Morocco Treasures: From the Blue City to the Desert

From $3,500 pp

  • Duration

    10 days

  • Trip Style

    Small Group

  • Country

    Morocco

  • Physical Rating

    Easy

Overview

Discover treasures of Morocco, from the iconic Blue City, to fascinating medinas, fine gateways, medieval cities, natural parks, and the vast Saraha desert.

Explore kasbahs, spice markets, and vibrant cities on this extensive journey. Mount a camel to traverse the fringes of the Sahara Desert, then marvel at the scenery from the Atlas Mountains' lofty peaks. Immerse yourself in the bustle of imperial cities, navigating souks brimming with unique goods. Cap off this incredible adventure in Akchour National Park to explore the natural water springs.

Along the way, admire the impressive architecture in time-tested villages and classic cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Fez. Soak in the rich culture that blends Islamic and African traditions, relax in a traditional Riad, and savor authentic meals to get the most out of this sustainable Moroccan adventure!

Highlights

  • Set foot in the architectural marvel of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, perched on the edge of the ocean.
  • Wander through Rabat, Morocco’s historic capital, exploring everything from its old medina alleyways and grand citadels to its regal Mausoleums.
  • Immerse yourself in the imperial city of Fez, filled with vibrant fragrances and the rhythmic bustle of artisans.
  • Travel across the northern middle Atlas, passing serene highlands and lush wild cedar forests on your way to Erfoud, a quaint town surrounded by fortified villages and lush palm groves.
  • Experience the ancient rhythms and rituals of pre-Islamic African traditions in the Gnaoua village of Khamlia.
  • Embark on a camel ride through the Sahara, watching a breathtaking sunset over the magnificent honey-colored dunes.
  • Relax in a Riad, savoring local home-cooked meals.
Colorful plates are shown in Morocco, attached to metal frames, and hanging above other traditional ceramic handicrafts.
The famous Blue City of Morocco, also known as Chefchaouen, is shown from the vantage point of the bottom of some steps, looking up. The steps are lined with various colorful handicrafts and woven goods.
A table is set up in Morocco serving traditional tea in a kettle with 2 glasses nearby, with a bowl of sugar and another bowl with a spoon in it.
Roman Ruins in Volubilis, Morocco, are shown on a blue sky sunny day. There are 8 or 9 columns perched above stone in the desert, with some hills in the background.
The historic orange village of Ait Benhaddou in morocco is shown from a near distance, with greenery in the front and a blue sky above.
A night market, or souk, is shown in Marrakesh Morocco, from a distance. It's lights are twinkling from the stalls of many vendors.
A secret garden is shown, looking down a long green bring path that ends in a gazebo. Greenery lines the brick path and it looks lush. It's a blue sky sunny day in Morocco.
A pool's hotel is shown at night-time in Morocco, an example of where guests might stay on the Morocco Treasures tour.

Is riding a camel sustainable?

Riding a camel can be considered sustainable, depending on how it's managed. Here are a few factors to consider.

Animal Welfare: Unlike riding elephants, where the gentle giants are 'broken' and abused to accommodate human riders, camels can be trained humanely - much like horses. They can be domesticated, socialized young, and become accustomed to halters, saddles, and commands. Companies offering camel rides should treat the animals well, feel them properly, and not overwork them.

Environmental Impact: Camels have been a transportation method for humans for thousands of years. They were particularly important for trade and transport in desert areas thanks to their ability to traverse long distances with little water. While now also used for tourism, camels are an important way for visitors to see beautiful, remote natural areas without the use of a motorized car.

Cultural & Economic Implications: Camels are engrained in the traditional fabric of desert communities. Riding them responsibly can preserve an ancient practice, provide economic support for their owners, and foster respect and appreciation for their importance to locals.

Departure Dates

Seasonal Notes

The best time to visit Morocco is during the autumn (September-November) or early spring (March-April), but Morocco is a year-round destination.

People should avoid August when it can be too hot in the desert and overcrowded in the north by local tourists.

