Compare Magic of Morocco 2023 by Tauck vs Best of Morocco by Eskapas

Day 1 Arrive Rabat

Tour begins: 6:00 PM. A transfer is included from Rabat-Sale Airport or Casablanca Airport to La Tour Hassan in the heart of the city. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner with live music at the hotel.

MEALS : D

LODGING : La Tour Hassan

PORTOFCALL : Rabat, Morocco

Day 2 Rabat, Morocco's capital & on to Fes

Morocco's seaside capital city of Rabat is an intriguing blend of medieval Arabic and modern European influences, wide palm-lined boulevards, enclaves of elegant French colonial architecture, and Moorish-style palaces, mosques, and ramparts that echo the city's golden age as an Almohad stronghold. Sightseeing includes Dar-al-Makhzhen, the Royal Palace and residence of the king of Morocco, built in 1864, with its sumptuous Islamic ornament and exquisite formal gardens. Visit the Mauseoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of Alouite-style architecture with stunning ornamental carvings and chandeliers, the final resting place of the king who fought for Morrocan independence in the mid-20th century. View the massive Hassan Tower, the city's most imposing landmark; built in the 12th century and rising 140 feet high, the minaret is the centerpiece of a great mosque that was never finished, begun at the height of the Almohad Dynasty. Leave Rabat and head for Fes, stopping for lunch at a winery on the way. Arrive this afternoon and check into a lovely boutique hotel with views of the old town and the city skyline. Tonight you'll dine at leisure at the hotel.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hotel Sahrai

PORTOFCALL : Fes, Morocco

Day 3 The souks & bazaars of Fes

The sprawling city of Fes is over 1,200 years old, and its well-preserved old town is a vast maze of winding streets and alleys, crowded aromatic bazaars, and eclectic architecture; no cars are allowed so transport here is in the ancient, traditional style, on foot. Choose the focus for your morning walking tour: you may choose a tour on which you'll sample the local cuisine; get an insider's look at the craftsmanship of the artisans who make intricate, handcrafted carvings, rugs, leatherwork, and metalwork; or explore the Jewish quarter and learn about its influence on local cuisine and culture. Have lunch in a medina and enjoy an exclusive lecture by a local scholar on life in Morocco from a woman's perspective. After lunch, get an eye-opening tour of the city's famous leather tanneries, which are dominated by numerous, deep, multicolored pools of dye; here, preparing leather is done in the same way as in medieval times to supply the artisans of the souks and bazaars. Return to the hotel, then join us for dinner at a riad, an inn with a central garden or courtyard; the Palais Faraj is a mix of old and contemporary architecture set within the Fes Medina.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hotel Sahrai

PORTOFCALL : Fes, Morocco

Day 4 Roman ruins at Volubilis

Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, in the rolling hills and fertile farmland between Fes and Meknes. Volubilis was a remote military outpost of the Roman Empire that fell to local tribes in 285 and was never retaken; it is one of the richest archaeological sites in North Africa, a well-preserved, example of a Roman colonial town which still retains its triumphal arch and remnants of its mansions, temples, forum, and glorious mosaics. Enjoy lunch in the town of Moulay Idriss at a private home known as the Scorpion House. Return to Fes for an afternoon and evening spent as you please.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Hotel Sahrai

PORTOFCALL : Fes, Morocco

Day 5 Walled Meknes to famed Casablanca

This morning, drive to Meknes. This walled city of lavish Spanish-Moorish architecture dates back to the 11th century but rose to glory in the 17th century under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made it the capital of his burgeoning empire. Known as the Warrior King, Moulay Ismail was a powerful and ruthless leader who liberated Morocco from the Ottomans and Europeans. This morning's walking tour of Meknes includes Moulay's stables, large enough to house 12,000 horses and designed to water and feed them with an aqueduct and granary; the city's medina; and a visit to a historic madrasa (or medersa), an Islamic learning center and Koranic school. After a hearty lunch and some free time in Meknes, head for Casablanca, viewing the classic Bogart-Bergman film of the same name on the way. Arrive at your seaside Four Seasons hotel, steeped in modern Moroccan elegance, in late afternoon; dine at the hotel this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca

