Fly in a day early to rest, recharge and have some extra time in Casablanca!

If you would like to do this, please add the 'Pre-Night Hotel' option to your registration.

We will coordinate our flight arrivals to be able to take advantage of our time in Casablanca. Possibly arriving on Feb 4 to have time to explore.

In Casablanca, you can explore some of its not-so-touristy sites. Although many assume the Medina (old town) is a must-see, Casablanca's is only around 200 years old, relatively new than those of Fes and Marrakech. If you’re visiting those other cities, you don't need to spend much time in Casablanca's Medina.

Instead, depending on how much time you have and your personal preferences, consider the recommendations below.

The Hobous, Casablanca’s “New Medina”: Established in the 1930s by the French, Casablanca's new Medina is quite different than its old town. Here, you can walk around the charming streets and admire art deco architecture. Pop into some artisan shops to browse local crafts, including olives, textiles, and spices.

Beach Promenade: Casablanca is set on the Atlantic Ocean and offers a scenic promenade, perfect for a leisurely walk. Follow the Boulevard de la Corniche between two of the city's beaches. Often called Morocco’s “Miami,” you'll find several buzzy cafes, restaurants, and bars along this stretch. You can also visit the El Hank Lighthouse and enjoy views of the Hassan II Mosque from afar.

Mohamed V. Square: This airy plaza features tall palm trees and French Colonial architecture. Stroll around the gardens, enjoy the fountain, or relax on a bench to people-watch. If you'd like to take a longer walk, you'll find Arab League Park nearby, home to 30 acres of walking paths and green spaces. Bordering the park on its northwest side is the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Rick's Cafe: If your main reason to visit Casablanca is to follow Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart's footsteps, consider a visit to Rick’s Café, which recreates the famous scene in the legendary film!

Overnight: Hotel Le Diwan Rabat - MGallery

Rabat has been the capital of Morocco since 1956 and earned UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2012, but despite its status as the second-largest city in the country, it attracts fewer tourists than its busier siblings to its signature white architecture. Visit the Kasbah des Oudaïas, home to the city’s oldest mosque and Musée des Oudaïas handicrafts museum, or the city’s main landmark, the Hassan Tower. This minaret has sat unfinished for centuries since Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur began the project in 1195, with the intent to build the largest mosque in the world. However, when the minaret was only half-finished at 140 feet, al-Mansur died in 1199, and the project was abandoned. The Royal Palace and Oudaya Gardens are worth a visit, as is the snow-white Saint-Pierre Cathedral, inaugurated in 1991, and the white marble mausoleum of Mohammed V. Walk in its less-touristed medina and see one of the largest mosques in the country. 

Suggested things to do:

• Explore the medieval fortification of the Chellah Necropolis in the heart of Rabat and wander the Roman and Islamic ruins.
• Shop in the souks or arts and crafts district; Rabat is known for making some of the best carpets in Morocco.
• Delve into history at the Rabat Archaeology Museum, home to Morocco's best archaeological collection. The prehistoric section brings together human remains from the middle Paleolithic period to the Neolithic, illustrating the continuity and breadth of the population at this time.
• Go modern at the Mohammed VI Museum of Contemporary Arts. A visit to this museum makes a lovely contrast to exploring the traditional artisan work for which Morocco is famous and shows the contemporary side of the country's artistic expressions.

Enjoy a comfortable private transfer from Rabat to your accommodation in Chefchaouen, which takes about four hours. This scenic drive traverses flat plains and springtime green hills that transform into the rugged landscape of the Rif Mountains. You'll pass through many small towns along the way.

Chefchaouen is a visual delight in blue; walls, doors, windows, stairways, alleyways, and archways – everything is a combination of soft pastel sky blue and deeper, more powerful hues. After you check-in at your riad (a large home with an interior courtyard), you are free to explore the town at your own pace or simply relax. Outa el Hammam is the main square to watch daily life, or you can walk along a side street away from the tourist crowds to explore. 

