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Essentials of Morocco Tour

journey from Casablanca to Essaouira

MOROCCO DISCOVERY TOUR

Take the opportunity to experience Morocco's wonderful landscape, and meet the people and to learn about their culture and way of  life

Morocco Discovery Tour

Known as the 'Gateway to Africa', Morocco is a dazzling yet dizzying destination. A diverse country with something for all kinds of intrepid travelers, there is no bad time to visit Morocco. The Kingdom of Morocco is rich in history and culture, offering travelers intriguing historic sights and authentic cuisine..

Our Morocco Discovery Tour takes includes beautiful places of Morocco including the stunning Blue City of Chefchaouen. 

Starting in Casablanca we  drive through the country heading north, seeing an ancient roman ruin, heading to Rabat, through Meknes and up to Chefchaouen - a photographers paradise with narrow winding streets in vibrant blues. From there it is off to Fès with its medina maze, leather stores and weaving shops before heading to Merzouga; the Sahara. Sleep in a Sahara Bedouin Camp then visit the setting from Game of Thrones at Aït Ben Haddou, a place were all intrepid travelers should go.   Then it is off to the Atlas mountains to Imlil to trek to Tamatert village for an overnight to enjoy the tranquility, fantastic views, and clean mountain air. Then back and off to Essaouira. This tour then heads back to Marakesh.

everest base camp cho la trek profile
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OTHER MOROCCO TOURS

Essential Morocco
Morocco Discovery
Toubkhal to Southern Morocco
Jbel Toubkhal Climb

We can easily tailor a tour to meet your specific travel needs

Morocco Discovery Tour Overview

Day 1: Casablanca 
Day 2: Casablanca/Chefchaouen 
Day 3: Chefchaouen
Day 4: Chefchaouen/Fès 
Day 5: Fès Day 6: Fès/Merzouga 
Day 7: Merzouga/Sahara Bedouin Camp 
Day 8: Sahara Bedouin Camp/Todra Gorge 
Day 9: Todra Gorge/Aït Benhaddou
Day 10: Aït Benhaddou/Imlil 
Day 11: Imlil/Essaouira 
Day 12: Essaouira 
Day 13: Essaouira/Marrakech 
Day 14: Marrakech 
Day 15: Marrakech 
               
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MOROCCO DISCOVERY ITINERARY

Day 1: Casablanca

Arrival at Casablanca Airport and transfer to your hotel. It's a Moroccan style New York and the country's business capital, with all the hustle and bustle that entails. Casablanca is more Europeanized than other parts of the country.

Day 2: Casablanca/Chefchaouen

After breakfast we leave Casablanca and drive further to Rabat to explore the Oudaya Kasbah and Chellah Necropolis where you see the roman-era city alongside the more recent ruins of the Almohad and Merenid dynasties of the 12th and 14th centuries. You have a chance to walk around it. We drive further to Meknes and after a few hours driving we arrive at Chefchaouen to spend the night. B

Day 3: Chefchaouen

Enjoy free time in Chefchaouen to explore. Chefchaouen is whitewashed in different shades of blue, is spectacular on its own but with the surrounding mountains, it's a sight to behold. At sunset, opt to visit the Spanish Mosque for a stunning panoramic view of Chefchaouen. B

Day 4: Chefchaouen/Fès

Drive to Meknes for a guided walk. Visit monuments, ornamental gates, and winding souks. Later, continue through the rolling hills to see Vollubilis, ancient Roman ruins. You can either walk the ruins alone or do an optional guided tour of the best-preserved Roman ruins in this part of Northern Africa, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After, continue to imperial Fès, one of Morocco's most interesting cities. B

Day 5: Fès

Enjoy a morning medina walking tour, with free time later to explore more of Fès. The Fès medina is the world's largest living medieval medina and a UNESCO site. Explore the artisan quarters, sample treats from the carts, and view Fès' famous leather tannery from above. In the evening, opt for dinner in a converted riad complete with local specialties, music, and belly dancing or visit a local hammam to chat with the locals. Additional Notes: Only certified local guides are allowed to act as guides in the medina, so your tour guide cannot enter the medina during free time. B

