This morning you’ll have a tour of the monumental Hassan II Mosque—the largest mosque in Africa—before leaving Casablanca’s colonial buildings behind and beginning the journey towards the mediaeval city of Fes. Along the way you’ll visit Domaine de la Zouina, one of the region’s premier wineries, for a tour and tasting accompanied by a selection of locally produced goat cheese, dried fruits and olive oil. In Fes you’ll stay the next two nights in a riad.

Today you’ll explore Fes’ ancient medina on a locally guided tour of one of the most extensive and well-preserved historic towns of the Arab-Muslim world. You’ll visit the magnificently decadent golden main gate of the Royal Palace, the 14th century Jewish Mellah, the inactive synagogue Ibn Dannan, a Jewish cemetery, the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, Medresse el Attarine, the 11th century Chouara Tannery and the souks. You’ll even stop by a ceramics factory where you can see potters and their students working in the traditional way. And as you walk along the narrow streets and alleyways that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll pass the historic khans, mosques, craftsmen and donkeys laden with goods that make this journey back to the Middle Ages one truly unforgettable experience. 

This morning you’ll leave Fes behind and journey south through the Middle Atlas and on to the French-built oasis town of Erfoud. Along the way you’ll pass through the pretty town of Ifrane—Morocco’s “Little Switzerland”—and some spectacularly varied scenery—fertile valleys, cedar and pine forests, barren, rocky landscapes and the spectacular Jurassic geography of the Ziz Gorges, including Tafilalt—the largest Saharan oasis in Morocco. You might even catch a glimpse of a Barbary ape—North Africa’s only monkey. In Erfoud you’ll stay the night in a kasbah.

  This morning we’ll have time to wander around and discover the undulating golden sand dunes before taking an exhilarating 4WD to visit a local Gnawa tribe in the nearby village of Khamlia. The tribe was brought to Morocco from Sudan during slavery times and bought and sold by Arabs, Berbers and Europeans. You’ll then continue exploring the sand dunes and surrounding communities on a 4x4 excursion. You’ll go on an unforgettable 1.5-hour camel ride to a nomadic camp in the middle of the dunes. Here you’ll stay the night in a luxury tent.

 After waking early to watch the glorious sunrise over the still eastern dunes you’ll hop on your camel once more and ride out of the Sahara. And after saying goodbye to your camel in Merzouga you’ll begin your journey to Skoura, a UNESCO protected palm grove dotted with adobe villages and mud-brick kasbahs. Along the way you’ll stop in the small town of Tinejdad and visit the Oasis Museum. This group of three restored houses displays Berber antiquities and objects of traditional use collected from various tribes across the country that reflects Jewish heritage by preserving and showcasing artifacts, documents, and cultural elements that highlight the historical presence and contributions of the Jewish community in the region. It offers insights into the daily life, traditions, and history of the Jewish population, contributing to a better understanding of the cultural diversity of the area. You’ll also visit Todra Gorge—a narrow, 300m high canyon and one of the most dramatic natural sights in Morocco. In Skoura you’ll spend the night in a kasbah.

Today you’ll journey to the ochre-hued city of Marrakech, arriving in the early evening. After leaving Skoura you’ll pass through Ouarzazate before continuing on to Ait Ben Haddou—a fortified city so famous for its 17th century ksar that it’s been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Here you’ll cross the river for a guided walking tour of the ksar that will take you all the way up to a hilltop granary for magnificent views of the ksar and valley below. After your tour you’ll continue on to Marrakech via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka (2,260m)—one of the highest drivable passes in Morocco—following the winding roads that lead you from the south’s vast desert plains to the High Atlas’ gorgeous green valleys. In Marrakech you’ll stay the next three nights.

This morning you’ll have a guided tour of Marrakech’s old town, visiting Koutoubia Mosque (exterior only), Bahia Palace, the old Jewish Quarter, Jewish cemetery, Salat al Azma Synagogue that used to serve as a religious school for young boys and the souks. In the afternoon you’ll visit Majorelle Garden, an enchanting oasis in the heart of the city made famous by Yves Saint Laurent, and its small but excellent Berber Museum. 

Today you’ll have a tagine cooking experience, during this one of a kind activity in Marrakech. You’ll learn the Darija (Morocco’s local Arabic dialect) for the key ingredients of Morocco’s most famous dish. Then following your teacher’s step-by-step instructions to prepare your very own mouthwatering lunch.

Approximately six hours before your flight home departs, we’ll pick you up from your riad and transfer you to Casablanca airport.