11-Nights Morocco: Historic Cities & Sand Dunes of the Sahara - Classic from $974

G Adventures: Morocco: Historic Cities & Sand Dunes of the Sahara

Day 1: Casablanca
Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening to get to know your fellow travellers and CEO. Then, choose to attend an optional group dinner to close out the evening.
If you’re looking for more time in Casablanca, we recommend booking a pre-night and exploring some of the many amazing sites in the city.
Day 2: Casablanca/Meknès
Enjoy some breakfast at the hotel and then visit the Hassan II Mosque, which is one of the largest in the world and can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers inside and 80,000 in the courtyards. Travel northwest towards Rabat and tour the city with a local guide to learn about the history as a Roman settlement and home to pirates. Visit Kasbah des Oudaias, a walled quarter with gardens and pretty views of the Atlantic Ocean. Stroll through the city’s medina and souks with a stop at one of the stalls for mint tea and Moroccan sweets. From there the group will walk to the Mohamed the 5th Mausoleum and the iconic 12th-century minaret known as the Hassan Tower. Lunch will be had on your own at a spot in Rabat before travelling onwards to Meknés, the former capital of the country. Enjoy some time to rest and relax at the hotel, or maybe choose to find a nearby restaurant for dinner.

Day 3: Meknès/Chefchaouen
Start the day on the streets of Meknes’ old medina and vibrant market stalls with loads of handicrafts. Then spend time visiting various historical sites before travelling to ancient Volubilis for an inside look at Morocco’s culture at the partly-excavated Berber-Roman city. Walk along the ancient hilltop ruins with a local expert guide and see the town’s mosaics for yourself. Head onwards to Chefchaouen, or the ‘Blue City’ as it is so fondly known. The evening will be spent free at the hotel for downtime.

Day 4: Chefchaouen/Fès
In the morning, set off on a CEO-led walking tour of Chefchaouen and witness the beautiful blue alleys and charm of this place for yourself. Stop by the medina and the Kasbah of Chefchaouen. Free time will be given for lunch in the area before the drive to Fes. The group will arrive in the early evening and enjoy a traditional dinner experience together featuring staples of Moroccan cuisine.

Day 5: Fès
Discover the fascinating city of Fes in the cultural heart of the country. Join an expert guide and head into the vibrant, noisy, and sensory overwhelming city medina. Enter through one of the great gates into the chaos. Spend time exploring the artisans’ quarters as well as the many carpenters, bakers, butchers, and spice sellers that you pass along the way. Arrive back at the hotel in the late afternoon for a free evening in Fes.

Day 6: Fès/Midelt
Travel towards the simplistic nature of the High Atlas Mountains and drive south and inland through fertile valleys and rocky landscapes to the off-the-beaten path town of Midelt. There will be a stop along the way to Ifrane for tea and to learn more about this tiny Switzerland town of Morocco. In the market town of Midelt, lunch will be had with a local family in the area featuring a traditional home-cooked meal highlighting the authentic flavours of Berber cuisine. Stretch those legs with a walk through the lovely Berber villages in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains near town before an introduction to the ancient art of henna from a group of local women. Check-in to the hotel in the late afternoon and opt to swim in the pool before dinner this evening.

Day 7: Midelt/Merzouga
Travel through the changing scenery on the journey to the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi outside of Merzouga and just across the border from Algeria. Stop along the way to visit the town of Arfoud. It’s here that you’ll learn about date production and you can buy a desert scarf. Upon arrival to Merzouga the group will climb atop the camels and ride to the desert camp where a cup of tea will be served. Hike up the nearest dune for sunset before a delicious dinner by firelight at the camp accompanied by the melodies of Berber musicians. Fall asleep peacefully under the stars.

Day 8: Merzouga
Wake with the sun and have breakfast at camp surrounded by dunes. Hop on 4x4s for an adventurous journey through Erg Chebbi’s captivating landscape and learn more about the secrets of kohl at a nearby mine. Deeper in the region the group will encounter the welcoming Amazigh nomads and learn about their fascinating ways of life amid the harsh realities of the desert. Share in the warmth of their hospitality as you savour some refreshing mint tea in one of their traditional dwellings. At the nearby charming village of Khamlia the group will learn the rich history of Gnaoua music and be treated to a performance, which holds a special place in the Sahara's cultural tapestry. Travel to Taous village for today’s Medfouna class and discover the steps to making this traditional dish. Sample your creations before travelling back to Merzouga in the 4x4 for some free time and a bonfire with dinner and music to cap off the night.

Day 9: Merzouga/Skoura
Travel to Skoura, an oasis city famed for its date palms and imagine discovering this haven after days or months travelling through the desert. Enjoy the views of the snowcapped Atlas Mountains in the distance and listen as your guide offers commentary on Skoura's significance, and provides an overview of the landscape and its defining features. The rest of the day will be spent back at the hotel with free time to enjoy the pool and cool town after a day in the heat. Dinner will be had at the hotel this evening as a group.

Day 10: Skoura/Marrakech
Drive along the winding roads of the Atlas crossing Tishka pass with unforgettable views of the countryside and surrounding mountains en route to Marrakech, a city steeped in both history and modernity. Along the way pay a visit to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, perched on a hilltop and almost unchanged since the 11th century. You may recognize it from a long list of film and TV credits, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones and Gladiator. Enjoy a walk through the winding streets of the old town, make your way to the top of the hill, and stare at the views across the surrounding plains. Later, for anyone interested, your CEO will be leading a guided walk to explore the city centre of Marrakech known as Gueliz. Head to the public square and finish out your day at a local spot for dinner on your own.

Day 11: Marrakech
Visit the Zarbiat Achbarou Cooperative today outside of Marrakech starting with the tree nursery and the ancient Jewish Cemetery with a local caretaker. Then, hear more about the project details at the women’s cooperative where women who have been challenged by social norms can create a hopeful future for themselves and their families. Sit down for a hands-on weaving experience and an early lunch made by the women of Zarbiat Achbarou. Back in Marrakech the group will explore the tranquil courtyards, and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace. This splendid mansion was built in 1866 for a former slave who rose to power within the government. Then, see the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 14th-century Islamic college known for its beautiful Moorish architecture and intricate tilework. Start the guided visit of Marrakech’s medina and prepare for a fully immersive experience of the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of this incredible market. The optional farewell dinner tonight will be at a local food stall within the Djemaa el-Fnaa square.

Day 12: Marrakech
Depart at any time.
Opt to get up early and catch the sunrise over Marrakech by pre-booking the Hot Air Balloon excursion. Please ensure you allow enough time to return from the activity when planning your onward journey.