Exotic Morocco

Welcome to Morocco! On arrival, our representative will be waiting for you to take you to your accommodation.

Accommodation: Hotel Odyssee Center (standard room) or similar

After breakfast, visit Hassan II Mosque which is one of the only religious sites open to non-Muslims and can accommodate 25,000 worshippers. Afterwards, drive to Meknes, where you’ll explore the charming streets of the medina with a local guide. There’s something particularly special about exploring this lesser-known medina as the locals go about their daily lives. Continue to the nearby archeological site of Volubilis, a Roman ruin once was ancient capital of the kingdom of Mauretania during the 3rd century BC. Stroll among
rundown massive columns, remains of altars and temples with splendid mosaics, and triumphal archs, and walls with Roman paintings illustrating Greek and Roman gods. Later on, drive to Fes, your home for the next two nights.

Included Activities:
• Hassan II Mosque Guided Tour
• Meknes – Medina Guided Tour
• Volubilis Entrance
• Volubilis Guided Tour

Accommodation: Riad Ibn Khaldoun (standard room) or similar

Today, meet your local guide and venture into the narrow maze-like alleys of the medina. Soak in an intriguing blend of authentic visuals, eerie sounds, foreign smelling odors, everything is as captivating as a spell on the senses. Walk through Bab Boujloud and get lost under the skin of the medina where workshops, tailors, bazzars, restaurants are sprinkled in packed passageways. Rub shoulders with locals, donkey carts, local stalls and wind up at the unusual Chouara Tannery. Look out for a haunting odd smell, but the view from the balconies over men laboring in colorful beehive-like structure dyeing cattle skin is worth it. Head to Nejjarine square, and visit an 18th century beautiful restored inn, Foundouk Nejjarine. Back in time, it was a lodge for travelers on their trade journeys. For the time being, it is a woodwork museum, it is literally the art work of nejjarine, means `carpenters`.

Continue to Souk Al Attarine, the market of perfume and spice, and visit an old 14th century school `Medersa Attarine`. The medrassa used to host students for religious lessons and teach Islamic scholars alike. Marvel inside and admire the elegant Marinid architecture. This evening, you are warmly welcomed into the home of a local family for a pastilla dinner. Learn how the iconic Moroccan pie is made as you chat with your friendly hosts about life in Fes.

Included Activities:
• Fes – Medina Guided Tour
• Fondouk Nejjarine
• Medrassa Attarine
• Home Cooked Dinner

Accommodation: Riad Ibn Khaldoun (standard room) or similar

Today, leave the intensity of the city behind for the simplicity of the High Atlas Mountains. Drive south,
inland through a variety of spectacular scenery – fertile valleys, cedar and pine forests and barren, rocky
landscapes – to the small town of Midelt. The town is settled between the high and the middle Atlas. It is
mainly Berber populated, partially a dried out rocky highland and a charming countryside, green fields with
flourishing orchards where apples, plums, walnuts and apricots are grown, a popular market, and one main
street city with the red apple status.

Accommodation: Hotel Meteorite (standard room) or similar

The day has come to go on a desert adventure! Drive through changing scenery, from barren mountainsides to fertile valleys, on the journey to Merzouga this morning which takes in the Erg Chebbi with its towering dunes up to 150 metres in height. These dunes can reach up to 180 meters, which makes it a thrilling place with unparalleled serenity like no other. It’s time to do as locals do and ride camels into the edge of the Sahara Desert, enjoying a spectacular sunset along the way. Tonight you will camp out in traditional style, with the chance to try some fantastic cuisine.

Accommodation: Golden Camp (Luxury tents) or similar

Enjoy an unforgettable sunrise camel ride before driving to Todra Valley, which follows the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and is dotted with mud-brick villages perched on hillsides. Rest of the day is free and at your leisure, but a guided hike is highly recommended.

Accommodation: Kasbah Taborihte (standard room) or similar

Today, drive to Ait Benhaddou, a hilltop site almost unchanged since the 11th century. Its grand kasbah is one of the most beautiful in Morocco and the fortified village is a fine example of clay architecture. You may recognise the site from its long list of film and TV credits, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones and Gladiator. Join your tour leader for an orientation walk to explore the winding streets of the Old Town.

Accommodation: Riad Tamdakhte (standard room) or similar

It’s time to drive to Marrakech, the still very much alive, and modern antique-like city. Its one-thousand-year old walls encapsulate a fusion of lively souks, craftsmen, red sandstone humble houses, Mosques, Museums, narrow winding alleyways, gardens and the vibrant famous Jemaa el fna square. In the early evening, Curb that food craving you are having for Marrakech food on a tasting tour with a local guide. Once you step your feet into the backstreet of the medina, a chaotic food scents will cue you in on your degustation voyage, just follow your foodie insider though! Get to taste a variety of local flavorful bites as you wander off in out of sight shops sampling olives, snack on nuts, local treats, spices and traditional breads. End the day with a local dinner in the square of Jemaa el-Fna with your fellow travelers.

Included Activities:
• Food tasting tour

Accommodation: Riad Nouceiba (standard room) or similar

Get ready for an authentic cookery experience! Have a Moroccan aromatic tea, get to know your cook, and your individual workstation. Following the passionate Chef, start learning how to cook authentic meals such as Zalouk salad, Moroccan chicken Tagine and desert while learning some Arabic words for food along the way.

After lunch, meet your local guide, and go unearth the mysteries of Marrakech, a city dating back to 11th century. Elbow your way through locals rushing in the labyrinthine alleys, where every move, sound and smell quench curiosity. Stroll in the shaded bustling souks of the medieval medina, and absorb a mishmash of shouts, songs, men driving donkeys pulling carts, call to prayer, motorcycles buzzing out. Explore tranquil courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace. Stop by the Koutoubia Mosque; the inside is for Muslims only, but the famous minaret is a sight to behold. The rest of the day is free to explore further or shop in the bazaar.

Included Activities:
• Marrakech – Medina Guided Tour
• Bahia Palace

Accommodation: Riad Nouceiba (standard room) or similar

As our Moroccan odyssey nears its conclusion, we celebrate the rich tapestry of history, culture, and cuisine we’ve experienced, as well as the cherished bonds of friendship forged along the way. On the last day, you face a choice: either embark on our transfer service to the airport, bidding farewell to this enchanting land, or extend your adventure, creating your own narratives in the captivating mosaic of Morocco.