Overview
Entering a desert encampment after a sunset camel ride, you see only the glowing Berber tents carpeted with kilims. Cumin-scented stew simmers over a campfire. And away from the native singers and the circle of light, the sky is simply amazing. Not until a morning breeze stirs your tent’s flap do you see in full light how stunning your desert setting is. Our Morocco travel adventure is full of surprises and this is just one of the many we share with you. Colossal Saharan dunes. Cool cedar-forested mountains. Narrow gorges with ribbon-like oases in their depths. And the Kasbah? It’s the word for fortress and a restored one from the Middle Ages is actually one of our hotels. The marvelous news is that, for all its surprises and adventure, Morocco travel also delivers everything you expect. We take in the vivid, noisy markets as we travel. Morocco offers warm hospitality from a culture accustomed to the diversity of Berber, Arab, Jewish, African and Mediterranean influences. You may also be surprised to know that the climate is moderate; this is the coolest and most welcoming of the African nations.
Highlights
We spend the first two nights in Fès, Morocco. Guided tours here include a fascinating exploration of the labyrinthine 9th century Medina and dine at La Maison Bleue, one of Morocco’s finest restaurants.
DAYS 3-4 – ERFOUD / MERZOUGA
Crossing the Atlas Mountains to Erfoud (1 night), the landscape changes from cedar forest to pre-Saharan hills. The next day, travel by Land Rover into the desert where you have the incredible option to climb on to your own camel for a cinematic ride to the 1,000-foot-high sand dunes of Merzouga. As the sun sets, we are welcomed into the land of the Blue Men – Berber tribesmen – where you spend a night in a beautiful tented encampment with all of the amenities (1 night).
DAYS 5-6 – OUARZAZATE
Following the desert’s edge, we enter the spectacular gorges of the Todra River for a scenic amble and a memorable lunch at a Berber family home. In Ouarzazate (1 night), our hotel rooms are carved from stone and overlook a wind-sculpted landscape that offers fascinating walks.
DAYS 7-9 – MARRAKESH
The road to Marrakesh (3 nights) traverses Morocco’s highest mountain pass. En route, we’ll visit a remarkable clay city on the caravan trail to Timbuktu. In Marrakesh, there are lush gardens to explore…snake charmers and fortune tellers…and shopping in the world-famous souks for carpets, tribal jewelry and Moroccan crafts. On our final evening, we’re treated to cocktails and dinner in an elegant private residence.
Map
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Starting Point:
Fès – 9:30 am – Lobby of Hotel Sahrai -
Ending Point:
Marrakesh – 8:00 am – Lobby of Les Jardins De La Koutoubia
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887.
Talk to an expertSelect our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.
Why Choose Classic Journeys
Travel + Leisure has awarded Classic Journeys the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times and says, "Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe." Here’s what that access means for you.
- Experience the world on foot and at eye level. Each day, join your guide on the most cinematic footpaths in the region.
- Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend. Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, share their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of the region.
- Small groups that provide you unrivaled access. An average of fewer than 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special access to sites like Stonehenge so you experience the stone circle when it’s closed to the general public, a guided visit to Zion Narrows that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes, and vineyard walks with a count and countess in Tuscany.
- Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive accommodations in the region you’re exploring, including rainforest lodges, 16th century villas, and award-winning properties that show up on World’s Best and Gold lists.
- Eat like (and with) the locals. Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of the places you visit with us. From gourmet picnics to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
- Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. With our long-term friendships, we know our walking tour regions more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
- Sustainable travel that supports the places you’re visiting. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people who live where we travel. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.
Accommodations
Madu Encampment
The luxury Madu encampment is situated in the dunes of the Sahara and offers accommodation in large nomadic tents made of hand-woven camel and goat hair. Tents include en suite bathroom, mattresses, colorful fabrics, Berber kilims and lanterns.
Berbere Palace
Considered the best in the desert, this hotel is designed as a typical walled Moroccan village. Rooms are scattered throughout the beautifully manicured gardens, while the main building houses props from the many movies shot in and around Ouarzazate.
Hotel Sahrai
On a hill between the Fes Medina and the New Town, this boutique hotel has unparalleled views. Light-flooded rooms are decorated with a contemporary twist on Moroccan design. Facilities include an infinity pool, fitness center and Givenchy spa.
Les Jardins De La Koutoubia
In the heart of the Marrakech medina, this hotel is both elegant and authentic. In graceful Moroccan style, most rooms face an inner patio that contains a gorgeous pool. The hotel also boasts a serene Clarins spa.
What’s Included
- Award-winning boutique hotels that provide you unlimited access to the people and places, culture and history you came to experience
- 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 5 dinners
- Full-time experienced guide(s) who are with you throughout the trip, handle behind-the-scenes logistics
- Admissions to sites and other scheduled events as noted in the detailed daily itinerary
- Gratuities for hotels, meals and baggage
- All land transportation during the trip
Above & Beyond Benefits
Invisible Check-In
- When your group arrives, we whisk you and your bags to your room immediately. No waiting – no tipping.
Privileged Access Events
- One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places and activities arranged just for you.
Image Gallery
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