Morocco

“Welcome. Welcome in Morocco” – this direct translation of an Arabic salutation is the greeting one receives many times every day in Morocco. It embodies the genuinely welcoming spirit of the entire country. This is a refreshing destination for Americans - a democratic, moderate Muslim culture. Evidence of the country’s prosperity and forward thinking are everywhere: good infrastructure, cleanliness, and a distinct lack of the “hassle factor” seen in much of the developing world. And the lineup of knock-out sights is impressive:  the “Blue Pearl” of Chefchaouen, the Medieval ambience and fascinating dye pits of Fes, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, evocative Ait Benhaddou, the Atlas Mountains, and the Sand Sea of Erg Chebbi. Add in great food, the camel safari of your travel dreams, the sensory maelstrom of Marrakech, and you have the recipe for an ideal fortnight of discovery travel.

Day 1 Casablanca
Our tour begins in Casablanca. The bustling port city of Casablanca is the economic capital of Morocco famous for its art deco French-colonial buildings, Mauresque government institutions, and old medina. We’ll gather in the late afternoon for a get-acquainted meeting and then enjoy our first Moroccan dinner together.
Hotel Idou Anfa (1 night) https://hotelidouanfa.com/

Day 2 Chefchaouen
Hassan II Mosque; Aslilah
This morning after breakfast we will tour the mighty Hassan II Mosque. This impressive mosque, opened in 1993, is the third largest in the world after the great mosques of Saudi Arabia. Departing Casablanca, we’ll travel up the Atlantic coast to Asilah, a charming white-washed seaside town known for its vibrant and active artistic community. We'll wander to the old fortress for photographs, enjoying the colorful public art seen around every corner. In the afternoon we continue to Chefchaouen, known as “The Blue Pearl”.
Dar Echaouen (2 nights)

Day 3 Chefchaouen
Walking Tour
Our day begins with a walking tour of this lovely town. Set against a gorgeous wide valley and surrounded by the stunning Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen will pleasantly take you by surprise. Its medina has been lovingly cared for and boasts unique blue and whitewashed houses, sloping red-tiled roofs, and artisan doorways. Much of Chefchaouen was created by Andalusian refugees escaping the Reconquista of Iberia and reminders of Spain are everywhere when exploring its cobblestone streets. It’s an evocative atmosphere and a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy the bohemian ambiance. A free afternoon is yours to do just that.

Day 4 Fes
Volubilis Tour; Craft Demo
Today we travel to Fes via the Roman site of Volubilis, once a provincial Roman capital. As we approach we can see its profile along the edge of a high plateau. Today it is the most impressive Roman ruin in Morocco and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. In the afternoon we continue on to Fes, pausing for a local craft demonstration.
Riad Salam (2 nights) https://riadsalamfes.com/fr/index.html

Day 5 Fes
Walking Tour; Dye Pits: Medrassa Bouanania; Funduk Nejjarine
Our activity today is a walking tour of Fez, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. It is vibrant, noisy, energetic, and fascinating. Although made up of three distinct ‘cities’, or quarters, today we head into the old city, known locally as Fes el Bali. Medieval Fes was a storied center of education and culture; both Islamic and Jewish. Its religious institutions and libraries were legendary and its mosques of great renown. Many Muslims and Jews expelled from Spain in 1492 were drawn here. As we walk through the streets and alleyways, passing historic khans, medrassas (religious schools), and dye-pits, it is not hard to imagine ourselves back in the Middle Ages. Our visit includes Medrassa Bouanania, the dye pits, and the splendid Funduk Nejjarine, a beautifully restored 18th century inn. At the end of the afternoon, we will retreat to a terrace with a panoramic view of the Medina and enjoy a sunset drink.

