The Colors of Morocco

DAY 1: Arrive Casablanca

Travel from your home city to Casablanca. Arrive at the Mohammed V Airport today. You will be met by your guide who will take you to the hotel. Take the afternoon to relax or rest. Enjoy a special Welcome Dinner tonight at the iconic Rick's Cafe featuring traditional Moroccan and international cuisine.

Meals: D

DAY 2: Hassan II Mosque, Lunch, Walk on the Corniche, Depart for Rabat, Hassan II Tower, Free Evening  

Start the day with a guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque. This is the only mosque in Morocco that allows non-Muslims to enter. The modern Hassan II Mosque is the largest mosque in Africa with the tallest minaret in the world. It stands on a promontory on the Atlantic Ocean. It can hold 25,000 worshippers in its hall and another 80,000 on the outside grounds. Learn about the mosque, its history and unique architecture. Enjoy some sea air on Casablanca’s Corniche (walkway) along the shore where you can snap dramatic photos of the mosque jutting out on the Atlantic. Afterward, drive to Rabat. Once there, visit the Hassan II Tower and other historically significant sites. The evening will be free at your riad in Rabat.

Meals: B, L

DAY 3: Drive to Chefchaouen, Chefchaouen Walking Tour, Dinner in the Medina

From Rabat, make your way to Chefchaouen - the 'Blue Pearl of Morocco'. Beautifully situated below the peaks of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is one of the prettiest towns in Morocco. It is an artsy, blue-washed mountain village that feels like its own world. When you arrive, you'll take a guided walking tour of the medina and be able to shop in the souks. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a select restaurant in the medina.

Meals: B, D

 

DAY 4: Hike at Akchour Falls, Lunch, Free Evening

Today, take a leisurely drive into the Rif Mountains and enjoy a hike at Akchour Falls in Talassemtane National Park. The guide will take you to Akchour Village where you'll set out on foot to take in the rolling landscapes and beautiful waterfalls. This hike can be modified to your activity level. Stop to experience the lovely mountain and river scenery. Afterward, stop for lunch at Auberge Dardara. This restaurant serves dishes that take Moroccan and Mediterranean influences to heart creating fusions of Rif Mountain dishes. Most of their ingredients are sourced from their onsite garden. Then, head back to Chechaouen for an evening at leisure.

Meals: B, L

DAY 5: Drive to Fes, Volubilis Roman Ruins, Domain de la Zouia Winery, Arrive in Fes

Depart Casablanca today. En route, explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 3rd century. Volubilis was an important outpost of the Roman empire. Take a guided tour of Volubilis and see the ruins and mosaic-tiled floors of this town that once housed 20,000 people. In the afternoon, arrive at Domaine de la Zouina, a Moroccan organic winery that has won awards both for its wine and olive oil. Tour the cellars and vineyards surrounded by cypress and olive trees. Taste their wines and olive oil. End the day in Fes where the evening will be at leisure.

Meals: B, L

DAY 6: Fes Historical Walking Tour, Tanneries, Shopping in the Souks, Dinner

Fes is a jewel box of exotic delights – the 9000+ streets and alleyways of the UNESCO-protected Fes medina would take a lifetime to explore! Today, walk with a local history guide to discover the city’s main sites including the King’s Palace, Zaouia of Moulay Indriss II, the Kairouine Mosque, the Al Attarine Madrasa and the Jewish Quarter. The tour will allow you to experience much of Fes and provide a comprehensive overview of this fascinating city. Then, visit Fes’ world-famous tanneries where leather is dyed as it was thousands of years ago. From a vantage point overlooking the tanneries, you’ll see multi-colored vats of dye with workers standing waist-deep and leather hides drying on nearby walls. This is a sight not to be missed when visiting Morocco. Afterward, shop in the souks (we won’t let you get lost unless you want to!) or relax back at the hotel. Enjoy dinner tonight at a select restaurant in Fes.