Afternoon Guided Walking Tour in Chefchaouen (2 hrs)

Your guide will meet you to start an exploration of the quaint blue-washed medina of Chefchaouen on foot. Wander the winding alleys of the medina and discover some of the local artisans, such as the weavers. You can find the traditional blue, white, and red-striped Riffi blankets worn by the women of the Rif, as well as soft wool and silk blankets woven on traditional looms. You will visit the 18th-century Kasbah, and the cobbled main square, Plaza Uta el-Hammam, where the striking 15th century Grand Mosque sits. During the visit, you’ll stop to have traditional tea.

Overnight:  Puerta Azul 

Find a soothing oasis in this much-photographed blue city in the Rif Mountains. Despite its popularity, it’s a peaceful spot to take in the details of its Andalusian-Arab influences. Stroll through the steep, pebbled alleyways of the Old Medina and central Outa-el-Hammam square, visit the 17th-century kasbah and its gardens, or take in the views of the Tarik-Ben-Ziad Mosque and its highly artfully decorated octagonal minaret.

Suggested things to do:

• Walk up to the Spanish Mosque for a view over the city that’s particularly excellent at sunset.
• Explore Talassemtane National Park, where you can hike to the village of Aghram alongside clear mountain rivers and Barbary macaques.
• Linger at one of the many cafes overlooking the Tarik-Ben-Ziad Mosque.
• Take a day trip out to the Akchour Waterfalls, where in addition to the many cascades you can also look for the rock formation known as God’s Bridge.

You're back on the road today as you take your private transfer from Chefchaouen to Fes, a drive of just over two hours. Along the way, your driver will stop in the imperial city of Meknes and the Roman ruins at Volubilis. 

After saying goodbye to the scenic Rif Mountains, your first stop is Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins. Wander through the massive complex, exploring large merchant homes with visible heating systems, temples, and many colorful mosaics. This town was one of the most remote parts of the Roman Empire, with the Romans ruling about 200 years and leaving in 285 CE.

The people of Volubilis grew and exported wheat for the rest of the empire. They sent many wild animals (lions, bears, elephants) to the capital for feasts, celebrations, and sacrifices, sadly wiping out much of the wildlife population. Next, continue to Meknes, the imperial city of Moulay Ismail. Under Moulay Ismail's reign (1672–1727 CE), Meknes grew from a small town to a magnificent capital.

Your final stop is Fes. Before settling into your traditional riad accommodation, drive up to the Marinid Tombs, where you can enjoy a lovely panorama of the old city. On the hillside below, you may see leather drying in the sun. Then make your way into the bustling Medina and enjoy navigating Fes' charming streets. Relax at your riad for dinner. 

Overnight:  Riad Fès - Relais & Châteaux 

Get lost in the largest old town in the world in the medina of Fes, whose meandering, narrow stone pathways and blue tiles have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Step within its elaborate gates and into specialized sections known as souks, including wood, ceramic, metal, and leather. At the center of the medina, you’ll find the Qarawiyin Mosque and University, as well as 14th-century schools, a museum of woodcut art, and more. It’s best to follow a guide through the maze to make sure you can learn about all the history surrounding you and cut down on your potential time spent getting lost. The medina here, which is more Arab in origin, sits on a hill and is much more narrow and winding than its Berber cousin in Marrakech.

Pay a visit to the tannery and dye works, where leather and hides are still tanned and dyed using medieval methods, and watch the workers among the giant vats. If you prefer something that comes with a more pleasant fragrance, the food in Fes is considered some of the best in Morocco.

Suggested things to do:

Stop in at the Cafe Clock cross-cultural space, where you can enjoy food and drinks as well as participate in workshops focusing on Moroccan music, art, and cuisine or stop in for the twice-weekly Storytelling Night.

Relax in Jnan Sbil Garden, a beautiful garden oasis situated in Fes Jdid full of greenery and bubbling fountains.

Escape the bustle of the medina with a trip up Mount Zalagh, where you’ll get a view of the whole city while surrounded by olive groves and the scent of wild lavender.

