Magical Morocco Grand Tour

After arriving at Casablanca Airport, you will be transferred to the start of your Moroccan journey at the imperial city of Fez. (approx 4h).

The imperial city of Fes was founded at the beginning of the 9th century by Moulay Idriss II and this enchanting city has been a seat of government, philosophy, medicine and religion since then.

Today your guide will lead you through the 2,000-year-old medina, where donkeys and mules laden with goods still trawl alongside buyers. Wander through the ancient market, itself a fascinating maze of lanes, blind alleys and bustling souks which assault the senses with spices and exotic delicacies. Visit the famous leather tanneries, a honeycomb of vats erupting in an explosion of brilliant colour. Then, climb to the venerated Merenid Tombs for a spectacular panoramic view of Fes.

Activity: 4-6 hour walking tour with a certified guide

A ride past centuries-old olive groves and vineyards brings you to Meknes, the Ismalian capital, famous for its 25-mile-long walls and excellent wine. Perhaps enjoy lunch at the grand palace before continuing.

Heading to port Bab El Mansour and Bab El Khamis, journey back thousands of years and explore on foot the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis sprawled over a wildflower-dotted hillside. A triumphal arch presides over the awesome remains of palaces and mansions, Roman baths and basilicas, and stunning mosaics. From here it is a 5-minute drive to visit the holy town of Moulay Idriss. A short drive will bring you back to Fez for the night.

Activity: 2.5hr walk in Meknes, 1.5hr walk in Volubilis, 30min walk in Moulay Idriss

Drive: Fes-Meknes (40min), Meknes-Volubilis (40min), Moulay Idriss-Fes (40min)

Begin your journey through the Middle Atlas experiencing fragrant cedar forests filled with chatty Barbary apes and rustic Berber villages. Perhaps stop for lunch in the beautiful Midelt in its spectacular location between the Middle and High Atlas and enjoy breathtaking views of the eastern High Atlas. From Midelt, it is a three hour drive to Erfoud, the last city before reaching the desert where you transfer to a 4x4 vehicle and the start of your Sahara experience. You will overnight tonight in the charming Kasbah du Sud which sits on the edge of the sand dunes in Merzouga.

Drive: Fes-Midelt (3h), Midelt-Erfoud (3h), Erfoud-Merzouga (30min)

Start your Saharan journey with a 4x4 vehicle exploration of the desert, a visit to a Nomad village, and lunch with the locals in the Sahraoui town of Rissani. Return to the Kasbah and enjoy some time relaxing by the pool before the next part of your adventure. You will walk or ride by camel over the sands as the sun begins to set and as you reach the magnificent Erg Chebbi sand dunes, witness them turning a wonderful red hue. As night falls, listen to the intoxicating beat of Berber drum music and song, enjoying a Moroccan home-cooked feast before sleeping under the stars in your private Berber tent.

Activity: 2hr walk in the desert area in the morning, 2hr walk or 1.5hr camel ride to desert camp

Dinner & Overnight: Luxury Camp, Erg Chebbi Dunes (B,D)

Your luxury private tent has a real bed, table and chairs and a private bathroom.

After enjoying a special Berber breakfast, head back to Erfoud to re-join your car and continue with your journey.

Departing for Todra Gorge travel along the rugged Road of a Thousand Kasbahs that rise up like turreted sand castles along this ancient caravan trading route. This area has long been a popular location for Hollywood films such as The Last Temptation of Christ and Jewel of the Nile, Rich river valleys, palmeries and mud-brick fired homes make this an essential part of any Moroccan experience.Take a short exploratory walk into the Todra Gorge with its high walls of pink and grey rock which surround you.

Continue through the Dades valley, making a special stop at a rose factory before continuing to your hotel in Ourzazate.

Activity: Exploratory walk in the Todra Gorge

Drive: Desert Camp-Erfoud (2.5h), Erfoud-Todra Gorge (2.5h), Todra Gorge-Ouarzazate (3h)

Begin your day today with a 2 hour walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified city.

Continue your adventure through the majestic High Atlas Mountains with their lush oasis valleys. You’ll stop for a break at one of the Berber villages  and enjoy a cup of tea with a Berber family.

Arrive at your next overnight stop, a luxury Kasbah in the beautiful Ourika Valley where you can enjoy an optional cooking course.

Activity: 2hr walk through Ait Ben Haddou

Drive: 4 hours

The Ourika Valley is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled valleys of the High Atlas.

Today you can choose from several hikes between 4 to 7 hours accompanied by your personal trekking guide. The walking in this area is spectacular; with winding hillside paths, hidden Berber villages, singing birds and trickling streams all heightening the senses.

Activity: 4-7 hours trekking

A short drive today takes you to the charming coastal town of Essaouira, a former Portuguese settlement in the 18th century and now a charming fishing village.

Your certified guide will take you on a stroll through serene squares where you can browse artisan shops and peruse art galleries before having a spectacular lunch by the sea, where freshly caught fish of the day is grilled to perfection before your eyes.

Activity: 4 hour walking tour with a certified guide

Drive: 2h 45m

A day at leisure to explore Essaouira. Perhaps enjoy a horse ride along the beach or just relax at one of the many seaside cafes.

Morocco’s ‘red city’, Marrakech awaits you today.

After driving from Marrakech, enjoy a whistle-stop tour by car around the ancient city walls, passing by the Royal Palace and Marrakech palm grove.

In the evening relax on your terrace and soak up the atmosphere.

Drive: 2 hours

A full day to explore Marrakech with your private guide. Explore the ancient Bahia Palace from the days of the harem, now populated by a sentry of nesting storks. Enter the ancient royal Saadian Tombs, the vibrant and historic Jewish mellah where some of the best jewellery of Morocco is sold. Visit the majestic Koutoubia Mosque before entry into the 9th-century walled medina.

Activity: 6-8 hour walking tour

A day at leisure to explore Marrakech. Take in the bustling Djemma el-Fna square with its snake charmers and delicious food being cooked over hot coals, and get lost in the serpentine labyrinth of the vibrant souks, unchanged for over 1000 years.

Transfer to Marrakech airport for your return home with plenty of tales of Arabian and Berber days and nights.