Moroccan Odyssey

Moroccan Odyssey

A destination perfectly suited to the intrepid and curious, this tour is a deep dive into the exotic whirlwind that is Morocco. Venture into the mountains and through the desert and lose yourself in the alleyways of age-old medinas and souks on this evocative adventure.

What's Included:

• Touring with Guides and entrance fees
• 47 meals: 16 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 16 Dinners
• International flights and current taxes
• All transport
• 16 nights in 4 star accommodation
• Rail journey
• Maximum Group Size: 18
• Physical Rating 1: Walking, some steps and time on your feet

Highlights:

• Chouara Tanneries in Fez - Journey to the Chouara Tanneries, where the age-old leather industry comes to life. Meet a skilled artisan and gain insights into the meticulous process of crafting Moroccan leather artifacts.
• Traverse the Ziz Valley - Traverse the Ziz Valley and enjoy an encounter en route with Morocco's endemic species, the macaque ape, observing these playful creatures in their natural habitat amindst the breathtaking landscapes.
• Explore the Sahara Desert - Enjoy the thrilling jeep safari to the deep desert of Merzouga and delight in a dinner around the campfire, surrounded bu the enchanting ambiance of the Sahara desert.
• Souks in Marrakech - Immerse yourself into the hustle and bustle of the local markets, known as souks that Marrakech is so well known for.

Day 1 - Fly to Casablanca

Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to Rabat. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 2 - Explore Rabat

Spend the day exploring the charms of Rabat, Morocco’s stately capital. Begin at the evocative Hassan Tower and view the juxtaposition of traditional and modern at the mausoleum of Mohammed V before pausing to admire the Oudayas Fortress, located majestically on a clifftop. Later, stroll through the old medina.

Day 3 - Tangier by train

Transfer to the station and board the sleek and swift Al Boraq, Morocco’s high-speed train, bound for the port city of Tangier. Begin exploring the unique blend of cultures and influences visiting Cape Spartel, the forest of Rmilat, the atmospheric kasbah and seeking out the hidden gems of the medina.

Day 4 - Travel to Chefchaouen

Perched high among the peaks of The Rif, the mountain village of Chefchaouen is famous for its blue-washed buildings. Discover the cobblestone medina, visit the historic Outta Hammam and the picturesque Ras El Ma. Enjoy an ancient musical sufi tradition this evening, known as Hadra Chefchaounia, a stunning ritual that combines music with hymns and prayer, offering insight into the spiritual heritage of the region.

Day 5 - Journey to Fez

Set off for Fez stopping at Volubilis, Morocco’s oldest Roman site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can admire ancient mosaics that have been preserved in situ. Continue to Fez, where you can venture out to start soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Day 6 - Explore Fez

Fez was founded in the 9th century and was long a centre of culture and learning. Today is packed full of its plentiful sights; you’ll start at the UNESCO-listed old medina, where you’ll see renowned medresas – theological colleges - and intricately decorated mosques. Then, take part in a hands-on pottery workshop where you’ll shape your own piece of pottery and visit the artisans of the Chouara Tanneries. Spend the afternoon among the hustle and bustle of Fez’s souks and markets. This evening, be entertained by an enchanting belly dancer at dinner.

Day 7 - Culinary Fez

This morning will be dedicated to a cooking class where you’ll prepare a traditional Moroccan dish for lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure – indulging in a hammam treatment is an excellent option – before meeting up again for dinner at the hotel.

Day 8 - Travel to Erfoud

Take a scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains to reach the Ziz Valley, stopping amongst the dramatic scenery to visit the endemic macaque ape in their natural habitat. Arrive in Erfoud. Please note, it takes approximately 6 hours to drive form Fez to Erfoud.

Day 9 - Desert Adventure

Spend the morning exploring the ancient town of Rissani on the edge of the Erg Chebbi Desert, delving into its rich history. Then, in a hands-on cooking class, you’ll learn the art of preparing medfouna, also known as ‘Berber pizza’, which you’ll then enjoy for lunch. Later this afternoon, join a thrilling jeep safari to the deep desert of Merzouga. Reaching a desert camp, where you’ll be entertained by traditional Saharan music and dancing, dine around the campfire under the star-filled desert sky. The remainder of your day will be spent under the Moroccan stars in your elegant berber tent.

Day 10 - Travel to Skoura

Rise to the beauty of the desert and enjoy a hearty breakfast surrounded by the golden sands of the Sahara. Journey across striking desert landscapes to reach the peaceful, old kasbah of Skoura.

Day 11 - Journey to Marrakech

This morning, set out through Morocco’s captivating landscapes towards the dazzling city of Marrakech. En route you’ll stop at picturesque Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou. A UNESCO-listed ksar (fortified village), wander narrow alleyways to admire the traditional earthen clay architecture before climbing to the top of the kasbah for magnificent views. Arrive in Marrakech.

Day 12 - Explore Marrakech

Get swept up into Marrakech’s fast-paced bustle as you spend the day discovering its rich history and colourful culture. This morning, visit hidden fondouk and caravanserais, see an ancient ‘ferran’ bakery and learn about the age-old practices of the hammam. After lunch, have a wholly sensory experience in the city’s souks, navigating labyrinthine alleyways to find traditional artisans at work.

Day 13 - Visit the Ourika Valley

In the High Atlas Mountains, the Ourika Valley boasts two magical gardens – Anima Garden, and the Jardin Bio Aromatique d'Ourika. Explore them and enjoy lunch with friendly locals, taking part in a tea ceremony with a local tea man before returning to Marrakech.

Day 14 - Travel to Essaouira

Bid farewell to Marrakech and head for the charming seaside town of Essaouira. Begin your discoveries with a walking tour of the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This afternoon is yours to continue exploring – walk along the beach, browse in the shops and art galleries, or visit historic Skala de la Ville.

Day 15 - Essaouira at leisure

Today is yours to spend as you wish in and around Essaouira, with just lunch at a local restaurant and dinner at your hotel on the itinerary. Why not spend the day visiting the bustling fish market this port city is know for, before wandering through the endless array of souks. Go on to walk along the ramparts, offering beautiful views below, or visit a thuya woodwork shop, where you'll find traditional backgammon sets and more!

Day 16 - Return to Casablanca

Travel back to Casablanca. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a visit to Hassan II Mosque with its towering minaret. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.

Day 17 - Fly Casablanca to UK

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.