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Casablanca · Casablanca-Settat · Morocco
Small Group Premium Morocco In Depth With Essaouira - 18D/17N
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From $4,568.36 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Indulge in a feast for the senses as you embark on an 18-day Premium journey through Morocco. Explore the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, Meknes’s animated medina, the historical Old Town of Fes, and the lively Djemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech. Sip tea with an Amazigh family in the Dades Valley, eat pastilla in the home of a Fes local, spend an unforgettable evening beneath the stars in the Sahara and slow down in the seaside town of Essaouira. From varied culture to boundless hospitality, discover a country that defies expectations.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Experience an 18day Premium journey through Morocco
- Explore the bluewashed streets of Chefchaouen, Meknes’s animated medina
- Spend an unforgettable evening beneath the stars in the Sahara
- Discover a unique & fascinating part of Moroccan history at the Museum of Judaism
- Visit the Mosque of Hassan II & Kasbah des Oudaias
- Walk to the shrine of Moulay Ismail
- See Nestled high in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen
- Stop for a tasting of goat’s cheese
- Views of the High Atlas Mountains
- Enjoy a camel ride in the Sahara desert
- Discover Ouirgane village which is Nestled in the High Atlas Mountains
- Enjoy a handson cooking class with a celebrated local chef
- See the great square of Djemaa elFna
- Stop at the Koutoubia Mosque & Bahia Palace
- Learn Teamaking demonstration
- Discover the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum
- Spend time in handicrafts at the eyecatching market stalls in Marrakech
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Casablanca
Day 1: Casablanca. Welcome to Morocco! On arrival at Casablanca Airport, you will be met by an Intrepid representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins at 6 pm with an important welcome meeting.
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Casablanca
Sightseeing. If you arrive with time to spare, a great option for your limited time in Casablanca is to visit the Villa des Arts.
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Casablanca
Local Flavor. This gorgeous Art Deco gallery holds numerous exhibitions of contemporary Moroccan and international art. If you are looking for a different type of cultural experience, then you can discover a unique and fascinating part of Moroccan history at the Museum of Judaism.
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Casablanca
Local Flavor. This evening, celebrate the beginning of a new adventure with a wonderful banquet style dinner with your group, set in the courtyard of a gorgeous riad. Nowhere is Morocco’s cultural heritage more evident than in its food, and tonight you’ll have the chance to try classic dishes like tagine, cous cous and pastilla.
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Casablanca
Hotel Odyssee Center or similar (1 night).
Day 2
Casablanca
Sightseeing at Hassan Ii Mosque. Day 2: Meknes. This morning you will visit one of the most impressive sites in Casablanca - the massive edifice of the Mosque of Hassan II. Second only in size to the great mosque at Mecca, the huge building sits partly on land and partly over sea, and is one of the only religious sites open to non-Muslims. Later, leave Casablanca and drive north along the coast to Rabat, the elegant capital of Morocco and its first Imperial city.
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Rabat
Sightseeing at Kasbah Of The Udayas. Start your visit with a walk through the medina and souks, then explore the lovely walled quarter known as the Kasbah des Oudaias, where you’ll enjoy an included mint tea in a little treasure of a café overlooking the ocean and Bou Regreg river.
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Rabat
Sightseeing at Mausoleum Of Mohammed V. Afterwards, continue the walk to visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the vast minaret of the Mosque of Hassan II. In the late afternoon, continue on to Meknes, the former capital of Morocco.
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Casablanca
Riad Ritaj or similar (1 night)
Day 3
Casablanca
City/Town Tour. Day 3: Chefchaouen. Join your leader and explore the charming streets of Meknes’s medina - the old walled section of the city. There’s something particularly special about exploring this lesser-known medina as the locals go about their daily lives.
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Meknes
Sightseeing at Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Walk to the shrine of Moulay Ismail, visit the granaries and stop by a local market selling vegetables, olives and sweets.
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Meknes
Sightseeing at Volubilis. Drive on to the ruins of Volubilis. Once a provincial Roman capital, a distant outpost of the empire, the remains make an undeniably impressive sight.
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Casablanca
Local Flavor. Here a local guide will show you around, provide expert knowledge, and help you imagine the bustling city that once was. Enjoy a picnic lunch of fresh bread, cheese and seasonal fruits and olives from the market.
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Chefchaouen
Sightseeing at Rif. Continue to Chefchaouen. Nestled high in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is famous for its buildings washed in bright shades of blue – this is undeniably one of the world’s prettiest cities.
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Casablanca
Riad Cherifa or similar (1 night).
