Morocco Desert and Mountains

From Chefchaouen to Marrakech via the Atlas Mountains and Desert

Head over the Atlas Mountains to small towns

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Head over the Atlas Mountains to small towns

Explore ancient Fez

Admire Rabat's architecture

Examine intricate Roman mosaics at Volubilis

Explore nature's art -- vast sand dunes -- at sunrise

Visit ancient kasbahs (Ait Ben Haddou)

Immerse yourself in atmospheric, mysterious Marrakech

Visit the picturesque fishing town of Essaouira

Bid farewell to this exotic and warmly-welcoming land

Take a desert camel ride if you can

Dates and figs in the medina

How about some olives from the souq?

Tuareg shopkeeper

Volubilis and the plains nearby

Exploring the ruins of Volubilis

Chefchaoun - the "blue city"

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Cultural Adventures

Scenic Adventures

Private & Custom

Dates: Sep 11-20, 2019
Or custom & private on your dates
Duration: 10 days
Comfort Level: ●●●○○
Activity Level: ●●○○○
Group Size: 2-10
Land Cost: $2,800
Single Supplement: $900

Best Time To Visit

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overview

Morocco's history and scenery beckon, from the Atlantic coast of North Africa, through imperial cities and Roman ruins, over the Atlas Mountains, through the Sahara Desert and on to Marrakech.

Visit the cities and landscapes that have inspired artists, writers, and poets for centuries, and interact with the Berber culture. Begin in Casablanca and Rabat before spending time in the "Blue Pearl" of Chefchaouen, a very charming city in the Rif Mountains. Explore the Roman city of Volubilis and the historical town of Meknes. Wander deep into the ancient medina in Fes, the most captivating of all the imperial cities. Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, watch the sunrise over the sand dunes, and explore the Todra Gorge and Dades Valleys. End your trip in vibrant Marrakech, where ancient history and non-stop street entertainment equally entrance those who are fortunate enough to spend time here.

itinerary

Day 1: arrive casablanca & transfer to rabat
Day 2: rabat to chefchaouen
Day 3: chefchaouen / volubilis / meknes / fes
Day 4: fes
Day 5: atlas mountains to the sahara desert
Day 6: sahara dessert & camel trekking
Day 7: todra gorge & dades valley
Day 8: ait ben haddou kasbah to marrakech
Day 9: marrakech city tour
Day 10: depart morocco

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Overview
Itinerary
Price and Date Details
Need to Know
Trip Extensions

overview

Morocco's history and scenery beckon, from the Atlantic coast of North Africa, through imperial cities and Roman ruins, over the Atlas Mountains, through the Sahara Desert and on to Marrakech.

Continue to detailed itinerary...

itinerary

Anticipated itinerary; actual route may vary.

Day 1: arrive casablanca & transfer to rabat
Visit the Hassan Tower in Rabat
No time like the present! Arrive in Casablanca and get ready for a city tour. You'll be greeted by your driver and taken into the largest city in Morocco—as well as in the Maghreb (Northwest Africa) and all of Africa. During your tour, you'll visit Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco and the third largest in the world (entry fees to the mosque are not included). It also has one of the tallest minarets in the world.

When your tour is over, travel 60 miles to Rabat (approx. 1.5 hr drive). Along the way, enjoy views of the Corniche coast.

Upon arrival, check in to your lovely four-star riad (manor home) in Rabat. The city of Rabat is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River, with a population of about 1.2 million. Your charming Riad, built in 1815 and restored in 2004, is located in in the heart of the medina. The riad is equipped with all the modern comforts including a pool, spa, and traditional Moroccan restaurant.
Meals
None
Lodging
Kalaa Riad (or similar)
Show on a map
Day 2: rabat to chefchaouen
Beautiful city of Chefchaouen
After breakfast, visit the Mausoleum and Hassan Tower of Rabat. The Mausoleum is a historical building containing the tombs of the Moroccan king and his two sons, King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah. Admire its white silhouette, topped by a typical green tiled roof.

The Hassan Tower is the minaret for an incomplete mosque. It was intended to be the largest minaret in the world along with the largest mosque, but construction stopped when Sultan Yacub al-Mansour died in 1199. You'll also explore the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a 12th century medieval fortress citadel with exceptional ocean views from the acropolis.

