Moroccan Romance: A Private Adventure for Couples

Please note that this tour does not spend any time in Casablanca.You may wish to come a day early in order to explore Casablanca, and take some time to see its Medina, beach front, and classic examples of Art Deco architecture.Be sure to also visit the spectacular Hassan II Mosque. Entrance is only permitted via guided tours, which operate from Saturday to Thursday at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, and 15:00, and on Fridays at 9:00, 10:00, and 15:00. These times are subject to change (particularly around Ramadan) ...more ...less

After breakfast we will begin our journey towards the mountains, stopping along the way in Rabat and taking in the beautiful Atlantic coastline over lunch. We will then continue to Chefchaouen, as we ascend into the towering Rif Mountains - a dramatic entrance to the vividly blue-colored town of Chefchaouen, set like a sapphire stone among the jagged mountain peaks. Once you are settled in the night’s Riad, you will have some time to walk among the blue and white walls of the medina and explore the unique local crafts markets. With a unique aesthetic framed by an unforgettable view among the mountains, Chefchaouen is a one-of-a-kind destination for photographers. In the evening you can enjoy a traditional meal at one of the hotel's three rooftop terraces before relaxing under the crystal-clear Moroccan night-sky.

After breakfast you may choose a guided tour through the weaving Medina, or have a free day walking through the local markets where you can take in the unique offerings of the Moroccan highlands. Should you so choose, we can arrange a half-day (4 hours) trekking trip to Akchour waterfalls.

After breakfast we will continue our journey to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. This important Roman town features detailed and gorgeous mosaics that will give you a unique perspective on Morocco's ancient history. We will also visit the nearby town of Moulay Idriss, where Moulay Idriss I, who brought Islam to Morocco, is entombed. Moulay Idriss is considered to be the holiest town in Morocco. From Moulay Idriss we will continue to Meknes, often called the "Versailles of Morocco" due to the grandeur and intricacy of its buildings and monuments. We will take some time to explore its highlights, including the massive Bab Mansour Gate, the old Medina, and Moulay Ismail's shrine. From Meknes we will continue to Fes, where we will check in at your hotel before having dinner and settling in for the night.



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Following breakfast at the hotel, our accredited local guide will accompany you on a walking tour of the Fes medina. Step back in time as you wander through the labyrinth of twisting alleyways - donkeys and mules pass through the narrow streets, savour the aromas from the market stalls where countless spices and perfumes are traded, and explore the leather tanneries where men treat leather using century old techniques. We’ll cap the day with dinner at one of the many local restaurants of the medina then settle in for the evening at your hotel.

Under the skilled guidance of local chefs, you'll explore the secrets of Moroccan cuisine, from the artful blend of spices to the delicate balance of sweet and savory. The class takes place in a traditional riad, adorned with intricate tiles and ornate archways, creating an atmosphere that transports you to another era.

As you roll up your sleeves and dive into the preparation of iconic dishes like tagines and couscous, the sensory symphony of sizzling pans and bubbling stews fills the air. Embrace the hands-on experience of crafting delicate pastries, such as the famed pastilla, and learn the ancient techniques that have been passed down through generations. Plus, the food they make is going to be served as your lunch.

After lunch, back to the Riad, free time and overnight stay.

We continue our journey onwards from Fes to Ifrane, through hills blanketed in forests of cork oak and giant cedar, where a few Barbary apes still call home. Passing through the Middle and High Atlas ranges, we will catch our first glimpse of Southern Morocco’s unique architectural style and stop for lunch overlooking a breathtaking view of the dramatic peaks of the High Atlas rising behind the town of Midelt. As we descend into the desert plains, the view changes from dramatic mountain peaks to an expansive oasis punctuated by countless Ksours (fortified villages), which then give way to a vast stony plain that marks the edges of the Sahara. As the mid-day sun wanes, we will mount our camels and trek into the pink sands of the Moroccan Sahara; here, we will have ample free time for you to explore and take in the beauty and vastness of the desert dunes. Once the sun sets, a Moroccan dinner will be served alongside live music around the campfire, after which you are free to explore again - this time in the company of a million stars exploding against the pitch-black sky, and the all-encompassing silence of the Sahara at night.

