Essential Morocco - 8 days
Essential Morocco - 8 days
Essential Morocco - 8 days
8 Days Starting in Casablanca, Morocco and ending in Marrakech, Morocco
Visiting: Casablanca, Fes, Todra Gorge, Ouarzazate, Marrakech
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
15-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Morocco with the "Essential Morocco" tour. Begin in the coastal city of Casablanca, where you can explore the Hassan II Mosque and La Corniche. Discover the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the medieval charm of Fes, with its bustling souks and historic tanneries. Experience the magic of the Sahara Desert with a camel trek and an overnight stay at a Berber camp. Marvel at the towering cliffs of Todra Gorge and visit the film studios in Ouarzazate. Explore the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and conclude your adventure in the vibrant city of Marrakech. Enjoy guided sightseeing, comfortable accommodations, and authentic Moroccan experiences throughout this captivating tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Casablanca
Location: Casablanca
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. You'll have a chance to relax before the Welcome meeting at 18:00, where you will meet your guide and fellow travellers.
Day 2: Casablanca
Location: Casablanca
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Casblanca - Volubilis - Fes. This morning, we'll head to the Hassan II Mosque for an optional visit, followed by some time at leisure at La Corniche. Then, we'll head to Meknes for lunch at a community village.
Afterwards, we journey to Volubilis, Morocco's expansive UNESCO-listed Roman ruins dating back to AD 40. Explore this ancient site with a guided tour, marveling at its historical significance and well-preserved artifacts. Continuing on, we reach Fes, renowned for its medieval charm. Spend the evening at leisure, try a local restaurant or relax with a refreshing mint tea.
Day 3: Fes
Location: Fes
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we explore Fes with a guided tour of its bustling medina, home to 400,000 inhabitants where donkeys and bikes are the main mode of transport. Experience a sensory journey through vibrant souks, admire the exterior of historic mosques, and bustling markets. Explore the intricacies of dye-pits, tanneries, and pottery workshops.
Later, return to the hotel to freshen up before enjoying an optional traditional meal with live Moroccan entertainment, including music, belly dancing, and magic. Alternatively, you can opt for a free evening to dine at a restaurant of your choice.
Day 4: Fes
Location: Fes
Accommodation Name: Berber Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Fes - Sahara Desert Berber Camp. Anticipation builds as we journey towards the majestic Saharan Dunes. Along the way, we may stop for an optional lunch and, during summer, even take a leisurely swim. Arriving at Erg Chebbi in Merzouga, we switch to camels and embark on a trek into the expansive Sahara Desert, arriving in time to witness a breathtaking sunset. We then retreat to our authentic Berber Camp on the desert's edge for an evening of local cuisine, music, and an unforgettable night beneath the Saharan stars.
Day 5: Merzouga
Location: Todra Gorge
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sahara Desert Berber Camp - Todra Gorge. After enjoying sunrise and breakfast, you can choose to further explore the dunes or arrange an optional desert excursion before continuing to Todra Gorge. This impressive 1000ft gorge, often referred to as Morocco's Grand Canyon, is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Spend the afternoon exploring the gorge, strolling through the Palmerie, and observing locals cooling off in the river. Todra's beauty is showcased by its ever-changing colours as the sun moves across the sky from east to west, creating a mesmerising spectacle.
Day 6: Todra Gorge
Location: Ouarzazate
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Todra Gorge - Ouarzazate - Ait Benhaddou. We bid farewell to Todra this morning as we journey towards Ait Benhaddou via Ouarzazate. Along the way, we'll stop for lunch and have the opportunity to take an optional tour of the renowned film studios in Ouarzazate, known for iconic movies like Gladiators, The Last Temptation of Christ, and The Living Daylights.
Perched on a hill beside the Ouarzazate River, Ait Benhaddou is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved Kasbahs. This afternoon, we'll enjoy a guided tour of the historic Kasbah and village, with the option to join a tagine cooking class.
Day 7: Ait Benhaddou
Location: Marrakech
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ait Benhaddou - Marrakech. Today, we traverse the High Atlas, enjoying breathtaking views from the Tizi n Tichka pass at 2260 meters as we head towards Marrakech. The city's iconic Koutoubia Tower, reminiscent of the Tower of Hassan in Rabat and Seville's Giralda Tower, stands as a towering landmark. A visit to Marrakech wouldn't be complete without exploring its UNESCO-listed medina and Djemaa-el-Fna, a vibrant marketplace and cultural hub.
