Tour Description

Coach Tour (Bilingual)

Guaranteed departures (max 48 passengers)

11 days ex Marrakech

Departs: Fridays, year round

Embark on a captivating 11-day journey, immersing yourself in the diverse cultural tapestry and breathtaking landscapes that define Morocco. Uncover the coastal allure of Essaouira, experience the dynamic cosmopolitan energy of Casablanca and bask in the imperial grandeur of Meknes. Traverse ancient Roman ruins in Volubilis, wander the labyrinthine streets of Fes, and delve into the vibrant essence of Marrakech with its iconic Jemaa El-Fna Square. Venture through the majestic Atlas Mountains to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ain Benhaddou and its famed Kasbah and experience the awe-inspiring vastness of the Sahara Desert. Revel in the richness and diversity of Morocco, all within the embrace of a relaxed pace that enhances the overall experience.

Highlights

Explore the coastal allure of Essaouira, a city steeped in history and seaside charm
Uncover the charm of Casablanca and view one of its iconic landmarks, the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world
Roam the ancient streets of Meknes, the Ismalia capital adorned with the country’s longest ramparts
Discover the mesmerizing Roman ruins of Volubilis, echoing the tales of a bygone era
Wander through the Medieval labyrinth of Fez, recognised as the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. Explore the ancient medina where traditional craftsmen practice their skills in the old Oriental tradition
Experience the harmonious blend of past and present in Rabat
Immerse yourself in the vibrant hues of Marrakech as you navigate through bustling souks and the iconic Jemaa El-Fna Square
Traverse the Tizi N’Tichka pass to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO world heritage kasbah that has served as a backdrop for numerous great movies
Drive through the awe-inspiring Todra Gorge, celebrated for its towering canyons and escarpments, some reaching heights over 300 meters
Embark on a thrilling 4WD adventure to the captivating Merzouga Dunes, where the desert landscape unfolds in all its mesmerizing glory

Itinerary
Accommodation
Important Information

Day 1-Friday: Marrakech (D)

Welcome to Morocco. On arrival you will be met by a representative of our local operator and transferred to your hotel where your accommodation is reserved for one night with dinner and breakfast. Remainder of day at leisure.

Day 2-Saturday: Marrakech – Essaouira – El Jadida – Casablanca (BD)

Depart early for Essaouira, the historic Portuguese city formerly known as Mogador. Explore this city, once a haven for hippies and steeped in Portuguese history as a harbour town boasting the world’s oldest preserved fortified port. Optional seafood lunch. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Casablanca, passing by the Atlantic road with stops in Oualidia and El Jadida. Take an orientation tour of El Jadida, originally built by the Portuguese and once called Mazagan, and possibly (time permitting) also visit the Portuguese Cistern. Conclude the day with dinner at overnight at your hotel in Casablanca.

Day 3-Sunday: Casablanca – Meknes – Fez (BD)

This morning uncover Casablanca’s hidden gems. This city gained even more fame following the release of the movie Casablanca, starring Humphry Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Visit the Habous district, the Royal Palace, Mohamed V Square, the residential area of Anfa and view the exterior of the great Hassan II Mosque. Journey onwards to Meknes, the Ismalia capital with the longest ramparts in Morocco (40km). Known as “the Moroccan Versailles,” Meknes was founded late in the 17th century and contains some of the world’s best examples of Maghreb Architecture. Optional lunch. Marvel at the beautifully preserved mosaic gate Bab Mansour, the Royal Stables and the Jewish Quarter then continue through the holy city of Moulay Driss and visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, famed for their amazing preservation and stunning mosaic floors. Continue to Fez for dinner at your hotel and overnight.

