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Please note that the itinerary will be slightly amended until further notice on day 6 at Ait Ben Haddou and on days 9 and 10 at Taroudant, due to access and safety concerns as Morocco recovers from the recent earthquake. Instead, on day 6 groups will see Ait Ben Haddou from afar with explanations from the CEO then will overnight in either Ouarzazate or Skora. Then on days 9 and 10 groups will be re-routed around Taroudant to overnight in Agadir. Exact details will be provided by the CEO at the welcome meeting, and as the situation develops we will revert to the normal itinerary as soon as it is possible and safe to do so.
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.
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Please note that this tour does not spend any time in Casablanca.
You may wish to come a day early in order to explore Casablanca, 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.
In the evening, there will be a brief meeting where you will meet your CEO and fellow group members to go over the details of the tour.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Tour two UNESCO World Heritage sites today; Meknès and Volubilis. The medieval remains of Meknès were once Morocco’s imperial capital city in the 17th century and Volubilis features impressive, well-preserved Roman ruins to wander through. Afterwards, travel to Fez and eat lunch at a G Adventures–supported women’s cooperative. The proceeds help support vocational training for rural women.
Meknès is one of the four Imperial cities and its name and fame are closely linked to that of the Moroccan Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made Meknès the centre of his empire and built many of the monuments that remain today.
Continue through the rolling hills to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. Once an important Roman town situated near the westernmost border of Roman conquests, Volubilis was listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.
After lunch, Continue to Fès to spend the night. Stay in the new city of Fès, built by the French during their Protectorate of Morocco.
This is a long and busy day. The times listed are actual driving times and do not include stops. We will stop to explore Meknès and Volubilis, and not arrive in Fès until the evening.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Enjoy a guided visit of the Imperial City of Meknes. The least visited of the Imperial cities; Meknes has a unique feel to it. Visit the Bab Mansour historic landmark, and 18th-century Bab El Khmiss, the ornamental gate to the city. Wander the bustling souk to browse the vast array of clothes, spices, handicrafts, and of course food. The visit also includes stops at Dar Jamai: The National Museum of Music and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
Listen to a certified local guide explain life in the Roman Empire at this UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the impressive, well-preserved Roman ruins. Peer into old bathhouses, marvel at the still-present mosaic floors, and gaze up at towering marble pillars. Hear stories about life in this Roman city that will leave you in awe of just how far their empire stretched.
Enjoy a G Adventures-supported traditional lunch that benefits rural Moroccan women and children with disabilities. The association provides vital services including literacy and vocational training, health services, disability assistance, and the operation of a local ambulance. AFER’s training center hosts culinary programs recognized by the state, and each year it graduates 30 students, many of whom go on to work in the project. Through this work, AFER creates sustainable employment, fosters community cohesion, and showcases Moroccan culture to travellers. During your visit, enjoy a traditional home-cooked Moroccan meal, featuring classic dishes such as vegetable tagine or roasted chicken with onion sauce, and meet some of the women that are part of this important community program. This experience not only supports livelihoods but also celebrates Moroccan heritage and rural resilience.
Take a walking tour of the medina of Fez, which is another World Heritage site dating back to the 9th century. Pass by colourful mounds of spices, pay a visit to the Madrasa al-Attarine, and travel by the longest continually operating university in the world. In the afternoon, feast your eyes on an Arabic writing demonstration from a local calligraphy expert.
Follow 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.
Visit a local cafe where we meet a local expert in Islamic calligraphy. Calligraphy means “beautiful writing” and Arabic calligraphy (or more properly, Islamic calligraphy) is considered a high art form in the Arab world. Our expert explains the basics and provides a demonstration and then with with some paper, a bamboo carved calligraphy stick and some ink, try your hand at mimicking the master’s elegant sweeps and flicks of the brush to write Arabic letters.
Hit the newer part of Fès to see life in action. Find a sidewalk café to sip mint tea and watch everyday life go by.
This educational institution was founded in 1325 deep in the Fés medina. Marvel at the Merenid artisanship found on nearly every surface of the courtyard.
Housed in an exquisite 17th-century building, the gallery showcases different art styles passed through generations in Morocco, such as ceramics, embroidery, instruments, and costumes. Climb up to the rooftop for a panoramic view of the city.
