Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
Depart for Casablanca direct from Toronto.
Arrive in Casablanca and explore the majestic Hassan II Mosque, an architectural masterpiece perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. We will transfer to our hotel in Rabat before dinner at Rick’s Cafe, a replica of the bar from Humphrey Bogart’s Casablanca.
Today we embark on a tour of Rabat, Morocco’s capital and the Royal Family’s seat, featuring palaces and mosques. Explore the ancient medina, see the Royal Palace’s exterior, King Mohamed VI’s residence, the Royal Mausoleum of Sultan Mohammed V, the Kasbah of the Oudayas, and the exquisite Hassan Tower. Enjoy a traditional boat tour over the river then dinner at the Dhow - a beautiful restaurant on a boat.
Explore scenic Chefchaouen, renowned for its white houses with blue doors, wrought iron windows, and tile roofs. Discover its leather and weaving workshops along cobbled lanes, the red-walled Kasbah, and a 15th-century fortress. The local markets here are bustling with traditionally dressed locals and a colourful array of goods.
Like a mirage blooming from the countryside rocks, the former royal city of Meknes, is an unexpected delight en route to Fez. Explore the old city walls, royal stables, and the intricate Bab Mansour Gates. Visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Spend the day touring the amazing city of Fez. Wander the old town shadowed by mosque minarets, where potters, charcoal burners, goldsmiths, and weavers practice their ancient trades. Visit the renowned Jewish Quarter, known for its exquisite ironwork. The full-day tour includes the UNESCO-listed Medina, the Nejjarine Fountain, the Moulay Idriss Mausoleum, the Kairaouine Mosque, and more.
Journey through the mountains past Azrou, an important handicraft centre, and reach Midelt, nestled between the High and Middle Atlas Mountains with stunning landscapes. After a lunch break, head to Merzouga to see its famous sand dunes reaching up to 160 m high.
Traverse the Ziz Valley—the source for annual local date festivals—to Erfoud, a town built by the French and famed for colourful red sand buildings.
Embark on an early morning jeep excursion to witness the sunrise over Merzouga’s sand dunes. Continue to the holy city of Rissani, with lunch at a canyonside restaurant and a visit to a 17th-century kasbah. Journey through the spectacular 250-metre-high Todgha Canyons, ending with an overnight stay in Dadès, home to the famous Dadès Gorge.
Visit the imposing Dadès Gorge, then travel the Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs to Ouarzazate on the edge of the Sahara desert.
Visit the kasbah of Taourirt, one of Morocco’s most stunning, and the 16th-century Aït-Ben-Haddou, the south’s most spectacular fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for film settings like Lawrence of Arabia. This afternoon we will travel to Marrakech via the Tichka Pass, Morocco’s highest pass, enjoying breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains and traditional Berber villages.
Embark on a full-day tour of Marrakech, the 1,000-year-old “Red City” rich in culture and history. Tour Majorelle Gardens, the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and the medina. Experience Djemaa El Fnaa Square’s snake charmers, acrobats, and scribes for a true Moroccan sensory feast.
En route to Essaouira, stop at an Argan co-operative to witness local women producing Argan oil. In Essaouira, tour the UNESCO-listed medina and Orson Welles Square and Memorial, celebrating his filming of Othello. Keep an eye out for the unique tree-climbing goats in the Argan trees!
DAY 14: MARRAKECH. After breakfast you will enjoy a leisure day in Marrakech. Explore the city, relax at the hotel, book a massage at the hotel or sign up for an optional cooking class! The trip concludes with a delicious Farewell Dinner featuring a vibrant folklore show.
Fly home from Marrakech via Casablanca.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
