Morocco Eclipse Adventure

Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Casablanca airport, you will be met and transferred directly to your hotel. If you arrive early, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore the city at your leisure.

For travelers arriving via Marrakech, an early arrival option is available. This includes an overnight stay in Marrakech and a seamless transfer to Casablanca to join the rest of the group.

Start your morning at the iconic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. Rising above the Atlantic Ocean, its intricate mosaics, carved marble, and soaring minaret beautifully showcase Morocco’s architectural brilliance.

Next, travel to Rabat, the nation’s serene capital. Here, explore historic landmarks as you pass the Royal Palace of Rabat, admire the red sandstone Hassan Tower, and visit the elegant Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of modern Moroccan design.

In the afternoon, continue north to Tangier, the vibrant port city where Africa meets Europe. After settling into your hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Relax, take a scenic coastal stroll, and enjoy dinner while listening to the rhythm of the waves, an ideal introduction to your time in Tangier.

Depart early this morning from the hotel and travel along the Atlantic coast to Achakar Beach, a stunning natural setting just outside the city. This scenic location offers expansive ocean views and serves as an exceptional vantage point.

At 08:40, the partial eclipse begins, as the moon gradually crosses the sun and daylight softens into a surreal twilight. Watch as the coastline darkens, shadows deepen across the sand, and the sky shifts into golden and silvery hues. At 09:44, totality begins, an extraordinary 4 minutes and 51 seconds of near darkness, peaking at 09:47, when stars and planets become visible in the daytime sky. Totality ends at 09:49, and the light slowly returns until the eclipse concludes at 11:00.

After this unforgettable celestial event, return to Tangier for a guided walk through the lively old medina. Wander narrow streets lined with traditional homes, artisan workshops, and vibrant markets, passing through the historic squares of Grand Socco and Petit Socco, longstanding gathering places for merchants, travelers, and locals.

In the afternoon, continue to Cape Spartel, a dramatic headland where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea, offering sweeping panoramic views. Nearby, explore the legendary Caves of Hercules, a fascinating natural site steeped in myth and renowned for its sea-facing opening, shaped like a map of Africa.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, concluding a remarkable day that blends one of nature’s rarest spectacles with the rich cultural heritage of Tangier.

Set out on a captivating journey through the rugged and verdant landscapes of the Rif Mountains, making your way to Chefchaouen, Morocco’s enchanting “Blue Pearl.”

Upon arrival, step into a world of vibrant color during a guided walking tour of the medina. Wander through its maze of picturesque, blue-washed alleys, where every corner reveals a striking scene and a glimpse into daily life. Visit the historic Kasbah of Chefchaouen, a beautifully restored fortress with a tranquil garden, and explore the lively Plaza Uta el-Hammam.

Take time to soak in the peaceful mountain atmosphere, perhaps enjoying a traditional mint tea or browsing local handicrafts, before continuing your scenic journey south toward the ancient imperial city of Fes.

After breakfast, explore Fes el-Bali, the city’s oldest quarter and one of the best-preserved medieval medinas in the Arab world. This UNESCO-listed treasure, with over 9,000 alleys, bustling souks, and hidden squares, offers a truly immersive journey into centuries of history and tradition.

Visit the renowned Al-Qarawiyyin University, founded in the 9th century, along with the exquisite Al-Attarine Madrasa, a masterpiece of Marinid artistry. Continue to Nejjarine Square and the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, beautifully housed in a restored caravanserai.

In the afternoon, wander through the medina’s vibrant souks before arriving at the famed Chouara Tannery. Here, artisans have practiced natural leather dyeing since the 11th century. From panoramic terraces above the vats, take in a striking mosaic of colors—saffron, indigo, and poppy red—that define Morocco’s rich leather tradition.

Later, enjoy a hands-on pottery workshop for an intimate and creative encounter with authentic Fassi craftsmanship.

After breakfast at your hotel, depart Fes for your first glimpse of Morocco’s southern landscapes, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains en route to the desert. This journey reveals dramatic contrasts, shifting from green hills to rocky plains and finally to the golden dunes of the Sahara.

Travel through Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine charm and flower-filled parks. Continue into the cedar forests near Azrou, home to Barbary macaques and traditional Berber villages. As the landscape changes, pass through striking canyons, rust-colored ridges, fortified villages, and lush palm groves before arriving in Erfoud, a historic hub along the trans-Saharan trade routes known for its fossil workshops and date markets near the Ziz Valley.

From here, switch to 4WD vehicles for an exhilarating journey across the dunes of Erg Chebbi. As the sun sets, enjoy a camel ride to a scenic viewpoint and watch the sands glow in hues of apricot and rose. Dinner is served beneath a star-filled sky, accompanied by traditional music and storytelling, before settling in for the night at Xaluca Bivouacs.

Journey west to the dramatic Todra Gorge, where towering cliffs rise hundreds of meters above a sparkling river winding through the canyon floor. Take a stroll along the riverbank, where shaded date palms provide refuge and local families enjoy picnics in this peaceful setting.

Afterward, continue to the lush Dades Valley, a region known for its fragrant rose fields, striking kasbahs, and dramatic landscapes. Upon arrival in Boumalne Dades, settle in for a restful overnight stay.

Drive along the legendary Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. This historic route winds through lush palm oases and past crumbling red-earth fortresses, each echoing Morocco’s ancient desert trading past.

As you travel through this striking region, stop in Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Africa, to visit the renowned Atlas Film Studios. One of the largest film studios in the world, it features vast and intricate sets recreating ancient cities, traditional villages, and epic historical landscapes. Step into the cinematic worlds of famous productions as you wander among temples, palaces, and dramatic desert scenes.

After your studio visit, continue to Ksar Ighnda. Settle in for the night at this tranquil retreat, perfectly positioned amid striking desert landscapes and offering a peaceful escape under the Moroccan sky.

Start your day by exploring the Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic and photogenic landmarks. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a remarkable fortified village constructed from reddish-pink mudbrick. Wander its narrow alleys and towering earthen structures perched above the Ounila River, and discover its history as a vital stop for trading caravans between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech.

Afterwards, embark on a scenic drive across the High Atlas Mountains. Follow the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass, North Africa’s highest major mountain pass, with sweeping views of rugged peaks as you descend into the imperial city of Marrakech.

Once you arrive, settle into your hotel, then step into the vibrant Medina as dusk falls. Experience the magic of Marrakech’s hidden courtyards, candlelit rooftops, and bustling streets, where exotic flavors, captivating music, and enchanting sights come alive in the evening.

Spend the day discovering the many layers of Marrakech, where deep-rooted tradition and modern trends blend effortlessly. Accompanied by your guide, explore the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Begin at the Bahia Palace, a true jewel of 19th-century craftsmanship featuring tranquil courtyards and intricate tilework. Next, discover the recently reopened Medersa Ben Youssef, a breathtaking masterpiece of Saadian architecture tucked quietly into the heart of the bustling Medina. Later in the afternoon, dive into the artistic and botanical treasures of Marrakech. Visit the legendary Majorelle Garden, celebrated for its bold cobalt blues and lush, exotic flora. Conclude this segment at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, a stunning tribute to the designer’s profound love for Morocco and his enduring fashion legacy.

As night falls, experience the vibrant energy of Jemaa el-Fna Square as it erupts in sound and spectacle, filled with musicians, acrobats, storytellers, and the mouthwatering scent of sizzling street food.

Your Moroccan tour ends after breakfast today. You have free time until your departure, or you can choose to add extra days to explore Marrakech if you wish. For departing from Casablanca, a private transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca Airport is available. Contact your Trip Planner for more information.