Best of Morocco

The intoxicating sights and sounds of Morocco are revealed on this epic adventure through an ancient land. Delve into the intrigue and romance of Casablanca, immortalized by Hollywood, before meeting your travel companions and Travel Director for dinner.

Continue along the coast to the capital, Rabat. Here you’ll embark on an orientation tour of the city which includes views of the grand 17-century Palace and Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Traveling to the imperial city of Meknès, you'll see the grand gate of Bab elMansour, one of the most impressive monumental gateways in North Africa, adorned by green and white zeillij tiles. Arrive in Fes later today where you can choose to spend the evening at leisure in the country's oldest imperial city or enjoy a local meal of fine food, and traditional entertainment on our evening optional experience.

Join a Local Specialist today to explore the Medina, one of the largest thriving medieval centers in the world. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience to the non-profit American Fondouk, speak with the volunteer veterinarians who care so passionately for the welfare of the animals. See the Royal Palace and Dive Into Culture during a visit to the round dye-pits and tanneries, revealing Morocco's ancient leathercraft. Later, you can admire traditional Moroccan handiwork during a visit to a carpet cooperative. Join your companions this evening for a special opportunity to Connect With Locals over dinner for a Be My Guest experience, featuring Moroccan specialties served with wine in a traditional riad.

• Discover an ancient practice at a traditional tannery
• Enjoy Moroccan cuisine and wine at a traditional riad in Fes
• American Fondouk in Fes

Follow the old caravan trail south, stopping for a lunch in Midelt, a market town set within the high plains between the Middle and High Atlas mountain ranges. Continuing along the palm-fringed Ziz Valley and past the Tafilalt oasis, you'll arrive in the oasis town of Erfoud, regarded as the 'Gateway to the Sahara'. Its golden façades and towering dunes have made it a popular location for filmmakers for decades. This evening we dine at our hotel.

Relax with a leisurely morning, or you may prefer to explore the desert town of Rissani. This afternoon we experience a traditional lunch of Madfouna, also known as ‘Berber Pizza’. This dish is a delight for the senses with seasonal fillings and spices. Later, continue to Great Erg Chebbi where we are transported into the heart of the dunes to your authentic Nomad-style accommodation for the night. This evening witness the most unforgettable sunset before dining with local music and dancers. The night sky of the Sahara offers a magical view of the stars, planets and constellations, discover how the Nomads used these for navigation.

• 4x4 Sahara Desert Drive

Journeying west, stop at Todra Gorge before continuing to Tinghir, one of the most beautiful oases in southern Morocco and home to the ruins of the ancient Glaoui palace. Wander the Kasbahs and discover the city as you enjoy some free time after lunch. Meet a local Imam and his family to learn about living in the region. Enjoy a Stays with Stories experience as you overnight at Xaluca Dades, surrounded by panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains.

• Meet a local Imam
• Stays with Stories

Blending effortlessly into the arid landscape, Ouarzazate has provided a backdrop for such famous movies as 'Lawrence of Arabia', 'Cleopatra' and 'Gladiator'. See the UNESCO-listed fortified village of Aït Ben Haddou in the High Atlas Mountains. Continue through the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass to Marrakesh - the 'Red City'. Like many other former imperial cities in Morocco, Marrakesh comprises an old fortified city - the Medina - and an adjacent modern city. Marrakesh is home to Morocco's largest traditional souk (market).

Visit the ornate Dar El Bacha during a city orientation with your Local Specialist and spend some time soaking up the energy of Djemaa el Fna Square in the Old Quarter with its palm readers, storytellers and snake charmers. Spend the rest of the afternoon lingering in one of the city's beautiful gardens, discover the vibrant arts and culture scene or consider indulging in a traditional Hammam.

• Explore a Moroccan pharmacy

Travel to the laid-back shores of Essaouira this morning. Consider a delicious seafood lunch and enjoy some free time before joining an orientation with your Travel Director. Journey to the port city of El Jadida with its unique architectural mixture of Moorish-Portuguese-French influence.

This morning, journey north to Casablanca where you may choose to visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque famous for its intricate Islamic architecture, built for the late King's 60th birthday celebrations. Later, join your Travel Director and companions for dinner to celebrate an unforgettable voyage of discovery.

Say goodbye to your newfound friends at the end of your Moroccan holiday.