Call us on 0800 707 6229 for huge extra savings on Cox and Kings Moroccan Explorer: Imperial Cities to Desert
Explore the imperial cities of Fez, Rabat, Meknes and Marrakech, all former or current capitals of Morocco and known for their architecture and vibrant souks. Along the way, travel through diverse landscapes, from the Atlantic coast through fertile plains to the Sahara desert.
- See the stunning sunset over the Sahara desert
- Explore the atmospheric Roman ruins of Volubilis & the town of Meknes, once known as the ‘Moroccan Versailles’
- Stay in traditional riad accommodation in the medinas of Chefchaouen & Marrakech
- Stay in 4- & 5-star accommodation
- Small group size - average 16 people
- Sample local food at the Medina in Fez
- 4- & 5-star accommodation
- Flexible - extensions available
- Maximum group size - 16 people
- International flights & internal flights in Morocco
- Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Experienced local tour manager
- 9 breakfasts & 8 dinners
- Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
Day 1: Fly to Casablanca
Fly from London (regional connections available) to Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc. Transfer to the Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche (or similar) for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Casablanca • Rabat
Morning tour of Casablanca including United Nations Square and the Hassan II mosque before continuing to Rabat. Afternoon tour of the city including the exterior of the Royal Palace and the 12th century Hassan Tower.
Day 3: Chefchaouen
Travel by road to the blue-walled town of Chefchaouen, perched beneath the rugged Rif mountains. Take a walking tour to discover the kasbah with its charming garden then continue to the cobbled main square, Plaza Uta el Hammam. The 15th-century Grand Mosque has a distinctive octagonal minaret.
Day 4: Volubilis • Meknes • Fez
Morning tour of Chefchaouen’s medina. Continue to Fez, stopping en route at the Roman ruins of Volubilis, which mark the westward extent of the Roman Empire, and the Unesco world heritage site of Meknes, now one of the quieter imperial cities but once the heart of the Moroccan sultanate
Day 5: Fez
Full-day tour of Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. Visit the Bou Inania madrasa, the Nejjarine fountain, the souk, tanneries and medina. Visit a communal bakery and join a tasting tour through the Medina.
Day 6: Erfoud
Travel to Erfoud on the edge of the Sahara desert through the high plains between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountain ranges. Stop en route at Ifrane village, known as ‘little Switzerland’ due to its alpine-style architecture, for a walking tour.
Day 7: Erg Chebbi
Morning at leisure. This afternoon journey into the desert in 4x4 vehicles. Stop for a refreshing mint drink with Nomads in the Sahara and see the sunset over the dunes before returning to your hotel this evening.
Day 8: Ouarzazate
Travel west to Ouarzazate with a photo stop at Todra gorge, an impressive orange-coloured canyon. Take a panoramic tour of Ouarzazate and stay overnight at Ksar Ighnda (or similar).
Day 9: Ait Benhaddou • Marrakech
Depart for the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, a superb example of traditional Moroccan earthen architecture. Scenes from the films Gladiator, Prince of Persia and The Jewel of the Nile were all shot here. Visit Jardin Marjorelle and the Berber museum before checking in to the Riad Slitine (or similar) for 2 nights.
Day 10: Marrakech
Full-day city tour of Marrakech. Highlights include the lavish Moroccan architecture of Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia mosque and the bustling souks. Finish in Djemaa el Fna market square, a swirling carnival of musicians, fire eaters, storytellers and snake charmers.
Day 11: Fly to London via Casablanca
Transfer to the airport and fly to London via Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc.
Dar El Kebira, Rabat
Dar El Kebira is located in the heart of the Medina of Rabat, close to the Kasbah of Oudayas. The Moorish building has been completely restored and furnished providing tranquillity and well-being in a Moroccan style. The riads restaurant is decorated with Moroccan divans, a colossal fireplace with ancient Moroccan pottery and serves traditional Moroccan cuisine such as couscous, tagines, pastilla and harira.
Ksar Ighnda, Ouarzazate
Located on the edge of the desert at Ouarzazate is the Ksar Ighnda, located in spectacular surroundings and only a 2-minute drive from the Unesco world heritage site of Ksar Aït Benhaddou. The riad provides an authentic yet modern setting with sculpted ceilings, traditional furnishing and works of art decorating the interiors. Enjoy treatments in the spa using Moroccan Argan oil, or take a stroll in to the village to watch local artisans at work.
Palais du Desert & Spa, Erfoud
Located in the oasis of Erfoud in southern Morocco, the Palais du Desert & Spa is a luxurious property located in the suburbs of the town, close to the palm grove and Zerktouni mosque. The hotel was built in 2014 and is renowned for its Moroccan architecture. The two restaurants serve a variety of local and international dishes while the lounge bar is an ideal location for after-dinner drinks.
Palais Ommeyad Suites & Spa, Fez
The Palais Ommeyad Suites & Spa is located in the Old Medina in Fez, a 20-minute walk from Karaouiyne Mosque. The property has traditional Moroccan decor and features spacious guestrooms. The restaurant serves Moroccan cuisine characterised by a variety of dishes, mainly from Arabic, Berber or Jewish traditions. Features: 30 rooms, restaurant, indoor & outdoor swimming pools, spa, terrace, garden.
Riad Slitine, Marrakech
Located in the heart of the Medina, Riad Slitine is just a 5 minute walk from Djemma El Fna square and the nearby Jewish Quarter. It comprises of 3 interconnecting riads dating back to the 17th and 18th century and has 8 rooms and suites individually decorated in a Moroccan style. There is a small pool, hammam, massage, jacuzzi and beauty room and a restaurant. Due to the traditional architecture and design of the riad, the rooms may have small windows which are interior facing into the public areas of the riad.
Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche, Casablanca
Located in the business district in the city centre, the Sofitel Casablanca Tour Blanche has fantastic views of Hassan II and is just a 2-minute walk from the medina. Excellent spa facilities provide relaxation after a busy day sightseeing. The hotel's restaurants offer local and French bistro-style cuisine, as well as a gourmet restaurant for a gastronomic experience. Features: 171 rooms and suites, 2 restaurants, bar, spa, hammam, hot tub, gym, beauty and massage treatments, Wi-Fi, indoor swimming pool.
Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don't include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment's notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.
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