Grand Tour of Morocco
Grand Tour of Morocco
Grand Tour of Morocco
10 Days Starting and ending in 33.571410,-7.606908
Visiting: Morocco
Tour operator:
Tour code:
603
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 45
Age range:
8-95
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
This comprehensive 10-day Morocco tour combines historical sites, bustling souks and ancient cities in the north of the country, with two scenic crossings of the Atlas mountain range and time in the beautiful desert regions of the country. Together with plenty of chances to try delicsions Moroccan cuisine, this tour gives you a real taste of everything the country has to offer.
Accommodation is in a range of comfortable mid-range hotels along with one night spent in a comfortable Berber camp situated at the edge of the spectacular Erg Chebbi sand dunes near Merzouga. An upgrade to a higher superior range of hotels is also available on request.
The tour can also be arranged privately if you would rather not join a group, or if our group dates do not work for you. Please contact us for details.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Into Casablanca. Transfer To Hotel
Accommodation Name: Casablanca hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
On your arrival in Casablanca airport (CMN) our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in, relax after your flight, and have a first look around. Extra nights in Casablanca before the tour starts can be added on request. An upgrade to a higher level range of hotels is also available.
Extra day in Casablanca - pre-tour; Super hotel upgrade; Full board supplement
Day 2: Casablanca: Meknes And Volubilis
Accommodation Name: Fes hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our tour starts this morning with a short tour of Morocco's economic capital, Casablanca. We'll see the outside of the Royal Palace, Mohamed V Square, the residential Anfa area, the 'New Medina' Habous district, and the exterior of the impressive Hassan II Mosque with its imposing location right on the seafront.
Departing Casablcana we drive towards Meknes, a Berber town that was the capital of Morocco during Moulay Ismail's reign. During this period he built the longest city walls in the country (40km) and transformed the town with beautiful gardens and gateways. During our tour we'll see the Jewish Quarter, Royal Stables and the Bab Mansour Gate.
Our third tour of the day is at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Volubilis, home to some of North Africa's most impressive Roman ruins. We'll stop briefly on the way from Meknes for panoramic vews of the holy city of Moulay Idriss, and after leaving Volubilis head on to the mediaeval city of Fez.
Super hotel upgrade; Full board supplement
Day 3: Fez: City Tour
Accommodation Name: Fez hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The city of Fez is over 1200 years old and has both a more modern half, as well as its ancient heart where the medina comprises a winding maze of tiny streets packed with shops and bazaars, mosques and workshops. We'll spend a full day in the city, taking in the exterior of the Royal Palace, Moulay Idriss mausoleum and Karouine Mosque, and also a Medersa (theological college) such as Attarine or Bou Anania. After lunch we head into the ancient Medina, stopping to see a leather tannery with its dye pits and finished leather goods, as well as tiny mosques, craft workshops and carpet shops
Super hotel upgrade; Full board supplement
Day 4: Cross The Atlas Mountains To Erfoud
Accommodation Name: Erfoud hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We'll leave Fes behind us with reluctance today and drive through the Atlas Mountains via the cedar woods of Immouzzer Kandar and the charming ski resort of Ifrane. We'll continue past Azrou and the village of Midelt where we break for lunch, before descending through Errachidia and the Ziz valley which is dotted with palm trees that are the source for the annual date festival in Erfoud. On arrival after our long drive we spend the night with dinner in at hotel in Erfoud, on the edge of the desert.
Super hotel upgrade; Full board supplement
Day 5: Desert Villages: Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes
Accommodation Name: Berber desert camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We head out in 4WD vehicles today to explore the edge of the Sahara desert, starting by visiting the Gnawa people who originally came here as slaves from Sudan. We'll also see the lake of Merzouga, as well as the fossil gallery and souk at Rissani, which is a traditional town and cradle of the Alouite dynasty, as well as the meeting place of the old Caravan trading routes heading as far as Timbouctou in Mali. In the afternoon we'll drive to the famous Erg Chebbi sand dunes at Merzouga to enjoy the sunset, and to spend the night in comfortable tents at a Berber camp. An optional camel ride is available locally on the sand dunes. The standard camp can also be upgraded to a deluxe camp (advance booking required).
