Destination:  Morocco - | Rabat |Chefchaouen |Meknes |Fes |Midelt | Mergouza Desert |Boumaine Dades | Alt Ben Haddou | Marrakesh

Tour Commences In:  Casablanca

Tour Concludes in:  Casablanca

Number of Days:  14 days / 13 nights

Tour Style:  Luxury / Deluxe Private Escorted Small Group Tour (groups, couples & solo travellers)

Accommodation:  Luxury & Boutique Hotels & ‘Camping’

Meals:  Breakfast; 13: Lunches; 5:: Dinners; 11:

Leaders: Professional locals guide(s)

Transportation:  Luxury / Deluxe private chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles

Tour Grading:  MODERATE: Suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility

• A specially curated itinerary for Boutique Tours & Travel

• Sip ‘welcome tea’ at our hotel

• Enjoy delicious traditional meals at a local restaurants & hotels/Riads.

• Be in awe of Hassan 2 mosque it is actually unique in its architecture and size.

• Diner at Rick’s Café, you’ll think you’re in the movie

• Visit the scala ramparts and what remains of the Portuguese Fortress

• Wander the imperial city of Rabat, the capital of Morocco and where old meets new

• Visit the picturesque historical Kasbah des oudaias

• Meander through the truly beautiful and quaint blue city of Chefchaouen on our guided tour

• Admire some of the world’s best mosaic tiles here on our guided tour of the Volubilis ruins

• Visit Moulay Ismail mausoleum and be impressed with its Islamic architecture, intricate details

• A special treat; wine tasting at a 100-year-old vineyard in Meknes

• Explore Meknes on our guided tour including wonderful remnants of its imperial past

• You’ll love our local dinner this evening

• Embrace the imperial city of Fez, the cultural capital with vibrant souks and old-world charm

• Discover the beautiful Mederssa Attarine & Foundouk Nejjarine entrance, a masterpiece of design

• Be impressed by the different elements of the brass etching tradition of Fez

• Be in awe with a sunset camel ride – into the desert.

• Indulge in glamping at a desert camp – Sahara Desert

• Taste Medfouna which is a traditional Moroccan dish

• Experience the excellent fossil museum at Erfoud

• Be captivated with the Todgha Gorges, a series of limestone river canyons,

• Be in awe at the amazing UNESCO Ait Ben Hadou Kasbah

• Go behind the scenes of a Hollywood movie studio

• Stroll the Medina's souks, a maze of all sorts of stalls and soak up the atmosphere

• Discover Bahia Palace entrance as it is one of the most beautiful attractions in Marrakech

• Visit the Dar Si Said Museum which supports Popular Art

• Enjoy tranquillity in the 400 year old Le Jardin Secret garden

• Immerse yourself in a cooking class Amal Association: A non-profit woman’s Association

• Experience a variety of delicious Moroccan cuisine

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Friday: Arrive Casablanca: (D)
Ahlan wa Sahlan & welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Casablanca Airport, you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have free time to explore Casablanca.
This afternoon we visit one of the most impressive sites in Casablanca – the Iconic edifice of the Mosque of Hassan II. Opened in 1993 after 7 Years on construction work of dozens of Moroccan architects and thousands of workers from all over the kingdom. This mosque has the tallest Minaret on the entire planet and is the 3rd largest Mosque in the world, the huge building is part on land and part on sea and in one area water can be seen through a glass floor. It is one of the only religious sites open to non-Muslims.
Later, at a time suitable for all guests, we will rendezvous at the Hotel lobby for a tour briefing before departing to the iconic Rick’s bar (Remember “Casablanca” with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman). After dinner, enjoy a drive around and view the city by night.

You may wish to arrive a day earlier to shop or maybe just to get your bearings and recover from any jet lag you may have. If you do choose to arrive early, we can extend your hotel bookings and provide any information or advice you may need in order to make the most of your time and get yourself familiar with the exciting city.

