Duffle and Compass

A Thousand Kasbahs

Sample Itinerary
14 days/13 nights

Throughout the ages, fortified castles or Kasbahs were built all over Morocco, and thousands still stand. Explore the land of “One Thousand and One Nights,” the stories you know as “Arabian Nights,” on this journey through Southern Morocco. Cross the Atlas Mountains and discover fertile desert valleys of roses, dates, olives and oranges. Meet Berber locals and ride a camel out on the dunes to watch the sunset. Visit movie sets in the desert, shop the souks and stroll the beach at Essaouria.

Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech
You will be met upon arrival at Marrakech Airport and transferred to the hotel. Just before sunset you will wander the bustling square of Place Djemaa el Fna where the acrobats, storytellers, musicians and snake-charmers are all on display in an effervescent display of the weird and wonderful.
3 Nights in Marrakech

Day 2: Marrakech
Private guided tour of the city will include visits to the Bahia Palace, Saadien Tombs, the Jewish quarter (the Mellah) and into the labyrinthine alleyways of the Medina and its famous souks.

Day 3
This morning you will be taken by a horse-drawn carriage to the famous Majorelle Gardens and Museum of Berber Culture. A private cooking class this afternoon will give you a chance to learn how to make some mouth-watering Moroccan dishes.

Day 4: High Atlas Mountains
Head into the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains to Kasbah Tamadot, owned by Sir Richard Branson, with an afternoon of leisure to enjoy this gorgeous place.
2 Nights at Kasbah Tamadot

Day 5: Berber Village
Privately guided trek to the small Berber village of Anraz. Walk or ride your mule back and again enjoy the afternoon around the pool or perhaps a hammam treatment.

Day 6: Skoura via Ouarazazate
Take the road over the High Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate and Skoura, stopping at Ait Ben Haddou where the film Gladiator was made. Arrive at the Oasis of Skoura in time for a late lunch and a relaxing afternoon enjoying the gardens and pool.
2 Nights in Skoura

Day 7: Todra Gorge and Kalaat M’Gouna
Excursion to the Todra Gorge and Kalaat M’gouna, a region known for its perfumes and cosmetics made from rose water.

Day 8: Mhamid via Agdz and Zagora
Agdz is where the beautiful Draa Valley begins. Dinner under the stars tonight.
1 Night in Zagora

Day 9: Sahara Camp
Explore the local village with a Berber guide before setting off to our private desert camp. Ride a camel out to see the sunset over the dunes and enjoy a typical Berber feast with entertainment by folklore musicians.
1 Night in a Private tented luxury camp

Day 10: Taroudant
Wake with the sunrise and set out for Taroudant, known as the mini Marrakech.
2 Nights in Taroudant

Day 11: Taroudant
The well-preserved ramparts are encircled by olive and orange groves. Enter the gates and you are in the land of “Arabian Nights.” The souks offer a lot to see – brass and copper handicrafts, antique jewelry, pottery and spices.

Day 12: Essaouira
Stop for lunch in at a local Fromagerie for a cheese making workshop and wine tasting. Learn about Argan nut processing which is something Morocco is well-known for. Arrive in Essaouria in time for a walk through the medina and port before watching the sunset from the roof at Taros Bar.
2 Nights in Essaouira

Day 13 Essaouira
With the gentlest of touches, Essaouira stirs awake the artist that slumbers within you. Wander through the narrow alleyways of the Medina to witness artisans at work making their wooden tables, boxes and sundry items in lemon or briar wood inlaid with mother of pearl.

Day 14
Depart Essaouria for Casablanca or Marrakech to begin your homeward journey.

Private Departures:
This itinerary can be custom tailored for you with various accommodation choices and activities.

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Exotic Morocco

Sample Itinerary
13 Days/12 Nights

You will know you’ve arrived when the fragrance of spices hits your nose and your eyes feast on minarets and elaborate tile mosaics. This journey takes you to medieval cities, the slopes of the High Atlas Mountains and the lush gardens of Marrakech. You will stay in a variety of beautiful accommodations, from 5-star luxury to restored riads, to a coastal retreat. The itinerary offers time to explore the souks (markets) of Fès and Marrakesh, visit with the people of a remote Berber village, and learn the secrets of Moroccan cooking. Countless wonders await you at museums, mosques, monuments and gardens. And all the while you will be learning the fascinating history of these magical places.

