Unforgettable Morocco

WED, April 23: Arrive Casablanca

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

Meals: D
Accommodations: Le Doge or similar

THURS, April 24: Hassan II Mosque, Lunch, Walk on the Corniche, Rabat, Hassan 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 its 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 Tower and other historically significant sites. The evening will be at leisure in Rabat.

Meals: B, L
Accommodations: STORY-Rabat or similar

FRI, April 25: Drive to Fes, Volubilis Roman Ruins, 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 to see the ruins and mosaic-tiled floors of this town that once housed 20,000 people. Stop at the imperial city of Meknes on the way to Fes and enjoy lunch. Arrive Fes. You will be staying in the medina where you can enjoy the evening at leisure.

Meals: B, L
Accommodations: Riad Laaroussa or similar

SAT, April 26: Fes Historical Walking Tour, Fes 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
Accommodations: Riad Larroussa or similar

SUN, April 27: 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
Accommodations: Riad Larroussa or similar

MON, April 28: 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
Accommodations: Riad Madu or similar

TUES, April 29: 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 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 (or ATV) to a 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 are modern with running water, a shower and a toilet).

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodations: Madu Desert Camp or similar

WED, April 30: 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 desert for another day. After the camel ride back to Merzouga, you’ll head west toward the Dades Gorges. These are a series of rugged rust-red 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. 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 spring with a carpet of pink roses. Explore the village of Kalaat M’Gouna where as many as 7000 pounds of rose petals are harvested yearly. This is home to Morocco’s rose manufacturers that create rose fragrance, beauty and culinary products. Then, head to the palm tree oasis of Skoura at the foot of the High Atlas. Dinner will be provided at the riad but is on your own during free time.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodations: Ksar El Kabbaba or similar

THUR, May 1: Aït Benhaddou, Atlas Movie Studios, Arrive High Atlas Mountains

Depart Skoura and head toward the mountains today. En route, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou. This is 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. Stay at a kasbah set against the peaks with stunning views of the mountains. The evening will be at leisure.

Meals: B, L
Accommodations: Kasbah Bab Ourika or similar

FRI, May 2: High Atlas Day Hike, Berber Family Cultural Exchange, Free Time, Dinner

Today, set out with the guide for an easy 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 village home to share tea, conversation and learn about traditional customs. Your guide will translate and tell you about growing up Berber. Once back at the kasbah, the later afternoon and evening will be at leisure to relax, enjoy the pool or visit the spa. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner in their dining room.

Meals: B, D
Accommodations: Kasbah Bab Ourika or similar

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 to wander the medina or relax in your riad. The evening will include dinner at a favorite restaurant in Marrakech.

Meals: B, D
Accommodations: Riad Kniza or similar

TUES, May 4: Marrakech Historical Walking Tour, Djemma el 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
Accommodations: Riad Kniza or similar

WED, May 5: 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
Accommodations: Riad Kniza or similar

 

THUR, May 6: 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 unforgettable adventures in Morocco !

Meals: B

PRICE: $7320 per person based on single occupancy; ask us about double rooms

INCLUDES:

• 14-day fully guided tour led by a certified Moroccan guide who will travel with the group + site-specific historical guides
• 13 nights accommodations in 4* & 5* Moroccan smaller hotels, riads, and a kasbah
• Private transportation by coach
• Breakfast in the hotel daily
• Gourmet lunches & dinners at select restaurants, cafes, picnics and Berber homes (per Daily Itinerary)
• All guided tours and excursions
• All site entrance fees
• Tips for restaurant servers
• Plenty of free time to go out on your own or relax

NOT INCLUDED:

• International Airfare
• 3rd daily meal on some days
• Tip for driver and/or Moroccan guide who will escort you or your group
• Alcoholic beverages
• Travel Insurance

TOUR DEPOSIT:
A deposit of $1500 per person is required to register for this tour.  The deposit payment must be made as a part of the registration process. The balance will be due 90 days out from departure or January 23, 2025.  You will be sent a final invoice for the balance which can be paid online via credit card or ACH debit.

PROMOTIONS/DISCOUNTS:
If you register with a promotion, the discount will be taken off the final invoice.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: October 20, 2024.
Registration for this tour can be done here.

TOUR CANCELLATION:
If you cancel the tour before January 23, 2025, you will receive a refund less a $250 service charge per person. If you cancel the tour after the final tour payment on January 23, the deposit is non-refundable. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance at the time of deposit to offset tour cancellation costs.

If Pack A Fork cancels the tour due to unforeseen circumstances, all monies will be refunded.

AIR RESERVATIONS:
Pack A Fork! has partnered with Exito Travel for air reservations. Our agent is Leanne Reuss, an International Airfare Specialist. She can be contacted at 800-655-4053, x8528 -OR - leanne@exitotravel.com.

Alternatively, you can book your own airline reservations. Please forward a copy of your airline reservation to the office.

HEALTH & SAFETY
Pack A Fork adheres to all travel restrictions and safety protocols for travel in Morocco.  Your health is of the utmost importance to us. At this time, there are no entry restrictions for travel to Morocco.  However, all guests must follow local authorities and staff directions should circumstances call for them such as masking, distancing, etc.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance will help protect you from trip cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruptions and lost or damaged baggage. Travel insurance may also give you medical protection during your trip. Recommended companies include: Travel Guard, Allianz and World Nomads (if under 70).  Or, visit the website Square Mouth or InsureMyTrip to compare policies.

It is important to purchase travel insurance at the time of tour payment for more comprehensive coverage.