Surprising Morocco
Duration
9 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Starting city
Marrakesh
Available
April 2024 / March 2025
Cities to visit: Marrakesh; Ait Benhaddou; Ouarzazate; Boumalne Dades; ; Erfoud; Fez; Volubilis; Moulay Idriss; Meknes; Rabat; Casablanca
Video Gallery
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
This tour is part of our flexible coach touring range, guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people. Once the tour is booked, it is guaranteed so it will definitely go ahead, and will never cancel.
This tour is guided in English only. Please note if English speaking attendance numbers are low, the tour can become bilingual either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader providing explanations in both languages.
The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. By clicking 'Quote or Book,' you will have the choice to select your desired start and end dates and destinations within the tour's defined parameters. Given this flexibility, it's important to note that the same people, tour guides or drivers may not be on your entire journey.
Day
Welcome to Morocco!
Marrakech - Transfer to the hotel. Free time.
07:30 p.m. In the evening, we will take a Caleche ride to visit the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, which will be bustling with life at this hour. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.
IMPORTANT:
Hotel check-in time is usually at 02:00 p.m. If you need your room earlier, consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.
If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready when you arrive at the hotel. However, your trip guide won’t contact you until the start of the included activities. At the reception, you will find an information board with the telephone number and assistance hours of our staff. The hotel staff can provide any information you may need. Until you meet our guide, you will have free time at your leisure.
Note: The schedules that you will find in this itinerary are approximate. The guide may adjust the schedules depending on the circumstances and for you to have the best experience possible.
Marrakech - Transfer to the hotel. Free time.
07:30 p.m. In the evening, we will take a Caleche ride to visit the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, which will be bustling with life at this hour. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.
IMPORTANT:
Hotel check-in time is usually at 02:00 p.m. If you need your room earlier, consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.
If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready when you arrive at the hotel. However, your trip guide won’t contact you until the start of the included activities. At the reception, you will find an information board with the telephone number and assistance hours of our staff. The hotel staff can provide any information you may need. Until you meet our guide, you will have free time at your leisure.
Note: The schedules that you will find in this itinerary are approximate. The guide may adjust the schedules depending on the circumstances and for you to have the best experience possible.
08:15 a.m. - We´ll begin our city tour. Nestled among hundreds of palm trees and surrounded by ochre walls, this exotic city is full of activity and life. We´ll explore its impressive strong walls, the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the colorful Medina, and the Koutoubia Mosque. We´ll also visit the Bahia Palace (tickets included). Lunch will be at the hotel, followed by free time in the afternoon.
In the evening, we recommend the Fantasy dinner show, where you can experience the rich and varied Moroccan folklore.
In the evening, we recommend the Fantasy dinner show, where you can experience the rich and varied Moroccan folklore.
Total distance covered: 300 km.
Landscapes: Incredibly beautiful views, crossing the Atlas Mountains and passing by picturesque villages perched on the mountainside.
Note: Don´t forget to bring your camera. We also recommend warm clothing for the mountain.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Marrakech. We´ll embark on a journey through the towering Atlas Mountains, a natural barrier separating Marrakech from the Sahara Desert. Along the way, we´ll make a stop in a picturesque mountain village.
01:30 p.m. – Ait Benhaddou, a fortified adobe village declared a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning scenery showcased in numerous films. We’ll have some time for lunch and a leisurely stroll among its mud-brick houses.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Ait Benhaddou.
03:30 p.m. – Ouarzazate. Arrival in this desert city known for its ancient quarter, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its impressive fortress.
04:30 p.m. – Departure from Ouarzazate. We’ll continue through desert plains and the oasis valley.
06:00 p.m. - Boumalne Dades. Enjoy the facilities of our hotel. Dinner and accommodation.
Note: In extremely rare circumstances, the road through the Atlas Mountains may be closed due to weather conditions (snow or flash floods). In such a case, Europamundo will organize the following alternative route: FRIDAY: Marrakech - Essaouira / SATURDAY: Essaouira – Safi - El Jadida - Meknes / SUNDAY: Meknes - Fez.
Landscapes: Incredibly beautiful views, crossing the Atlas Mountains and passing by picturesque villages perched on the mountainside.
Note: Don´t forget to bring your camera. We also recommend warm clothing for the mountain.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Marrakech. We´ll embark on a journey through the towering Atlas Mountains, a natural barrier separating Marrakech from the Sahara Desert. Along the way, we´ll make a stop in a picturesque mountain village.
01:30 p.m. – Ait Benhaddou, a fortified adobe village declared a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning scenery showcased in numerous films. We’ll have some time for lunch and a leisurely stroll among its mud-brick houses.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Ait Benhaddou.
