Highlights of Morocco

If you want to hit Morocco’s highlights, this is your adventure. Wander through kasbahs, spice markets, and cities pulsing with energy...

Morocco
DAY 1 Casablanca

Arrive at any time. Please note that this tour does not spend any time in Casablanca. You may wish to come a day early in order to explore Casablanca, and take some time to see its medina, beachfront, and classic examples of Art Deco architecture. Be sure to also visit the spectacular Hassan II Mosque. Entrance is only permitted via guided tours, which operate from Saturday to Thursday at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, and 15:00, and on Fridays at 9:00, 10:00, and 15:00. These times are subject to change (particularly around Ramadan), please double check times with your hotel. Tickets can be purchased at the mosque.

Administrative

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

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.

DAY 2 Casablanca/Chefchaouen

Stop in Tangier for a guided tour of the medina before continuing on to Chefchaouen for the evening. Depart in the morning for Tangier. Take a guided tour of city sites, including the medina, kasbah, Grand Socco (a bustling square at the entrance to the medina) and Petit Socco, a little square in the medina perfect for people-watching and mint tea-drinking. In the afternoon, continue on to Chefchaouen.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Casablanca- Tangier5h

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

Land Tour

Tangier Guided Tour

Tangier2h-3h

Explore the city and learn more about this melting pot. With culture, cuisine and language coming from North Africa, Spain, Portugal, and France, this bustling port city is unique and fascinating. Visit the Kasbah, grand souk, petit souk, and the old medina. Marvel at the panoramic views of Gibraltar, Tarifa, and the meeting point between Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Tangier- Chefchaouen2h

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

DAY 3 Chefchaouen

Enjoy a free day in Chefchaouen to explore. The city, whitewashed in different shades of blue, is spectacular on its own but with the surrounding mountains, it's a sight to behold. At sunset, opt to visit the Spanish Mosque for a stunning panoramic view of the city. Take in the view from the mountains by pre-booking the Rif Valley Mountains Hike when booking your tour.

Free Time

ChefchaouenFULL_DAY

Nature or culture — why choose? Explore everything on your must-experience list during free time.

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Optional Activities - Day 3Show

DAY 4 Chefchaouen/Fès

Enjoy a G Adventures-supported traditional lunch before taking a guided tour of the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Continue on to Fès. Continue through the rolling hills to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Take a guided tour of the best-preserved Roman ruins in this part of Northern Africa, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After, continue to the imperial city of Fès, one of Morocco's most interesting cities. Enjoy free time this evening.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Chefchaouen- Meknès4.5h

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

Planeterra

Your G for Good Moment: AFER Association Community Lunch

Meknès1.5h

Enjoy a G Adventures-supported traditional lunch that benefits rural Moroccan women and children with disabilities. The association provides vital services including literacy and vocational training, health services, disability assistance, and the operation of a local ambulance. AFER’s training center hosts culinary programs recognized by the state, and each year it graduates 30 students, many of whom go on to work in the project. Through this work, AFER creates sustainable employment, fosters community cohesion, and showcases Moroccan culture to travellers. During your visit, enjoy a traditional home-cooked Moroccan meal, featuring classic dishes such as vegetable tagine or roasted chicken with onion sauce, and meet some of the women that are part of this important community program. This experience not only supports livelihoods but also celebrates Moroccan heritage and rural resilience.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Meknès- Volubilis0.75h

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

Land Tour

Volubilis Guided Tour

Volubilis1.5h-2h

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.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Volubilis- Fès2h

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

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Optional Activities - Day 4Show

DAY 5 Fès

Explore the labyrinth of streets within the famous Fès medina with a local guide. Take in a view of one of the ancient tanneries from above and marvel at the myriad of colour and processes. The Fès medina is the world’s largest living medieval medina and a UNESCO site. Explore the artisan quarters, sample treats from the carts, and view Fès' famous leather tannery from above.

Land Tour

Fès Medina Guided Tour

Fès

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

FèsAFTERNOON

Get lost in the medina or explore the new city. The choice is yours.

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Optional Activities - Day 5Show

DAY 6 Fès/Merzouga

Enjoy a long, but beautiful, travel day across the unique landscapes of Morocco to get to the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. Travel through the diverse landscapes that make Morocco so unique. Pass through cedar and pine forests, keeping an eye out for Barbary apes. Pass over the Middle Atlas Mountains through the pre-desert countryside with its deep gorges filled with a splendid oasis of green palm groves. Arrive at the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. Spend the night in a desert auberge (simple hotel), located right on the edge of the dunes. Have a local-style dinner and spend the night.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Fès- Merzouga6h-7h336km

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

DAY 7 Merzouga

Explore the sand dunes by foot or opt to take a 4x4 excursion around the dunes. In the late afternoon, enjoy a camel ride to watch the sunset before returning to your hotel for an evening of entertainment. Spend the cool morning exploring the undulating golden sand of the dunes, discovering the surrounding communities on a land cruiser desert excursions. You can pre-book this optional excursion when booking your tour. In the afternoon, take a camel ride deep into the dunes to watch the sunset. Learn to tie a turban to keep the desert sun off your face and add a little flare to photos. This evening, indulge in a traditional dinner, then gather around a campfire under the stars near to your hotel. Listen to stories about life in this region and, perhaps, some traditional music on the drums.

Animal

Camel Ride

Merzouga

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.

