Discover the delights, colours and cultures of Morocco on this nine-day Luxury Morocco Experience – a Travel Associates Signature Itinerary.
With its Arabic, Islamic and Islamic influences, Morocco awaits on this nine-day luxury adventure from Casablanca, to Fes, the the ochre-red sands of the Sahara, Morocco’s ‘Grand Canyon’ and exotic Marrakech. It will be an intoxicating experience, from the chaotic and colourful markets to centuries-old historic sites, rugged landscapes, and so much more. Morocco will truly captivate you, and this nine-day itinerary is a wonderful way to start your Moroccan love affair.
DAY ONE – CASABLANCA
Experience Morocco_Hassan II Mosque.jpg
Upon arrival at Casablanca Airport, make your way through a short customs line with a fast track service and then meet your dedicated driver. Head to the city centre where you’ll take a guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque before checking into your hotel – Barcelo Anfa. You’ll then head to Rick’s Cafe in the evening for a welcome dinner. This is the iconic restaurant from the movie Casablanca.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: Hassan II Mosque and Dinner at Rick's Cafe
ACCOMMODATION: Barcelo Anfa (or equivalent)
DAY TWO – FES
Experience Morocco_Roman ruins of Volubilis.jpg
After breakfast, depart to Fes with stops en route to visit Meknes and Volubilis. In Meknes, tour the ruins and the stunning ancient gates in this imperial city founded in the 11th century, while in Volubilis, marvel at the ruins of this historic Roman city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Sit. Lunch will be at a local vineyard, featuring a tour of the property, wine tasting, and a meal made with that day’s fresh produce. Sample the famous Moroccan vin gris (gray wine) and pair wines with locally sourced cheeses. Continue on to Fes, with a late afternoon arrival and check-in at your hotel – Riad Myra. The rest of the evening and dinner are at your leisure.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: Visit to Roman ruins of Volubilis and wine tasting near Meknes
ACCOMMODATION: Riad Myra (or equivalent)
DAY THREE – FES
After breakfast, begin your guided visit of the cultural capital of Morocco. Discover the medina’s Jewish quarter, the medersas (schools), and the legendary tanneries, where ancient techniques are still used to prepare Moroccan leather. Stop by the world’s oldest and longest-operating learning institution, the University of Al Quarawiyyin, founded in 859 AD.
You’ll break for lunch in the medina and then continue with your guided visit of the souks and artisans’ quarters. You’ll then experience a Fes tasting tour, during which you’ll visit three different food souks. Try traditional Moroccan street food, including dried meats, milawi, harsha, briwats, spicy sardines, spicy potato cakes, soups, olives and more. Investigate traditional cooking methods by visiting a furnace where the water for the hammam (communal bath house) is also heated, and a 400-year-old furan (communal oven and bakery). Afterwards, the rest of the evening is at your leisure.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: Visit to Al Qarawiyyin and Fes Tasting Tour
ACCOMMODATION: Riad Myra (or equivalent)
DAY FOUR – THE SAHARA
Experience Morocco_Luxury Desert Camp.jpg
Embark on an early morning scenic drive that will lead you to the golden dunes of the Sahara, with several panoramic vistas as well as a lunch break en route. Upon arrival, ride camels that will take you on a beautiful path through the tall sand dunes to your luxury desert camp.