Itinerary

Day 1: Casablanca
You will be met upon arrival at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport and transferred by road to Rabat, Morocco’s seaside capital. Settle in at a magnificently restored family home with acres of luscious gardens and a heated pool.
2 Nights in Rabat

Day 2: Rabat
Rabat was first made a modern capital in 1912 by Morocco's French overlords and remained the nation's capital after independence in 1956, and the residence of the royal family. Today is a full-day tour of the city seeing the various styles of the Embassy buildings, the Royal Palace and the charming Oudayas Kasbah right on the water where the young artists hang out. Lunch will be at a local restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 3: Meknes/Volubilis/ Fès
This morning you depart for Fès the oldest cultural and spiritual imperial city of Morocco. Stop to visit the well-preserved Roman ruins of Volubilis where you will gaze upon the mosaics from the 1st century. Continue on to Meknes, an imperial city enclosed by walls which feature monumental gates. By late afternoon, you will arrive in Fès.
2 Nights in Fès

Day 4: Fès
Founded in 807 AD, Fès quickly became the country’s religious and cultural center, shaped by each of the great dynasties and by its population’s roots in Muslim Spain and the Arab east. The oldest of the imperial cities, Fès measures the symbolic heartbeat of the country and is also considered the most complete medieval city of the Arab world.

Today is a full-day tour to explore the museums, Royal Palace and the UNESCO World Heritage medina. Enjoy a traditional glass of mint tea while learning all about the different types of carpets made here. Wander in amazement at the palaces, mosques and ancient madrasas (schools) like the University of Al-Karaouine, founded in 857 AD, making it one of the oldest universities in the world.

Day 5: Marrakech
Depart early this morning for Marrakech traveling through the hilltop town of Ifrane, settled by the French in 1929. You may feel like you are in Switzerland! Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the Middle Atlas mountain scenery. Later this afternoon you'll arrive in Marrakech.
3 Nights in Marrakech

Day 6
Marrakesh, considered by many to be the most fascinating city in North Africa, was founded on the crossroad of ancient caravan routes. Today is a full-day tour of the city, discovering all the delights including a visit to the Bahia Palace, the Saadien Tombs, and the Jewish quarter. Stroll through the labyrinthine streets of the souk, teeming with herbalists and jewelers. You will see everything from exquisitely embroidered shoes and belts to woodwork, brass and copper work, and beautiful kaftans ranging from the simple to the elaborate.

Just before sunset you can visit the bustling square of Place Jemaa El Fna, the famed fairground unfolding day after day with storytellers, fire eaters, snake charmers, acrobats, jugglers and many performers of every sort.

Day 7
This morning you may want to take a cooking class to learn how to make some mouth-watering Moroccan dishes. Alternatively you could visit a hammam or we can arrange a privately guided shopping tour to the artisan workshops.

This afternoon you could take a horse-drawn carriage, or calèche to the famous Majorelle Gardens and the Museum of Berber Culture. These colorful gardens surround the villa that was once the private home of painter Jacques Majorelle. They are full of cacti, bamboos and other exotic plants and were lovingly restored by the late Yves Saint Laurent.

Day 8: Agafay Desert
This morning you will travel by 4x4 safari vehicle to an exclusive retreat in the desert, only 45 minutes outside Marrakech. La Pause is nestled in an oasis of olive trees and palms. Wander around this amazing eco-friendly oasis and relax by the pool for lunch. Later you will set off for the local Berber village where you will mount your dromedaries (camels) for the hour-long ride back to see the sunset. Dinner is served under the stars with entertainment by the fire.
1 Night at La Pause in an en-suite tent (no electricity)

Day 9: High Atlas Mountains
Set off into foothills of the High Atlas Mountains near Mt. Toubkal National Park. Check into your mountain retreat and spend the afternoon at leisure or exploring.
2 Nights in the Atlas Mountains

Day 10
Today you will set off with your Berber trekking guide for a half-day or full-day of hiking in the mountains.

