Morocco In Depth Upgraded Adventure

From medinas and mosques to souks and sand dunes, Morocco’s mix of tradition and culture offers the perfect balance between exotic and comfortingly familiar. On this 15-day adventure immerse yourself in cities pulsing with energy as you wander through kasbahs, spice markets, and ancient adobe villages. Take in the bustling atmosphere of Marrakech’s Djemaa el Fna square with its burning incense, crafty magicians, and snake charmers, experience the wildness of the Sahara on a 4x4 excursion to a desert camp, visit filming locations for a few Hollywood productions, indulge in a home-cooked meal with an Amazigh family in a small oasis village, and uncover the rich legacy of this North African melting pot.

Day 1 Casablanca
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Day 2 Casablanca to Fez
Tour two UNESCO World Heritage sites today; Meknès and Volubilis. The medieval remains of Meknès were once Morocco’s imperial capital city in the 17th century and Volubilis features impressive, well-preserved Roman ruins to wander through. Afterwards, travel to Fez and eat lunch at a G Adventures–supported women’s cooperative. The proceeds help support vocational training for rural women.

Day 3 Fez
Take a walking tour of the medina of Fez, which is another World Heritage site dating back to the 9th century. Pass by colourful mounds of spices, pay a visit to the Madrasa al-Attarine, and travel by the longest continually operating university in the world. In the afternoon, feast your eyes on an Arabic writing demonstration from a local calligraphy expert.

Day 4 Fez to Marrakech
In the morning travel to Marrakech; a melting pot of different cultures. Become captivated by the lively atmosphere of Djemaa el-Fna, the city’s main square. Sample mouthwatering street food for dinner and maybe try tangia, a slow-cooked meat stew.

Day 5 Marrakech
Discover Marrakech on a day of exploration; wander the tiny alleyways in search of the Koutoubia Minaret, then discover Moroccan spices at the market before visiting a converted riad for a hands-on cooking class. You’ll learn how to make some traditional dishes and get to enjoy your final products for lunch. Afterwards, go on a guided walk visiting sites like Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and a 16th-century mausoleum.

Day 6 Marrakech/Aït Ben Haddou
Visit the ancient mudbrick settlement of Aït Ben Haddou in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Check out the views from this city and see if you can identify which movies and famous television series were filmed here.

Day 7 Aït Ben Haddou/Erg Chigaga
Today, drive through the Draa Valley as the group journeys towards the Sahara. Traverse the desert on 4x4s and view the great dunes of Erg Chigaga. Embark on a camel ride before climbing the dunes to watch a beautiful sunset over the Sahara. Once settled into our desert camp eat a traditional dinner together before sitting around a fire to enjoy an evening of stories and music under the stars.

Day 8 Erg Chigaga/Zagora
Visit the small town of Tamegroute and see a library of ancient Islamic texts as the group leaves the desert. Travel on to the oasis town of Zagora and listen to a talk about the history of the Draa region before relaxing at our beautiful riad.

Day 9 Zagora/Taroudant
Pass through Morocco’s landscapes and travel off the beaten path towards the Lesser Atlas mountains. We’ll stop at the town of Taliouine along the way which is known for harvesting saffron. End the day in Taroudant where you can unwind in our riad.

Day 10 Taroudant
Explore the market town of Taroudant framed by snow-dusted peaks today. Often referred to as, “Little Marrakech” you’ll have time to walk around the old town at your own pace and browse lively shops. Take time to relax in the afternoon by reading by the pool of the riad or strolling its paths lined with flowers.

Day 11 Taroudant/Tafraout
Go deeper into the Anti-Atlas region and visit Aït Mansour Gorge. Walk through the valley shaded by palm groves and have lunch in the home of a local family. Afterwards, hike to Le Châpeau de Napoléon rock formation and continue on to Tafraout for the night.

Day 12 Tafraout/Essaouira
Next up is the port town of Essaouira on the Atlantic coast. Take some time to walk the windy beaches, hang out in the medina, or watch the fishermen coming and going at the port. While here you can opt to treat yourself to a Moroccan hammam or check out the live music scene.

Day 13 Essaouira
Did you know that Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens, and Frank Zappa all famously travelled to Essaouira for inspiration? Well, either way today is yours to explore all that you can; look out over the Atlantic from 18th-century ramparts, buy some fresh fish at the market and take it to a local restaurant where they’ll cook it for your lunch, or opt to try windsurfing.

Day 14 Essaouira/Marrakech
Head back to Marrakech and tour the beautiful 12th-century Menara Gardens and Majorelle Gardens. Choose to check out the collection of Amazigh artifacts at the Berber Museum or visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner with the group.

Day 15 Marrakech
Depart at any time.