Day 4
Casablanca
City/Town Tour. Day 4: Chefchaouen. This morning, you’ll discover Chefchaouen beneath the blue during a tour of the medina with a local guide. Tour its winding alleyways, cobbled plazas and unique doorways and find out what makes the city so alluring.
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Casablanca
Stop off for a tasting of goat’s cheese – you’ll see there’s no shortage of goats in Chefchaouen and this soft, creamy goat’s cheese is some of Morocco’s best. Enjoy a free afternoon for further explorations.
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Casablanca
Local Flavor. You may like to take the opportunity to snap some more pictures of the city’s blue-hued buildings, shop for handicrafts, or simply sit at a cafe and enjoy the pleasure of time passing by. Speak to your leader about the option for a homecooked meal for dinner this evening.
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Casablanca
Riad Cherifa or similar (1 night).
Day 5
Casablanca
City/Town Tour. Day 5: Fes. Say goodbye to Chefchaouen and make the journey to Fes. Fes is the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco; a vibrant, noisy and fascinating feast for the senses. On arrival, perhaps take some time to unwind in a local hammam – speak to your leader for some great recommendations.
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Casablanca
City/Town Tour. This evening you’ll have the unique opportunity to see a different side of Moroccan life as you are warmly welcomed into the home of a local family for a pastilla dinner. One of the country’s most celebrated dishes, this sweet and savoury delight is made with layered pastry and meat, cooked with eggs, caramelised onions, lemon and sugared almonds. Learn how the iconic Moroccan pie is made as you chat with your friendly hosts about life in Fes, then end the night with a traditional sweet treat.
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Casablanca
Riad Houyam or similar (1 night).
Day 6
Fez
Sightseeing at Fes El Bali. Day 6: Fes. Today head into the Old Town, known locally as Fes el Bali. Medieval Fes was one of the world's great centres of education and culture, both Islamic and Jewish. Its religious institutions and libraries are legendary, its mosques of great renown. Your leader will share stories of the city’s history as you walk through the twisting streets and alleyways, passing donkeys piled high with goods, and explore the specialty sections that divide the souk.
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Casablanca
Filled with historic khans, medresses and dye-pits, stalls loaded with fruits, herbs and soups, and where the squawk of chickens, smell of spice and sound of hammering of copper fills the air. Spend the day exploring the old city, visiting Al-Attarine Madrasa, the tanneries and the splendid Funduk Nejjarine, a beautifully restored 18th-century inn.
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Casablanca
Riad Houyam or similar (1 night).
Day 7
Casablanca
Local Flavor. Day 7: Erfoud. Today, leave the intensity of the city behind for the desert oasis town of Erfoud. Prepare for a long driving day and have your camera ready as there will be plenty of stops to appreciate the ever-changing Moroccan landscape along the way. Wind past olive groves, shepherds tending to their flocks, forests of cedar, pine and oak, and valleys filled with date palms – all with views of the High Atlas Mountains in the distance.
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Casablanca
Sightseeing. Arrive in Erfoud, your gateway to the Sahara Desert. Built by the French in the early 1900s, the town features tightly packed red sand buildings that blend seamlessly into the desert surroundings. While here, be sure to try some dates fresh from the local market – the dates in Erfoud are so delicious they celebrate them with a festival every year.
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Casablanca
L'Hotel by Chateau de Sable or similar (1 night).
Day 8
Casablanca
Local Flavor. Day 8: Sahara Desert. Spend the morning exploring Khemliya, a village on the fringe of the orange-coloured Erg Chebbi sand dunes. This traditional Saharan village is known for a distinctive style of music and dance. For lunch today you will get to see how the local speciality dish of medfouna is made, and then sample some yourself.
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Casablanca
Camel Ride. Then it’s time to do as the locals do and ride a camel through the desert towards your Feature Stay accommodation – a spectacular camp hidden away in the sand dunes of the Sahara. Here in this magical escape from the modern world you’ll experience the true essence of desert life. But the remote location doesn’t mean skimping on amenities – permanent tents feature large beds, en suite bathrooms and delightful, authentic décor.
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Casablanca
Local Flavor. Tonight, embrace your extraordinary surroundings and enjoy a traditional feast beneath a sky jewelled with thousands of stars, followed by live Gnaoua music around an open fire.
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Casablanca
Golden Camp (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night).
Day 9
Casablanca
Camel Ride. Day 9: Dades. Start the day with a truly unforgettable experience – a camel ride across the desert during sunrise, watching the landscape turn remarkable shades of orange. After breakfast drive to Todra Gorge, a massive trench that rises over 250 metres to form one of the most dramatic and spectacular natural sights in Morocco.
