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Experience the very best of what Morocco has to offer from its historic cities, vibrant and colourful culture, beautiful mountain and desert scenery and coastal charms. Start in the culturally rich city of Fes, followed by a unique personal tour of the Atlas Mountains and Sahara desert before spending a few nights in bustling Marrakech and then wind down in the charming coastal town of Essaouira.  We also offer a slightly different routing that combines Fez with the “Moroccan Circle” using the rail network and you should consider both options before confirming

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Fes

From the Fes aiport or train station it is only 10 -20 minute transfer and then a short walk through the Medina to your riad.  The are many to choose from and our favourite is Ryad Mabrouka for style and service

Fes

Days 2 & 3 - Explore the souks

As Morocco’s third largest city and with an established role as a leading cultural and intellectual centre, Fes boasts more sites and historical attractions than all the other cities of Morocco put together. You will therefore have plenty to keep you occupied in this intoxicating town which  is less affected by the tourist influence  than many other parts of Morocco, including Marrakech. A trip to the tanneries, a visit to the nearby thermal springs and the site of the largest Roman ruin in Morocco at Volubilis are all highly recommended.

Erg Chebbi

Day 4 - Heading to the desert

Your English-speaking driver will collect you from your riad to take you on your 4 day Atlas Mountain and Desert tour. You will leave Fes for the Middle Atlas mountains, passing through the cedar forests of the Barbary Apes before heading to the desert in Merzouga, home of 300m high sand dunes. You can choose to stay in a traditional local auberge or rest under the stars in a desert bivouac, approached by camel. We recommend one night in the auberge and one under canvas. Yasmina is a good option.

Morocco desert

Day 5 - A day in the dunes

As well as the obvious delights of the sand dunes, Yasmina is famous for it’s lake which appears after rainfall – picture this – the bleak hammada, blue lake water, pink flamingos and the red dunes – everyone suddenly becomes a professional photographer. Stay the night under canvas in a desert bivouac arriving at dusk and leaving again at dawn – the most beautiful times.

Ait Benhaddou

Day 6 - The Gorges & Ait Ben Haddou

After the night in the desert, return to the auberge to wash away some of the sand and have breakfast before heading towards the Atlas Mountains. A good lunch stop is the Todra Gorge with its switch-back roads and river chasms. You will then arrive in late afternoon at the Ait Ben Haddou rock village and fortress. This is Morocco’s most famous backdrop and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will stay a few minutes further on at Kasbah Ellouze.

Day 7 - The High Atlas

The journey on to Marrakech takes you through the Tiz n Tickha pass, leading to Telouet, the old Berber stronghold in the Atlas Mountains. After Telouet, the route climbs to over 6,000 feet, then winds down into Marrakech where you will check into your riad. We have loads of fantastic riads, a client favourite is Riad Les Trois Mages for its beautiful roof terrace

Days 8 & 9 - Exploring Marrakech

Spend the next 2-3 days enjoying everything Marrakech has to offer. Take an early morning visit to the Majorelle gardens before it gets too hot and all the bus loads of tourists arrive. Spend afternoons visiting the various mosques and historical sites, not forgetting to indulge yourself with a traditional Moroccan exfoliation and massage in a local hammam.

Lastly, and not to be missed is the main square at night where you can wander amongst the snake charmers, storytellers and henna tattooists before sitting atop a rooftop bar with a chilled glass of wine watching the action unfold beneath you.

Madada Mogador, Essaouira

Day 10 - Head for Essaouira

Day 10 Your driver will collect you from your riad and take you to Essaouira to arrive around lunchtime.

A firm favourite with our clients is the stylish Madada Mogador in the medina with fantastic ocean views.

Holiday activities on the beach in Essaouira

Days 11-14 - Relax

Use these days to relax, pottering around the souks, strolling along the seafront and eating great seafood in the port. Alternatively, Essaouira – although offering a quieter pace of life – is also perfect for those seeking more active thrills, being famed for its water sports and seafront attractions such as horse riding and quad-biking in the dunes.

Day 15 - Home

Depending on the time of your return flight, either stay your last night in Essaouira or return to Marrakech if you have an early morning flight.

Details -

Cost for the 14 nights is £1 600 per person B&B in mid season (excludes flights) based on 2 sharing a double room. Includes all transport and accommodation on B&B basis.

