Overview
Itinerary
Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for your welcome dinner, with the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of good food. (DW) Stay: Grand Mogador City Center, Casablanca.
Explore the sights of Casablanca viewing the huge Hassan II Mosque, the largest in the country. Venture to the 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.
At a local winery, savour a wine tasting of locally grown Moroccan wines with a delicious three-course lunch. 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. (B/LW) Stay: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes.
Led by your knowledgeable Local Expert, wander the maze of streets that make up one of the largest thriving ancient medinas in the world. 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. For delicious cuisine in the Medina of Fes, enjoy a tasting menu at NUR, a restaurant featuring Moroccan specialties from seasonal seafood to local meats. (B/DW)
Leave the bustle of the city behind and head for the spectacular snowcapped High Atlas Mountains. Pass through Ifran 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 and formerly the historic crossroads between the imperial cities. 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 Berbers and marvel at the glorious Sahara sunset on a four-wheel drive vehicle. (B/L/DW) Stay: Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud, Efroud.
After a Relaxed Start, discover the desert town of Rissani. See the Tomb of Moulay Ali Cherif built by one of the founders of the Alaouite family who reigned during the second half of the 17th century. Further your discovery visiting the quarries of marine fossils dating back 360 million years ago. Taste the local flavours over a traditional lunch of Madfouna, or ‘Berber Pizza,' known for its use of seasonal fillings and spices. The rest of your day is free to relax or explore further before dinner. (B/L/DW)
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. (B/L/DW) Stay: Le Berbère Palace, Ouarzazate.
Marvel at and photograph the architectural wonder of Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage 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-coloured city of Marrakesh. With the rest of the day at your leisure, why not relax and enjoy the immaculate facilities of your hotel? (B) Stay: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech.
Meet your Local Expert in the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, and 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 at Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Here you will enjoy classic Moroccan dishes as you absorb the ambience and watch twirling belly dancers balance plates of lit candles on their heads. (B)
Venture to the west coast of Africa to reach the laid-back fishing town of Essaouira. After an orientation with your Travel Director navigating the narrow alleyways and exploring the busy fishing port, curate the rest of your day with Insight Choice. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating afternoon at a traditional Moroccan spa, Hammam Targa. Or, meet the inspiring women of a local cooperative over tea and snacks on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
In the evening, opt to delight your senses with a culinary adventure at a waterfront restaurant, sampling local seafood. (B) Stay: Atlas Essaouira & Spa.
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 named for this legendary city. Enjoy a hearty Celebration Dinner with drinks and no doubt a rendition of ‘As Time Goes By'. “Here's looking at you kid.” (B/DW) Stay: Grand Mogador City Center, Casablanca.
Today, bid farewell to your journey along Morocco as you transfer to the airport. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Rabat: See the Royal Palace and Hassan Tower.
- Casablanca: See the Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche.
- Meknès: Admire the Bab el-Mansour Gate on Place El-Hedim in the heart of the Medina.
- Fes: Led by your Local Expert, wander the maze of streets that make up the ancient Medina. See one of the world's oldest universities and pass hidden courtyards, mosques and workshops. Continue through the souks, an array of vendors selling food, clothes, leather goods and beautiful lights.
- Erfoud: Enjoy the beauty of this little oasis with the backdrop of the Sahara desert whilst you explore the red walled streets.
- Tinghir: Explore this fascinating ravine caused by a fault that has split the orange-coloured limestone as deep as 300 meters.
- Dades Valley: See the castellated mud houses and oases.
- Ouarzazate: Learn more about this quiet town in a city orientation and see why it has been the backdrop to many films as you wander its red sandy streets.
- Aït Ben Haddou: The Ksar is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the finest examples of South Moroccan architecture. See the crowded houses within the defensive walls that are reinforced by the corner towers and explore one of Morocco's finest kasbahs.
- Essaouira: See the beauty of this bohemian coastal town as you explore the many spice-scented streets of the medina.
- Marrakesh: Your Local Expert guides you past Jemaa el-Fnaa Square with its intriguing characters and through the seemingly entangled streets of the Medina with its many souks. See the protruding Koutoubia Minaret.
- Rabat: Enjoy a wine tasting of locally grown Moroccan wines with a delicious three-course lunch as the owner shares her insights into the industry.
- Fes: Indulge in a tasting menu at NUR Restaurant, meaning 'Light,' and meet Chef Najat Kaanache, who will share her passion for blurring the boundaries between art and gastronomy. Chef Kaanache has had successful careers as a television actress and professional chef in 3-star Michelin restaurants in three countries. She made history as the first and only Moroccan chef to work at the famed Spanish restaurant, El Bulli. Additionally, she is the host of "Cocina Marroqui,” AMC Network's highest-rated new cooking series throughout Spain and 20 other Latin countries.
- Dades Valley: Stop at a traditional Nomad house and meet the locals as you sip Berber tea.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Marrakesh: Visit non-profit organisation Amal to see first-hand how they are empowering women one meal at a time at this chef training centre. Partner with a chef to learn to make delicious Moroccan baked goods including Gazelle horns, Ghreyba cookies, Msemmen and more. Taste your home-baked goodies and sip on mint tea as you learn the secrets of Moroccan baking and hear about the experiences of Moroccan women. Your visit supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.
- Marrakesh: Embark on a decadent afternoon at a traditional Moroccan spa, or hammam. The origins of hammam can be traced back to the migration of Arabs to Morocco in the early 7th century. Relax and refresh in their complete wellness centre. The hammam has been family-run for three generations and reflects the family tradition and values in their business.
- Marrakesh: Visit non-profit organisation Amal to see first-hand how they are empowering women one meal at a time at this chef training centre. Partner with a chef to learn to make delicious Moroccan baked goods including Gazelle horns, Ghreyba cookies, Msemmen and more. Taste your home-baked goodies and sip on mint tea as you learn the secrets of Moroccan baking and hear about the experiences of Moroccan women. Your visit supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.
- Casablanca: You must remember this...a fabulous 4-course Celebration Dinner with drinks at Rick's Café, made famous by the 1942 film.
- Rissani: Indulge in a real taste of the region with a Madfouna lunch. Known as ‘Berber Pizza,' this covered pizza is traditionally baked in the sands of the Sahara and is a delight filled with seasonal fillings and spices.
- Dining Summary: 10 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch with Wine (LW), 6 Dinners with Wine (DW), 3 Lunches (L)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
Insight Vacations Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Insight Vacations. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Insight Vacations. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Similar Tours
11 Days Casablanca Casablanca
Operated By: Insight Vacations
10 Days Casablanca Casablanca
Operated By: Insight Vacations
