Trip Itinerary
Depart on your Moroccan adventure mid morning from Vancouver. After a brief stop in
Montreal an overnight flight will take you to Casablanca, Morocco's largest and most
modern city, known for its mix of cultures and modern infrastructure.
After arriving this morning the group will visit the Hassan II Mosque for a guided tour.
Set on an outcrop jutting over the ocean with a 210m-tall minaret it's a showcase of the
finest Moroccan artisanship: hand-carved stone and wood, intricate marble flooring and
inlay, gilded cedar ceilings. Afterwards check in to the hotel for some free time to rest and
explore your surroundings. Enjoy dinner with the group this evening.
Travel up the coast to Rabat, a cultural city deeply rooted in history with masterpieces
decorating its streets and squares. A local guide will introduce you to this fascinating city
on a tour which will include a visit to Kasbah Oudaia, a historic fortress with vibrant streets
and lush gardens; and views of the Royal Palace and Mausoleum of Mohammed V. The
afternoon is free to explore. Perhaps stroll through the medina...the old, typically walled,
and often maze-like city center found in many North African cities. It's a historical district
and often contains narrow streets, souks (markets), fountains, palaces, and mosques.
A scenic drive awaits enroute to Chefchaouen, known as Morocco's Blue City, the whole
city seems to be rinsed in azure. Upon arrival take a light afternoon walk led by the tour
manager through the medina's blue washed alleys, an opportunity to mingle with the
local population, and to smell and taste delights. Enjoy dinner at the hotel with the group.
This morning visit the Kasbah fortress - a kasbah is a citadel or fortified quarter of a city. It's
often the oldest or most prominent part of a city, with strong defensive walls and gates.
The Kasbah in Chefchaouen stands in the middle of the old quarter and with lush gardens
and a museum it is a must-see. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore.
Travel south inland to Volubilis, a partly excavated Berber-Roman city and a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved Roman ruins, including impressive mosaics.
Next, visit Meknes, one of the imperial cities. The group will view the Bab el Mansour, a huge
gate with arches and mosaic tiling which leads into the former imperial city. As well visit
the Mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made the city his capital in the 17th century,
with beautiful courtyards and fountains. Arrive in Fez for a two night stay.
This morning a local guide will give the group a guided tour of Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s
four imperial cities, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour will include visits to the
Madrasa El-Attarine, a beautiful 14th century Islamic college; and the Nejjarine Museum,
showcasing the traditional craftsmanship and artistry of Moroccan woodworking. As well
view the Royal Palace and tanneries. In the afternoon take part in a Moroccan tradition
with an Art Argile Pottery and Mosaic Class.
Today is a scenic drive enroute to Erfoud through the Middle Atlas Mountains which are
covered with cedar forests. You will journey through the town of Azrou with an opportunity
to see its wild monkeys and take in the beautiful scene of the Ziz Valley with its thick, lush
canopy of palm trees between old, striated cliffs from the Jurassic era. After checking in to
the hotel for a two night stay there is an optional sunset 4x4 drive into the dunes.
Enjoy a half day excursion to the historic town of Rissani, the gateway to the Sahara Desert.
It was once a significant stop on ancient trade routes. It has a lively souk (traditional market)
where visitors can experience real Moroccan life and flavours. The group will have a guided
tour of the souk and Ksar (fortified village) followed by a visit to a fossil workshop. Return
to Erfoud and have the remainder of the day at leisure.
Spectacular scenery awaits today on the drive through Dades Gorge with awe-inspiring
landscapes and serpentine roads and across the dramatic Atlas foothills. Arrive in
Ouarzazate, a caramel coloured oasis set against the blue African sky, nicknamed the door
of the desert, for a one night stay.
Depart for Marrakech this morning with scenic stops along the way. Visit the UNESCO listed
Kasbah of Aït-Ben-Haddou (Ksar of Aїt Benhaddou) one of Morocco’s most
impressive historic landmarks and a popular film location for Hollywood movies. As well
cross over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m) which connects Marrakesh with the southern
oases and offers spectacular mountain scenery. Arrive in Marrakech for a two night stay.
This morning a local guide will introduce the group to Marrakech, known as the “red city”
due to its buildings and ramparts constructed of beaten clay, it is the first of Morocco’s
four imperial cities. Stroll through the rose-hued medina which is packed with restored
palaces, restaurants, and boutiques. Visit the Bahia Palace built in the 19th century and the
Koutuoubia Mosque built in the 12th century. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore or relax.
The group will have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Depart Marrakech for Casablanca for the return flight to Vancouver with many memories
of your incredible Moroccan adventure.