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Casablanca
Sightseeing at Dadès River. The limestone stacks make a perfect area for hiking, and so to make the most of the stunning surroundings you will take a short and gentle walk through the gorge. Then continue to the beautiful Dades Valley, your base for the next two nights. This area offers up scenery like no other – sprawling green valleys give way to otherworldly rock formations carved out by the wind. Your accommodation offers a delightful pool and terrace, so take some time to sit back and soak in the ethereal views.
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Casablanca
Hotel Xaluca or similar (1 night).
Day 10
Casablanca
Sightseeing. Day 10: Dades. You have a full day to explore the beauty of this largely untouched Moroccan backcountry and the best way to do way to do so is on foot. There are a couple of circuits in the area – there is the option to tackle a 10-kilometre circuit that will take about 4 hours, but your leader can tailor the route based on the preferences of the group.
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Casablanca
Hiking. Take a short transfer to the start of the trek, then set out with a local guide. The trail undulates and can be challenging in sections but is accessible to everyone with a basic level of fitness.
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Casablanca
Local Flavor. Stop in a village en route and enjoy tea with a local Amazigh (Berber) family. This experience offers a unique glimpse into the Amazigh way of life that few visitors to Morocco have the chance to see. Set against the sensational backdrop of the surrounding mountains and famous Rose Valley, take the opportunity to share stories and learn about family life in the Dades Valley.
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Casablanca
Hotel Xaluca or similar (1 night).
Day 11
Casablanca
Sightseeing at Dadès Gorges. Day 11: Ait Benhaddou. Depart the Dades Valley and set off on the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Your first stop is Skoura Oasis, home to several privately owned kasbahs, including the Kasbah Ameridhl, with its extravagant decorations and mud-brick fortifications.
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Marrakesh
Sightseeing at Aït Benhaddou. Continue to Ait Benhaddou – a hilltop site almost unchanged since the 11th century. Its grand kasbah is one of the most beautiful in Morocco and the fortified village is a fine example of clay architecture. You may recognise the site from its long list of film and TV credits, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones and Gladiator. Walk through the winding streets of the Old Town, making your way to the top of the hill for some scenic views.
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Casablanca
Local Flavor. Afterwards, visit Tawesna – a local teahouse on the river – for a tasty lunch including freshly made Amazigh bread, soup, Moroccan sweets, and of course some mint tea. This community-run establishment provides women with a small income to support themselves and their children. The women use natural ingredients sourced from local cooperatives to prepare tea and pastries, taking great pride in sharing their stories and giving visitors an authentic Amazigh experience.
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Casablanca
Kasbah La Cigogne or similar (1 night)
Day 12
Marrakesh
Sightseeing at Atlas Mountains. Day 12: Ouirgane. Leave Ait Benhaddou after breakfast and drive for several hours through the winding roads of the Atlas Mountains. You can take your time as the scenery is magnificent and keen photographers may call for a few photo stops.
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Marrakesh
Sightseeing at High Atlas. Our destination today is Ouirgane. Nestled in the tranquil foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, this pretty village provides visitors with an alternative and lesser-visited base for walking.
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Casablanca
Birdwatching. With its gentle winter climate and moderate summer, it is a great place to stroll around the nearby red-earth hills and pine forests, watch a wide variety of bird life or just sit back and relax at an invigorating altitude of 1000 metres – all with the amazing view of Jebel Toubkal in the background. Speak to your leader about some wonderful hiking options this afternoon.
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Casablanca
Chez Momo or similar (1 night).
Day 13
Casablanca
Cooking Class. Day 13: Marrakech. Travel to the nearby town of Tahanaout where you will enjoy a hands-on cooking class with a celebrated local chef. You will explore his organic kitchen garden surrounded by beautiful olive groves and orchards set in a traditional Berber douar. Harvest ingredients fresh from the garden and let the chef teach you the art of seasoning with aromatic Moroccan herbs. Learn to cook tagines and salads, and then savour your creations over a delicious lunch.
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Marrakesh
Sightseeing at Jemaa El-fnaa. After a splendid feast, continue to Marrakech. On arrival, check in to your beautifully decorated riad. This evening why not head to the great square of Djemaa el-Fna, one of the largest public spaces in the world. When night falls it transforms into a hive of activity. You may like to finish your day with a cup of tea at one of the roof-top restaurants overlooking the square.
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Casablanca
Dar L'ousssia or similar (1 night)
Day 14
Casablanca
City/Town Tour. Day 14: Marrakech. After breakfast today, meet with a local guide who will bring the magic of Marrakech to life as you set off on a morning tour of the old medina, through the bustling souks that are the lifeblood of the city.