Day 6: Fès/Merzouga

Travel through the diverse landscapes that make Morocco so unique. Pass through cedar and pine forests, keeping an eye out for Barbary apes. Pass over the Middle Atlas Mountains through the pre-desert countryside with its deep gorges filled with a splendid oasis of green palm groves. Arrive at the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. Spend the night in a desert auberge (simple hotel), located right near the dunes. Have a local-style dinner and spend the night. B/D

Day 7: Merzouga/Sahara Bedouin Camp

Enjoy free time until heading out on a camel safari late afternoon. Spend the cool morning exploring the undulating golden sand of the dunes or simply relaxing by the pool. Opt to explore the surrounding communities on a 4x4 excursion. In the afternoon, take an overnight bag and set off on a 1-hr camel ride to a desert camp deep in the dunes. Local guides teach you how to mount and dismount and how to tie a turban to keep the desert sun off your face and add a little flare to your photos. Enjoy a warm welcome at the desert camp followed by a traditional dinner under the stars. There may be time to hear stories about life in this region and perhaps, if lucky, be treated to some traditional drum music. Additional Notes: Notes for the Sahara Desert tented camp stay: There is a chance to repack and take only overnight bags to the desert. The accommodations are basic, with four people per tent (though feel free to sleep out under the stars). Bathroom facilities are basic and shared. Mattresses with sheet and blanket are provided. For winter months (Nov- April), we recommend bringing a sleeping bag for additional warmth. There is be the chance to shower upon arrival in Merzouga the following morning. B/D

Day 8: Sahara Bedouin Camp/Todra Gorge

Rise early to get on our trusty camels. Watch the sunrise before returning to Merzouga. Continue through a stone desert to Todra Gorge. Wedged between massive cliff walls, the gorge is filled with a green oasis of palm trees. This serene spot is great for hiking and known for some excellent sheer wall climbs. B/D

Day 9: Todra Gorge/Aït Benhaddou

Travel along the 'Route of 1000 Kasbahs' to Ouarzazate, a thriving town for a lunch stop. This town is home to Atlas Film Studios, where many films have been shot over the years, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Continue to the fascinating and beautiful Aït Ben Haddou, a wonderful example of a kasbah. B/D

Day 10: Aït Benhaddou/Imlil

Leave the pre-desert country for the magnificent High Atlas Mountain landscape, crossing the Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2260m. Head into the splendid Toubkal National Park, passing through small villages on winding mountain roads, arriving at the village of Imlil. With our main luggage transported by mule, we walk from Imlil to Tamatert village, arriving at our guesthouse for the night. Enjoy a homemade dinner of local produce. Settle in and enjoy the tranquility, fantastic views, and clean mountain air of this magical region. While the walk to the gîte is uphill, it is achievable by anyone of average fitness. Take it at a slow pace. B/L/D

Day 11: Imlil/Essaouira

After breakfast, take a scenic hike back down the mountain to meet the van in Imlil and head to the coastal town of Essaouira, arriving mid-afternoon. The afternoon is free to explore as you wish. Browse the many shops for leather, jewellery, lamps or trinkets. Watch the brightly painted ships bring their catch into the busy harbour or take a stroll along the long, sandy beach. This is the perfect place to enjoy some local seafood and unwind. B

Day 12: Essaouira

Free at leisure exploring this coastal port town any way you like. B

Day 13: Essaouira/Marrakech

Journey to Marrakech. After arriving at the 'Red City,' join a city guide for a half day tour of the Marrakech medina. Visit the historical Koutoubia Minaret and gardens, Bahia Palace, the Mellah, and the Saadian Tombs. Later, opt to discover the secrets of this amazing, ancient place. Relax at one of the tea houses around the square, watching the hustle and bustle from a shady spot.. B

Day 14: Marrakech

A great place to start your adventure is Djemaa el Fna square, at the heart of the medina. The square changes its offerings throughout the day. B

Day 15: Marrakech

Depart at any time. 