Day 6 Merzouga
Today is a travel day. Leaving Fes we drive south, passing lovely scenery throughout the day. Our first stop will be Ifran, sometimes called “the Switzerland of Morocco.” Then we continue via Midlet and the Ziz Valley. During this journey we’ll experience glimpses of the Middle and High Atlas mountains and drive through the largest cedar forest in Morocco, stopping for panoramic views and passing Berber villages along the way. We’ll break up the day by stopping for lunch with a Moroccan family. In the afternoon the scenery changes to reveal the desert as we continue southeast, eventually arriving in Merzouga.
Hotel Tombouctou (1 night) https://xaluca.com/kasbahhoteltombouctou

Day 7 Merzouga
Gnawa village visit; Camel Trek
After breakfast in the riad we start an exploratory journey of the area. We will explore a local oasis to observe the workings of this desert lifeline. Next we’ll visit the Gnawa people, originally slaves brought from Sudan, to experience their music. Lunch today is Berber Pizza. In the afternoon we will mount camels and, guided by an experienced camel mahout, we explore the sand sea of Merzouga. The Erg Chebbi is a great expanse of shifting wind-swept sand that’s formed into picturesque undulating crests and valleys. Its towering dunes, some up to heights of 500 feet, are the most stunning in the country and a must see experience in Morocco. Our overnight desert camp is rustic but comfortable with private bathrooms and showers.
Jaimus Madu Camp (1 night)

Day 8 Ait Benhaddou 
Today is another travel day as we motor west past ancient Kasbah ruins, austere mountains, and valleys of palm trees. We will pause for lunch before continuing to our final destination of Ait Benhaddou. You will have a free evening to relax and explore on your own.
Ksar Ighenda (2 nights) https://ksarighnda.com/

Day 9 Ait Benhaddou
Kasbah; Berber rugs; lunch in Moroccan home
Centuries ago, Ait Benhaddou was an important stop for caravans carrying salt across the Sahara. Today its grand kasbah, Morocco’s premier example of clay architecture, was used extensively in the filming of Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and other famous movies and has been listed as a World Heritage site. We will explore the site with our guide this morning. Before having lunch in a local home, we’ll visit a women’s rug weaving coop.

Day 10 Marrakech
Majorelle Gardens; Orientation; Jemaa el Fna
This morning we will drive through the winding roads of the Atlas, bound for Marrakech, an ancient, exotic city wrapped in European modernity. The scenery is magnificent, and there will surely be calls for photo stops along the way. Upon arrival we’ll visit the tropical gardens of the French painter Jacques Majorelle. These magnificent gardens have become one of Merrakech’s premier sights. In addition to the gardens we’ll visit the gem-like Berber museum. This evening we will head to the great square of Jemaa el Fna, one of the largest public spaces in the world and unique to Marrakech. When night falls it transforms into a hive of activity with henna-painters, street performers, storytellers, and a street food bazaar packed with stalls loaded with Moroccan delicacies.
Riad Les Klefs D’Or (3 nights) https://www.facebook.com/lesclefsdorintl/

Day 11 Marrakech
Guided Walk Medina; Bahia Palace
We begin this day with a morning of exploring the old medina. Marrakech is a feast for the senses. Be enticed by the scents, sounds, and scenes of the seemingly endless mosaic of souks. Each is devoted to a separate trade: pottery, woodwork, copper, leather, carpets, spices, and more. You’ll encounter the sounds of musicians, the aroma of delectable foods, and restful gardens. During our explorations we’ll visit a traditional pharmacy as well as the Palais Bahia - a fine example of Muslim architecture.

Day 12 Merrakech
Free day
Today is our vacation from our vacation. Marrakech has many engaging activities to try. Or just relax in our comfortable riad. Optional activities include: Hot air balloon ride, Tagine cooking class, Merrakech street food tour, El Jadida or Essaouira excursions, bicycle tours, or a Hammam steam bath and massage.

Day 13 Tour Over
Tour ends after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfer arrangements.

[Itinerary details & hotels subject to change]

What’s Included:
12 nights accommodation; All breakfasts, 5 dinners, 5 lunches; All tour transport by AC bus; All tips (tour director, guides, drivers, group meals, hotel staffs); Full-time services of a Moroccan Tour Director and Imprint escort, local guides; All entrances: Hassan II Mosque, Volubilis, Bahia Palace, Majorelle Gardens & Berber Museums; All activities: walking tours – Chefchaouen, Fez, Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, Merrakech; desert camel ride; Sunset drinks at Fes; Gnawa music; lunch with Moroccan family; and more

Important exceptions:
Tour participants are responsible for the cost of drinks, free-time sightseeing and meals, and expenditures of a personal nature.