Day 11: Oualidia
Travel to the charming fishing village of Oualidia on the Atlantic coast. Oualidia is Morocco's answer to St Tropez! The town is named after the Saadian Sultan el-Oualalid, who built the atmospherically crumbling Kasbah on the bluff overlooking the lagoon in 1634. Oualidia is famous for its oyster beds which produce about 200 tons of oysters annually. Enjoy some while you are here! Stay at the splendid La Sultana, a luxury small hotel set in lush gardens with a wonderful spa, infinity pool and private beach. Have lunch on the terrace overlooking the lagoon and visit the spa this afternoon.
2 Nights at La Sultana

Day 12
You may want to start the day with a stroll on the beach and through the gardens. Later this morning, depending on the tide, you will go by boat to the oyster farm. Have a barbecue lunch on the beach. This afternoon you can have a spa treatment or enjoy quiet time to catch up on your journal writing.

Day 13
Depart for Casablanca or Marrakech to begin your homeward journey

Private Departures:
- This itinerary can be custom tailored for you for flexible dates, other accommodation choices and activities.

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Imperial Cities

Sample Itinerary
8 Days/7 Nights

The cities of Fès, Meknes, Marrakech and Rabat are collectively known as the imperial cities. At some point during Morocco’s history each of them have been the capital. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Morocco by visiting these cities and more!

Itinerary

Day 1: Casablanca
You will be met upon arrival at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport and transferred by road to Rabat, Morocco’s seaside capital.
2 Nights in Rabat

Day 2: Rabat
Today is a full-day tour of Rabat seeing the various styles of the Embassy buildings, the Royal Palace and the charming Oudayas Kasbah right on the water where the young artists hang out. Have lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 3: Meknes/Volubilis/ Fès
Depart for Fès the oldest cultural and spiritual imperial city of Morocco. Stop to visit the well-preserved Roman ruins of Volubilis where you will gaze upon the mosaics from the 1st century. Continue on to Meknes, an imperial city enclosed by walls which feature monumental gates. Meknes is encircled by the rich plains below the Middle Atlas Mountains where vineyards produce local wines made in the French method. By late afternoon, you will arrive in Fès and check in to your riad.
2 Nights in Fès

Day 4: Fès
The oldest of the imperial cities, Fès measures the symbolic heartbeat of the country and is also considered the most complete medieval city of the Arab world. Visit the Royal Palace and the UNESCO World Heritage medina. Don’t miss the 11th-century tanneries, the oldest in North Africa, where animal skins are treated and dyed before being sold and made into bags, jackets and belts.

Day 5: Marrakech
Depart early this morning for Marrakech, a full day trip. You will traveling through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains and will make several stops to sightsee along the way. Later this afternoon you will arrive in Marrakech, considered by many to be the most fascinating city in North Africa.
3 Nights in Marrakech

Day 6
Today is a full-day tour of the city, discovering all the delights including a visit to the Bahia Palace, the Saadien Tombs, and the Jewish quarter (known as the Mellah). Stroll through the labyrinthine streets of the souk, teeming with herbalists and jewelers. You will see everything from exquisitely embroidered shoes and belts to woodwork, brass and copper work, and beautiful kaftans ranging from the simple to the elaborate.

Later this evening you can visit the bustling square of Place Jemaa El Fna, the famed fairground unfolding day after day with storytellers, fire eaters, snake charmers, acrobats, jugglers and many performers of every sort

Day 7
This morning you may want to take a cooking class or go back to the souks to pick up some items you wish you would have gotten the other day! Later you will be taken by a horse-drawn carriage, or calèche to the famous Majorelle Gardens. These colorful gardens surround the villa that was once the private home of painter Jacques Majorelle. They are full of cacti, bamboos and other exotic plants and were lovingly restored by the late Yves Saint Laurent. Don’t miss the Museum of Berber Culture.

Day 8
Depart for Casablanca or Marrakech in time to begin your homeward journey.

Private Departures:
This itinerary can be custom tailored for you for flexible dates, various accommodation choices and activities.

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Northern Morocco & Southern Spain

Sample Itinerary
13 Days/12 Nights

Morocco and Spain, separated by just nine miles of sea, share so much history and culture! This Afro-Iberian journey begins in Casablanca and ends in Granada. Wander the tangled web of streets in the Fès medina and admire the artisan wares and fragrant spices in the souks. Gaze across the sea from your rooftop terrace in Tangier to Andalusia where the Moors stayed for 800 years. You’ll be tasting olive oils, sherry and wines; and perfecting the art of the tapas bar crawl. Visit the magnificent Alhambra, try a few steps of Flamenco, indulge in a traditional hammam spa treatment, and there’s still time for shopping!

