Morocco: Sahara & Beyond

• 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.
• In the evening, there will be a brief meeting where you will meet your CEO and fellow group members to go over the details of the tour.

• 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.
• 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.
• After lunch, Continue to Fès to spend the night. Stay in the new city of Fès, built by the French during their Protectorate of Morocco.

Step back in time on a walking tour of the medina of Fez, 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. We’ll meet a local calligraphy expert at a café later this afternoon for a demonstration of Arabic writing.

This morning, travel to Marrakech, a melting pot of Amazigh, West African, Mediterranenan, and Arab influences. Immerse yourself in the colour and chaos of Djemaa el-Fna, the city’s main square, where storytellers and magicians captivate passersby and vendors of all kinds peddle their wares. Enjoy mouthwatering street food for dinner: consider sampling harira, a traditional Moroccan soup, or tangia, a slow-cooked meat stew.

Set out in the maze of tiny streets and alleyways and view the Koutoubia Minaret; then head to a spice shop to discover an array of Moroccan spices. After, visit a converted riad or traditional house for a hands-on cooking class, learning how to prepare a delicious tagine and a variety of salads, and enjoy your creations for lunch.This afternoon, take a historical walk of the ancient medina with our local guide, including visits to the enchanting Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs, the 16th-century mausoleum where the Saadian dynasty ruler Ahmed al-Mansour and his family are interred.

Drive to Aït Ben Haddou, an ancient mudbrick settlement and UNESCO World Heritage site located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Explore this fascinating ksar, or fortified village, and compare the vistas of the city with scenes from the Game of Thrones series, Lawrence of Arabia, and Gladiator—parts of which were filmed here.

Spend the night in a simple desert camp which provides a peak into traditional desert living. Each tent is outfitted with sheets, pillows, a raised bed, towels, and covers against the desert cold and it has a separated ensuite with simple portable toilette and wash basin. While the accommodation is basic, it is quite comfortable and offers a truly unique experience.

After breakfast, head out from the desert and pause at the small town of Tamegroute to visit a library of ancient Islamic texts. Then drive to the oasis town of Zagora, where a colourful regional market is held twice a week. Enjoy a talk on the history of the Draa region, centered around the Draa River—the longest river in Morocco—and unwind at our beautiful riad. Take a dip in the swimming pool, or relax with a drink on the patio.

Head off the beaten path towards the Anti-Atlas or Lesser Atlas mountains. Stop at the town of Taliouine, a thriving centre for harvesting saffron—the world’s most expensive spice—and continue to our stunning riad in Taroudant.

Concealed within striking red walls and framed by snow-dusted peaks, the market town of Taroudant is often called “Little Marrakech.” Wander through the old town at leisure and browse its lively shops. Spend the afternoon at our riad, exploring its flower-laden paths or enjoying a book by the pool.

Venture deeper into the Anti-Atlas region, known for its spectacular natural rock formations and stark, lunar landscapes. Visit Aït Mansour Gorge, a stunning valley of pink-hued cliffs that harbour lush palm groves. Take a walk through the valley in the shade of towering palms and have lunch at the home of a local family. Later, hike to the rock formation known as Le Châpeau de Napoléon, or Napoleon’s Hat, before continuing to Tafraout for the evening.

Essaouira is also famous for its music scene and offers a great chance to check out a live performance.

Enjoy a day of leisure in this charming coastal city, where Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens, and Frank Zappa all famously travelled for inspiration. Walk along the 18th-century ramparts overlooking the Atlantic, and buy fresh fish from the market, which we’ll take to a local restaurant to cook up for our lunch. Opt to browse the colourful shops and art galleries that line the white-washed streets of the medina, or take a surfing or windsurfing lesson.

In the afternoon, have free time to further explore the fascinating city of Marrakech and dive into the labyrinthine souks. Visitors and locals alike find everything they desire here, whether it’s spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or famous Moroccan lanterns. The selection is exhaustive. Don’t forget to bargain. It's definitely part of the fun. Once you’ve tired yourself out, relax at one of the tea houses around the square, indulge in the ubiquitous sweet mint tea and watch life go by from a shady spot.

Depart at any time.