Highlights of Morocco

Welcome to Morocco and the first day of this exciting 12-day Highlights of Morocco tour! Arrive in Casablanca this morning and meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers. After a brief overview of what to expect, set off on a city tour of Casablanca! This city was made famous thanks to the 1942 film of the same name and definitely still displays some of that old-school charm. Later, travel to Rabat, the coastal capital of Morocco. Enjoy a sightseeing tour and discover some of the many important attractions around this Imperial City while learning more about Rabat's rich historical and cultural heritage. Check into the hotel and feast on a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Today, it's time to head north to the iconic Chefchaouen, the blue city of Morocco! En route, stop in the charming coastal town of Asilah for an orientation tour of the Medina (Old Town) and enjoy some stunning ocean viewpoints. Next, continue on to Chefchaouen. Arrive this afternoon and embark on a guided tour of this enchanting city known as the "Blue Pearl" of Morocco, thanks to the distinctive blue hue of the houses in the area. This colour is meant to symbolise the sky, God and heaven. After an afternoon in mesmerising Chefchaouen, find a spot to watch the sunset, get some dinner or get some rest as you spend a night among the beautiful blue buildings.

Depart Chefchaouen this morning as the tour makes its way to Fes, another one of Morocco's Imperial Cities! This 13th-century city is home to one of the world's largest and oldest urban pedestrian zones, the Fes Medina. Discover this UNESCO-listed area and learn about the world's oldest universities, which are also located in Fes. Experience even more Fes highlights on a guided tour, such as Seffarine Square, which dates back to the Middle Ages, and the 18th-Century tiled Nejjarine Fountain. Plus, gain insight into beautiful Moroccan handicrafts at a local tannery and enjoy some time for souvenir shopping.

Enjoy a full free day to explore the cultural capital of Fes as you wish! There are so many things to do in Fes, but a few options include going shopping, exploring more of the Fes Medina, eating delicious local Moroccan food or even partaking in a pottery class. The choice is yours! Today also offers an exciting optional excursion. Take this opportunity to enjoy a visit to Volubilis, the best-preserved archaeological site in Morocco! Discover ancient Roman archaeology on a guided tour, visit a local winery and savour a lunch and wine pairing in an idyllic setting!

After a few days of city exploration, set off on a Morocco desert tour today! First stop is the quaint town of Ifrane, known as "Little Switzerland" thanks to its Alpine architecture. Then, get your cameras ready as we travel through the breathtaking Atlas Mountains via Ziz Valley, home to one of Morocco's largest palm groves. Arrive in Erfoud, where we'll hop on a 4x4 towards this evening's accommodation at a desert camp in Merzouga. Look forward to a delicious dinner and taste Berber-style "pizza" known as Medfouna before enjoying a bonfire with traditional music! Finally, settle into your comfortable tent equipped with hot water, a toilet and electricity and sleep under the stars! 

Please Note: Luggage cannot be carried on the 4x4. Passengers are encouraged to pack a small bag for the evening.

Wake up early this morning to catch a glimpse of the spectacular sunrise over the desert! Then, look forward to even more incredible scenery as we travel to the city of Ouarzazate. On the way, stop to admire the Todra Gorge. Walk along the river as its dramatic limestone river canyons and striking cliffs hang over your head. Next, continue the journey and enjoy a rest stop in Kalaat M'Gouna before arriving at the hotel in Ouarzazate this evening. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.

This morning, travel towards Marrakesh, which will be home for the next three nights. But first, embark on an orientation tour of Ouarzazate, home to the impressive Taourirt Kasbah. Several famous films and television series have been filmed here. Next, visit the historic and otherworldly Aït Benhaddou village. This type of fortified village is known as a "Ksar" and offers a fascinating insight into life before the Sahara. Aït Benhaddou is truly a must-visit in this area! Then, travel through the winding roads of the Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass and admire the scenery. Finally, arrive in Marrakesh and enjoy an included dinner before getting a good night's rest. Try tangia, a slow-cooked meat stew typical of Marakkesh!

The next two days are free to explore yet another one of Morocco's Imperial Cities! But first, embark on a tour of the city's top attractions with an expert Morocco tour guide, including the Koutoubia, Jemaa el Fna Square and various souks - true highlights of Marrakesh travel. Then, set off on your own to discover what makes Marrakesh one of Morocco's and the world's most sought-after destinations. Alternatively, join the optional excursion and savour Moroccan cooking and family-style hosting by learning how to make harira, tagine and a delicious dessert while getting lost in more of the country's tales. With a city full of history, culture, unique architecture and delicious food, you will never be bored!

Look forward to a full free day in Marrakesh. This is the perfect opportunity to shop for souvenirs and gifts for loved ones at one of the city's bustling bazaars. Alternatively, revisit some of the spots from the guided tour and explore at your leisure. Of course, your tour leader is always available to tell you about top Marrakesh activities! For the ultimate outing, embark on the Marrakesh+ optional for an exploration of the gorgeous Jardin Majorelle gardens, the Medersa Ben Youssef and a hidden gem of an art gallery in the heart of the Medina. This evening, join the optional excursion and savour the best of Morocco's cuisine, culture and performance arts at an impressive Fantasia and folklore show!

Say goodbye to Marrakesh after breakfast this morning and travel coastward to today's final destination, Essaouira, where Jimi Hendrix famously stayed before Woodstock. Stop at an Argan Oil cooperative en route and learn all about this popular natural product. This port city boasts long, sandy beaches and a colourful, compact, fortified town. Essaouira is the perfect spot to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet after two days in the buzzing Marrakesh. Here, hop on an orientation tour of this UNESCO-listed town and explore the Sqala, the Old Medina and more! Tonight, join the Evening in Essaouira optional excursion to marvel at the seaside sights and savour the delights of Essaouira, feasting on fresh fish accompanied by ocean views!

This morning, the tour travels back to where it all began! En route, soak up some of the last Moroccan sights from Essaouira to Casablanca. Spend the afternoon getting a last glimpse of this world-renowned city. This evening, choose to join the optional farewell dinner in Casablanca. Enjoy a delicious meal complete with local specialities, spend quality time with your fellow travellers and reminisce about the incredible adventures over the last 11 days!

After 12 unforgettable days of non-stop adventure through Morocco's top sights, natural beauty and hidden gems, this Highlights of Morocco tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Remember to swap contact information with your new travel friends should you wish to stay in touch. Expat Explore bids you a safe journey onward and hopes to see you on the road again soon!