The Medinas of Morocco

13 Days / 12 Nights

Day 1 Casablanca
Upon arrival in Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco, you will be met and transferred to your Casablanca hotel, where you will check in and relax for the afternoon. Depending on time, you could choose to have an optional tour of the Hassan II mosque.

Day 2 Fes
After breakfast, you will leave towards Fes. On route, you will stop at Rabat, the capital city and residence of the King, for lunch and a time to enjoy the beautiful coastal city. After lunch you will continue on to Fes, the spiritual capital of Morocco.

Day 3 Fes
After breakfast you will begin your guided tour of the medina, one of the world’s largest walled in cities. You will explore the narrow streets lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco. A visit to the Kings Palace, the tanneries, and potters are just a few places you will experience. For lunch you will eat in traditional restaurant in the heart of the medina. After lunch you will complete the tour and return to your hotel for the evening.

Day 4 Fes free day OR Volubilis / Meknes excursion
This day can be a free day to explore on your own
OR
after an early breakfast, you can set out in the morning to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. You will spend the morning exploring the 2000-year-old ruins and getting a picture of life during the Roman Empire. Lunch will be taken in Moulay Idris, one of the holiest cities in Morocco. After lunch, your guide will take you on a tour of the imperial city, Meknes. You will return to Fes for the evening.

Day 5 Erfoud
After an early breakfast you will begin your ascent across the Middle Atlas Mountains. Most of the day will be spent winding your way through the beautiful forests, jagged rock faces, and Berber villages as you cross the Atlas Mountains and begin to descend towards the Sahara Desert. Half way, you will stop for lunch in the town of Midelt, famous for its fossils and rocks. On arrival at your hotel in Erfoud, a hot shower or dip in the swimming pool (depending on the weather) will be a treat after the drive.

Day 6 Erfoud / Merzouga
Most of the day will be spent relaxing at the hotel or exploring the small but interesting desert town. In the afternoon, you will head off in some 4-wheel drive vehicles across the barren land to the majestic Sahara sand dunes. You will set off by camel for a 2-hour trek out to the oasis where you will spend the night in Berber tents (Dinner is included). ***this could be optional if you would prefer to return to the hotel to sleep***

Day 7 Merzouga / Todra Gorges
After breakfast, you will return by camel to the 4x4s and head back to Erfoud. From Erfoud you set out behind the High Atlas Mountains on route to the Todra Gorges. In the afternoon, you will take a walk up in the towering Todra Gorges (600 feet high). The picturesque river valleys make for a beautiful journey towards the southeast of Morocco. You will stay the night in Tingher before you cross the High Atlas Mountains.

Day 8 Todra / Ouarzazate / Marrakech
After an early breakfast you will set off towards the High Atlas Mountains via Ouarzazate. Tucked away in the High Atlas Mountains, it is one of the jewels of Morocco…Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. In typical Moroccan fashion, the true treasures must be searched out and discovered…usually off the beaten path. In actuality, this setting has been used for more films than any other location in Morocco; films including, Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and recently The Gladiator. Lunch can be taken at Ait Ben Haddou.
In the afternoon, you will head over the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech.

Day 9 Marrakech
After breakfast, you will have a guided tour of Marrakech, the southern pearl of Morocco. You will discover the Palace of the Bahia, the Saadian Tombs, and many other hidden treasures. After lunch, you will continue with the tour on to the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque and the famous Djemaa el-Fna, one of the center attractions of Marrakech. The tour will conclude with an exploration of the souk (market) lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco.

Day 10 Marrakech / Essaouira
After breakfast, you will set off to the coastal city of Essaouira, a picturesque fishing town, lying on the southwest coast of Morocco. With an exquisite beach to the south, Essaouira has become one of Morocco’s most popular coastal towns. Many of the countries wood carvers and artists make Essaouira their home.

Day 11 Essaouira
Free day

Day 12 Essaouira / Marrakech
Your morning will be free to relax in Essaouira and explore the seaside city one last time before heading back after lunch to Marrakech for your final night in Morocco.

Day 13 Marrakech / Depart
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for departure.