Day 2: Saturday: Casablanca – Rabat: (B)
This morning we depart to the Morocco’s capital city of Rabat. On arrival we’ll explore the lovely walled quarter known as the Kasbah des Oudaias and where the National craft museum is. It includes jewellery, pottery, musical instruments, artifacts and many other traditional arts and crafts on displayed. Well will then walk to the medina for a brief visit before checking into our hotel. This evening, dinner is served at our hotel.

Day 3: Sunday: Rabat – Chefchaouen: (B/L/D)
Following early breakfast, we drive to the ‘blue city’ driving through farmland. On arrival we will book into our hotel then enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant. serving, seasonal grilled veggies with beef brochettes. (skewers) We then tour this enchanting ‘blue city’ to get our bearings. It is a beautiful town with its hue of blue walls set between the majestic Rif mountains overlooking the character filled town.
We explore the souks where locals display their homemade arts and crafts and the goat cheese which is considered the town 's signature speciality. We continue our city tour to taste & explore Chaouen specialities like delicious Moroccan pastries that are served with Chamali mint tea. Chefchaouen's cuisine, just like most of the northern cities of Morocco is heavily influenced by Spanish gastronomy and its Andalusian roots on this cultural & foodie experience.
Later in free time, perhaps explore the walled fortress of the old kasbah which has been restored and now contains a pretty garden and pass by the local square, plaza Uta el hammam which is lined with cafes and restaurants, all serving similar fare.

Day 4: Monday: Chefchaouen – Meknes: (B)
Today we leave the Rif mountains behind and head south to the wine capital of Morocco.
First, we stop by the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, this ancient city was the capital of the kingdom of Mauretania during the Roman empire and was founded in the 3rd century B.C. Extensive remains of these survive in the archaeological site, located in a fertile agricultural area. Although today all that remains are some ruins, some of the remaining structures and intricate mosaics have been preserved as a reminder of a city that once thrived.
After exploring this Roman heritage site we stop for a casual lunch break at a local café before we head to the religious Mausoleum of Moulay idriss which is an important pilgrimage site. Meander the main town square with shops selling incense, prayer beads and candles for the faithful, and the main street with restaurants and cafés for watching the passing parade.
We continue our drive to Meknes to a vineyard that produces exclusive Moroccan wine, it covers 115 hectares in Meknes. It’s a wonderful oasis to stop and relax and enjoy the surrounds, perhaps enjoy some wellness time. Dinner this evening includes matching wine from the vineyard.

Day 5: Tuesday: Meknes – Fes: (B/D)
This morning we have a short drive to the spiritual capital of Morocco, the city of Fes where you will be spending the next 2 nights.
On arrival, we’ll take a fabulous walking tour of the old city, known locally as Fes el Bali. Its alive like a 1001 night’s tale and as you step back into the Middle Ages in the labyrinth of the Medina. Immerse yourself in a time warp we view fruit, vegetable, fish and meat market, then onto the leather and metal workshops Admire the workmanship of ceramics artisans, carpets and silks. After walking around this mystical site, visit the Medersa Bou Inania founded in 1351 by a Merenid Sultan this Beautiful building is a living example of Merinid architecture. Later, we visit the splendid Funduk Nejjarine, a charming 18th century inn. We also see the fabulous Fes tannery! We then head to our hotel and check-in. Dinner this evening will be in the hotel and will include some of Fes's signature dishes.

Day 6: Wednesday: Fez: (B)

Option 1:
Day at leisure in Fez.

Option 2:
A pottery workshop - 60 USD per person:
The pottery & Zalij (tiling) workshop with a “Maalem” process will gives you an opportunity to explore how they go hand in hand with skills of an artisan! To create masterpieces of different traditional products. The brass etching workshop will be accompanied by a local expert who will guide you through each step, and assist you in creating your own masterpiece.

Option 3:
Souk Tasting Trails of the medina of Fes : 85 USD per person
We will walk through the magical maze of streets of Fez. Feel the history and culture as you stroll through the streets and alleys, while enjoying the culinary tastes of Fez. Winding our way through the alleys and souks with a Fez food expert. We’ll visit three different food souks allowing the chance to try traditional Moroccan street food including dried meats, milawi, harsha, briwats, spicy sardines, spicy potato cakes, soups, olives and more. Eat and drink through the culinary capital, Fez! You will have the opportunity to see how these dishes are prepared. We have chosen the domain, we visit them with great care because your safety is our number one priority. There will be a wide variety of foods and drinks, including those that may be vegan or vegetarian. Return to the Riad for an international dinner.

