Best of Morocco
Best of Morocco
Tour Overview
Discover the bustling cities of Casablanca ,Fes and Marrakech, sleep in a Berber tent in the Sahara Desert, enjoy the Atlas Mountains on this 9-day comprehensive tour of Morocco. You will meet Morocco’s people, experience its culture and explore its diverse landscapes. Morocco is a country filled with contrasts – from imperial cities to the expansive desert, from dramatic mountains and gorges to lush valleys. This tour has been designed to give you an in depth experience of this magical country. Stay in hand-selected 4-start accommodation, giving you an authentic experience of this fascinating country! In each location you will be guided by our local official guides.It is in another hand-picked experience by Eskapas!Important Trip NotesMeknes is closed for renovations until further notice, so it will not be possible to visit this Imperial City. Additionally, the Kasbah of Taourirt in Ouarzazate is temporarily closed. However, you can take photos from outside.The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English, although it may occasionally be done in two languages (English and Spanish).
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Marrakesh Arrival
Location: Marrakesh
Arrival to Marrakech airport, MEET&GREET & transfer to hotel
Overnight: Marrakesh Meals: Not available
Day 2 : Marrakesh
Location: Marrakesh
Full day visit of Marrakech, the second oldest Imperial city «The Ochre city". The historical visit includes Menara Garden, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, Koutoubia and Dar Si Said Museum. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon, visit of the souks, handicraft quarters and the famous Jemaa El-Fna Square with its non-stop entertainment.
Overnight: Marrakech Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 : Marrakech - Casablanca
Location: Fes
We'll hit the road and drive away from Marrakech on our way to Morocco's Imperial Cities. Our first stop will be Casablanca, where we'll visit the Hasan II Mosque, which is the African continent's second-largest mosque.
To round off our time in the city, we'll head inside the Old Medina of Casablanca. You'll be able to visit the souk and stroll along the corniche and the promenade during our visit. After a jam-packed first day, we'll settle into our hotel in Casablanca for the night.
Overnight: Casablanca Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 : Casablanca - Rabat - Meknes - Fez
Location: Fes
Having had breakfast at the hotel in Casablanca, we'll drive to Rabat, which is the current capital of Morocco. Here, we'll see the outside of the Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, and the fortified city of Kasbah Udayas, whose walls display a unique blue tinge.
Our next stop will be Meknes, a beautiful city full of luxurious palaces, mosques, and a large souk. Afterwards, we'll head to the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
We'll then head to a hotel in Fez, where we'll spend the night.The whole day is devoted to the visit of the spiritual capital : the Medieval Medina and its souks, The Royal Palace, Attarine or Bou Anania Medersa, Nejjarine fountain and the outside of Moulay Idriss mausoleum and
Karaouine Mosque.
Overnight: Fez Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 : Fez
Location: Fes
The third day of our tour will be spent exploring the oldest imperial city in Morocco: Fez. This walled city is home to iconic sights such as the Merinid tombs, the Mellah Jewish quarter, and the Museum of Weapons.
You'll also be able to explore the Medina of Fez, which is one of the most chaotic in the country. Mosques, tanneries, squares, and several souks await in the heart of Fez!
We'll make our way back to our hotel and get some rest.
Overnight: Fez Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 : Fez - Azrou - Midelt - Erfoud - Merzouga
Location: Merzouga
After breakfast, we'll hop into our vehicle and drive through the cedar forests of Azrou on our way to the Ziz Valley. We'll pass through its numerous gorges and visit charming villages such as Midelt and Erfoud.
As daylight begins to fade away, we'll get onto our camels and head into the Merzouga Desert just like the Berbers. We'll watch as the sunset is reflected in the dunes, creating a magical memory.
We'll get settled into our haimas at the Amazigh camp, where we'll have dinner and spend an unforgettable night in this unique environment.
Overnight: Merzouga Dunes Meals: Breakfast - Dinner
Day 7 : Merzouga - Todra And Dades Gorges
Location: Boumalne Dades
Rise and shine! We'll watch the sunrise over the Merzouga Desert as we have breakfast and return to the hotel to freshen up and continue our journey. As we drive through the Todra Gorges, we'll admire this incredible landscape and visit the area's most picturesque Amazigh villages.
The last stop of the day will be the Dades Valley, where we'll head to the hotel to get some rest.
