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18 Day Absolute Morocco
DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Morocco
Depart for Morocco
DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Casablanca, Travel to Rabat
Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to your hotel in Rabat where you have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the capital city of Morocco. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers at approximately 6 pm, followed by a Welcome Dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 4 pm on day 2 of the itinerary or earlier, if possible
Overnight: Rabat
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Thursday - Rabat City Tour
This morning, take a city tour of Rabat, Morocco's capital and second largest city. Rabat, which means “Fortified Place” displays all of the fine architecture one might expect to see. View the Royal Palace and the ancient ruins of Chellah, a city that traces its origins to the Carthaginians and Phoenicians. Visit the Oudaya Kasbah and the Hassan Tower. Spend the afternoon at leisure
Overnight: Rabat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4, Friday - Travel to Tangier
Today, depart for Tangier, a fascinating Moroccan city guarding the Strait of Gibraltar. Enjoy an orientation tour of Tangier, visiting the Cap Spartel and the cave of Hercules. Have free time for lunch and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps, sip mint tea in one of the cafes along the water, offering panoramic views of the Strait and Atlantic Ocean. Tonight for dinner, you might want to sample tajine pescado (fish stew) a regional specialty
Overnight: Tangier
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Saturday - Explore Tangier
This morning take a tour of Tangier. The city has served as Europe's gateway to Africa for centuries. Its blend of international and cross-cultural influences is unique in Morocco. Visit the Tangier American Legation, an elegant five-story mansion located in the medina. It is the only American National Historic Landmark outside the U.S. Walk through Perdicaris Parc, a lush natural landscape within the city. Experience the atmosphere of the Grand Soco, Tangier’s largest market, as well as the legendary kasbah
Overnight: Tangier
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6, Sunday - Chefchaouen en route to Fez
Depart Tangier and head south to Fez. Along the way stop at Chefchaouen, nestled in Morocco’s Rif Mountains. The city is known as "The Blue Pearl" is painted in various shades of blue, a custom that dates back to the 15th century, when an influx of Jews escaping the Spanish Inquisition settled in Chefchaouen. They brought along the tradition of painting buildings blue to mirror the sky and remind them of God. Afterward, continue to mystical Fez, one of the four imperial cities of Morocco. Take a short bus tour of the city conducted by your Tour Manager on the way to the hotel
Overnight: Fez
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Monday - Full Day in Fez
Enjoy a full day at leisure to bravely wander the old medina yourself or, choose to take to guided optional tour where you will visit the many hidden treasures of the medina that only a Moroccan guide will know. Fez served as the capital of Morocco for more than 400 years and is home to the University of Al Karaouine, the oldest operating university in the world. It is particularly famous for its tanneries and the Fes el Bali Medina. A short visit to the surrounding leather shops gives you the best view of the tanneries. See the Attarine Medersa, Moulay Idriss mausoleum, and visit the Nejjarine Fountains and Museum. Opportunities for shopping for authentic Moroccan carpets will be provided. Finally, view the exterior of the Royal Palace and walk through the famed Jewish quarter of the medina. Though the city has endured periods of hardship, it has emerged more vibrant than ever, boasting its own distinctive culture, art, and even cuisine. This evening, enjoy a special dinner hosted by a local family and learn about Moroccan culture and traditions*
*Home hosted dinner in Fez may be moved to another day, according to your host’s availability.
