Morocco: Historic Cities & Sand Dunes of the Sahara

Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening to get to know your fellow travellers and CEO. Then, choose to attend an optional group dinner to close out the evening.

If you’re looking for more time in Casablanca, we recommend booking a pre-night and then also pre-booking the full-day city tour that hits many of the amazing sites like the Art Deco-inspired Mohammed V Square.

ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Enjoy some breakfast at the hotel and then visit the Hassan II Mosque, which is one of the largest in the world and can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers inside and 80,000 in the courtyards. Travel northwest towards Rabat and tour the city with a local guide to learn about the history as a Roman settlement and home to pirates. Visit Kasbah des Oudaias, a walled quarter with gardens and pretty views of the Atlantic Ocean. Stroll through the city’s medina and souks with a stop at one of the stalls for mint tea and Moroccan sweets. From there the group will walk to the Mohamed the 5th Mausoleum and the iconic 12th-century minaret known as the Hassan Tower. Lunch will be had on your own at a spot in Rabat before travelling onwards to Meknés, the former capital of the country. Enjoy some time to rest and relax at the hotel, or maybe choose to find a nearby restaurant for dinner.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Casablanca and Meknés. Along the way there will be a stop in Rabat for a city tour.

ACTIVITY: Meet your local guide for a tour of Rabat. Learn about the city's history as you walk the streets and visit the Kasbah des Oudaias, a walled quarter with beautiful gardens and views of the Atlantic Ocean. Then wander through the Medina and Souks for a true sense of the local atmosphere daily crowd. Once inside the group will make a stop for mint tea and a few Moroccan sweets. Cap off the visit with Hassan Tower after going to the Mohamed V Mausoleum. A well-rounded experience in a unique place.

Start the day on the streets of Meknes’ old medina and vibrant market stalls with loads of handicrafts. Then spend time visiting various historical sites before travelling to ancient Volubilis for an inside look at Morocco’s culture at the partly-excavated Berber-Roman city. Walk along the ancient hilltop ruins with a local expert guide and see the town’s mosaics for yourself. Head onwards to Chefchaouen, or the ‘Blue City’ as it is so fondly known. The evening will be spent free at the hotel for downtime.ACTIVITY: Arrive to Meknes and set off on a tour of the city with a local guide. Visit historical landmarks like Bab Mansour, Bab El Khmiss, and the bustling souk area of Meknes with stalls selling spices, handcrafts, clothes, and food in a lively, fast-paced atmosphere. Make a stop by Dar Jamai, the National Museum of Music and learn about Morocco's musical heritage and traditions. Finish up at the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Have lunch on your own at one of the local spots nearby.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.ACTIVITY: Listen to a certified local guide explain life in the Roman Empire at this UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the impressive, well-preserved Roman ruins. Peer into old bathhouses, marvel at the still-present mosaic floors, and gaze up at towering marble pillars. Hear stories about life in this Roman city that will leave you in awe of just how far their empire stretched.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

In the morning, set off on a CEO-led walking tour of Chefchaouen and witness the beautiful blue alleys and charm of this place for yourself. Stop by the medina and the Kasbah of Chefchaouen. Free time will be given for lunch in the area before the drive to Fes. The group will arrive in the early evening and enjoy a traditional dinner experience together featuring staples of Moroccan cuisine.

ACTIVITY: Join your CEO guided visit of the blue city. Begin at the hotel and then climb up the stairs to explore the incredible blue streets. Pass by the historic Kasbah dating back to the 15th century and get to know this unique Moroccan city. Finish the walk at Rass Elma and climb to the Spanish Mosque to watch sunset glow over the tops of the Rif Mountains.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: After arriving to the hotel in Fés in the late afternoon, you will join the group for a delicious dinner of city's culinary delights like the sweet and salty pastilla. In Fés it's typical for it to be served as a dessert and known as Jowhara, or "Pastilla with milk" This pie is a staple of the region and definitely a must-try while in Morocco.

Discover the fascinating city of Fes in the cultural heart of the country. Join an expert guide and head into the vibrant, noisy, and sensory overwhelming city medina. Enter through one of the great gates into the chaos. Spend time exploring the artisans’ quarters as well as the many carpenters, bakers, butchers, and spice sellers that you pass along the way. Arrive back at the hotel in the late afternoon for a free evening in Fes.

ACTIVITY: Follow a local guide through the Fès medina, one of the world’s largest medinas with more than 9000 winding streets lying within 365 hectares. See buildings in the medina that date back to the 9th century; there are 350 mosques in the medina that are still in use today.

Enter through one of the great gates into the chaos. Explore the artisans’ quarters as well as the many carpenters, bakers, butchers, and spice sellers. Visit the mausoleum and the Al Qarawiyin University.