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Optional Activities - Day 7Show

DAY 8 Merzouga/Todra Gorge

Rise early to watch the sunrise. After breakfast, continue through a stone desert to the stunning Todra Gorge. Wedged between massive cliff walls, the gorge is filled with a green oasis of palm trees. This serene spot is great for hiking, relaxing on the edge of the river or sampling some local Amazigh delicacies.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Merzouga- Todra Gorge3.5h

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

DAY 9 Todra Gorge/Aït Ben Haddou

Visit the Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Opt to participate in a tagine cooking class for an intro to Moroccan cuisine. Travel along the “Route of 1000 Kasbahs” to the thriving town of Ouarzazate for a lunch stop. This town is home to Atlas Film Studios, where many films have been shot over the years, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Continue on to the fascinating and beautiful Aït Ben Haddou, a wonderful example of a kasbah. In the evening there may be the chance for an optional cooking class. Learn the secrets of how to make the perfect tagine and then sample your skills for dinner.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Todra Gorge- Aït Ben Haddou4h

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

Land Tour

Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah Tour

Aït Ben Haddou2h-3h

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, the 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.

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Optional Activities - Day 9Show

DAY 10 Ait Benhaddou / High Atlas Mountains

Enjoy a hike to the village of Aroumd (Aremd), at the base of the High Atlas Mountains. Soak in views of Mt Toubkal from the mountain gîte hideaway before a home-cooked dinner. Leave the pre-desert country for the magnificent High Atlas Mountain landscape, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2260m. Head into the splendid Toubkal National Park, passing through small villages on winding mountain roads, arriving at the village of Imlil. Embark on the 1 hour hike from Imlil to the little village of Aroumd (Aremd), arriving at our simple mountain gîte for the night. Enjoy a homemade dinner of local produce in the cozy salon. Settle in and enjoy the tranquility, fantastic views, and clean mountain air of this magical region.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Aït Ben Haddou- Imlil5h

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

People

Your Local Living Moment: Mountain Gîte Stay with Traditional Moroccan Meal

Aroumd (Aremd)

After a short hike uphill, arrive at a cozy mountain gîte where we will spend the night. Breath in fresh mountain air while taking in amazing views of the surrounding Atlas Mountains before sitting down to a traditional, homemade dinner made with local produce.

Human

Hiking

Imlil- Aroumd (Aremd)1h

While the hike to the gîte is uphill, it is achievable by anyone of average fitness. Take it at a slow pace!

DAY 11 High Atlas Mountains / Essaouira

Hike back to Imlil and transfer to the coastal town of Essaouira. Along the way stop by the G Adventure—supported Zarbiat Achbarou Cooperative Project for a carpet weaving demonstration and some tea before continuing on. The remainder of the day in Essaouira is free for exploration. After breakfast, take a scenic hike back down the mountain to meet the van in Imlil and head to the coastal town of Essaouira, arriving mid-afternoon. There will be a stop along the way to Zarbiat Achbarou Cooperative. The rest of the day is free to explore as you wish. Browse the many shops for leather, jewellery, lamps or trinkets. Watch the brightly painted ships bring their catch into the busy harbour or take a stroll along the long, sandy beach. This is the perfect place to enjoy some local seafood and unwind.

Human

Walking

Aroumd (Aremd)- Imlil1h

Lace up your shoes and get to the next stop under your own power.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Imlil- Essaouira

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

Your G for Good Moment: Zarbiat Achbarou Cooperative Visit with Tea

Morocco1h

Today the group will visit the Zarbiat Achbarou Cooperative, where they will learn more about the work this G Adventures-supported initiative is doing to support the local community and preserve cultural heritage. Start with a brief explanation of the project and talk with the women who are gaining financial independence here as part of the community. Then, enjoy a detailed, hands-on workshop where travellers will immerse themselves in the intricate art of traditional carpet weaving. Combine this with a cozy tea break featuring traditional cookies and learn about the history, techniques, and cultural significance of carpet weaving while enjoying a taste of local hospitality.

Free Time

EssaouiraAFTERNOON

Essaouira is a funky, Portguese-flavoured, hippie, coastal village. Get crazy.

DAY 12 Essaouira

Enjoy a free day exploring this coastal port town any way you like. Want to soothe aching muscles? Pre-book the Traditional Hammam Experience when booking your tour.

Free Time

EssaouiraFULL_DAY

Don't waste a minute — get going and explore this seaside city.

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Optional Activities - Day 12Show

DAY 13 Essaouira/Marrakech

Drive to Marrakech for a medina tour with a local guide. Opt to visit Djemaa el Fna Square in the evening to see the gathering of musicians and street performers. Journey to Marrakech. After arriving in the "Red City," join a certified city guide for a tour of the Marrakech medina. Later, opt to discover the secrets of this amazing, ancient city. Relax at one of the tea houses around the square, watching the hustle and bustle from a shady spot. End the day like a local with an optional group dinner in the famous food stalls of Djemaa el Fna.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Essaouira- Marrakech3h

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

Landmark

Marrakech Medina Guided Tour

Marrakech

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 search out spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or the famous Moroccan lanterns as you experience the sights and sounds of bustling Marrakech.

DAY 14 Marrakech

Enjoy a final free day to explore. Opt to get up early and catch the sunrise over Marrakech by pre-booking the Hot Air Balloon excursion. Another great place to start your day of exploring is Djemaa el Fna square, in the heart of the medina. The square changes its offerings throughout the day. Finish up your souvenir shopping or wander the new part of the city for a taste of the modern.

Free Time

MarrakechFULL_DAY

Explore for one final day in magical Morocco. Free time is yours to spend as you want!

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Optional Activities - Day 14Show

DAY 15 Marrakech

Depart at any time.

Day
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