PORTOFCALL : Casablanca, Morocco

Day 6 Casablanca, Rick's Cafe & Marrakech

In Casablanca, visit the majestic Hassan II Mosque, set on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic with a towering minaret, 689 feet high; completed in 1993, it is the largest mosque in the country, built to accommodate 25,000 worshippers inside and another 80,000 on the grounds. (Touring this site, women and men must dress appropriately.) Stop for a visit to the Musée Slaoui (Museum of the Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation), showcasing works by Jacques Majorelle and other artists who made Morocco their home, before lunch at Rick's Cafe – a recreation of Humphrey Bogart's fabled lair in the film Casablanca, complete with piano bar. Continue on to Marrakech and check into your Four Seasons hotel, where you'll dine at your leisure this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

PORTOFCALL : Marrakech, Morocco

Day 7 Discovering magical Marrakech

Marrakech is surrounded by imposing stone walls from its medieval days as the wealthy capital of an empire. Within those well-preserved fortifications are palaces of red-hued stone, gardens and palm groves, and a Medina of narrow streets and arches packed with fascinating souks and stalls, which have long held a mystical attraction for visitors. Meet the elaborately red-costumed "watermen" who sell water on the streets of the city at a park overlooking the Koutubia mosque before beginning your day at the magnificent Bahia Palace, considered to be one of the greatest palaces of the 19th century, perfectly capturing the essence of the Islamic and Morroccan style. From the Bahia Palace, visit the Gardens Majorelle, the masterpiece and former home of French-born artist Jacques Majorelle, designed in the 1930s and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Visit the stunning Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, whose collections preserve and interpret the life and work of the designer. After lunch at a local restaurant in the trendy Gueliz district, take a walk through the main square and marketplace, Jemaa el-Fna, and spend time exploring on your own before returning to your hotel for an afternoon and evening spent as you wish.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

PORTOFCALL : Marrakech, Morocco

Day 8 An idyll in the desert

Explore Marrakech on your own this morning, then join us for a drive aboard 4x4 vehicles outside of the city to spend an afternoon and evening in the desert. Enjoy a tea ceremony, visit a local home in a Berber Village and get acquainted with Berber history and culture. Dinner is served Berber-style under a tent at a desert camp with musical entertainment. During your desert experience, enjoy a camel ride and the exotic flavors of the hubbly-bubbly pipe before returning to your Marrakech hotel for the night.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

PORTOFCALL : Marrakech, Morocco

Day 9 Your choice, in & around Marrakech

You'll have a choice of sightseeing activities in and around Marrakech this morning. You can attend a local cooking school to learn about Moroccan cuisine, its history and influences (and enjoy a lunch you help to prepare); take an excursion to the walled seaside town of Essaouira, an ancient port whose magical light and picturesque beauty has long attracted prominent artists and rock stars, accompanied by a local guide and a photographer who offers tips on getting that perfect shot; or enjoy a morning of pampering at your hotel's hammam (steam bath), where you'll learn the traditional Moroccan way of steaming and washing that leaves the skin smooth and rejuvenated. After some free time this afternoon, join us this evening at your Four Seasons resort for a farewell reception at the rooftop bar, followed by a farewell dinner at the hotel; both are private and exclusively for Tauck guests only.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

PORTOFCALL : Marrakech, Morocco

Day 10 Journey home

Tour ends in Marrakech. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Four Seasons Marrakech to the Marrakech Menara Airport (about a half-hour drive) or Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (a drive of approximately 2.5 hours). Allow three hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Marrakech, Morocco

