Compare Grand tour of Morocco by Audley Travel vs Morocco Adventure: Culture & Colour by G Adventures

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.

Day 1 Casablanca

Arrive at any time. Get excited for your first night out with your fellow travellers. Take to the streets in the heart of Casablanca and hit up one of your CEO’s favourite local spots. Enjoy connecting with your fellow travellers while getting to know Casablanca. Your first night out is just that – the first of many and a perfect way to set the tone for the rest of your grand adventure.

You may wish to come a day early in order to explore Casablanca by day, 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/Chefchaouen

With a good night's sleep behind you, set out from Casablanca. With the bright blue waters of the Atlantic to your left and the sun drenched wonders of Morocco to your right, travel up the coast to Morocco's capital city, Rabat. Stretch your legs as you wander the ramparts and colourful alleys of the city's old quarter. Take in breathtaking views from Kasbah des Oudaias, then indulge in lunch. After you've eaten the hangry away, continue toward Chefchaouen. Here, beneath the soaring Rif mountains, feeling the blues takes on a different meaning. Take an orientation walk through the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen before settling in for the night.

Day 3 Chefchaouen

Hoping for free time to explore all Chefchaouen has to offer? Wish granted! Spend your day taking in the splendor of the city and it's surrounding geography. If the (Rif) Mountains are calling, you should definitely answer. Opt to pre-book the Rif Valley Mountains Hike. Or, opt to visit the Spanish Mosque for breathtaking sunset views of the city.

Day 4 Chefchaouen/Fès

Fès awaits! Upon arrival, put your free time to good use by visiting an Amazigh (or Berber) pharmacy (a far cry from the kind of pharmacy you may be used to at home). Wander the many mazes of Fès's colourful, ancient tanneries.

Day 5 Fès

With so much to see, another free day in Fès is always a good idea. Breathe in decadent spices (oxygen is for the weak anyway, right?) as you sample treats from the many food carts scattered throughout the medina. Explore the artisan quarters as you take in the city that is often referred to as the cultural heart of Morocco.

Only certified local guides are allowed to act as guides in the medina, so your CEO cannot go with you to the medina during free time.

Day 6 Fès/Marrakech

After getting back on the road and watching the scenery roll by, arrive in vibrant, bustling Marrakech. Spend the evening exploring the gardens, souks, and other wonders of Marrakech.

Day 7 Marrakech

Take advantage of more free time in Marrakech to wander the Djeema el Fna square in the heart of the medina. Try to keep up with the ever-changing market as it switches up its offerings throughout the day. In the evening, welcome new friends to the group and join your CEO and fellow travellers for a night out on the town. Cheers to the next several days of making memories!

Day 8 Marrakech/Todra Gorge

Depart Marrakech and gaze out the window as the city gives way to rocky hills and terracotta villages. Disembark upon arrival in Tinghir and get in touch with Morocco's Mediterranean flora during a walk through palm groves. Then, fly to Mars. Just kidding. Head into Todra Gorge (might as well be Mars, though, with how other-worldly your surroundings will feel here). Fall asleep beneath sheer cliff walls to the sound of a gurgling river and the wind catching in the palm trees.

Day 9 Todra Gorge/Merzouga

Journey into the vast, golden reaches of the desert. Mint tea and a warm welcome await you at your dune-side hotel. Saddle up and travel by camel to the perfect perch atop the dunes to view the sunset paint the sky hues of red, blue, and yellow. After, under a canopy of stars, enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment by the campfire. Let your imagination run wild as you listen to traditional music on the drums alongside stories about the region. We dare you to top this campfire experience.

Opt to spend time further exploring the undulating golden sand of the dunes, and discovering the surrounding communities on a land cruiser desert excursion. You can pre-book this optional excursion when booking your tour.

Day 10 Merzouga/Aït Ben Haddou

We know you've officially fallen in love with desert life, but it's time to kiss your camel goodbye. Rise early for the sunrise, then travel along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs to Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most iconic and beautiful kasbahs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 11 Aït Ben Haddou/Aroumd (Aremd)

Ready to gain some elevation? Head into the magnificent High Atlas Mountains and cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass (at 2260 m) before heading into Toubkal National Park. Take to the winding roads like a pro and gaze out the windows as small villages wiz by. Upon arrival at the small village of Imlil, strap on your hiking shoes and embark on a 1 hour hike from Imlil to the quaint mountain village of Aroumd (Aremd). Bask in the jaw-dropping elements — the sweet mountain air and the proximity to the jagged mountain peaks. Cozy up in your mountain gîte after a homeade dinner of local produce in the salon.

Accommodation is multi-share, up to six beds in each room. Bedding is provided, but you will need to bring a sleeping bag for additional warmth if travelling between November and April. You will also need to bring your own towel. Bathroom facilities are shared.

Day 12 Aroumd (Aremd)/Marrakech

Begin the day by hiking back to Imlil and beginning your journey to the "Red City," Marrakech. Unlock the many secrets this ancient city has to offer in its mazelike alleys, ornate palaces, and lush gardens. When the heat of the day gets to you, relax at one of the many tea houses situated on the buzzing square (best people watching guaranteed). Opt to visit the stunning Musée de Marrakech, explore the ruins of El Badi Palace, or wander through Jardins Majorelle — a sprawling botanical garden developed over the span of forty years. End the day like a local with an optional group dinner in the famous food stalls of Djemaa el Fna.

Day 13 Marrakech

Take advantage of more free time in Marrakech to wander the souks and discover the best cup of mint tea the city has to offer. In the evening, welcome new friends to the group and join your CEO and fellow travellers for a night out on the town. Raise your glasses to many more days of making memories!

Day 14 Marrakech/Taghazout

This afternoon we make our way through the High Atlas Mountains and visit the market town of Taroudant. Concealed within striking red walls, Taroudant is often called “Little Marrakech.” Wander through the old town at leisure and browse its lively markets before continuing on to the fishing village of Taghazout.

Opt to get up early and catch the sunrise over Marrakech by pre-booking the Hot Air Balloon excursion.

Day 15 Taghazout

Wake to the soft tones of waves crashing along the shoreline, then suit up for a surf lesson. Hit the waves for a free afternoon of surfing or swimming. Prefer land surfing? Opt to go hiking or do yoga. After a day of embracing your wild side, what could be more fitting than gathering around a bonfire on the beach as the sun kisses the horizon goodnight?

Day 16 Taghazout/Essaouira

Take coastal living northward to colourful, sun-drenched Essaouira. After an orientation walk around the city, enjoy free time to get to know the ramparts and rocky beaches of Essaouira further. No rest for the weary? Not true here — opt to pre-book the Traditional Hammam Experience and enjoy a spa experience that is ritual for the many of the locals.

Day 17 Essaouira/Marrakech

Hit the road one final time and return to Marrakech. Even though your trip ends on arrival, make sure you take the time to take plenty of photos with newfound friends to commemorate the memories made. (Morocco scrapbook, anyone?)

This tour will end upon arrival in Marrakech at approximately 12pm. We suggest booking any onward travel after 4pm.