Classic Morocco 18 Days

Classic Morocco, the best bits. From the Imperial cities to the blue city of Chefchaouen, from the timeless wonders of the Sahara to the stunning Atlas Mountains, from the relaxing seaside to the vibrant charm of Marrakech.

 Learn about Greek mythology, how to cook tajine and how to write your name in Arabic. Take plenty of amazing photos in the Blue city, the Sahara, everywhere you look there’s a view! Experience the history, the architecture and the atmosphere of Morocco on this Classic Morocco trip of a lifetime. Prepare to be amazed!

Highlights of Classic Morocco

* The ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis
* The 9000 streets of the Fes medina
* The amazing blue of Chefchaouen
* The magic of the Sahara
* The immenseness of the Todra Gorge
* The fascinating Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou UNESCO World Heritage site
* The tranquility and natural beauty of Oukaimden
* The sweeping bay of Essaouira
* The mystical atmosphere of Jemaa El Fna in Marrakech

Day 1 City of Casablanca

Arrive in Casablanca, transfer to your hotel. Your welcome meeting is at 6pm
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Day 2 City of Casablanca to City of Rabat

After breakfast we begin our Classic Morocco tour and head to the spectacular Hassan II Mosque. This opulent mosque, built at enormous expense, is set on an outcrop jutting over the ocean with a 210m-tall minaret that’s a city landmark and well worth a visit to admire the craftsmanship. From here we head to the city of Rabat to visit the Hassan Tower and Kasbah des Oudayas. We have lunch in Rabat before heading to our hotel.
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Day 3 City of Rabat to City of Tangier

Breakfast this morning before you head off to city of Tangier. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Moroccan countryside. On the way we stop at Cap Spartel where we see the coast of Europe as we are at the closest point between the two continents. The place where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean meet. We also visit the Caves of Hercules and stop for lunch before continuing on to Tangier and some free time to explore
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Day 4 City of Tangier

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting off on a tour of Tangier with a local guide. We visit a headland from where we can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, we enjoy the sights and sounds of the medina as we wind our way through the narrow streets all contained within the 15th century Portuguese walls. Spend the afternoon in Petit Socco sipping a coffee and watching the world go by
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Day 5 City of Tangier to Chefchaouen

We leave Tangier after breakfast this morning and head for the city of Tetouan, the second of the two major ports on the North coast of Morocco. Here we have a tour with a local guide, including the spectacular views from high above the city and the narrow streets of one of the best preserved medinas in the country. 

After lunch we continue on through the Rif Mountains to the blue city of Chefchaouen where we have free time to explore the narrow winding streets of the Medina and take amazing pictures of the blue streets and houses.
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Day 6 Chefchaouen

Today you have a free day to explore further, people watch in the square or have a coffee. Later in the afternoon we hike to the Spanish mosque high above the city for spectacular views of the sun setting behind the mountains.
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OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Here there is the option today to visit the waterfalls of Akchour. This option includes a scenic drive through the Rif mountains to the town of Akchour where you hike along the beautiful river to the waterfalls or Gods bridge depending on the weather. Enjoy the local flora and fauna, a dip in the cool mountain river and a delicious Moroccan barbecue for lunch before returning to Chefchaouen mid afternoon.

Day 7 Chefchaouen to Volubilis to City of Fes

We leave the beautiful city of Chefchaouen today and head on to Fes. On the way we stop at Volubilis where we meet our local guide for a tour around the oldest Roman ruins in Morocco, dating back to 25AD.

Next stop along the way the association of Elmhaiya to experience the work of this amazing community foundation. A traditional Moroccan lunch with all the accompaniments is on the menu. The foundation does some amazing work with local families providing training for local women and English lessons amongst other things. We arrive in Fes late afternoon and after checking in to your hotel you are free to relax in the beautiful gardens.
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OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Here there is the option to have dinner with a Moroccan family. There is music, entertainment and dressing up in traditional Moroccan clothes, also henna if you would like. It’s a fun evening and supports a local family

Day 8 City of Fes

This morning it’s time to explore city of Fes, the royal palace, the Jewish Mellah and a panoramic view of the medina from the highest point. We watch ceramic artisans at work in a ceramic factory before exploring some of the 9000 streets of the Fes medina with a local guide. He makes sure you get just a little bit lost…. 