03:30 p.m. – Ouarzazate. Arrival in this desert city known for its ancient quarter, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its impressive fortress.
04:30 p.m. – Departure from Ouarzazate. We’ll continue through desert plains and the oasis valley.
06:00 p.m. - Boumalne Dades. Enjoy the facilities of our hotel. Dinner and accommodation.
Note: In extremely rare circumstances, the road through the Atlas Mountains may be closed due to weather conditions (snow or flash floods). In such a case, Europamundo will organize the following alternative route: FRIDAY: Marrakech - Essaouira / SATURDAY: Essaouira – Safi - El Jadida - Meknes / SUNDAY: Meknes - Fez.
Total distance covered: 280 km.
Scenery: Exceptionally beautiful landscapes through the Valley of the Kasbahs and areas reminiscent of biblical times.
Tip: Wear comfortable footwear. Have you finished reading a book? Consider donating it to the library we´re establishing in Tinejdad!
07:15 a.m. - Departure from Boumalne Dades. We´ll journey through the Valley of the Kasbahs, nestled between the High Atlas and the Saharan Atlas, renowned for its abundance of Kasbahs—adobe fortresses that historically safeguarded crops and villages from nomadic tribes. Along the way, we´ll explore stunning oases, palm groves, and picturesque adobe villages.
09:00 a.m. - Todgha Gorge. You’ll get the chance to explore this deep canyon amidst the Atlas Mountains, one of Morocco´s most stunning landscapes. Enjoy free time here (accessibility may vary due to occasional river flooding after heavy rains).
09:45 a.m. - Departure from Todgha Gorge. As we progress, the desert landscape will become increasingly prominent.
10:45 a.m. - Ksar el Khorbat. Weather permitting, we´ll stop at this adobe oasis town supported by the Europamundo Foundation. You’ll learn about the desert community´s life in these impressive fortified villages.
11:45 a.m. - Departure from Ksar el Khorbat.
02:00 p.m. - Arrival in Erfoud. Enjoy lunch at the hotel and relax in its gardens and pool amidst the desert. Optionally, our guide can arrange an off-road excursion across the Merzouga sand dunes, where you’ll get to see the beautiful sunset and dinner will be included in this unforgettable desert setting.
Scenery: Exceptionally beautiful landscapes through the Valley of the Kasbahs and areas reminiscent of biblical times.
Tip: Wear comfortable footwear. Have you finished reading a book? Consider donating it to the library we´re establishing in Tinejdad!
07:15 a.m. - Departure from Boumalne Dades. We´ll journey through the Valley of the Kasbahs, nestled between the High Atlas and the Saharan Atlas, renowned for its abundance of Kasbahs—adobe fortresses that historically safeguarded crops and villages from nomadic tribes. Along the way, we´ll explore stunning oases, palm groves, and picturesque adobe villages.
09:00 a.m. - Todgha Gorge. You’ll get the chance to explore this deep canyon amidst the Atlas Mountains, one of Morocco´s most stunning landscapes. Enjoy free time here (accessibility may vary due to occasional river flooding after heavy rains).
09:45 a.m. - Departure from Todgha Gorge. As we progress, the desert landscape will become increasingly prominent.
10:45 a.m. - Ksar el Khorbat. Weather permitting, we´ll stop at this adobe oasis town supported by the Europamundo Foundation. You’ll learn about the desert community´s life in these impressive fortified villages.
11:45 a.m. - Departure from Ksar el Khorbat.
02:00 p.m. - Arrival in Erfoud. Enjoy lunch at the hotel and relax in its gardens and pool amidst the desert. Optionally, our guide can arrange an off-road excursion across the Merzouga sand dunes, where you’ll get to see the beautiful sunset and dinner will be included in this unforgettable desert setting.
Total distance covered: 430 km.
Scenery: Beautiful views of the Atlas Mountains, transitioning into lush, forested areas.
Note: We’ll ascend to high altitudes in the Atlas, where it can be cold. Please bring warm clothing.
08:00 a.m. – We’ll leave Erfoud early, crossing the Atlas Mountains through powerful gorges and stunning landscapes. Then we’ll traverse a high, cold plateau inhabited by nomadic shepherds.
11:30 a.m. - Stop in Midelt, a central town in this region, supported mainly by agriculture, especially apples, and by stone, fossil, and mineral crafts. Time for a walk and lunch.
01:00 p.m. – Departure from Midelt. We continue our route to the Middle Atlas, observing the dramatic changes in the landscape. We are now in a region with abundant forests, where it snows frequently in winter.