In the morning travel to Marrakech; a melting pot of different cultures. Become captivated by the lively atmosphere of Djemaa el-Fna, the city’s main square. Sample mouthwatering street food for dinner and maybe try tangia, a slow-cooked meat stew.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Wander 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.
Discover Marrakech on a day of exploration; wander the tiny alleyways in search of the Koutoubia Minaret, then discover Moroccan spices at the market before visiting a converted riad for a hands-on cooking class. You’ll learn how to make some traditional dishes and get to enjoy your final products for lunch. Afterwards, go on a guided walk visiting sites like Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and a 16th-century mausoleum.
Let a local guide show you the best of Marrekech. Head into the maze of tiny streets and alleyways of the ancient medina to really get a taste of everyday life in Marrakech. See the Koutoubia Minaret and head to a spice shop to discover an array of Moroccan spices.
With its unusual combination of cultures – Amazigh (also known as Berber), French, Jewish, Andalucian – Morocco is known for some incredible flavours that visitors talk about (and miss) long after they return home. In the heart of bustling Marrakech, visit a historic riad for a hands-on cooking class led by a renowned Moroccan chef who will discuss key ingredients and techniques. From the making of different salads to measuring out spices for a mind-blowing tagine, learn the culinary tricks of a master while preparing lunch as a group, which later, we’ll all sit down to eat (and marvel at).
Shop to your heart’s content in the souk and search out spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or the famous Moroccan lanterns. Visit the Saadian Tombs - a complex of sepulchers and mausoleums that house the remains of Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Ed Dahb. The tombs were sealed off until their re-discovery in 1917. Tour the grounds of the Bahia Palace, marvelling at the intricate decoration and wandering through the grand courtyard.
Head out for some independent exploration of the markets and souks.
Wander around the salons of the ornate Mnebhi Palace displaying various collections of Moroccan art forms.
Visit the fascinating Yves Saint Laurent Museum, built and curated in homage to the iconic fashion designer.
Visit this enchanting garden in the heart of the city designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle (1886-1962). Follow the pathways through trees, exotic plants, streams, and pools while watching the numerous birds who call this peaceful paradise home. (Please note that the entrance fee to Musée Yves Saint Laurent is an additional 30 MAD.)
Visit the ancient mudbrick settlement of Aït Ben Haddou in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Check out the views from this city and see if you can identify which movies and famous television series were filmed here.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, the most famous ksar in the Ounila Valley, located in the foothills of the southern slopes of the High Atlas Mountains. Of all the remaining kasbahs in Morocco, the walls and interior of this area are the most intact. It's a collective grouping of dwellings inside defensive walls and was once one of the many trading posts on the route linking Sudan to Marrakech. The kasbah still houses a few families, but many now live in the adjacent village. Like many of the earthen built fortresses in Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou has been used in many film and television productions like Gladiator, Babel, and Game of Thrones.
Today, drive through the Draa Valley as the group journeys towards the Sahara. Traverse the desert on 4x4s and view the great dunes of Erg Chigaga. Embark on a camel ride before climbing the dunes to watch a beautiful sunset over the Sahara. Once settled into our desert camp eat a traditional dinner together before sitting around a fire to enjoy an evening of stories and music under the stars.
Spend the night in a simple desert camp which provides a peak into traditional desert living. Each sleeping area is outfitted with sheets, pillows, a raised bed, towels, and covers against the desert cold and it has a separated ensuite with simple portable toilette and wash basin. While the accommodation is basic, it is quite comfortable and offers a truly unique experience.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Hold on and enjoy a ride on this even-toed ungulate, also known as the desert horse. Bring your camera for some fantastic photos of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Visit the small town of Tamegroute and see a library of ancient Islamic texts as the group leaves the desert. Travel on to the oasis town of Zagora and listen to a talk about the history of the Draa region before relaxing at our beautiful riad.
Explore this small desert outpost town that’s famous as a starting point for desert caravans. Learn about the history of the town and the Draa region with visits to some historical spots.
Visit Tamegroute, a small village in the Draa River Valley. Discover its history as an important centre of learning and religion while visiting the library of ancient Islamic texts. The town is also famed for its ceramics. Watch artists at work at a local pottery studio.
