Highlights of Morocco
(15 days)

Close Details

Day 1: Join tour Fes

Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Riad Yacout

Day 2: Morning sightseeing, afternoon walk through Old Fes

We have a full day today to take in 'the artisan capital of Morocco' and during the morning's sightseeing we will have a chance to take in the mosques and souks of the Fes el Bali, view the Royal Palace and drive out to North Borj for some great views back across the city. Craftwork made and sold in the Fes medina is considered amongst the finest in Morocco and a wander through its artisan districts reveal weavers and brass workshops, coppersmiths and tanners, producing beautiful pieces much as they have for generations. Beautiful buildings abound in this city as well, including the Sanctuary of Moulay Idriss 2nd, the Karouine Mosque and the Al Andalus Mosque (viewed from the outside only). After lunch our exploration of the city continues with a tour of Fes El Bali (Old Fes), exploring the souks in the backstreets, wandering past the spice stalls and taking in the opulent majesty of the 14th century Attarin Medersa, whose intricate decoration and elegant design makes it one of the city's most captivating medieval colleges. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Riad Yacout Included meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Visit Meknes, Moulay Idriss and Volublis

Departing Fes this morning we drive onto the city of Meknes, once the heart of the Moroccan Sultanate, lying amidst the landscapes of the Oued Boufekrane River valley. 'The Sultan loved Meknes, and he would have liked never to leave it' once wrote a chronicler to the tyrannical Sultan Moulay Ismail. Ismail (1672-1727) was a tireless builder, and his greatest efforts were reserved for his capital at Meknes, which at its peak, with over 20 grand gateways and 50 palaces, must have been a sight to inspire any who looked upon it. This morning we enjoy a guided tour of its major highlights, including the old granaries of the Heri es- Souni and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail himself. In spite of Ismail's seemingly unquenchable blood lust and far from benevolent treatment of his subjects, the sultan still seems to be held in high regard and his tomb is something of a place of reverence even today amongst a people who still see his rule as Morocco's 'Golden Age'. We'll also take in the Bab el Khamis Gate and walk through the city's spectacular centrepiece, the Bab Mansour, en route to the Place el Hedim and the city's Medina, where we can try our bartering skills in the busy markets. Later this afternoon we head into the hills to the north, to visit the holy city of Moulay Idriss, named after Morocco's most revered saint and creator of the country's first Arab dynasty, before then moving on to explore the ancient site of Volubilis, the capital of the Roman province of Mauritania Tingitana. The detailed mosaics here are still intact and the site provides us with a good idea of the layout of Rome's imperial provincial settlements. From here we return back to Fes. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Riad Yacout Included meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Drive over the Middle Atlas to Erfoud

Turning south today we climb steadily into the dramatic landscapes of the Middle Atlas, heading first towards to Immouzer and Ifrane and passing near the small mountain village of Azrou, which in the Berber tongue translates as 'the rock'. This is the land of the fiercely independent Berbers, the "Lords of the Atlas", whose traditions and ways still hold sway up here in their mountain strongholds far away from the cities below. The Berbers present us with a unique view of a way of life lost to the rest of North Africa, where music and dance, even language and religion, are far removed from their Arab neighbours. Continuing into Berber sheep-raising country we head to Timadite and over the Col du Zad, before crossing the Tizi N'Tairhemt 'Camel Pass' and continuing via the Gorge du Ziz to Er Rachidia. Finally we traverse a broad plateau past Meski Oasis, the so-called 'Blue Spring' bordering the arid desert plains, from where our journey brings us at last to the on to the desert settlement of Erfoud. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Kasbah Xalucca Included meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Drive to Merzouga via Rissani

Our day starts by following the meandering Ziz River towards Rissani, the last sizeable community and the end of the vegetation belt before the dunes of the 'Sand Sea' begin. The settlement is the homeland of the Alaouite dynasty, which reigned in this region for 300 years, and this morning we'll have an opportunity to visit the founder's Mausoleum and explore something of the local ksour (fortified villages). After lunch, we then drive on to the settlement of Merzouga, which lies on the edge of Erg Chebbi, an area of spectacular high dunes that are amongst some of Morocco's most spectacular natural landscapes. The afternoon is then free to simply relax, take a 4WD trip around the dunes to explore the surrounding area, or take a camel ride into the haunting V-shape dunes that seem to creep slowly across the desert floor. Alternatively, you may choose to appreciate their vastness by climbing them. The word 'erg' is Arabic for 'great sand dune area' and although many people imagine the Sahara as an endless sea of rolling golden sand dunes, they actually cover only about one fifth of its surface, the rest being covered by vast rock and gravel plains. Today even affords an opportunity to spend tonight camping out in the desert in a traditional Berber-style tent (optional), to truly appreciate the captivating tranquillity of this desert setting. Please note: due to limited daylight hours during the winter months, we will only be able to offer either the 4WD or camel excursion in combination with the overnight camping. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) in Auberge Tombouctou Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Drive to Boumaine via Tinerhir and the Todra Gorge

