Suggested Itinerary
HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover each of Morocco’s eclectic ancient cities, and the unique qualities that distinguish them.
- Stay in ornate, traditional riads.
- Learn how to prepare healthy and authentic Moroccan dishes with a renowned local chef.
- Bicycle through the stunning Anougal Valley.
- Explore by camel-back with the help of expert local cameleers.
Day 1: Arrive Casablanca
Sofitel La Tour Blanche
Upon arrival in Casablanca, meet your English-speaking guide and transfer to your hotel for the evening, Sofitel La Tour Blanche.
Situated in the heart of Casablanca’s central business district, Sofitel La Tour Blanche boasts innovative and modern design, pleasing even the most discerning guests. This well-appointed luxury hotel is the ideal place to recover from your long flight and explore the bustling city.
Overnight Sofitel La Tour Blanche
Day 2: Casablanca to Fez
Palais Faraj
After enjoying breakfast in your hotel, set off for a short, guided tour of Casablanca including a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in the city and the 13th-largest in the world.
Casablanca is a design-lover’s paradise. Clean lines and delicate architecture are reminiscent of the city’s French-colonial heritage and make this coastal economic hub remarkably pleasing to the eye.
In a private vehicle, transfer 4-hours to Fez visiting the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the sacred town of Mulay Idriss, and the city of Meknes en route. Check-in at Palais Faraj in Fez. Your hotel sits atop a hill overlooking the historic Ole Medina of Fez. Guests can indulge in the spa, swimming pool, and panoramic lounge while taking in the opulent, old-world atmosphere.
Overnight Palais Faraj
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Explore Fez
Palais Faraj
Welcome to Morocco’s cultural capital. Winding, aromatic streets bustle with the activity of proud inhabitants who staunchly refuse to be modern. Donkey-carts abound and the splendors of an age-old world vibrantly come to life here. In a city that can be equal parts beautiful and overwhelming, your guide will help you discover the unknown gems.
After enjoying a full day exploring this decidedly unique city, take time this evening to relax and luxuriate at Palais Faraj.
Overnight at Palais Faraj
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Fez to Rabat
Villa Mandarine Rabat
This morning, transfer from Fez to Rabat via Ifrane and Azrou. Ifrane is often called “the Switzerland city” due to its stunning, alpine-like architecture and position near the jagged Atlas Mountains. Your next stop is Azrou, which means “rock” in the local language of Tamazight. Drive along an impressive cedar forest and stop to visit the ancient Tree of Gouraud.
Once you arrive in Rabat, check-in to Villa Mandarine, a homey boutique hotel engulfed in vegetation. The 3-hectare property is adorned with over 700 orange trees. Winding pathways navigate the orchards, allowing guests a secluded and peaceful paradise to detach from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Overnight at Villa Mandarine Rabat
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Rabat to Marrakech
La Maison Arabe
Set out to explore Rabat this morning with the help of your local guide before traveling onwards to Marrakech (4-hour drive).
Rabat, Morocco’s capital, offers a peaceful sojourn for visitors who have come from Fez and Casablanca. The city’s orderly operations are well-kempt and less touristy than other Moroccan cities. Still, Rabat offers an attractive medina and scenic boulevards to explore.
Check-in to La Maison Arabe, the first riad hotel to open in Marrakech in 1998. Today, it is still one of the best. The elegant interior courtyard encircles a plunge-pool where ambient lanterns and warm touches give this special hotel a feel of pure opulence.
Overnight at La Maison Arabe
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Explore Marrakech
La Maison Arabe
With the help of your local guide, spend the day exploring the mosques, palaces, and intricate gardens of Marrakech. This medieval city is crisscrossed with a complex network of alleyways, each of which play host to bustling souks, or marketplaces selling traditional wares such as textiles, pottery, or jewelry. The city skyline is anchored by the omnipresence of the Koutoubia Mosque, a 77-meter tall symbol of the city.
The sights, smells, and tastes of Marrakech are the stuff of legend. After a full day of exploring, return to the tranquility of La Maison Arabe to relax, enjoy a fine dinner, and spend your evening at leisure.
Overnight at La Maison Arabe
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Cooking class and camel riding
La Maison Arabe
Located about 35-minutes outside of Marrakech is a small eco-farm that specializes in delivering a full-sensory culinary experience that brings Moroccan culture to life. This morning, participate in a cooking class with well-regarded chef Tarik to learn about healthy and authentic local food and cooking culture in Morocco.
In the afternoon, head to La Palmeraie where you will spend 2-hours exploring Marrakech’s rural surrounds by camel back, supported by an expert team of cameleers.
Overnight at La Maison Arabe
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8: Biking around Marrakech
La Maison Arabe
Transfer by 4×4 to the town of Amizmiz and follow the road to the high plateaus of Toulkine. Once you reach the village of Azgour at 1,500-meters you will embark on a mountain bike adventure! Follow the dirt track to discover the first Berber villages and after a short climb the path will open onto a superb, fast-flowing section on solid terrain.
Feeling tired and satisfied, arrive in the village of Imi n’Tala where you will be welcomed by a local family with tagine and refreshing mint tea. Following lunch, ride through the spectacular Anougal Valley and back to Amizmiz for your 4×4 transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight at La Maison Arabe
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast in Morocco at your hotel before packing your belongings and preparing for your departure. Your guide will assist with a private transfer to the airport in Marrakech for your onward flight home.
Inclusions
Included: All transfers, lodging, volunteering with community, domestic flights, safari on shared basis with maximum of 6 guests in 6-seater safari vehicle, conservancy and park fees.
Not Included: International flights, travel insurance, tips and gratuities, meals not noted, purchases of a personal nature, excursions not mentioned.
Interested in booking this itinerary or customizing a trip to Morocco? Get in touch with a private travel designer!
