Morocco

Number of Days: 8

Tour Type: Guided by Encounters Travel (found on LivingSocial)

Total Cost: $2,139

DAY 1 – Arrive into Casablanca
Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Casablanca for the start of your trip. They’ll help you settle in and introduce you to the local area.

DAY 2 – Casablanca to Rabat
We start today with a tour of Casablanca, Morocco’s economic capital. We’ll visit the central market, the Royal Palace, the Habous disctrict, Mohamed V Square, the Anfa residential area and the exterior of the impressive Hassan II Mosque on the seafront. After lunch we’ll head to Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital and tour the old town, including the Royal Palace (Mechouar), the Oudaya Kasbah, Hassan Tower, and Mohamed V Mausoleum.

DAY 3 – Te Fez via Meknes & Volubolis
We leave Rabat this morning and drive to the Berber town of Meknes. Formerly the capital of Morocco during the reign of Moulay Ismail, he transformed the town, constructing intricate gateways, beautiful gardens and at 40m the largest ramparts in the country. Next is ancient Roman city of Volubilis. Recently listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and dating back as far as AD40, Volubilis is home to some of the most impressive Roman ruins in North Africa. We finish the day with a short drive to the mediaeval city of Fez.

DAY 4 – Fez, city tour
Over 1,200 years old, the city of Fez is a labyrinth of souks, mosques and spice filled streets. We delve into the fascinating history of the city with a full tour encompassing the Moulay Idrss mausoleum, Nejjarine fountain and the Bou Anania Medersa. We also spend time confusing our senses in the cacophony of noise surrounding the heady alleyways of Medieval Medina, home to tanneries, carpet shops and local restaurants before heading to Fez to explore the cities many varied souks.

DAY 5 – To Marrakech via Beni Mellal

We reluctantly leave Fez behind this morning and begin our journey back to Marrakech. Along the way we’ll make a short stop in beautiful Beni Mellal which dates back to 1688.

You’ll arrive back into Marrakech this evening and the remainder of the day is free for some last minute exploration or shopping.

DAY 6 – Marrakech, city tour
Today’s tour of Marrakech begins with a trip to the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, home to the minaret which has become a symbol of the city. We then visit the Saadian Tombs and the Bahia Palace which hosts intricate and beautiful Arabic craftsmanship. In the afternoon we head to the lively souks around Jemaa El Fna square. Home to many different types of traders these bustling and aromatic streets are uniquely Moroccan. Today’s tour ends at the lively Djemaa El Fna Square.

DAY 7 – Marrakech, free time, transfer to Casablanca
The morning is free today for you to explore Marrakech further – a great chance for some final sightseeing and shopping in the bazaars. Alternatively, a hot air balloon flight or quad biking trip are also available this morning. After lunch we drive back to Casablanca for our final evening (if you wish, you can stay on in Marrakech and finish the tour here).

DAY 8 – Casablanca, free time, transfer to airport for departure
You have some free time in Casablanca today until you are transferred to the Mohamed V Airport airport for departure.

Included:

All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
All transport and transfers
24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
Services of a local tour leader throughout
Local English (may be multilingual) speaking escort/guide during the sightseeing
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Entrances fees to monuments as stated

Excluded:

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
Tips for guide & driver
Any other items not mentioned above

*Itinerary directly from Encounters Travel