Casablanca
Marrakech
12 days
Maximum 16
discovery
About your trip
Journey deep into the Sahara, discover the majestic kasbah of Ait-Ben-Haddou, and spend an entire day exploring the magical blue city of Chefchaouen on this 12-day Moroccan adventure. You’ll experience local culture and marvel at the architectural wonders of Casablanca and Fez. Away from the usual tourist trail, you’ll explore more remote places such as Todra Gorge, deep in the High Atlas mountains, and stargaze with an expert astrologer in the desert. Foodie highlights range from authentic Berber meals in the desert to contemporary dishes at a trendy rooftop venue in Marrakech.
Trip Highlights
- Snap photos of brilliantly blue houses in Chefchaouen
- Dine Berber style under the stars in the Sahara
- Meander through the mazey alleyways of the Fez Medina
- Ride a camel through the desert at sunrise
- Hike through the otherworldly Dades Gorges
- Enjoy a traditional cooking class in Marrakech
Your Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrive in Casablanca
Touch down in Casablanca, the coastal city where your Moroccan journey begins. You’ll be picked up and taken to your hotel, just a 10-minute walk from the Old Medina. Gather in the lobby for a welcome meeting at 6pm with your Local Insider, who will accompany the group throughout the trip. It’s then time to head into the city centre for dinner in an authentic riad (a traditional Moroccan house centered around an inner courtyard) – a perfect opportunity to break the ice and discuss the days ahead with your fellow travellers.
Activities Included
- Airport transfer
- Welcome dinner
Accommodation
- Gray Boutique Hotel Casablanca
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Day 2
Visit Hassan II Mosque and see the best of Casablanca
After breakfast, we’ll head straight to Hassan II Mosque, the second-largest functioning mosque in Africa, dramatically situated on a rocky outcrop jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. Its 210m (690ft) high minaret, completed in 1993, is the second-tallest in the world. After exploring the complex you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the best sights and secret spots in Casablanca. In the afternoon we’ll head north to the enchanting city of Chefchaouen, which lies beneath the craggy peaks of the Rif mountains. You’ll have a free evening here before exploring further tomorrow.
Activities Included
- Hassan II Mosque visit
- Casablanca walking tour
Accommodation
- Dar Echchaouen Maison d'Hôtes & Riad
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Day 3
Stroll through the photogenic streets of Chefchaouen
After breakfast you’ll have a guided walking tour of Chefchaouen. Our local expert will guide you through the city’s mazy, atmospheric cobblestone alleyways as you admire the beautifully preserved 15th-century buildings painted in various shades of beautiful blue. Chefchaouen is the kind of place you want to drink in, so you’ll have more free time to explore as you wish this afternoon and evening.
Activities Included
- Chefchaouen walking tour
Accommodation
- Dar Echchaouen Maison d'Hôtes & Riad
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Day 4
Explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis and eat with a local family
This morning, your journey continues south to the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, built around 300BCE on a fertile plain surrounded by wheat fields. Formerly the capital of the Berber kingdom of Mauretania, it gained Unesco World Heritage status in 1997 and is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Morocco today, replete with marble columns, intricate mosaics and plinths bearing Latin inscriptions. After you’ve finished exploring, head to Fez, considered by many to be the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. Here, you’ll join a local family for a home-cooked dinner in the old medina district and enjoy a unique storytelling experience.
Activities Included
- Volubilis guided tour
- Home-cooked meal and storytelling with a local family
Accommodation
- Palais Houyam
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Day 5
Soak up the atmosphere of Fez Medina
Embrace the eclectic mix of colours, sounds and aromas as you wander through Fez Medina – the sprawling, walled centre of the city. Its labyrinthine streets are lined with souks selling everything from street food and spices to handwoven textiles and homewares, while architectural highlights include the Bou Inania Madrasa with a green-tiled minaret, the ornate Bab Bou Jeloud gate and the Nejjarine Fondouk, which houses a woodwork museum. End the tour by tucking into lunch at a traditional restaurant in the Medina, before spending the rest of the day at leisure.
Activities Included
- Fez Medina walking tour
- Nejjarine Fondouk visit
- Bou Inania Madrasa visit
Accommodation
- Palais Houyam
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Day 6
Venture deep into the Sahara
Rise and shine – it’s time to leave the city bustle as you head into the pristine wilderness of the Sahara. After breakfast, you’ll journey to the far south of Morocco, eventually arriving in the tiny desert village of Merzouga, close to the Algerian border. It’s the gateway to the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes, which reach 150m (490ft) high and cover a barren, golden expanse of 28km (17mi) from north to south. You’ll stay overnight in a luxury riad – an idyllic spot to unwind, tune into nature and take in sublime sunset views.
Activities Included
- Merzouga desert visit
Accommodation
- Riad Madu
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Day 7
Visit a Gnawa village and dine Berber style under the stars
Travel by 4x4 to a remote village where you’ll learn about the culture of the Gnawa people who originated from sub-Saharan Africa, and are renowned for their spiritual music and unique dancing. For lunch, tuck into medfouna, a southern Moroccan speciality that’s similar to a stuffed pizza but without cheese. Brace yourself for a bumpy ride as you continue across the dunes to the desert camp you’ll call home for the night. Expect lots of mint tea, songs around a campfire and hearty Berber food. Come nightfall, enjoy a wine-tasting session and gaze in awe at the starry sky through a telescope, guided by an expert astronomer.