Itinerary

Day 1: Casablanca & Rabat
You will be met on arrival at Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport and transferred by road to Rabat, Morocco’s seaside capital. Time permitting, your guide will take you to see the charming Kasbah des Oudayas where the young artists hang out, the Royal Palace, the Hassan Minaret and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
1 Night in Rabat

Day 2: Meknes/Volubilis/ Fès
Depart early today for Fès the oldest cultural and spiritual imperial city of Morocco. Our first stop is Volubilis, the best preserved archaeological site in Morocco, where you will walk through the Roman ruins and gaze upon mosaics from the 1st century. Meknes is an imperial city nearby, enclosed by walls which feature monumental gates. Meknes is encircled by the rich plains below the Middle Atlas Mountains where vineyards produce local wines made in the French method.
3 Nights in Fès

Day 3: Fès
The oldest of the imperial cities, Fès measures the symbolic heartbeat of the country and is also considered the most complete medieval city of the Arab world. Visit the Royal Palace and the UNESCO World Heritage medina. See the 11th-century tanneries, the oldest in North Africa, where animal skins are treated and dyed before being sold and made into bags, jackets and belts. Stop for a traditional glass of mint tea while learning all about the different types of carpets made here.

Day 4: Middle Atlas Mountains
Take an excursion today about an hour outside the city to Ifrane, where the King has his summer residence and the Al Akhawayn University opened in the mid-1990s. This is a bit like the Switzerland of Morocco and a great picnic lunch spot. Visit the lakes in this area and the potteries on the way back.

Day 5: Chefchaouen & Tangier
Leave early for Tangier, stopping for lunch in Chefchaouen, a pretty town of white-washed houses with blue doors, set beneath the striking peaks of the Rif Mountains. Continuing to Tangier, a city bounded by the Rif Mountains, the calm waters of the Mediterranean and the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The port city is the gateway from the Atlantic into the Mediterranean, and the closest port in Africa to Europe.
2 Nights in Tangier

Day 6: Tangier
Explore Tangier, distinguished by its history and geographic position at the point where Europe and Africa meet. Visit the American Legation, which served as the US Consulate for 140 years, where you will see the galleries. Don’t miss the room devoted to the late novelist Paul Bowles. A visit to the Hercules Caves and Cap Spartal before lunch at the small fishing port of Asilah, an artist’s haven on the Atlantic Coast.

Day 7: Tangier to Tarifa
You will be taken to the Tangier Port to board the ferry for the 40 minute ride to Tarifa. A 45-minute drive along the ‘Costa de la Luz’ takes you to the charming white-washed village of Vejer de la Frontera.
2 Nights in Vejer

Day 8: Vejer
After a leisurely breakfast, your day begins with a trip to the village market for an introduction to Spanish and Andalusian ingredients. After selecting freshest produce for today’s cooking class you continue to a private home for a guided olive oil tasting. After learning all sorts of tricks and techniques while you chop, season and taste, you will enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch. No doubt a siesta is in order after you walk back to your hotel!

Day 9: Medina Sidonia & Seville
Head to Medina Sidonia, a beautiful hilltop town before your behind-the-scenes visit to one of the most prestigious 'campos' (ranches) in Andalusia. This ranch is renowned for producing some of the best 'toros bravos', or brave fighting bulls, in the country. Don’t worry; they will not be fighting today! Learn why they form such an integral part of the Spanish culture, and see a live performance of classical and Andalusían dressage by some beautiful dancing horses too. Continue on to Seville, the sophisticated capital of Andalusia.
2 Nights in Seville

We will arrange for you be accompanied by a local culinary expert who will let you in on the secrets of doing the tapas bar crawl in Seville’s back streets. Rub shoulders with the locals in three or four intimate bars where you will sip sherry, taste the region’s best Jamón Ibérico and discover ‘pescaito' (fish expertly fried and mouth-wateringly delicious). You’ll learn to ‘tapear’ like a local.

Day 10: Seville
Take a walking tour to visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville (palace of the Kings) which boasts the largest late-medieval garden in Europe. Stroll through the cobble-stoned streets of the old Jewish quarter. Get ready to climb the ‘Giralda’ (tower) inside the Cathedral for the best views of Seville. This is the third highest tower in the world, so don’t forget your camera.

