Treasures of Morocco - Premium Adventure

Treasures of Morocco - Premium Adventure

12 Days Starting in Casablanca and ending in Marrakech

Visiting: Casablanca, Fez, Sahara Desert, Skoura, Atlas Mountains, Marrakech

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

AML

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

5 - 16

Physical rating:

Easy & Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Luxury

From: $3975

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Few places on earth match the cultural diversity of Morocco. Join this Premium Adventure to discover the best of it, while staying in a carefully selected accommodation portfolio, which includes traditional riads and a luxury desert camp. We tour diverse cities, including seaside Casablanca, the imperial powerhouse of Fez, and electric Marrakech. And we journey into the Sahara, where we navigate dunes on camelback and stargaze around a campfire. Village visits, kasbah tours, lunch with an Amazigh family and a relaxing hammam session complete a perfectly balanced adventure that captures the best of Morocco in style.

Highlights

  • Discover the culturally rich cities of Casablanca, Marrakech and Fez

  • Visit the Unesco-listed Roman ruins of Volubilis and the ksar of Ait Benhaddou

  • Take a camelback ride through the Sahara

  • Experience a traditional hammam

  • Join a cookery class and enjoy the results

  • See the High Atlas Mountains and have lunch with an Amazigh family

  • Stay for a night in Riad Madu, or Riad Chebbi luxury kasbah-style hotels in the Sahara

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Start Casablanca

kamal chafai

Location: Casablanca

The adventure begins in the port city of Casablanca. Depending on flight arrival times, your expert leader will meet the whole group for a welcome briefing either this evening or tomorrow morning. There will be information about this meeting at the reception desk.



Accommodation: Gray Hotel (five-star)

Day 2 : Hassan Ii Mosque; Volubilis Ruins; Moulay Idriss; Fez

Location: Fez

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, before leaving Casablanca, we visit the Hassan II Mosque, which has a soaring 655ft (200m) minaret and a sliding ceiling to enable the sea breeze to cool the building. We have a guided tour of the Mosque and the stunning ablutions hall with a local specialist.  Please note knees and upper arms must be covered.  We then begin our journey to Fez, stopping en route at Unesco-listed Volubilis, the largest and best-kept Roman ruins in Morocco. There are the remains of the forum, basilica and capitol. There are also well preserved mosaic floors of the wealthy town houses that graced this Roman city. After Volubilis we travel on to the attractive whitewashed holy city of Moulay Idriss to stretch our legs and have a traditional lunch. The town is built around the tomb of Moulay Idriss Morocco's first Islamic leader. We will take a walking tour to see parts of the town. Our final destination is the world-renowned city of Fez, where our accommodation for the night is a traditional Riad. We enjoy a welcome dinner here, a chance for us to try tasty local fare and get to know one another.



Accommodation: Riad Dilar



Drive time: Six and a half hours

Day 3 : Explore Fez

Location: Fez

Meals Included: Breakfast

Fez is the intellectual and religious centre of Morocco. Founded more than 1,000 years ago, it is the oldest of the Imperial cities in the kingdom with many mosques and madrasas (theological colleges). It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. This morning we join our local guide to explore the bustling narrow laneways, visiting different sections of the souq, including those selling leather, brass and copper. We also stop at the tanneries and pottery workshops to see traditional local crafts in action. Outside the medina, we visit the Jewish District (Mellah) and the exterior of the Royal Palace. We drive to a panoramic viewpoint for great photos of the city below.



Accommodation: Riad Dilar

Day 4 : Drive To Merzouga, On The Edge Of The Sahara

Location: Sahara Desert

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We start early for a full day of travelling to the Sahara with a journey through superb scenery and plenty of stops along the way. Our journey takes us over the Middle Atlas, through the picturesque Ziz Valley to the Hamada, a flat, stony desert gradually approaching the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. The journey is undoubtedly worth it, and we’re rewarded with a night at the feature accommodation at Riad Madu or Riad Chebbi. Relax by the pool and enjoy watching the sun set over the desert.



Accommodation: Riad Madu or Riad Chebbi (five-star)



Drive time: Nine hours

Day 5 : Village Cultural Experience; Ride A Camel At A Saharan Camp

Location: Sahara Desert

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day (with perhaps another dip in the pool). Later this morning, we travel by 4×4 to Khamlia village for a wonderful cultural experience watching a Gnawa music show and eating a traditional lunch of Medfouna, a surprising take on pizza. The unique instruments used in Gnawa music create a distinctive sound. It is a unique blend of African, Arab and Amazigh influences.  This afternoon, we transfer to our luxury desert camp and then undertake a genuine Saharan experience – a camel trek through the dunes to watch the desert take on a rose colour at sunset (it is also possible to walk). After dinner cooked by our local chefs, we sit around the campfire and gaze at the stars.