Itinerary

Day 1 Casablanca [Morocco] (Arrival day)

Your private driver will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time you’ll visit the Hassan II Mosque and the ancient medina.

The Hassan II Mosque is notable for its stunning architecture and its status as one of the largest mosques in the world. Its minaret, standing at 210 meters (689 feet), is the tallest in the world and features a laser directed towards Mecca. Built partially over the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque’s design incorporates elements of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and advanced engineering, making it a symbol of modern Islamic architecture.

The ancient medina is a historical part of Casablanca characterized by narrow, winding streets and a bustling atmosphere filled with traditional markets (souks), mosques, palaces, and residential areas.


Accommodation: 4-star Hotel

Day 2 Road to the Blue City

Your driver will take you to visit Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Your guide will show you the main historic sites and monuments. After lunch, you’ll continue your way to the Blue City of Chefchaouen.

Rabat is distinguished by its blend of historical heritage and modern administrative significance. The city is home to landmarks such as the Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret from the 12th century, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of modern Alaouite architecture. Additionally, Rabat's medina and the nearby Kasbah of the Udayas, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, offer rich cultural experiences with their well-preserved traditional architecture and vibrant local life.

The Blue City (Chefchaouen) is renowned for its striking blue-painted buildings, which create a unique and picturesque ambiance. Nestled in the Rif Mountains, this charming town offers a tranquil escape with its winding streets, traditional markets, and scenic mountain views. The distinctive blue hue is said to have been introduced by Jewish refugees in the 1930s and has since become an iconic and beloved feature of the city.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Riad

Day 3 Hiking in Akchour National Park

Only a few miles from Chefchaouen, today we'll spend the day hiking and exploring the lush landscapes of Akchour National Park, filled with natural springs, dramatic waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers. There is also the impressive God’s Bridge rock formation. Take this time to enjoy the serene, unspoiled environment away from the cities.
After lunch, you’ll go back to Chefchaouen for the visit.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Riad

Day 4 Cultural Journey to Fez

After a typical breakfast from the north of Morocco, you’ll head to Fez, known for its well-preserved medieval medina, Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

On the way, you'll rirst, you’ll stop by Volubilis to discover the Roman ruins, then Moulay Idriss, one of Morocco's holiest towns, followed by Meknes, another UNESCO World Heritage site characterized by impressive 17th-century architecture, expansive royal palaces, and well-preserved city walls.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Riad

Day 5 Explore the Medina of Fez

Today, your guide will take you through the hidden jewels of Fez: Small alleys lead to squares with exquisite fountains and streets bursting with aromatic food stands, rooftops unveil a sea of minarets, and stooped doorways reveal tireless artisans.

You’ll end your day with a cooking class for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Riad

Day 6 Sahara Getaway

You will hit the road this morning and go through the Atlas Mountains, renowned for their breathtaking scenery, diverse ecosystems, and cultural significance as a natural barrier between the Sahara Desert and the fertile plains of Morocco.

You will have the chance to see Ifrane, dubbed the "Little Switzerland" of Morocco, which stands out for its distinctive alpine architecture, clean streets, and surrounding cedar forests.

Next, you'll visit the Berber village of Azrou where you may see traditional handicrafts, like Berber carpets and woodcarvings, and where you can meet some wild animals.

You'll continue your way to the spectacular viewpoint of the Ziz Valley before arriving at the Sahara Desert.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Desert Camp

Day 7 Sahara Safari

Witness one of the most beautiful sunrises over the Saraha sand dunes before exploring the nomadic life and becoming acquainted with some of the region's unique history.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Ouarzazate where you’ll spend the night. Ouarzazate rewards you with cinematic landscapes (it serves as a filming location for numerous Hollywood movies and TV shows). It's also the gateway to Morocco's Sahara Desert, featuring iconic kasbahs and ancient ksar villages.

