Friday, May 6 – Casablanca – Rabat – Tour Begins
Welcome to Morocco! Your flight will arrive in Casablanca where you will be met by our representative and taken to the city of Rabat, where our tour begins. For those arriving early, today is yours to relax or enjoy some local sights on your own. Our tour manager and our Amazing Journeys team member will be onsite to welcome you and offer recommendations on what you may want to see today. This evening we’ll join together for an Amazing Journeys Welcome and Orientation. After, we come together as a community for our Amazing Journeys Shabbat service followed by dinner. (2 hour drive from Casablanca to Rabat) (D)
Saturday, May 7 – Rabat
Come to know Rabat on an in-depth tour with a local guide who will share his/her knowledge of this city and its architectural wonders. Visit the Chellah Necropolis, a walled town containing both Roman ruins and a medieval necropolis. Explore our Jewish heritage as we walk through the city and see several Jewish sites along the way. Discover the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the epitome of modern Moroccan design and a starting point as we discover Muslim culture in Morocco. The mausoleum’s ornate woodwork, marble, and bronze ornamentations make this a tomb truly fit for a king. See the Kasbah de Oudaias and its whitewashed buildings. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy free time on your own. (B)
Sunday, May 8 – Rabat – Fes
This morning we depart Rabat for Fes. En route to Fes, stop at a winery estate for a tour, tasting and lunch. Explore the winery’s lovely grounds on a guided tour through the vineyard and cellar, taking in sweeping views of vines and tasting some of the vintages. End your tour with lunch at the estate. We’ll end the day in Fes, our home for the next three nights in our lovely Riad. (Total drive time today is approximately 4 hours) (B, L)
Monday, May 9 – Fes
Get ready to discover Fes, one of the major centers for Jewish life in Morocco and one of the holiest cities in the world for Muslims. Learn about its history as a center of government, philosophy, medicine, and religion. See several Jewish sites throughout the city center as we learn about the history of Moroccan Jews here. Visit the Royal Palace and the Al-Qarawiyyin University, the oldest continuously operating university in the world (UNESCO), admiring its high arches and Andalusian influences. On a walking tour of the 9th-century medina, explore the alleyways and stalls of this ancient market. At the end of the day, join fellow travelers for a group dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)
Tuesday, May 10 – Fes
Fes has so much to offer, we wanted you to have a day at leisure to explore the city further, strolling through marketplaces, visiting a museum or relaxing at our luxury hotel with its incredible spa. We’ll also be offering an optional tour to Volubilis and Meknes (additional fee). On this full-day tour, experience Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its impressive and well preserved Roman ruins. Then travel to Meknes, one of four Imperial cities in Morocco where you will see the Bab Mansour gate and have an included local Moroccan lunch for those on the optional tour. (Total drive time for optional tour, 3 hours) (B)
Wednesday, May 11 – Fes – Midelt – Erfoud
Cross some of Morocco’s most breathtaking desert landscapes on the way to the Sahara Desert. En route, pause in Midelt to bask in majestic views of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Erfoud, called “Door to the Desert”, and where many famous movies were filmed, including The Prince of Persia and The Mummy. (9 hours estimated bus travel today) (B, D)
Thursday, May 12 – Erfoud – Sahara Desert
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Erfoud, taking in the peaceful desert landscape. Later in the day, visit a local date farm. Here, you will have the opportunity to interact with the farmer and learn about the process of farming in the desert. This evening, make your way by 4×4 jeep to your tented camp for a magical 2-night stay in the Sahara Desert. (1.5 hours of bus travel today) (B, D)
Friday, May 13 – Sahara Desert
Rise early to watch the sun illuminate the Sahara in stunning hues of orange, yellow and red. View the expanse of the desert via camel this morning. Then, continue your day by traveling to the village of Khamlia. Meet with locals to have an eye-opening and meaningful discussion before experiencing traditional sub-Saharan Gnawa music. Continue on your desert expedition and meet a nomadic community where we will learn more about this ancient way of living and how their traditions have changed. Return to our camp as the sun sets over the dunes and Shabbat begins. This evening, reflect on the serenity and beauty of the desert under a tapestry of twinkling stars as we celebrate Shabbat with services, followed by dinner. (3 hours estimated bus travel today) (B, L, D)
Saturday, May 14 – Sahara Desert – El Khorbate – Boumalne du Dades
Return to the edge of the desert this morning and marvel as the sun illuminates the vast sands. Visit the fortified village of El Khorbat Oujdid. Dating back to the 17th century, this village showcases unique architecture and artifacts. Learn more about Berber culture while visiting the museum within the village. Later, arrive in Morocco’s “Grand Canyon,” Boumalne du Dades, where a golden sun lights up the gorge’s river valleys, palmeries and burnished mudbrick homes. (4 hours estimated bus travel today) (B, D)
Sunday, May 15 – Boumalne du Dades – Ksar Ait Ben-Haddou – Marrakech
Follow the rugged “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” where turreted fortresses rise up like
sandcastles along this ancient trading route. Arrive at the UNESCO site of the Ksar of
Ait-Ben-Haddou and discover the earthen buildings, defensive walls, and corner towers
that make the ksar a striking feat of Moroccan architecture. Before you reach the exotic
city of Marrakech, continue along the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, a
scenic route through lush oasis valleys, imposing mountains and several Berber villages.