Visit the Merenid Tombs. Perched on a hill above the city, these 13th-century tombs are the resting places of royalty from the Merenid Dynasty that controlled present-day Morocco and other parts of North Africa from the mid-13th to the 15th century. In addition to their historic value, they also offer an excellent view over the city.

Visit a ceramics workshop outside of town and see the craftsmen who make the zelliges, the characteristic Moroccan mosaics. 

Today, it’s time to explore the city that has more than 14 centuries of history! 

Discover Fes, the vibrant and religious capital of Morocco and the country's oldest imperial city with your local guide.
The entire fortified Medina (old town) in Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most complete in the Arab world.

Start your guided tour with panoramic views of the city, from either the South Borj or the North Borj (old military towers). Then make your way into Fes el Jedid (meaning New Fes), built in the 13th century when the Marinid Dynasty came to power. Here you will visit the Royal Palace and admire its intricate doors. Stroll through the Mellah (old Jewish quarter and cemetery) and enjoy another panoramic view of the city.

Afterward, enjoy time wandering the maze-like cobbled streets of Fes el Bali's Medina (meaning Old Fes). Founded in the 8th century, much of its architecture was influenced by refugees from southern Spain and Tunisia. Don't miss the 14th-century Al Attarine Madrasa or Bou Inania Madrasa, exquisite examples of Moroccan architecture. Both institutions feature intricate zellij tilework contrasted with dark cedarwood.

Next, you’ll head to one of the oldest still-operating universities in the world, Al-Qarawiyyin University (founded in 859 CE), next to the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque. Though the mosque is only open to Muslims, there are a few places where you can view its decorated interior. Next, you’ll stop at Nejjarine Museum, a historic inn-turned-museum featuring artisan crafts like wood carving and ceramics.

Spend a good chunk of time perusing the iconic souks (markets) for various spices, vegetables, leather goods, ceramics, pewter, shoes, scarves, medicines, and more. Many are concentrated together, and you're bound to see artisans at work in their small shops. Enjoy colorful rugs stacked atop one another and mounds of spices. Grab some culinary delicacies and dried fruit, or search for the perfect ceramic.

While in the Medina, we can't miss the famed Chouara Tannery, which still implements traditional techniques from centuries ago. You can find a local leather shop for a rooftop view (by offering a small tip) to watch the masters at work. A visit in the Zawiya of Moulay Idris won’t be missed!

The best way to end your day exploring Fes is by watching the sunset from the Marinid Tombs or at one of the aforementioned towers. These viewpoints offer fantastic views of this dynamic city and its timeless roots. 

 Overnight:  Riad Fès - Relais & Châteaux 

Traveling in Morocco must have been a beautiful experience for so far, right? But, the joy and fun are still on the way with your Sahara camp tonight which offers you a great and relaxed overnight, adventure and so much more! So, have fun on your camel ride to reach your deluxe camp! 
Your driver is picking you up from the place of your residence after breakfast to leave toward Merzouga which has been a place of exchange between North and South of Morocco for many centuries. It’s the most known area in Morocco to enjoy a wonderful time and a memorable stay in the Sahara. Your drive includes some amazing stops at the town of wild Barbary Apes "Azrou" & Ifrane ". The Switzerland of Morocco" and for sure at the city of Fossils "Erfoud".
Soon your driver arrives at the reception/meeting point with your stay’s handlers in Merzouga. You are being welcomed to get the necessary instructions to make sure any of your questions are answered and be ready by having your nomad scarf prepared over your head by one of the experienced staff. Trust me, it’s already a big challenge to do it on your own so make sure you ask one of the staff to help you! Of course, you don’t have to take all your luggage with you to the Sahara camp, you only need a backpack with the necessary items and leave the rest either at the reception or in the vehicle with your driver. 
After being prepped to ride your camel - off you go! Heading deep into the Sahara dunes - you will literally 'ride off into the sunset'! 
After you fully enjoyed the sunset, your camel handler will take you back to the camp where dinner is being prepared for you in the restaurant tent. I am sure you can picture it already! 