Day 11: Granada
This morning is left open for further exploration of Seville; the beautiful green oasis of the ‘Parque de María Luisa’ and the ‘Plaza de España’ are just a few suggestions. And shoppers know that Sevillanos are the most stylish of the Spaniards so those who are interested can check out the shops.

Granada, the birthplace of tapas in Spain and the last stronghold of the Moors during their almost 800 year reign in Spain, is your last stop. During the ride you will pass through countless olive groves and almond orchards, not to mention all the little white-washed villages that dot the landscape.
2 Nights in Granada

Day 12
Begin with a privately guided tour of the Alhambra, a UNESCO world heritage site which has been the subject of poems, songs, operas, books and films, and a glorious example of Moorish architecture. With as many myths and legends as there are arches and fountains, the Alhambra is enthralling and has the best view in Granada.

This afternoon is yours to explore the cobblestone streets of the Albayzín. Lined with Moroccan tea houses and stalls selling everything from clothes and shoes to traditional tagines, you won’t be able to resist browsing and shopping. Or we can arrange a visit to a local 'hammam' (traditional Arabic bathhouse). You'll circulate between the cool, warm and hot baths before your massage.

Day 13
Enjoy your last leisurely breakfast in Granada, before you’re driven to the airport for your onward journey.

Private Departures:
This itinerary can be custom tailored for you for flexible dates, various accommodation choices and activities.

Suggested Extensions:
Pre-Journey in Marrakech, Morocco
If you have not visited Marrakech, this is a great opportunity since you will be so close! Contact us to design a 3 night/4 day extension beginning in Marrakech.

Post-Journey in Barcelona, Spain
We suggest adding on a 2 night/3day extension to Barcelona. We will be happy to plan these days for you to suite your interests and travel preferences.

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Morocco Culinary Journey

Morocco Culinary Journey

Sample Itinerary

14 days/13 nights

Calling all foodies! Who wants to scout the spice markets, roll-up your sleeves for private cooking classes, visit cheese makers and vineyards, and taste your way through exotic Morocco?

This sample itinerary has been designed for you to experience the breadth of Morocco through a food lens with local experts. Accommodations are in 4-5-star properties from classic riads, modern city hotels and a Bedouin tent in a Sahara Desert camp. From the ancient alleyways of Fès and the bustling souks of Marrakech to the kasbahs of kings long gone and the port city of Essaouria, you’ll be immersed in unforgettable Morocco.

This itinerary can be custom tailored for you for fewer days or destinations, a variety of accommodation choices, and activities of interests.

Itinerary

Day 1 Casablanca & Rabat

You will be met on arrival at Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport and transferred by road to Rabat, Morocco’s seaside capital. Tour the sights of Rabat and have tea at a local café. Dinner will be your first chance to experience a gourmet overview of Moroccan cuisine.

1 Night in Rabat

The capital city of Rabat has a European feel and is home to many embassies, making it the political center of the country. Historical sites include the Kasbah of the Oudayas, The Hassan Tower and The Mausoleum of Mohamed V, which is one of the few holy places that are open to the public, and the Roman ruins and medieval Muslim necropolis at the Chellah Gardens.

Day 2 Fès

Stop to see the Roman ruins of Volubilis en-route to Fès, where you will have your first tagine cooking class!

2 Nights in Fès

The oldest of the imperial cities, Fès was founded in 807 AD and the city is now home to more than one million people. Fès is considered the most complete medieval city of the Arab world. The historic medina (old city) is enclosed by walls and the narrow streets can only be explored on foot.

Day 3 Fès

Visit the monuments and then begin a tasting tour through the medina and artisan quarters. Dinner will be at your riad this evening.

Day 4

Scenic drive to the desert en-route to the Bedouin camp. Sunset camel ride and a traditional bread baking session before dinner around the campfire.

1 Night Luxury Camp in the Sahara

Day 5 Dades

Sunrise over the desert with coffee or tea on the dunes and maybe a few yoga stretches. Depart for the Dades Gorges and after lunch, to the Dades Valley, known as the Grand Canyon of Morocco.

