8-Nights Majestic Morocco: Fez, Sahara Desert & Marrakech - Classics from $2,870

Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to Rabat

Upon arrival at Casablanca International Airport, you will be met by a local representative and begin your journey to Rabat, Morocco's capital.

For early arrivals, enjoy an introduction to Casablanca, Morocco's largest city and economic hub. Discover the historic Habous Quarter, where traditional Moroccan architecture blends with the city's French colonial heritage, and travel along the Atlantic coast to view the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. Set dramatically beside the ocean, this landmark is one of Morocco's most impressive architectural achievements.

After your introduction to Casablanca, continue along the coast to Rabat and settle into your hotel for the night.

Approx. drive time: 1 hour from Casablanca to Rabat.

Hotel: Executive Boutique Hotel Rabat (4 Star Rating)

Executive Boutique Hotel Rabat is a contemporary hotel located in the lively Agdal district of Morocco's capital. Its modern, comfortably furnished guest rooms provide a welcoming retreat after a day of sightseeing, while the hotel's dining venues offer a selection of Moroccan, Mediterranean and international cuisine. Guests also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and easy access to the shops, restaurants and attractions of Rabat.

After breakfast, set out to discover Rabat, Morocco's elegant capital. Begin at the Mohammed V Mausoleum, an impressive example of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, with its white marble, intricate mosaics, carved cedar and gold-leaf decoration. Nearby stands the Hassan Tower, the striking 12th-century minaret of an ambitious mosque that was never completed.

Continue to the historic Kasbah of the Udayas, dramatically positioned above the Atlantic Ocean. Step inside its fortified walls to discover peaceful Andalusian gardens filled with fountains, orange trees, flowers and palms.

Leaving Rabat behind, journey toward Fez, stopping along the way to explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis with a local guide. Continue past the sacred hilltop town of Moulay Idriss, an important pilgrimage site and one of Morocco's most historic settlements.

If time permits, stop in Meknes, one of Morocco's four Imperial Cities, before continuing to Fez for the night.

Approx. drive time: 3 hours.

Hotel: Barcelo Fes (4 Star Rating)

Barcelo Fes Medina is a contemporary 4-star hotel conveniently located in central Fez, within easy reach of the city's UNESCO-listed historic medina. Modern guest rooms provide a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring, while the hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, terrace and fitness facilities. Guests can also enjoy a selection of restaurants and bars offering Moroccan and international flavours, making it a comfortable base from which to discover the cultural and historic treasures of Fez.

Meal(s): Breakfast

This morning you will be met at your hotel for an all-day city tour of the spiritual capital of Morocco, Fez. The first stop is the entrance of the biggest royal palace of Morocco. This palatial complex is located in the center of the Fez El-Jedid area and is surrounded by high walls with intricate and elaborate decorated ornamentations. The doors are bronze, and they shine like gold. The interior of the palace is not available to the public because the king of Morocco uses the complex when he visits Fez. We then continue the tour with a panoramic view of the medina, before venturing to the heart of the largest old souk in the world in the medieval center of Fez. The medina of Fez has not changed for centuries. Its narrow alleys house hundreds of merchants and craftsmen selling a range of products such as dates, fish, spices, copper urns, carpets, and musical instruments. One of the most interesting sites in Fez is the leather souk with the oldest leather tannery in the world. The tannery dates back nine centuries. In Fez, you will visit the Jamaa Al-Karaouine (the world’s first established university) and a Medersa (a Koranic school). In addition to the tannery, you will visit a clay workshop, the artisan quarters, and other souks. Overnight at the hotel.