Optional: Full Day Fez (AM)
Overnight: Fez
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Tuesday - Travel to Erfoud
This will be a long and rewarding touring day. After breakfast, depart for Erfoud via the montane cedar woods of the middle Atlas Mountains, passing by Ifrane, a charming ski resort. Continue to Erfoud via Errachidia and the lush Ziz Valley. Arrive to your Erfoud hotel in the early evening
Overnight: Erfoud
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Wednesday - Rissani City Tour
This morning, depart to explore the small city of Rissani, on the edge of the Sahara. En route, stop at a fossil factory to learn more about this unique activity which is famous in the region. Time permitting, you will visit a local community center and learn about the community first hand. Upon arrival to Rissani, tour the lively souk and visit an 18th-century ksar. Next, discover the ancient ruins of Sijilmasa on the River Ziz, once a bustling Berber city and medieval trade depot. Return to Erfoud for an afternoon at leisure or, join the optional tour of the Sahara, including a camel ride into the desert. After sunset, return to your hotel
Optional: Sahara Excursion with Lunch
Overnight: Erfoud
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Thursday - Travel to Ait Benhaddou
This morning, continue your journey to Tinghir via the Tinjdad Road. View the magnificent Todgha canyons, which rise to a towering 800 feet. After a brief stop in the Dades Canyons, continue to Ait Benhaddou via the road of the thousand Kasbahs, and the Dades Valley, famous for its roses. Arrive at the hotel in Ait Benhaddou later in the evening
Overnight: Ait Benhaddou (Ouarzazate region)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11, Friday - Visit Ait Benhaddou, Travel to Marrakesh
After breakfast, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, a ksar - or fortified city - along a former caravan route. Its desert-dusted Kasbah and maze-like warrens are sure to enthrall you. The ksar has served as a backdrop in film and TV productions from Gladiatorto Game of Thrones. Next, make your way to the magical city of Marrakesh for overnight
Overnight: Marrakesh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 12, Saturday - Marrakesh City Tour
After breakfast, enjoy a morning tour of the city. Visit the Saadian Tombs, dating back to the 16th century, where Saadian royalty found their final resting place. Your tour also includes the Koutoubia Minaret, as well as the beautiful Bahia Palace. Finally, end the tour by walking through the medina, getting a chance to admire all of the different artisans performing their craft before arriving at the Djemaa el Fna Square. Spend the afternoon at leisure for individual exploration, or perhaps join the optional tour where you will have a chance to watch couscous being made, while enjoying a traditional lunch, as well as visiting the Majorelle Gardens
Optional: Marrakesh Culinary Demonstration & Majorelle Gardens with Lunch (PM)
Overnight: Marrakesh
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13, Sunday - Full Day in Marrakesh
Today, the entire day is yours to explore the city on your own. Perhaps head to the Dar Si Said Museum, a homage to the influence of wood in Moroccan crafts. Consider a visit to the Souks, the famed markets of the city. Here, you'll find everything from handicrafts to spices to clothing. Perhaps join the morning optional Ourika Valley tour. The Ourika Valley rises slowly to the first hills of the High Atlas, where typical Moroccan villages are scattered amidst the towering mountains. See the natural majesty of Morocco at its finest, a pristine and marvelous place where only the birds disturb the silence. Tonight attend the optional Dinner with Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
Optional: Ourika Valley tour (AM)
Optional: Dinner with Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride (PM)
Overnight: Marrakesh
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14, Monday - Travel to Agadir
After breakfast, head south towards the resort town of Agadir, in the foothills of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend time at leisure. Maybe decide to partake in an optional Berber massage. The ancient Berbers were a nomadic people who were constantly on their feet, moving from place to place. The massage begins with a foot and leg rub, ending with a full body deep msucle massage. Tonight, head to the beachfront promenade lined with a wide variety of restaurants and cafes
Optional: Berber Massage
Overnight: Agadir
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 15, Tuesday - Agadir City Tour, Travel to Essaouira
Embark on a city tour of Agadir, where you will have the chance to view the beaches of this former fishing village as well as the hilltop ruins of the old kasbah. It was at Agadir that the European conflict began between Germany and France that opened the door for France to seize nearly all of Morocco. This afternoon, set out for the city of Essaouira. Along the way, stop at the Marjana Cooperative, to view traditional methods of extracting Argan Oil. The demand for the oil has grown drastically due to its heavy use in cosmetics and cuisine in the West. Continue on to Essaouira. Also known as Mogador, the modern city of Essaouira was not constructed until the late 18th century by Mohammed III. French and Arab influences shine through in this medina's architecture. Essaouira played a major role in maritime trade, bridging Sub-Saharan Africa with Europe. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Free time this evening to explore the city on your own before dinner with the group
Overnight: Essaouira
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 16, Wednesday - Essaouira City Tour
This morning, enjoy a guided tour through Essaouira's medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an excellent example of a fortified North African town. Spanish cannons still line the battlements while parasols dot the harbor's beaches, creating a remarkably picturesque setting. You will walk along the city's ramparts just north of Moulay Hassan Square where local artists sell their paintings. Continue on to the Skala de la Ville, which is a fortification built along the cliffs that defended the city from sea attacks, but now provides visitors with an unparalleled view of the port and its bright-colored fishing boats. In the Medina, artisans, and craftsmen practice their trades as they have for hundreds of years. Explore the many souks in the medina, including the spice and jewelry souks. The city is also famed for hosting the Gnaoua World Music Festival, which draws musicians from across the world who come to play with the Gnaoua mystics. Spend the balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Essaouira
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 17, Thursday - Travel to Casablanca, Casablanca City Tour
Today, journey to Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco. Casablanca's history goes back thousands of years as the Berbers established settlements there around the 10th century BC. Along the way stop for lunch before continuing to Casablanca. Upon arrival, take a tour of the city including the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque*, the largest Mosque in Morocco and the beautiful Corniche seaside. Continue on a short drive through the residential areas of Casablanca to the city center to visit the Mohamed V Square, the Habous quarter and the Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner
*Interior visits during afternoon leisure time may not be possible due to winter prayer schedule
Overnight: Casablanca
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 18, Friday - Depart Morocco
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