Accommodation: Jannat Luxury camp (four-star)

Day 6 : To Skoura Via The Todra Gorge

Location: Sahara Desert

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving the desert, we head towards the little town of Skoura. En route, we pass through the Todra Gorge, sheer cliffs rising dramatically on either side of the road. We take a short walk through this gorge so you can appreciate its majesty and take photos. Following the 1,000 Kasbahs Road for approximately two hours, we see several of these imposing buildings along the way in the palm groves. We stay in an original Kasbah lodge during our two nights in Skoura. Located in the heart of the Skoura Palm grove this lodge is decorated in traditional Moroccan style and all rooms have air conditioning.Accommodation: Kasbah Ben Damiette (or similar)Drive time: Eight hours

Day 7 : Skoura, The Palm Grove Capital Of Morocco

Location: Skoura

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then join the leader on a guided walk through the palm groves of sleepy Skoura. Dotted around the palm, fig, birch and tamarisk trees are some of the most beautiful kasbahs in southern Morocco, the largest of which is the Amerhidil Kasbah, once owned by the Glaoui family. We take a guided tour through the restored interior with a local guide. During our walk we stop for a picnic lunch.Accommodation: Kasbah Ben Damiette (or similar)

Day 8 : Journey To Imlil Village Via Ait Benhaddou

Location: Atlas Mountains

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Skoura, we rejoin the main road and drive west along the 1,000 Kasbahs Road via the desert city of Ouarzazate and onto the well-preserved ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most spectacular in the Atlas, and a location for several Hollywood films including Gladiator (2000). After admiring this vast site from the riverbed, we take a walk through the winding village streets. Once a bustling village today the ksar is home to around 10 families.  From here we continue our drive through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 7, 415ft (2,260m) above sea level. The drive to the village of Imlil is a winding one with a variety of scenery to enjoy.Accommodation: Riad Jnane Imlil (or similar)Drive time: Ten hours

Day 9 : Walk To The Amazigh Village Of Aremd; Evening Hammam

Location: Atlas Mountains

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Imlil village is the starting point for trekkers climbing Mount Toubkal, the tallest mountain in North Africa. Our approximately 30-minute hike (which has a steep 655ft/200m ascent) takes us to the small Amazigh village of Armed set into a hillside.Along the way, we see many fruit trees including cherries, apricots and quince. We follow a small irrigation channel where we are likely to meet villagers and their mules. Stopping at the edge of a waterfall, we take a break with a fresh orange juice. From here, we carry on uphill to the village where we enjoy a home-cooked lunch in a local guesthouse.For those who do not want to walk, mules are available (35 dirhams each way, payable locally).After lunch, we do a little more hiking around the village then return to Imlil for your traditional hammam experience. A standard treatment with soap and scrubber is included but it is customary to give a 20-dirham (US$2) tip. The restaurant at our riad has panoramic views of Imlil and the mountains.Accommodation: Riad Jnane Imlil (or similar)

Day 10 : Over The High Atlas Mountains To Marrakech

Location: Marrakech

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we travel over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. Along the way, we stop at a women’s argan oil cooperative where we see a demonstration of how this multi-use oil is produced. There is also an opportunity to purchase a range of products which make for an unique gift from Morocco.  Onwards our journey takes us to the flat arid plains of Marrakech. Here we have a guided tour, visiting the Bahia Palace and the Saadian tombs. The tour ends in the central square of Djemaa el Fna, where the town becomes a maze of bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. The square comes alive every evening with food stalls, juice-sellers, snake charmers and acrobats entertaining both the locals and the visitor. Our final accommodation on this tour are boutique hotels located in the modern town area of Gueliz.Accommodation: Stars or Bab or 2 Ciels Hotel (four-star)Drive time: One and a half hours

Day 11 : Marrakech Cooking Class; Free Time

Location: Marrakech

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We start the day with a trip to the local market to purchase ingredients  before embarking on a cookery class of recipes to impress your friends when you get home. Enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch. This afternoon, take free time to see more of Marrakech. You might wish to visit the largest mosque in the city, Koutoubia, or venture through the souqs and old streets of the medina. After bartering for souvenirs, you may have time for a short visit to the Koranic School and Museum of Marrakech. After this, you can unwind by taking a 30-minute ride on a calèche (a horse-drawn carriage) to the Jardin Majorelle. These tranquil gardens are decorated throughout in indigo blue and were once owned by Yves St Laurent. Your expert leader can help plan your free time.



This evening, enjoy the vibrancy of Djemaa el Fna together for one last time.



Accommodation: Stars or Bab or 2 Ciels Hotel (four-star)

Day 12 : End Marrakech

Location: Marrakech

Meals Included: Breakfast

We’ve scaled dunes on camelback, eaten lunch with an Amazigh family and toured the greatest cities in Morocco. But after breakfast, this tour draws to a close. Speak to your sales representative if you’d like to extend your stay in Marrakech and explore the city further.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, three lunches and seven dinners

  • Tipping for all hotel, local staff and drivers

  • Named tour leader, chosen for their expertise and customer service

  • Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone

What's Not Included

  • Tip for the tour leader

  • Travel insurance: Exodus travel insurance policy

  • Visa or vaccinations

Food

There are 11 breakfasts, three lunches and seven dinners (one of which is a cooking class) included on this trip.



