Moroccan Highlights - 2025
Moroccan Highlights - 2025
Moroccan Highlights - 2025
9 Days Starting and ending in Casablanca, Morocco
Visiting: Morocco
Tour operator:
Tour code:
652
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
5-85
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 9-day journey through Morocco, where vibrant cities, ancient villages, and the mesmerizing Sahara Desert await. This adventure will take you to Casblanca, Mararkech, Fes, Chefchaouen, and Rabat, immersing you in the country's rich culture and natural beauty.
Your Moroccan escapade begins in the coastal city of Casablanca. After arriving and settling in, you'll have time to unwind before connecting with your fellow travelers. Over the next few days, you'll visit the 'Red City' of Marrakech, traverse the majestic High Atlas Mountains, uncovering hidden gems like the UNESCO-listed village of Ait Benhaddou, a frequent backdrop for films, and Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of North Africa," where you can explore renowned film studios. Your journey continues through the fragrant Roses Valley to Boumalne Dades.
Prepare for an unforgettable experience as you venture into the awe-inspiring Todra Gorge and the enchanting Sahara Desert. Embark on a magical camel trek across the golden dunes as the sun sets, followed by a night under the desert stars in a traditional Berber camp, complete with local cuisine and music. Leaving the desert behind, you'll travel through the palm-filled Ziz Valley, cross the Atlas Mountains again, and encounter playful monkeys in the Cedar Forest. Your next destination is Fes, Morocco's oldest imperial city. Here, a guided tour will lead you through the heart of the bustling medina, where you'll witness traditional craftsmanship and have the option to indulge in a delicious Moroccan feast accompanied by traditional music and dance.
Next, you'll discover the picturesque "Blue Pearl" of Chefchaouen, a town nestled in the Rif Mountains and known for its captivating blue and white architecture. Your journey south takes you to Rabat, Morocco's official capital, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum. Continuing to Casablanca, you can choose to visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque before bidding farewell to this magical country.
If you would prefer to start/end your tour in Marrakech, please see our Moroccan Circuit 2025 tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Welcome to Morocco! We will meet you on your arrival in Casblanca airport and transfer you to the hotel. Your time is then free to relax by the hotel pool, or explore Casablanca a little independently if you arrive early. We will then have a welcome meeting with the tour guide at 6.00pm where you will meet your fellow travellers. If you arrive late and miss this meeting then we will make the introductions again tomorrow morning. Dinner is included in the hotel tonight.
OVERNIGHT:
Casablanca hotel
MEALS:
Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 2: Head to Marrakech. Optional city tour
After breakfast we will head south via the highway towards bustling Marrakech, with a coffee stop on the way. Admire the landscape before we check in to our hotel in the red city..
After settling into your hotel, the afternoon is yours to unwind by the pool or continue exploring independently. You might consider booking our guided city tour, indulging in a relaxing hammam spa and massage, or visiting the enchanting Majorelle Gardens.
During your time here, you won't want to miss Marrakech's iconic landmark, the rose-hued Koutoubia Mosque, standing tall at 77 meters. Its tower, reminiscent of the Hassan Tower in Rabat and the Giralda Tower in Seville, graces the edge of the medina.
To truly experience Marrakech, a visit to the UNESCO-listed medina and Djemaa el-Fna square is essential. This bustling hub of activity is a captivating spectacle, teeming with snake charmers, musicians, henna artists, spice vendors, and souvenir stalls. Here, we'll spend the evening, where you can immerse yourselves in the city's vibrant atmosphere.
OVERNIGHT:
Marrakech hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 3: To Boumalne Dades via Ait Benhaddou
Today, our adventure begins with a scenic drive across the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, culminating in the ancient village of Ait Benhaddou. This historic village was once a vital stopping point for caravans, and its unique architecture has made it a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular filming location for international movies such as "Gladiator," "Prince of Persia," and "Game of Thrones."
Nearby, we'll explore Ouarzazate, a city in southern Morocco known as the "Hollywood of North Africa" due to its numerous film studios. We'll have the opportunity to visit these studios and see where many movies have been made.
Continuing our journey, we'll pass through the picturesque Roses Valley, a lush region known for its fragrant damaskina roses. Each year, locals celebrate the rose harvest with a vibrant festival. Our day concludes in Boumalne Dades, a charming town nestled amidst stunning scenery, where we'll spend the night.
OVERNIGHT:
Boumalne Dades hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 4: Visit the Todra Gorge before a camel trek into the Sahara
Today, we bid farewell to the Dades Valley and journey eastward to the Todra Gorge. Amidst the palm groves of this oasis, we'll enjoy a leisurely stroll and marvel at the impressive gorges.
