16-Day Tour: USD $6100 double occupancy: $7500 single occupancy.
When they envision Morocco, most people imagine a place like Marrakech – the “Red City.” When we arrive we will take you on a tour of the medina, Jemaa el fnaa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), where you will find snake charmers, monkeys, entertainers, and smoking grills enticing you with delectable scents. It is surrounded by labyrinthine alleyways filled with motorcycles, bicycles, donkeys pulling carts, and greetings from every shop. Vendors sell honey-drenched pastries and assortments of fruit, olives, and nuts. You can sit in one of the coffee shops and watch the beautiful variety of locals and tourists enjoying the fantastic atmosphere surrounding you.
A busy market in Marrakech
Marrakech, just west of the Atlas Mountains, will be our “base camp” for exploring this region of Morocco. We’ll take you to some beautiful places like Jardin Majorelle, the amazing garden created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by the design legend Yves Saint-Laurent. You will tour the gorgeous Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Koutoubia Mosque. You will be taken on a walking tour through the souks and have opportunities to find treasures to bring home as a remembrance of this magical place. Lodging choices in Marrakech range from the very affordable to some of the highest-rated places in the world!
Key Attractions:
During our stay in Marrakech, you will visit some of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see: Jardin Majorelle, the amazing garden created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by the design legend Yves Saint-Laurent. The gorgeous Bahia Palace. The fascinating Saadian Tombs. And the breathtaking Koutoubia Mosque. Everywhere you turn, from colorful souks to out-of-the-way gardens and alleyways, Marrakech abounds with mystical light, intense colors, and rich textures just waiting for you to explore.
Optional things to see and do:
Bahia Palace (19th Century)
Saadian Tombs (16th Century)
Jardin Majorelle, restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge, has plants from all over the world, and an Yves Saint Laurent costume and antique collection.
Next we will escape to the stunning Agafay Desert for an unforgettable adventure, just outside Marrakech. Travel by camel or 4×4 across rolling rocky dunes, soaking in breathtaking sunset views. Arrive at a luxury tented camp, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under a canopy of stars. Your spacious tent offers modern comforts, including a private bathroom, ensuring a serene and indulgent stay. Wake to a peaceful sunrise, refreshed and inspired.
Key Attractions:
Essaouira’s historic and lively fishing town is located on the Atlantic Ocean. We will take you on a tour of the Portuguese ramparts and fortifications through the narrow streets, where you will be brought back in time while enjoying the shops and art galleries and taking in the scents of polished Thuya wood (that grows only in North Africa) filling the air.
You will enjoy a day of exploring this fascinating city or take advantage of a memorable Day Trip to the Atlas Mountains, including a visit to a Berber village, where life has changed little in the past several hundred years.
Marrakech is one of those exotic cities where you could spend a day or a year and never run out of incredible, beautiful, fascinating discoveries. So, enjoy this day – and then meed for a lovely farewell dinner together in the evening.
From Marrakech, you will travel along the Atlantic coastline through Casablanca, the fabled city by the sea, to Rabat, Morocco’s political and administrative capital, where the modern seamlessly intertwines with historic grandeur. Rabat invites you to explore its rich cultural heritage, architectural marvels, and tranquil ambiance that defines this coastal gem.
The medieval bastion of Kasbah of the Udayas in Rabat. The breakwaters separate the Bou Regreg river mouth from the Atlantic Ocean.
Founded in 1471, Chefchaouen is an enchanting town nestled in the Rif Mountains, where every corner is painted in shades of blue, creating a serene and magical atmosphere. Known as the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco, Chefchaouen beckons travelers with its distinctive architecture, vibrant markets, and tranquility permeating every cobblestone street.
The amazing hillside town of Chefchaouen.
Key Attractions:
Option 1: Spend a delightful day touring the town, walking through the labyrinthine streets where every corner is painted in shades of blue, creating a serene and magical atmosphere. You can capture the beauty of Chefchaouen through your lens. The play of light and shadow on the blue walls and the stunning natural surroundings make it a photographer’s paradise. You can immerse yourself in the lively markets with vibrant textiles, handmade crafts, and local produce. Perhaps you’d like to take a short hike to the Spanish Mosque, perched on a nearby hill, to witness a panoramic view of the town, especially beautiful at sunset.
Option 2: Hike in nearby Talassemtane National Park in Akchour. We will take you to Akchour by vehicle. Then, you would walk/hike through the lush vegetation, passing by gorgeous little waterfalls and enjoying stops to relax while having food along the way, soaking your feet in the water, and possibly swimming. Going to the top, you will see the beautiful Akchour waterfalls. You can set the pace that suits your group. A trip to the top to see the big waterfall would take about 2 hours. The group has the option to go only partway or to the top but would need to agree and stay together.
There is no cost for this add-on, and most travelers will be well able to participate in this visit. However, bear these things in mind before deciding on this option:
Travel time from Chefchaouen to Fes: approximately 4.5 hours
Fes is the second largest city in Morocco. It is vibrant and noisy and is considered Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart. We will take you on a guided tour through the old city, Fes el Bali (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which will take you back to the Middle Ages. It is one of the most extensive pedestrian-only alleys in the world. Fes is also home to The University of al-Quarawiyyin, considered the oldest university in the world, and it still operates today.
Key Attractions:
Vendors in a back street in Meknes.
Located an hour from Fes, Meknes was founded in the 11th century as a military settlement and was once the capital of Morocco. It is surrounded by high walls with large doorways, a blend of 17th-century Islamic and European styles.
Volubilis (a 2000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site) was once a Roman Capital and home to 20,000 residents. The town has many beautiful mosaics and Roman pillars, providing excellent photo opportunities. You will be taken on a private tour.
Marrakech is one of those exotic cities where you could spend a day or a year and never run out of incredible, beautiful, fascinating discoveries. So, enjoy this day – and then meet for a lovely farewell dinner together in the evening.
Beslama (Goodbye) till next time.
Embark on a captivating journey through Morocco’s Imperial Cities
Hours:
Mon – Fri 8.00 – 17.00 Saturday and Sunday CLOSED