Suggested Itinerary Number: 13

Grand Tour of Morocco

The ultimate tailor-made tour of Morocco that takes in four World Heritage Sites, the Imperial Cities of the North, the Dunes, Gorges, Oases and Kasbahs of the Sahara, the Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic coast and the unforgettable souks and sights of Marrakech.  

Our recommendations

Season: September to May.

Length: 28 nights.

Flights: Casablanca (1 hour transfer) or Marrakech.

Prices from £1275 per person (28 nights) excluding flights*

Day Nights' Stay Typical itinerary for illustration
1 2 Taxi transfer** from Casablanca to Rabat (1hr), Afternoon exploring the souk area and the Kasbah des Oudayas.
2   Visit the ruins of the Chellah inhabited by storks, the Hassan Tower and the ornate mausoleum of Mohammed V.
3 2 Train Rabat to Meknes SELF-BUY (2hrs ).
4   Visit The Rouah - Moulay Ismail's stables, Moulay Ismail' Mausoleum and the medina or take optional half-day trip to Moulay Idriss and the Roman ruins at Volubilis
5 3 Train Meknes to Fez SELF-BUY (1hr). Afternoon and evening visit to explore the souk.
6   Tour of the Fez Medina (up to 4 hours) through the densly packed alleyways taking in madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains.
7   Free time or optional day trip to the un-spoilt berber town of Sefrou, the cave dwellers in Bahlil and the 'alpine villas' of Ifrane, or the spa and natural springs of Moulay Yacoub.
8 1 Self drive car transfer** to MIdelt (4hrs). Visit Kasbah Meriem outside the town, a weaving school run by Franciscan sisters.
9 1 Transfer to Merzouga (3hrs) on the edge of the Sahara Desert and the the Erg Chebbi, the most accessible large (160 metre high) sand dunes in the country.
10 1 Relax in your accommodation before 2 hr camel trek (leaving the kasbah late afternoon), watch sunset, enjoy the night sky and have dinner. Sleep in your own tents (single twin or double) sharing toilet. Wake to see sunrise & return to hotel for breakfast, where you can also take a shower.
11 1 Transfer to the Todra Gorge (2hrs) a narrow and spectacular gorge with a thrilling approach as the walls of the gorge close in around you.
12 2 Transfer to Skoura (3hrs) along the Valley of the Roses.
13   The Skoura area has superb kasbahs on its doorstep, including the ruins of the magical Kasbah Amerhidil.
14 2 Transfer to Ait-Benhaddou (1.5hrs).
15   Visit the World Heritage site of Ait Benhadou whose ancient kasbahs date back to the 16th century and are some of the best conserved in Morocco.
16 6 Transfer to Taroudant (5hrs)
17   Visit the two local souks, Arabe Artisanale and Marche Berbère among the best in Morocco, climb the ramparts, take a caleche ride around the city walls or hire some bikes to explore the town.**
18   Day trip to Berber villages of the High Atlas. The excursion takes in 3 villages each of which depends for its livelihood on 3 different products: honey, pottery and olive oil. It includes opportunities to visit local people’s homes to see bread making, their livestock, their lifestyle and to eat a delicious vegetarian tagine, scooped up by freshly baked bread.**
19   Visit to the Taroudant souk to purchase ingedients for the evening meal, have a cookery lesson and/or language lesson, or alternatively visit the Palais Salaam for lunch and time in the pool ot take an additional excursion.**
20   Day trip to Tioute Oasis and Anti-atlas Mountains. This excursion takes you through savannah-like and irrigated landscapes on the edge of the Souss Valley to an oasis on the northern edge of the Anti Atlas mountains.
21   Free time in Taroudant or take an additional optional excursion.
22 3 Taxi transfer To Essaouira (4hrs) Afternoon to explore the charming port and the fortifications.
23   Relax on the beach, walk the ramparts and discover the craftsmanship and exquisite carpentry in the little thuya wood workshops under the ramparts, take a boat trip or visit the souks.
24   Free time on the beach. Option of camel or horse trek or walk by the coast.
25 4 Taxi transfer to Marrakech (2.5hrs), afternoon visit to the souks and evening visit to the main Place Jemma de Fna.
26   Visit the historic sites Saadian Tombs, Badii Palace, Bahia Palace and museums Maison Tiskiwine and Musee de Marrakech, take lunch in the main square (a guide can be arranged).
27   Visit the Agdal Gardens and Yves St Laurents Majorelle Gardens (via Caleche optional) and shop for Moroccan handicrafts at one of the Centre Artisanal's (a guide can be arranged).
28   Free time in Marrakech or optional day trip to the High Atlas Mountains.
29   Depending on flight times visit the Mellah and the tanneries (A guide can be arranged) and taxi transfer to Marrakech airport, or to Casablanca airport (2.5hrs).

