On The Go Tours - Morocco - 13 day Magical Morocco Tour from R53 185 pps incl taxes - 15 Oct - 03 Dec 23

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Morocco

Sunday. Sunday. Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Casablanca airport, you’ll be
met and transferred to our hotel where you have the remainder of the day at

leisure. Perhaps visit the old medina or sit back and watch the world go by with
a pot of tea at Rick’s cafe.

Overnight – Casablanca

Day 2 : Casablanca & Rabat

Casablanca – Rabat. This morning after breakfast, we visit the incredible Hassan
II Mosque, rising 210 meters into the air, the third largest mosque in the world is
covered in ornate traditional tile work.
After exploring we make our way to Rabat, Morocco’s charming capital is
ours to explore this afternoon. Take a stroll along the long stretch of beach
that starts behind the medina, or just up the hill from the medina is the
well-preserved Kasbah of the Udayas, dating back to the 12th century.
Please note: For those who have opted to start in Marrakech you will
be transferred to Casablanca on the morning of day 2 to meet the rest of the
group.

Overnight – Rabat (B)

Day 3 :  Volubilis & The Blue City

Rabat – Volubilis – Chefchaouen. Departing Rabat this morning we
visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Dating back to 40AD we take time
to explore the triple arched Tingis gate, the columns of the Capitoline
temple, the Basilica, the courthouse and much more. We’ll then continue
to Chefchaouen, nestled in the heart of the Rif Mountains, the city boasts
incredible, blue-washed buildings and majestic views of the surrounding
landscape. The rest of the afternoon is ours to independently wander round
the Plaza Uta el-Hammam in the heart of the Medina, or perhaps try some of

the local street food and watch the sunset.

Overnight – Chefchaouen (B)

Day 4 : Rif Mountains & Talassemtane National Park

After some free time to relax or continue exploring the city this morning,
we make our way to Talassemtane National Park. Located on the eastern
side of the Rif Mountains, Talassemtane boasts a wide range of landscapes,
as well as housing a number of plant species and mammals including the
Barbary macaques and the otter.
We make our way to the Akchour Falls and God’s Bridge where we relax
with a picnic lunch while soaking up the breath-taking views. Return to
Chefchaouen for an afternoon at leisure.

Overnight – Chefchaouen (B, L)

Day 5 : Fes el Bali medina

Chefchaouen – Fes. Bordered on the foothills of the Atlas Mountains lies
the imperial city of Fes, the oldest and largest medieval city in the world.
On arrival we enjoy a guided tour of ancient Fes el Bali – the old walled city,
with its labyrinth of 9400 alleys. Fes el Bali really is a feast for the senses,
with its cacophony of aromas, sights and sounds. 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.

Overnight – Fes (B)

Day 6:Explore Fes

Today is at leisure to explore this Imperial city. Why not take part in an
optional Tagine Making Class or a night of Moroccan entertainment and food
at a restaurant in town (both payable locally).

Overnight – Fes (B)

Day 7: Atlas Mountains & Ifrane

Fes – Ifrane – Azrou. After breakfast, we make our way through the cedar
forests full of Barbary Macaque monkeys on our way through the Atlas
Mountains to the French built “swiss” village of Ifrane. We have free time here
to enjoy the tranquility of the lakes and waterfalls that flow into the valleys that
surround the world’s biggest cedar forest in the Mediterranean, before
continuing to Azrou, our home for the night.

Overnight – Azrou (B)

Day 8: Camel trek in the Sahara

Azrou – Merzouga (Sahara). Departing early, we leave the cool air of the
mountains and make our way to the Sahara Desert. It’s a long drive,
however there’s a lot to see on the way. We’ll travel through the Middle
Atlas Mountains to the plateau that lies between the Sahara and Tell Atlas
range. We’ll soak up the spectacular and dramatic scenery of the Gorges
du Ziz as we make our way onwards through the High Atlas, stopping to
have tea with a berber family en route. We’ll continue to Merzouga – our
base before we head into the Sahara.
Depending on the time of year, spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming
before climbing aboard our camels for an incredible trek into the Sahara
Desert to watch a beautiful sunset and spend the night at our remote Berber
Camp, nestled amongst the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi. We enjoy local
food, music and an amazing night camping in the Sahara. If you would
prefer to take a Jeep to the Berber camp, this can be arranged locally
through your guide at no additional cost.
For our trip into the desert you’ll need to prepare an overnight pack for the
essentials you will need for the night. The remainder of your luggage will stay
in Merzouga this evening and we will collect it in the morning.
If you would prefer the comfort of a hotel with en-suite facilities this
evening, opt for our Sahara hotel alternative at no additional cost. Please
do let us know your preferred option at the time of booking.

