Day 1 : Welcome to Casablanca
The intoxicating sights and sounds of Morocco are revealed on this epic adventure through an ancient land. Delve into the intrigue and romance of Casablanca, immortalised by Hollywood, before meeting your travel companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception.
Accommodation : Hotel Mogador Marina Casablanca
Day 2 : Journey to Rabat, Meknès and on to Fes
We continue along the coast to the capital, Rabat. Here we’ll embark on an orientation tour of the city which includes views of the grand 17-century Palace and Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Travelling to the imperial city of Meknès, we'll see the grand gate of Bab elMansour, one of the most impressive monumental gateways in North Africa, adorned by green and white zeillij tiles. We arrive in Fes later today where you can choose to spend the evening at leisure in the country's oldest imperial city or Enjoy a local meal of fine food, and traditional entertainment on our evening optional experience.
Accommodation : Marriott Jnan Palace
Day 3 : Discover Vibrant Fes Dive Into Culture Connect with Locals
Join a Local Specialist today to explore the Medina, one of the largest thriving medieval centres in the world. See the Royal Palace and Dive Into Culture during a visit to the round dye-pits and tanneries, revealing Morocco's ancient leathercraft. Later, you can admire traditional Moroccan handiwork during a visit to a carpet cooperative. Join your companions this evening for a special opportunity to Connect With Locals over dinner for a Be My Guest experience, featuring Moroccan specialities served with wine in a traditional riad.
Accommodation : Marriott Jnan Palace
Day 4 : Onwards to Erfoud
We follow the old caravan trail south, stopping for a lunch in Midelt, a market town set within the high plains between the Middle and High Atlas mountain ranges. Continuing along the palm-fringed Ziz Valley and past the Tafilalt oasis, we arrive in the oasis town of Erfoud, regarded as the 'Gateway to the Sahara'. Its golden façades and towering dunes have made it a popular location for filmmakers for decades. This evening we dine at our hotel.
Accommodation : Kasbah Xaluca
Day 5 : Sahara Experience in Merzouga
Relax with a leisurely morning, or you may prefer to explore the desert town of Rissani. This afternoon we experience a traditional lunch of Madfouna, also known as ‘Berber Pizza’. This dish is a delight for the senses with seasonal fillings and spices. Later, continue to Great Erg Chebbi where we are transported into the heart of the dunes to your authentic Nomad-style accommodation for the night. This evening witness the most unforgettable sunset before dining with local music and dancers. The night sky of the Sahara offers a magical view of the stars, planets and constellations, discover how the Nomads used these for navigation.
Accommodation : Auberge Bivouacs La Belle Etoile
Day 6 : Off to Tinghir Oasis and the Stunning Dades Valley Stays With Stories
Journeying west, we stop at Todra Gorge before continuing to Tinghir, one of the most beautiful oases in southern Morocco and home to the ruins of the ancient Glaoui palace. Wander the Kasbah’s and discover the city as you enjoy some free time after lunch. Overnight at one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories, Xaluca Dades, surrounded by panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains.
Accommodation : Dades Xaluca
Day 7 : Venture through the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakesh
Blending effortlessly into the arid landscape, Ouarzazate has provided a backdrop for such famous movies as 'Lawrence of Arabia', 'Cleopatra' and 'Gladiator'. See the UNESCO-listed fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou in the High Atlas Mountains. Meet a local Imam and his family to learn about living in the region before continuing through the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass to Marrakesh - the 'Red City'. Like many other former imperial cities in Morocco, Marrakesh comprises an old fortified city - the Medina - and an adjacent modern city. Marrakesh is home to Morocco's largest traditional souk (market) where you may wish to spend some time learning the art of haggling.
Accommodation : Ryad Mogador
Day 8 : Explore Marrakesh
Meet the inspiring ladies of a local women’s cooperative over tea and snacks on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Visit the ornate Bahia Palace during a city orientation with your Local Specialist and spend some time soaking up the energy of Djemaa el Fna Square in the Old Quarter with its palm readers, storytellers and snake charmers. Spend the rest of the afternoon lingering in one of the city's beautiful gardens, discover the vibrant arts and culture scene or consider indulging in a traditional Hammam.
Accommodation : Ryad Mogador
Day 9 : Continue to Coastal Essaouira Dive Into Culture
We travel to the laid-back shores of Essaouira this morning. Stopping en route, we Dive Into Culture to visit a cooperative involved in creating cosmetics from traditional ingredients. Consider a delicious seafood lunch and enjoy some free time before joining a city tour of the UNESCO-listed Medina, the walled Jewish Quarter and Skala fortress. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Accommodation : Atlas Essaouira & Spa
Day 10 : Return to Casablanca
This morning we journey north to Casablanca where we will enjoy views of the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, built for the late King's 60th birthday celebrations. Later, we join our Travel Director and companions for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate an unforgettable voyage of discovery.
Accommodation : Hotel Mogador Marina Casablanca
Day 11 : Farewell Morocco
Say goodbye to your newfound friends at the end of your Moroccan holiday.