02:45 p.m. - Azrou. We’ll stop in this National Park to visit "The House of Cedars", a small museum that will teach us more about the region. We´ll enjoy watching the colonies of monkeys that inhabit this area.
03:30 p.m. – Departure from Azrou.
04:45 p.m. - Bhalil. Arrival in a small, quiet town home to Berbers of the Middle Atlas, featuring a very picturesque historic center with colorful streets. Traditionally, the population lived in caves, which are now part of the houses.
05:45 p.m. – Departure from Bhalil.
06:15 p.m. - Fez. Arrival in the spiritual heart of Morocco, a maze of alleys, souks, doors, and scents. Before going to the hotel, we’ll admire the view of the city from the Marinid Tombs. Dinner is included.
Scenery: Beautiful views of the Atlas Mountains, transitioning into lush, forested areas.
Note: We’ll ascend to high altitudes in the Atlas, where it can be cold. Please bring warm clothing.
08:00 a.m. – We’ll leave Erfoud early, crossing the Atlas Mountains through powerful gorges and stunning landscapes. Then we’ll traverse a high, cold plateau inhabited by nomadic shepherds.
11:30 a.m. - Stop in Midelt, a central town in this region, supported mainly by agriculture, especially apples, and by stone, fossil, and mineral crafts. Time for a walk and lunch.
01:00 p.m. – Departure from Midelt. We continue our route to the Middle Atlas, observing the dramatic changes in the landscape. We are now in a region with abundant forests, where it snows frequently in winter.
02:45 p.m. - Azrou. We’ll stop in this National Park to visit "The House of Cedars", a small museum that will teach us more about the region. We´ll enjoy watching the colonies of monkeys that inhabit this area.
03:30 p.m. – Departure from Azrou.
04:45 p.m. - Bhalil. Arrival in a small, quiet town home to Berbers of the Middle Atlas, featuring a very picturesque historic center with colorful streets. Traditionally, the population lived in caves, which are now part of the houses.
05:45 p.m. – Departure from Bhalil.
06:15 p.m. - Fez. Arrival in the spiritual heart of Morocco, a maze of alleys, souks, doors, and scents. Before going to the hotel, we’ll admire the view of the city from the Marinid Tombs. Dinner is included.
Total distance covered: 120 km.
Scenery: Beautiful farmland landscapes.
Note: Fez is a very traditional city, and Moulay Idriss is a holy city. We kindly request that you wear appropriate clothing and respect the local population. Comfortable shoes are recommended for visiting the archaeological site.
In the morning, we’ll visit Fez. We will enter through the Bronze Gates of the Royal Palace, exploring the Jewish quarter, its bustling souks, and the tannery district. Known as the cultural capital of the country and home to the oldest university in the world, Fez is renowned for its impressive Medina, which preserves the traditional Arab atmosphere like no other. We will end the visit with lunch at an ancient palace in the Medina (included).
03:00 p.m. - Departure from Fez.
04:30 p.m. – Archaeological Site of Volubilis. Founded in the third century BC, Volubilis was the capital of Mauretania Tingitana and served as an important military outpost of the Roman Empire, where numerous beautiful monuments were built. Admission is included.
05:30 p.m. - Departure from Volubilis. We’ll continue our journey through olive fields.
05:45 p.m. – Moulay Idriss. Located on top of a hill, we’ll arrive at the holy city and pilgrimage site for Muslims in Morocco, as it is the burial place of the great-grandson of Muhammad and founder of the first royal dynasty of Morocco. The city was closed to non-Muslims until 1912, and until 2005, non-Muslims could not stay overnight there. There will be time for you to explore.
06:45 p.m. - Departure from Moulay Idriss.
07:30 p.m. - Meknes. Time to settle into your accommodation. Dinner will be included.
Scenery: Beautiful farmland landscapes.
Note: Fez is a very traditional city, and Moulay Idriss is a holy city. We kindly request that you wear appropriate clothing and respect the local population. Comfortable shoes are recommended for visiting the archaeological site.
In the morning, we’ll visit Fez. We will enter through the Bronze Gates of the Royal Palace, exploring the Jewish quarter, its bustling souks, and the tannery district. Known as the cultural capital of the country and home to the oldest university in the world, Fez is renowned for its impressive Medina, which preserves the traditional Arab atmosphere like no other. We will end the visit with lunch at an ancient palace in the Medina (included).
03:00 p.m. - Departure from Fez.
04:30 p.m. – Archaeological Site of Volubilis. Founded in the third century BC, Volubilis was the capital of Mauretania Tingitana and served as an important military outpost of the Roman Empire, where numerous beautiful monuments were built. Admission is included.
