Morocco in Depth | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Morocco in Depth

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PRIVATE/GROUP TOUR - 12 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 4815

Private/Group Tour Highlights

  • Explore Casablanca's iconic Hassan II Mosque, one of the world's largest.
  • Stroll along Ain Diab Corniche, enjoying the coastal views of Casablanca.
  • Discover Rabat's cultural influences, from the Hassan Tower to the Kasbah of the Udayas.
  • Immerse yourself in Fez El Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 9,000 narrow lanes.
  • Marvel at the well-preserved Roman ruins of Volubilis and explore historic Meknes.
  • Traverse scenic routes from Fez to Erfoud, passing through Ifrane and Midelt.
  • Venture into the Sahara Desert, visiting Berber villages and experiencing local culture.
  • Experience the breathtaking Todra Gorges and the captivating Dades Valley en route to Ouarzazate.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes and vibrant cultural tapestry of Morocco with this meticulously crafted itinerary. From exploring the architectural marvels of Casablanca’s Hassan II mosque to traversing the picturesque landscapes of Fez and the stunning dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga, each day promises a new adventure. Discover ancient history in Rabat, marvel at the Todra Gorges, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Marrakech’s Djemaa el-Fna square. With optional experiences such as a traditional hammam and massage or a cooking class with a New York Times 3-stars chef, this itinerary offers the perfect blend of cultural immersion, relaxation, and exploration. 

Inclusions
Round trip airport transfers
11 nights at hotels as listed below
Half board (breakfast and dinner, including dinner at a local restaurant in Marrakech)
A/C transportation with English-speaking driver (fresh water available in the car)
English-speaking national guide is included for 5 pax and more
Khamlia Excursion with 4x4 including Berber lunch
Half day guided city tour of Fez and Marrakech
Guided tour of Volubilis (~1:15 hour)
Monuments and historical sites entrance fees as per the itinerary
Airports and hotels porterage
All taxes
Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 4815

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Casablanca Airport - Hotel

Upon arrival in Casablanca, proceed through customs and immigration formalities.

Collect your luggage and proceed outside where you will be met by our representative who will handle a sign for a private transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Upon arrival in Casablanca, proceed through customs and immigration formalities.

Collect your luggage and proceed outside where you will be met by our representative who will handle a sign for a private transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day
2

Casablanca - Rabat – Fez

Enjoy a city tour of Casablanca. The tour begins with an outside visit of Hassan II Mosque.

It is the largest mosque in the country and the seventh largest in the world. You continue to the Ain Diab Corniche for a pleasant stroll along the coast. Your next stop is Mohammed V Square in the city center.

The city tour includes also the Habous Quarter. The district was built by the French in the 1930s as an attempted solution to the ongoing housing shortage. It marries the best of traditional Moroccan architecture with modern facilities and French ideals (there is a strip of grassy lawn in front of the mosque, as in front of the churches of French villages).

Depart overland towards Rabat, driving along the main highway which links these two major cities. Embark on a city tour which highlights Rabat's cultural influences and the superbly preserved relics of its Moorish past. Rabat's most famous site is the 12th century Hassan Tower (an excellent example of the gorgeous Moroccan style artwork), and the incomplete Minaret of the great mosque built at the same period. Located alongside is the Mausoleum dedicated to Mohamed V, the grandfather of the current king. You’ll also enjoy a visit of the Kasbah of the Udayas, which was built on a cliff overlooking the city and the Atlantic Ocean. Its gate is one of the most beautiful illustrations of the Moorish architecture. Within its walls, you'll discover a wonderful Moroccan garden, with melodious fountains and sweet-smelling orange trees.

Continue overland to Fez (approximately a 3-hour drive) for dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Travel time: 3 hours, 10 minutes ...read less

Day
3

Fez City Tour

Today you take a step back in time into the Middle Ages with the visit of one of the most imperial, timeless, and untouched cities in the world, the cultural heart of Morocco,



Fez El Bali (Old Fez). Enjoy exploring some of the 9,000 narrow lanes and alleys in the souks (open-air markets) that make up the labyrinth of the city's old quarter, originally founded in the 8th century. The Imperial capital was a renowned medieval learning center, and at its heart still remains the Karaouine, one of the oldest, still-functioning universities in the world. Nearby is the Attarine Medersa (Koranic college), a jewel of Hispano-Moorish architecture, built in the 14th century.



