13 Days Tour from Casablanca

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Day 1: Casablanca

You will finally land in Morocco! A guide at the Casablanca Airport will welcome you, and then he will take you to your hotel. At six o’clock, a crucial welcome meeting kicks off your adventure. If you arrive early enough, you will start your tour from Casablanca by visiting the Villa of Arts would be a fantastic use of your brief stay in Casablanca. Contemporary Moroccan and international art is featured in some exhibitions held in this gorgeous Art Deco gallery. The Museum of Judaism offers a distinctive and fascinating aspect of Moroccan history for those seeking a different kind of cultural encounter. Celebrate the start of a new adventure this evening by having a fantastic dinner with your group at a conventional restaurant. You will have the opportunity to sample traditional Moroccan foods like Tajine, couscous, and pastille tonight. Moroccan cuisine is perhaps the best example of the country’s rich cultural heritage.  Accommodation will be in Casablanca.

Special Information

You must show up to the welcome session because this is when we will be gathering your insurance information and next of kin details. Please notify the front desk of your hotel or travel agent if you anticipate being late. Find out more about the location of the meeting by asking at reception or looking for a sign in the lobby.

Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat to Meknes

You will see one of Casablanca’s most impeccable sights this morning: the enormous structure known as the Mosque of Hassan II. Indeed, it is one of the few places of worship accessible to non-Muslims. It is primarily over water, with some land included. To reach Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital and first imperial city, continue traveling north from Casablanca along the coast. The Kasbah of Oudaya is a lovely, walled neighborhood that you should explore after taking a stroll through the Medina and souks to begin your trip. Enjoy a complimentary mint tea while admiring views of the Bou Regreg River and the ocean at this hidden gem of a café. Moreover, the Mohammed V Mausoleum and the mosque minaret will be seen. Make your way to Meknes, the former capital of Morocco, in the late afternoon.

Day 3: Meknes – Volubilis – Chefchaouen

With your guide, you can stroll through the Medina, the former walled section of Meknes. It has a special charm to discover this lesser-known Medina while observing the locals go about their daily lives. Visit the granaries, the Moulay Ismail shrine, and the nearby market, where you can buy fresh produce and treats. You will eventually arrive at the Volubilis ruins. Unquestionably impressive, the ruins were once the provincial capital of the Romans as well as a distant outpost of the empire. An informed local guide will give you a tour of the area while also sharing knowledge and giving you a sense of the once-thriving city that once stood there. Take a picnic lunch of fresh bread, cheese, seasonal fruit, and olives from the market. We will travel on to Chefchaouen. One of the most beautiful cities in the entire world, Chefchaouen is situated in the Rif Mountains and is famous for its buildings that are covered in bright blue hues.

Day 4: Excursion Chefchaouen

During a guided tour of the Medina this morning, you will find Chefchaouen beneath the blue. Explore the city’s winding streets, quaint plazas, and distinctive doorways to discover what makes it so alluring. In Chefchaouen, goats are in plentiful supply, and this soft, creamy goat’s cheese is some of the best in all of Morocco. Make sure to stop by for a taste. Take advantage of a free afternoon to do more exploring. You could use the time to take more pictures of the city’s blue-hued structures, go shopping for handmade items, or just relax at a café and take in the pleasure of the passing of time. Ask your leader if you can have a home-cooked meal for dinner this evening.

Day 5: Chefchaouen to Fez

On the fifth day of your tour from Casablanca, you will travel to Fez after bidding Chefchaouen adieu. The energetic, loud, and fascinating city of Fez is the spiritual and cultural center of Morocco. Consider spending some time relaxing in a nearby hammam when you first arrive. For some excellent suggestions, talk to your leader. You will be cordially welcomed into a local family’s home for a pastille dinner this evening, giving you the exceptional chance to experience a different side of Moroccan life. This sweet and savory delicacy, which is made with layers of pastry and meat and cooked with eggs, caramelized onions, lemon, and sugared almonds, is one of the most well-known dishes in the nation. The night will end with a traditional sweet treat after you have learned how the famous Moroccan pie is made and have chatted with your welcoming hosts about life in Fez.

Day 6: Discover Fez

Today, make your way to Fez el Bali, the city’s old town. One of the premier centers for Islamic and Jewish culture and education during the Middle Ages was Fez. Its mosques enjoy widespread acclaim, and its religious institutions and libraries are legendary. Your guide will tell you tales about the city’s past as you stroll through the narrow lanes and winding streets, past donkeys carrying heavy loads of merchandise, and discover the souk’s specialty areas. Where the sounds of hammering copper, the clucking of chickens, the aroma of spices, and old khans, madrassas, and dye pits can be heard, along with stalls selling fruits, herbs, and soups. The Al-Attarine Madrasa, the tanneries, and the magnificent Funduk Najjarine, a beautifully preserved 18th-century inn, are all worthwhile stops on a day spent exploring the old city.

Special Information

Today, part of the experience is shopping in carefully considered locations. Intrepid established a centralized system for gathering and distributing payments from these suppliers because the Moroccan tourism industry is used to receiving commissions or kickbacks in exchange for endorsing particular companies, services, or activities. If you would like more information on this, kindly refer to the Important Notes section of the Essential Trip Information or ask your local tour guide.

It is your responsibility to let your tour guide know in advance if you have no interest in shopping. While you can have some free time during the tour, it will be impossible to arrange a meeting place inside the Medina due to its difficulty in navigating. The only place you can reassemble with the group if you decide to break off is at your Fez hotel.

