Tuesday, May 7 – Casablanca – Tour Begins
Welcome to Morocco! Our travelers will arrive in Casablanca throughout the day. Transfer to our group hotel. Our tour manager and our Amazing Journeys team member will be onsite to welcome you. This afternoon we’ll join together for an Amazing Journeys Welcome and Orientation. Learn about the small Jewish community here and visit the city’s oldest synagogue and the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, the only museum devoted to Judaism in the Arab world. This evening, we will enjoy a group dinner, Moroccan style. (D)
Wednesday, May 8 – Casablanca – Fes
This morning we depart 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 3 hours) (B, L)
Thursday, 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. Visit Jewish sites throughout the city center including the Aben Danan Synagogue and Jewish Cemetery as we discover the history of Moroccan Jewish life 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, take in the ancient alleyways and stalls of the ancient marketplace. This evening enjoy free time to explore the Fes Medina. (B)
Friday, 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 riad poolside. We’ll also be offering an optional tour to Volubilis and Meknes (additional fee). On this full-day tour, travel to Meknes, one of four Imperial cities in Morocco where you will see the Bab Mansour Gate. Enjoy a very local Moroccan lunch. Experience Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its impressive and well preserved Roman ruins. Later this evening, join our Amazing Journeys Shabbat services, followed by dinner. (Total drive time for optional tour, 3 hours) (B, D)
Saturday, 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)
Sunday, May 12 – Erfoud – Sahara Desert
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Erfoud, enjoying a swim and 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 into the desert by 4×4 jeeps before slowing your rhythm to a gentle bobbing gate as you traverse the dunes on camel back en route to your tented camp for a magical 2-night stay in the Sahara Desert. These luxury tents are complete with electricity and private bathrooms – in the middle of the desert! (1.5 hours of bus travel today) (B, D)
Monday, May 13 – Sahara Desert
Rise early to watch the sun illuminate the Sahara in stunning hues of orange, yellow and red. Travel to the village of Khamlia where you will meet with locals to have an eye-opening discussion before experiencing traditional sub-Saharan Gnawa music. Continue on your desert expedition and meet a nomadic community where you 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. This evening, join a drum circle and reflect on the serenity and beauty of the desert under the tapestry of the twinkling stars, followed by dinner. (3 hours estimated bus travel today) (B, L, D)
Tuesday, 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. Stop at Todra Gorge to take in its grandeur. 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)
Wednesday, 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 exciting 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)
Thursday, May 16 – 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. Then we’ll head to the souk where locals and visitors explore the labyrinth to 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! The rest of the day is at leisure to relax by the pool at our hotel or to continue exploring the vibrant and colorful city of Marrakech. Or, choose to take an optional horse-drawn carriage ride through Marrakech, followed by dinner at a local restaurant (extra fee applies). (B, L)
Friday, May 17 – Marrakech
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 through the old Jewish Quarter of Marrakech visiting the Slat Al Azama Synagogue and the Jewish cemetery where you will learn further about Jews in Morocco, which dates back to Roman times. Today, there is still a Jewish community although very much smaller than in the past. 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. Later this evening, Amazing Journeys with join together with the local community for a Shabbat service, followed by a group dinner. (B, D)
Saturday, May 18 – Marrakech – Casablanca
This morning we depart Marrakech for Casablanca. 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, bid farewell to your fellow travelers at our Amazing Journeys Farewell presentation, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (3.5 hours estimated bus travel today) (B, D)
Sunday, 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 as you bid farewell to Morocco. (B)
Our Hotels
Night 1 Barcelo Anfa, Casablanca
Night 2-4 Riad Yacout, Fes
Night 5 Kasbah Xaluca, Erfoud
Night 6-7 Bivouacs Kaminia Camp, Merzouga
Night 8 Hotel Xaluca Dades, Boumaine du Dades
Night 9-11 Es Saadi Hotel, Marrakech
Night 12 Barcelo Anfa Casablanca, Casablanca
Please note:
– Alternate hotels may be used.
– The order of the tour may be changed
– The highest elevation on this trip is 7,410 feet
– Shabbat in Marrakech is dependent upon the local community
Activity Level: The activity level for this tour is ranked 4 (out of 5). To truly experience the program and destination, you need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and periods of standing. There will be many early mornings and some of the touring days may be longer, with select included activities occurring later in the evening.
All rooms are non-smoking. 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 August 31, 2023, there is a $200 penalty for cancellation. From September 1 – October 5, 2023, the cancellation penalty is $450. From October 6 – February 14, 2024, the cancellation penalty is the amount of the deposit. From February 15 – April 2, 2024, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total cost of the tour package and any extra hotel nights. From April 3, 2024 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the cost of the tour and any pre/post nights. 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. Your decision not to participate on the tour due to State Department advisories, fear of travel, illness, or any other reason will be deemed a cancellation.
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 (CMN). It is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys which will contain specific flight parameters.
Travel Protection: Travel protection is recommended for participation in this program. Information will be sent with tour confirmation.
Twin Accommodations: Twin accommodations are available if you and a friend are traveling together. When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single occupancy. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation.
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-19 Precautions: There may be required vaccines and recommendations necessary in order to travel within Morocco. We recommend you visit a travel clinic or see your health professional. Requirements may change at any time. You can get more information at the following web sites: www.cdc.gov/travel or www.travelersvaccines.com. It is recommended you bring along an official government issued Covid-19 proof of vaccination card as countries and venues along the way may still require it and you may be denied entry without.
Fuel Surcharge: Should oil costs go above $65 a barrel and our tour operators adjust the rate of the tour cost accordingly, we reserve the right to adjust the cost of the tour.
Exchange Rate: In the case of currency fluctuations of greater than 3%, we reserve the right to adjust our pricing accordingly in order that we may be able to operate the tour effectively.
This tour is operated by Collette.
