Premium Morocco in Depth with Essaouira

Salaam alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. You’ll be met by a representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins at 6 pm with a welcome meeting to meet your fellow travellers and group leader. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Villa des Arts – this gorgeous Art Deco gallery holds numerous exhibitions of contemporary Moroccan and international art. If you’re looking for a different type of cultural experience, then you can discover a unique and fascinating part of Moroccan history at the Museum of Judaism. This evening, celebrate the beginning of a new adventure with a welcome dinner with your group in a traditional restaurant. Nowhere is Morocco’s cultural heritage more evident than in its food, and tonight you’ll have the chance to try classic dishes like tagine, couscous and pastilla.

This morning you’ll visit one of the most impressive sites in Casablanca – the massive Mosque of Hassan II. Second only in size to the great mosque at Mecca, the huge building sits partly on land and partly over sea and is one of the only religious sites open to non-Muslims. Later, leave Casablanca and drive north along the coast to Rabat – the elegant capital of Morocco and its first imperial city. Start your visit with a walk through the medina and souks, then explore the lovely walled quarter known as the Kasbah des Oudaias, where you’ll enjoy an included mint tea in a cafe overlooking the ocean and Bou Regreg River. After, continue the walk to visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the vast minaret of the Mosque of Hassan II. In the late afternoon, continue to Meknes, the former capital of Morocco.

Join your leader and explore the charming streets of Meknes’s medina – the old walled section of the city. There’s something particularly special about exploring this lesser-known medina as the locals go about their daily lives. Walk to the shrine of Moulay Ismail, visit the granaries and stop by a local market selling vegetables, olives and sweets. Drive on to the ruins of Volubilis – once a provincial Roman capital, a distant outpost of the empire, the remains make an undeniably impressive sight. A local guide will show you around, provide expert knowledge and help you imagine the bustling city that once was. Enjoy a picnic lunch of fresh bread, cheese and seasonal fruits and olives from the market, then continue to Chefchaouen. Nestled high in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is famous for its buildings washed in bright shades of blue – this is undeniably one of the world’s prettiest cities!

This morning, you’ll discover Chefchaouen beneath the blue during a tour of the medina with a local guide. Tour its winding alleyways, cobbled plazas and unique doorways and find out what makes the city so alluring. Stop off for a tasting of goat’s cheese – you’ll see there’s no shortage of goats in Chefchaouen and this soft, creamy cheese is some of Morocco’s best. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore further at your own pace. You may like to snap some more pictures of the city’s blue-hued buildings, shop for handicrafts or simply sit at a cafe and enjoy the pleasure of time passing by. Speak to your leader about the option for a homecooked meal for dinner this evening.

Say goodbye to Chefchaouen and make the journey to Fes – the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. When you arrive, take some time to unwind in a local hammam (spa) – speak to your leader for some great recommendations. This evening you’ll have the opportunity to see a different side of Moroccan life as you are warmly welcomed into the home-turned-restaurant of a local family for a pastilla dinner in a private after-hours experience. One of the country’s most celebrated dishes, this sweet and savoury delight is made with layered pastry and meat, cooked with eggs, caramelised onions, lemon and sugared almonds. Learn how the iconic Moroccan pie is made as you chat with your friendly hosts about life in Fes, then end the night with a traditional sweet treat.

This morning, head into the Old Town, known locally as Fes el Bali. Medieval Fes was one of the world’s great centres of education and culture, both Islamic and Jewish. Its religious institutions and libraries are legendary, and its mosques are renowned. Your leader will share stories of the city’s history as you walk through the twisting streets and alleyways, passing donkeys piled high with goods. Filled with historic khans, medresses and dye pits, there are stalls loaded with fruits, herbs and soups, and the squawk of chickens, smells of spice and sounds of hammering copper fill the air. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the medina for a traditional mint tea in a family-owned tea house. Continue exploring the old city, visiting Al-Attarine Madrasa, the tanneries and the splendid Funduk Nejjarine – a beautifully restored 18th-century inn. The afternoon is then free to explore more of what this charming city has to offer.

Today, leave the intensity of the city behind for the desert oasis town of Erfoud. Prepare for a long driving day, but have your camera ready as there will be plenty of stops to appreciate the ever-changing Moroccan landscape along the way. Wind past olive groves, shepherds tending to their flocks, forests of cedar, pine and oak, and valleys filled with date palms – all with views of the High Atlas Mountains in the distance. Arrive in Erfoud – your gateway to the Sahara Desert. Built by the French in the early 1900s, the town features tightly packed red sand buildings that blend seamlessly into the desert surroundings. Erfoud is also known as the capital of dates and you’ll discover the rich flavour during a date-tasting experience. Then, visit a local farm and meet passionate growers who will share their knowledge about date cultivation and harvesting. Walk through lush palm groves, learn about different date varieties and taste fresh, high-quality dates straight from the source.