The tour also includes Nejjarine Square, with its beautiful fountain, a mosaic of elaborate tilework, and the fondouq (Caravanserai) that has been converted to a Museum of Carpentry. In the 13th Century the Mérinides Dynasty built Fez El Jdid (New Fez) with its Royal Palace, mosques, madrasas (Koranic schools), souks, and the city walls. Most notably, Fez El Jedid is home to the Mellah (Jewish quarter), which provides an interesting insight into Jewish architecture. The wrought-iron decorated windows and splendid carved wood balconies of the old mansions are particularly outstanding. The medieval Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A private transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay. ...read less

Day
4

Fez - Volubilis – Meknes - Fez

Journey read more...

Journey overland to explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa.

With its triumphal arches, basilica, forum, and capitol, the Volubilis skyline brims with iconic examples of Roman architecture. Among its greatest treasures, however, are the amazing mosaic floors of former family dwellings, which include depictions of Orpheus charming animals with his lyre, nine dolphins signifying good luck, and a portrait of Amphitrite in a seahorse-drawn chariot.

Continue to Meknes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well, and one of the imperial cities of Morocco. Meknes is replete with fantastic historical sites, from minarets to museums, to enormous mosaic doors and royal golf courses. Among the most popular attractions are the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the Nejjardine Mosque and Grand Mosque (outside visit) as well as the Bab Mansour, Bab Lakmis, and Bab Berdaine gates. Return to Fez for an evening at leisure.

A private transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay.

Travel time: 2 hours, 30 minutes ...read less

Day
5

Fez - Ifrane - Midelt - Erfoud

This morning, we head off from Fez for a long drive that's worth it.

You will pass through many amazing cities and villages, the first of which is Ifrane, nicknamed ‘the Switzerland of Morocco’. It is a charming ski town filled with European-style chalets. Continue to Midelt, which serves as the commercial center of a large agricultural hinterland. It is also one of Morocco's principal cities for the mining of several minerals.

You will have some free time in Midelt before you continue your journey through the dramatic Ziz Gorges, then arriving in Erfoud.

A private transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay.

Travel time: 6 hours, 5 minutes ...read less

Day
6

Erfoud - Khamlia - Merzouga

After breakfast, embark on a 4x4 vehicle to continue your adventure by heading towards the dunes of Erg Chebbi, possibly the largest dunes in the Sahara desert.

En route, visit the Berber villages to get a close interaction with this amazing culture. We will visit a camel milk cooperative and continue to Rissani where we will visit one of the best traditional markets in Sahara, a place where they sell just donkeys and other commodities for sheep, goats, and cows. Stop in the village El Khamlia for lunch (included). Continue to the African village or Gnawa Village. Then continue to Merzouga Village for dinner and overnight.

NB: you can stay in a desert camp with round-trip 4x4 transfers from Merzouga village and camel ride at an extra cost.

Travel time: 1 hour. ...read less

Day
7

Merzouga - Tinghir - Dades

On our way to Tinghir, we’ll stop at the Todra Gorges, the highest and narrowest gorges in Morocco situated on the East side of the High Atlas mountains and recognized around the world as one of the most spectacular canyons.

Here, both the Todra and Dades Rivers have carved out cliff-sided canyons on their final 25-mile stretch through the mountains, leaving behind a series of reliefs and etches in the rock. Todra is the name of the last 600-meters of the canyon. In places, this gorge measures just 10 meters wide, but the cliffs are more than

160 meters tall on either side! The river has since dried up, leaving only the imagination to picture the powerful natural forces that once carved this region. The gorge, though remote, is popular among rock climbers. There are hiking paths with a well-maintained dirt road for visitors to share with mules and other pack animals. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Travel time: 3 hours, 30 minutes ...read less

Day
8

Dades - Skoura - Ouarzazate

After breakfast, we’ll drive through the Dades Valley with its majestic sandcastles and incredible rock formations known as monkey toes.

