Moroccan Circuit - 2025
Moroccan Circuit - 2025
Moroccan Circuit - 2025
9 Days Starting and ending in 31.622522,-7.989826
Visiting: Morocco
Tour operator:
Tour code:
640
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
5-85
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Discover Morocco's vibrant cities, ancient villages, and the breathtaking Sahara Desert on this 9-day adventure. Explore Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen, Casablanca and Rabat, immerse yourself in rich culture, and experience the magic of a camel trek under desert sky.
Your Moroccan adventure kicks off in Marrakech, the vibrant "Red City." After a smooth airport transfer, you'll have time to relax and settle in at your hotel before meeting your fellow travelers. Over the next couple of days, you'll traverse the majestic High Atlas Mountains and explore the wonders they hold. Discover the ancient, UNESCO-listed village of Ait Benhaddou, a backdrop for countless films, and visit Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of North Africa," where you can tour renowned film studios. You'll then journey through the fragrant Roses Valley to Boumalne Dades.
The tour takes a dramatic turn as you venture into the awe-inspiring Todra Gorge and then witness the magic of the Sahara Desert. A camel trek across the golden sands under the setting sun will be an unforgettable memory. Enjoy a night under the desert stars in a traditional Berber camp, complete with local cuisine and music.
Leaving the desert, you'll travel through the palm-filled Ziz Valley, cross the Atlas Mountains once more, and witness playful monkeys in the Cedar Forest. Your next stop is Fes, Morocco's oldest imperial city, where a guided tour will immerse you in the heart of its bustling medina. You'll witness traditional craftsmanship, and have the option of a delightful Moroccan feast accompanied by traditional music and dance.
The picturesque "Blue Pearl" of Chefchaouen is next, a town nestled in the Rif Mountains and known for its stunning blue and white architecture. Journey south to Rabat, Morocco's official capital, where you'll explore iconic landmarks, including the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum. Continue to Casablanca and opt for a visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. Your final stop is back in Marrakech, where you can relax or explore at your own pace before your farewell.
Highlights
Itinerary
Welcome to Morocco! We will meet you on your arrival in Marrakech airport and transfer you to the hotel. Your time is then free to relax by the hotel pool, or explore Marrakech a little independently if you arrive early. We will then have a welcome meeting with the tour guide at 6.00pm where you will meet your fellow travellers. If you arrive late and miss this meeting then we will make the introductions again tomorrow morning. Dinner is included in the hotel tonight.
OVERNIGHT:
Marrakech hotel
MEALS:
Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 2: To Boumalne Dades via Ait Benhaddou
Today, our adventure begins with a scenic drive across the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, culminating in the ancient village of Ait Benhaddou. This historic village was once a vital stopping point for caravans, and its unique architecture has made it a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular filming location for international movies such as "Gladiator," "Prince of Persia," and "Game of Thrones."
Nearby, we'll explore Ouarzazate, a city in southern Morocco known as the "Hollywood of North Africa" due to its numerous film studios. We'll have the opportunity to visit these studios and see where many movies have been made.
Continuing our journey, we'll pass through the picturesque Roses Valley, a lush region known for its fragrant damaskina roses. Each year, locals celebrate the rose harvest with a vibrant festival. Our day concludes in Boumalne Dades, a charming town nestled amidst stunning scenery, where we'll spend the night.
OVERNIGHT:
Boumalne Dades hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 3: Visit the Todra Gorge before a camel trek into the Sahara
Today, we bid farewell to the Dades Valley and journey eastward to the Todra Gorge. Amidst the palm groves of this oasis, we'll enjoy a leisurely stroll and marvel at the impressive gorges.
Next, we set our sights on the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes of Merzouga, where we'll embark on a camel trek into the vast Sahara Desert. As the sun dips below the horizon, we'll witness the desert's breathtaking transformation.
Our evening unfolds in an authentic Berber Camp on the desert's edge. Here, we'll savor local cuisine, be enchanted by traditional music, and relish a magical night beneath the twinkling Saharan stars.