The tents provide the all the needed comforts with a nice bed and private bathrooms (toilet & shower). After dinner, you will enjoy listening to the local music provided by the handlers that guided you on the sunset camel ride. Feel free to join in and play with or dance... following the rhythm of the desert.

Overnight:  Riad Madu Desert Camps, Merzouga

 A visit to Morocco without a dune hike is unthinkable, and Merzouga is close to two of the most imposing dunes in the country. Those dunes sit in nearby Erg Chebbi and were formed by wind alone. Many visitors also embark on a camel ride into the desert with an overnight stay in a Berber-style tent, gently rocking through the pink desert from oasis to oasis before you settle in for dinner and music with your guides around a campfire, and then wake early for the desert sunrise. If you’re in search of a little more adrenaline, try sandboarding or offroading through the dunes.

Previous travelers have spent time with nomadic Berber families and met their herds of goats and camels. Opt for a day trip to the lake of Dayet Sri, which sits in the middle of a petrification field full of plant and animal fossils and is now home to flocks of flamingos after the winter rains, or embark on a two-day hiking trip with camel drivers and outdoor camping through the dunes.

Suggested things to do:

• Hear spiritual Gnawa music in the desert village of Khamlia. The residents of the village are descended from slaves that were trafficked up from sub-Saharan countries like Sudan, Mali, and Niger, and the Gnawa music carries influences from slaves’ songs and chants.
• Explore the oases of Efroud, full of olive and palm trees alongside ksars, fortified local villages where you can have lunch with a family. The area is known for its dates and fossils—visit a workshop to see how the fossils are extracted and turned into beautiful art.
• Sample the nomad dish of madfouna, sometimes called “Berber pizza.” It’s a stuffed flatbread that can contain a range of meats, nuts, vegetables, and herbs, traditionally baked in a sand firepit or mud oven.

Head to the city of Ouarzazate, a popular stopping point for travelers in the Sahara Desert. It's set in a beautiful valley at the foot of the Atlas Mountains and is certainly worth a visit. Its attractions include a beautiful 19th-century palace and a museum dedicated to the movies that have used the area as a filming site.
On the way to Ait Benhaddou, you'll be also able to visit either Todra or Dades Gorges:

Continue through the desert to the town of Tinerhir, with a great view of the nearby towns the cling to the side of the green river oasis, filled with green palm trees. The surrounding desert landscape reveals impressive buttes, mesa, and plateaus. 

The Todra Gorge is 984 feet (300m) high and was made by the Todra river, cutting down through red-stained limestones. Here you can enjoy an easy walk through the gorge, or relax in the cool water of the shallow river.

Dades Valley:
At El Kelaa Mcgouna, the intensely cultivated plots of farmland are bordered by rose bushes. The rose petals are used in the cosmetic industry. In May a Rose Festival takes place, celebrating the year’s production.  Boumalne Dades is a major town, bridging the Dades River. 

Continue driving toward the village of Aït Benhaddou, which holds the UNESCO Heritage Site Ksar Ait Ben Haddou. With the help of some Hollywood touch-ups, this protected fortified village seems frozen in time, still resembling its days in the 11th century as an Almoravid caravanserai (a roadside inn and settlement). Movie lovers may recognize it from Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth (for which much of Aït Benhaddou was rebuilt), Jewel of the Nile (note the Egyptian towers), Gladiator, and—most recently—Game of Thrones.

 Explore Ouarzazate · 1 hour

Explore Ouarzazate with a private guide.  Stroll through the ancient kasbahs, including the historic Kasbah Taourirt and the Atlas Film Studios.

 Guided Tour of Aït Benhaddou · 2 hours

A guided tour of Aït Benhaddou, Morocco's most famous kasbah (fortification) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. People believe this fascinating old ksar (Berber palace) dates from the 11th century, when it held an important position along the trans-Saharan trade route between Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and the southern desert. The ksar and surrounding area are now often used as a filming location for movies, including "Jewel of the Nile", "The Mummy", "Gladiator", and "Kingdom of Heaven." 

