Bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, Morocco is distinguished by its Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences. One of the most diverse African countries, Morocco is home to majestic high mountains, sweeping desert dunes, rugged and fertile coastline, and labyrinthine alleyways in historic medina cities and open air markets. The lyrical landscapes of the deserts and mountains are only matched by the rich traditional and contemporary society of the ever active influence of peoples and ideas in this colorful cultural crossroads. Explore the singular solitude of the desert, to count the stars and follow ancient trade routes, then dive into the festive chaos of the winding labyrinth markets.
INTRODUCING SLIDING SCALE PRICING: Lower/discounted rates will be available at the time of booking until a particular date, or until they run out, whichever comes first. Note that discounted rates on these trips can only be applicable if the group size reaches 5 or more travelers. Should we deem necessary to cancel such a trip due to low enrollment, all funds will be returned to the traveler.
NOTE ABOUT ACCOMMODATIONS: To make your experience as close to the local people as possible, and based on the size of our group, Cross Cultural Journeys and our local partners in Morocco will secure the best available; clean, comfortable and centrally located accommodations in the cities and villages that we visit. The accommodations will range from 4-5 star local Rhiads, Khasbas and Luxurious Desert Tent Camps, to more basic, local and simple hotels. This itinerary is subject to change to take advantage of the serendipity of the moment when we are in Morocco; to meet someone special, to engage in an activity that might occur unexpectedly, or to accommodate circumstances beyond our control. Please note that due to the nature of this itinerary as well as unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, restaurants or hotels may change at the last minute in similar category.
INCLUDED: In country transportation per itinerary; best available accommodations in Morocco (double occupancy); meals as marked (B/L/D) per the itinerary; Cross Cultural Journeys trip manager; Moroccan English speaking local guide; all entrance fees on itinerary; preparation materials; tips for bellman and hotel staff, included meals on itinerary and bottled water on the bus.
NOT INCLUDED: International air travel to Morocco; meals not on itinerary; alcoholic drinks; excursions not on the itinerary; tips for local guide and driver (optional, yet customary); travel insurance.
TRAVEL PROTECTION: Cross Cultural Journeys is not responsible for cancellation expenses that you might incur before or during our trip. You may want to check first to see if your current insurance policy covers travel abroad, but we have found that most do not. We strongly encourage considering taking out travel interruption and evacuation insurance to cover any emergencies abroad such as evacuation, or reimbursement for cancellation due to your own illness or an illness in your family. Some plans require you to take out this insurance within 21 days of your deposit to cover pre-existing conditions. CCJ has partnered with TravelSafe. You can visit our online portal to explore different plans. We encourage you to choose a plan covers travel interruption before you depart, as well as during the trip. CCJ is not responsible for events beyond our control in this regard.
Please visit the Cross Cultural Journeys - TravelSafe online portal to find a plan that works for you. You can also call TravelSafe directly at 1-800-523-8020. Make sure you mention that Cross Cultural Journeys is your tour operator to receive our special rates.
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Rabat
Your trip leader and local host will meet you in the lobby of your hotel l in Casablanca at 10 AM. From here, we will visit the Hassan II Mosque. Enjoy a guided tour of this amazing place – the 3rd largest mosque in the world! After lunch, travel up the coast to Rabat, the current capital of Morocco where we will stop for the night. Upon your arrival here, we will have a guided tour of the most important monuments in this ocean front capital city. The tour will included Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, and Kasbah of the Udayas. We check in to the hotel for a brief rest, before reconvening with the group for a welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant. Then back to our hotel for a good night's sleep!
Sleep: Rabat - Riad Dar El Kebira (L, D)
This morning after breakfast, we travel inland to the lessor known Imperial City of Meknes. We begin our tour of this city built by Sultan Moulay Ismail by visiting the Bab Mansour gate (which incorporates columns pillaged from Volubilis), Agdal reservoir - which may bring to mind the Grand Canal of Versailles - and Heri es-Souani, the former granary and royal stables that once housed 12,000 horses. We will enjoy a local lunch before making the short drive to then nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis, for a guided tour. We continue on to Meknes. See the beautiful gate of Bab Mansour (which incorporates pillars pillaged from Volubilis), the tomb of Sultan Moulay Ismail, Agdal reservoir, and Heries-Souani (a former granary and stable). Continue to Fes and arrive by early evening. Dinner will be together at the traditional riad.