Activities Included
- Gnawa village visit
- Wine tasting
- Astronomy experience
Accommodation
- Desert Camp Jaimas Madu
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Day 8
Go camel riding at sunrise and explore the Todra Gorge
No visit to the Sahara is complete without experiencing the most traditional mode of desert transport: camel riding. Saddle up first thing in the morning, taking in the gorgeous sunrise before swapping the desert for the High Atlas mountains as you head north to the Todra Gorge. Prepare to be dazzled – this otherworldly, rust-coloured expanse of steep-sided canyons ranks among the most spectacular scenery in Morocco. You’ll arrive at your cosy, mountainside accommodation in time to sip cocktails while watching the sunset paint the sky with a pinky-tangerine glow.
Activities Included
- Sunrise camel ride
- Todra Gorge visit
- Sunset cocktails
- Dinner at the hotel
Accommodation
- Riad Bahammou
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Day 9
Hike through the Dades Gorges and join a local family for lunch
Over many centuries, the Dades River, which flows for 350km (220mi) from the High Atlas mountains to the Sahara, has carved dramatic gorges and canyons into the rugged interior of the country. Today, you’ll set off on a guided hike through this epic landscape and gain a fascinating glimpse into life in this part of rural Morocco. Eventually, after traversing farmland and riverine forest, you’ll arrive at a series of striking rock formations, aptly named the Monkey Fingers due to their peculiar shape. A well-earned lunch at a local guesthouse awaits.
Activities Included
- Dades Gorges hike
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Riad Bahammou
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Day 10
Explore kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou and enjoy a street food tour of Marrakech
Of all the kasbahs dotted around Morocco, Ait-Ben-Haddou is arguably the most impressive. Feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you explore this Unesco World Heritage site, which you may well recognise from Game of Thrones (2011-2019) and Gladiator (2000). Stop by a tea house for a first-quenching mint tea and home-baked Moroccan pastry before hitting the road to Marrakech.
Activities Included
- Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou visit
- Tea at a local tea house
Accommodation
- 2Ciels Luxury Boutique Hôtel & Spa
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Day 11
Unlock the secrets of Moroccan cuisine in a cooking class
This morning you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Moroccan cuisine, including how to make it for yourself. After discovering the core techniques and flavour combinations used you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the city at leisure or treat yourself to a soothing massage at the hotel spa. Reconvene for a farewell group dinner at L’mida restaurant and embrace an innovative, modern twist on classic Moroccan dishes. The candlelit roof terrace, overlooking the medina, is the perfect spot to conclude your epic Morocco trip.
Activities Included
- Cooking class
- Farewell dinner
Accommodation
- 2Ciels Luxury Boutique Hôtel & Spa
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Day 12
Depart from Marrakech
After one last breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your new friends as your Moroccan adventure comes to an end. Check out of the hotel and make your way to the airport to catch your flight home – or extend your stay and explore what else Morocco has to offer.

What's included
- 7 nights traditional riad accommodation
- 2 nights boutique hotel accommodation
- 1 night desert camp accommodation
- Private and local transport
- 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners
- Local Insider
- Arrival transfer
- Hassan II Mosque visit
- Casablanca walking tour
- Chefchaouen walking tour
- Volubilis guided tour
- Storytelling with a local family
- Fez Medina walking tour
- Nejjarine Fondouk visit
- Bou Inania Madrasa visit
- Merzouga desert visit
- Gnawa village visit
- Wine tasting
- Astronomy experience
- Sunrise camel ride
- Todra Gorge visit
- Sunset cocktails
- Dades Gorges hike
- Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou visit
- Tea at a local tea house
- Cooking class
What's not included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Flights to and from the destination
Customer Reviews
Accommodation
Gray Boutique Hotel Casablanca
This stylish gem of a hotel is perfectly positioned for city centre exploration. You're just 10 minutes from the old Medina, and about the same from the Corniche with its parks, shops and sparkling Atlantic views. Inside, decor feels high-end and design-led, with a warm organic colour palette and elegant furnishings.
Dar Echchaouen Maison d'Hotes & Riad, Chefchaouen
Experience life in an opulent Moroccan riad overlooking the resplendent blue houses of Chefchaouen. Wood-beamed ceilings, candlelit terraces and communal lounges with roaring fires create a warm, soothing ambience at this atmospheric retreat. The outdoor pool, with mountain views, is the perfect place to relax and cool off.
Palais Houyam, Fez
This traditional riad is an oasis of tranquility, tucked away from the bustling streets of Fez Medina. Zellige-tile floors, traditional four-poster beds, and handcrafted furnishings made by local artisans create an authentic vibe in every room. Take a trip to the spa and hammam (bath house) to unwind and recharge.
Riad Madu, Merzouga
Embrace the peace of this desert hideaway at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Highlights include an outdoor pool, lantern-lit courtyard, and living areas with tadelakt walls, handwoven rugs and plush sofas. The sunset views here are unforgettable – as is the homemade Moroccan food.
Desert Camp Jaimas Madu, the Sahara
Sip mint tea around a roaring fire, enjoy hearty Berber cooking and dine under the stars at this isolated desert retreat. You’re bound to sleep well in the cosy haima tents, all of which come with private bathrooms and ensuite showers. When you wake, emerge from your tent to freshly squeezed orange juice and Moroccan crepes.
Riad Bahammou, Dades
This magnificent, palatial hotel is a classic slice of Moroccan grandeur in the heart of the Atlas Mountains. Sitting pretty on the hillside, Riad Bahammou has 16 elegantly designed rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and a glorious outdoor dining area, as well as the indoor restaurant, which serves up delicious dishes that combine the regional cuisine with European influences.
2Ciels Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa, Marrakech
A rooftop bar and restaurant, an illuminated outdoor pool and a traditional hammam are a handful of the perks at this elegant hotel in the trendy Gueliz neighbourhood of Marrakech. All rooms have private balconies, Egyptian cotton bed sheets and complementary luxury toiletries.