CASABLANCA to MARRAKECH (14 days) Morocco Encompassed

CASABLANCA to MARRAKECH (14 days) Morocco Encompassed

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14 Days From

$1380

CASABLANCA to MARRAKECH (14 days) Morocco Encompassed

14 Days Starting and ending in 31.622522,-7.989826

Visiting: Morocco

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

634

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 10

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

8-95

Special diets catered:

Request dietary needs

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1380

NB: Prices correct on 28-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

It's ancient Medinas and Kasbahs and famous cities like Marrakech, Fez and Casablanca as well as the Roman city of Volubilis provides a never ending trail of excitement and places to explore.

Highlights

  • Discover the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis

  • Explore the mosques, museums, monuments in the historic city of Meknes

  • Getting lost in the labyrinthine streets of the ancient walled city of Fez

  • Roam the picturesque town of Chefchaouen with it's blue washed buildings, cobbled lanes and leather workshops

  • Spend the night in a traditional berber camp enjoying local food, music and an amazing night out under the stars!

  • Hike through Todra Gorge - known as Morocco's Grand Canyon

  • Explore the city of 'Yunkai' featuring in the Game

Itinerary

DAY 1: CASABLANCA

Welcome to Morocco! After a short transfer from the airport, you will have a free day to explore this vibrant city. Tonight you will meet your fellow travellers at your pre-departure meeting at 6pm, organised at the joining hotel in the heart of town. (Dinner)

Overnight: Hotel Diwan (or similar)

DAY 2: MEKNES

After breakfast we head to Rabat and have some time to visit Oudaia Kasbah, Hasssan tower, the Royal palace and Chellah. After lunch we move on to the more laid back city of Meknes where you get to enjoy some free time. (Breakfast)

Overnight: Hotel Akouas (or similar)

DAY 3: CHEFCHAOUEN
In the morning we take a tour of the Roman ruins at Volubilis, the largest ancient site of Morocco. UNESCO-listed, the site dates back to AD40 and once ruled the entire Roman province of Mauritania. We then 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. (Breakfast)

Overnight: Hotel Madrid (or similar)

DAY 4-5: FES

After a free morning and lunch in Chefchaouen we will move onto the hustle and bustle of Fes, the oldest and largest medieval city in the world. Its medina is a heady mix of aromas, sounds and sights and we include a local guide to navigate us around the souk and city and learn about the history of this fascinating city. There is a lot to do and visit including plenty of mosques and palaces, but be aware that only Muslims can enter Mosques in Morocco. After day 6 exploring dye-pits, tanneries and restaurants, we return to our hotel to get ready for an optional night of Moroccan entertainment and food at a restaurant in town. (Full day city tour included). (2 x Breakfast)

Overnight: Hotel Arena (or similar)

DAY 6: MIDELT

This morning we journey over the Moyen Atlas and overnight at the mountainous location of Midelt. A small town that consists of little more than one main street, most tourists would not stop here but this is a beautiful alpine area surrounded by huge pine trees and a great place for hiking the tranquil surroundings. Midelt is also a good place for carpet shopping with a small friendly population. After our afternoon hike we enjoy a relaxing evening in this mountain location. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Overnight: Hotel Kasbah Asmaa (or similar)

DAY 7: SAHARA DESERT

Today we enjoy a stunning drive into the Sahara Desert and a fantastic Moroccan lunch (optional), after which you can spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming (except in Winter months). Then we will head towards the desert and Merzouga. Here we can experience a camel ride where we trek into the desert for a night at our authentic Berber Camp. In the evening there is plenty of local food to enjoy also the opportunity to listen to local music and a night out under the incredible Sahara night sky filled with stars. (Camel trek included). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Overnight: Auberge La Caravane (or similar)

DAY 8: TODRA GORGE

Today is spent exploring Todra Gorge, from its plunging depths to its 1000 foot high cliffs. You have the opportunity to discover the charm of Todra on your trek or go for optional Rock Climbing. You can witness its changing colours as the sun slowly moves from east to west. Or alternatively, you could choose just to chill out for the day. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Overnight: Hotel Amazir (or similar)

DAY 9: AIT BENHADDOU

Today our journey takes us through Ouarzazate, where you have the chance for an optional tour of the Film Studios. We then drive on to Aït Benhaddou, a 'fortified city', situated along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. It is situated on a hill along the Ouarzazate River and boasts some beautiful examples of kasbahs, some of which remain inhabited. Granted UNESCO World Heritage listing, the site had been the setting for many films including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Here we also include a guided tour of the main Kasbah. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Overnight: La Rose Du Sable (or similar)

DAY 10-11: ESSAOUIRA

Today we drive to Essaouira and the Atlantic Coast. We pass some stunning mountain scenery before arriving at a colourful fishing town situated within 15th century Portuguese fortifications. With fantastic beaches and great surf you will have enough free time to go surfing, wind surfing or kayaking or just relax on the beach or alternatively explore the UNESCO-listed medina with its various souks and woodcarving workshops. The beach is in front of the Medina and there are cafés with terraces where you can relax while drinking mint tea and watch Moroccan life go by. There is also optional horse trekking, quad biking available. (2 x Breakfast)

Overnight: Hotel Miramar (or similar)

DAY 12-13: MARRAKECH

Glowing red, like a welcoming campfire, against the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, the name Marrakech conjures up images of an exotic city, of magic carpets, snake charmers and spices brought in by camel trains. Set within the rose-coloured walls of the medina lies a reality that is not that far removed from an exotic film set - a tangle of winding streets that open onto verdant gardens and dark alleyways that lead to bustling souks. You can explore the central square, the Djemâa-el-Fna, an extraordinary gathering and market place. It is full of colour, spicy aromas and traders. It is worth going to the market place in the evening when overflowing with food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians and henna artists. Towering over all this is the Koutoubia mosque, the tallest building in the city, and a reminder of the importance of Islam to the lives of the city's residents. Try a traditional hammam, a steam bath followed by an exfoliating massage - it's the ideal end to the trip. (2 x Breakfasts)

Overnight: Hotel El Andalous (or similar)

DAY 14: MARRAKECH

The tour ends after breakfast. For those flying out of Marrakech on this day you can arrange airport transfers with your guide, and these can be booked any time for this day – there is luggage storage at the hotel should you need to check out before your go to the airport. Additional nights in Marrakech can also be booked upon request, please contact us for details. (Breakfast)

Please note - This trip is run in conjunction with a local operator.