A highlight of the tour is the view of the famous Fès tannery from the balcony of a leather shop, where you can observe the men hard at work treating and dyeing the different hides. Take some time to shop for leather goods before returning to your hotel.

FREE TIME: EVENING Immerse yourself in this new city. Where to go, what to eat, the choice is all yours.

Travel towards the simplistic nature of the High Atlas Mountains and drive south and inland through fertile valleys and rocky landscapes to the off-the-beaten path town of Midelt. There will be a stop along the way to Ifrane for tea and to learn more about this tiny Switzerland town of Morocco. In the market town of Midelt, lunch will be had with a local family in the area featuring a traditional home-cooked meal highlighting the authentic flavours of Berber cuisine. Stretch those legs with a walk through the lovely Berber villages in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains near town before an introduction to the ancient art of henna from a group of local women. Check-in to the hotel in the late afternoon and opt to swim in the pool before dinner this evening.

TRANSPORT: Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Fes and Midelt. There will be a stop along the way in Ifrane to break up the journey.

ACTIVITY: Upon arrival to Midelt the group will sit down for lunch at the home of a local family and have a traditional home-cooked meal. Savour the delicious flavours of Berber cuisine and enjoy the hospitality of local women using the cooking methods passed down through generations. Learn more about the region's culinary heritage while getting a taste of it for yourself.

ACTIVITY: Set off on a peaceful and scenic walk through the lovely Berber villages in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. As you walk through apple orchards and farmland, you’ll be treated to beautiful mountain views. Along the way, you may meet friendly locals and smell the apple blossoms in the air. Get a closer look at rural life while enjoying the fresh air, scenic landscape, and witness the daily goings-on of the locals. The flat, well-marked path is easy to follow, making it perfect for all skill levels. As you walk through apple orchards and farmland, you’ll be treated to beautiful mountain views. Along the way, you may meet friendly locals and experience the calm of village life. The fresh smell of apple blossoms fills the air, making this an easy, relaxing, and memorable experience.

ACTIVITY: After today's rewarding walk/hike, sit down and experience the ancient art of henna from skilled local women. They will adorn your hands with intricate designs which are cherished among the Berber community.

Travel through the changing scenery on the journey to the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi outside of Merzouga and just across the border from Algeria. Stop along the way to visit the town of Arfoud. It’s here that you’ll learn about date production and you can buy a desert scarf. Upon arrival to Merzouga the group will climb atop the camels and ride to the desert camp where a cup of tea will be served. Hike up the nearest dune for sunset before a delicious dinner by firelight at the camp accompanied by the melodies of Berber musicians. Fall asleep peacefully under the stars.

TRANSPORT: Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Midelt and Merzouga. Stop along the way in the town of Arfoud.

ACTIVITY: Pause along the journey to Merzouga in the picturesque town of Arfoud. Often celebrated as the, "Fossil Capital of Morocco" there are plenty of cultural and natural wonders of the Sahara region to discover during your time here. Arfoud is nestled within the heart of Morocco's southeastern expanse and also boasts some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.

ACTIVITY: Hold on and enjoy a ride on this even-toed ungulate, also known as the desert horse. Bring your camera for some fantastic photos of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Local guides will teach you how to mount and dismount and other handy camel-related safety tips.

ACTIVITY: After getting settled at camp the group will meet back up and climb to the top of the nearest dune to watch an amazing sunset over the rolling hills of sand.

Wake with the sun and have breakfast at camp surrounded by dunes. Hop on 4x4s for an adventurous journey through Erg Chebbi’s captivating landscape and learn more about the secrets of kohl at a nearby mine. Deeper in the region the group will encounter the welcoming Amazigh nomads and learn about their fascinating ways of life amid the harsh realities of the desert. Share in the warmth of their hospitality as you savour some refreshing mint tea in one of their traditional dwellings. At the nearby charming village of Khamlia the group will learn the rich history of Gnaoua music and be treated to a performance, which holds a special place in the Sahara's cultural tapestry. Travel to Taous village for today’s Medfouna class and discover the steps to making this traditional dish. Sample your creations before travelling back to Merzouga in the 4x4 for some free time and a bonfire with dinner and music to cap off the night.

ACTIVITY: Board a 4x4 and cruise into the breathtaking panorama of Erg Chebbi's sand dunes and stop at a Kohl mine to learn about this ancient mineral. Deeper in the region you will encounter the welcoming Amazigh nomads and be able to immerse yourself in their ways of life. Sip some mint tea in the heart of their traditional dwellings before continuing on to the village of Khamlia where you'll learn about Gnaoua music. Later, delight in a Medfouna cooking demonstration in Taous village and savor the delicious traditional dish after your lesson.

ACTIVITY: After arriving to your accommodation for the night, slip into the traditional attire laying on your bed and indulge in a desert-infused dinner at the camp's restaurant by the warm glow of a fire. Local Berber musicians will play enchanting melodies for you beneath the sprawling desert sky.