Super hotel upgrade; Full board supplement
Day 6: Todra Gorge: Road Of A Thousand Kasbahs
Accommodation Name: Ouarzazate hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We rise early this morning and then head away from the desert and to the impressive Todra Gorge near Tinghir, whos rocks tower around 250 metres above you. Our journey then continues along the 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs' crossing Kalaat M’Gouna and the Skoura Valley before arriving at Ouarzazate or 'place of no noise'. An incredibly dramatic landscape, this area has played host to countless well known films and is home to the famous Atlas movie studios.
Super hotel upgrade; Full board supplement
Day 7: Ouarzazate: Ait Benhaddou: Atlas Mountains
Accommodation Name: Marrakech hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We'll take a short orientation tour of Ouarzazate this morning, including a panoramic photo stop at Kasbah Taourit as well as an optional visit of the Atlas Movie Studios. Before heading up into the mountains again, we'll stop at what is probably the most well-known kasbah in Morocco - Ait Benhaddou. The kasbah is a UNESCO protected monument and has appeared in countless movies. After exploring here, we'll take lunch and then take a scenic drive across the mountains of the high Atlas, passing through the Tich'n'Tichka pass at an altitude of 2260m on our way to Marrakech.
Super hotel upgrade; Full board supplement
Day 8: Marrakech: City Tour
Accommodation Name: Marrakech hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today's tour of Marrakech, Mararkech's second oldest Imperial City, starts in the morning with visits to the Menara Garden, the Koutoubia Mosque, home to the minaret which has become a symbol of the city, the Dar Si Said Museum, and the Bahia Palace which hosts intricate and beautiful Arabic craftsmanship. After a break for lunch in the hotel, we spend the afternoon exploring the old centre of the city. Home to many different types of traders these bustling and aromatic souqs and handicraft quarters provide a real taste of Morocco. The tour finishes at the Djemaa el-Fna Square, which is well worth revisiting later in the evening when it is packed with street food stalls, musicians and entertainers - one of Morocco's highlights.
Super hotel upgrade; Full board supplement
Day 9: Marrakech To Casablanca
Accommodation Name: Casablanca hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We drive back to Casablanca this morning, arriving in time for lunch. Your afternoon is then free today to head into the centre of Casablanca and do some final sightseeing and shopping. If you would prefer to finish the tour in Marrakech, we can arrange this for you. Please contact us for details.
Super hotel upgrade; Full board supplement
Day 10: Casablanca: Free Time: Transfer To Airport For Departure
Accommodation Name: You have some free time in Casablanca today until you are transferred to the Mohamed V Airport airport for departure. MEALS: </strong> Breakfast EXTRAS: </strong> Extra day in Casablanca - post-tour
What's Included
What's Not Included
Mode of Transport
A/C minibus/coach, 4x4s
Check out our Q&As
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
The tour price includes entrance fees to all the tourist sites mentioned in the itinerary. You will need to cover the cost of entrance to any other extra sites that you may wish to visit.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Many of our Morocco tours include a 24-hour airport meet & assist service in Casablanca/Marrakech airports (depending on the exact itinerary), your arrival and departure airport-hotel transfers and all other transfers. Some tours however many not include airport transfers, please check the tour inclusions/exclusions for information on which transfers are included on your specific trip.
Where transfers are included, these are only included in our tour prices on the first and last day of the set tour itinerary. We will be happy to arrange transfers on any additional days if you book your hotel room with us. If you make your own arrangements for additional accommodation at either the beginning or the end of the tour then you will need to arrange your own airport transfers on these days.
