North Morocco Explorer

North Morocco Explorer

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9 Days From

$2185

$2081

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through North Morocco with the "North Morocco Explorer" tour. This cultural adventure begins in Casablanca and takes you through the enchanting landscapes and historic cities of Morocco. Discover the blue-hued streets of Chefchaouen, the scenic Rif Mountains, and the vibrant city of Tangier, known as the gateway to Africa. Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes. Wander through the bustling medina of Fes, famous for its dye-pits and tanneries, and visit the old city and Royal Palace in Rabat. Conclude your journey in Marrakech, experiencing the lively Djemaa el-Fna square and medina. Travel in comfort with air-conditioned transport and enjoy stays in 3-4 star hotels, including a night in a traditional Moroccan Riad. With guided tours and an English-speaking guide, this tour offers a rich blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Blue city of Chefchaouen

  • Scenic Rif Mountains

  • Tangier, gateway to Africa

  • Volubilis Roman ruins

  • Imperial city of Meknes

  • Fes medina, dye-pits & tanneries

  • Rabat Old City & Royal Palace

  • Marrakech Djemaa el-Fna square & medina

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Welcome to Casablanca

Location: Casablanca

Accommodation Name: Casablanca hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Morocco! We will meet you at the airport today and transfer you to your hotel in the city centre. Your day is then free to settle in and have a first look around. Extra nights in the Casablanca hotel are available on request.

Day 2 : Meknes, Volubilis & Moulay Idriss

Location: Meknes

Accommodation Name: Fes hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We'll leave Casablanca early this morning and head to the walled city of Meknes, one of Morocco's Imperial Cities. During our guided tour of the city we'll visit the Mausoleum of the sultan Mulay Ismail to see his magnificent tomb there, and the 12th century Grande Mosque which has an impressive green tiled roof. After lunch in Meknes we'll head on to Volubilis, an UNESCO-listed and well-preserved Roman colonial town which sat on the fringes of the Roman Empire. This is the largest ancient site in Morocco and full of impressive ruins. Our final stop today is at the holy city of Moulay Idriss. This was only opened to non-Muslims in 2005 and is where Moulay Idriss introduced the religion of Shiism in 789, starting a new dynasty. He also initiated construction of the city of Fes, which is where we end our journey today.

Day 3 : Full day in Fes

Location: Fes

Accommodation Name: Fes hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Considered the largest and oldest medieval city in the world by many, Fes is over 1,200 years old and is famous for its busy Medina. Home to 400,000 inhabitants this is packed with narrow winding streets, mosques, souks and is a heady mix of sights, smells and sounds. We'll spend plenty of time exploring the Medina, seeing various palaces and mosques (which non-Muslims will not be able to enter), and many different crafts on sale. Our guided tour will also include the Fes's famous dye-pits and tanneries, as well as a traditional Moroccan pharmacy and pottery. Finally we'll return to our hotel to relax after a long day of walking and exploring. This evening there is the option for a traditional meal inside the city with live Moroccan entertainment including music, belly dancing and magicians.

Day 4 : Ouazzane & Chefchaouen

Location: Chefchaouen

Accommodation Name: Chefchaouen hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We leave Fes after breakfast today and head towards the Rif mountains. Our first stop is the picturesque town of Ouazzane, renowned throughout the Islamic world as an important spiritual centre as it was home to many of the pillars of Sufism. It also hosts the tomb of several important Moroccan saints which is a pilgrimage destination for many Jews who also consider Ouazzane a holy city. After a short time here we continue on into the Rif mountains and the incredible town of Chefchaouen. The medina in Chefchaouen is unmistakeable and one of Morocco's highlights, with its beautiful bright white and blue painted walls, steps and doors. The medina hosts both traditional Moroccan shops and cafes with authentic dishes to try, as well as some more touristy fare. The central square is the main focus with the 18th century Kasbah, central mosque and several cafes. You'll have time to explore the town and find a nice place to sit and eat and watch the world go by before we head to our hotel.

Day 5 : Chefchaouen (optional Akchour Falls hike)

Location: Chefchaouen

Accommodation Name: Chefchaouen hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your day is free to explore Chefchaouen at your leisure today. You could explore the steep cobbled lanes, practice your photography, visit the leather and weaving workshops, or relax with a Moroccan tea or coffee in the square. Another option today is to take a scenic drive (around 2 hours in total) into the hills to see the Cascades d'Akchour. There's a beatiful hike of around 2 hours here, following the river upwards, passing many small cascades to get to the main waterfall and pool at the top. There's a lot of height to gain and plenty of steps, so you need to be a little fit. If you bring a bathing suit with you then there's also the chance for a refreshing swim in the large pool below the main falls. Local Berbers offer tajines and snacks which are very welcome before you head back down again and return to Chefchaouen.