Pass through Morocco’s landscapes and travel off the beaten path towards the Lesser Atlas mountains. We’ll stop at the town of Taliouine along the way which is known for harvesting saffron. End the day in Taroudant where you can unwind in our riad.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Explore the market town of Taroudant framed by snow-dusted peaks today. Often referred to as, “Little Marrakech” you’ll have time to walk around the old town at your own pace and browse lively shops. Take time to relax in the afternoon by reading by the pool of the riad or strolling its paths lined with flowers.
Explore the markets of Taroudant, which is known as a market town frequented by Amazigh traders.
Enjoy time to explore the bustling markets and shops on your own.
Go deeper into the Anti-Atlas region and visit Aït Mansour Gorge. Walk through the valley shaded by palm groves and have lunch in the home of a local family. Afterwards, hike to Le Châpeau de Napoléon rock formation and continue on to Tafraout for the night.
Enjoy an excursion through the stunning landscapes of the region with stops at Aït Mansour Gorge and the Chapeau du Napoleon.
Enjoy homemade local specialties for lunch in a local family's home.
Soak in stunning scenery on a walk through a palm grove.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Next up is the port town of Essaouira on the Atlantic coast. Take some time to walk the windy beaches, hang out in the medina, or watch the fishermen coming and going at the port. While here you can opt to treat yourself to a Moroccan hammam or check out the live music scene.
Essaouira is also famous for its music scene and offers a great chance to check out a live performance.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs.
Visit a hammam, a great way to get squeaky clean and soothe sore muscles. Enjoy a body scrub and massage in a traditional Moroccan bathhouse. Begin with a dry or hot room to prepare your skin and body, followed by a hot steam room. Enjoy a body scrub and massage followed by a traditional mint tea.
Did you know that Jimi Hendrix, Cat Stevens, and Frank Zappa all famously travelled to Essaouira for inspiration? Well, either way today is yours to explore all that you can; look out over the Atlantic from 18th-century ramparts, buy some fresh fish at the market and take it to a local restaurant where they’ll cook it for your lunch, or opt to try windsurfing.
Enjoy your day of leisure.
Ride the waves at this windsurfer's paradise. Try taking a lesson if you’re new to the sport. The reliable strong winds can be challenging.
Head out to catch some waves and enjoy the surf and fresh sea air.
Pop into brightly coloured shops selling leather shoes and purses, slippers, scarves, Moroccan lanterns, and mosaics...you name it. Visit an artists' co-op and shop for handmade silver jewellery. Try not to get overwhelmed by choice – with dozens of shops lining the narrow winding streets, there's a lot to choose from.
Join a 2-hour group lesson to get a grip on this sport, then take hold of the winds on your own.
Visit a hammam, a great way to get squeaky clean and soothe sore muscles. Enjoy a body scrub and massage in a traditional Moroccan bathhouse. Begin with a dry or hot room to prepare your skin and body, followed by a hot steam room. Enjoy a body scrub and massage followed by a traditional mint tea.
Head back to Marrakech and tour the beautiful 12th-century Menara Gardens and Majorelle Gardens. Choose to check out the collection of Amazigh artifacts at the Berber Museum or visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner with the group.
In the afternoon, have free time to further explore the fascinating city of Marrakech and dive into the labyrinthine souks. Visitors and locals alike find everything they desire here, whether it’s spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or famous Moroccan lanterns. The selection is exhaustive. Don’t forget to bargain. It's definitely part of the fun. Once you’ve tired yourself out, relax at one of the tea houses around the square, indulge in the ubiquitous sweet mint tea and watch life go by from a shady spot.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit the stunning and historic Menara Gardens, which were built in the 12th century by the Almohad ruler Abd al-Mu'min. Explore the intricate designs along paths and trails in this peaceful oasis in the city.
Visit this enchanting garden in the heart of the city designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle (1886-1962). Follow the pathways through trees, exotic plants, streams, and pools while watching the numerous birds who call this peaceful paradise home. (Please note that the entrance fee to Musée Yves Saint Laurent is an additional 30 MAD.)
Visit a hammam, a great way to get squeaky clean and soothe sore muscles. Enjoy a body scrub and massage in a traditional Moroccan bathhouse. Begin with a dry or hot room to prepare your skin and body, followed by a hot steam room. Then enjoy a body scrub and massage followed by a traditional mint tea.
Depart at any time.
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.