Note 1: This itinerary is best if you fly directly into Fes but there are not many flights and we can also arrange a rail or road transfer from Marrakech to start the trip which adds little to the cost.

Note 2: If you have a day or two more we recommend adding a day in the town of Taroudant rather than going to Marrakech on day 7 and instead leaving Marrakech to the end after Essaouira. You see more of the country and have the satisfaction of never travelling the same road twice! It adds around £150pp for 2 extra days.

You can get flights from as little as £100 per person return and do ask us for advice.  Alternatively we can book the flights for you but a booking fee may apply.

 

What's included?

INCLUDED:
  • Prices start from £1 600 per person
  • Accommodation on B&B basis
  • Private transfers (air-conditioned vehicle with an English speaking driver)
  • Local taxes
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
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Marrakech
The start and finish for most Morocco Holidays. Highlights are the souks in the old Medina, the main square in the evening, the Majorelle gardens and the historical sites. You should definitely stay in a Marrakech Riad for at least a few nights but also some beautiful villas and hotels on the edge of town in rural Marrakech. Click for suggested riads More
Essaouira
Essaouira is our favourite at all times of year. Probably the prettiest coastal town in Morocco and loads to see and do. Great camel trekking, horse-riding, surfing kite/windsurfing, cooking lessons, lovely medina (more relaxing shopping than Marrakech). Also great places to stay in town and in the village click below for suggestions More
High Atlas Mountains
Incredibly close to Marrakech but a world apart, the Atlas mountains are an essential visit. Go for a day trip (trekking or driving tour), or stay in one of the beautiful kasbahs perched on a hilltop to relax and soak up the views More
Sahara Desert
The massive dunes of the Sahara should be on anyone's "bucket list" and it is easy to do a trip into the desert from Marrakech, Fes or the coast with a bit of planning More
Ait Ben Haddou
One of the most famous sights in Morocco, Ait Ben Haddou is a rock fortress on the south side of the Atlas. Always a good stopping point on our desert tours and a must for the photo album More
The Gorges
The Todra and Dades Gorges maybe a little over-hyped but certainly worth a stop on the way to Mezourga - part of our Desert & Gorges Tour More
Taroudant
A pretty walled town within easy reach of Agadir (so a lot of day trippers from the package hotels) but also a great place for a night's stop between the desert and the coast More
Agadir
Having been re-built after and earthquake 50 years ago it doesn't have as much charm as other Moroccan cities but the beach and climate are lovely More
Oualidia Lagoon
A small seaside town built up around a pretty estuary and lagoon. Home to La Sultana, the best coastal hotel in Morocco and can easily be combined with a visit to Marrakech and Essaouira More
Rabat
Less well known as a tourist destination but with recently introduced direct flights from the UK it is an interesting city where you can see the modern Morocco alongside the rivermouth Kasbah and the medina More
Casablanca
The biggest city in Morocco and an industrial sprawl. We generally advise not stopping there and even if flying to Casablanca head North to Fes/Rabat or south to Marrakech/Essaouira. If you are passing through it is worth visiting the spectacular seafront mosque.
Chefchaouen
The town of Chefchaouen is beautifully situated on a mountainside, often referred to as the blue pearl due to its shimmering blue buildings. It's worth learning the history behind the choice of this color, which contributed to the town's fame, making it one of the most photographed places in Morocco. In Chefchaouen, explore the picturesque medina with winding alleys and the Kasbah with its lush gardens, serving as a haven of freshness in the city center. Chefchaouen is a paradise for walkers, not only because of its most beautiful streets and alleys, which create an unreal impression but also due to the hiking trails around the city. Besides the Old Town, it's worth visiting the main square, Uta el Hamman, with numerous cafes, and seeing the 15th-century El Adamaa Masjid mosque in white-orange colors with its characteristic octagonal minaret. Chefchaouen is an excellent choice for a one-day trip or a relaxing overnight stay. More
Fes
Fes makes for a fabulous long weekend or as part of our "Grand Tour". The highlight is the medina which most people prefer to Marrakech, partly as it is on a hill you are much more aware of the geography. Also, do a day trip to the Roman ruins at Volubilis and ask about a night or two in the village of Bhalil More
Merzouga
The second good dune area of Morocco is Erg Chebbi by Merzouga - easier to get to (no 4x4 needed) and whilst the dunes are stunning we prefer Erg Cheggaga for a proper desert experience. More

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