Morocco-Group
November 23, 2024 - December 01, 2024
Join us on a Thanksgiving adventure to Morocco in 2024!
Embark on an exhilarating journey tailored for adventurous adults eager to discover the wonders of Morocco within a condensed timeframe. Delve into a captivating introduction to the country, encompassing city stays, an unforgettable overnight in the Sahara desert, and an enchanting night in the famed blue city of Morocco. Our intimate group of up to 15 individuals will traverse diverse landscapes, moving between accommodations almost daily, maximizing our exploration in a comfortable van/bus.
Expect stays at charming 3-star hotels and riads (a riad is a traditional Moroccan house with multiple stories centered around an open-air courtyard) plus one night at a desert camp. These accommodations offer an authentic experience without luxurious frills. This tour involves moderate physical activity, including standing, walking, camel rides, and extensive travel to optimize sightseeing opportunities. As this is an adult-focused expedition, children under 17 are not accommodated.
With minimal downtime, our itinerary ensures a comprehensive exploration of Morocco's treasures. Prices are based on double occupancy; however, we can assist in finding roommates or arrange single accommodations for an additional fee. Reach out to us for roommate pairing and current pricing details. While our standard pricing is approximately $1,979 per person, keep an eye out for potential special offers! Secure your spot today, and rest assured, we'll confirm exact pricing and deposit requirements before finalizing any payments.
ITINERARY
ITINERARY
Day 1 Airport pick up to hotel in Marrakech
Arrive at Marrakech airport. Transfer to your hotel where you will receive a warm welcome with mint tea and an explanation of the tour itinerary and city map. Depending on your arrival time, you have the afternoon free for a self-guided walk around the city to explore the myriad of winding streets and their magnificent souks.
Day 2 Marrakech city tour (8 hours)
Our day tour starts from your hotel at 9 a.m. We will travel in a bus to Badii Palace and Bahia Palace with a stop en route to explore the spice souks in Mellah. From there we head to Marrakech Museum and Madrasa Ben Youssef – an impressive building displaying fine decorative detail, characteristic of Moroccan architecture. After lunch we cross the souks, walking to Djemaa El Fna, the heart of Marrakech, where you can have lunch overlooking the main square and soaking up the atmosphere of this vibrant city. After lunch we will walk around the local area by the Koutoubia Mosque, one of the city’s oldest buildings dating back to the 12th century. We then drive to Majorelle Gardens which were created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in 1924 and later rescued from ruin by famous French fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent. This botanical sanctuary is renowned for its striking cobalt blue which is widely used in the garden. Afterwards we visit Menara Gardens – one of the best places to watch the sunset in Marrakech. We return to the hotel at about 5 p.m. Free evening.
Day 3 Marrakech - Ouarzazate - Rose valley - Dades Gorges
After breakfast we depart from Marrakech, driving 200 km through the High Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate, making a short stops for enjoy the beautiful landscapes and taking photos along the way. Our first main stop is to visit Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah – a 16th century fortress classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987; many big movies have been filmed there including ‘Gladiator’, ‘Laurence of Arabia’ and ‘Kingdom of Heaven.’ We have lunch at Aït Benhaddou Kasbah or in Ouarzazate – the capital city of cinema in Africa. After lunch we drive a further 160 km through the Rose Valley and the Road of the Kasbahs, arriving in Dades Gorges at around 5 p.m.
Day 4 Dades Gorges - Todra Gorges - Erfoud - Merzouga
After breakfast we drive towards Todra Valley to visit the spectacular Todra Gorges – a series of limestone canyons with rock faces towering over 500 feet. Then we drive to the charming oasis town of Erfoud, where you can have lunch. After lunch we drive to Merzouga, known as the gateway to Morocco’s Sahara Desert. We make a short stop in a hotel by the dunes for refreshment, in two hour before sunset we go for camel trek into the dunes, observing mesmerizing desert landscapes before arriving at our camp at around 6 p.m. We drink traditional mint tea with the nomads then travel over the rippling sands to watch the amazing sun-set. Back at the camp we have dinner, after which the nomads play music around the fire until we retire for the night in tents underneath the stars. Overnight camping in Merzouga.
Day 5 Merzouga - Fes
We awake early to watch the wonderful sunrise and have breakfast and shower at the camp before we ride camels back to the hotel in Merzouga where you meet our driver to travel to Fes through the Middle Atlas region, a journey that takes us through many beautiful landscapes. We make a brief stop in the region of Er Rachidia to take in the incredible views of the lush palmeraie of the Ziz Valley, followed by lunch in Midelt. Later we make a short stop in Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture, where you may catch a glimpse of the curious monkeys who live within the beautiful cedar forests. We arrive in Fes at around 6 p.m.
Day 6 Fes - Chefchaouen
After breakfast in the hotel you will have a guided tour of Fes, visiting the Royal Palace Gate, the Jewish Quarter and the old medina. In the afternoon we travel to Chefchaouen, stopping en route for lunch. One of the prettiest towns in Morocco, Chefchaouen is known as ‘the blue city’ – an arty, blue-washed mountain village. The old medina is a delightful mix of Moroccan and Andalusian influences with red-tiled roofs, bright-blue buildings and narrow lanes.
Day 7 Chefchaouen - Volubilis -Meknes
After breakfast in the hotel we travel to Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes. First we stop to visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, where we will spend some time exploring the 2000 year old ruins and getting an idea of life during the Roman Empire. We then continue to Moulay Idriss, known as the holy city of Morocco, which holds a special place in the hearts of the Moroccan people; followed by Meknes, where we will have a magnificent view of the medina. In the heart of the medina is Place El Hedim, the large square facing the huge gate of Bab El Mansour – the grandest of all imperial Moroccan gateways. We also visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the final resting place of one of Morocco’s greatest rulers.
Day 8 Meknes - Rabat - Casablanca - Marrakech
After breakfast in the hotel in Meknes we travel to Rabat the capital of Morocco then to the coastal city of Casablanca to visit the Hassan II Mosque and some of the city’s other attractions including the old medina and the Corniche of Ain el Diab. We then travel back to Marrakech, arriving in the evening.
Day 9 Marrakech airport transfer
After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Take the memories of your adventures with you on your flight home.
DEPOSIT
REQUIREMENTS
10% of the trip price is due up front to hold your spot and is NON-REFUNDABLE.
The balance of the payment will be due by early September, 2024.
Payment plans are available or you can choose regular biweekly payments to be made automatically.
Morocco Trip Inclusions:
7 nights at 3-star hotels/riads and one night in desert tent
Airport transfers on the first and last day in Marrakech
8 breakfasts and 1 dinner
Transportation between sites
Pre-trip group Zoom calls when booking with us
Not Included:
Flights
Visas (if required)
Travel insurance
Entrance fees
Set Up A Call Here For Questions
10% NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is required to hold your spot
Please email katie@fulfilledpassporttravel.com if you are looking to be matched with a roommate. It is best to find your roommate first and then book you together.