Morocco Journey: Casablanca to Marrakech

9 days

From timeless golden dunes to vibrant, bustling bazaars and the age-old remains of civilizations past, explore some of Morocco’s most fascinating sights. Discover the fresh cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains, meander the winding lanes of old Marrakech, and ride into the desert on a 4x4. Meet musicians, artisans, and nomads as you soak up the mystique of this captivating North African nation.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Casablanca

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

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, beachfront, 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), please double check times with your hotel. Tickets can be purchased at the mosque.

Day 2 - Casablanca / Fès

Set out on a guided tour of two UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Enjoy a guided visit of the Imperial City of Meknès. Meknès is one of the four Imperial cities and its name and fame are closely linked to that of the Moroccan Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made Meknès the centre of his empire and built many of the monuments that remain today. The least visited of the Imperial cities, it has a unique feel to it. Visit the Bab Mansour historic landmark, and 18th-century Bab El Khmiss, the ornamental gate to the city. Wander the bustling souk to browse the vast array of clothes, spices, handicrafts, and of course food. The visit also includes stops at Dar Jamai: The National Museum of Music and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.

Continue through the rolling hills to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. Once an important Roman town situated near the westernmost border of Roman conquests, Volubilis was listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Listen to a certified local guide explain life in the Roman Empire. Visit the impressive, well-preserved ruins. Peer into old bathhouses, marvel at the still-present mosaic floors, and gaze up at towering marble pillars. Hear stories about life in this Roman city that will leave you in awe of just how far their empire stretched.

Continue to Fez and enjoy a G Adventures-supported traditional lunch that benefits rural Moroccan women and children. This G Adventures lunch program provides access to education opportunities and healthcare services. The proceeds from this lunch program help support vocational training for rural women, allowing them to support their families and children. Enjoy a traditional home-cooked Moroccan meal and meet some of the women that are part of this program.

After lunch, check into our hotel.

Day 3 - Fès

Step back in time on a walking tour of the medina of Fèz, a spellbinding World Heritage site dating back to the 9th century. Skirt past donkey carts as you take in the dazzling sights, from colourful mounds of spices to vividly painted ceramics, and observe Fez’s famous tanners treating and dying hides in the traditional manner. Pay a visit to the breathtaking Madrasa al-Attarine, a masterpiece of intricate Islamic architecture, and pass by the famed Al-Karaouine Mosque—home to the longest continually operating university in the world.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY - FREE

Ville Nouvelle Exploration - Hit the newer part of Fès to see life in action. Find a sidewalk café to sip mint tea and watch everyday life go by. 

Day 4 - Fès / Merzouga

Start early and watch the scenery of this diverse country change while travelling over the Middle Atlas mountains. Pass through cedar forests and the ski area of Ifrane into the desert regions. Drive by the vast palm groves of the Ziz Valley and right up to the majestic Saharan sand dunes. Keep your eyes open for a glimpse of Barbary apes en route.

Spend the night in a comfortable Kasbah-style desert hotel at the edge of the dunes.

Day 5 - Merzouga / Tinghir

This morning, explore the Sahara on a thrilling 4x4 excursion. Drive around the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi and take in the view of the seemingly endless sea of sand. Watch the dunes as the colours creep across the landscape and look out for the kohl mine en route to the village of Khamlia. Here you will meet Gnaoua musicians and learn about the history of Gnaoua music in the Sahara. Enjoy a performance by these talented artists. Depart back through the desert region and visit local Amazigh living in the area, learning about their way of life and sharing in some mint tea in one of the homes.

Transfer to Tinghir this evening.

Day 6 - Tinghir / Ouarzazate

Drive through the scenic Dades Valley and “Route of 1,000 Kasbahs”, passing by many of the mud-brick fortresses and abandoned villages. Stop at the Dades Gorge to admire the formations of the rock and the kasbahs built with their backs against the rock for protection.

Visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a palace built in the 19th century for the relatives and servants of the ruling el Glaoui family. Originally, the Kasbah had hundreds of rooms and riads, but now the structure is partially destroyed. UNESCO has helped with the restoration of the Kasbah, allowing travelers to wander through the halls and rooms. It feels like you’ve stepped back in time.

Continue to Ouarzazate, a former Foreign Legion stronghold.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY - FREE

Amazigh (Berber) Herbalist Lesson - Learn about the traditional, natural remedies and cooking spices of the Amazigh people. Both herbalists and pharmacists swear by the healing properties of natural ingredients like ginger, argan oil, and mint leaves. Even ingredients usually found in a yummy tajine like saffron and cumin are used as pain relievers and to help with circulation. 

Day 7 - Ouarzazate / Marrakech

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou. Of all the remaining kasbahs in Morocco, the walls and interior of this area are the most intact. The kasbah still houses a few families, but many now live in the adjacent village. Like many of the earthen built fortresses in Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou has been used in many film and television productions like Gladiator, Babel, and Game of Thrones.

Travel to Marrakech through the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2200m in the High Atlas Mountains. Travel along winding mountain roads with breathtaking views from the highest peaks of Morocco. Take some free time to wander this legendary city—a melting pot of Amazigh, West African, Mediterranenan, and Arab influences—and venture off the beaten path into hidden neighborhoods and artisan quarters.

Day 8 - Marrakech

With its unusual combination of cultures – Amazigh (also known as Berber), French, Jewish, Andalucian – Morocco is known for some incredible flavours that visitors talk about (and miss) long after they return home. In the heart of bustling Marrakech, visit a historic riad for a hands-on cooking class led by a renowned Moroccan chef who will discuss key ingredients and techniques. From the making of different salads to measuring out spices for a mind-blowing tagine, learn the culinary tricks of a master while preparing lunch as a group, which we’ll all sit down to eat (and marvel at).

Later this afternoon enjoy free time to explore the fascinating city of Marrakech and dive into the labyrinthine souks. Travelers and locals alike find everything they desire here. Whether it’s spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or famous Moroccan lanterns, the selection here is exhaustive. Don’t forget to bargain; that’s definitely part of the fun.

Opt to indulge in the chaos of the famous Djemaa el Fna square. Wander past fresh orange juice stalls and water sellers in colourful costumes reminiscent of an era past. See storytellers, magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines as the day progresses. When the sun sets, the square fills with dozens of food stalls, and is packed with locals, entertaining chefs, and waiters. Grab a spot on a bench with other diners and try the “tanjia” (slow cooked lamb), harira soup, grilled seafood, famous Moroccan couscous, tajine, snails, or even sheep’s head (for the truly adventurous). Wash it all down with some spiced tea.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES - request current pricing

1. Jardins Majorelle - Visit this enchanting garden in the heart of the city designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle (1886-1962). Follow the pathways through trees, exotic plants, streams, and pools while watching the numerous birds who call this peaceful paradise home. (Please note that the entrance fee to Musée Yves Saint Laurent is an additional fee).

2. Marrakech Medina Walk and Spice Shop - Let a local guide show you the best of Marrekech. Head into the maze of tiny streets and alleyways of the ancient medina to really get a taste of everyday life in Marrakech. See the Koutoubia Minaret and head to a spice shop to discover an array of Moroccan spices.

3. Musée de Marrakech - Wander around the salons of the ornate Mnebhi Palace displaying various collections of Moroccan art forms.

4. El Badi Palace - Visit the ruins of what was once the most ornate palace of the 16th-century. Its sunken gardens and pools give a glimpse into its former glory.

5. Marrakech Hammam Visit - Visit a hammam, a great way to get squeaky clean and soothe sore muscles. Enjoy a body scrub and massage in a traditional Moroccan bathhouse. Begin with a dry or hot room to prepare your skin and body, followed by a hot steam room. Then enjoy a body scrub and massage followed by a traditional mint tea.

Day 9 - Marrakech

Depart at any time.