The route through Dades Valley is also known as the ‘Road of One Thousand Kasbahs’. You will catch a spectacular view of a vast valley dotted with small oases and hundreds of ancient fortifications. The sand-colored walls of the Kasbahs may all start to look the same, but each holds a special historical treasure and offers innumerable opportunities for remarkable photos.

Continue to Skoura, a quiet little village speckled with palm tree groves. Indeed, Skoura is surrounded by acres of palm groves, Les Palmeraies, which are a paradise of palm and olive trees peppered with kasbahs and small villages. You will remark the Kasbah Amridil that stands out from the rest. Originally built in the 17th century, it is one of Morocco’s most iconic living museums that has survived the test of time.

Then we drive to Ouarzazate for dinner and overnight.

Travel time: 1 hour, 10 minutes ...read less

Day
9

Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou - Marrakech

After breakfast, we visit Taourir Kasbah, one of the most beautiful kasbahs in Morocco.

After the French left in 1953, the movie business flourished in Ouarzazate. Optional visit of the Film Studios where the most famous desert landscapes are filmed. You might recognize the sand-colored houses of this impressive ksar (Arabic for “fortified city”) when you see the spectacular fortress of Ait Ben Haddou, the iconic landscape immortalized in such films as, Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Alexander, Game of Thrones among others. Ait Ben Haddou is a massive fortification made up of six Kasbahs all protected by UNESCO.

You can spend time in its maze of winding streets until reaching a fortified granary at the top which provides an amazing view of the valley. We leave Ait Ben Haddou, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the magnificent TizIn Tichka pass to Marrakech, our home for the next three nights.

A private transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay.

Travel time: 3 hours, 50 minutes ...read less

Day
10

Marrakech City Tour

Unearth read more...

Unearth the secrets of Marrakech, beginning in the Medina, the old walled section of town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This thousand-year-old city was long a political, economic, and cultural center. Marvel at its architectural jewels, including the soaring Koutoubia minaret. Continue to the Bahia Palace, an exemplar of privileged life in the 19th century. Your next stop is Dar el Bacha Museum of Confluences. This palace was built by Pasha Thami el Glaoui in 1910. Walk in its lovely gardens, admire the zellige mosaic tilework of this opulent palace, and enjoy exhibitions focused on Moroccan culture. Later you visit Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakech's main square, you will find orange juice stalls and vendors, along with fire-eaters, mime artists, snake-charmers, magicians, and street musicians performing at every turn. You may also take the opportunity to explore the city's fabled, labyrinthine souks, their bustling alleyways brimming with all manner of wares. Return to your hotel to get ready for a farewell dinner at a local Moroccan restaurant.

A private transfer to your hotel for your overnight stay. ...read less

Day
11

Marrakech

Day at leisure. or pick from one of our optional excursions in Marrakech. Sign up for a full-day retreat at a modern Berber-style villa with a cooking class, a traditional hammam and massage, or a cooking class with a 3-star NYTimes chef.


Retreat at a Modern Berber-Style Villa and Cooking Class

This retreat experience will start with a pickup from your hotel at 10 AM by our English-speaking driver aboard a deluxe car for a 20-min. drive to the Valley of Ourika.

Upon arrival at the entrance to the trail, you will switch to a camel/donkey/mule -depending on availability- for transfer to the Bennouna’s farm. A welcome drink is served by the Farm host, 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 on the roof of the farmhouse (yoga class optional upon request on your expenses).

Swimming pool is available for use (if the 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 4 PM. First, we’ll pick up vegetables from the garden if the 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.

Private transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.


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 the Hammam, sway to the massage room where you will experience a 30-min. traditional Moroccan massage to eliminate tensions and gain energy and vitality. Tea is served in the relaxing room before you leave.


Cooking Class and Dinner

At 4 PM, 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 terrace 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 produce from the garden if the 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 the season permits! After dinner, back to your hotel for overnight. ...read less

Day
12

Marrakech Airport

Private transfer from your Hotel to the Airport, for your international flight home.

Private transfer from your Hotel to the Airport, for your international flight home.