Sahara Hotel Alternative:
If you have opted for our Sahara Hotel alternative you will not need to pack
an overnight bag as all your luggage will remain with you this evening. Hotel
Alternative travellers will be transferred to their auberge (simple hotel) with ensuite facilities located in the shadows
of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes mid afternoon. Your tour guide will not
escort you to the hotel as he will be accompanying the camel trekking
group to the Berber Camp. After checkin and time to freshen up (for those
who are interested) please re-group prior to sunset at reception to depart
for your camel trek into the desert. The safari runs for approx 1 hour, with short
stops along the way for photos. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening as
is breakfast in the morning. Your guide will inform you of the time you will be
picked up in the morning. Please note: Should you wish to opt for
the hotel alternative at no additional cost, please let us know at the time of
booking.

Camel Trek: approx 1.5 hours Jeep: approx 30 mins

Overnight – Merzouga (B, D)

Day 9: Sunrise camel trek & Valley of Roses

Merzouga (Sahara) – Todra Gorge – Dades Gorge. Departing early, we climb
back on our camels disembarking for a truly stunning sunrise. After freshening
up and breakfast in Merzouga we’re back on the road heading for Todra
Gorge. Known as Morocco’s Grand Canyon, the charm of Todra lies in its
changing colours as the sun slowly moves from east to west over the
towering vertical limestone cliffs that reach heights of 1000ft.
We continue to the perfumed Valley of Roses, famous for the miles and
miles of rose hedgerows that colour the landscape pink. As we travel through
the valley, we stop at the women’s cooperative where we learn how the
rose products are made. Continue to Tinghir, home to the largest silver mine
in Africa, and our final stop of the day, where we have the evening at leisure to
relax and unwind in our former kasbah hotel.

Overnight – Dades Gorge (B)

Day 10 : UNESCO World Heritage Listed Ouarzazate

Dades Gorge – Skoura – Ouarzazate. Leaving the rose fields behind, our
morning begins with a visit to the 300 year old Kasbah Amherdhil in Skoura
where we gain a fascinating insight into the ancient traditions of kasbah life. We
then continue along the Road of 1000 Kasbahs to Ouarzazate.
Famous for being a prime filming location for many Hollywood TV
shows and Blockbusters, we have the opportunity to explore the World’s
largest film studio. Be sure to explore the iconic Colosseum used in ‘Gladiator’
and the prop jet used in ‘Jewel of the Nile’.

Evening at leisure. Overnight – Ouarzazate (B)

Day 11 : Ait Benhaddou & Marrakech

Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech. Travelling over the High
Atlas Mountains we stop along the old caravan route
where to explore Ait Benhaddou. This incredible ancient fortified Kasbah was
built for defence purposes high on a hill and is a stunningly well-preserved
medieval city which has famously featured in many blockbuster movies,
including Gladiator and Laurence of Arabia as its beauty is unequal to any
other fortified kasbah in south Morocco.
Carrying on we continue to Kasbah Telouet. Built in 1860 this kasbah was
once home to the very wealthy Thami El Glaoui until he conspired with French
Colonialists to delay Morocco’s fight for independence.
Descending into the city of Marrakech, Morocco’s pink city. We have the rest of
the day at leisure to explore the Medina and the delights of Djemaa el Fna, the
exuberant market place, which is a hive of activity, sights and smells at both
day and night.

Overnight – Marrakech (B)

Day 12 : Djemaa El Fna

After breakfast, we set out to explore this fascinating city on a guided tour.
Inside the rose coloured medina walls is a 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. We have the afternoon at leisure to purchase any last minute
souvenirs or get lost in the medina and see where it takes you.

Overnight – Marrakech (B)

Day 13 : Goodbye Morocco!

Our amazing tour of Morocco ends today after hotel check out. An included
onward departure transfer to airport will be provided. Passengers who have

opted to end their tour in Casablanca will depart early this morning.(B)

What to pack

Please check local temperatures so you can pack accordingly

Lightweight cotton garments in summer, warm clothing for winter
(temperatures can get quite low at night)
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes
• Universal travel adaptor
• DEET based mosquito repellent and antihistamine cream
• First aid kit including Dioralyte
• Tour Voucher and a copy of your travel insurance policy, spare passport
photos and a photocopy of your passport
• Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swim costume, torch and money belt
• Either a rucksack or suitcase is suitable. A small daypack for your dayto-day needs
• A towel for swimming
• A torch for your night in the Sahara Desert
• If travelling on our Handpicked Morocco tours a sleeping bag is
required for the Sahara Desert camp is required if travelling between Oct – Apr,
a cotton sleep sheet will be adequate if travelling from May to September
(Signature group tour travellers do not need this, as bedding is provided)