OVERNIGHT:
Berber desert camp
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 4: Drive to Fes via Ziz Valley, High Atlas and Ifrane. Keep your eyes peeled for Macaques.
Following breakfast, our journey takes us through Errachidia and the Ziz Valley, renowned for its abundant date palms. We then traverse the High and Middle Atlas Mountains, a natural barrier between the Sahara Desert and the country's interior.
En route, we'll pause at the Cedar Forest to observe the playful Barbary macaque apes. Our next stop is the charming alpine town of Ifrane, a former French colonial retreat.
Finally, we reach Fes, Morocco's ancient capital, where we'll settle in for the night.
OVERNIGHT:
Fes hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 5: Full day exploring Fes
Considered the largest and oldest medieval city in the world by many, Fes is over 1,200 years old and is famous for its busy Medina. Home to 400,000 inhabitants this is packed with narrow winding streets, mosques, souks and is a heady mix of sights, smells and sounds. We'll spend plenty of time exploring the Medina, seeing various palaces and mosques (which non-Muslims will not be able to enter), and many different crafts on sale.. Our guided tour will also include the Fes's famous dye-pits and tanneries, as well as a traditional Moroccan pharmacy and pottery. Finally we'll return to our hotel to relax after a long day of walking and exploring. This evening there is the option for a traditional meal inside the city with live Moroccan entertainment including music, belly dancing and magicians.
OVERNIGHT:
Fes hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 6: Head to the Blue City of Chefchaouen
This morning we travel on to explore Chefchaouen, a haven of peace and tranquility. High up in the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen is a beautiful blue door and white-walled medina that was originally a Berber post. The main square is the heart of Chefchaouen, with the Kasbah (built back in the 18th century), central mosque and cafes with great local food. You can explore the busy market in a relaxed atmosphere.
OVERNIGHT:
Chefchaouen hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 7: Explore Rabat en-route to Casablanca
Setting out early today, we journey south to Rabat, Morocco's official capital. Upon arrival, we'll embark on a guided tour of the city, exploring prominent landmarks such as the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of King Mohamed V and his son, Hassan II.
Next, we'll venture into the Oudaya Kasbah, a historic fortress that once served as a bulwark against European incursions. After enjoying a delicious lunch in Rabat, we continue to Casablanca, where an optional yet highly recommended visit to the Hassan II Mosque awaits before we check into our hotel.
OVERNIGHT:
Casablanca hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 8: Return to Marrakech. Optional city tour
Following breakfast, we'll return to the vibrant city of Marrakech. After settling into your hotel, the afternoon is yours to unwind by the pool or continue exploring independently. You might consider booking our guided city tour, indulging in a relaxing hammam spa and massage, or visiting the enchanting Majorelle Gardens.
During your time here, you won't want to miss Marrakech's iconic landmark, the rose-hued Koutoubia Mosque, standing tall at 77 meters. Its tower, reminiscent of the Hassan Tower in Rabat and the Giralda Tower in Seville, graces the edge of the medina.
To truly experience Marrakech, a visit to the UNESCO-listed medina and Djemaa el-Fna square is essential. This bustling hub of activity is a captivating spectacle, teeming with snake charmers, musicians, henna artists, spice vendors, and souvenir stalls. Here, we'll spend our final evening, where you can immerse oyurselves in the city's vibrant atmosphere.
OVERNIGHT:
Marrakech hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 9: Tour ends in Marrakech
Your Moroccan tour with us ends after breakfast today and your time is free until you depart. Our guide or the hotel will help you arrange a taxi for the short drive to the airport, or you can add extra days to explore Marrakech further if you wish.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
What's Included
What's Not Included
Mode of Transport
Transport by air conditioned 4x4 or minibus
Accommodation
Accommodation in 3-4 star hotels and 1 night in an authentic Berber Desert Camp
Check out our Q&As
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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.
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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.