Northern Morocco: Blue Cities & Bustling Marrakech
7 days, Casablanca to Marrakech
Itinerary Notes
Please note that if you are travelling to Morocco between November and February, your tour will have a level of flexibility based off of winter weather conditions on roads in the mountains. Heavy snow is not uncommon, so plan on packing warmer clothing to suit conditions.
Itinerary
Day 1Casablanca
Arrive at any time.
Get excited for your first night out with your fellow travellers. Take to the streets in the heart of Casablanca and hit up one of your CEO’s favourite local spots. Enjoy connecting with your fellow travellers while getting to know Casablanca. Your first night out is just that – the first of many and a perfect way to set the tone for the rest of your grand adventure.
You may wish to come a day early in order to explore Casablanca by day, and take some time to see its medina, beachfront, and classic examples of Art Deco architecture.
Be sure to also visit the spectacular Hassan II Mosque. Entrance is only permitted via guided tours, which operate from Saturday to Thursday at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, and 15:00, and on Fridays at 9:00, 10:00, and 15:00. These times are subject to change (particularly around Ramadan), please double check times with your hotel. Tickets can be purchased at the mosque.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Campanile Casablanca (or similar)
Day 2Casablanca/Chefchaouen
With a good night's sleep behind you, set out from Casablanca. With the bright blue waters of the Atlantic to your left and the sun drenched wonders of Morocco to your right, travel up the coast to Morocco's capital city, Rabat. Stretch your legs as you wander the ramparts and colourful alleys of the city's old quarter. Take in breathtaking views from Kasbah des Oudaias, then indulge in lunch. After you've eaten the hangry away, continue toward Chefchaouen. Here, beneath the soaring Rif mountains, feeling the blues takes on a different meaning. Take an orientation walk through the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen before settling in for the night.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Stretch your legs and explore Morocco's capital.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Chefchaouen Orientation Walk
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Accommodation
Hotel Madrid Chefchaouen (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Chefchaouen
Hoping for free time to explore all Chefchaouen has to offer? Wish granted! Spend your day taking in the splendor of the city and it's surrounding geography. If the (Rif) Mountains are calling, you should definitely answer. Opt to pre-book the Rif Valley Mountains Hike. Or, later opt to visit the Spanish Mosque for breathtaking sunset views of the city.
Free Time
Nature or culture — why choose? Explore everything on your must-experience list during free time.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Rif Valley Mountains Hike
Lace-up your hiking boots, and trek through the scenic Rif Mountains – the perfect natural playground for adventure seekers. Hike along lush mountains, passing small waterfalls and streams en route to the Spanish Mosque for spectacular panoramic views of Chefchaouen. Continue on through the mountains, passing plantations and stopping for a traditional lunch at a local gîte. Once you reach the piste, jump in a jeep and head back to the main road to meet your driver.
Accommodation
Hotel Madrid Chefchaouen (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Chefchaouen/Fès
Fès awaits! Upon arrival, put your free time to good use by visiting an Amazigh (or Berber) pharmacy (a far cry from the kind of pharmacy you may be used to at home). Wander the many mazes of Fès's colourful, ancient tanneries.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Get out and explore Fès, one of Morocco's most interesting cities.
Accommodation
Hotel Mounia Fes (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Fès
With so much to see, another free day in Fès is always a good idea. Breathe in decadent spices (oxygen is for the weak anyway, right?) as you sample treats from the many food carts scattered throughout the medina. Explore the artisan quarters as you take in the city that is often referred to as the cultural heart of Morocco.
Only certified local guides are allowed to act as guides in the medina, so your CEO cannot go with you to the medina during free time.
Free Time
Wander in the medina or explore the new city. The choice is yours.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Fès Medina Guided Tour
250MAD per personFollow a local guide through the Fès medina, one of the world’s largest medinas with more than 9000 winding streets lying within 365 hectares. See buildings in the medina that date back to the 9th century; there are 350 mosques in the medina that are still in use today.
Enter through one of the great gates into the chaos. Explore the artisans’ quarters as well as the many carpenters, bakers, butchers, and spice sellers. Visit the mausoleum and the Al Qarawiyin University.
A highlight of the tour is the view of the famous Fès tannery from the balcony of a leather shop, where you can observe the men hard at work treating and dyeing the different hides. Take some time to shop for leather goods before returning to your hotel.
Shop Fès Medina
FreeSpend some time in the medina checking out carpet shops, sampling local delicacies at the food stalls or shopping for leather goods. Prepare to bargain, just don't get lost wandering the passage ways!
Accommodation
Hotel Mounia Fes (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Fès/Marrakech
After getting back on the road and watching the scenery roll by, arrive in vibrant, bustling Marrakech. Spend the evening exploring the gardens, souks, and other wonders of Marrakech.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Djemaa el Fna Market Square Visit
FreeWander past fresh orange juice stalls and water sellers in colourful costumes reminiscent of an era past. See storytellers, magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines as the day progresses. When the sun sets, the square fills with dozens of food stalls, and is packed with locals, entertaining chefs, and waiters. Grab a spot on a bench with other diners and try the “tanjia” (slow cooked lamb), harira soup, grilled seafood, famous Moroccan couscous, tajine, snails, or even sheep’s head (for the truly adventurous). Wash it all down with some spiced tea.
Accommodation
Hotel Gomassine Marrakech (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Marrakech
Parting is such sweet sorrow, but perhaps consider booking a few extra nights in Marrakech to experience the city further.
Opt to get up early and catch the sunrise over Marrakech by pre-booking the Hot Air Balloon excursion. Please ensure you allow enough time to return from the activity when planning your onward journey.
If you are planning on participating in the hot air balloon activity, please do not book onward travel until after 2:00 pm.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Hot Air Balloon Marrakech
Get an early start and watch the sunrise over the red dust, palm groves, and majestic open landscapes of Marrakech from a hot air balloon. After soaking up the sights, refuel with an authentic Amazigh breakfast in a Moroccan tent.
*Please note if you purchase the Marrakech Hot Air Balloon ride on the final day of your tour you will not finish until 10am. We recommend booking your departing flight no earlier than 1pm to ensure you have enough time to make it to the airport.