2 Nights in Dades

Day 6 Dades

Morning trekking in the Dades Valley followed by lunch. Afternoon cooking class with the chef of Chez Pierre. Enjoy your creation for dinner!

Day 7 Marrakech

Visit the historic Kasbah Ait ben Haddou, situated along the ancient caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. After lunch you will ride through the Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech.

4 Nights in Marrakech

Considered by many to be the most fascinating city in North Africa, Marrakech was founded on the crossroads of ancient caravan routes. Stroll through the labyrinthine streets of the souk, teeming with herbalists, jewelers, metalworkers, woodworkers, master leatherworkers and carpet weavers, and an array of exquisite fabrics and kaftans.

Day 8 Marrakech

Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Saadian tombs and visit a spice shop. After lunch in the medina you can choose to indulge in a royal hammam treatment, a traditional bathing and cleansing ritual or shop in the media. Later this afternoon you’ll have a cooking class and enjoy the fruits of your labor for dinner!

Day 9 Marrakech

Optional early morning hot air balloon ride and Berber breakfast activity (additional fee)

Depart for the Majorelle Gardens restored by the late Yves Saint Laurent who lived in the villa and created the Museum of Berber Culture. Also visit the new Yves Sant Laurent museum and enjoy a royal hammam treatment.

Day 10 Marrakech

Morning hike in the Atlas Mountains followed by a Berber Tagine cooking class and lunch. This evening you will visit Djemaa el-Fna, the famed square and World Heritage Site. This is the place to see snake charmers, musicians, story-tellers, and dancers. This veritable open-air circus unfolds as the sun sets and the crowds grow. Many locals come here for dinner where countless food vendors offer traditional fare.

Day 11 Essaouira

Set out for Essaouira and visit an argan oil cooperative en-route. Stop at a local vineyard for a gourmet lunch with wine tasting. Sunset ATV tour on the beach.

2 Nights in Essaouira

Essaouira is a coastal town of whitewashed houses set against a lot of blue – doorways and shutters, the ocean and boats, and the sky. Come here to kite surf, shop without much haggling, relax and eat fresh seafood.

Day 12 Essaouira

Tour the sights followed by a lunchtime Moroccan fish and pastries cooking class. Dinner will be in town.

Day 13 Casablanca

Depart early for Casablanca to make the last tour of the King Hassan II Mosque.

1 Night in Casablanca

Thanks to the movie of the same name, Casablanca is one of the best-known cities in all North Africa. This bustling port city is home to more than 3.5 million people. The King Hassan II Mosque, the second largest in the world after Mecca, has a prayer room that holds 25,000 people and plaza for 80,000. It is one of the few mosques open to non-Muslim visitors.

Day 14 Casablanca

Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.

Morocco Culinary Journey

INCLUDED:

En-suite accommodations
All breakfasts, most lunches and dinners as specified
Wines as mentioned in the itinerary.
Services of English-speaking, professional expert guides and chefs
Private, air-conditioned vehicle with wi-fi hotspot and professional driver
All land transportation as specified
Gratuities at restaurants and hotels mentioned in the itinerary

EXCLUDED:

International air
Gratuities for your private guides
Meals and alcoholic beverages not specified in the itinerary
Any items for personal use
Passport and visa fees
Travel insurance (Duffle & Compass will arrange)
Any pre- or post-journey plans

Private Departures – This itinerary can be custom tailored for you for fewer days, a variety of accommodation choices, and activities.

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Morocco - Group Set Departures

Join a small group of others interested in exploring Morocco. Guaranteed departures are scheduled every month and you can opt to add a pre- or post-trip extension.

Travelers will have an immersive exploration of Morocco including visiting the leather tanneries on an expert-led tour of the ancient Fes medina, stargazing from the soft sands of the Sahara, hiking in the Atlas Mountains, and learning to cook an authentic tagine in Marrakech.

We advise arriving early to get acclimated before the set departure trip begins. The 3-night pre-trip highlights include visiting the grand Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, touring the blue city of Chefchaouen, exploring the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, and visiting the beautiful architecture of the Imperial city of Meknes.

A 4 night post-trip extension includes tastes of the unique Berber culture and coastal landscapes. Time in the Atlas Mountains will showcase small Berber villages built into steep mountainsides and stunning hiking trails. The journey continues to charming seaside city of Essaouira to relax on the beach and dine on delicious fresh seafood. Finally, it wraps up with a night in cosmopolitan Casablanca!