Day 4-Monday: Fez (BD)

Discover Fez, the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco. Visit the Royal Palace, Attarine or Bou Anania Medersa, the famous Nejjarine Fountain and the outside of Moulay Idriss mausoleum and Karaouine Mosque. Experience a typical lunch (optional) in a traditional restaurant located in the heart of the Medina where a program of renewal has seen a myriad of eateries take up residence amongst the medieval alleyways. From the traditional tagine to contemporary artisanal delicacies inspired by the local produce and many spices found in the medina, there is something for everyone. Continue with a trip back in time through the medieval Medina and its souks where you will see craftsmen breathing new life into their age-old methods. Return to your hotel for dinner – if you still have room!

Day 5-Tuesday: Fez – Rabat – Marrakech (BD)

This morning you will depart for Marrakech via Rabat, the Administrative Capital. In Rabat embark on an enchanting journey through the white imperial city. A delightful mix of past and present, this city was founded in the 12th century and contains many wondrous sites. Visit the Royal Palace (Mechouar), Mohamed V Mausoleum and Hassan Tower Mosque. Optional seafood lunch. Continue to Marrakesh arriving late afternoon. Dinner at your hotel, overnight Marrakech

Day 6-Wednesday: Marrakech (BL)

Explore the wonders of Marrakech, the second oldest imperial city in Morocco, known as “the Ochre City” and the “Pearl of the South,”. Your historical visit includes the Menara Gardens with its delightful pavilion that sits above a reflective pool, Saadian Tombs, Bahai Palace, Koutoubia and Dar Si Said Museum. After lunch at the hotel continue to explore Marrakech visiting the souks (markets) with their latticework of winding little streets, the handicraft quarters and the famous Djemaâ El Fna Square. This district, famed for its entertainment, features storytellers, snake charmers, fire-eaters and more. Optional: Dinner with show

Day 7-Thursday: Marrakech-Ait Benhaddou – Boumalne (BD)

This morning you will depart to Ait Benhaddou through Tizi N’tichka pass (altitude 2260m). Visit the famous Kasbah, a UNESCO world heritage site, that served as a backdrop for many great movies such as Laurence of Arabia, Troy, Gladiator, Games of thrones. Optional lunch. Continue to Boumalne, crossing Ouarzazate and Kalaa Mgouna. Dinner is included at your hotel this evening.

Day 8-Friday: Boumalne – Tinghir – Erfoud (BD)

Depart for Erfoud passing through the Magnificent Todra Canyons where rocks reach an attitude of 250m. Optional lunch in a local restaurant near the canyons. Continue to Erfoud and depart by 4WD to experience the spectacular Merzouga Dunes on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Return to your hotel in Erfoud for dinner and overnight.

Optional Activities:

Camel Ride amidst Merzouga dunes for the sunrise. The sunrise begins early in the morning. It takes approximately half an hour to reach the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi on a camel. You will leave the camels to reach the highest dune of Merzouga.

Overnight amidst Merzouga dunes in a luxury bivouac (includes transfers, dinner and camel ride). The Merzouga Dunes are an impressive drifting chain of sand dunes that can reach 160m and seem to have escaped from the much larger dune field across the nearby border in Algeria. The Erg Dunes are a magical landscape and offer a scene of constant change as sunlight transforms them from pink to gold to red. Tonight experience a dinner and night under the stars.

Day 9-Saturday: Erfoud – Tinghir – Ouarzazate (BD)

This morning, journey through Tinjdad oasis and traverse the Dades Valley en-route to Tinghir. Optional lunch in Tinghir before proceeding along the road of the 1000 Kasbahs, passing through Kalaat M’Gouna and Skoura valley on the way to Ouarzazate. Upon arrival, embark on a short orientation tour. Dinner and overnight at your hotel

Day 10-Sunday: Ouarzazate – Marrakech (BD)

Depart this morning via the Tizi N’tichka pass for Marrakech. Optional lunch at a restaurant en-route. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Marrakech

Day 11-Monday: Marrakech (B)

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

Airport meet and assist and return airport transfers on Day 1 & Day 11
24/7 local support network
10 nights accommodation in your choice of tourist class, first class or superior first class accommodation with private facilities, half board basis
Meals as specified in itinerary – breakfast daily, 9 dinners, 1 lunch
Modern air-conditioned touring vehicle
Bilingual professional tour escort and local guides where required
Sightseeing and visits as specified in itinerary
Entrance fees to monuments as per the itinerary
Porterage at all hotels
VAT taxes
Morocco Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