Overnight: Riad la Clé d'Or

 Aït Benhaddou is one of the best-preserved examples of a ksar, a fortified Berber settlement made of clay, in Morocco. This is in part due to its popularity as a film location, and you may recognize spots from films like "Gladiator," "Sodom and Gomorrah," and "Lawrence of Arabia." Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, it's becoming more and more like an open-air museum and increasingly popular with travelers who prefer to stay here instead of nearby Ouarzazate for its more relaxing atmosphere. While it has fewer facilities, the opportunity to explore the area when it's not full of day-trippers is worth taking advantage of.
Take a guided tour through the ksar to check out all the filming spots. You can also see if you can spot them unaided on a solo walk, then sit on a terrace to enjoy a glass of mint tea while looking out over the panorama. If you want to explore outside the village, previous kimkim travelers have hopped on board a mountain bike or ATV to venture through the valley across the Berber villages. Or stay with a family inside the old village to learn more about Berber culture, including the option for a cooking class.

Suggested things to do:

• Ride through the valley on horseback with an excursion from the Center Dar Equestre.
• Take a day trip to Ounila Valley to see its impressive ochre villages and explore the 18th-century Glaoui Kasbah in Telouet.
• Follow the old camel trail between Ourzazate and Marrakech to the Telouet Valley salt mine.

Enjoy a comfortable private transfer (3.5 Hours) from Aït Benhaddou to your accommodation in Marrakech, which takes about three and a half hours. Along the way, your driver will weave through the scenic Tizi n'Tichka Pass and over the High Atlas Mountains.
As you leave Aït Benhaddou behind, you'll begin the winding ascent over the mountain range. Near the top of Tizi n'Tichka Pass, enjoy sweeping vistas over the peaks, noting its highest summit of Mount Toubkal, which sits at 13,671 feet (4,167 m). As you descend and leave the pass, you'll stop in the town of Taddert and visit the Argan Oil Cooperative. Learn how local women extract precious oil from the Argan nut for use in the health, food, and cosmetic industries.
As you continue out of the mountains, notice the dramatic change in the landscape. The rocks soon transition to foothills and again into flat plains. Enjoy the peaceful scenery; soon enough, you'll join the vibrant hustle and bustle of Marrakech.
After a long day on the road, settle into your accommodation and spend the rest of the afternoon as you like. Marrakech's Jemaa el-Fna Square comes alive with musicians, performers, snake charmers, games, and food stalls in the early evening. If you want to enjoy the lively scene from a distance, choose one of the cafés surrounding the square for a quieter experience.

Food Tour & Local Gastronomy· 2 hours

During your Tour with our licensed passionate tour guide, you will have the opportunity to taste many classics of Moroccan cuisine and a wide choice of local products while taking advantage of many explanations and anecdotes about the city and the products tasted. Feel free to ask your questions and share your culinary experiences. The more you interact, the more you will discover!

As its name indicates, this experience is far from being a simple walking guided tour, it will be combined with more than 6 tasting stops as well as the main meal. You will try and taste dishes that characterize the local cuisine and are part of the culinary history of Morocco.

The tasting program can change according to the season and/or your desires or food choices, and we can guarantee high-quality foods from carefully chosen food stalls. These local chefs know what they're doing with many years of experience.

Overnight: Riad la Clé d'Or 

The colorful oasis city of Marrakesh offers up an old town tangle of bazaars with oriental lamps, woven carpets, and scents of spices, alongside Moorish riads and palm trees against colorful surroundings. Make your way through the alleys of the medina, where carpets, ceramics, parchment lamps, and huge spice stalls in all colors are stored up to the roof in the narrow, winding alleyways characterized by stairs and vaults. Visit Djemaa el Fna, the central market square. You’ll find many food stalls lining its edges by day, and at night it fills with snake charmers, artists, fire-eaters, acrobats, hawkers, herb dealers, trained monkeys, cooks, and musicians. Or find a quiet corner in the historic botanical garden of Jardin Majorelle.