Day 7: Thursday: Fez – Aguelmame Sidi-Ali Lake: (B/D)
We have an early morning departure today, driving to Aguelmame Sidi-Ali Lake. We drive to Ifrane, named the little Switzerland of Africa. It is a beautiful city in Morocco known for its European-style architecture, clean streets, and serene environment. The Ifrane National Park is located in the Middle Atlas Mountains. We then stop and visit Azrou. Azrou is a charming town located in the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco, known for its beautiful cedar forests, traditional crafts, and unique culture. These cedar forests are home to the famous Barbary macaques, a species of monkey that is native to Morocco. We’ll stop off and meander the local market selling traditional crafts, such as woven carpets, pottery, and wood carvings. We continue onto Aguelmame Sidi-Ali Lake. Along the way we stop for a moment and visit Berber families (if possible) and discover the Berber life of the Atlas Mountains. We continue our drive to our hotel. Upon arrival at Lake of Aguelmame Sidi-Ali, enjoy the stunning views of the Atlas Mountains and the surrounding countryside, take a moment to appreciate its crystal-clear waters and serene atmosphere. The lake is surrounded by verdant hills and is known for its stunning sunset. Perhaps take time in the lovely ‘wellness centre they have here. Diner is at the hotel

Day 8: Friday: Aguelmame Sidi-Ali Lake – Erfoud – Desert Camp: (B/L/D)
Today we drive south but before we reach the golden desert we stop by the capital of fossils, Erfoud. Erfoud is in the middle of a sprawling palm groves in Morocco's remote eastern desert. We visit a fabulous fossil museum that’s preserving many treasures from the region. There are marble tables with fossil imbedded, sinks and basins, fountains, decorative objects and blocks of fossil stone. It is an amazing site to see. Lunch today is the south-eastern specialty dish Medfouna. We continue our drive and later transfer to 4 WD vehicles to take us to our dessert camp which is set amongst the amazing undulating sand dunes. Be in awe of the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes, changing with the light as the day progresses. Perhaps participate on a camel trek of these fabulous dunes and enjoy the sunset as you stop to take it all in. This evening, a traditional 3 course dinner is served in a tented restaurant and when night falls, the camp lights up with many lanterns and becomes alive with a campfire and music. (Overnight Bag)

Day 9: Saturday: Merzouga Desert Camp – Ait Ben Haddou: (B/L/D).
This morning, rise early and experience one of the best sunrises over the spectacular dunes of the Sahara Desert. Later we depart and head to the gorges of Todra the highest, narrowest gorges in Morocco. Where you’ll see the majestic sandcastles and the amazing rocks formations.
We stop and visit the ‘Hollywood of Africa’ because of the many movies that have been and are being filmed here. We will visit the Atlas cinema Studios. We tour the studio, it is both authentic and magical. Atlas Studios gives you the chance to see for yourself the sets where so many successful films and series have been made, including “Gladiator 1 & 2”, “Prince of Persia” or “Game of Thrones.” We then drive to Ait-Ben Heddou and check into our hotel. Diner is in our Riad Hotel

Day 10: Sunday: Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech: (B/L/D)
This morning we visit Ait Ben Haddou and visit its epic Kasbah that’s been perched on a hilltop and almost unchanged since the 11th century. Ait Ben Haddou is one of Morocco's most iconic sites and its kasbah is one of the most gorgeous in Morocco and the fortified village is a fine example of clay architecture.
Then we travel the Tiz'n Tichka pass towards the city of Marrakech, a colourful melting pot where European modernity meets ancient vibes.

After check-in, we walk into the heart of the colourful Marrakech Medina with our guide. The souks are bursting with a variety of local crafts, leather, herbs and spices, metal work, jewellery and more. Dinner this evening is on the roof top of our hotel.