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Morocco Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Morocco?

Morocco is a Northern African country, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and the annexed Western Sahara. It is one of only three nations (along with Spain and France) to have both Atlantic  and Mediterranean coastlines  

Is Morocco Safe to travel to?

Morocco is a safe place to visit but like most places have their share of scam artists and pickpockets. There are also a few unlicensed guides in major cities like Fez and Marrakesh so make sure their license is valid before    you employ them. And when it comes to any service, negotiate the price before you start out.

How should we dress in Morocco, especially women?

Morocco is primarily a Muslim country so the dress code is quite conservative, The locals do not walk around in short skirts or sleeveless tops, regardless of how hot it is. Most women wear burkas. As a tourist, women should  wear skirts and dresses below the knee, jeans or slacks, even leggings with a long shirts. Sandals are preferable. Yes there'll see tourists wearing skimpy attire but it calls for unwanted looks and is disrespectful to their culture.

What is a Moroccan Riad?

Riads or Ryads are eighteenth or nineteenth century family houses, usually found in the medinas of the major towns and cities in Morocco such as Marrakech, Essaouira and Fez.  Many have been converted into hotels and offer visitors to Morocco the chance to stay in authentic accommodation hidden away behind front doors. Riads are typically 4-10 bedrooms in size, and conform to a traditional Moroccan architectural style that sets most of the major rooms of the house around a courtyard  with no windows to the street side. The courtyards often contain a garden or small swimming or plunge pool, and gives guests a cool and private inner area within the property. Most also have rooftop terraces.  

What is the best month to travel to Morocco?

The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (mid-March to May) or fall (September to October). The weather is warm but pleasant, unlike the cold temperatures and snow of winter, or the scorching heat of summer. The desert  is just too hot during June to September. The coastal regions can be visited year-round. the best time to visit is during April and May or September to November, the country's shoulder seasons. During these months, the climate is neither too hot nor too cold, and there are fewer tourists to contend with than there would be during the peak summer or winter vacation periods. A dusting of snow is not unusual in northern Morocco and, of  course, the Atlas Mountains are prone to heavy snowfall in winter.

What currency is best to use in Morocco?

Although the Euro, US Dollar and, to a lesser extent, Sterling are accepted in certain tourist areas, the Moroccan currency (the Moroccan Dirham) is required for daily use. In the major centres like Fez and Marrakesh, Euro can be used instead of Dirham. However in the more remote area you need Dirham. Dirham can be easily purchased within Morocco from the bureau de change in airports, major banks or from cash machines. Using a debit card at an ATM is often the easiest and cheapest method. In the country side and smaller towns cash points are rare and cards are often not accepted.

Do we need travel insurance?

Yes you do. We do not recommend travelling without it and require it for our tours. Accidents, medical emergencies, travel delays or other problems can occur in any country and the resulting costs can be significant. Here is  a link if you do not already have your own preferred provider. 


Do I need to know French or Arabic to visit Morocco?

While having a knowledge of these two languages is great, but trying to learn Arabic before you arrive may provide difficult. Our recommendation would be to rather learn some basics in French. Many people do however speak English  and if they can't there is most often someone on hand to help translate.

What are the current entry requirements for Morocco given COVID

Passengers travelling to Morocco must present a vaccination pass and a negative PCR test result less than 48 hours old before boarding the plane.

It should be noted that all vaccine passes issued by other countries are accepted as long as they are valid in their country of emission.

 Before boarding, passengers must present a health form, duly completed including the passengers address and two telephone numbers to locate them during their stay.

Upon arrival at airports, they will be screened by rapid tests. Random PCR tests will also be conducted for several groups of travelers and results will be communicated at a later date.

Within 48 hours of entering the country, some travelers will be required to take an additional test at the hotel or residence center.

If the tests are positive, other preventive measures will be implemented.