Make ready for an extraordinary 11-day tour that unveils the heart and soul of Morocco, from the modern capital of Rabat to the enchanting city of Marrakesh. Begin your journey in Rabat, where history meets modernity. Explore the iconic Hassan Tower, walk through the serene Andalusian Gardens, and see the Royal Palace's majestic architecture. Continue to Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of the country. Embark on an exciting camel trek in the Sahara, witness a breathtaking sunset, and experience the enchantment of a starlit desert night. Wake up to the Sahara sunrise and visit Merzouga, a captivating oasis town. Reach Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Desert" Explore the ancient Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in the vibrant city of Marrakesh, where old-world charm meets modern buzz
Highlights
See the Hassan Tower and walk through the Andalusian Gardens in Rabat
Visit the Roman archaeological site in Volubilis
Discover Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of the country
Venture south to the Sahara Desert, a mesmerizing landscape of golden dunes
Learn Berber traditions and taste local cuisine in Merzouga
Explore the ancient Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Experience the vibrant city of Marrakesh, where old charm meets modern buzz
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be met and greeted by a representative who will assist you with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel in Rabat. Time permitting, cross the city of Casablanca to see the Hassan II mosque, one of the largest in the Islamic world.
Visit the Mohamed V Mausoleum this morning, a magnificent work of Moroccan art and craftsmanship situated next to the historic Hassan Tower, constructed in the late 12th century. You enter Kasbah Oudaya and its 17th-century Andalusia-style gardens. You leave Rabat and head inland to Meknes for a comprehensive tour of the city’s highlights, such as the impressive granaries and stables, the monumental gates, and El Hedim Square. You will spend the afternoon exploring Volubilis, the most significant Roman archaeological site in Morocco, before continuing on to Fez.
Fez will stimulate all your senses as you go on a guided tour inside the old town, across food and spice markets, handicraft quarters, auction squares, and colorful stores. Make stops to see medieval theological schools, shrines, and museums. Fes is a world of its own, where time stands still.
In the afternoon, you will move to a different part of the city to explore what used to be the largest Jewish quarter in Morocco, dating back to the time of the migration of the Jews from Spain in the late 15th century. You will visit the 17th-century synagogues before going for some panoramic views over this impressive city.
Today, travel beyond Fez through the Middle Atlas Mountains across the cedar forest at 7000 ft. of altitude. In the afternoon, you will reach the pre-desert area, where you will see the tents of nomadic shepherds and their herds of goats and sheep along the way. Before reaching Erfoud, your gateway to the Sahara desert, you will stop for photos along the magnificent gorges of the Ziz valley, the towering palm trees, and the fortified villages made of mud.
This morning you will head south to Rissani, built over the remains of a medieval caravan city. You will discover the historical mud-made villages where local communities live as well as the sanctuary of the founder of the Moroccan royal dynasty. In the afternoon, you will take 4x4 cars to the dunes of Merzouga, where you will enjoy a tour highlight as you set out on a camel ride over the beautiful high dunes of the Sahara desert to reach your comfortably accommodated campsite. You will be served a traditional dinner and entertained by a local music group. Prepare for an enchanting evening under the starlit desert sky.
After enjoying the sunrise over the dunes, you will have breakfast and leave the Sahara desert for a scenic drive across a series of luxuriant oases. Travel along a marvelous canyon and explore the 984-foot-deep Todra Gorge, home to a variety of rare plants and bird species. Drive through “The Valley of the Roses” in the afternoon before arriving in Ouarzazate.
After breakfast, start your journey from the Kasbah, which was once the home of the "Lords of the Atlas," before leaving Ouarzazate for a barren plateau with some film sets and studios, where several famous movies have been shot. You will stop at the UNESCO-protected village of Ait Ben Haddou, which is one of the most beautiful examples of Berber architecture. After lunch, you will set sail for Marrakech along the most spectacular scenic road in Morocco. Check in at your hotel, and time permitting, you may join the tour leader for a walk on the square of Jemaa El Fna, where different local entertainers perform.
First thing today, stand by the city’s landmark, the Koutoubia Mosque and minaret of the late 12th century. Then enter the Kasbah from Bab Agnaou gate to visit the Saadian Necropolis of the 16th century and continue through the 12th-century Kasbah and its food market, bakeries, and narrow alleyways to the Badii palace built in the 16th century. Admire the marvelous pulpit of the Koutoubia mosque, made in 1137. Continue to visit the Bahia palace and discover this splendid home built by a powerful Vizir for his Harem. Your tour will come to an end with a stroll through the Jewish neighborhood, where you can see the historic synagogue that Sephardic Jews constructed in 1492.
After a break for lunch, you will be guided through artisan quarters and the colorful Souks to interact with the real life of Marrakech's people. Before sunset, you will be strolling in the square for which the city is so famed, Jemaa El Fna, where hundreds of locals and tourists come to spend the end of the day watching jugglers, dancers, fortune tellers, storytellers, and traditional musicians.
You may wish to stay here for dinner on the square, where you can sample street foods from simple kebabs to the most bizarre recipes, or sit comfortably in one of the good restaurants around for a nice dinner before you return to your hotel.
Today you will visit the gardens and museums of Marrakech, starting at Dar Si Said, a museum of traditional arts. Visit the Museum of Birt Flint, where a private collection of sub-Saharan and Berber artifacts is displayed. From here, you will drive to The famous Majorelle Gardens, designed in the ’20s of the last century and owned by Yves Saint-Laurent, where he set up the Berber Museum. The rest of your day will be at leisure to rest, explore the artisan quarters for shopping or discover more of the city.
After breakfast, drive to the charming seaside historical city of Essaouira. Stop en route to see the women's cooperative that makes fresh Moroccan Argan oil. Once in Essaouira, go for a guided stroll in the colorful spice markets, the old Portuguese fort, and the fishing port. Along the way, admire the skills of cabinet-making artisans in their workshops. Essaouira is a great place to enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the stalls in the port. Tonight, you will enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the best restaurants in town.
Day 11: Return Home
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Marrakech Airport for your return flight.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 35%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