Hotel: Barcelo Fes (4 Star Rating)

Barcelo Fes Medina is a contemporary 4-star hotel conveniently located in central Fez, within easy reach of the city's UNESCO-listed historic medina. Modern guest rooms provide a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring, while the hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, terrace and fitness facilities. Guests can also enjoy a selection of restaurants and bars offering Moroccan and international flavours, making it a comfortable base from which to discover the cultural and historic treasures of Fez.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Leaving Fez this morning, we drive through the Middle Atlas into the South with a break in the quiet French built alpine resort town of Ifrane. We continue our journey while we enjoy the views of verdant cedar forests, volcanic mountains, wind-swept plains, spectacular gorges, and stony desert. We travel along the marvelous oasis of the Ziz Valley before arriving in Erfoud, port of entry to the Saharan dunes, located at the southern end of the Ziz Oasis. Known by the name of “the Gate of Sahara Desert”, Erfoud was built by the French around 1920 as an utpost and Foreign Legion stronghold. This frontier town on the Algerian border has a definite Wild West feel to it (in this case, Wild South). Fossilized bathtubs and moist-sweet dates are its current claims to fame. Then time to overland to Merzouga, the heart of the desert, and surf the sandy sea on a powerful 4-WD Land Rover. Dinner and overnight at the desert Camp. Approx. drive time: 8 hours.

Hotel: Madu Luxury Camp (4 Star Rating)

Madu Luxury Camp offers an unforgettable stay amid the spectacular dunes of the Sahara near Merzouga. The camp features traditionally styled luxury tents, each comfortably furnished with a private bathroom, heating and its own terrace. Moroccan rugs, lanterns and thoughtful touches create an atmospheric desert setting, while evenings bring traditional music and the opportunity to relax beneath the vast Saharan sky. A restaurant at the camp serves meals, completing this memorable desert experience.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy an early morning sunrise camel ride along the golden sand dunes in Merzouga. Return for breakfast before driving to Tinghir via Rissani and Tinjdad. Tinghir is a gorgeous, 40km oasis, which boasts one of the largest palm groves in the country. Enjoy walking at the famous Todra Gorges, a 300m wall, carved deep into the High Atlas Mountains. Leave Tinghir heading to Dades and its charming valley. Stop there to take pictures then continue along to KelaatM’Gouna, a large village famous for cultivating roses. Expect to find many fine, rose-infused products there. Transfer to Ouarzazate, also known as the “Hollywood” of Morocco for dinner and overnight. Approx. drive time: 5.5 hours.

Hotel: Riad Dar Chamaa (4 Star Rating)

Dar Chamaa is a charming retreat set within the palm grove of Ouarzazate, with beautiful views toward the Atlas Mountains. Designed in the style of a traditional kasbah, the property features riad-inspired interiors arranged around a central courtyard and fountain. Comfortable guest rooms blend contemporary simplicity with Moroccan touches, while the gardens and outdoor swimming pool provide a peaceful place to relax. A restaurant serves Moroccan cuisine, making Dar Chamaa an atmospheric base for an overnight stay on the journey through southern Morocco.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy the city tour of Ouarzazate, beginning with the Taourirt Kasbah that is considered one of the most beautiful Kasbahs in the country, and the Film Studios (optional visit) where the most famous desert landscapes are being shot. Continue to the spectacular fortress of Ait Ben Haddou, the iconic landscape immortalized in films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and Game of Thrones among others. Leave Ait Ben Haddou crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the magnificent TizInTichka pass (2,262m) to Marrakech for overnight. Approx. drive time: 4 hours.

Hotel: Grand Plaza Hotel Marrakech (4 Star Rating)

Ideally located across from the train station and the Royal Theatre, Grand Plaza welcomes you for a stay in the heart of Marrakech. Just 5 minutes from the Medina and 10 minutes from the airport, the hotel also offers underground parking for its residents.

Meal(s): Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy the city tour of Marrakesh, the “Red City”, a majestic place filled with palaces, gardens, markets, and mosques. Upon arrival, you will first stand by the Koutoubia Mosque with its 282 ft minaret, an architectural landmark dating back to the late 12th century. You will continue to the 19th century stunning Bahia Palace and discover the intricate work done by the local artisans to decorate this splendid home built by a powerful Vizir for his harem. The building includes one hundred and fifty rooms, countless courtyards and interior gardens, a veritable labyrinth of corridors, a

