Majestic Morocco: Fez, Sahara Desert & Marrakech

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Departure Date

December 22, 2026

Overview

  • Begin in Casablanca and journey through Morocco’s imperial cities, mountain villages and desert landscapes.
  • Explore Rabat’s Kasbah of the Udayas and Meknes’ medina before uncovering the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
  • Wander Fez’s labyrinthine souks, visit Al-Karouine University and witness Morocco’s finest artisans at work.
  • Travel through cedar forests and Berber villages to Merzouga for a magical desert sunset and overnight stay.
  • Discover Ouarzazate’s cinematic past, then soak in Marrakech’s vibrant souks, palaces and the lively Jemaa el-Fna Square.

 

Highlights

Trip Includes

  • Roundtrip airport transfers
  • 1 night first class accommodation in Rabat
  • 2 nights' first class accommodation in Fez
  • 1 night first class accommodation in Merzouga
  • 1 night first class accommodation in Ouarzazate
  • 3 nights' first class accommodation in Marrakech
  • Private vehicle with English-speaking driver at disposal (air-conditioned with bottled water)
  • 4x4 transfer to desert camp
  • Camel ride experience in the desert
  • Full-day private-guided sightseeing in Fez and Marrakech
  • Guided tour of Volubilis (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes)
  • Private tours of Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Ouarzazate & Ait Ben Haddou 
  • Entrance fees as per itinerary
  • All applicable taxes
  • Daily breakfast (except Day 1), 3 dinners

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • International and domestic airfare and airline taxes
  • Meals and beverages not specified as included
  • Sightseeing and services not specified as included
  • Services of a National Guide, unless noted as supplement
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions, unless noted as supplement
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees where applicable

 

Upon arrival in Casablanca, after proceeding through immigration customs and collecting your baggage, our representative is waiting for you outside of the Arrival Terminal with a big welcome before starting a brief sightseeing to Casablanca, Morocco's largest metropolis and its industrial hub. Highlights include the old French quarter of Habous, beaches lapped by green-blue water, the Hassan II Grand Mosque (exterior visit) considered among the largest in the world, has a capacity of 25,000 worshipers. The mosque's minaret is the tallest religious structure in the world. After the tour, transfer along the coastline to Rabat for overnight. Approx. drive time: 1 hour.

 

CASABLANCA AIRPORT - RABAT

 

Your Accommodation

Riad Zyo

Located near the beach and the marina, Riad Zyo contrasts Moroccan craftmanship with light. The patio is open to the sky and a spectacular palm grove upstairs faces a glass walkway. The Hammam is in white marble, tadelakt and turquoise zelliges. Each room has air conditioning, satellite television, a telephone, an individual safe and an internet connection. The serene Riad Zyo has a beautiful terrace with solarium, conducive to relaxation.

Riad Zyo

 

Your Accommodation

Executive Boutique Hotel Rabat

Executive Boutique Hotel Rabat is a modern boutique hotel located in the Agdal district of Rabat, offering 38 stylish rooms including 4 suites. The hotel includes amenities such as free WiFi, an on-site restaurant serving international, Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine, meeting and banquet facilities, and private parking. Its location provides easy access to key city attractions including the National Library, Chellah, and the Hassan Tower. Many booking sites and the hotel’s own marketing present it as a 4-star property.

Executive Boutique Hotel Rabat

After breakfast, you will be met at your hotel for a short tour of Rabat, the capital of Morocco. You will enjoy a short walk atthe Mohammed V Mausoleum. Mosaics rise from the marble floor to a ceiling of gold leaf and hand-carved cedar wood, while the three ground-floor tombs are carved from white onyx. Next to the Mausoleum is the Hassan Tower, which is the towering minaret of the Hassan Mosque built in 1195. The morning ends with a visit of the Kasbah of the Udayas in Rabat’s Medina. This fortification is erected on a mountain, overlooking the ocean, and was constructed during the realm of the Almohads. Inside the Kasbah one can come across Andalusian gardens full of fountains, orange trees, flowers, and palms. Then on our way to Fez, we will explore the Berber Ruins of Volubilis and the sacred town of Moulay Idriss, Morocco's first Arab conquerors settlement, and Meknes. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in this Imperial city and continue to Fez for overnight. Approx. drive time: 3 hours.