Day 1: Marrakesh Arrival

Meals: Dinner

Arrival to Marrakech airport, MEET&GREET & transfer to hotel Overnight

Day 2: Marrakech to Essaouira to Casablanca

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Early departure to Essaouira the Portuguese city anciently called Mogador. Visit of this city once known as capital of the hippies and which is full of Portuguese history as a harbour city with the most ancient fortified port in the world still preserved. Optional seafood lunch. Afternoon, departure to Casablanca passing by the Atlantic road, with stops in Oualidia and El Jadida. Orientation tour of El Jadida (built by the Portuguese and previously known as Mazagan "Mazagão") with possibility to visit the Portuguese Cistern. Overnight: Casablanca

Day 3: Casablanca to Meknes to Fez

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Short visit of the Economic Capital: the Habous district, the Royal Palace, the Mohamed V square, the residential area of Anfa and the outside of the Mosque Hassan II. Departure to Meknes, the Ismailia capital with the longest ramparts in Morocco (40 km). Optional lunch. Visit the famous Bab Mansour gate, the Royal Stables and the Jewish quarter. Departure to the holy city of Moulay Driss (panoramic view) and visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Continuation to Fez. Overnight: Fes Mileage: 320 km

Day 4: Fes

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

The whole day is devoted to the visit of the spiritual capital: the Medieval Medina and its souks, The Royal Palace, Attarine or Bou Anania Medersa, Nejjarine fountain and the outside of Moulay Idriss mausoleum and Karaouine Mosque. Optional lunch in a traditional restaurant in the Medina. Overnight: Fes

Day 5: Fez to Rabat to Marrakech

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Departure to Rabat, the Administrative Capital, and visit of the Royal Palace (Mechouar), Ouadayas Garden & Kasbah, Mohamed V Mausoleum and Hassan Tower Mosque. Optional seafood lunch. Continuation to Marrakesh via high-way. Overnight: Marrakech Mileage: 495 km

Day 6: Marrakesh

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Full day visit of Marrakech, the second oldest Imperial city <<The Ochre city". The historical visit includes Menara Garden, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, Koutoubia and Dar Si Said Museum. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon, visit of the souks, handicraft quarters and the famous Jemaa El-Fna Square with its non-stop entertainment. Optional dinner with show. Overnight in hotel. Overnight: Marrakech

Day7 : Marrakesh to Ait Benhaddou to Zagora

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Departure to Ait Benhaddou through Tizi n'tichka pass (2260m of altitude). Visit of its famous Kasbah, a UNESCO world heritage site, that served as decor for many great movies such as Laurence of Arabia, Troy, Gladiator, Games of thrones... Optional lunch. Continuation to Zagora crossing the Draa valley Overnight: Zagora Mileage: 380 km

Day 8: Zagora to Nkob to Tazzarine to Erfoud

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Departure to Erfoud with a stop at Tamgroute village known for its pottery Center. The route also includes the villages of Tansikht, Nkob, Tazzarine and Alnif with splendid pre- saharian sceneries. Optional lunch at Alnif. Afternoon, continuation to Erfoud via the village of Rissani, birthplace of the Alaouites Dynasty. Overnight: Erfoud Mileage: 300 km

Day 9: Erfoud to Tinghir to Quarzazate

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

In case the previous night was spent in the hotel in Erfoud, you can opt for optional 4x4 excursion to Merzouga to admire the sunrise from top of the sandy dunes. Departure to Tinghir, visit of its magnificent Todra Canyons where rocks reach an altitude of 250m. Optional lunch in local restaurant near the canyons. Afternoon, continuation to Ouarzazate via the road of the 1000 Kasbahs crossing Kalaat M'Gouna & Skoura valley. Short tour of Ouarzazate city upon arrival. Overnight: Ouarzazate Mileage: 350 km

Day 10: Quarzazate to Marrakech

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

A low sun illuminates Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou in Morocco, with snow-covered mountains in the background Departure to Marrakech. Optional lunch in restaurant. Afternoon free at leisure or optional excursions. Dinner and overnight in hotel. Overnight: Marrakech Mileage: 220 km

Day 11: Marrakech Departure

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast Transfer with assistance to Marrakech Menara airport for departure. End of our services. Overnight: N/A