afternoon, where you'll have the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore this beautiful town some more or simply to relax.

Saying goodbye to the beautiful city of Ouarzazate, we'll make our way to the picturesque, fortified Berber village or ‘ksar' of Ait Ben Haddou. This traditional mudbrick city (that dates back to the 11th century) is on the UNESCO World Heritage-list and is a striking example of the architecture found across southern Morocco. This iconic village and landscape has been immortalised in films including Lawrence of Arabia, The Living Daylights, The Mummy and Gladiator. Here, we will spend time walking its maze of winding streets until reaching a fortified granary at the top which provides an amazing view of the valley. We then enjoy a delicious lunch in the Kasbah.

We'll continue our journey to the magical ‘Rose City' of Marrakesh. One of the four Imperial Cities of Morocco, Marrakesh was founded in the 11th century by the Almoravid Berber dynasty. It soon became the capital of the Islamic Empire that stretched as far as Spain and western Africa. During the rule of Yousef Ben Tachfine, Marrakesh was blessed with fine gardens, palaces, mosques and legendary walls, and was influenced by the Almoravid conquest of southern Spain. Morocco was colonised by the French in the 20th century and the strong influences from these countries can be felt today.

On arrival, we'll enjoy the evening at leisure.

Today involves approximately 2 to 3 hours of walking.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

The red royal city of Marrakesh is the real heartbeat of Morocco, set within sight of the snowy peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. Our entire day is dedicated to seeing some of the city's most iconic and beautiful sites.

We will visit the elegant Bahia Palace, a 19th century masterpiece built for a powerful vizier and designed to showcase Morocco's finest craftsmanship. As we wander its peaceful courtyards, intricate mosaics and carved cedar ceilings, we will marvel at the blend of Islamic and Moroccan design. Afterward, we will admire the towering Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakesh's most famous landmark, whose graceful minaret rises 77 metres above the city and has guided travellers for centuries, offering a glimpse into Morocco's rich architectural heritage.

We then head to Marrakesh's main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa. Considered one of the most famous squares in Africa, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site serves as the epicentre of the city where locals and visitors alike come to experience its lively atmosphere. Be sure to also visit here at night when the square really comes alive! We'll also explore Melah, the city's old Jewish Quarter.

Special Experience: We'll join a cooking class to discover the art of traditional Moroccan cuisine, followed by lunch featuring the dishes we've prepared.

Deluxe Experience: Delight in a private chef's table experience at the renowned Azalai Uran Souk restaurant.

Our morning will be all about slowing down the pace. Why not return to the medina for some great shopping opportunities. Alternatively, you might choose to relax by the pool with a good book, enjoy a quiet stroll through the gardens, or simply find a comfortable spot to sit and take it all in.

Later this afternoon, we'll come together to indulge in a grand high tea experience.

Deluxe Experience: Delight your taste buds in a decadent high tea at the enchanting Royal Mansour Marrakesh.

Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride. Embark on an unforgettable early morning journey, drifting above the enchanting landscapes of Morocco as the sun stretches its first rays over the endless ochre dunes and the Atlas Mountains unfold beneath you.

Includes return transfers, a flight of approx. 60 minutes, and a Berber breakfast. From Euro 230pp (minimum 2 people)

Today we depart the idyllic Marrakesh and make our way back to the beautiful Casablanca.

We'll have the afternoon at leisure for you to wander the city at your own pace, before enjoying a lovely group farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to our new friends and to mesmerising Morocco. We hope you leave with the memories of a lifetime.