Next, we set our sights on the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes of Merzouga, where we'll embark on a camel trek into the vast Sahara Desert. As the sun dips below the horizon, we'll witness the desert's breathtaking transformation.
Our evening unfolds in an authentic Berber Camp on the desert's edge. Here, we'll savor local cuisine, be enchanted by traditional music, and relish a magical night beneath the twinkling Saharan stars.
OVERNIGHT:
Berber desert camp
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 5: Drive to Fes via Ziz Valley, High Atlas and Ifrane. Keep your eyes peeled for Macaques.
Following breakfast, our journey takes us through Errachidia and the Ziz Valley, renowned for its abundant date palms. We then traverse the High and Middle Atlas Mountains, a natural barrier between the Sahara Desert and the country's interior.
En route, we'll pause at the Cedar Forest to observe the playful Barbary macaque apes. Our next stop is the charming alpine town of Ifrane, a former French colonial retreat.
Finally, we reach Fes, Morocco's ancient capital, where we'll settle in for the night.
OVERNIGHT:
Fes hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 6: Full day exploring Fes
Considered the largest and oldest medieval city in the world by many, Fes is over 1,200 years old and is famous for its busy Medina. Home to 400,000 inhabitants this is packed with narrow winding streets, mosques, souks and is a heady mix of sights, smells and sounds. We'll spend plenty of time exploring the Medina, seeing various palaces and mosques (which non-Muslims will not be able to enter), and many different crafts on sale. Our guided tour will also include the Fes's famous dye-pits and tanneries, as well as a traditional Moroccan pharmacy and pottery. Finally we'll return to our hotel to relax after a long day of walking and exploring. This evening there is the option for a traditional meal inside the city with live Moroccan entertainment including music, belly dancing and magicians.
OVERNIGHT:
Fes hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 7: Head to the Blue City of Chefchaouen
This morning we travel on to explore Chefchaouen, a haven of peace and tranquility. High up in the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen is a beautiful blue door and white-walled medina that was originally a Berber post. The main square is the heart of Chefchaouen, with the Kasbah (built back in the 18th century), central mosque and cafes with great local food. You can explore the busy market in a relaxed atmosphere.
OVERNIGHT:
Chefchaouen hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 8: Explore Rabat en-route to Casablanca
Setting out early today, we journey south to Rabat, Morocco's official capital. Upon arrival, we'll embark on a guided tour of the city, exploring prominent landmarks such as the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of King Mohamed V and his son, Hassan II.
Next, we'll venture into the Oudaya Kasbah, a historic fortress that once served as a bulwark against European incursions. After enjoying a delicious lunch in Rabat, we continue to Casablanca, where an optional yet highly recommended visit to the Hassan II Mosque awaits before we check into our hotel.
OVERNIGHT:
Casablanca hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 9: Tour ends in Casablanca
Your Moroccan tour with us ends after breakfast today and your time is free until you depart. Our guide or the hotel will help you arrange a taxi for the short drive to the airport, or you can add extra days to explore Casblanca further if you wish.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
What's Included
What's Not Included
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with air-conditioned 4x4 vehicles or minibuses, ensuring a comfortable journey across Morocco's diverse landscapes.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in 3-4 star hotels throughout the tour, with one night in an authentic Berber Desert Camp under the stars.
Check out our Q&As
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Are tips included in the tour price?
No, tips for the tour guide and a tipping kitty of USD 60 are not included in the tour price.
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Is airport transfer included in the tour package?
Yes, a 24-hour arrival airport transfer service is included in the tour package. However, the departure airport transfer is not included.
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What is the camel trek experience like?
The camel trek takes place in the Erg Chebbi dunes of Merzouga, where you will ride camels into the Sahara Desert and spend the night in an authentic Berber Camp, enjoying local cuisine, traditional music, and a night under the stars.
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What should I do if I arrive late and miss the welcome meeting on the first day?
If you arrive late and miss the welcome meeting, the tour guide will make the introductions again the following morning.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes accommodation in 3-4 star hotels and one night in an authentic Berber Desert Camp.
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What are some of the key landmarks and sites visited during the tour?
Key landmarks and sites include the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the Royal Palace in Rabat, the Blue City of Chefchaouen, the Medina and tanneries in Fes, the Atlas Mountains, the Erg Chebbi Saharan sand dunes, and Ait Benhaddou.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners, including a dinner at the Berber camp.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities available, such as a guided city tour in Marrakech, a hammam spa and massage, and a visit to the Majorelle Gardens.
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Is travel insurance mandatory for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Transport during the tour is provided by air-conditioned 4x4 vehicles or minibuses.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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