If you would like to wake up early so that you can watch the spectacle of sunrise, when the color of the sand contrasts beautifully with the play of shadows on the dunes - after which you might want to try your hand at sand-boarding down them. After a refreshing shower and breakfast, we will ride the camels or fun 4X4 off-road drive through the dunes back to the kasbah in Merzouga town, we will be able to relax for a couple hours before taking a 4WD off-road tour around the dunes. On the tour we will visit the oasis of Merzouga, the nomadic depository, and Khamlia Village, where we will be able to hear gnawa music from the local people who are descendants of ex-slaves that found their way to Morocco from Senegal via the Salt Route. We will continue on to meet desert nomads in their tents and discover their way of life. We will also visit the nearby Lake of Merzouga, with its diverse population of birds. Afterwards we will leave for Rissani. Once called Sijilmassa, this was the meeting place for the salt caravans coming from Timbuktu, Mali. Here you'll be able to walk through the souk, where you will be able to find spices, vegetables, and clothes. After having a pizza lunch in Rissani we will drive back to our Kasbah, where we will be greeted with a glass of tea or glass of wine and have some time to relax by the pool if available watching the sunset. In the evening we will dine on Moroccan cuisine and enjoy traditional live music, sit down and chat with locals, or enjoy some drumming lessons

As you leave the glorious beauty of the desert behind you, the journey takes you west towards the famous Todra Gorge. The landscape begins to change as you move towards the open countryside. Nomadic lives of the people in this region is evident and there is a chance to observe the lives of these travellers. The final destination of the day will be Dades Gorge.

After breakfast we will drive through the villages of this charming area, passing fields cultivated by Berber women and getting some brilliant views of the Atlas Mountains. Our journey will continue towards Ouarzazate, going off-road along the piste to visit Berber nomads in their caves and join them for a glass of tea. From here, we will continue through the Valley of the Roses, famous for its Rose Festival in May, and past the "Road of 1000 Kasbahs" by the Skoura Oasis before arriving in Ouarzazate. In Ouarzazate, also known as the “Hollywood of Morocco”, we will visit the Taouirirt Kasbah and the cinematographic museum before continuing on to Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, the most famous kasbah in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the backdrop for many Hollywood blockbusters such as “Gladiator” “Indiana Jones” and “Lawrence of Arabia”. You will have the chance to explore some of the ruined buildings and climb to the top of the hill where the agadir (granary) offers a spectacular view over the village and the surrounding countryside. You may also want to enter one of the houses and share a glass of mint tea with some of the locals to gain a better understanding of their way of life. In the afternoon you'll drive north across the High Atlas Mountains. The road, completed by the French Foreign Legion in 1936, winds up over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass and offers stunning views over the mountains before descending past Berber villages to the plains surrounding Marrakech. Even today, the name Marrakech conjures up scenery from Arabian Nights - alleyways, souks, and market stalls. This remarkable city, with the graceful architecture of the renowned 11th-century Koutoubia Minaret dominating the skyline, never fails to satisfy the curiosity of its visitors. We will arrive back in Marrakech by late afternoon.

Breakfast will be served at your Riad, after which a knowledgeable local guide will lead you through the labyrinth of Marrakech's winding alleyways, hidden gardens, and secret souks. You will continue to the Djemaa el Fna, the principal cultural space in Marrakech and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beside which the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque can be seen towering into the sky. In the evening this square overflows with food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians, and henna artists. Following your tour you will have the full day to spend at your leisure, whether its pampering yourself at a local spa with massage or further exploring the souks of the medina. We will spend the night at our hotel in Marrakech.

Departing Marrakech after breakfast, we make our way through lush valleys filled with orange groves, ancient olive trees, goats climbing argan trees, and Argan oil cooperatives to the quaint seaside town of Essaouira. This windswept fishing port with its broad beaches and an ancient walled medina, has long been a popular vacation destination for Moroccans. It is also a creative hub where many of the country's wood carvers and artists have made their home, and each year, hosts the Gnaouas Music Festival in the month of June. Stroll along the ramparts and beach as you take in the relaxed vibe of its small but lively medina, or visit the port to savour the catch of the day. We drive back to Marrakech in the afternoon.

Free Time and Overnight stay in Marrakech. " Moroccan Hammam is recommended"

Indulging in a Moroccan Hammam and Spa experience in Marrakech is a sensory journey steeped in tradition. The ritual begins with a steamy session, paving the way for the application of luxurious black soap and a thorough exfoliation with a Kessa glove, leaving your skin refreshed and velvety. The optional Rhassoul clay mask adds a touch of pampering. As the aromatic scents envelop you, the experience transcends into relaxation, where you can further unwind with massages and facials. The finale, a soothing mint tea ceremony, completes this holistic and rejuvenating escapade, ensuring a blissful harmony of body and soul in the heart of Moroccan indulgence.

As we bid you farewell, we will help you with any departure formalities and arrange for your transfers to the airport. We hope you enjoyed your journey with us, and hope to see you again soon.