Cultural Adventures
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From the Bird's Word Blog
What 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 …
itinerary
Anticipated itinerary; actual route may vary.
- Day 1: arrive casablanca & transfer to rabat
![Admire Rabat's architecture]()
Admire Rabat's architectureNo 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. 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.
- Lodging
- Kalaa Riad (or similar)
- Day 2: rabat / chefchaouen
![A Rabat street musician performs]()
A Rabat street musician performsAfter 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)
- Day 3: chefchaouen / volubilis / meknes / fez
![Explore Volubilis and its mosaics]()
Explore Volubilis and its mosaicsAfter 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 Fez (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 El Yacout (or similar)
- Day 4: fez
![Explore ancient Fez]()
Explore ancient FezToday will be devoted to Fez, 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 Fez include:
- 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
- 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 El Yacout (or similar)
- Day 5: atlas mountains to the sahara desert
![Head over the Atlas Mountains to visit small towns]()
Head over the Atlas Mountains to visit small townsAfter breakfast at the riad, you’ll leave Fez 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 afternoon, meet an experienced camel man, who will help you mount your camel and set out to explore the sand sea of Merzouga. Enjoy a wonderful sunset over the golden dunes, and overnight at a desert camp equipped with a few modern amenities such as flush toilets.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Lodging
- Desert Camp
- Day 6: todra gorge & dades valley
![Enjoy your peaceful camel ride]()
Enjoy your peaceful camel rideIf 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)
- Day 7: ait ben haddou kasbah to marrakech
![Explore atmospheric ancient kasbahs such as Ait Ben Haddou]()
Explore atmospheric ancient kasbahs such as Ait Ben HaddouToday'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 Caesar (or similar)
- Day 8: marrakech
![Immerse yourself in atmospheric, mysterious Marrakech]()
Immerse yourself in atmospheric, mysterious MarrakechAfter 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 Caesar (or similar)
- Day 9: marrakech or ourika valley excursion
![Watch for snake charmers in the square]()
Watch for snake charmers in the squareYou'll have more time today to explore Marrakech and the sites you weren't able to see yesterday. Or, head out on a day trip to the Ourika valley to experience the Berber culture.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Lodging
- Riad Caesar (or similar)
- Day 10: casablanca / onward
![If you love the quaint riads, extend your trip to explore more]()
If you love the quaint riads, extend your trip to explore moreAfter breakfast, transfer to the airport in 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 on one of Morocco's beautiful beaches.
- Meals
- Breakfast