Meals: B, D

DAY 7: Moroccan Cooking Class with Market Visit, Moroccan Pottery Factory, Free Evening

Fes is the spiritual capital of Morocco and is also the birthplace of the most refined and diverse cuisine. Lift the lid on an earthenware tajine meal and you’ll know why! Delve into this fascinating culture by shopping the souks with a chef as your guide. You’ll experience a hands-on cooking class in a unique setting with breathtaking views over the medina’s rooftops. This will be a cooking class with a cultural exchange. After enjoying the feast you made, visit a Moroccan pottery and tilework factory. Observe workers creating beautiful tiled ceramic products. This is an opportunity to witness Moroccan zellige and how quality tiled products are produced in Morocco. The evening will be at leisure.

Meals: B, L

DAY 8: Drive to Merzouga, Hike in the Ziz Valley, Berber Family Lunch, Free Evening in Merzouga

Today, head south to Merzouga at the entrance to the Sahara Desert. Take in the scenery of the Ziz Valley following the Ziz River which feeds a string of oases wedged between ancient striated cliffs. This will be a longer day of driving with stops. The first will be for an easy hike to take in the sights. Then, enjoy lunch with a Berber family in their home. In the later day, arrive in Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Erg Chebbi is a network of sand dunes 3 miles wide and 31 miles long. It is the gateway for camel safaris to the Sahara. Prepare to be captivated by the entrancing silhouettes of camel trains traversing the desert at sunset. The evening will be at leisure at your riad in Merzouga. Dinner will be provided in the riad but is on your own during free time.

Meals: B, L, D

 

DAY 9: Tuareg Musicians of the Sahara, Lunch, Camel Ride, Overnight at the Sahara Luxury Desert Camp

Today, get a glimpse into a Berber way of life by visiting the Tuareg musicians of the Sahara. The Tuareg people are about 2 million nomadic people who live across the Sahara Desert and other North African countries. Visit the village of Khamlia and listen to their music - a combination of folk, blues and rock. Then, enjoy lunch and return to Merzouga. In the later afternoon, take a camel ride to the luxury desert camp. Watch the spectacular peaks of sand towering over the landscape change their hue at sunset. Arrive at the camp and spend the evening alfresco dining under the stars with Berber music followed by sweet dreams in a Bedouin-style tent. (Note: tents have running water, a shower and a toilet).

Meals: B, L, D

 

DAY 10: Valley of the Roses, Dades Gorges/Todra Gorge HIke, Arrive Skoura Oasis

This morning, you’ll rise with the sun on the dunes as it begins its passage over the Sahara Desert for another day. After the camel ride back, you’ll head west toward the Dades Gorges. These are a series of rugged rust-red and mauve-colored rock gorges carved by the Dades River that range from 650 to 1600 feet. This is a region with some of the world’s most spectacular canyons. You’ll take an easy hike in Todra Gorge to learn about the geology of the area. After lunch, visit the Valley of the Roses, a fertile patchwork of palm, olive, orange, almond and fig trees. The valley is covered in springtime with a carpet of pink roses. Explore the village of Kalaat M’Gouna where as many as 7000 pounds of rose petals are harvested each year. This is home to Morocco’s rose manufacturers that create rose fragrance, beauty and culinary products. The day will end at the palm tree oasis of Skoura. The evening will be at leisure. Dinner will be provided in the riad but is on your own during free time.

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 11: Aït Benhaddou, Atlas Movie Studios, Arrive High Atlas Mountains

You’ll depart Skoura and head toward the mountains today. En route, stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou - a ksar or grouping of earthen buildings surrounded by high defensive walls and towers. Aït Benhaddou was once a historic trading post on the caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. After lunch, tour a Moroccan movie studio in Quarzazate where The Jewel of the Nile, Gladiator, Cleopatra, Lawrence of Arabia & Game of Thrones were filmed. The route will take you over Tizi n’Tichka Pass, an engineering feat. This road links the mountains to the desert. The views are truly remarkable! Later, arrive in the High Atlas Mountains. You’ll be staying at a lovely kasbah set against the peaks with stunning views of the mountains. The evening will be at leisure.

