Faster paces with mix of 1–2-night stays in each location. Typically features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.
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 a Welcome Reception.
We continue along the coast to the capital, Rabat. Here we’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, we'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. We 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. 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.
We 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, we 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.
Journeying west, we arrive in Tinghir, one of the most beautiful oases in southern Morocco and home to the ruins of the ancient Glaoui palace. We continue through part of the Todra Gorge and cut through the mountains for one of the most dramatic views in the country. Here we will overnight at one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories, Xaluca Dades, surrounded by panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains.
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 and 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) where you may wish to spend some time learning the art of haggling.
Meet the inspiring ladies of a local women’s cooperative over tea and snacks on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Visit the ornate Bahia Palace 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.
We travel to the laid-back shores of Essaouira this morning. Stopping en route, we Dive Into Culture to visit a cooperative involved in creating cosmetics from traditional ingredients. Consider a delicious seafood lunch and enjoy some free time before joining a city tour of the UNESCO-listed Medina, the walled Jewish Quarter and Skala fortress. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
This morning we journey north to Casablanca where we will enjoy views of the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, built for the late King's 60th birthday celebrations. Later, we join our Travel Director and companions for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate an unforgettable voyage of discovery.
Say goodbye to your newfound friends at the end of your Moroccan holiday.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Arabian Dinner and Entertainment in a Riad (Available on Day 2)Enjoy a local meal of fine food, live bands and traditional entertainment including belly dancing, in a spectacular Moroccan setting.
Adult Price: .د.م560 Bhalil Revealed (Available on Day 3)Explore Bhalil village, where local people live in dwellings carved from the rock face. Warm in winter but cool in summer, they are perfect for the local climate. You’ll also visit local craftsmen at a traditional ceramic tile factory.
Adult Price: .د.م290 Saharan Adventure (Available on Day 4)We’ll take jeeps from our hotel and travel 50 km (80 miles) to the stunning sand dunes of the Sahara, arriving in time to witness the glorious desert sunset. You’ll also have the opportunity to try a traditional Berber headdress, which local tribesmen use to protect themselves from the sand and desert elements.
Adult Price: .د.م495 Majorelle Gardens And The Berber Museum (Available on Day 7)No visit to Marrakesh is complete without some time in the lovely Majorelle Gardens, bought and restored by the late Yves St Laurent. You’ll also visit the Berber Museum where you will have the opportunity to view artefacts created by the ancient Berber people.
Adult Price: .د.م340 The Square at Night and Traditional Dinner (Available on Day 7)You will visit the magical Jemaa el Fna Square and enjoy the exotic sights and sounds of Marrakesh by night. Then we’ll have dinner in a typical Moroccan restaurant, with music and entertainment.
Adult Price: .د.م695