Sleep: Fes - Riad Dar Skalli (B, L)
Today after breakfast, our local guide will meet us at our hotel for a guided tour of the city. We begin with a panoramic view of the entire medina. Next, we visit a mosaic house where we will have a demonstration of traditional pottery methods that are still practiced by Moroccan artisans. We continue on to the old medina of Fes, where we will explore the ancient streets and neighborhoods. Enjoy a walking tour in the medina; the tomb of Moulay Idriss II, Al-Qarawaiyin University, and other monuments. We will also visit the various artisan sections including the leather tanneries for which Fes is famous. We return to our hotel by mid-afternoon.
Sleep: Fes - Riad Dar Skalli (B, L)
After breakfast, we depart Fez and drive towards the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. On the way, we travel through the largest cedar forest in Africa which is also home to the barbary apes (a.k.a. "Atlas monkeys") which are sure to entertain! We enjoy a picnic lunch in the cedar forest before we continue over the Middle Atlas Mountains to the city of Midelt, located in the high plains, where we will stop for the night. After a mint tea welcome, rest and relax in your room, or go for a light hike in the ecological park that is next to Ksar Timnay. This is the beginning of the land of the Berbers,. In the evening, we will enjoy a delicious locally sourced dinner followed by live music and dancing.
Sleep: Midelt - Ksar Timnay (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we depart from Midelt and travel over the High Atlas Mountains and then following the Ziz River Gorge to the desert. If this happens to fall on the Market Day in Rissani,, we get to experience the hustle and bustle of this dusty city. For lunch, we will try the local specialty of Medfouna (aka Berber Pizza). After our visit here, we meet our camels for a sunset trek into the edge of dunes to your luxury camp for the night. (or If you prefer, transfer to the desert camp in a 4x4 vehicle). Climb the nearest dune to watch the sun set and the stars come out. Dinner will be served at camp followed by traditional music and more stargazing, before retiring to your tent for the night.
Sleep: Merzouga - Desert Camp Bouchedor
(B, L, D)
This morning your camel guide will wake us early to can watch the sunrise over the dunes. Breakfast will be served at camp. We depart our desert camp on camelback to ride back to the edge of the dunes, where we will board our coach bus to take us to the Dades Valley. Along the way, we will stop to visit an ancient irrigation system that once brought water to the desert from the distant Saghro Mountains. Visit the oasis town of Tinghir for a guided walk of the palmeraie and Mellah (old Jewish area). Visit nearby Todgha Gorge - the most impressive part of the canyon. Continue on to our hotel in the breathtaking Dades Valley in the evening, where you dinner will be awaiting our arrival.
Sleep: Dades Valley - Kasbah Tizzarouine (B, L, D)
This morning after breakfast, we take a short drive through the Dades River Valley to the village of Taltnamarte near the small city of Kelaat M’Gouna in the heart of the Rose Valley. If the roses are in bloom (spring departures only), we will join the locals and try your hand at picking the pink blossoms. Visit the local cooperative to learn about the rose distillation process. Next, we enjoy a traditional couscous lunch with a local family in their home. Time permitting, we explore the local area. Dinner at the hotel
Sleep: Dades - Kasbah Tizzarouine (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we depart early for the road of 1000 Kasbahs and through the city of Ouarzazate, pronounced: "wor-za-zet" - and known as the Hollywood of Morocco! After a quick rest stop, we make the short drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, before crossing over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, reaching an altitude of nearly 7500 feet above sea level before descending to Marrakech by early evening. Dinner together in Marrakech.
Sleep: Marrakech -TBA depending on size of group (B, L, D)
After an early breakfast, we will get a private guided tour around Marrakech. We begin the tour at nearby Koutobia Mosque. We continue by bus through the Kasbah (Bab Aganou, Saadian Mosque, and the Jewish Quartier). Visit the Mellah (Jewish Quartier) and walk to visit Bahia Palace. We eventually arrive at the souk and the winding maze-like medina. The tour will finish at lunchtime. Rest of the day free to explore on our own.
Sleep: Marrakech - TBA depending on size of group (B)
After breakfast, we enjoy a free morning exploring Marrakech before meeting the group for a late morning departure to Essaouira. Free day to discover the Atlantic coastal city of Essaouira on your own.
Sleep: Essaouira - Hotel El Kasbah Souiria (B)
After breakfast we visit the market to buy ingredients for a home cooked meal and a full day cooking experience, which will be our included lunch for the day. Free rest of the afternoon/evening to prepare for your departure and do some last minute shopping.
Sleep: Essaouira - Hotel El Kasbah Souiria (B, L)
Today we depart for the airport to catch our flights back home.
(B)
