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Compare Highlights of Morocco - In Comfort by Exodus Travels vs Grand tour of Morocco by Audley Travel

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Duration 15 days 15 days
Price From $ 2,400 $ 4,567
Price Per Day $ 160 $ 304
Highlights
  • Visit the Imperial Cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fez and Marrakech
  • Tour the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the impressive Todra Gorge
  • Ride a camel through the red dunes of the Sahara
  • Walk into the High Atlas mountains and experience a traditional hammam
  • Relax in the charming fishing port of Essaouira
N/A
Trip Style Small group tour Private guided tour
Lodging Level Standard Standard
Physical Level
  • 3- Moderate
  • 2- Easy
Travel Themes
  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Casablanca
  • Essaouira
  • Fez
  • Marrakech
  • Rabat
  • Atlas Mountains
  • Casablanca
  • Erg Chebbi
  • Fez
  • Rabat
Flights & Transport No Ground transport included
Activities
  • Culture
  • Nature
  • Bird watching
  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • History
  • Mountaineering
  • Nature
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Trekking
  • Wildlife viewing
Meals Included There are 14 breakfasts and four dinners included on this trip. Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. Where meals are not included, budget for the following approximate prices. Lunches: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10) Dinners: In cities: 80-200 dirhams (US$8-US$19) In towns and villages: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10) Soft drinks: 10-20 dirhams (US$1-1.90) Alcohol: Beer: 30-50 dirhams (US$2.85-US$5) Wine: 150 dirhams (US$14) and more Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip. If you have any special dietary requirements, please inform us before departure. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (eg coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home. N/A
Description

Few countries rival the diversity of Morocco, where history-soaked imperial cities, mighty mountains and desert dunes are easily accessed on one trip. This adventure encompasses the best of the country while also staying in stylish riads, boutique hotels and an auberge. The highlights are many: explore coastal Casablanca plus Rabat, Marrakech, Meknes and Fez, collectively known as the Imperial Cities; journey to the southern mountain ranges, where Amazigh villages meet palm oases; and ride a camel in the ever-magical Sahara. We also visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the 16th-century ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou and enjoy a village walk around the High Atlas mountains. We top it all off in the pretty coastal town of Essaouira, a fitting end to a highlight-packed adventure. We end with a tour in the vibrant city of Marrakech.Discover a diverse land of imperial cities, rugged mountains, Sahara dunes and Atlantic shores

The maze-like souqs of Fez, the vast orange dunes of the Erg Chebbi, Berber nomads in the Sahara… On a tailor-made holiday to Morocco with Audley, you’ll see the highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our Morocco specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook.

Taste Morocco’s spice-scented cuisine at a private cooking lesson in Marrakesh. Bargain for a hand-knotted wool rug while sipping sweet mint tea in a noisy medina. Hike among the ancient villages and winding tracks of the High Atlas Mountains. Unwind in the windy-swept port town of Essaouira. Watch the stars from a tented camp in the deep, echoing silence of the dessert.

The fortified kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. Roman ruins at Volubilis. The blue-washed village of Chefchaouen. What excites you? Travel at your own pace, in your own style, with the confidence that we’ll show you the best options, wherever you go.

Itinerary: Highlights of Morocco - In Comfort

Day 1 Start Marrakech

Welcome to the Red City, a pulsating destination moving at a frenetic pace. Our riad, however, is a pocket of peace with a central pool (ideal for a post-flight dip) and relaxed air. Depending on your arrival time, you can either rejuvenate at the accommodation or start exploring Marrakech. Jemaa el-Fna, the busy food stall-filled central square, is a five-minute walk away. There will be a welcome briefing at the riad this evening or tomorrow morning, depending on when most of the group arrives. Accommodation: Riad Tresor de Marrakech or Riad El Habib (or similar)

Day 2 Visit Hassan II Mosque; to the capital Rabat

This morning, we drive for three hours to Casablanca, a modern, commercial seaport city, to visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. After, we drive two hours to Rabat for lunch, the political capital of Morocco but second in importance to Casablanca. Although mostly modern, Rabat has an excellent old quarter that we take time to explore. Accommodation: Hotel le Musee (or similar)

Day 3 Explore the Roman site of Volubilis and Meknes; to Fez

We strike out from Rabat this morning over the northern plain towards the one-time capital of Meknes, a drive of around three hours. The scenery changes as the land becomes more cultivated, this being one of the most fertile areas in Morocco. Arriving in Meknes, we meet our guide and wander the narrow streets of the old city, exploring the souk and perhaps bartering for souvenirs. In the afternoon, we take a short drive to the largest and best-kept Roman ruins in Morocco: Volubilis, once a large Roman town and now a Unesco World Heritage site. After, we continue our journey to the ancient city of Fez, where we spend two nights. Accommodation: Riad Tafilalet, or Riad Fez Tresor   (or similar)