Overnight: Dades Valley Meals: Breakfast - Dinner
Day 8 : Dades Gorge - Ouarzazate - Marrekech
Location: Marrakesh
We'll fuel up for the day with breakfast at the hotel and hit the Thousand Kasbah road on our way to the Skoura palm grove. One of the most impressive places in Morocco awaits! Our next stop will be in Ouarzazate. This fortified city has been chosen as a filming location for numerous classic films, which we'll reveal during our tour...
Afterwards, we'll traverse the Atlas Mountains via the pass and arrive in Marrakech at around 6:30 pm.
Overnight: Marrakech Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 : Marrakech Departure
Location: Marrakesh
After breakfast Transfer with assistance to Marrakech Menara airport for departure. End of our services
Overnight: N/A Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
Accommodation
9 Nights - 4**** Hotel Accommodation
- Marrakech: Kenzi Rose Garden or similar
- Casablanca: Hotel Kenzi Basma or Hotel Oumpalace or similar
- Fez: Riad La Perle de La Medina, Riad Ghita, Hotel Across or similar
- Merzouga: Standard Haimas Campsite
- El Valle de Dades: Auberge Panorama, Kasbah Tizzarouine, Hotel Babylon or similar
Guide
English–speaking guide in Marrakech, Volubilis and Fez (except for the guide at Ait Ben Haddou: € 2 (US$ 2.20) per person)
Meals
Daily breakfast and Dinners in Merzouga and Dades Valley
Additional Services
- Camel Ride in Merzouga
- VAT taxes
Transport
Transfers and transport per itinerary with AC vehicle with an English-speaking driver
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Personal expenses, beverages, meals other than mentioned.
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Tips for your guide and driver
- All non-mentioned services
Please Note
Important Trip Notes & Tips
Road & Transportation
This trip is a around 2275km road trip covering both royal cities as well as Berber towns and Sahara region. Between royal cities there is a highway to shorthen the duration (120 Km per hour average) while in rural areas average speed is 80 km per hour. Our cars are comfortable and its size depends on the group size. (usually AC Mercedes van)
Accommodation
As usual, Eskapas accommodation is first class/4**** category. However 4**** hotel standard in rural area such as Erfoud, Zagora or Ouarzazate are not same as in large cities. We tried to use the best 4**** in the region. In case you want to upgrade to a 5***** let us know during your booking.
Fpr our customers that purchase 4x4 Sahara Experience In Merzouga Denes, our tents are around 20 m2 including ensuite facilities toilet and shower.
Meals
The trip is designed as half board basis. Meals are on the route or in small villages where there are limited or sometime no other choice of restaurant. You can always purchase single meals on the site (15-20€ per meal per person). We strongly recommend full board supplement to people that are used to have 3 meals per day. Please note that the full board supplement includes also a dinner-show Chez Ali. Meals do not include Water nor any other drinks.
Guide
The guide of this trip is a bilingual official guide in Spanish and English.
During Ramadan
if you’re visiting Morocco during Ramadan, you should dress conservatively. Also, you won’t be expected to fast, but it is polite to eat, drink and smoke indoors away from the locals who are fasting during this holy month.
Don’t criticise the Moroccan monarchy
Morocco has lèse–majesté laws which means it’s illegal to criticise, mock or speak badly about the Moroccan king and the royal family. Defacing the king’s image is also illegal, and breaking these laws could actually land you in jail, so keep your royal opinions to yourself in Morocco.
Don’t disrespect Islam
Another big no-no is criticising Islam. More than?99% of the Moroccan population are Muslim?and Islam is the state religion of Morocco. If you disrespect Islam here, you risk offending the locals, and no traveller should go out of their way to be rude to their host. While it’s fine to ask questions in a genuine attempt to learn more about the religion, you should avoid sharing any controversial opinions that may upset the locals.
Also remember that non-Muslims are forbidden from entering certain areas like shrines, mosques, graveyards and koubas (tombs of marabouts or local saints). Even if you’re near a mosque, you should be very respectful and never get too close or look inside, especially if you’re taking a photo. The main exception to this rule is the famous Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and it’s a wonderful experience to see the intricate Islamic architecture up close here.
Ask before taking photos
It’s hard to resist taking hundreds of photos a day in this incredible country, but it’s important to be respectful of the locals when getting snap happy. Most Moroccans don’t appreciate being photographed, so you should always ask permission first.