Pricing: *Based on 2 persons sharing (B&B), excl. flights, staying at Riad Kalaa (Rabat) Riad Safir (Meknes), Riad Ghita (Fez), Riad Mimouna (Midelt), Kasbah Mohayut (Merzouga), Auberge Le Festival (Todra Gorge) Sawadi Lodge, (Skoura), Etoile Filante d'Or (Ait Benhaddou), Naturally Morocco Guest House (Taroudant), Riad Chakir (Essaouira) and Riad Alwachma, (Marrakech) - budget accomodation; Naturally Morocco can offer a range of alternatives if required. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate.

Transport options: ** Except where indicated this itinerary is based on hire car (self-drive or with driver); taxi option also available. All travel timesareapproximate.

Extension options: Through the Middle Atlas Mountains and Ziz Gorges, via Midelt, to Fez, (or M’hamid dunes and Draa valley, instead of or in addition to) dunes of Merzouga and Dades Valley.

Activity options: Camel treks, 7 day horse trek or climbing in the Dades Gorge. Trekking near Fez and Marrakech. Rock climbing in the Todra Gorge.

Request a Quotation or Tel: UK: 0845 345 7195 (local rate) or 01239 710 814

Duration
21-28 Nights
Fez

Rabat

The capital city of Morocco, Rabat is a relaxed and elegant city with a cosmopolitan air.It has some of Morocco's oldest monuments.

Meknes

The former 17th century capital and current World Heritage site is an important market centre. Often by passed by visitors this hassle-free city offering visitors many attractions including many structures giving a sense of its grand past: huge tombs, granaries and stables, gardens, lakes, mosques and much more.

Fez

The most authentic of Morocco’s Imperial Cities was capital of Morocco for more than 400 years Now a World Heritage site it is the country’s spiritual and religious centre.

Merzouga

This village on the edge of the Erg Chebbi Dunes is the perfect place to take in the essence of the Sahara: the highest dunes in Morocco, attaining a maximum height of 150 metres, lies just 50 kms south-east of Erfoud, roughly midway between Fez and Marrakech.

Todra Gorge

This narrow, spectacular gorge up to 300 metres deep is the most spectacular in Morocco and has deservedly become popular with walkers and more especially rock climbers, due to the hundreds of routes available.

Ait Benhaddou

A striking fortified settlement (ksar), renowned as a backdrop to many films (including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator), and deservedly designated as a World Heritage Site, it houses some of the best conserved kasbahs in Morocco.

Taroudant

Often known as “Little Marrakech” due to the backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains and its red town walls, which are more complete than those of any other Moroccan town. This Berber market town is little frequented by tourists,  providing an authentic experience of everyday life and is an ideal base from which to explore Berber countryside.

Essaouira

Boasting a photogenic traditional fishing harbour and a wonderful fortified medina (a World Heritage Site), this charming town - 2.5 hrs west of Marrakech - built by the Portuguese, offers a wide range of shopping in traditional souks, a good range of restaurants and a large range of activities for all the family.

Marrakech

Marrakech is the gateway to Morocco for most visitors, and understandably so. One of the four imperial cities, it is a lively city with a true Moroccan soul and culture, a feast for the senses that caters well for visitors.

Pictures