Premium Morocco Highlights with Essaouira

Welcome to Morocco! On arrival at Casablanca Airport, you will be met by an Intrepid representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins at 6 pm with an important welcome meeting. If you arrive with time to spare, a great option for your limited time in Casablanca is to visit the Villa des Arts. This gorgeous Art Deco gallery holds numerous exhibitions of contemporary Moroccan and international art. If you are looking for a different type of cultural experience, then you can discover a unique and fascinating part of Moroccan history at the Museum of Judaism. This evening, celebrate the beginning of a new adventure with a delicious dinner with your group, set amongst traditional decor. Nowhere is Morocco’s cultural heritage more evident than in its food, and tonight you’ll have the chance to try classic dishes like tagine and couscous. (D)

This morning you will visit one of the most impressive sites in Casablanca – the mighty Mosque of Hassan II. Second only in size to the great mosque at Mecca, the huge building sits partly on land and partly over sea and is one of the only religious sites here that’s open to non-Muslims. Later, leave Casablanca and drive to Meknes, where you’ll explore the charming streets of the medina – the old walled section of the city. There’s something particularly special about exploring this lesser-known medina as the locals go about their daily lives. Drive on to the mosaic-filled Roman ruins of Volubilis, where a local guide will show you around and help you imagine the bustling city that once was. Enjoy a picnic lunch of fresh bread, cheese and seasonal fruits and olives from the market. In the late afternoon, continue to Fes, your home for the next two nights. (B/L)

Today you’ll discover Fes’s huge, well-preserved medieval old city and the mother of all medinas. Walk through the twisting streets and alleyways, passing donkeys piled high with goods, and explore the speciality sections that divide the souk as your leader talks you through interesting customs and traditions of Moroccan people. Passing historic khans, dye-pits and stalls loaded with fragrant herbs and spices, with the squawk of chickens and sounds of copper craftsmen at work filling the air, it’s easy to imagine yourself back in the Middle Ages. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the medina at a tranquil family-owned tea house before exploring more of the old city with a visit to the ornate inner courtyards of centuries-old Islamic school El-Attarine Madrasa and Funduq al-Najjarin, a splendid 18th-century inn. Prepare for a treat this evening as you are warmly welcomed into the home-turned-restaurant of a local family for a pastilla dinner in a private after-hours experience. Learn how the iconic Moroccan pie is made as you chat with your friendly hosts about life in Fes. (B/D)

Travel from Fes to Bin el-Ouidane, with plenty of breaks along the way to appreciate the ever-changing Moroccan landscape. Visit an Amazigh family in the Khenifra region for a truly memorable experience and a priceless insight into their unique way of life. The family will demonstrate how to make the perfect brew of mint tea and will provide a home-cooked lunch using locally grown ingredients. Learn about their customs, traditions and what life looks like in the Atlas Mountains. Later you’ll arrive in Bin el-Ouidane, a small settlement perfectly placed on the bank of the lake, surrounded by sheer rocks. Your Feature Stay accommodation sits at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, perched on the edge of the huge, glittering lake. There’s a blissful afternoon to be had floating in the paradisiacal swimming pool or soaking in your surroundings on the fabulous terrace. (B/L/D)

Today you’ll head out onto the water, hopping in a small boat to see more of the turquoise lake and surrounding rocky gorges. Float over the soothing waters and take in the views. You’ll stop to enjoy a refreshing lunch at a shady spot overlooking the lake before heading back to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish – lounge by the infinity pool, hike the surrounding mountain trails or treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage or jacuzzi session at the health spa. (B/L)

Today you will travel from Bin el-Ouidane to Marrakech. There’s no rush as the scenery on the way is always interesting, and you will enjoy a stop en route at the impressive Ouzoud Falls. On arrival in Marrakech, head to the great square of Djemaa el-Fna, one of the largest public spaces in the world and the city's most iconic landmark. Enjoy an orientation tour with your Trip Leader to get to know this vibrant city. As day turns into night, the square transforms into a hive of activity. The evening is yours to explore. Perhaps opt for dinner on one of the restaurant balconies overlooking the humming square with views of the Koutoubia Mosque. (B)

After breakfast today, meet your local guide and set off on a morning tour of the old medina, through the bustling souks that are the lifeblood of the city. Explore tranquil courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace. Stop by the Koutoubia Mosque; the inside is for Muslims only, but the famous minaret is a sight to behold. Then walk back through the streets of the old medina to Djemaa el-Fna. The food here is best experienced like a local, so be sure to bring your appetite as your local guide will take you for a special tasting session where you’ll try a range of seasonal delights such as freshly squeezed orange juice and fried Moroccan donuts. The rest of the day is free to explore further. Perhaps visit Le Jardin Secret, a traditional medina garden with a magnificent courtyard, or head back into the medina and practice your haggling skills. For your final evening, perhaps join your group for a farewell dinner – your leader will be able to recommend some fantastic local restaurants that are worth raising a toast to. (B)

After breakfast leave for Essaouira, a city where the medina brushes up against the Atlantic Ocean and where you will spend the next two nights. Get to know this laidback and windswept city during an orientation walk with your leader who will help you navigate a maze of market stalls and narrow streets while sharing insights on local life in one of North Africa's most attractive places. Pass the harbour filled with colourful boats and explore the fish souk. Here you will choose a catch of the day and take it to a local-filled restaurant – follow their lead and hand over your market purchase for it to be grilled for the freshest of meals. Your leader will also take you to the fresh vegetables markets where you will choose your salads and veggies to accompany your seafood lunch. Enjoy a delicious meal together with the rest of your group. The evening is yours to uncover Essaouira further. (B/L)

The name Essaouira means image, which is appropriate for the picturesque town. This artists' town was once home to sizeable British and Jewish populations, and its charm has seduced people like Orson Welles and Jimi Hendrix, who (according to local legend) spent much of his time here in the 1960s. Enjoy a free day to wander the city’s charming sandstone streets, giving way to the cart-haulers calling ‘ballak, ballak’. Your leader will offer advice on the best ways to spend the day. Perhaps explore Essaouira’s magnificent coast and golden sand dunes on horseback. Discover the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum and its collection of artefacts, woodwork, carpets and stringed instruments, or sit back and watch the kite surfers ride the crashing waves. You can also discover the taste of Morocco in a cooking class, or head outside of the city to the beautiful surroundings on a daytrip. (B)

The morning is free for you to explore further. Perhaps pick up some local handicrafts at the eye-catching market stalls, or enjoy a final coffee in the square to soak up the easy-going rhythm of this Moroccan town with a European seaside twist. In the afternoon, drive back to Marrakech. Once you have settled in to your hotel, you will likely be drawn back to the Djemaa el-Fna, and its surrounding medina. Eating out at one of the many outdoor restaurants lining the square is a great way to finish your adventure. (B)

Your trip ends today after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around midday and you are free to leave at any time. If you have arranged a private airport transfer you will be advised of the pick-up time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring here. Speak to your leader about the wealth of extra activities to do around Marrakech. (B)