Casablanca, Morocco

Rabat, Morocco

Fez, Morocco

Volubilis Archeological Site, Meknes, Morocco

Meknes, Morocco

Ifrane, Morocco

Midelt, Morocco

Erfoud, Morocco

Merzouga, Morocco

Tinghir, Morocco

Dades, Morocco

Skoura, Morocco

Ouarzazate, Morocco

Aït Ben Haddou, Morocco

Marrakech, Morocco

Places You'll See

  • casablanca-morocco

    Casablanca

    Sitting on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco. It serves as a major port and business hub for the entire continent of Africa. Because of its strategic location, many companies have their headquarters here. Along with being the country’s main hub for business, Casablanca also is known for its busy “medinas”, attracting many different types of shoppers. The city’s renowned King Hassan II Mosque is a must-see!

  • rabat-morocco

    Rabat

    Morocco’s capital city, Rabat, offers plenty of history and a relaxed atmosphere for a major city. Rabat is one of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities. Explore the Rabat’s Old Medina, admiring the historic buildings and traditional souks. Visit Chellah, an ancient site once inhabited by the Romans and now home to many birds. See the Hassan Tower and the Royal Mausoleum. Enjoy a walk along the corniche and take in the beautiful views of the beach and the Atlantic Ocean.

  • Fez

    Steeped in history and tradition, Fez is a mesmerizing city that invites travelers to step back in time and immerse themselves in Morocco’s rich cultural heritage. Explore the labyrinthine streets of the medina, where ancient mosques, madrasas, and palaces await around every corner. Lose yourself in the bustling souks, where artisans ply their trade and the air is filled with the aroma of spices and leather. Admire the intricate tilework and stucco decorations of the city’s historic monuments, which bear witness to Fez’s illustrious past as a center of Islamic civilization. Whether you’re savoring the flavors of traditional Moroccan cuisine or delving into the city’s vibrant arts scene, Fez offers a captivating journey through the soul of Morocco.

  • Volubilis

    Once a thriving Roman outpost, Volubilis is now a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s ancient past. Wander among the ruins of temples, basilicas, and triumphal arches, which stand as testaments to the city’s former glory. Admire the intricate mosaics that decorate the floors of wealthy Roman villas, depicting scenes from everyday life and classical mythology. Take in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the Capitol, where the remains of the ancient city spread out before you in all their splendor. Whether you’re a history buff or simply a lover of breathtaking vistas, Volubilis promises a journey back in time to the golden age of the Roman Empire.

  • Meknes

    Once an imperial capital of Morocco, Meknes is a city steeped in grandeur and history, offering travelers a glimpse into Morocco’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. Explore the monumental gates and massive ramparts that surround the old city, which bear witness to Meknes’s former status as a center of power and prestige. Wander through the winding streets of the medina, where traditional craftsmen ply their trade and ancient souks brim with treasures. Marvel at the opulent palaces and mosques that adorn the cityscape, reflecting the splendor of Morocco’s bygone dynasties. With its majestic monuments and vibrant cultural scene, Meknes invites visitors to embark on a journey through the ages, where the past seamlessly blends with the present.

  • Ifrane

    Nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains, Ifrane is a picturesque town renowned for its alpine beauty and European-inspired architecture. Stroll through the town’s manicured gardens and leafy avenues, where chalet-style buildings and red-tiled roofs evoke a sense of Old World charm. Explore the surrounding forests and meadows, where hiking trails lead to hidden lakes, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints. In winter, hit the slopes at nearby ski resorts, where you can enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports amidst stunning mountain scenery. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure or simply a peaceful retreat in nature, Ifrane offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

  • Erfoud

    Serving as the gateway to the Sahara Desert, Erfoud is a vibrant desert town that beckons adventurers with its exotic charm and intriguing cultural heritage. Explore the bustling streets lined with colorful market stalls, where you can sample exotic spices, handcrafted textiles, and local delicacies. Dive into the town’s rich history at the Fossil Museum, where you can marvel at ancient relics and learn about Erfoud’s geological wonders. Embark on a thrilling desert safari into the vast expanse of the Sahara, where you can ride camels across golden dunes, camp under the stars, and witness breathtaking sunsets over the desert horizon. With its blend of adventure and culture, Erfoud offers a truly immersive experience in Morocco’s legendary desert landscape.