Prior travelers have followed local guides on a food tour through the medina, tasting different local dishes including the famous Marrakechi Tangia. You can also pay a visit to the ANIMA Gardens, André Hellers's colorful garden of art. A day trip to the Agafay Desert can include a glamping experience and camel ride, or visit Safran for a garden tour and saffron tea.

Suggested things to do:

• Take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains, where you can explore the rural life of the local Berbers in the village of Imlil or the Ourika Valley and take a walk in the foothills of the Toubkal summit.
• Stroll down Avenue Mohamed VI, a shopping promenade with many local shops and restaurants as well as a park that covers more than 5 miles (8 km).
• Scope out the scene at Djemaa al-Fnaa from the terrace of one of the cafes that line its edges.

Start your day by discovering the beauty of the Majorelle Gardens, a botanical garden offering an incredible reprieve from the unrelenting heat of Morocco. The brightly colored buildings complement the various species of sub-tropical flowers, plants, and trees. Although not lush (this is the desert, after all), you'll find plenty of interesting and unique vegetation to admire.
Acting almost like a sanctuary, the Majorelle Gardens surrounds visitors with exotic plant species, like bamboo, lilies, and palms, plus fountains and pools. You'll find over 300 types of plants derived from five different continents. After strolling through the idyllic setting, enjoy a refreshing drink in the charming coffee shop.
Within the gardens, you'll find its famous bright blue and yellow house. Now a museum, this building was once the home of the French Orientalist artist Jacques Marojelle. The house itself was designed by the French architect, Paul Sinoir, in the style of a Cubist villa. Today, you'll find the Berber Museum and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum inside.
Later on, you’ll continue exploring Morocco's second-largest metropolis, which is known also as the "Red City," thanks to the natural red pigment in its walls. Discover the vibrant sights, sounds, and smells as you wander through its bustling center. Start with one of the most beautiful palaces and monuments in Marrakech, the Bahia Palace. Built at the end of the 19th century, the name means "brilliance," and you'll quickly understand why! Enjoy its beautiful courtyard and gardens and the building's interior with intricate woodwork and ornamented ceilings.
Next, your guide will take you to the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens, the city's largest mosque. Although non-Muslims can't enter, you can still admire the grounds and exterior, including its remarkable minaret. Pass through one of the Medina's (old town's) historical gates and meander its twisting alleyways to the souks (markets) and hidden Fondouks (historic caravanserai once used as hotels for travelers and merchants).
Arrive at Jemaa el Fna Square, the city's landmark plaza filled with markets, street food, and performers. From here, you'll stroll to a few of the best souks, with your guide leading the way. You'll find the famed spice towers at Souk el Attarin and traditional Moroccan slippers at Souk Smata. But don't miss Souk des Teinturiers, where you can watch locals dyeing and hanging cloth and yarn. Although it can be fun to barter, your guide is happy to help you make a purchase.
In the evening, follow your nose to the wonderful smells that waft from food stalls back in Jemaa el Fna Square. Watch locals prepare authentic delicacies and taste the flavors of Marrakech as the sun goes down and the street performers come out to entertain. If you prefer a quieter eating experience, choose from one of the many cafes sitting above the square and simply watch the action below.

Overnight: Riad la Clé d'Or 

Your local guide meets you for a day hike-5 hours. Imlil is a little Berber village in the High Atlas (1700 m altitude). The surroundings of Imlil are dominated by 4000 m high mountains, part of the year covered by snow. The highest mountain in North Africa, Mount Toubkal (4167 m) can be seen from Imlil. The surroundings are excellent for walking and enjoying the nature and local environment. You will need comfortable sports shoes for this wonderful and local experience.
The guide will accompany you for a moderate walk. You will have lunch in a Berber house enjoying the local tasty meal. At the end of the afternoon, you extend your hiking experience before you return to your accommodation.

Overnight: Riad la Clé d'Or 

Your Morocco adventure ends today as your driver transports us from your accommodations in Marrakesh to the airport. There will be one included transfer by our supplier that will be scheduled to meet the largest amount of flights departing.   Alt Esc can help consolidate transfers outside of that transfer.

Have a safe and comfortable journey home!