Koranic school, hammams, a harem, stables. From there we will start exploring artisan quarters and the colorful Souks to interact with the real life of Marrakech people. Continue to Dar El Bacha Museum of Confluences, built in 1910. It was the residence of Thami El Glaoui, named Pasha of Marrakech by Sultan Moulay Youssef in 1912. It is one of the medina's finest examples of Riad architecture, dripping with Moroccan Zellige (colorful geometric tilework), intricate white plasterwork and heavy carved cedar-wood lintels. Before sunset we will be strolling in the square of which the city is so famed, Jemaa El Fna. Located at the entrance of the Medina, this triangular square is surrounded by restaurants, stands and public buildings, and provides everyday commercial activities and various forms of entertainment. It is a magical circus where fortune tellers, henna artists, fire eaters, snake charmers, dancing wild costumed monkeys, story tellers, hypnotic medicine-men, cross dressers, tooth pullers, musicians including real Gnaoua, and acrobats gather in a cacophonic feast. After the tour, head to your hotel to freshen up. When you are ready, transfer to a local restaurant to enjoy your dinner. After dinner, back to your hotel for overnight.

Hotel: Grand Plaza Hotel Marrakech (4 Star Rating)

Ideally located across from the train station and the Royal Theatre, Grand Plaza welcomes you for a stay in the heart of Marrakech. Just 5 minutes from the Medina and 10 minutes from the airport, the hotel also offers underground parking for its residents.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Day at leisure or wander on your own. You may want to sign in for one of the following optional activities:

Retreat at a modern Berber-style villa and Cooking Class

This retreat experience will start by a pickup from your hotel at 10:00AM by our English-speaking driver aboard a deluxe car for a 20-min. drive to the Valley of Ourika. A welcome drink is served by the Farm hosts, followed with a tour of the property that is surrounded by a spectacular décor with the Atlas Mountains in the background. Enjoy a 20-min. meditation under the tent or in the meditation room (yoga class optional upon request on your own expenses). Light lunch will be served. Swimming pool is available for use (if season permits) and fresh drinks are at your disposal (extra charge for alcohol drinks and wine) or enjoy a breathtaking walk in the surroundings. We will start to prepare for the cooking class at 4PM. First, we’ll pick up vegetables from the garden if season permits, then bring them to the kitchen to begin an immersed experience with the New York Times 3-stars Executive Chef. You will dine on the food you cooked. After dinner, witness the sunset on the terrace of the villa. Moroccan tea or coffee will be served. Return to your hotel.

Traditional Hammam and Massage

A hammam is a traditional Moroccan Spa. Historically, the hammam was a public bathhouse for the locals to clean off the dirt and grime invariably accumulated after traveling through the desert. Today, the hammam still serves this purpose for the locals, and is brought to a higher level for the tourists. In the hammam, you’ll be submerged by a complete relaxation experience within an authentic oriental décor where you’ll be listening to your own body in an atmosphere filled with water, oils, essences and perfumes. Enjoy a 30-min. scrub done by expert hands with black soap or soothing spices eliminating toxins from your body. After Hammam, sway to the massage room where you will experience a 30-min. traditional Moroccan massage to eliminate tensions and gain energy and vitality. A tea is served in the relaxing room before you leave.

Cooking Class and Dinner

At 4PM, you’ll be picked up at the hotel for a unique gastronomic experience, at The Bennounas Farm, in the Ourika Valley. The cooking class takes place on the terrasse of a modern Berber-style villa, in a spectacular setting with the Atlas Mountains in the background. The 3-stars New York Times Chef Azzeddine Bennouna and his wife Marie will greet you in their property where you will discover the secrets of the Moroccan cuisine. The food you prepared will be served for dinner with a glass of wine. This activity includes a tour of the property with picking fresh produces from the garden if season permits; a traditional welcome tea session; a bread making demonstration done by a native Berber woman; and the preparation of a Moroccan dish. While the food is cooking, you are welcome to jump in the pool -if season permits! After dinner, back to your hotel for overnight.

Hotel: Grand Plaza Hotel Marrakech (4 Star Rating)

Ideally located across from the train station and the Royal Theatre, Grand Plaza welcomes you for a stay in the heart of Marrakech. Just 5 minutes from the Medina and 10 minutes from the airport, the hotel also offers underground parking for its residents.

Meal(s): Breakfast

After breakfast, we will assist you to the airport for your return flight.

Meal(s): Breakfast