Following an ancient route along the southern slopes of the Atlas, we reach the town of Tinerhir, set amongst the dramatic ochrecoloured cliffs of the Todra Gorge. There may be time on arrival this afternoon to take a walk amongst the famous lush palmeries that line the banks of the nearby Todra River (optional). Extending some way along the river's course, the gardens are a lush oasis of produce, with date palms and olive groves, fruit orchards and almonds, all littered amongst a fertile landscape of grain and vegetables. From here we then continue west, towards the meandering course of the Dades River and the town of Boumalene, passing into a sparse and dramatic landscape that is home to an array of birdlife that includes buzzards and cream-coloured coursers and even rare Houbara bustards. These harsh lands were once the tribal heartlands of the Ait-Alouane, fierce, seminomadic tribesmen who were the virtual rulers of the Draa and Dades Valleys. Part of a greater confederation of tribes collectively known as the Ait-Atta, these were the last of the Berbers to finally submit to the French during the fierce fighting of the 1930s. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) in Xaluca Dades Included meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Walking in the Dades Gorge

The waters of the Dades River feed the Dades Valley as it flows from the slopes of the High Atlas and across the high plateau, carving the great chasms of the Dades Gorge, before it continues to feed the waters of the Ouarzazate Lake and the Draa. Today we will enjoy a walk through this most remarkable of settings, spending some 3 hours taking in a landscape steeped in natural and cultural treasures, where Kasbahs and kours (fortified villages) lie amongst fertile fields of almond and walnut trees and towering limestone cliffs. Beginning in the region of Ait Youl we head towards the small Berber village of Ait Oudinar (1600m), following the trails and fields that lie along the course of the river, from where we will return to Boumaine. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) in Xaluca Dades Included meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Drive to Ouarzazate via the Valley of 1000 Kasbahs

Known as the 'Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs', the Dades Valley region can boast some of the most authentic Berber settlements of all the Southern Oasis Valleys, each of the oasis towns benefiting from its own distinctive feel and, whilst many of the original Kasbahs now lie in ruins, there are still enough to give a real flavour of Morocco's ancient heritage, with some of the valley women still favouring the traditional colourful dress and ornaments worn by their forebears. We'll pass through this fascinating landscape this morning, heading for the town of El Kelaa des M'Gouna, lying at the foot of a rocky outcrop that separates the Dades and Mgoun Valleys. Famed for its roses, the town lies blanketed under a landscape of scented blooms each spring, which are then harvested in May during the famous Festival of the Roses and processed into rosewater to be sold throughout the Islamic world. Later this afternoon we make our way towards the small, fortified Berber settlement of Ait Benhaddou, which has been classified by UNESCO as a 'World Heritage Site' and is considered by many to be one of Morocco's most picturesque settings. Studded with crenellated towers and richly decorated, the town's Kasbah is quite spectacular and provided an ideal location for filming scenes from 'Jesus of Nazareth' and 'Lawrence of Arabia'. Our final destination for the evening is the town of Ouarzazate. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) in Dar Kamar Included meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Drive to Ouled Berhil via Tazenakhte

This morning we head through the landscapes of the Anti Atlas, travelling via the settlements of Tazenakhte and Taliouine, with its magnificent, decaying Kasbah, towards Ouled Berhil, stopping to visit some saffron cooperative en route and arriving later this afternoon. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Riad Hida Included meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Visit Tiout and Taroudant and drive to Agadir