(6 hours estimated bus travel today) (B)
Monday, May 16 – Marrakech
This morning we will tour the old Jewish Quarter of Marrakech and the 500 year old Synagogue. Together with our local guide, you will learn further about the the Jews in Morocco, which is as old as the Roman times. Today, there is still a Jewish community although very much smaller than in the past. Among the mosques and palaces, souks and riads, visit the ancient El Bahia Palace, whose architecture is a distinct blend of both Islamic and Moroccan styles. Embark on a walking tour with a local guide, stopping at shops along the way, or perhaps walk into the Jemaa El Fna Square, Marrakech’s main square. Then it’s your choice! Visit the Jardin Majorelle and the Berber Museum, two iconic sites that showcase the beauty and ingenuity of Morocco’s cultural heritage -OR – explore the Musée Yves Saint Laurent and discover how the colors and textures of Morocco inspired this iconic designer. (B, D)
Tuesday, May 17 – Marrakech
Today, join a local women’s training center in an interactive cooking class. Head to le jardin to source your own herbs and vegetables and learn the secret to making the country’s most celebrated dish: the tagine. The rest of the day is free to explore the fascinating city of Marrakech and dive into the labyrinthine of souks. Tourists and locals alike find everything they desire here; whether it’s spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or famous Moroccan lanterns. The selection here is exhaustive, and don’t forget to bargain – it’s definitely part of the fun! This evening is all yours. Perhaps you will join an optional horse-drawn carriage through Marrakech, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (1.5 hours estimated bus travel today) (B, L)
Wednesday, May 18 – Marrakech – Casablanca
This morning we depart Marrakech for Casablanca. Upon arrival in Casablanca, learn about the small Jewish community here and visit Beth El Synagogue. Then, visit the largest functioning mosque in Africa, the Hassan II Mosque. Learn about the history and the significance of this mosque on a privately-led tour. Gaze upon the intricate, colorful artistry of ceramic tile and hand-carved stone of this architectural wonder. This evening, enjoy our Amazing Journeys Farewell presentation and dinner at a local restaurant. (3.5 hours estimated bus travel today) (B, D)
Thursday, May 19 – Casablanca – Tour Ends
Your tour ends today as you depart for home with many wonderful memories. You’ll be transferred to the airport at the proper time, as you bid farewell to Morocco. (B)
Our Hotels
Night 1-2 ONOMO Hotel Rabat Terminus, Rabat
Night 3-5 Palais Sherherazade & Spa, Fes
Night 6 Kasbah Xaluca, Erfoud
Night 7-8 Xaluca Luxe Bivoaucs Belle Etoile, Merzouga
Night 9 Hotel Xaluca Dades, Boumaine du Dades
Night 10-12 Es Saadi Hotel, Marrakech
Night 13 Barcelo Anfa Casablanca, Casablanca
Please note:
– This tour is rated Activity Level 2 (out of 4). To truly experience this program and destination, you need to be able to participate in longer walking tours (possibly several hours), walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and periods of standing. Some of the touring days may be longer, with select included activities occurring later in the evening.
– Alternate hotels may be used.
– The order of the tour may be changed
– The highest elevation on this trip is 7,410 feet
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: Prior to January 6, 2022, there is a $75 penalty for cancellation. From January 7 – February 2, 2022, the cancellation penalty is the amount of the deposit. From February 3 – April 22, 2022, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total cost of the tour package. Cancellations made on April 23, 2022 or after 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 trip.
Travel Protection & Trip Cancellation Waiver: Our tour operator offers a travel protection and cancellation waiver for citizens of the US, Canada and Australia only – $399 USD and $449 CAD. Please contact Amazing Journeys for rates for Australian citizens. If you have purchased the Cancellation Waiver, you may cancel up to 1 day prior to the first Amazing Journeys purchased component whether it be the standard tour dates or extra hotel nights in Rabat, with no penalty. This waiver must be purchased with your trip registration and initial deposit. Once purchased, this policy is non-refundable. Click here for full policy terms and details. If you are requesting a double occupancy room, should you need to cancel, you will be responsible for the difference between the double occupancy and the single occupancy rate as your roommate will still be occupying the room.
Travel protection is highly recommended.
Flights and Transfers: Airfare is not included with the tour cost. Transfers at the start and the end of the tour are included with the tour cost. You will be flying into and out of Casablanca, Morocco. It is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys which will contain specific flight parameters.
Taxes and Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges and government fees are included and are subject to change. Gratuities for our tour manager, local guides, specialty guides, drivers, baggage handlers and included meals are included in the cost of the tour. We are unable to include gratuities for hotel staff which we leave to your discretion.
Passport & Visa Requirements: A Passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. One blank page must be available in your passport. At this time, no visas are necessary to enter Morocco for those from the US or Canada. If you are a citizen of another country, please check the website for the Embassy of Morocco to see if a visa is necessary. Please note that visa requirements may change at any time and it is up to the passenger to have the proper documents for entering Morocco.
COVID Precautions: Until further notice, we require you to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 at least two weeks before departure, including a booster. Please send us a copy of your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card with the CDC logo by email or fax to Amazing Journeys. We do not test for COVID-19 or any other diseases. It is up to each traveler to be aware of any requirements or changes to state and country mandates and airline requirements as they are changing often. Depending upon the situation at the time of this trip and the destination, some components may be modified, and masks may be required as determined by the CDC or the countries we are visiting.
This tour is operated by Collette.
We must have a minimum of 15 participants in order to operate this tour.
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