Morocco Highlights

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Marrakech in Morocco. This vibrant city has a myriad of things to see, do, taste, smell and enjoy. As this trip only spends limited time in Marrakech, we recommend arriving a day or two early to truly experience the city. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, you might like to head out and explore the city’s lively Djemaa el-Fna – one of the largest public spaces in the world, unique to Marrakech.

Bid farewell to Marrakech this morning, and hop on a train for Casablanca. Arrive in the early afternoon, then join your leader for a short orientation walk to get acquainted with the bustling city. The rest of the day is free to spend how you wish. 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. Your tour leader will be on hand giving you advice to make the best of your time in Casablanca. (B)

Today you’ll travel by private vehicle to Chefchaouen, or the ‘blue city’, which is arguably one of the prettiest places in Morocco. Set against a wide valley and nestled between two peaks in the stunning Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen has been lovingly cared for with striking blue and whitewashed houses, red-tiled roofs, and artistic doorways. Arrive mid-afternoon and take an orientation walk with your leader and head to a great sunset viewpoint overlooking the town. In the evening, if you're feeling peckish, the local goat’s cheese is a popular treat. (B)

Today, take a guided tour of the World Heritage-listed site of Volubilis – once one of the Roman empire's most remote bases. The remains make an undeniably impressive sight as they come into view on the edge of the long, high plateau. Explore the ancient hilltop ruins while your local guide gives you a deeper insight into the history of the place. Continue to Fes in the afternoon, where you'll spend the next two nights. Fes is the most complete medieval city in the Arab world, and the most ancient of Morocco's imperial cities. Known as the spiritual and cultural heart of the country, this is a great spot to find a local restaurant for an optional dinner with your group. (B)

This morning, enjoy breakfast and then take a guided walking tour of the Old City, known locally as Fes el Bali. Step back into the Middle Ages in the labyrinth of the medina, which is alive with craftsmen, markets, tanneries and mosques. Pass donkeys piled high with goods (this is one of the largest car-free urban zones in the world) and explore the specialty sections that divide the souk. Look out for the Medersa Bou Inania – one of the city's most beautiful buildings, which has recently been restored and is now open to tourists. Visit Medresse el Attarine and the splendid Funduq al-Najjarin – a beautifully restored 18th-century inn. You'll also see the famous tannery, known for the iconic view overlooking its dye pits, and a ceramics factory where you can see potters working in the traditional way. The afternoon is free for you to explore. You might like to feast on a dinner of Moroccan specialties tonight, like harira (chickpea soup) and chicken-stuffed pies with couscous. (B)

Today, you’ll travel towards the mighty Sahara. It is a long drive, but there will be many opportunities to stop and admire views of local kasbahs and palmeries (valleys lush with date palms, fields and orchards). You may also have the chance to pass by nomads along their journey – these free-spirited people are born to move with their animal flocks under the open sky and they never stay settled in one place for long. Continue through barren mountainsides and fertile valleys, pausing in frontier towns like Erfoud and Rissani before reaching the end of the road at the small Saharan settlement of Merzouga. With a backdrop of the orange-coloured Erg Chebbi sand dunes, the charming Saharan village of Merzouga feels wonderfully isolated, like the modern world has left it behind. Store your main baggage in your overnight camp on the edge of the desert and mount a camel to watch the breathtaking sunset from a unique perspective, among the rolling dunes of the expansive desert. Spend the night in a desert camp under the North African stars and enjoy a homecooked feast by the fire. (B/D)

Walk up the nearest dune for a spectacular sunrise over the Sahara, break your fast with traditional food, and begin the drive to Todra Gorge – a massive trench that rises over 250 m to form one of the most dramatic and spectacular natural sights in Morocco. To make the most of the stunning surroundings, you’ll take a short and gentle walk through the gorge. Then, continue to the beautiful Dades Valley – your base for the next two nights. This area offers up scenery like no other – sprawling green valleys give way to rock formations carved out by the wind. (B)

Enjoy your time today to explore the beauty of this largely untouched Moroccan backcountry today, and the best way is on foot. There are a couple of circuits in the area, but your leader can tailor the route based on the preferences of the group. The trail undulates and can be challenging in sections but is accessible to everyone with a basic level of fitness. After walking along rivers, past farms, through a few deserted kasbahs and palm groves while learning about the rural life along the way, a homemade lunch with a local Amazigh family awaits. Take the opportunity to share stories and learn about family life in the Dades Valley over a meal full of exciting flavours. The rest of the day is then free for you to continue exploring or to sit back and soak in the views. (B/L)

Depart the Dades Valley and set off on the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Arrive at Ait Benhaddou – a hilltop site almost unchanged since the 11th century. Its grand kasbah is one of the most beautiful in Morocco and the fortified village is a fine example of clay architecture. You may recognise the site from its long list of film and TV credits! Walk through the winding streets of the Old Town, making your way to the top of the hill for some scenic views. Then continue to Marrakech, your final destination of the journey, in the late afternoon. After settling into your accommodation, head out with your leader to the main square, Djemaa el-Fna, for a sunset drink (non-alcoholic). (B)

There are no activities planned after breakfast so you are 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, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). (B)