Today has been left free for you to relax in the pleasant surroundings of this hidden corner of Morocco. You may like to join a trip out to the village of Tiout south of Taroudant in the Souss Valley at the foot of the Anti Atlas mountains. Here we can walk through the fields and palmgroves of this idyllic spot and discover the caid's kasbah once part of the extensive feudal holdings of the Glaoui empire. We enjoy some of the most famous views of the Sous Valley from the kasbah promontory and may be sample the local mint tea. Later we will visit Taroudant known as the 'Pearl of the Sous'. It has lain at the centre of political life of the Sous Valley for generations. Lying before the imposing backdrop of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, amidst a landscape of olive groves and orange orchards, the town lies behind an impressive bastion of fortified towers and some of the best-preserved walls in the country. Strategically important and site of the region's most important market, Taroudant once commanded a network of major trading routes and even today its bustling market lies at the centre of life.We will then continue our journey to Agadir where we stay overnight. Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++) in Hotel Palais Des Roses Included meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Drive to Essaouira

This morning we will have some free time in Agadir to take in the setting of one of the Portuguese's major coastal trading ports, before the European settlers were driven out in the mid 16th century by a powerful confederation of tribes led by the Saadians. Alternatively you may wish to relax and wander along the beach. We will then continue east towards the Atlantic coast and the historic port of Essaouira. The town is a delightful haven of whitewashed houses and dramatic medieval walls set before a scene of empty beaches and crashing waves. One of Morocco's most popular resorts it has gained a reputation over recent years as a venue for International wind surfing competitions, the local winds (alizees) creating perfect conditions amongst the Atlantic rollers. Arriving in Essaouira late this afternoon there should be time for a short orientation tour of the city before dinner. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) in Riad Mimouna Included meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Free day in Essaouira

The day is free for independent explorations in this colourful coastal fishing town. Situated within 15th century Portuguese fortifications, the town has a relaxed but lively feel and an experience not to be missed is a visit to the old walled Medina. After passing through the narrow, highly decorated arched entrance, it may be hard to resist snapping up last minute gifts such as locally made rustic leather belts, gleaming gold and silver jewellery, or wooden boxes exquisitely inlaid with ebony and mother of pearl by local craftsmen. The lively throng of the Medina, with its local women carrying out their daily routines, veiled in their traditional dress, forms a sharp contrast to the open golden sands of the harbour area where hopeful seabirds can be seen circling above the fisherman as they return from the blue waters with their daily catches. We suggest a stroll around the old town, perhaps taking in the Mellah (the old Jewish Quarter) or maybe a wander along the fine sandy beach and through the harbour. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) in Riad Mimouna Included meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Drive to Marrakech; PM optional walking tour

A morning drive takes us east to Marrakech, where we'll have the better part of two days to explore a city that has for centuries been a meeting place for the mountain Berbers and the desert peoples of the south. This afternoon there will be an opportunity to explore something of its rich heritage with an optional sightseeing tour of Morocco's fascinating 'Red City'. Like many North African towns, Marrakech is divided into two distinct parts, the Gueliz (the modern Frenchbuilt city) and the Medina (the Old City), a place where trade and barter amongst the colourful souks still renders its ancient heart a glittering cacophony of noise and colour. Journeying into this vibrant city with a local guide affords a chance to discover some of its most enthralling sites. The city's beating heart is the spectacular Djemma-el-Fna, a site not to be missed and a scene straight out of the pages of the Arabian Nights. Here you will find the streets and alleys alive with storytellers and musicians, jugglers and acrobats, snake charmers and clowns. Marrakech is a city like no other, boasting a staggering array of spectacular architecture and wonderful facades and not to be missed are the Koutoubia mosque and tower, Saadian tombs, Ben Youssef medersa, the Dar Si Said Palace (now the Museum of Moroccan Art) and the Menara gardens. This evening there is also an opportnuity to visit a traditional Hammam. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) in Hivernage Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Free in Marrakech

Today has been left free to continue exploring this amazing city at your leisure. You can wander past vendors selling doughnuts and fried grasshoppers, meander through native markets where Muslim women, their hands and feet dyed with henna, call out to sell their wares, and enjoy the sounds and the smells of the exotic. Perhaps you will prefer to take time to enjoy more of the remarkable Medina, haggling for a bargain or two, or simply sitting at one of the local cafés and watching the street tableaux unfold before you. Do remember that many of the mosques will be forbidden to non-Muslims and be careful of photographing women, however photogenic they look, as the Moroccans are very sensitive about such things. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask. Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) in Hivernage Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Tour ends Marrakech

Included meals: Breakfast