Itinerary

Day 1

You will be met on arrival in Casablanca. There will be an afternoon transfer to your hotel in Casablanca where you will stay tonight. Enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers this evening at Rick’s Café (included)

1 Night in Casablanca

Day 2

This morning you will depart for Fes, stopping to visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis and having lunch in Meknes (included). Later you will check in to your riad where you will have dinner tonight (included).

2 Nights in Fes

Day 3

You will have a guided tour of the Madrassa, the Jewish Quarter, and the Royal Palace. After lunch, you will visit the artisan quarters, tanneries, and souks. (Optional Fes Tasting Tour is available for an additional fee).

Day 4

Depart early this morning for a scenic drive into the desert stopping for lunch (included). By late afternoon you will be at the point where the roads stop and the sand dunes begin. Arrive at your Saharan camp by camel at sunset. Dinner (included) will be followed by lounging around the campfire and stargazing.

1 Night at Luxury Desert Camp

Day 5

Enjoy a beautiful sunrise in the desert. The morning is left open to partake in sandboarding or dune walks before departing to visit the Todra and Dades Gorges. Arrive to your hotel this afternoon in time to relax before dinner at the hotel.

1 Night in the Dades Valley

Day 6

Depart for Marrakech this morning, stopping for with lunch (included) en route overlooking the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. Travel the scenic route through the Tizi’n Tichka Peak. Arrival later this afternoon at your riad.

3 Nights in Marrakech

Day 7

Full day guided tour in Marrakech with visits to the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Medrasa. Lunch will be on your own with continued visits in the medina, souks and spice market. (Optional Hammam and Spa Treatments are available for an additional charge) Dinner on your own this evening.

Day 8

Enjoy this morning at your leisure. (Optional sunrise hot air balloon is available at an additional fee.) (Optional Hammam and Spa Treatments are available for an additional charge) Later this afternoon you will take a traditional Moroccan tagine cooking class. Enjoy the results for dinner!

Day 9

Enjoy breakfast at your leisure. You will be transferred to the Marrakech Airport to check in for your homeward flight. OR you will continue on for a post-trip extension.

2024 Departures	Price Per Person	Single Supplement
1 January - 31 December	$2,594	$962

2024 Departures

Please contact us for set departure dates as well as pre-trip and post-trip costs.

Price Includes:

Accommodations are at 4-star and 5-star riads and hotels, all breakfasts, four lunches and six dinners (excluding alcohol), snacks and bottled water, all activities in the program, private vehicle and driver, Wi-fi hotspot in the vehicle, English-speaking tour guides.

Price Excludes:

International Air, gratuities for your guides and driver, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, optional additional activities, pre-trip and post-trip extensions

Morocco Group Departures - Additional Information

Set Departures – These set departures are guaranteed with a minimum of one traveler and limited to a maximum of 12 travelers.

Itinerary – The order of the itinerary is reversed for the months of January, February, November & December due to shorter daylight.

Recommended Extensions – There is a 3-night pre-trip extension and a 4-night post-trip extension offered for each departure. Please contact us for dates and additional information

Private Departures - This itinerary can be custom tailored for groups of any size for other dates.

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Morocco

Marrakech

Fes

Rabat

Casablanca

Meknes

Volubilis

High Atlas

Sahara Desert

Atlantic Coast

Itineraries

A Thousand Kasbahs

Itinerary

Exotic Morocco

Itinerary

Imperial Cities

Itinerary

Northern Morocco & Southern Spain

Itinerary

Morocco Culinary Journey

Itinerary

Morocco - Group Set Departures

Itinerary

Accommodations

Marrakech

La Maison Arabe

La Sultana

Villa Des Orangers

Palais Khum

La Pause

Scarabeo Desert Camp

Fès

Palais Faraj

Riad Fès

Ryad Salama

Palais Amani

Riad Maison Bleue

Rabat & Casablanca

Villa Mandarine

Sofitel Rabat Jardin Des Roses

Les Doge Hotel & Spa

Atlas Mountains

Kasbah Tamadot

Domaine Malika

Kasbah Bab Ourika

Kasbah du Toubkal

Atlantic Coast

Nord Pinus

La Tangerina

La Sultana

La Heure Bleue Palais

Travel Information