Meals: B, L

DAY 12: Day Hike, Berber Family Cultural Exchange, Free Time, Dinner

Today, you’ll set out with the guide for an easy to moderate hike near the kasbah. You’ll learn about the geology of the High Atlas Mountains while enjoying the magnificent scenery. On the hike, visit a Berber family in their home to share tea, conversation and learn about traditional Berber customs. Your guide will translate. Once back at the kasbah, the later afternoon and evening will be at leisure to enjoy the grounds, the spa or the pool. This evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner in their dining room.

Meals: B, D

DAY 13: Drive to Essaouira, Paradis du Saffran, Women’s Argan Oil Cooperative, Arrive Essaouira, Free Evening

On the way to Essaouira, stop at Paradis du Safran where you’ll meet a Swiss woman who rebuilt her life in Morocco by opening a saffron farm and botanic garden. It is a little slice of paradise! Learn about the cultivation, culinary and therapeutic properties of this mythical, treasured spice and other plants. Enjoy lunch in her garden. Later, en route to Essaouira, stop at a women’s Argan Oil cooperative to observe how oil is processed from the Argan nuts. Arrive in Essaouira in the later afternoon. Essaouira is an old Portuguese port city known as the 'Windy City of Africa'. It has retained its traditional culture and character that date back to the 18th century. Beach visitors, surfers, kitesurfers, musicians and artists love Essaouira. It is a fortified port with a medina full of art galleries, local artisan goods, cafes, a lively fishing port and seafood market. The evening will be at leisure.

Meals: B, L

DAY 14: Essaouira Walking Tour, Free Afternoon, Dinner

Today, spend the morning on a walking tour of Essaouira taking in the culture, food, markets and beach scene. Visit the ramparts and cannons that defended this port from its many invaders. Walk to the seafood market with its fishing boats and displays of freshly caught fish. In the later afternoon, you will be free to shop in the medina or relax. Essaouira is known for its skilled artisans with shops featuring Thuya wood products, vibrant local art, local pottery, handwoven throws, raffia shoes, Berber rugs and jewelry. That evening, enjoy dinner at a select local restaurant featuring fresh seafood of the region.

Meals: B, D

DAY 15: Women’s Berber Rug-Making Cooperative, Arrive Marrakech, Free Afternoon, Dinner

In the later morning, you’ll head to Marrakech – ‘The Red City’. The route will take you past a women’s rug-making cooperative where Moroccan rugs are made on large looms. Learn about how their rugs are created and why this cooperative is funded by the Moroccan government. Once in Marrakech, the later afternoon will be at leisure in your lovely ‘dar’/home with its extensive grounds, sweet fragrances from the onsite tropical gardens and an African bird sanctuary. The evening will be spent in their Berber tent enjoying a superb Moroccan dinner.

Meals: B, D

DAY 16: Marrakech Historical Walking Tour, Djemmael Fna, Free Evening

After breakfast, you’ll take a historical tour of Marrakech. Included will be visits to the Royal Palace Gates, the Saadian Tombs where the bodies of sultans and their families have rested for centuries, the imposing Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace and the medina. This tour is a great way to discover the city’s history and is a wonderful opportunity to see the intricate architecture of Marrakech. You’ll also visit the offerings at the souks in Djemma el-Fna – a treat for all senses! This is Marrakech’s main square with its many food vendors, street performers and great people-watching. The evening will be free to relax at the dar/hotel enjoying their garden, pool, hammam and restaurant.

Meals: B, L

DAY 17: Free Day in Marrakech, Farewell Dinner

Today will be a free day to visit Majorelle Garde, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, shop in the souks or pack for the trip home. In the later afternoon, you will enjoy a special Farewell Dinner in Marrakech featuring belly dancing.

Meals: B, D

 

DAY 18: Transfer to the Marrakech Menara Airport, Depart Morocco

Today, you will be transferred to the Marrakech Airport for your flight home. We trust you will have had adventures in Morocco that you will always remember!

Meals: B