Afterwards, transfer to Chefchaouen (3.5-4 hr drive) via the city of Ouazzane, a spiritual capital and holy city for many Muslims and Jews of Morocco. The drive to Chefchaouen will be along the coast, providing enjoyable views. Arrive in Chefchaouen in the afternoon, then check-in to your riad and have the rest of the day free to explore or relax.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Riad Dar Echchaouen (or similar)
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Day 3: chefchaouen / volubilis / meknes / fes
Volubilis mosaics
After breakfast, take a tour of this “cool” blue town, home to about 40,000 people. Set at an altitude of almost 2200 feet on the outskirts of the Tisouka and Megou Mountains, this charming small town has little car traffic, which allows for clean and fresh air in which to discover its beauty. Take a walk through the Medina and the Uta el-Hammam main square for an authentic look at Moroccan life, and be sure to visit the Kasbah Museum, which contains a modest collection of old arms, instruments, textiles, and city lodges.

Afterwards, head south to see the Roman ruins at Volubilis, considered the best-preserved archeological site in Morocco. You'll spend time exploring these 2,000 year old UNESCO ruins and perhaps imagining what life must have been like during the Roman Empire.

Lunch will be at Meknes (3.5 hrs), one of Morocco's Imperial cities, where you'll have time to explore. This town was the Ismailian capital during the 17th century, but now famous for its 25-mile-long walls and monumental landmark gate of Bab el-Mansour. Wander the lanes of the old medina, visit the Mellah Jewish quarter, and stop by the Royal stables. The Dar Jamai palace houses one of the country's best museums, exhibiting glorious ceramics, jewelry, rugs, and textiles with distinct ornate Meknesi needlework. Enjoy the setting of this town in a region of olives, wine, and citrus.

Afterwards, continue the drive to Fes (1 hr drive), often referred to as "the cultural capital of Morocco" and settle into your charming riad for the night.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Riad Salam Fes (or similar)
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Day 4: fes
Local pastries at the market in Fes
Today will be devoted to Fes, the world's only walled medieval Arab city that remains completely intact. It may be cliché, but visitors often compare their first visit to the UNESCO World Heritage medina (the maze of shop-lined alleyways that comprise the old city) to an encounter with the tales of One Thousand and One Nights (a.k.a. the Arabian Nights).

Things to see and do in Fes include:
- A walk along Fes's alleyways and small streets and through its markets
- The King's Palace, one of the best palaces in the country
- The colorful leather-dying pits to see leather-making techniques unchanged since the middle ages
- The Mellah (Jewish Quarter), the first of its kind in Morocco
- The famous Al Qaraouine University, the oldest in the region
- A pottery workshop where you will have the chance to watch the craftsmen chip mosaic tile pieces and paint designs on plates
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Riad Salam Fes (or similar)
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Day 5: atlas mountains to the sahara desert
Enjoy the scenery on the way to the dessert
After breakfast at the riad, you’ll leave Fes and begin the drive into the Atlas Mountains towards Ifran, referred to as "the Switzerland of Morocco," and then to Merzouga via Azrou and the Ziz Valley. During this estimated 6 hour journey, you’ll experience glimpses of the Middle Atlas and Higher Atlas mountains.

Stop at Azrou, a Berber village in the middle of a famous cedar forest—the largest in Morocco—where you may spot Barbary apes (macaques). You’ll notice how the scenery changes to reveal hints of the desert as you approach the city of Errachidia. Continue on to Merzouga via the Tizi Ntalghamt Pass and along the luxurious Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views along the way.

On arrival in Merzouga sometime in the late afternoon, you'll be welcomed at your riad with a glass of mint tea.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Riad Nezha or similar
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Day 6: sahara dessert & camel trekking
Watch for snake charmers in the square
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Gnaoua people, originally slaves brought over from Sudan, to experience their music and lifestyle. Nearby is Merzouga Lake, home to many species of birds. You may also visit the nomad wire house, where many Berber handicrafts are sold at a much better bargain than in the big cities.

