Itinerary Details
Insight Vacations: Best of Morocco - Small Group, Winter
Day 1 - Welcome to Casablanca
Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for your Welcome Dinner, with the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of good food.
Accommodations: Grand Mogador City Center, Casablanca
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Rabat, Imperial Meknes and Fes Relaxed Start
During an exploration of the sights of Casablanca, view the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, the third largest in the world. Venture to the très chic seaside strip known as the Corniche, which stretches to the west and is lined with trendy restaurants and cafes. Depart for the capital of Rabat to see the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower and visit one of the few holy places open to non-Muslims, the lavish Mausoleum of King Mohammed V. This site is both an architectural marvel and a monument to a great ruler. Travel to Meknes, one of the kingdom's great imperial cities where little has changed since its founding in the 11th century. Stand before the Bab el-Mansour, the monumental entrance to the imperial city and focal point of Square El-Hedim, before continuing to Fes. You'll be delighted with a superb Moroccan Highlight Dinner in an ancient palace at the entrance to the Medina. A colorful array of meze plates, aromatic tagines, exotic fruits and wine will be laid before you while you are entertained with a traditional folklore show. Enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere of belly dancers, drums and authentic music.
Accommodations: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 3 - Fes Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Led by your Local Expert, wander the maze of streets that make up one of the largest thriving ancient Medina's in the world, here you can admire traditional Moroccan handiwork during a visit to a carpet cooperative. Pass one of the world's oldest universities and see the hidden courtyards, mosques and workshops. Continue through the souks where an array of vendors sell food, clothes, leather goods and beautiful lights.
Accommodations: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4 - The Ziz Gorges to Erfoud
Leave the bustle of the city behind and head for the spectacular snowcapped High Atlas Mountains. Pass through Ifrane before reaching the great cedar forests of Azrou. After stopping for lunch at Midelt, continue through the magnificent Ziz Gorges, past palm-fringed towns to Errachidia, built by the French at an important crossroads. Your destination is Erfoud, where the red sand buildings stand in stark contrast against the patches of greenery and surrounding desert. In the evening, there is an Optional Experience to meet the nomadic desert dwellers and marvel at the glorious Sahara sunset on a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Accommodations: Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud, Erfoud
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Spectacular Ouarzazate
Venture towards the oasis of Tinehir and explore the Todra Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of the Sahara. At Boumalne du Dadès you will encounter the dry and rugged Dades Valley, dotted with oases of figs, olives, date palms and castellated mud houses—hugging the slopes. Meet the locals of the region when you visit a traditional Nomad house to try authentic Berber tea. The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs concludes at Ouarzazate, also known as the film capital of Morocco. Many blockbusters have been filmed here, including Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars.
Accommodations: Le Berbère Palace, Ouarzazate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Day 6 - To Marrakesh
Marvel at and photograph the architectural wonder of Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site that boasts one of Morocco's finest kasbahs. Your journey continues via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, before descending past charming mountain villages, dense woods and green fields to the ochre-colored city of Marrakesh. Meet the inspiring ladies of a local women’s cooperative over tea and snacks on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. With the rest of the day at your leisure, why not relax and enjoy the immaculate facilities of your hotel?
Accommodations: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakesh
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Marrakesh, Pearl of the South Relaxed Start
In the morning, visit Dar El Bacha - an iconic landmark in the city of Marrakech. Meet your Local Expert and wander the maze of the Medina and see the Koutoubia Mosque, with its minaret dominating the Marrakesh skyline. Next, to the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where you can take a moment to watch the dancers, snake charmers and storytellers. With time at leisure, you are free to continue exploring: enjoy the sensorial experience of strolling through the souks or maybe visit a museum. In the evening, perhaps choose to join fellow guests at a vibrant restaurant on Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Here, you will enjoy a slew of classic Moroccan dishes as you absorb the ambience and watch twirling belly dancers balance plates of lit candles on their heads.
Accommodations: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakesh
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Elegant Essaouira Relaxed Start
Venture to the west coast of Africa to reach the laid-back fishing town of Essaouira. After an orientation with your Travel Director why not spend the afternoon navigating the narrow alleyways, exploring the busy fishing port or maybe just relaxing on the beach? In the evening, you could sample the local seafood and wine at a waterside restaurant.
Accommodations: Atlas Essaouira & Spa.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Return to Casablanca Relaxed Start
Once you’ve experienced the traditional charms of the country, Casablanca is a fascinating place to return to and offers a unique insight into modern Morocco. Perhaps visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque famous for its intricate Islamic architecture and one of the largest in the world. In the evening 'of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world' there really is only one place to be. Join your Travel Director at Rick's Café, recreated from the famous movie. Enjoy a hearty dinner with drinks and no doubt a rendition of ‘As Time Goes By'. Here's looking at you kid!
Accommodations: Grand Mogador City Center, Casablanca
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 10 - Au revoir Casablanca
Today, bid farewell to your journey through Morocco as you transfer to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