Day 7: Fez – Ifrane – Midelt

Continuing your tour from Casablanca, you will swap out the city’s intensity for the High Atlas Mountains’ tranquility. To reach the small town of Midelt, you have to travel south through a variety of breathtaking landscapes, including fertile valleys, cedar and pine forests, and arid, rocky terrain. This market town, which is located at an altitude of just over 1500 meters between the Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountains, was initially constructed as a base for mining in the region. It’s the ideal place to take a break from the long journey to the Sahara and makes a great starting point for a short walk through the valley to a nearby village. Your guide will decide on a route that takes full advantage of the breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains, with their snow-capped peaks almost touching the sky, based on the group and the weather. As you, make your way back to your lodging, stroll through apple tree plantations to unwind and recharge for tomorrow’s trip to the Sahara.

Day 8: Merzouga – Sahara Camp

Traveling to Merzouga this morning, pass through a variety of landscapes, including the Erg Chebbi and its 150-meter-tall towering dunes, as you pass through barren mountainside deserts and lush valleys. This area has a frontier-like atmosphere despite being at the end of a sealed road and only 20 kilometers from the Algerian border. After leaving your belongings at your camp for the night next to a modest hotel, you will ride camels into the Sahara Desert’s edge while taking in a breathtaking sunset. The dunes are beautiful, especially when the evening light reflects off them and brings out the colors. You will experience authentic camping tonight, get to sample some delectable regional fare, gather around an open fire, listen to upbeat music, and dance beneath the stars.

Special Information

The camel trek for today is a round trip from your camp at the edge of the desert back. You have the option of relaxing at the camp or walking next to the camels if you do not want to ride one.

The lodging for tonight will be in tents akin to those used by nomads, including a dining tent and a bathroom tent. Although blankets and mattresses are provided, you might want to think about bringing your sleeping bag for added warmth and comfort from November to March. Due to the unpredictable nature of electricity and the reliance on batteries, it is preferable to arrive prepared with fully charged electronics.

Day 9: Dades Gorges and Area

You have a full day to discover the splendor of this largely unexplored Moroccan backcountry, and walking is the best way to do it. There are a few circuits in the area; you can choose to complete one that is 10 kilometers long and will take about 4 hours, but your leader can modify the route based on the group’s preferences. The hike will start after a brief transfer, where you will meet your local guide. Anyone with a basic level of fitness can access the undulating trail, though it can be challenging in some spots. In the neighborhood, stop for tea and visit an Amazigh (Berber) family. Few visitors to Morocco get the chance to experience this kind of insight into the Amazigh way of life. Take advantage of the opportunity to tell stories and learn about family life in the Dades Valley while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains and Rose Valley.

Day 10: Dades Valley to Ait Ben Haddou via Ouarzazate

The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs is accessible by leaving the Dades Valley to continue our tour from Casablanca. You should start by visiting the privately owned Kasbahs in Skoura Oasis, such as the ornately decorated Kasbah Amridil with its mud-brick walls. Keep going to Ait Ben Haddou, a hilltop area that has not undergone much change since the 11th century. One of Morocco’s most beautiful grand Kasbahs can be found there, and the fortified village is a fine example of clay architecture. Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia are just a few of the many movies and television shows that the website has been featured in. You can meander through the Old Town’s winding streets as you ascend the hill to take in some picturesque views. After that, enjoy a satisfying lunch at Tawesna, a riverside tea house in the neighborhood, which includes freshly baked Amazigh bread, soup, Moroccan sweets, and, of course, some mint tea. Working at this nonprofit allows women to support both themselves and their families. The women take great pride in sharing their experiences and giving guests a true Amazigh experience as they make tea and pastries with organic ingredients they purchase from nearby cooperatives.

Day 11: Ouirgane to Marrakech through High Atlas

Leaving Ait Ben Haddou after breakfast, take a long, winding drive through the Atlas Mountains. You can take your time and stop for a few photos if you would like due to the breathtaking scenery. Ouirgane is where we are headed today. This charming village offers visitors a distinct and less-traveled base for walking because of its concealed location in the serene High Atlas Mountain foothills. The winter and summer have mild temperatures, and both are enjoyable. A wide variety of birds can be seen nearby, you can take a stroll through the nearby red-earth hills and pine forests, or you can just unwind at a refreshing 1000 meters above sea level with the stunning Jebel Toubkal in the distance. Have a conversation with your leader about some fantastic hiking options for this afternoon.

Day 12: A full Day in Marrakech

Today, after breakfast, you will meet with a local guide who will help you experience the magic of Marrakech as you embark on a morning tour of the old Medina through the humming souks that are the heart of the city. Discover the numerous salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace, as well as the serene courtyards that are scented with orange blossoms. It is forbidden for non-Muslims to enter the Koutoubia Mosque, but the structure’s renowned minaret is a remarkable sight. Follow your original route back to Jemaa el-Fna through the old Medina, stopping along the way to sample some of the amazing freshly squeezed orange juice from a nearby stall. You will undoubtedly agree that this orange juice is among the best you have ever tasted. You can continue your exploration throughout the day. Furthermore, you could go to Le Jardin Secret, a traditional Medina garden with a stunning courtyard, or you could return to the Medina and practice what you are haggling. Your leader will be able to suggest some fantastic local eateries for your farewell dinner on your last night of this Tour from Casablanca.

Day 13: Marrakech to Airport

Following breakfast, your journey ends. You can depart whenever you want; checkout time is typically around noon. The pick-up time will be communicated to you if you have scheduled a private airport transfer. If you want to stay longer and explore Marrakech, you can reserve additional accommodations in advance. End of the 13-day Morocco Tour from Casablanca.