A kasbah (or casbah) is a type of traditional fortress or citadel, featuring high walls with corner towers and sometimes surrounded by a moat. Many kasbahs have now been repurposed as residences, hotels, or tourist attractions due to their historical and architectural significance. They often showcase intricate geometric designs and reflect local building techniques and cultural heritage.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Kasbah

Day 8 Throughout the Kasbahs

You’ll start today by visiting Kasbah Taourirt and then the famous Kasbah Ait ben Haddou, where many international movies have been shot.

You'll notice beautiful landscapes along the way to Marrakesh.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel or Riad

Day 9 Explore Marrakesh

Your local city guide will show you all around Marrakesh. Your tour will include visits to some of the important monuments of the Red City and explore the various artisanal sections of the souks where people have practiced their crafts for centuries.

Marrakesh is a vibrant and bustling hub of Moroccan culture, art, and cuisine. Keep an eye out for musicians, storytellers, and street performers, as well as stunning Islamic architecture including the beautiful Koutoubia Mosque.

You can also do today's tour by bike if you wish!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel or Riad

Day 10 Casablanca or Marrakesh (departure day)

Depending on your departure airport and time, we will organize your airport transfer for your onward journey, leaving you with wonderful experiences and memories of Morocco!

Meals: Breakfast

Customization

This itinerary is a Small Group trip that has fixed departures where you can join like-minded travelers.

If you wish to customize the itinerary by adjusting the duration or activities, or if you wish to privatize this itinerary for only your group, contact us.

Route Map

The route map for the 10 day Treasures of Morocco trip, circling clockwise from Casablanca to Marrakesh.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • 8 nights of accommodation with breakfast at handpicked, mid-range riads & hotels

  • 1 night of accommodation at a deluxe Sahara Desert Encampment

  • Breakfast & Dinner in the desert and in Ouarzazate 

  • Private driver & very comfortable car for the duration of trip

  • Private guides in Rabat, Akchour, Fez, and Marrakech

  • Cooking class in Fez 

  • Camel trekking to catch the sunset (Optional)

  • Sahara Safari in 4x4 to discover nomads' life

  • Traditional music around a campfire in the camp

  • Tailored pre-departure advice and personalized support

  • Tree plantation to offset the carbon footprint of your trip

  • International flights to/from Morocco

  • Activities, admission fees, and sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary

  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

  • Tips & gratuities

Pricing

Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.

Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.

  • Deposit per person

    30% of the trip price

  • Group of 2 Travelers - price per person

    $3,500

Sustainability

We focus on impactful experiences based on quality, authenticity, and sustainability. Our crew and drivers are all extremely knowledgeable and experienced, and we choose smaller-scale, locally-owned accommodations and boutique hotels.

We buy locally-produced food and drinks and dine in locally-owned restaurants. We strive to minimize plastic waste wherever possible and carefully manage limited energy and water resources. We operate with a ‘leave no trace’ ethos – take only memories, leave only footprints.

Environmental Initiatives

We take you closer to the most remote environmental landscapes of Morocco. We tell you all about the sustainable initiatives done by the local population. For example, we can share how the construction materials keep the houses warm during winter and cold during summer, or about the reusable objects and the agriculture systems.

We make a financial contribution to plant trees in nurseries managed by our partner, High Atlas Foundation, in order to help offset the carbon footprint of our travelers.

Sociocultural Initiatives

This itinerary was designed to offer real-life experiences that promote cross-cultural understanding. We make sure to take you to boutique-owned hotels/riads and restaurants. We support local artisans by witnessing their hard work even in the most remote areas of Morocco.

Economic Initiatives

All our partners are Moroccan and we make sure that we pay them fairly to be sustainable for them. We also make sure to visit remote areas you likely wouldn't find by yourself, and where you could have the most impactful experience. For example, trekking to remote sections of the High Atlas Mountains helps support local communities.

Health & Safety

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.

FAQs

What does the Physical Rating of "Easy" mean?

This trip is suitable for anyone in average physical health.

What are the accommodations like?

We prioritize locally-owned, boutique hotels and riads.

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Departure Dates

Group size: Min 2, Max 12

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