Mint tea will be served as you arrive, after which you’ll have some time to enjoy the camp and take in the peaceful quiet of the Sahara. Enjoy a warm Moroccan dinner under the stars, followed by a campfire and live tribal music. Take a few minutes to observe the starlit sky before going to sleep in the comfort of your well-appointed tent.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: A Saharan Night to Remember - camping out in the desert with a Moroccan dinner under the stars, campfire and live tribal music
ACCOMMODATION: Luxury Desert Camp
DAY FIVE – DADES GORGES
Experience Morocco_Todgha Gorges.jpg
Begin the day watching the sunrise over the dunes and try sandboarding (optional), followed by a hearty breakfast. Then leave the camp to travel to the Todgha Gorges, otherwise known as Morocco’s ‘Grand Canyon’. After lunch near the gorges there will be many photo opportunities to try and capture the beauty of this place, before you continue on to check in at your property where you’ll have the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner this evening is at the property – Chez Pierra – which is renowned for its top-notch cuisine, a European-Moroccan fusion that changes daily and is locally-sourced.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: Todgha Gorges
ACCOMMMODATION: Chez Pierra (or equivalent)
DAY SIX: MARRAKECH
Experience Morocco_La Maison Arabe.jpg
Depart for Marrakech with a stop at the fascinating walled city of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the foothills on the southern slopes of the High Atlas Mountains, where parts of Game of Thrones were filmed. After lunch, continue towards Marrakech on a scenic drive venturing through the peaks of the High Atlas Mountains and back down on the other side into the dry flat plains of Marrakech. Arrive in the early evening to your riad – La Maison Arabe Douiriya – and enjoy dinner.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: Kasbah Ait Benhaddou - a UNESCO World Heritage site
Experience Morocco_Kasbah Ait Benhaddou.jpg
ACCOMMODATION: La Maison Arabe Douiriya (or equivalent)
DAY SEVEN – MARRAKECH
Experience Morocco_Souk Market.jpg
After breakfast at your hotel, head out for a jam-packed day of sightseeing in Marrakech. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque (one of the most popular sights of Marrakech), the Bahia Palace (a stunning example of traditional Moroccan architecture), and the Saadian tombs (an ornate resting place). Afterwards, head to the medina for lunch, followed by afternoon visits of the medina and the souks with myriad pathways. The markets of Marrakech are located in a bending, twisting and confusing set of alleyways which your expert guide will lead you through. You’ll see the different sections, including the stalls where fresh produce, baked goods, spices, and herbs are sold. You’ll also have the option this afternoon to experience a traditional Moroccan hammam & spa treatment.
In the evening, visit the famous Jemaa el Fnaa square, which becomes especially lively at night. Browse the stalls where juice vendors sell fruit juice of every flavour imaginable, and experience a tasting at a food stall where you’ll get to try local favourites, including the famous Marrakech tanjia.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: Exploring the Souk in Marrakech
ACCOMMODATION: La Maison Arabe Douiriya (or equivalent)
DAY EIGHT – MARRAKECH
Experience Morocco_Tagine Moroccan Cooking Class.jpg
Wake up before sunrise this morning to head on an optional adventure above the clouds: a hot air balloon ride. Depart early from your property for a 45-minute drive to the balloon grounds. After a quick briefing, you will get on board the balloon and enjoy a ride of about 20-30 minutes, where you soar above local villages and the plains of Southern Morocco. Once the ride is over, you will head to a nearby tent for a traditional breakfast.
After breakfast, head to the stunning Majorelle Gardens. Global fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent made his second home in Marrakech for many decades, and his vision drove every detail behind the lush Gardens, accompanied by a small but must-see Berber Museum. Next door, the Yves Saint-Laurent Museum honours the fashion icon’s love of Marrakech and builds upon the collections housed at the Majorelle Gardens. Take in the beauty of the gardens and museums before enjoying lunch at your leisure.
In the afternoon, roll up your sleeves for an immersive and fun cooking experience. Accompanied by a local “dada”, or expert cook, dig into all of the key components of a Moroccan meal, starting with how to prepare the famous Moroccan mint tea and bake Moroccan bread. From there, the hands-on portion of the course begins as you prepare a main course of a chicken and preserved lemon tagine, along with a tomato and cucumber salad and an eggplant salad. The class ends with a dinner where you eat your very own masterpiece in a private venue, along with a special farewell celebration.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: Private Tagine Moroccan Cooking Class
ACCOMMODATION: La Maison Arabe Douiriya (or equivalent)
DAY NINE - DEPARTURE
Check out of your hotel and drive to Marrakech or Casablanca Airport for your departure flight.