Classic Morocco

Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco and the great city of Casablanca. If you’re arriving today, your trip includes a private transfer from the airport to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe you’d like to visit the art deco Villa des Arts – this gorgeous gallery dates back to the 1930s and holds numerous exhibitions of contemporary Moroccan and international art. If you're looking for a different cultural experience, you can discover a unique and fascinating part of Moroccan history at the Museum of Judaism. There’s a lot to see and do in Casablanca, so if you’d like to spend more time here before your trip begins, just speak to your booking agent.

After breakfast this morning, visit the Hassan II Mosque – one of Casablanca's most impressive sites and the Islamic world's third-largest mosque. This colossal building sits partly on land and partly on the sea, allowing visitors to look through a glass floor in one area, straight down to the water. This is one of the only religious sites open to non-Muslims. Travel by private vehicle to the village of Moulay Idriss, the holiest Islamic town. Head out on a leader-led walking tour, stopping for an optional home-cooked lunch before setting off again. Your next stop is Volubilis – a partly-excavated Amazigh-Roman city outside of Meknes. Explore the ruins and abandoned stones with a local guide, which are covered in wildflowers in the spring. Arrive in Fes, your final destination, and sit down for an included pastilla dinner. This Moroccan specialty is a delicious sweet and savoury pastry parcel of shredded chicken and almonds. (B/D)

Today, you’ll discover the city of Fes. The spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco – Fes is a visual and aromatic feast for the senses. Join an expert local guide and head into Fes el Bali – arguably the world's most fascinating and confounding Old City. Walk along the twisting streets and alleyways, passing donkeys piled high with goods, and explore the specialty sections that divide the souk. Filled with historic khans, madrassas and dye pits, stalls loaded with fruits, herbs and soups – where the squawk of chickens, the smell of spice, and the sound of hammering copper fills the air, it’s not hard to imagine yourself back in the Middle Ages in Fes. Visit the Al-Attarine Madrasa, built by the Marinid sultan Uthman II Abu Said in 1323-5. Functioning as a religious school, this is one of several such schools located within the medina. You’ll then explore the tanneries and the Fondouk Nejjarine, a beautifully restored 18th-century inn with a beuatiful courtyard. Stop for a refreshing mint tea at a local café and take in the views of the bustling medina. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon for a free evening. (B)

After breakfast, hit the road again and drive through ever-changing scenery, from barren mountainsides to fertile valleys, on the journey to Merzouga. Stop for coffee in Ifrane in the Atlas Mountains and spot some macaque monkeys in the Cedar Forest along the way. Take in the views over Ziz Valley and stop for lunch in Midelt – a town in the high plains between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas Mountain ranges.  When you arrive, leave your gear at your overnight camp next to a simple hotel and then climb aboard your designated camel for a ride into the edge of the Sahara Desert – what better way to enjoy the spectacular sunset? The dunes shine as the evening light plays across them and sets off the colours of the desert. Tonight, marvel at the expansive night sky and try some fantastic local cuisine while you sit around an open fire, enjoying live music and dancing in this unforgettable location. (B/D)

Rise and shine nice and early this morning and climb one of the sand dunes to watch the sunrise over the Sahara. Then drive to Todra Gorge – a massive trench that rises over 250 metres to form one of the most dramatic and spectacular natural sights in Morocco. When you arrive, head out on a leisurely walk through the Todra Valley with your leader. You’ll walk through shaded palm groves and local farms – thanks to the abundance of water here, there are orchards of almost every variety! Think apples, pears, plums, apricots, quinces, pomegranates, figs, almonds and peaches as well as tomatoes, mint, squash, carrots, turnips, beans and grapes. All these plantations belong to locals, who you’ll meet along the way, learning how they take care of the land using traditional irrigation techniques. Tonight, you might like to enjoy an optional dinner of all the local produce you’ve seen growing around you. (B)

This morning after breakfast, you’ll drive to Ait Benhaddou. Perched on a hilltop and almost unchanged since the 11th century, this is one of Morocco's most iconic sites. If you think you recognise the place, you probably do, as the town has a long list of film and TV credits, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones and Gladiator. Enjoy a walk through the winding streets of the Old Town and ksar, making your way to the top of the hill, from where you can enjoy views of the surrounding plains. Then, join a local artist for a painting workshop. You’ll create your own image of the iconic view of the ksar – giving you the perfect opportunity to really take it all in (and then take it home)! Visit the Tawesna teahouse on the river, a community-run establishment that provides local women an income to support themselves and their children. Using ingredients sourced from local cooperatives, the women prepare delicious mint tea and pastries while sharing their stories with those who pop in to visit. After heading to your nearby hotel for the night, maybe sit back on the rooftop terrace and watch the sun setting over the kasbah before an included group dinner. (B/D)

Today, you’ll head to vibrant Marrakech. When you arrive, meet your local guide who will lead you through the medina, sharing the city's history and hidden tales during the walk. From the Koutoubia Mosque to Marrakech's Photography Museum, there's so much to absorb in this brilliant city. Take your time, exploring the museum's exhibition of images taken by travellers to Morocco between 1870 and 1950. Head to the great square of Djemaa el-Fna, one of the largest public spaces in the world. When night falls, it transforms into a hive of activity. Henna painters, performers and storytellers share the square with a street food bazaar of stalls loaded with Moroccan delicacies that you’ll have the chance to indulge in for dinner tonight. Enjoy a selection of the best local tastes from the various food stalls – including harira (chickpea soup), barbecued and slow-cooked meats with Moroccan spices, fresh salads, fried fish, eggplants and peppers. Wash it all down with some traditional mint tea and share stories, photos and a warm moment with your group before your farewell tomorrow. (B/D)

There are no activities planned after breakfast today, so you’re free to leave your accommodation at any time. It’s worth adding a night or two in Marrakech, so you can do some extra activities like cooking classes and cycling tours, exploring nearby towns or visiting a hammam. If you wish to spend more time here, just speak to your booking agent. (B)