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Marrakesh
Sightseeing at Bahia Palace. Explore tranquil courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace.
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Marrakesh
Sightseeing at Koutoubia Mosque. Stop by the Koutoubia Mosque; the inside is for Muslims only, but the famous minaret is a sight to behold.
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Casablanca
Walk back through the streets of the old medina to Djemaa el-Fna, stopping off to taste some of the marvellous freshly squeezed orange juice from a local stall – this is sure to be one of the most delicious glasses of orange juice you ever have.
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Casablanca
Dar L'ousssia or similar (1 night).
Day 15
Casablanca
City/Town Tour. Day 15: Essaouira. After breakfast leave for Essaouira, a city where the medina brushes up against the Atlantic Ocean and where you will spend the next two nights. Get to know this laidback and windswept city during an orientation walk with your leader who will help you navigate a maze of market stalls and narrow streets while sharing insights on local life in one of North Africa's most attractive places.
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Casablanca
Local Flavor. Pass the harbour filled with colourful boats and explore the fish souk. Here you will choose a catch of the day and take it to a local-filled restaurant – follow their lead and hand over your market purchase for it to be grilled for the freshest of meals. Your leader will also take you to the fresh vegetables markets where you will choose your salads and veggies to accompany your seafood lunch. Enjoy a delicious meal together with the rest of your group. The evening is yours to uncover Essaouira further.
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Casablanca
Hotel 2ciel or similar (1 night).
Day 16
Casablanca
City/Town Tour. Day 16: Essaouira. The name Essaouira means image, which is appropriate for the picturesque town. This artists' town was once home to sizeable British and Jewish populations, and its charm has seduced people like Orson Welles and Jimi Hendrix, who (according to local legend) spent much of his time here in the 1960s.
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Casablanca
Horseback Riding. Enjoy a free day to wander the city’s charming sandstone streets, giving way to the cart-haulers calling ‘ballak, ballak’. Your leader will offer advice on the best ways to spend the day. Perhaps explore Essaouira’s magnificent coast and golden sand dunes on horseback.
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Essaouira
Sightseeing at Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum. Discover the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum and its collection of artefacts, woodwork, carpets and stringed instruments, or sit back and watch the kite surfers ride the crashing waves.
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Casablanca
Cooking Class. You can also discover the taste of Morocco in a cooking class, or head outside of the city to the beautiful surroundings on a daytrip.
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Casablanca
Riad Dar l’Oussia or similar (1 night).
Day 17
Casablanca
Local Flavor. Day 17: Marrakech: The morning is free for you to explore further. Perhaps pick up some local handicrafts at the eye-catching market stalls, or enjoy a final coffee in the square to soak up the easy-going rhythm of this Moroccan town with a European seaside twist. In the afternoon, drive back to Marrakech.
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Casablanca
Local Flavor. Once you have settled in to your hotel, you will likely be drawn back to the Djemaa el-Fna, and its surrounding medina. Eating out at one of the many outdoor restaurants lining the square is a great way to finish your adventure.
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Casablanca
2Ciels Hotel or similar (1 night).
Day 18
Casablanca
Day 18: Marrakech. Your trip ends today after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around midday and you are free to leave at any time. If you have arranged a private airport transfer you will be advised of the pick-up time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring here. Speak to your leader about the wealth of extra activities to do around Marrakech.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Private vehicle Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer Casablanca - Welcome Dinner Casablanca - Hassan II Mosque Rabat - Kasbah Les Oudayas Rabat - Hassan Tower Rabat - Mausoleum Mohammed V Meknes - Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail Volubilis - Picnic Lunch Volubilis - Entrance and guided tour Meknes - Medina walking tour Chefchaouen - Goat Cheese Tasting Chefchaouen - Medina walking tour Fes - Home-cooked Pastilla Dinner Fes - Medina walking tour Fes - Funduq al-Najjarin Fes - Al-Attarine Madrasa Sahara Desert - Camel ride Khemliya - Village walking tour Khemliya - Medfouna cooking demonstration Sahara Desert - Amazigh dinner with Gnaoua music Todra Gorge - Hike Dades - Tea-making demonstration Dades - Hike Skoura - Kasbah and Oasis visit Ait Benhaddou - Leader-led ksar walk Ait Benhaddou - Lunch at Tawesna Tahnaout - Cooking class Marrakech - Medina walking tour Marrakech - Palais Bahia Marrakech - Fresh orange juice tasting Essaouira - Seafood Market Lunch Essaouira - Leader-led orientation walk
Meeting & Pickup
Arrival at Casablanca Airport.
Planning Notes
Minimum age: 15 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By PE
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