Friday, April 1 – Casablanca – Tour Begins
Our tour begins in Casablanca. Take a short drive to the city center for a brief stop at the impressive Hassan II Mosque, a stunning, high-tech, architectural masterpiece. Arrive at our hotel and enjoy time to relax. Join us for our Amazing Journeys Welcome and Orientation. Then enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers at Rick’s Café, the mythical saloon from the 1942 film Casablanca. (D)
Saturday, April 2 – Casablanca – Meknes – Fes
The first stop on today’s journey is the ancient Imperial city of Meknes. Lush rolling hills studded with ancient olive groves await us in this Ismalian capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After lunch we will explore the port of Bab El Mansour and Bab El Khamis before continuing on to the ancient ruins of Volubilis. Uncover the well-preserved remains of Roman palaces, baths, soaring arches and magnificent mosaics. Tonight’s dinner features traditional Moroccan delights, prepared and served by the family who owns the riad where we are staying. (B, D)
Sunday, April 3 – Fes
Discover Fes, one of the holiest cities in the Islamic world. This enchanting city takes you back in time. Learn of its historical importance as a center of government, philosophy, medicine and religion while on our fascinating panoramic tour, including the Medersa Bou Inania, built in 1325. See the Jewish Quarter, the city ramparts and the gates of the palace. Take to the streets for a walking tour in the Medina. Founded in the 9th century, it is home to one of the oldest universities in the world. Amid the cobbled alleyways of this ancient market we’ll see donkeys and mules laden with goods walking alongside buyers. Spend time at the famous leather tanneries, a honeycomb of vats exploding in an array of brilliant colors. (B)
Monday, April 4 – Fes – Midelt – Erfoud
Today we will learn about MonkeyWatch, an organization designed to help the protect endangered monkey species, the Barbary macaque, and have the opportunity to feed these unique creatures. Continue on towards Erfoud, making a stop in Midelt. Our overnight is in a kasbah. (B, D)
Tuesday, April 5 – Erfoud – Sahara Desert Expedition – Merzouga
Our day begins at Erfoud’s fossil factory and museum where they turn fossil rocks into decorative items. Then, travel to the Saharaoui town of Rissani. Get a true taste of the region when creating homemade stuffed bread with potato, meat, onion and Moroccan spices. Jump into a 4×4 vehicle as we make our way to various nomadic villages of the Sahara before arriving to our camp at the edge of the dunes. We’ll pause to enjoy a cup of tea at the camp before boarding our camels to traverse the stunning fine sands Merzouga to catch the sun set as the red sun falls toward the horizon on the ride back to our camp. As night falls, listen to intoxicating Berber drum music and song during the traditional pouring of mint tea followed by a delightful Moroccan feast. Sleep in a luxury tent and experience an unrivaled sense of tranquility in the serene desert. (B, L, D)
Wednesday, April 6 – Merzouga – Tondra Gorge – Tinghir – Boumalne du Dades – Ouarzazate
After breakfast in camp, set out for Erissani to begin the journey to Todra Gorge. Spend time in the Jewish quarter where you may choose to sample some local favorites at a bakery in Tinghir. Next, follow the rugged “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.” These fortress-like kasbahs rise up like turreted sandcastles along the ancient trading route. This region is one of the most vibrant destinations. Along the river valleys, palmeries and burnished mud-brick homes light up in the desert sun and through the Valley of Roses and Ouarzazate until we reach our charming Kasba Ighnda at the Village of Ait Ben Haddou for dinner and overnight stay. (B, D)
Thursday, April 7 – Ait-Ben-Haddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
Start your journey with a special visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Ksar Ait-Ben-Haddou, an impressive feat of Moroccan architecture. Continue along the High Atlas Mountains following the Tizi n’ Tichka Pass. This scenic route brings you through lush oasis valleys and past imposing mountains. Pause along the way at a Berber village before entering the exotic city of Marrakech. (B)
Friday, April 8 – Marrakech
Enjoy a Jewish walking tour in the morning. Tonight, visit a local synagogue to celebrate Shabbat. (B)
Saturday, April 9 – Marrakech
Explore Marrakech and its ancient El Bahia Palace where today, a sentry of nesting storks stand guard. Enter the royal Saadian Tombs, explore the vibrant and historic Jewish Mellah and see the majestic 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque. Savor lunch in the home of a local expert and his family and get a true taste of Moroccan hospitality. After lunch, experience another Moroccan tradition at a henna workshop. Afterwards, meet an artist and discover some of her work. This evening we’ll gather together for our Amazing Journeys Farewell Event, followed by our Farewell Dinner. (B, L, D)
Sunday, April 10 – Marrakech – Casablanca
A morning transfer brings you back to Casablanca to connect to your flight home we say good-bye to another Amazing Journey. (B)
Our Hotels
Day 1 Val D’Anfa Hotel, Casablanca
Day 2-3 Riad Yacout, Fes
Day 4 Kasbah Xaluca, Erfoud
Day 5 Xalucca Classic Camp, Merzouga
Day 6 Riad Ksar Ighnda, Ouarzazate
Day 7-9 Opera Plaza, Marrakech
Please note:
– You must be in good physical condition to participate in this tour
– Hotels will be confirmed closer to departure date
– The order of this tour may change
All rooms are non-smoking where we match roommates. Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until TBA. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey.
Cancellation insurance: Cancellation insurance is recommended. Information will be sent with your tour confirmation.
Flights and Transfers: International airfare is not included with the tour cost. The tour begins and ends at our hotel in Casablanca unless you are on our international airline package from New York. Details on the group flight from JFK will be provided in your confirmation letter. Passengers are responsible for getting themselves to and from the airport at the start and end of the tour unless you travel at the time of our group transfers.
Taxes, Service Charges, Government Fees and Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges, visa fees and government fees are based on September 2015 rates and are subject to change. Gratuities have been included on this tour. Tips for the local drive, guide, specialty guides, luggage porters and included meals are also included in the cost of the tour.
Passport Requirements: A Passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. At this time, no visas are necessary to enter Morocco for those from the US, Canada or EU countries. If you are traveling to Morocco and are a citizen of another country, please check the website for the Embassy of Morocco to see if a visa is necessary.
This tour is operated by Collette