There’s a welcome dinner at our riad in Fez, and home-cooked lunches when we stay in the Sahara and the High Atlas. We also have an included dinner at our lodge in Skoura to sample their homegrown produce. In Marrakech, try creating local delicacies in a master cooking class and then enjoy the results.



Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. Meals eaten out are reasonably priced – kebab and bread is approximately 72 Moroccan dirhams (US$7). In main towns, it is possible to find very good French and Moroccan restaurants where a meal and French wine will cost anything from 310 dirhams (US$30) upwards. Generally, dinner is likely to cost 80-155 dirhams (approximately US$8-US$15) not including drinks. Local beer, wine and soft drinks are reasonably priced, but you can pay more for imported alcohol. Your leader will recommend restaurants for each evening.



Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian cous cous, tajine or omelettes, particularly during the more rural sections of the trip. If you have any special dietary requirements inform your sales representative in plenty of time before the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (ie coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food items with you from home.

Accommodation

Experience elevated accommodation on this Premium Adventure, where we mostly stay in four- or five-star properties, plus a luxury Bedouin camp among the Sahara dunes. Find a list of the properties typically used below:



Casablanca: Gray Hotel (night 1)

Fez: Riad Dilar (nights 2-3)

Merzouga: Riad Madu or Riad Chebbi (night 4)

Sahara: Jannat Luxury Camp (night 5)

Skoura: Kasbah Ben Damiette (nights 6-7)

Imlil: Riad Jnane Imlil (nights 8-9)

Marrakech: Stars or Bab or 2 Ciels Hotel (nights 10-11)



Worth knowing



The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We will endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.



About riads



Riads are traditional Moroccan homes, generally in the old part of the city or medina, where the wealthiest people would historically live. They’re typically built around a central corridor with windows facing an internal courtyard (external windows are rare). Most have a rooftop terrace where breakfast is served. A night in a riad is an authentic Moroccan experience; however, riads do not have hotel-style facilities. Additionally, the rooms are not standardised and come in different sizes and shapes. Riads  are built to keep sunlight to a minimum in order to keep the interiors cool in the extreme summer heat. 

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    During the tour, you will experience elevated accommodation, mostly staying in four- or five-star properties, including a luxury Bedouin camp among the Sahara dunes. The accommodations include traditional Moroccan riads, which offer an authentic experience but do not have hotel-style facilities.

  • Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes several cultural experiences such as a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, a camel trek in the Sahara, a Gnawa music show in Khamlia village, and a traditional hammam experience. You will also have the opportunity to join a cookery class in Marrakech and enjoy a home-cooked lunch with an Amazigh family.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes all breakfasts, three lunches, and seven dinners. One of the dinners is part of a cooking class where you will enjoy the results of your culinary efforts.

  • What is the transportation like during the tour?

    The tour involves various modes of transportation, including a 4x4 vehicle for traveling to Khamlia village and a camel trek in the Sahara. The journey also includes scenic drives through the Middle Atlas and High Atlas Mountains.

  • What should I know about the riads where we will be staying?

    Riads are traditional Moroccan homes typically located in the old part of the city or medina. They are built around a central corridor with windows facing an internal courtyard and often have a rooftop terrace where breakfast is served. While they offer an authentic Moroccan experience, they do not have hotel-style facilities, and the rooms vary in size and shape.

  • Is there any free time during the tour to explore on my own?

    Yes, there is free time allocated during the tour, particularly in Marrakech, where you can explore the city further, visit local attractions, or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Djemaa el Fna.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Amazing Morocco

I went into this trip with very little knowledge of what to expect. I am leaving Morocco with a true appreciation of the people, the culture, the landscape and the history. The trip was very well curated and we were extremely well taken care of throughout the entire experience. Our guide, Lahcen, was incredible; he shared so much of himself, his humor, his culture and was very willing to answer anything we asked about politics, religion or history. The guides in each city/town were also very informative and insightful.

Treasures of Morocco Premium Adventures

Outstanding Guides and Historians

Such a wonderful pilgrimage of history and knowledge learned about the Moroccan people. From Casablanca, to the Sahara Desert, to the High Atlas Mountains and onto Marrakech. …

Wonderful Travels thru Morocco

This was a very comprehensive trip. We saw the cities, the villages and the Sahara. We went through the markets with a local guide shopping for our food for our cooking class. “Glamping” in the Sahara and riding camels was fabulous. Every local guide that we had at each stop was so informative as they explained what life was like in these villages throughout history and today.

Amazing trip to Morocco!!

When we agreed to this trip, I was nervous to say the least. Our guide Lahcen and the people of Morocco immediately put all of that to ease. We had an amazing trip. Lahcen and our other tour guides taught us about the culture, history, Islam faith and community of Morocco. It was unbelievable. I’d also be remiss not to mention Abdul, our driver. The care he took in getting us from destination to destination was awesome!!

Treasures of Morocco Premium Adventures

Although we experienced an earthquake it was handled very well by our tour guide, Hassain. He made sure we were safe and it didn't affect our trip too much.

Read all 6 reviews

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Prices last published on 22-Dec-2024

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  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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