After breaking for lunch, we embark on a guided city walk through the bustling Medina, visiting highlights such as Bahia Palace (entrance fee paid locally), the lively souks, and the historic square. The afternoon offers leisure time to unwind by the hotel pool or indulge in souvenir shopping.
Day 8: Marrakech
Location: Marrakech
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your adventure tour concludes after breakfast. Consider booking an morning hot air balloon ride if time permits.
Afterwards, you will arrange your own transportation to the airport for your onward flight, or you can contact us to arrange a departure transfer.
What's Included
-
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch & 1 dinner
Enjoy daily breakfast, one lunch, and one dinner during your tour.
-
6 nights 3 star hotels and 1 night shared camping at a Berber camp in the Sahara
Stay in 3-star hotels for 6 nights and experience one night of shared camping at a Berber camp in the Sahara Desert.
-
Guided sightseeing of Marrakech, Ait Benhaddou, Fes & Volubilis
Participate in guided sightseeing tours of Marrakech, Ait Benhaddou, Fes, and Volubilis.
-
Services of a licensed English speaking tour guide at all included sites
Benefit from the services of a licensed English-speaking tour guide at all included sites.
-
Camel trek into the Sahara Desert
Experience a camel trek into the Sahara Desert.
-
Driver, all transfers and transportation in private modern A/C tourism vehicles
Enjoy all transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned tourism vehicles.
-
An airport arrival transfer on day 1
Receive an airport arrival transfer on the first day of the tour.
What's Not Included
-
International flights and visa
International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.
-
Tip for your tour guide and driver
Tips for your tour guide and driver are not included.
It is recommended to allow USD$4-5 per day, per traveler for your guide and USD$4-5 per day, per traveler for your driver.
Tipping is an entirely personal gesture. -
Airport departure transfer
An airport departure transfer is not included.
-
Optional activities
Optional activities are not included in the tour package.
-
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees, estimated at USD$40-50 per person, paid in local currency, are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in private modern air-conditioned tourism vehicles with a licensed driver, including an airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a camel trek into the Sahara Desert.
Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels and 1 night in a shared camping experience at a traditional Berber camp in the Sahara Desert.
Age Policy
18yrs or 15yrs accompanied by an adult
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 6 nights in 3-star hotels and 1 night of shared camping at a Berber camp in the Sahara Desert.
-
What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes breakfast daily, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner.
-
Is there a guided tour included in the itinerary?
Yes, the tour includes guided sightseeing of Marrakech, Ait Benhaddou, Fes, and Volubilis.
-
What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
All transfers and transportation are provided in private modern air-conditioned tourism vehicles.
-
Is there an airport transfer included in the tour?
An airport arrival transfer is included on day 1. However, the airport departure transfer is not included.
-
What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include visiting the Hassan II Mosque, a traditional meal with live Moroccan entertainment in Fes, a desert excursion in the Sahara, a tour of the film studios in Ouarzazate, and a tagine cooking class in Ait Benhaddou.
-
What is the recommended tipping amount for the tour guide and driver?
It is recommended to allow USD$4-5 per day, per traveler for the guide and USD$4-5 per day, per traveler for the driver. Tipping is an entirely personal gesture.
-
Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, entrance fees are not included. They are estimated to be USD$40-50 per person, paid in local currency.
-
What is the age policy for this tour?
The age policy for this tour is 18 years or 15 years if accompanied by an adult.
-
What can I expect during the camel trek in the Sahara Desert?
During the camel trek, you will ride past the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend an authentic night at a Berber camp, enjoying local cuisine, music, and an unforgettable night beneath the Saharan stars.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025
Saturday - Saturday
Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 14, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jan 18, 2025 - Jan 25, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Feb 01, 2025 - Feb 08, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 22, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Mar 01, 2025 - Mar 08, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 26, 2025 - May 03, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 10, 2025 - May 17, 2025Saturday - Saturday
May 24, 2025 - May 31, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025Book 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.
-
Terms and Conditions