Travel to Skoura, an oasis city famed for its date palms and imagine discovering this haven after days or months travelling through the desert. Enjoy the views of the snowcapped Atlas Mountains in the distance and listen as your guide offers commentary on Skoura's significance, and provides an overview of the landscape and its defining features. The rest of the day will be spent back at the hotel with free time to enjoy the pool and cool town after a day in the heat. Dinner will be had at the hotel this evening as a group.

TRANSPORT: Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. There will be a stop along the way to the town of Tinghir to break up the journey.

ACTIVITY: Skoura is a fertile oasis lined with large palm groves and this is where the group will set off on a guided city tour of the Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs. Enjoy the views of the snowcapped Atlas Mountains in the distance alongside a desert landscape. Along the way your guide will offer commentary on Skoura's significance, and provide an overview of the landscape and its defining features. There will be stops along the way at key interest points so that photos can be taken. The walk will start and end at the hotel.

FREE TIME: EVENING Spend a relaxing evening at the hotel enjoying the many amenities on the property.

Drive along the winding roads of the Atlas crossing Tishka pass with unforgettable views of the countryside and surrounding mountains en route to Marrakech, a city steeped in both history and modernity. Along the way pay a visit to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, perched on a hilltop and almost unchanged since the 11th century. You may recognize it from a long list of film and TV credits, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones and Gladiator. Enjoy a walk through the winding streets of the old town, make your way to the top of the hill, and stare at the views across the surrounding plains. Later, for anyone interested, your CEO will be leading a guided walk to explore the city centre of Marrakech known as Gueliz. Head to the public square and finish out your day at a local spot for dinner on your own.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, tne most famous ksar in the Ounila Valley, located in the foothills of the southern slopes of the High Atlas Mountains. Of all the remaining kasbahs in Morocco, the walls and interior of this area are the most intact. It's a collective grouping of dwellings inside defensive walls and was once one of the many trading posts on the route linking Sudan to Marrakech. The kasbah still houses a few families, but many now live in the adjacent village. Like many of the earthen built fortresses in Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou has been used in many film and television productions like Gladiator, Babel, and Game of Thrones.

ACTIVITY: Your CEO will be leading a guided walk to explore Gueliz and you are welcome to join or stay behind at the hotel. This city centre of Marrakech is a great place to learn more about the local history and see evidence of it as you walk. The route will end at Menara Gardens, built in the 12th century by the Almohad ruler Abd al-Mu'min.

Visit the Akrich Project today outside of Marrakech starting with the tree nursery and the ancient Jewish Cemetery with a local caretaker. Then, hear more about the project details at the women’s cooperative where women who have been challenged by social norms can create a hopeful future for themselves and their families. Sit down for a hands-on weaving experience and an early lunch made by the women of Akrich. Back in Marrakech the group will explore the tranquil courtyards, and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace. This splendid mansion was built in 1866 for a former slave who rose to power within the government. Then, see the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 14th-century Islamic college known for its beautiful Moorish architecture and intricate tilework. Start the guided visit of Marrakech’s medina and prepare for a fully immersive experience of the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of this incredible market. The optional farewell dinner tonight will be at a local food stall within the Djemaa el-Fnaa square.ACTIVITY: Visit this Islamic college founded in the early 14th century, which is now a museum displaying the buildings ornate mosaics, marble tiling, stucco work, and woodcarving.ACTIVITY: Enjoy a guided visit of Marrakech's mighty medina starting by Koutibia mosque. Standing as the city's largest mosque, this structure was a prime example of the12th-century Almohad architecture and it's defining feature is the towering 77-meter minaret, visible throughout the city. Head into the maze of tiny streets and alleyways of the ancient medina to really get a taste of everyday life in Marrakech. Shop to your heart’s content in the souk and seek out spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or the famous Moroccan lanterns.ACTIVITY: On the way back to Marrakech the group will stop at the Akrich Project for a visit and to learn more about the work this G Adventures-supported initiative is doing to support the local community and preserve cultural heritage. First see the organic tree nursery started alongside a historic Jewish cemetery as well as the Aboghlo Women's Cooperative to have lunch and talk with the women who are gaining financial independence here as part of the community. We were to accompany an American visitor, Morton Strauss, to two locations – Akrich, where a HAF organic tree nursery was started in 2012 alongside an historic Jewish cemetery, and the Aboghlo Women’s Cooperative, a HAF partner in the Ourika valley.ACTIVITY: Visit the ruins of what was once the most ornate palace of the 16th-century. Its sunken gardens and pools give a glimpse into its former glory.

Depart at any time.

Opt to get up early and catch the sunrise over Marrakech by pre-booking the Hot Air Balloon excursion. Please ensure you allow enough time to return from the activity when planning your onward journey.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.