Day 4 Guided tour of Fez

This fascinating city is the intellectual and religious centre of Morocco. Founded more than 1,000 years ago, Fez has many mosques and madrasas (theological colleges) including the ninth-century al-Karaouine University, whose architecture resembles that of Moorish Spain. The medina in Fez is one of the largest in the world: an immense warren of souks, home to thousands of artisans with their tiny shops opening onto narrow alleyways. Our city guide walks us through different sections of the souk, including those selling leather, brass and copper. Of course, no visit to Fez is complete without a visit to the tanneries. Outside the medina we visit the Jewish District (mellah), the exterior of the Royal Palace and drive to a panoramic viewpoint over the city. Accommodation: Riad Tafilalet or Riad Fez Tresor (or similar)

Day 5 Drive to Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara

We have a long journey today: approximately 10 hours, including plenty of stops and superb scenery. We venture over the Middle Atlas mountains, down through the picturesque Ziz Valley to the Hamada, a flat, stony desert gradually approaching the spectacular golden dunes that comprise Erg Chebbi. We stay in an auberge (inn) on the edge of the dunes, allowing us to climb one for sunrise tomorrow. Accommodation: Auberge Yasmina (or similar)

Day 6 Walk among the dunes; camel trek; free time

There is time today to explore the largest sand sea in Morocco or to relax in the shade of a palm tree by the dunes. The sand sea is famed for having pink tones that take on a spectacular rose colour at sunset. In the late afternoon, we enjoy a classic Saharan experience: a 90-minute camel trek through the dunes, before watching the sun sink below the horizon. We then return to our auberge for dinner. Accommodation: Auberge Yasmina (or similar)

Day 7 To Skoura via Todra Gorge

After breakfast, we head towards the little town of Skoura, which is nestled on a beautiful palm grove and located near the city of Ouarzazate. En route, we explore Todra Gorge and the picturesque oases within (journey time: approximately four hours). Following the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs for approximately two more hours, we see impressive ancient kasbahs nestled in palm groves. Accommodation: Chez Talout or Kasbah Ait Benhadda (or similar)

Day 8 Skoura, the palm grove capital of Morocco

There is an option to take a one-hour drive to Toundout Valley and enjoy a four-hour guided hike crossing an Amazigh village and Imi-noulawen valley, where we learn a little of their culture. Alternatively, relax in and around the lodge. Skoura will certainly offer peace and relaxation with various walks through palm groves and past kasbahs. Accommodation: Chez Talout or Kasbah Ait Benhadda (or similar)

Day 9 Journey to Imlil village via Ait Benhaddou ‘ksar’

Leaving Skoura, we rejoin the main road and drive west along the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs via the desert city of Ouarzazate and onto the well-preserved ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou. This Unesco World Heritage site is one of the most spectacular in the Atlas and a location for several Hollywood films including Gladiator (2000). We then continue our drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, with a variety of scenery to enjoy on our way to the village of Imlil. Accommodation: Toubkal Garden or Riad Atlas (or similar)

Day 10 Walking in the High Atlas; evening hammam

We start our day with an optional walk to explore the area. From Imlil, we stroll past a variety of fruit trees including cherries, apricots and quince (if it's the right season, you can even grab a hanging walnut). We follow a small irrigation channel and cross paths with mules as we pause beside a tranquil waterfall. Our gentle hike continues for approximately 50 minutes until we reach the Amazigh village of Aroumd. We spend the rest of the day at leisure, strolling around the village and observing the women carrying bundles of firewood and crops on their backs, while children play on the small bridge nearby. This evening, we visit the village hammam – a truly authentic experience and terrific fun. It is very much a traditional hammam and you may mix with the villagers, which further adds to the experience. A standard treatment with soap and scrubber is included but it is customary to give a tip of 20 dirhams (US$2). Refreshed, we return to the riad for our final dinner in the mountains. Accommodation: Toubkal Garden or Riad Atlas (or similar)

Day 11 Over the High Atlas Mountains to Essaouira

After breakfast, we have a scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech.  The scenery is spectacular and there are some wonderful mountain views as we go. We stop at a women's cooperative argon oil farm, where you can see the trees growing, get a demonstration of the production process and have the opportunity to purchase products. Our journey finally brings us to the flat arid plains of Marrakech, and then onwards to the pretty seaside town of Essaouira. Accommodation: Riad Ben Atar or Al Madina (or similar)

Day 12 Free day in Essaouira

We have a free day in Essaouira, an old Portuguese fishing port overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The settlement dates to the 15th century but the present town was constructed around 1760 by Sidi Mohammed ben Abdullah, who needed a base from which to suppress a revolt from Agadir. Today, the town is extremely relaxed and the whitewashed houses with painted shutters, artisan workshops, boatyards and fishermen provide a marked contrast to the desert, kasbahs and cities we have visited so far. Our hotel is in the heart of the old walled city, where we have plenty of time for shopping in the souks or strolling along the beach. With many pleasant cafes and some outstanding seafood restaurants, there is plenty of choice for our evening meal. Accommodation: Riad Ben Atar or Al Madina (or similar)