International airfares
Optional Meals as specified in itinerary (full board supplement available)
Optional tours and excursions
Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
Personal Expenses
Departure taxes
Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
Visas (unless specified)

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:

Full Board Supplement: includes optional meals mentioned in itinerary – 7 lunches, 1 dinner with show in Marrakech: $350 per person
Camel excursion in Merzouga: $50
Overnight Merzouga in a luxury bivouac (includes transfers, camel ride, dinner and breakfast) – price on application

Accommodation based on the below or similar

The hotels listed in the itinerary may vary due to tour scheduling. Your final itinerary will contain full details of any changes

Marakech

First Class: Palm Plaza Hotel & Spa | Imperial Holiday Hotel & Spa

Superior First Class: Kenzi Rose Garden Hotel | Jaal Riad Resort

Casablanca

First Class: Movenpick Casablanca | Hotel Mogador Marina

Superior First Class: Kenzi Tower Hotel | Grand Mogador City Centre

Fez

First Class: Zalagh Parc Palace | Hotel Les Merinides

Superior First Class: Fes Heritage Boutique Hotel | Palais Medina Riad Resort

Boumalne

First Class: Hotel Xaluca Dades | Kasbah Tizzarouine

Superior First Class: Hotel Xaluca Dades

Erfoud

First Class: Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud | Palais du Desert & Spa

Superior First Class: Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud

Ourzazate

First Class: Hotel Riad Ksar Ighnda | Riad Dar Chamaa

Superior First Class: Hotel Riad Ksar Ighnda

Ramadan

During the Holy Month of Ramadan Muslims fast, abstaining from eating, drinking & smoking during daylight hours (approx. 7am-6.30pm). As a sign of respect, tourists should also try to refrain from these activities in public during the fasting hours. Restaurants and cafes in hotels will be open, however limited alcohol may be available over this time and is usually not served until after sunset and some riads and other locations may not serve alcohol at all during this period. In 2024, Ramadan should begin around 10 March. After 30 days, or on sighting the full moon, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated & most public and private institutions close for at least three days.

Riads

Riads are traditional town houses typically build around an open courtyard. They offer a unique and authentic style of accommodation and usually feature less than 10 rooms. They are generally family-run properties with limited staff undertaking multiple roles and duties. Depending on their standard Riads may not offer all the facilities you would expect to find in a modern hotel. I.e. the Wi-Fi internet access may be limited, there may not be a lift and the breakfast is usually more limited in choices and does vary from Riad to Riad. But the unique and charming atmosphere and the location in the heart of the Medina make up for it. During the Ramadan period, services are more restricted in riads. If you prefer the full services offered by 5 star international hotels, please request an alternative itinerary on this basis.

Private touring in Morocco

On our private tours of Morocco, touring is by private air-conditioned car with a driver. Arabic and French are the main languages spoken in Morocco with English the 3rd and not often spoken language. Your driver will have some English capability, but is not a licensed professional guide and communication maybe basic at times.

It is important that if you have any issues in communicating that you contact the local representative office.

English speaking local guides will be organised by the driver in each city (as specified in your itinerary) in order to provide a more thorough commentary about the city they are a specialist of. Local guides will also help you should you require more information or recommendations on local restaurants or attractions. Please remember that Morocco is a large country and some days of touring will necessitate long periods of driving. There also may be times when, due to road conditions, the itinerary may vary slightly.

If you prefer the services of a full time guide who will accompany you throughout your private holiday, please request this option.

Morocco has a tradition of a multi course lunches, heavier and longer than what we are used to in New Zealand. If you prefer to have a lighter and quicker lunch, please ensure this is explained to your driver.

Enquire About This Itinerary

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

Priced From:

$ 2889pp ^*