We experience the sights and sounds of the old medina including the oldest tanneries in Morocco, soak up the atmosphere of the local market and marvel at the Madrassa and the oldest university in Morocco.
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OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Here there is the option to go to a Moroccan show. There is entertainment, music, magic, and fire eating as well as food and drinks, a typical wedding banquet and it’s another fun evening.

Days 9 City of Fes to Merzouga, Sahara

Today you will leave Fes early for the magical Sahara, crossing the unique and varied landscapes that make up Morocco. You will pass through the alpine town of Ifrane and hopefully catch a glimpse of the Barbary apes in the cedar forests of Azrou(the apes are wild animals and so sightings are not guaranteed). You’ll make plenty of stops on the way including a picnic lunch in a beautiful oasis outside Midelt
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Day 10 Merzouga, Sahara

You have free time after breakfast, we’ll check out of the hotel and store our bags(don’t forget to prepare your overnight bag for the camp!) Take advantage of the pools and relax until it’s time to leave for the camp.
This evening you will experience a traditional Moroccan evening of dancing and drumming around a camp fire.
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Day 11 Merzouga to Tinghir

After breakfast we say goodbye to the beautiful Sahara and continue our journey through the desert to Tinghir and the Todra Gorge, an oasis of green wedged between massive cliff walls. This spot is great for hiking or just taking in the immenseness of the gorge.
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Day 12 Tinghir to Ouarzazate to Ait Ben Haddou

Today we travel the route of 1000 kasbahs to Ouarzazate for lunch passing the Atlas film studio along the way. Here many famous films have been shot including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Sample the wares of the Berber pharmacy before continuing on to Ait Ben Haddou a UNESCO World Heritage site. On our way we visit Skoura and the stunning kasbah of Amerildil where our local guide takes us on a journey into the past.

Check in to our hotel where we can enjoy a cooking class and learn to cook tagine. In the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou we find the community carpet weavers making traditional Berber carpets and spectacular views from the top where after making the climb we watch the sun go down
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Day 13 Ait Ben Haddou

Today we leave Ait Ben Haddou and continue our journey through Morocco on the roads of the High Atlas Mountains, passing through the Tizi N Tichka pass at a height of 2167metres, arriving in the village of Imlil. Enjoy the views and the fresh mountain air and spend a relaxing evening in this little village.
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Day 14 Imlil to Essaouira

We leave the tranquility of Imlil and continue our journey to the seaside town of Essaouira. After checking in to our hotel you have free time to explore the many shops in the medina, watch the bustling harbour as the painted fishing boats make their way back with their catch or stroll along the miles of sandy beaches. Take a horse, camel or quad bike if you prefer not to walk.
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Day 15 Essaouira

Another free day to continue where you left off yesterday or maybe book a visit to the local Hammam if you haven’t tried this already it’s a welcome relaxation after a busy schedule. Sample the fish dishes in the harbor restaurants or sneak a quick cup of coffee in one of the many cafes.
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Day 16 Essaouira to City of Marrakech

Today we say goodbye to the coastal town of Essaouira and head for our final destination the city of Marrakech. After checking in to your hotel you will meet a local guide who will take you on a tour of the bustling medina and some of the amazing sights of Marrakech. After dark check out the Jemaa El Fna Square when it comes to life with performers from magicians to musicians and restaurants pop up out of nowhere
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Day 17 City of Marrakech

Free time today to check out more of the “Red City” browse the medina shops and souk for souvenirs or check out the more modern side of the city. Visit Les Jardins de Majorelle, Musee de Marrakesh or the El Badi as you wish.
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Day 18

Time to depart for home. You can extend your stay if you’d like to discover more of Morocco. We can help with onward travel, accommodation or advice. If you need anything just let us know.
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Included in this trip:

• All transportation
• Airport transfer arrival
• All accommodation and breakfasts
• Tours and local guides in the cities of – Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Skoura, Marrakech
• Entrance fees for the sites included in local tours
• Lunch at the cooperative in Elmhaiya
• 2 night’s dinner in the Sahara
• Camel ride in the Sahara
• Orientation walk in the gorge and at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou

Not included:

• Flights to and from Morocco
• Travel insurance
• Meals unless specified
• Tips