In the afternoon, mount your camels to explore the sand seas of Merzouga. You'll be guided by an experienced camel man. Enjoy a wonderful sunset over the golden dunes, then overnight in comfortable Berber tents with a private bathroom, a shower, and running water.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Bouchedor Luxury Camp (or similar)
Show on a map
Day 7: todra gorge & dades valley
Take a desert camel ride at dusk
If you like, early this morning, your guide will wake you to watch what may well be the best sunrise of your life. Afterwards, you’ll peacefully camel-trek back to the village of Merzouga. Enroute, take some time to appreciate the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes that change with the light as the day progresses.

After breakfast in the riad, you’ll leave for Rissani, Tinghir, and Todra Gorges—the highest, narrowest gorges in Morocco (4 hr drive). After lunch in the heart of the gorge, the drive continues on through the Dades Valley, where you’ll see the majestic sand castles and the amazing rock formations known as "monkey toes." Overnight accommodation will be in a lovely hotel overlooking the Dades valley.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Xalucadades (or similar)
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Day 8: ait ben haddou kasbah to marrakech
Visit ancient kasbahs (Ait Ben Haddou)
Today's drive takes you through the Dades Valley towards Kalaa M'gouna and Marrakech (5.5 hr drive). The route through Dades Valley is the way of "the thousand kasbahs" – providing numerous opportunities to take some of your best photos of the trip.

Stop at Kalaa Mgouna, "the rose city," to purchase freshly made rosewater if you like, then on to the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the largest kasbah in Morocco. The kasbah was built by Et Hami El Glaoui, one of the last Berber chieftains during the 18th century. It now houses many Glaoui people. Continuing on, you'll journey through the majestic Tizi n'tichka Pass (2260m) over the High Atlas Mountains, before arriving at your riad in Marrakech for your overnight.

Your riad, a 19th century mansion that once belonged to a sultan, is fully restored with modern amenities. It is located in the heart of the Old City, the Medina. If you like, spend some time this evening exploring the medina.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Riad Ksar Anika (or similar)
Show on a map
Day 9: marrakech city tour
Immerse yourself in atmospheric, mysterious Marrakech
After breakfast in the riad, it's time to start exploring Marrakech, "the red city of Morocco.” Your guide will ensure that you see the most important places of historical and cultural significance, including:
- The 16th century Saadien tombs, where about 60 members of the Saadi Dynasty, including Ahmad al-Mansur and his family are entombed
- The 19th century El Bahia Palace, built in Andalusian, Islamic, and Moroccan style with materials used from throughout Morocco
- The ruins of El Badi Palace, built in the 16th century by the Saadian Dynasty, constructed using some of the most expensive materials of its time including gold, onyx, and marble
- The Ben Youssef Coranique School, the largest Madrasa in Morocco and once the largest theological college in North Africa, housing as many as 900 students at one time
After lunch at a local restaurant near the square, visit the Majorelle Gardens, a 12 acre botanical and artist landscape garden that is home to more than 15 endemic bird species. The garden houses the Islamic Art Museum and includes collections of ceramics, jewelry, and paintings by Majorelle as well as North African textiles from St. Laurent's personal collection. Other highlights include the Menara Gardens, which contain orchards and olive groves surrounding a pavilion built during the 16th century, and the 250-foot high Koutoubia Tower, designed in Almohad style and built of sandstone, that can be seen from as far away as 18 miles.

This evening, you will have the opportunity to walk around the "Jemaa El Fna Square" full of magicians, story tellers, snake charmers and food sellers.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Riad Ksar Anika (or similar)
Show on a map
Day 10: depart morocco
Good-bye Morocco!
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Marrakech or Casablanca (2.5 hrs) for your flight home. Not ready to leave? Consider lengthening your trip with more time to explore more of Marrakech or relax in the beautiful coastal town of Essaouira.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
None
Show on a map

Price and Date Details

Land Cost:

$2,800

Single Supplement:

$900

The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.