  • Merzouga

    Situated on the edge of the Sahara Desert, Merzouga is a captivating desert town that lures travelers with its otherworldly landscapes and authentic Berber hospitality. Venture into the desert on a camel trek, where you can traverse towering sand dunes and camp under a blanket of stars. Experience the magic of sunrise and sunset over the endless sea of sand, as the colors of the desert shift and change with the light. Immerse yourself in Berber culture at a traditional desert camp, where you can savor delicious Moroccan cuisine, listen to mesmerizing music, and learn about age-old customs and traditions. With its surreal beauty and warm hospitality, Merzouga offers a truly unforgettable desert adventure.

  • Tinghir

    Cradled amidst the spectacular landscapes of the Todra Gorge, Tinghir is a charming oasis town that enchants visitors with its rugged beauty and ancient heritage. Marvel at the towering cliffs and narrow canyons that surround the town, carved over millennia by the rushing waters of the Todra River. Explore the old quarter, where traditional Berber homes and kasbahs cluster around shaded courtyards and labyrinthine alleyways. Hike along scenic trails that wind through the gorge, offering breathtaking views of the dramatic rock formations and lush palm groves below. Whether you’re scaling the cliffs on a rock-climbing adventure or simply savoring the tranquility of the desert landscape, Tinghir promises an unforgettable journey through Morocco’s natural wonders.

  • Dades

    Set amidst the rugged beauty of the Dades Valley, this enchanting destination captivates visitors with its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural tapestry. Marvel at the towering red rock formations, sculpted by centuries of wind and water erosion, as you traverse the winding roads that meander through the valley. Discover ancient kasbahs perched on rocky outcrops, offering panoramic views of the surrounding terrain. Explore lush oases teeming with life, where traditional Berber villages dot the landscape, providing insight into the region’s timeless way of life. Whether you’re hiking through the majestic gorges or simply soaking in the breathtaking vistas, Dades promises an unforgettable journey through Morocco’s natural wonders.

  • Skoura

    Nestled amidst the verdant palm groves of the Skoura Oasis, this tranquil town offers travelers a serene escape amidst Morocco’s breathtaking natural beauty. Explore the lush gardens and orchards that line the banks of the Oued Dades, where fragrant roses bloom and citrus fruits ripen in the sun. Discover ancient kasbahs and fortified granaries, which stand as reminders of Skoura’s rich history as a caravan stop along the ancient trade routes. Immerse yourself in the rhythms of rural life as you visit traditional Berber villages and share mint tea with friendly locals. Whether you’re unwinding in a tranquil riad or exploring the scenic countryside on foot or by bicycle, Skoura promises a peaceful retreat in the heart of Morocco.

  • Ouarzazate

    Nestled at the crossroads of the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate is a captivating desert oasis that beckons travelers with its ancient kasbahs, rugged landscapes, and cinematic allure. Explore the fortified ksar of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has served as the backdrop for countless films and television shows. Marvel at the dramatic scenery of the Draa Valley, where lush palm groves and traditional Berber villages dot the desert landscape. Visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a sprawling fortress that offers insight into the region’s rich history and architectural heritage. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of Hollywood legends or simply soaking in the stunning desert vistas, Ouarzazate promises an unforgettable journey through Morocco’s cinematic landscapes.

  • Marrakech

    Marrakech sits north of the foothills of the majestic Atlas Mountains and is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Marrakech has been referred to as “the red city” because many of the old buildings were built with red sandstone. The city has long been known as a popular trading destination and is now visited by tourists for its authentic markets and vendors. Marrakech still has a very traditional old town but modern neighborhoods have also emerged alongside these historic areas. Marrakech is one of the largest economic centers in the country and a very popular tourist destination.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Fes : Hôtel L’Escale

4 Star Properties

Casablanca : Idou Anfra

Erfoud : Hotel Kasbah Chergui

Merzouga : Riad Madu

Dades : Riad Bahammou

Ouarzazate : Riad Chay

Marrakech : Bab Hotel

5 Star Properties

Casablanca : Gray Boutique Hotel

Fez : Palais Medina

Erfoud : Palais du Desert

Merzouga : Riad Jardin de Serai

Marrakech : Grand Mogador Menara

Testimonials

JL F

Traveled June 2019

Stephanie rocks!

Stephanie has been taking incredible care of us for several years now. The most personalized travel experience anyone could ever wish for. Simply the best!

Traveled To

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