Meal

Breakfast

 

RABAT - VOLUBILIS - MEKNES - FEZ

 

Your Accommodation

Barcelo Fes

The Barceló Fes Medina hotel was created as a haven of peace in the heart of the Medina. The hotel is situated within the Imperial City of Fez, Morocco's first imperial city, which has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. The hotel combines comfort and functionality which can be seen in its modern rooms decorated in a contemporary style with designer furniture. Barceló Fes Medina hotel has a business centre, a health and beauty centre, a spa with a fantastic Hammam (Turkish bath), a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi connection and the magnificent international restaurant Azahar, where you can also sample a typical Moroccan dinner.

Barcelo Fes

This morning you will be met at your hotel for an all-day city tour of the spiritual capital of Morocco, Fez. The first stop is the entrance of the biggest royal palace of Morocco. This palatial complex is located in the center of the Fez El-Jedid area and is surrounded by high walls with intricate and elaborate decorated ornamentations. The doors are bronze, and they shine like gold. The interior of the palace is not available to the public because the king of Morocco uses the complex when he visits Fez. We then continue the tour with a panoramic view of the medina, before venturing to the heart of the largest old souk in the world in the medieval center of Fez. The medina of Fez has not changed for centuries. Its narrow alleys house hundreds of merchants and craftsmen selling a range of products such as dates, fish, spices, copper urns, carpets, and musical instruments. One of the most interesting sites in Fez is the leather souk with the oldest leather tannery in the world. The tannery dates back nine centuries. In Fez, you will visit the Jamaa Al-Karaouine (the world’s first established university) and a Medersa (a Koranic school). In addition to the tannery, you will visit a clay workshop, the artisan quarters, and other souks. Overnight at the hotel.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Fez city tour

 

Your Accommodation

Barcelo Fes

The Barceló Fes Medina hotel was created as a haven of peace in the heart of the Medina. The hotel is situated within the Imperial City of Fez, Morocco's first imperial city, which has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. The hotel combines comfort and functionality which can be seen in its modern rooms decorated in a contemporary style with designer furniture. Barceló Fes Medina hotel has a business centre, a health and beauty centre, a spa with a fantastic Hammam (Turkish bath), a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi connection and the magnificent international restaurant Azahar, where you can also sample a typical Moroccan dinner.

Barcelo Fes

Leaving Fez this morning, we drive through the Middle Atlas into the South with a break in the quiet French built alpine resort town of Ifrane. We continue our journey while we enjoy the views of verdant cedar forests, volcanic mountains, wind-swept plains, spectacular gorges, and stony desert. We travel along the marvelous oasis of the Ziz Valley before arriving in Erfoud, port of entry to the Saharan dunes, located at the southern end of the Ziz Oasis. Known by the name of “the Gate of Sahara Desert”, Erfoud was built by the French around 1920 as an outpost and Foreign Legion stronghold. This frontier town on the Algerian border has a definite Wild West feel to it (in this case, Wild South). Fossilized bathtubs and moist-sweet dates are its current claims to fame. Then time to overland to Merzouga, the heart of the desert, and surf the sandy sea on a powerful 4-WD Land Rover. Dinner and overnight at the desert Camp. Approx. drive time: 8 hours.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner

 

FEZ - ERFOUD - MERZOUGA

 

Your Accommodation

Madu Luxury Camp

The bivouac has 8 typical Berber tents all with en-suite bathroom with hot water, a separate tent which is the restaurant and a lovely corner covered with Moroccan carpets where you can relax and admire the milky way...