Dates:

Custom & private on your dates

2019 Dates:

Sep 11-20, 2019

Need to Know

Notes:

Though we do our best to ensure your accommodations at the hotels given are the places you will stay, last minute changes are possible and sometimes unavoidable.
For the camel trekking, we recommend consulting with your physician about riding if you are over 70, pregnant, or if you have had a recent surgery, or serious sickness. Those with hip, back, or knee problems should first consult with their physician.
Some areas such as Chefchaouen and the desert are "dry" and may not have wine or other alcoholic beverages available. If you wish to purchase alcohol, ask your guide to help you make a purchase in one of the larger cities before heading out to the dry areas.
Rugs and carpets are beautifuly handcrafted in Morocco and your local guide in Fes and Marrakech may encourage you to purchase a rug. You are under no obligation to do so and it is best to speak up. If you do decide to purchase a rug, keep in mind that they are all painstakingly hand-made, but you should still plan on bargaining. Low-quality and cheaper rugs can also be purchased in the markets.

Duration:

10 days

The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.

Comfort Level:

●●●○○

(see full descriptions)

Comfortable & charming riads (traditional Moroccan house or palace)

Activity Level:

●●○○○

(see full descriptions)

Travel over rough roads

Group Size:

2-10

The stated range indicates minimum required for guaranteed departure and maximum accepted on the scheduled dates. Exceptions can often be made for private departures.

Terms & Conditions:

Standard

Below is a summary of our complete Trip Terms & Conditions, which explains each of the items below in more detail.

Expenses covered

Normally, our stated land costs include the cost of all guides, leaders, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, food and entry fees as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the planned itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but, rarely, factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.

Expenses not covered

Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in itineraries; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.

Pricing and Payment

For most group departures, the booking deposit is $500 per person per trip, though for some trips it may be more, as noted in the trip description. The minimum booking deposit requirement for custom trips is $800 per person, and this deposit is non-refundable. A trip-planning fee of $250 per itinerary is also charged to cover costs of preparing itinerary proposals for custom trips. This fee is credited to the cost of the trip, but is nonrefundable if you do not take the trip. Custom travel during holiday seasons may require a deposit prior to trip confirmation.

For both group departures and custom trips, a second deposit of $1,000 per person is due 120 days prior to departure or at the time of booking for reservations made fewer than 120 days before departure. The balance as shown on your invoice is due 60 days prior to departure regardless of whether extensions or other arrangements are pending. Late payments may jeopardize confirmation of your itinerary and in some cases may result in additional fees. If we have not received final payment 30 days prior to departure your reservation may be canceled and subject to our Cancellation & Refund Policy stated in the complete Terms & Conditions.

We accept payments by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check drawn on a U.S. bank account. Payment for airfare is required at the time of ticketing. Discounts that may be available for some trips are not available toward bookings made through travel agencies.

Airfare

We can help you secure air travel arrangements to correspond with land travel booked through Journeys International. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we can help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times.

Insurance

When you make your application, we strongly recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance in case of emergency situations. Please contact us for a recommended policy.

Itinerary Change Fee

There will be a $40 fee for changes once an itinerary has been confirmed and approved. Additional cancellation penalties or change fees may apply as per our terms and conditions. The passenger is responsible for such fees.

Trip Extensions

There are currently no suggested extensions for this itinerary. Please ask the Destination Specialist if you'd like to customize one.

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From the Bird's Word Blog

May 16, 2017What is the Best Time to Go to Morocco?

What is the best time to go to Morocco? It depends on what you want to do. Morocco is a land of contrasts, resulting in dramatically different climates in different parts of the …

Trip Extensions

Trip Categories

Day 1: arrive casablanca & transfer to rabat

Day 2: rabat to chefchaouen

Day 3: chefchaouen / volubilis / meknes / fes

Day 4: fes

Day 5: atlas mountains to the sahara desert

Day 6: sahara dessert & camel trekking

Day 7: todra gorge & dades valley

Day 8: ait ben haddou kasbah to marrakech

Day 9: marrakech city tour

Day 10: depart morocco

Price and Date Details

Need to Know

Standard

Expenses covered

Expenses not covered

Pricing and Payment

Airfare

Insurance

Itinerary Change Fee

From the Bird's Word Blog

Morocco Desert and Mountains

Best Time To Visit

overview

itinerary

overview

itinerary

Price and Date Details

Need to Know

Standard

Expenses covered

Expenses not covered

Pricing and Payment

Airfare

Insurance

Itinerary Change Fee

Trip Extensions

Download Trip Itinerary