Day 13 To Marrakech; guided tour including Bahia Palace, the Saadian tombs, finish in Djemma el Fna

After breakfast, we drive back to Marrakech. In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided tour of this amazing city. Our guide takes us to the Bahia Palace and the Saadian tombs, ending in Djemaa el Fna, where the town becomes a maze of bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. It is worth seeing this renowned landmark in the evening, when it comes to life with people visiting food stalls, juice sellers, snake charmers and acrobats. Accommodation: Riad Tresor de Marrakech (or similar)

Day 14 Free day in Marrakech

Today is free and there is no shortage of things to do in Marrakech. You might wish to visit Koutoubia, the largest mosque in the city, or venture through the souks and old streets of the medina. After bartering for souvenirs, we have time for a short visit to the Koranic School and Museum of Marrakech. After, you can unwind by taking a 30-minute ride on a calèche (a bright green horse-drawn carriage) to the Jardin Majorelle. These tranquil gardens are decorated throughout in indigo and were once owned by French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. For lunch, we highly recommend the Amal Women's Training Centre and Moroccan Restaurant, which we support in their cause to empower women from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are a non-profit organisation dedicated to training their students to become self-sufficient and improving their quality of life through acquiring new skills in a professional restaurant setting. For a superb traditional Moroccan meal and the opportunity to support this worthy cause, do pay them a visit. This evening, it's common for the group to enjoy a final meal together on Djemaa el Fna. Accommodation: Riad Tresor de Marrakech (or similar)

Day 15 End Marrakech

The trip ends after breakfast, though if you’d prefer a little more time to explore Marrakech, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Itinerary: Grand tour of Morocco

Day 1 : Casablanca

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Casablanca. Upon arrival into Casablanca you'll be met at the airport by your private driver and driven to your hotel.

Day 2 : Rabat

This morning you have a short drive to Rabat, where you'll enjoy a privately guided tour of the city. The capital is a calmer and less intricate city than Fez and Marrakesh, making it a good introduction to the Imperial cities.

Day 3 : Fez

En route to Fez with your private driver you stop to visit the impressive Roman ruins of Volubilis and the lesser known Imperial city of Meknes.

Day 4 : Fez

You have a private full day tour of Fez, a fascinating city with an ancient medina where tradition still rules everyday life. As dusk falls you can look over the city as the call to prayer echoes around you - an unforgettable experience.

Day 5 : Erg Chebbi

Your discovery of southern Morocco begins today as you're driven south through the Atlas Mountain ranges to the edge of the Sahara, a long but interesting journey. You now travel into the desert by 4WD, where you will arrive in time to watch the sunset over the dunes.

Day 6 : Skoura

This morning you leave the desert behind and travel with your driver along the Dades Valley, on the route known as 'The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs'. You have time to explore the Todra Gorge and then continue on to your accommodation in Skoura, where you stay for two nights.

Day 7 : Skoura

You have the day at leisure to relax after a few busy days, although you may prefer to arrange an excursion to visit the local palmeraie and crumbling kasbahs in the area.

Day 8 : High Atlas Mountains

Today your journey takes you up in to the High Atlas Mountains on the winding Tizi n'Tichka pass. You get off the beaten track in a 4WD for part of the journey, before arriving at your mountain hotel.

Day 9 : High Atlas Mountains

Have a day at leisure to relax, or enjoy an organised trek into the mountains and explore the surrounding Berber villages.

Day 10 : Essaouira

Your journey with your driver today takes you down through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, skirts Marrakesh and continues on to the charming coastal town of Essaouira.

Day 11 : Essaouira

Today is at leisure for you to explore Essaouira independently. Here, you can meander through the medina, watch the fishing boats return with the catch of the day, stroll along the sandy beach and watch the sun set over the Atlantic from the impressive Portuguese ramparts.

Day 12 : Marrakesh

Travel by road to the exotic city of Marrakesh today

Day 13 : Marrakesh

Today, enjoy a privately guided tour of the main sights of Marrakesh, many of which are located within the city walls which enclose the ancient medina.

Day 14 : Marrakesh

A final day at leisure in Morocco. The Jardins Majorelle offer a wonderful break from the hustle and bustle of the city and are located near the French quarter, where you may like to stop for lunch. You also have time for some last minute shopping in the souqs. The main square, the Djemma El Fna, is surrounded by cafes, a perfect place from which to view the activities in the square below.

Day 15 : International return flight

You'll return to the airport this morning for your onward flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.

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