Madu Luxury Camp

Enjoy an early morning sunrise camel ride along the golden sand dunes in Merzouga. Return for breakfast before driving to Tinghir via Rissani and Tinjdad. Tinghir is a gorgeous, 40km oasis, which boasts one of the largest palm groves in the country. Enjoy walking at the famous Todra Gorges, a 300m wall, carved deep into the High Atlas Mountains. Leave Tinghir heading to Dades and its charming valley. Stop there to take pictures then continue along to KelaatM’Gouna, a large village famous for cultivating roses. Expect to find many fine, rose-infused products there. Transfer to Ouarzazate, also known as the “Hollywood” of Morocco for dinner and overnight. Approx. drive time: 5.5 hours.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner

 

MERZOUGA - DADES - OUARZAZATE

 

Your Accommodation

Dar Chamaa

Dar Chamaa is situated in the Ouarzazate Palm Grove with views of the Atlas Mountains. It has an outdoor swimming pool with a terrace area that is surrounded by sun loungers and palm trees. The hotel is 15 minutes from Ouarzazate Airport and 3 km to the city center. For guests arriving by car, free private parking is available on site.

Dar Chamaa

Enjoy the city tour of Ouarzazate, beginning with the Taourirt Kasbah that is considered one of the most beautiful Kasbahs in the country, and the Film Studios (optional visit) where the most famous desert landscapes are being shot. Continue to the spectacular fortress of Ait Ben Haddou, the iconic landscape immortalized in films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and Game of Thrones among others. Leave Ait Ben Haddou crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the magnificent TizInTichka pass (2,262m) to Marrakech for overnight. Approx. drive time: 4 hours.

Meal

Breakfast

 

OUARZAZATE - AIT BEN HADDOU - MARRAKECH

 

Your Accommodation

Longue Vie Hotel Marrakech

Perfectly located just 10 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes to many of the main sights in Marrakech, Longue Vie Hotel is perfect for exploring the city. Experience a mix of contemporary chic meets retro. Relax in one of the hotels 90 rooms, tempt your taste buds at the Campino restaurant or the Roof Top Lounge or enjoy the piano bar - there are plenty of options for all.

Longue Vie Hotel Marrakech

 

Your Accommodation

Grand Plaza Hotel Marrakech

Ideally located across from the train station and the Royal Theatre, Grand Plaza welcomes you for a stay in the heart of Marrakech. Just 5 minutes from the Medina and 10 minutes from the airport, the hotel also offers underground parking for its residents.

Grand Plaza Hotel Marrakech

After breakfast, enjoy the city tour of Marrakesh, the “Red City”, a majestic place filled with palaces, gardens, markets, and mosques. Upon arrival, you will first stand by the Koutoubia Mosque with its 282 ft minaret, an architectural landmark dating back to the late 12th century. You will continue to the 19th century stunning Bahia Palace and discover the intricate work done by the local artisans to decorate this splendid home built by a powerful Vizir for his harem. The building includes one hundred and fifty rooms, countless courtyards and interior gardens, a veritable labyrinth of corridors, a Koranic school, hammams, a harem, stables. From there we will start exploring artisan quarters and the colorful Souks to interact with the real life of Marrakech people. Continue to Dar El Bacha Museum of Confluences, built in 1910. It was the residence of Thami El Glaoui, named Pasha of Marrakech by Sultan Moulay Youssef in 1912. It is one of the medina's finest examples of Riad architecture, dripping with Moroccan Zellige (colorful geometric tilework), intricate white plasterwork and heavy carved cedar-wood lintels. Before sunset we will be strolling in the square of which the city is so famed, Jemaa El Fna. Located at the entrance of the Medina, this triangular square is surrounded by restaurants, stands and public buildings, and provides everyday commercial activities and various forms of entertainment. It is a magical circus where fortune tellers, henna artists, fire eaters, snake charmers, dancing wild costumed monkeys, story tellers, hypnotic medicine-men, cross dressers, tooth pullers, musicians including real Gnaoua, and acrobats gather in a cacophonic feast. After the tour, head to your hotel to freshen up. When you are ready, transfer to a local restaurant to enjoy your dinner. After dinner, back to your hotel for overnight.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner

 

Marrakech City tour

 

Your Accommodation

Longue Vie Hotel Marrakech

Perfectly located just 10 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes to many of the main sights in Marrakech, Longue Vie Hotel is perfect for exploring the city. Experience a mix of contemporary chic meets retro. Relax in one of the hotels 90 rooms, tempt your taste buds at the Campino restaurant or the Roof Top Lounge or enjoy the piano bar - there are plenty of options for all.