What's Included

  • • Accommodation - 12 nights in 3/4hotels (shared rooms) 1 night desert camp

  • • Arrival Transfer from Casablanca airport included on Day 1 (or if pre-trip accommodation is booked directly with Oasis for our joining hotel)

  • • Guided tour of Rabat, Volubilis, Ait Benhaddou, Chefchaouen

  • • Fes full day city tour

  • • Camel trek and Berber camp in the Sahara Desert

  • • All transport in private Minibus, 4X4 Jeeps & one Public Bus

  • • Meals as per itinerary

What's Not Included

  • • Visas

  • • Optional Excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information

  • • Meals not listed in the itinerary

  • • Tipping Kitty $65 USD - for hotel porters, hotel waiters, local guides used for City tours, airport drivers, Berber camel herders, restaurant tips & Tour driver

  • • The tipping kitty does not cover your Nomadic guide, so please feel free to offer a tip at the end of the tour if you are happy with the service provided

  • • Travel insurance

  • • End of Trip Airport transfer

  • • Airport taxes

  • • Flights

  • • Drinks

Check out our Q&As

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities. We recommend that you contact your closest Moroccan consulate or embassy for current information for your nationality.



    Currently, many nationalities (including USA, Canada, UK, European, Australian, New Zealand) do not need to obtain a visa to enter Morocco as long as your stay is for less than 3 months. Other nationalities should check with their local consulate.

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    The local currency in Morocco is the Dirham. We recommend you bring some cash in a hard currency (US Dollars, GB Pounds, Euros) and a good ATM card. Most major currencies can be converted at most banks, but it's not wise to carry too much. Euros and US Dollars are welcomed more than GB Pounds. Travellers cheques are not easily exchanged. It can be awkward outside of Marrakech to find an ATM machine that takes your card as many Moroccan banks have ATMs that only work with Moroccan cards. Don't put your card in an ATM unless you see the symbol that matches your card on the machine, as you might lose your card! We also suggest trying to avoid using Post Office ATMs. In some smaller towns there are no ATMs that take foreign cards, so be sure you get enough cash to carry you until the next major city. BCM seems to be the best bank, accepting foreign cards in most of their ATMs.



    While in Morocco you will need sufficient funds to cover meals not included in the itinerary, drinks, snacks, souvenirs, tips and personal expenses such as laundry. These should generally all be paid for in Moroccan Dirham. It is difficult to recommend a level of personal spending money which will suit everyone as this can differ greatly, but as a guideline, we would suggest allowing USD 15-25 per person per day as a minimum. Allow more if you plan on doing lots of shopping, or buying many alcoholic drinks.

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • When is my balance payment due?

    60 days prior to departure

  • 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

  • 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

Josie-Lee Q  

Amazing trip to the Moroccan desert

November 2016

We booked our trip with Encounters which was piloted by Atlas tours in Morocco. We had an excellent trip, our guide was very knowledgeable and the sites were amazing. There is an extra to obtain better hotels offered by Atlas which we didn't know about and may have paid as some hotels in the far regions were barely passable... . We covered 1400 km in 5 days, so we spent a lot of time in the car with frequent stops. Only the 3rd day seemed long with boring scenery. All an all an amazing discovery of a beautiful country.

Megan L  

9 Day Moroccan Melodies Tour was Fantastic!

August 2017

My best friend and I opted to take the 9 day Moroccan Melodies tour, and it was incredible. We would highly recommend our driver/guide, Simo, who was incredibly knowledgeable about the country, always on time, and went above and beyond to take care of us. Our flight into Casablanca was delayed four hours, and he still waited at the airport the entire time to pick us up (it was 11:30pm by the time we got in). He offered to pick any of us in the tour up for dinner and drive us wherever we'd like to go. I was interested in purchasing honey, and he took me to two local places in Marrakech that he knew about, just so that I could find the perfect one to take home! All of the planned excursions were fantastic. There was a lot of driving time and little down time on the tour, but in return, we got to see many places in a short amount of time. Would recommend to anyone interested in visiting Morocco.

Erina K  

Moroccan Mosaics with Encounters Travel

November 2013

The Moroccan Mosaic 9 day tour was my first ever group tour and at first I was skeptical on whether I would enjoy it but once I met the guide and group of travelers my mind was put at ease. The guide was a fun, lively, friendly and helpful local man who just wanted to make sure I was happy and comfortable. The group were a fantastic mix of gender, age and nation which made for allot of fun and now lasting friendships from across the globe. The tour itself showed me so much of the Moroccan way of life, their culture and amazing scenery. We got to meet local people, learn how they earn a living and sample foods, cosmetics and culture. The hotels were 4 star and very comfortable. All meals that were included were delicious and very Moroccan!!!! We travelled in style in a 40 seat new coach for 15 people so it meant that you could spread out and never miss the beautiful views out of the large windows. Highlights of the tour included making our own tagine for lunch, 4WDing in the Sahara and a sunset camel ride through the dunes - AMAZING!!!! I'm really glad that I have finally done a tour now and look forward to doing another tour somewhere in the world with Encounters Travel.

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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