Day 6 : Tangier

Location: Tangier

Accommodation Name: Tangier hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

It's another change of scene today as we bid a fond farewell to Chefchaouen and head up to the Mahgreb coast and the important city of Tangier. Known as the gateway between Africa and Europe, the city has an important strategic location at the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar which connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Many artists including Jack Kerouac, Tennessee Williams and Matisse found inspiration here. Even the Rolling Stones spent several days here recording with the legendary Master Musicians of Jajouka. Tanjier's location means it has a fascinating mix of cultures and influences which you can discover while exploring the port, the old and new medinas, and the Dar el Makhzen, formerly a sultans' palace but now a museum of Moroccan artefacts. The many rooftop terrace cafes also make great places to sit with a drink and watch the world go by.

Day 7 : Rabat & Casablanca

Location: Rabat

Accommodation Name: Casablanca hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We'll turn south again today and head for Morocco's capital, Rabat. The city was orginally formed in the third century BC and we'll have time to visit the the Oudaia Kasbah in the oldest part of the city, as well as Rabat's most famous landmark, the Hassan's Tower, and the Royal Palace. In the afternoon we drive on to Casablanca where the evenint is free to enjoy the city's popular nightlife or just have a meal out together.

Day 8 : Marrakech

Location: Marrakech

Accommodation Name: Marrakech hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After an early breakfast there is an optional visit to the Hassan II Mosque. This is the largest mosque in Morocco, holding up to 25,000 worshippers inside and a further 80,000 outside. It has the world's tallest minaret (210 metres) which is topped by a laser shining light towards Mecca. It is also the only mosque we know of in Morocco that allows non-muslims to visit. Combined with its spectacular location with the sea waves lapping up against it, this is a highly recommended visit. (Note - visits into the mosque are not allowed during Ramadan). We'll then make our final drive of the tour on to Marrakech, arriving in time for lunch. Your afternoon is free or you can book an optional guided tour of the city with our guide. The tour will feature Marrakech's pride and main landmark, the Koutoubia Tower. A companion tower to the Giralda Tower in Seville and the Tower of Hassan in Rabat, it is said that the sultan who built them had the eyes of his architect cut out to prevent him from ever building a more beautiful tower elsewhere. Our tour of course will also take in Marrakech's UNESCO listed medina, which is packed with stalls packed with spices, crafts, and seemingly everything else under the sun. We'll finish at the Djemaa-el-Fna, which is Marrakech's famous large open square. This really comes to life at night with masses of street food stalls, entertainers and local people packing it for the evening. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax by the hotel pool, enjoy a hammap experience, explore the markets further, or do some souvenir shopping, before we meet up for a final group evening meal. You may then wish to head back to the square for a final exciting taste of Moroccan life.

Day 9 : Tour ends in Marrakech

Location: Marrakech

Accommodation Name: Your Moroccan tour with us ends after breakfast today and your time is free until you depart. Our guide or the hotel will help you arrange a taxi for the short drive to the airport, or you can add extra days to explore Marrakech further if you wish.<STRON

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your Moroccan tour with us ends after breakfast today and your time is free until you depart. Our guide or the hotel will help you arrange a taxi for the short drive to the airport, or you can add extra days to explore Marrakech further if you wish.

What's Included

  • 24hr Arrival Airport Transfer Service

    The tour includes a 24-hour arrival airport transfer service.

  • Transport

    Transport in an air-conditioned Minivan, Minibus, or Coach is provided.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours of Rabat, Meknes, and Volubilis are included.

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What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights are not included in the tour package.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.

  • Visas

    Visas are not included in the tour package.

  • Tipping Kitty

    A tipping kitty of USD 55 is not included.

  • Tour Guide Tips

    Tips for the tour guide are not included.

  • Meals Not Indicated

    Meals not indicated in the itinerary are not included.

  • Drinks, Snacks & Personal Expenses

    Drinks, snacks, and personal expenses are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities are not included in the tour package.

