Excellent
Jewels of Morocco
PRIVATE TOUR: Take in the very best of Morocco on this 9 day private tour. Imperial cities and ancient kasbahs, Roman ruins, rugged Atlas mountains and the spectacular Sahara. From Marrakech, discover Ait Benhaddou and towering Todra Gorge, before camel trekking across desert dunes and camping beneath a blanket of stars. Then step back in time exploring ancient Fes el Bali, before taking in the highlights of Rabat and Meknes.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour Overview
Duration
9 daysStarts
MarrakechEnds
MarrakechRange
PrivateTour Guide
Yes - for all included sightseeingGroup Size
Min 2 / Max Private tourMinimum age
5 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
Any day of the yearHotel Rating
4 star hotels & traditional riadsCountries
MoroccoArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesMeals included
Breakfast: 8, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 3Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Marrakech
Day 1 - Marrakech
Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Marrakech airport you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to Marrakech and take in the delights of Djemaa el Fna.
Day 2 - Marrakech & Majorelle Gardens
Day 2 - Marrakech & Majorelle Gardens
Discover the delights of Marrakech on a guided tour of the city today. First stop is the beautiful Majorelle Gardens which were designed by the French Artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s-1930s and bought in 1980 by Yves Saint Laurent, whose ashes were scattered here after his death. These botanical gardens are seen as Majorelle's greatest master piece, with their distinctive shade of cobalt blue architecture and extensive collection of exotic plants and trees. The gardens are home to 15 species of bird and there is also a Berber Museum representing the various indigenous tribes of Morocco.
Continuing your tour, head inside the rose coloured medina walls to explore the tangle of winding streets and alleys that open onto verdant gardens and bustling souks. At the heart of the medina is Djemaa El Fna, the city's exuberant market place and towering over it, is the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the tallest building in the city.
Day 3 - Ait Benhaddou
Day 3 - Ait Benhaddou
Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate. Bidding farewell to Marrakech, travel across the plains of haouz to reach the rugged High Atlas mountains. Admire the spectacular views around every hair-pin turn as you travel along the dramatic Tizi n Tichka mountain pass. Stop for lunch before continuing on to explore Ait Benhaddou, an incredible ancient fortified kasbah, which was built for defence purposes high on a hill. This beautifully preserved medieval city has famously featured in many blockbuster movies, including Gladiator and Laurence of Arabia.
From Ait Benhaddou, head south to the Hollywood of North Africa – Ouarzazate (pronounced war-zazat). Ouarzazate is famous for being the filming location for many other Hollywood blockbusters and famous TV shows including James Bond – The Living Daylights, The Mummy and more recently Game of Thrones.
Day 4 - Camel trek into the Sahara
Day 4 - Camel trek into the Sahara
Ouarzazate - Todra Gorge - Merzouga (Sahara). This morning begin your journey into the Sahara, passing a medley of palm trees, beautiful rose fields and magnificent gorges. Travelling from Ouarzazate, there is a possibility of visiting the kasbah Amherdhil in Skoura before reaching Todra Gorge. Surrounded by towering vertical limestone cliffs, reaching heights of 1000ft, this impressive gorge is known as Morocco’s Grand Canyon. The charm of Todra lies in its changing colours as the sun slowly moves from east to west. Enjoy a stroll through the gorge before hitting the road again to reach Merzhouga – gateway to the Sahara.
Depending on the time of year, spend the afternoon relaxing by a pool and enjoying a refreshing swim before you climb aboard camels for an incredible trek into the Sahara Desert. Trek across the vast and silent desert to reach our remote Berber Camp, nestled amongst the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Watch an amazing sunset and enjoy an evening of local food and music, before settling down for an unforgettable night in the desert, under a spectacular blanket of stars.
Please note: If you would prefer the comfort of a hotel with en-suite facilities this evening, this can be arranged at no additional cost. Please do let us know your preferred option at the time of booking.
Day 5 - Journey to Fes
Day 5 - Journey to Fes
Merzouga (Sahara) - Fes. Rise early this morning and climb back on your camels for the trek back to Merzouga, enjoying a truly stunning sunrise en route. There's time to freshen up and have breakfast in Merzouga, before hitting the road again. It’s a long drive to Fes today but there's plenty to see on the way. Pass through cedar forests full of Barbary Macaque monkeys in the Middle Atlas mountains and stop at Ifrane – a beautiful town, often likened to a Swiss Alpine resort. Along the way you're also likely to see Morocco’s nomadic Berbers – travelling across the mountains and often staying in make shift tents as they head to their next destination. Early evening arrival into Fes.
Day 6 - Medieval Fes el Bali
Day 6 - Medieval Fes el Bali
Fes is the oldest and largest medieval city in the world and its medina is a cacophony of aromas, sights and sounds. This morning step back in time on a guided tour of Fes el Bali - the old walled city. This fascinating medina is a veritable rabbit warren of 9400 alleys that often finish with dead ends – it's easy to get lost so be sure to stay close to your guide! During the tour visit one of the pungent leather tanneries that Fes is famous for, where you can enjoy wonderful views of the giant dye pits below, which are full of deep earthy tones.
Spend the afternoon at leisure. Relax or independently explore. Alternatively you can book an optional Tagine Making Class or a night of Moroccan entertainment and food at a restaurant in town (both payable locally).
Day 7 - Volubilis & Meknes
Day 7 - Volubilis & Meknes
Fes - Volubilis - Meknes - Rabat. This morning bid farewell to Fes and travel to the ruined Roman city of Volubilis, Morocco's best-preserved archaeological site. Explore this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site, which dates back to AD40, and admire the beautifully preserved mosaics. Next stop today is the imperial city of Meknes, which became known as the Versailles of Morocco due to its impressive buildings and elaborate monuments. Visiting Place El Hedim at the heart of the medina you'll see the magnificent Bab Mansour Gate. After lunch and some free time, continue on to Rabat – Morocco’s capital.
Day 8 - Rabat & Casablanca
Day 8 - Rabat & Casablanca
Rabat - Casablanca - Marrakech. Take in highlights of the imperial city of Rabat this morning, visiting the impressive Chellah - a necropolis and complex of ancient medieval ruins, the Royal Palace and the marble Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
There's time to enjoy lunch in Rabat before beginning the journey back to Marrakech, stopping in Casablanca en route. Providing a sharp contrast to the imperial cities, the modern port city of Casablanca, is the industrial and economic heart of Morocco. In this bustling city, visit the famous Hassan II Mosque, which has the tallest minaret and is the third largest mosque in the world. The mosque can hold 25,000 worshippers at any one time! Arrive back into Marrakech for the final night of your holiday.
Day 9 - Marrakech
Day 9 - Marrakech
Sadly your Moroccan adventure ends today. A departure transfer to the airport is provided.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Hotels
Prices & Dates
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. We also offer a triple share option on this tour, please contact us for details.
Price reductions are available when there are 4 or more persons travelling in your tour party, since fixed costs like transportation and guiding are shared across the group.
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