Day 11: Monday: Marrakech: (B/D)
Today we discover some of the fabulous history of Marrakesh. The beautiful Koutoubia mosque with its famous minaret; it is the prototype for others of its kind around the world, including La Giralda in Seville. Then onto the Royal Palace to the Ancient Kasbah. Admire the beauty of Moroccan architecture as we stroll by the Jewish Mellah streets before arriving at the Beautiful Bahia Palace. We amble the peaceful courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom and the many lounges and rooms that make up this architectural wonder. This gorgeous mansion was built in 1866. We visit Muséé Dar Si Said which has a collection of handmade unique & ecological rugs made of scraps of fabrics transforming them into rugs. Knotted on top of each other from which very colourful geometric and abstract patterns are born.
We stop for lunch break before continuing onto botanical garden of Le Jardin Secret that dates back more than 400 years to the Saadian dynasty and has been the home of some of Morocco and Marrakech’s most important political figures. Discover the gardens and buildings, they are outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture. After, visit the wonderful Yves Saint & Majorelle Gardens. Later we walk back through the narrow streets of the Medina through souks and spice Markets. When we arrive at Rahba square and your hotel, the rest of the evening is free at your leisure.

Day 12: Tuesday: Marrakesh - Essaouira: (B/L/D)
This morning we visit Amal Association, A non-profit organization empowering women through culinary skills. Together with a local master chef we learn how to make traditional Moroccan dishes such as tajines, couscous, or pastilla. We also discover the key components of a Moroccan meal starting with how to prepare the famous Moroccan mint tea. The class ends with a lunch where you enjoy your very own masterpieces!
After cooking class, we depart Marrakesh travelling west to the seaside city of Essaouira. On arrival, check-in at our hotel. Later join our orientation walk that will conclude with a cocktail on a rooftop overlooking the Medina and the beach (Drinks not Included).

Day 13: Wednesday: Essaouria: (B/L)
This morning we meet up with our tour guide to visit the port of Essaouira and enjoy a fabulous culinary scene of fresh seafood. Continue on a tour of the old town before we depart for lunch. We drive to a local winery and participate in a tour. The winemaker is considered to be the best in the country, as they have won multiple awards for his vintages at the Chateauneuf du Pape.
Later, we return to Essaouira. This afternoon and evening is at your leisure. You may wish to relax or do some last-minute shopping. (Essaouira has one of the best silver smiths in the country)

Day 14: Thursday Depart Morocco: (B)
Our small group tour concludes after breakfast and for most guests it is time to say farewell to acquaintances, new-found friends and Morocco.

At your leisure before transferring to the airport at Casablanca for your onward or homebound journey. (Only one departure to Casablanca is included to allow sufficient travel and check in time).

Please contact as soon as possible to ensure your place on this boutique small group tour and for further travel arrangements.

• Exclusive curated private for Boutique Tours & Travel

• A small Group tour 4 - 12

• Private international airport arrival & departure transfers - Casablanca Airport

• Hand selected  star modern and boutique hotel accommodation

• Internet WIFI access where possible

• Meals as indicated in Itinerary; B = Breakfast:  L = Lunch:   D = Dinner: 

• Private services of a bilingual tour guide(s)

• Concierge / bell hop services throughout tour

• 24 hour on-call service

• Luxury / Deluxe private air-conditioned vehicles for all our transportation

• Admission fees to all sightseeing excursions and activities as per itinerary

• Room Sharing options for singles / solo travellers available

• Most tipping and gratuities

• Bottled water whilst touring in vehicle

• An exclusive BT&T Travel Information App

Not Included:

• International airfares

• Arrival & Departure Taxes, levies or other charges

• Passport & Visa Fees

• City Taxes for hotels if required

• Personal Travel Insurance

• Excess baggage charges

• Cost of any ‘luggage delivery’. – via FedEx or postal services

• Late check-out at hotels

• Extra gratuities to tour guides and drivers and others.

• Some Meals and Alcoholic beverages not included in the itinerary

• Expenditure of personal nature

• Optional activities not included in tour