Morocco Highlights Tour – Old Medinas, Mosques & Mountains
From Casablanca
8 Days
Overview
Take in the rich history and diverse culture of Morocco on an eight-day Morocco adventure. Visit the Mosque of Hassan II in Casablanca, discover the enchanting medina of Meknes, uncover ancient history at the Roman ruins of Volubilis, wander mazelike alleys in Fes el-Bali, relax in the lakeside settlement of Bin El-Ouidane and watch Djemaa el-Fna come to life in Marrakech. Experience life in the Middle Atlas Mountains, share stories and food with a local family in Fes, travel with a local leader and gain unrivalled insight into the Moroccan way of life.
Details & Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Casablanca – Transfer to Rabat
Arrive in Casablanca and meet your driver outside the airport. After refreshing time, you will visit one of the most impressive sites in Casablanca – the mighty Mosque of Hassan II. then leave Casablanca and head to Rabat, where you will visit the Hassan Tower and the Hassan Tower is the Mohammed V Mausoleum. See the Royal Palace, and explore the Kasbah Oudaya. Overnight in Rabat.
Day 2 – Rabat to Fez : Meknes and the Roman Ruins at Volubilis
After breakfast, meet your driver to start today’s journey to Fez. Your first stop is Meknes, a charming city with a smaller medina, allowing for a more leisurely pace without worrying about pushy shopkeepers. Your driver will lead you through the Ville Impériale area, where you can explore gardens and palaces, as well as the gate of Bab al-Mansour, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the Royal Stables. After enjoying Meknes, you’ll head to Moulay Idriss, a hillside town which, from a distance, looks like a sitting camel. Founded by Moulay Idriss I in 789 after fleeing Mecca due to religious and tribal conflicts, it’s the oldest town in Morocco and where the Idrisid Dynasty was founded. The town has the only round minaret in all of Morocco. Lunch is on your own here, with recommendations from your driver. Your last stop before Fez is Volubilis. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains Morocco’s most well-preserved Roman ruins and makes for a nice break from driving. You can wander the massive complex with a guide, exploring large merchant homes with temples and colorful mosaics. Today ends in Fez, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Here you can relax and enjoy the night at your leisure.
Day 3 – Fez : Exploring the Imperial City and Medieval Medina & Hammam
Your tour guide will meet you after breakfast to start your day of exploration in the Fez Medina. This UNESCO protected medina is full of arms-width alleyways and donkey-width roads. Your Fez born-and-bred guide will share hidden stories and show you secluded corners of the medina, and you will observe both the minutia of daily life and the magnificence of Fez’s madrasas and palaces. Your guide will help you know fabulous Fez as only a true local can. Be sure to ask your guide for lunch suggestions. Fez is a hub of the Moroccan crafts and arts, and you’ll meet artisans to learn about the history and importance of their trades. You’ll also visit tanneries and mosaic workshops to observe traditional crafting methods still in use today. In the afternoon, return to your riad and relax for a bit, then finish the day by bathing in an authentic Moroccan hammam. You will learn about the traditions and history of the hammam and will enjoy a rejuvenating experience at one of Fez’s most highly sought after spa experiences. Most hammams provide a variety of services including massages, baths, and an extensive treatment menu using locally sourced products like argan oil.
Day 4 – Fez to Bin El Ouidane
Travel from Fes to Bin el-Ouidane, with plenty of breaks along the way to appreciate the ever-changing Moroccan landscape. Visit an Amazigh family in the Khenifra region for a truly memorable experience and a priceless insight into their unique way of life. The family will demonstrate how to make the perfect brew of mint tea and will provide a home-cooked lunch using locally grown ingredients. Learn about their customs, traditions and what life looks like in the Atlas Mountains. Later you’ll arrive in Bin el-Ouidane, a small settlement perfectly placed on the bank of the lake, surrounded by sheer rocks. Your Feature Stay accommodation sits at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, perched on the edge of the huge, glittering lake. There’s a blissful afternoon to be had floating in the paradisiacal swimming pool or soaking in your surroundings on the fabulous terrace.
Day 5 – Bin El Ouidane
Today you’ll head out onto the water, hopping in a small boat to see more of the turquoise lake and surrounding rocky gorges. Float over the soothing waters and take in the views. You’ll stop to enjoy a refreshing lunch at a shady spot overlooking the lake before heading back to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish – lounge by the infinity pool, hike the surrounding mountain trails or treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage or jacuzzi session at the health spa.
Day 6 – Bin El Ouidane – Marrakech
Today you will travel from Bin el-Ouidane to Marrakech. There’s no rush as the scenery on the way is always interesting, and you will enjoy a stop en route at the impressive Ouzoud Falls. On arrival in Marrakech, head to the great square of Djemaa el-Fna, one of the largest public spaces in the world and the city’s most iconic landmark. Enjoy an orientation tour with your Trip Leader to get to know this vibrant city. As day turns into night, the square transforms into a hive of activity. The evening is yours to explore. Perhaps opt for dinner on one of the restaurant balconies overlooking the humming square with views of the Koutoubia Mosque.