More Info

This 9-day small group tour explores the North of Morocco visiting ancient cities and ruins, colourful medinas, spiritual centres and beautiful mountain scenery. You'll see Morocco's 4 historical Imperial Cities, Marrakech, Rabat, Meknes and Fes, and also explore the Roman ruins at Volubilis, the largest ancient site in the country. Our English speaking guides will help bring these historic places to life, and also immerse you in the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of modern Morocco. Other highlights on the tour are the beautiful and atmospheric northern towns of Chefchaouen and Tangier. The bright white and blue painted medina at Chefchaouen is unforgettable, and Tangier's location on the Strait of Gibraltar where it acts as a gateway between Europe and Africa makes it a melting pot of different cultures and atmospheres. Add to this time travelling through the beautiful Rif Mountains and you have a great introduction to Morocco to enjoy. In particular if you like exploring the narrow alleys, markets and bazaars in traditional old medinas and souqs, then this is the tour for you with Fes, Marrakech and Chefchaouen having fantastic examples to discover. Accommodation is in comfortable mid-range hotels, with options available to extend the tour at either end if you wish.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style and comfort with air-conditioned minivans, minibuses, or coaches, ensuring a smooth journey across Morocco's stunning landscapes.

Accommodation

Enjoy comfortable stays in 3-4 star hotels throughout the tour, with one night in a traditional Moroccan Riad style hotel, offering an authentic experience.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is used during the North Morocco Explorer tour?

    The tour uses air-conditioned minivans, minibuses, or coaches to ensure a comfortable journey across Morocco's stunning landscapes.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    You will stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels throughout the tour, with one night in a traditional Moroccan Riad style hotel for an authentic experience.

  • Are meals included in the North Morocco Explorer tour?

    The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 3 dinners. Meals not indicated in the itinerary are not included.

  • Is there a tour guide provided during the North Morocco Explorer tour?

    Yes, an English-speaking tour guide, along with a driver, is included in the tour.

  • What are some of the guided tours included in the itinerary?

    Guided tours of Rabat, Meknes, and Volubilis are included, as well as a full day tour in Fes.

  • Is airport transfer included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes a 24-hour arrival airport transfer service.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional activities such as a traditional meal with live Moroccan entertainment in Fes and a guided tour of Marrakech.

  • What is the policy on tips and gratuities?

    Tips for the tour guide are not included, and there is a tipping kitty of USD 55 that is also not included in the tour package.

  • Is travel insurance compulsory?

    Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.

  • When is my balance payment due?

    60 days prior to departure

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s

  • Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

    Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

Reviews of this operator

Jasmine Montaque (Google Reviewer)  

We had a Great 9...

30-Aug-2023

We had a Great 9 day trip to Egypt ! Everyone we “encountered” were excellent! We absolutely loved our guide. We are Looking 👀 to book another trip with Encounters Travel!

sandra mooney (Google Reviewer)  

From the time we landed...

24-Aug-2024

From the time we landed in Cairo we were treated as VIP’s. Nadine our Tour leader kept on checking on us throughout the journey. We were fortunate to have Fayed and Hossam as the tour guides, they took their time to explain the sites throughout each excursion. Everyone made us feel safe and well looked after. ...more ...less

Emma Mason (Google Reviewer)  

It was the best two...

25-Mar-2025

It was the best two weeks ever thanks to Atul and his wonderful team. We spent one week north of India, visited all the wonderful spots and we even celebrated Holi. It’s very complicated to select one highlight as we really saw so many wonderful things. After a week in the north we went to Kochi and visited the south of India which is more relaxing, green and seems like a different country. Atul was the best coordinator, he anticipated all our needs and was listening and adapting the program to our wish. Thank you so much Atul and Vijay for everything. You made our trip wonderful. If I had to say one thing negative: it’s that two weeks isn’t enough!!! Can’t wait to go back. ...more ...less

Miriam Huguet (Google Reviewer)  

I did the Discover Egypt...

06-Jan-2022

I did the Discover Egypt and I definetely recommend it. They take care of every detail (they manage to do our PCR with the stamp that we needed). They book quite comfortable hotels and the guide and the local guides are extremely good and passionate about their work. I would repeat it!! :) ...more ...less

Aries FFPro (Google Reviewer)  

Wish I could rate Encounters...

04-Dec-2021

Wish I could rate Encounters higher! From the onset, Anthony (Ant) was professional and extremely knowledgeable, and far more helpful than I had hoped. He always had time to respond to my inquiries and never showed any sign of frustration...no matter how many times I asked the same question. Meeting Saul at the Cairo airport shows just how valuable the RIGHT travel rep is: he had us go from the gate to getting our visas to picking up our luggage and out to the waiting van in 15 minutes! UNBELIEVABLE! Saul also checked in with us almost daily to make sure everything was to our satisfaction. Our guides Big Mu and Mahmoud were fantastic in their knowledge of the sites, the history of the area and where to get the best bargains. Encounters Travel made this trip of a lifetime 100x better than anything I had hoped for. I cannot recommend Encounters strongly enough...if you have Egypt on your bucket list, like we did, book safely and securely with Encounters! ...more ...less

Daniele Mason (Google Reviewer)  

Amazing 2 weeks trip to...