05:30 p.m. - Departure from Volubilis. We’ll continue our journey through olive fields.
05:45 p.m. – Moulay Idriss. Located on top of a hill, we’ll arrive at the holy city and pilgrimage site for Muslims in Morocco, as it is the burial place of the great-grandson of Muhammad and founder of the first royal dynasty of Morocco. The city was closed to non-Muslims until 1912, and until 2005, non-Muslims could not stay overnight there. There will be time for you to explore.
06:45 p.m. - Departure from Moulay Idriss.
07:30 p.m. - Meknes. Time to settle into your accommodation. Dinner will be included.
Total distance covered: 240 km.
08:30 a.m. - After breakfast, we’ll visit Meknes, a fascinating city and World Heritage Site. Founded for military purposes in the eleventh century by the Almoravids, it became the capital of the Kingdom during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail (1672-1727), founder of the Alaouite dynasty. This sovereign built an impressive city in a Spanish-Moorish style, surrounded by high walls and marked by monumental gates. Prepare to be amazed by the immense Bab Mansur gate and the bustling activity in El Hedim Square, reminiscent of Jemaa el-Fna in Marrakech. Admission to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is included. After the visit, you’ll have free time before we continue our journey by bus.
12:30 p.m. - Departure from Meknes. We’ll continue along the highway, with time for lunch at a service area.
03:30 p.m. - Rabat. Panoramic tour of the capital of the Kingdom. We’ll visit the powerful Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower where the Mausoleum of Mohammed V is located, the Andalusian walls, the outer enclosure of the Royal Palace, and the modern embassy quarters. After our tour, free time.
06:30 p.m. - Departure from Rabat. We’ll follow the shores of the Atlantic.
08:00 p.m. – Casablanca. Arrival at the end of the day. Dinner will be included.
08:30 a.m. - After breakfast, we’ll visit Meknes, a fascinating city and World Heritage Site. Founded for military purposes in the eleventh century by the Almoravids, it became the capital of the Kingdom during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail (1672-1727), founder of the Alaouite dynasty. This sovereign built an impressive city in a Spanish-Moorish style, surrounded by high walls and marked by monumental gates. Prepare to be amazed by the immense Bab Mansur gate and the bustling activity in El Hedim Square, reminiscent of Jemaa el-Fna in Marrakech. Admission to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is included. After the visit, you’ll have free time before we continue our journey by bus.
12:30 p.m. - Departure from Meknes. We’ll continue along the highway, with time for lunch at a service area.
03:30 p.m. - Rabat. Panoramic tour of the capital of the Kingdom. We’ll visit the powerful Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower where the Mausoleum of Mohammed V is located, the Andalusian walls, the outer enclosure of the Royal Palace, and the modern embassy quarters. After our tour, free time.
06:30 p.m. - Departure from Rabat. We’ll follow the shores of the Atlantic.
08:00 p.m. – Casablanca. Arrival at the end of the day. Dinner will be included.
Total distance covered: 245 km.
Scenery: From Atlantic plains of cultivated land to more arid landscapes as we approach Safi.
This morning, we’ll start with an included guided tour of Morocco’s largest city and economic center. We’ll stroll along the grand avenues, visit the beautiful Mohamed V Square with its fountain, Moorish buildings, and palm trees, and walk through the Arab League Park. We’ll also explore the little Medina. Our tour includes admission to the impressive Hassan II Mosque (the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims), located by the sea and featuring a 210-meter-high minaret with laser lights pointing to Mecca. After the tour, you’ll have free time for lunch in the pleasant maritime area of La Corniche.
03:30 p.m. – Departure from Casablanca. We’ll head towards Marrakech.
06:45 p.m. - Marrakech. Dinner will be included at the hotel.
Scenery: From Atlantic plains of cultivated land to more arid landscapes as we approach Safi.
This morning, we’ll start with an included guided tour of Morocco’s largest city and economic center. We’ll stroll along the grand avenues, visit the beautiful Mohamed V Square with its fountain, Moorish buildings, and palm trees, and walk through the Arab League Park. We’ll also explore the little Medina. Our tour includes admission to the impressive Hassan II Mosque (the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims), located by the sea and featuring a 210-meter-high minaret with laser lights pointing to Mecca. After the tour, you’ll have free time for lunch in the pleasant maritime area of La Corniche.
03:30 p.m. – Departure from Casablanca. We’ll head towards Marrakech.
06:45 p.m. - Marrakech. Dinner will be included at the hotel.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
From
AUD 1,745