Longue Vie Hotel Marrakech

 

Your Accommodation

Grand Plaza Hotel Marrakech

Ideally located across from the train station and the Royal Theatre, Grand Plaza welcomes you for a stay in the heart of Marrakech. Just 5 minutes from the Medina and 10 minutes from the airport, the hotel also offers underground parking for its residents.

Grand Plaza Hotel Marrakech

Day at leisure or wander on your own. You may want to sign in for one of the following optional activities: Retreat at a modern Berber-style villa and Cooking Class This retreat experience will start by a pickup from your hotel at 10:00AM by our English-speaking driver aboard a deluxe car for a 20-min. drive to the Valley of Ourika. A welcome drink is served by the Farm hosts, followed with a tour of the property that is surrounded by a spectacular décor with the Atlas Mountains in the background. Enjoy a 20-min. meditation under the tent or in the meditation room (yoga class optional upon request on your own expenses). Light lunch will be served. Swimming pool is available for use (if season permits) and fresh drinks are at your disposal (extra charge for alcohol drinks and wine) or enjoy a breathtaking walk in the surroundings. We will start to prepare for the cooking class at 4PM. First, we’ll pick up vegetables from the garden if season permits, then bring them to the kitchen to begin an immersed experience with the New York Times 3-stars Executive Chef. You will dine on the food you cooked. After dinner, witness the sunset on the terrace of the villa. Moroccan tea or coffee will be served. Return to your hotel. Traditional Hammam and Massage A hammam is a traditional Moroccan Spa. Historically, the hammam was a public bathhouse for the locals to clean off the dirt and grime invariably accumulated after traveling through the desert. Today, the hammam still serves this purpose for the locals, and is brought to a higher level for the tourists. In the hammam, you’ll be submerged by a complete relaxation experience within an authentic oriental décor where you’ll be listening to your own body in an atmosphere filled with water, oils, essences and perfumes. Enjoy a 30-min. scrub done by expert hands with black soap or soothing spices eliminating toxins from your body. After Hammam, sway to the massage room where you will experience a 30-min. traditional Moroccan massage to eliminate tensions and gain energy and vitality. A tea is served in the relaxing room before you leave. Cooking Class and Dinner At 4PM, you’ll be picked up at the hotel for a unique gastronomic experience, at The Bennounas Farm, in the Ourika Valley. The cooking class takes place on the terrasse of a modern Berber-style villa, in a spectacular setting with the Atlas Mountains in the background. The 3-stars New York Times Chef Azzeddine Bennouna and his wife Marie will greet you in their property where you will discover the secrets of the Moroccan cuisine. The food you prepared will be served for dinner with a glass of wine. This activity includes a tour of the property with picking fresh produces from the garden if season permits; a traditional welcome tea session; a bread making demonstration done by a native Berber woman; and the preparation of a Moroccan dish. While the food is cooking, you are welcome to jump in the pool -if season permits! After dinner, back to your hotel for overnight.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Marrakech

 

Your Accommodation

Longue Vie Hotel Marrakech

Perfectly located just 10 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes to many of the main sights in Marrakech, Longue Vie Hotel is perfect for exploring the city. Experience a mix of contemporary chic meets retro. Relax in one of the hotels 90 rooms, tempt your taste buds at the Campino restaurant or the Roof Top Lounge or enjoy the piano bar - there are plenty of options for all.

Longue Vie Hotel Marrakech

 

Your Accommodation

Grand Plaza Hotel Marrakech

Ideally located across from the train station and the Royal Theatre, Grand Plaza welcomes you for a stay in the heart of Marrakech. Just 5 minutes from the Medina and 10 minutes from the airport, the hotel also offers underground parking for its residents.

Grand Plaza Hotel Marrakech

After breakfast, we will assist you to the airport for your return flight.

Meal

Breakfast


Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.