24-Mar-2025

Amazing 2 weeks trip to India. Great organisation. Great contacts local guides and organisers. Absolutely recommend. Already thinking about next trip to India

Renee Hage (Google Reviewer)  

I so appreciated the care...

18-May-2024

I so appreciated the care taken by all the staff ensuring that we were well taken care of and had no problems. They were very responsive to all of our questions. The tour itself was incredible!

Mary Radoccia (Google Reviewer)  

Northern India solo trip. ...

09-May-2024

Northern India solo trip. Some of the hotels were past their prime as 4 star establishments. Paid a substantial amount for side trip to varanasi which was supposed to be 3 days, 2 nights. It turned out to be really 1 day, 2 nights. Plane left after 8pm and we didn't arrive at hotel until after 11pm. Had to leave at 5.30am the following day and we didn't get back to hotel until after 10pm. The following day we had to leave hotel at 8am for flight back to dehli. We could have left for varanasi in the afternoon as originally implied and left on a later flight back to dehli. Everyone not staying extra days then had to spend 6 to 10 hours waiting for their flight home.The one day in varanasi was great but I wouldn't have gone if I knew the time frame. Not worth money either. Also bus used on trip was old, bad suspension and rattled Window style was old so not very good for taking photos. My view was shared by most of the other travellers. I think the standard of travel via Encounter has dropped over the past years based on comments from some of the others. ...more ...less

Mikhail B. (Google Reviewer)  

I bought the package to...

19-Mar-2025

I bought the package to Egypt from the Groupon on April from Chicago. Next day I received the email from the encounters travel that says they don't have a flight from Chicago available and I need to pay extra 450$ per person and take a flight from New York. Why do you advertise something you don't have? Then I called them and no one knows nothing. No one can answer any questions and help with nothing. I'm traveling a lot and this is the worst experience ever. Not definitely recommend this company to anyone. You are kindly ask to remove my review? Not even funny 🤣 . You are continuing to sell the packages that you don't have at all ! People buying it and having the same problems that I have right now. It is not easy to refund the money. I spent over 2 hours on the phone with a Groupon and now I have to wait about 10 days to get my refund 3200$ . And they said I'm not the one who doing that because of your "MISUNDERSTANDING" and for some reason you still continuing to sell it ... And "kindly ask me to remove my review" ? Tell me one good reason for that ? I gave you one star only because I can't give you the negative stars . Again thank you for your service and understanding. My review is my honest reaction and opinion on your business. ...more ...less

Melissa Goodwin (Google Reviewer)  

BUYER BEWARE Before you book anything...

17-Jun-2024

BUYER BEWARE Before you book anything with Encounters Travel, be SURE to read all of the fine print. This is especially important regarding their cancellation policy and the deposit you will forfeit. I didn't find that we'd completely lost our deposit until I contact the company to process a cancellation. I thought I could cancel for a full refund up until a certain point, but apparently I was mistaken. I booked a 3-night late-September boat trip at the end of May, and mid-June we realized we couldn't take it. It's been less than 3 weeks since I booked the trip and it's over 3 MONTHS until the trip will take place, so you know they will have no issue filling our two spots. Even so, we are out $250 each for our trip. They are within their rights to not refund the deposit - I should have waded through the fine print to find this buried detail. But they also have the choice to refund the deposit given the circumstances. Don't make the same mistake I did. READ EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU BOOK. Better yet, consider not booking with Encounters Travel. ...more ...less

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
$2185 $2081 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Sunday - Monday

Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025
$2185 $2081 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Monday - Tuesday

Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025
$2185 $2081 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Tuesday - Wednesday

Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025
$2185 $2081 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 23, 2025 - May 01, 2025
$2185 $2081 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Thursday - Friday

Apr 24, 2025 - May 02, 2025
$2185 $2081 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Friday - Saturday

Apr 25, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$2185 $2081 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 04, 2025
$2185 $2081 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Sunday - Monday

Apr 27, 2025 - May 05, 2025
$2185 $2081 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Monday - Tuesday

Apr 28, 2025 - May 06, 2025
$2185 $2081 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Tuesday - Wednesday

Apr 29, 2025 - May 07, 2025
$2185 $2081 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 30, 2025 - May 08, 2025
$2185 $2081 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$104 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

North Morocco Explorer

9 Days Starting in Casablanca, Morocco and ending in Marrakech, Morocco

Visiting: Casablanca, Meknes, Fes, Chefchaouen, Tangier, Rabat, Marrakech

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

522

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

5-85

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2185 $2081 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$104

NB: Prices correct on 15-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

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