If you’re visiting the famous Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakesh, you’ll need to pay before taking photos of all the amazing dancers, artists and entertainers there, so remember to ask the price before clicking away. You should also know that it’s illegal to take photos of border checkpoints and police and military figures and buildings in Morocco.
Languages?in Morocco
Moroccans are skilled at speaking many languages, and you’ll likely hear everything from Arabic (the official language), to Darija (the local Moroccan dialect). French is also widely spoken in cities, while Spanish is spoken in Tangier. There’s also the dialects spoken by the Berber people, including Tarifit, Tachelhit and Tamazight.
While you might be able to get by with English in the main tourist areas like Marrakesh, Fes and Casablanca, it will be more helpful to learn a few common phrases in Arabic as this is spoken country-wide. You should never expect anyone to speak English, but don’t worry if you don’t speak perfect Arabic – your local Trafalgar Travel Director will be able to help you out with any translations.
The art of haggling
Morocco is famous for its vibrant souks (traditional markets), selling everything from spices and tea to lanterns, leather goods and clothing. It’s hard to resist loading up on souvenirs in these enchanting places – so you’ll need to?learn the art of haggling. It’s a huge part of Moroccan culture and most locals haggle when buying anything from food to carpets.
The general rule is to never pay more than 50% of the original starting price, and your first offer should be around 60-70 % less than the asking price. If the vendor doesn’t offer you a reasonable deal, you’re not pressured to buy anything and you can walk away. But also remember to remain polite and friendly, and don’t take it too seriously… It’s all part of the fun of shopping in Morocco!
Tipping in Morocco is customary, so you will be expected to leave a?few dirhams?in a number of places during your travels through the country. Although there is no standard amount that you should always leave in different establishments and different circumstances, we’ve covered the most basic rules of thumb to help you out.
In hotels, you should tip bellboys (10-20dh depending on the size and number of suitcases) and cleaning maids (20dh or 100dh per week).
At restaurants, you should always tip your waiters but this will vary according to the style of the restaurant: consider leaving about 5dh in moderate places and 10%-15% in more upmarket establishments.
At museums, monuments and local tourist attractions, it is custom to leave 3-5dh to curators.
If you indulge in a spa treatment during your holiday, you should consider tipping here as well: it’s customary to leave 20dh to 25dh per person that services you.
Taxi drivers don’t typically expect a tip but generally appreciate it so you can always consider rounding up your bill to the nearest 5dh.
Professional tour guides customarily receive a wide ranger of tips, depending on group size. 100-200Dh for a 1/2 day tour is fairly standard for small groups.
Drivers are a more subjective experience and at the discretion of the client. Some clients base gratuity on 5% to 10% of their trip total. Others?recommend?200dh-500dh a day, if you’re happy with the service.
If you get lost and someone helps you find your way back to your hotel, restaurant, et cetera, consider offering a 5dh or 10dh tip. Though we don’t recommend soliciting help from strangers,?particularly?in the confusing medinas of Fez and Marrakesh, and you will nearly always be asked for more money… this?is?sometimes the only way to find?your way?back!
In all cases, tipping is a very emotive attitude and it’s often based on a personal perception of the quality of the service provided. Even though it is customary to tip in Morocco, how generous you are can be left up to you and to your satisfaction. The most important thing to remember, however, is to never ask someone how much they are expecting to receive in tips from you. This will only lead to an awkward conversation and you will still be left in the dark.
Check out our Q&As
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
At Eskapas we have a flexible policy. You must change it until 30 days prior to your departure otherwise any changes mean "cancellation".
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Solo travelers must pay single supplement to have a private room due to hygien reasons.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Eskapas has been established in 2000 in Istanbul
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All hotels used to accommodate our customers are certified by “Hotel Association of Turkey”; they all are committed to use maximum 50 % capacity
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
COVID-19 RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL RULES Eskapas is committed to fulfill the following regulations to protect its customers from the risk of Covid-19 : 1 – Eskapas will fulfill all safety rules mentioned in the “Safe Tourism Certification” prepared by Turkish Ministry of Tourism; that plan covers all aspects of the journey from the aircraft to the airport, transfers, touring and hotels (tga.gov.tr/abou
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes you can.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your timetable - voucher that will show your itinerary with timing and hotels (30 days before prior to your arrival date)
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Free Date Changes
ESKAPAS allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
ESKAPAS allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform eskapas, 61 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
ESKAPAS requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 61 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of eskapas charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.