On our Shoestring group tours we do offer optional hotel upgrades. This may mean that additional pick-up and drop-offs are required each day. We do endeavour to ensure that all hotels used are close to each other and to streamline and time arrangements to limit any extra driving time as much as possible. -
Are flights included in this tour?
We want to give you as much flexibility as possible when it comes to booking your holiday with us. So, to take account of people with varying travel plans, we don’t include your international flights in the main tour price. We are however very happy to suggest flights to go with the tour. Please contact us with your preferred dates and departure airport and we’ll give you a selection of airlines, times and fares to choose from.
Your airport arrival & departure transfers are included on the first and last days of the tour. Airport transfers on any days before or after the main tour will incur a supplement. Our Morocco tours either start/finish in Marrakech (RAK) or Casablanca (CMN) airports.
Some packages on our website are sold as flight inclusive and in this event you will see the departure airport listed on the Dates & Prices section. Airlines may vary on these packages, and baggage fees may be subject to an extra fee. Where these are shown on our website, prices are correct at the time of quoting, but are subject to continued availability of the fare used. Prices will be reconfirmed at the time of booking, and we will also provide the flight times and airline details before tickets are issued.
Flight inclusive prices are based on the cheapest Economy ticket class available which is generally non-refundable and non-changeable unless the flight is cancelled for reasons such as Covid-19, in which case the airlines are more flexible. More flexible ticket options, as well as Premium Economy and Business Class tickets are available on request for an additional supplement. Any changes made to flight inclusive bookings will be subject to the airline rules on your ticket.
Check in times for international flights to Morocco are generally 2 or 3 hours before departure depending on the airline - we recommend you aim to get to the airport 3 hours before departure to allow for any delays en-route and in passing through security checks. Online check in is available with most airlines from 24 hours before departure, though low-cost airlines may allow this straight after booking. Seat selection can be done at the point of checking in, either online or at the airport, or by calling the airline direct.
We do also sometimes advertise flight inclusive packages from selected airports. -
Are vaccinations required for this tour?
You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:
South Africa: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Namibia: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from an infected area.
Botswana: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted or travelled through an infected area.
Zimbabwe: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Zambia: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Malawi: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Tanzania: Additional vaccinations: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Kenya: Additional vaccinations: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from an infected area.
Uganda: Additional vaccinations: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow Fever. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from an infected area.
Sudan: Additional vaccinations: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow Fever. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area. A certificate may also be required for those departing Sudan.
Morocco: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria not normally present. Yellow Fever certificate not required.
The above information can change at short notice. For up to date health information & vaccination requirements we recommend that you contact your medical practitioner or a travel clinic.
Malaria: Vaccinations are not available against Malaria, which is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes that can be very serious and sometimes fatal. You should avoid mosquito bites by covering up bare skin with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers and applying insect repellents to exposed skin. When necessary, sleep under a mosquito net. Mosquitoes are most active during and after sunset. You should consult with your GP/medical practitioner/travel clinic about the most appropriate malaria prophylactic medication to take for the regions you are visiting.
Yellow Fever: This disease is spread by infected mosquitoes that bite during the day. A Yellow Fever Certificate of vacinnation is often required as a condition of entry depending on which country you are arriving from, or that you have travelled or transitted through recently (including connecting flights with stopovers of over 12 hours). You can view this US CDC information about where the virus is present and follow the links to further information detailing which countries need you to have a Yellow Fever vaccination as part of their entry requirements. Please ensure you have this certificate organised in advance and with you and to hand during the trip.
Please inform us of any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or asthma and any prescription medicine you may be taking. We also need to know about any food allergies or physical disabilities that you may have.
If you are travelling on an Overland tour or your trip includes wildlife safaris then please bear in mind that you may be travelling on bumpy roads and/or rough ground for several hours at a time. This can be very uncomfortable or painful if you have a bad back, and make such conditions worse. Please contact us if you have any concerns. -
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.