Day 7 – Marrakech : Medina & City Tour
After breakfast, follow your local private guide through the old city of Marrakech. As you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will come across lively souks and maze-like alleys. You’re sure to be dazzled by displays of djellabas, brightly colored babouches, intricately-pierced lanterns, conical mounds of exotic spices, and the intense hubbub of medina life. Along the way, your expert will regale you with the history and stories of the Medina, the Souk, and the Mellah neighborhoods of the Red City. Your guide will also have some great recommendations for the best places to grab lunch! In the afternoon you’ll continue your private tour, exploring places like the Bahia and El Badii Palaces, and the Saadian Tombs. You’ll also see the Majorelle Gardens, an iconic garden retreat built over forty years by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later inhabited by famed designer Yves Saint Laurent. Stroll through two and a half acres of peaceful water gardens, visit Morocco’s only museum dedicated entirely to Berber art and culture, and explore Yves Saint Laurent’s gallery, all within the walls of this urban oasis.
Day 8 – Marrakech – Home Flight
It’s time to say goodbye to Morocco. Depending on the time of your departure flight, you may be able to do some last-minute sightseeing in Marrakech or enjoy tea at one of the traditional cafés. When the time comes, you’ll head to Marrakech’s Menara Airport or Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport for your flight.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Casablanca – Transfer to Rabat
Day 2 – Rabat to Fez : Meknes and the Roman Ruins at Volubilis
Day 3 – Fez : Exploring the Imperial City and Medieval Medina & Hammam
Day 4 – Fez to Bin El Ouidane
Day 5– Bin El Ouidane
Day 6 – Bin El Ouidane – Marrakech
Day 7– Marrakech : Medina & City Tour
Day 8 –Marrakech -Home Flight
What’s Included
Planning and quality control by seasoned travel leaders
Knowledgeable Guides (Multi-lingual), special lectures, and insightful meetings
Entrance Fees to Historic Monuments
All Transfers-even individual airport transfers, when required.
Luggage Handling-at all hotels, airport, etc.
Air-Conditioned, comfortable, and luxurious vehicles depending on your choice (4*4, Mini-bus…).
Nights at the top range hotels, Riads, Kasbahs, and Bivouacs.
Elegant Meals (Breakfast daily, and usually either Dinner).
All details are handled by reliable, experienced Tour Leaders.
Outstanding value and convenience.
No hidden add-ons or markup.
What’s Excluded
Lunchs
Tips
Travel insurance charges
Travel Advices
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Best time to visit Morocco
The climate in Morocco varies wildly according to the season and area of travel. In the lowlands, the cooler months from October to April are popular among visitors. This time of year is pleasantly warm to hot (around 30°C) during the day and cool to cold (around 15°C) at night. Winter in the higher regions often brings snow and can therefore get seriously cold, particularly at night. Tourists flock to the coastline from June to September for fun in the sun, with warm mostly rain-free days. Further inland it can get hot and rain is rare, which makes the best times to travel March to June and September to December.
Morocco Culture & Customs
Morocco's culture has developed over centuries of influence from far and wide. Contemporary Morocco is a fascinating mix of Berber, Mediterranean, Andalucian, and African traditions, which are present in the cuisine, clothing, music, language, customs, and lifestyle. As an Islamic country, most Moroccans are Muslim; however, there are small populations of people who practice Judaism and Christianity. Classic examples of Islamic architecture can be observed all throughout the country and tenets of the Islamic religion are carried out in the customs and lives of the people. The 'Call to Prayer' can be heard five times a day, women are expected to dress modestly and alcohol isn't drunk by most of the population.
Most of Moroccan society can be considered traditional, with respect for elders, connection to family, and giving alms to the poor hallmarks of everyday life for many Moroccans. Hospitality is another important element of society, with warmly welcoming people into your home a time-honored tradition and social responsibility that dates back centuries.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options in Morocco ?
Much of Morocco's cuisine revolves around meat, but vegetables are an important staple and a crucial ingredient in many dishes of the Maghreb. Your diet can consist of more than just flatbread and hummus – trust us. Keep an eye out for vegetable-based tagines and couscous, the renowned Zaalouk (a smokey eggplant and tomato salad), vegetable Briouats (triangular-filled pastries), and cinnamon oranges. Vegan options are slightly more limited, as many of the pieces of bread and couscous dishes have butter added to them, but your best bet is to enquire if yours can be made using oil instead. Otherwise, it's easy to dine well on varied vege offerings in Morocco.