Best of Morocco - Small Group, Summer

Best of Morocco - Small Group, Summer

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11 Days From

$4125

$3713

Best of Morocco - Small Group, Summer

11 Days Starting and ending in Casablanca, Morocco

Visiting: Casablanca, Fes, Erfoud, Rissani, Ouarzazate, Marrakesh, Essaouira

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury, Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $4125 $3713 Operator discount: -$413

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Morocco with the "Best of Morocco - Small Group, Summer" tour. This cultural adventure takes you from the bustling streets of Casablanca to the serene beauty of the Sahara Desert. Explore the architectural wonders of Rabat, the vibrant medinas of Fes, and the cinematic landscapes of Ouarzazate. Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Ben Haddou and enjoy the bohemian charm of Essaouira. Experience authentic Moroccan dining, including a feast at Rick's Café in Casablanca and a traditional Berber pizza in Rissani. Travel in comfort aboard a luxurious, air-conditioned coach and stay in exquisite accommodations throughout your journey. With expert local guides and a focus on sustainable travel, this tour offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from the bustling souks to the tranquil oases, ensuring a truly immersive Moroccan adventure.

Highlights

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    Top Rated Highlights

    • Rabat: See the Royal Palace and Hassan Tower.
    • Casablanca: See the Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche.
    • Meknès: Admire the Bab el-Mansour Gate on Place El-Hedim in the heart of the Medina.
    • Fes: Led by your Local Expert, wander the maze of streets that make up the ancient Medina. See one of the world's oldest universities and pass hidden courtyards, mosques and workshops. Continue through the souks, an array of vendors selling food, clothes, leather goods and beautiful lights.
    • Erfoud: Enjoy the beauty of this little oasis with the backdrop of the Sahara desert whilst you explore the red walled streets.
    • Tinghir: Visit Todra Gorge to marvel at this fascinating ravine, created by a fault that split the orange-coloured limestone as deep as 300 meters.
    • Dades Valley: See the castellated mud houses and oases.
    • Ouarzazate: Learn more about this quiet town in a city orientation and see why it has been the backdrop to many films as you wander its red sandy streets.
    • Aït Ben Haddou: The Ksar is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the finest examples of South Moroccan architecture. See the crowded houses within the defensive walls that are reinforced by the corner towers and explore one of Morocco's finest kasbahs.
    • Essaouira: See the beauty of this bohemian coastal town as you explore the many spice-scented streets of the medina.
    • Marrakesh: Your Local Expert guides you past Jemaa el-Fnaa Square with its intriguing characters and through the seemingly entangled streets of the Medina with its many souks. See the protruding Koutoubia Minaret.

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    Make Travel Matter

    Fes: Visit the non-profit American Fondouk founded in 1927 and speak with the volunteer veterinarians who care so passionately for the welfare of the animals and the families who are so dependant on their labour. Your visit supports United Nations Global Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

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    Authentic Dining

    Fes: Join in the fun at a colourful Moroccan feast, complete with music, belly dancers and an array of local delicacies.

    Casablanca: You must remember this...a fabulous 4-course dinner with drinks at Rick's Café, made famous by the 1942 film.

    Rissani: Lunch is a real taste of the region with Madfouna known as ‘Berber Pizza’. Traditionally baked in the sands of the Sahara this covered pizza is a delight seasonal fillings and spices.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Casablanca

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kamal chafai

Location: Casablanca

Accommodation: Gray Suites, Casablanca

Accommodation Name: Gray Suites, Casablanca

Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for dinner, enjoying an evening of good food and great company.

Day 2: Rabat, Imperial Meknes And Fes Relaxed Start

Moustafa Elmouden
Moustafa Elmouden

Location: Fes

Accommodation: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes

Accommodation Name: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes

Meals Included: Breakfast

During an exploration of the sights of Casablanca, view the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, the third largest in the world. Venture to the très chic seaside strip known as the Corniche, which stretches to the west and is lined with trendy restaurants and cafes. Depart for the capital of Rabat to see the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower and visit one of the few holy places open to non-Muslims, the lavish Mausoleum of King Mohammed V. This site is both an architectural marvel and a monument to a great ruler. Travel to Meknes, one of the kingdom's great imperial cities where little has changed since its founding in the 11th century. Stand before the Bab el-Mansour, the monumental entrance to the imperial city and focal point of Square El-Hedim, before continuing to Fes. You'll be delighted with a superb Moroccan Highlight Dinner in an ancient palace at the entrance to the Medina. A colourful array of meze plates, aromatic tagines, exotic fruits and wine will be laid before you while you are entertained with a traditional folklore show. Enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere of belly dancers, drums and authentic music.

Day 3: Fes Sightseeing Relaxed Start

Moustafa Elmouden
Moustafa Elmouden

Location: Fes

Accommodation: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes

Accommodation Name: Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes

Meals Included: Breakfast

Led by your Local Expert, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to the non-profit American Fondouk, speak with the volunteer veterinarians who care so passionately for the welfare of the animals. Wander the maze of streets that make up one of the largest thriving ancient Medina's in the world, here you can admire traditional Moroccan handiwork during a visit to a carpet cooperative. Pass one of the world's oldest universities and visit Medersa El Attarine, founded in 1325 located at the heart of the medina. Continue through the souks where an array of vendors sell food, clothes, leather goods and beautiful lights.

Day 4: The Ziz Gorges To Erfoud

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brahim aouiche

Location: Erfoud

Accommodation: Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud, Erfoud

Accommodation Name: Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud, Erfoud

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leave the bustle of the city behind and head for the spectacular snowcapped High Atlas Mountains. Pass through Ifrane before reaching the great cedar forests of Azrou. After stopping for lunch at Midelt, continue through the magnificent Ziz Gorges, past palm-fringed towns to Errachidia, built by the French at an important crossroads. Your destination is Erfoud, where the red sand buildings stand in stark contrast against the patches of greenery and surrounding desert.

Day 5: Desert Town Of Rissani Relaxed Start

Location: Rissani

Accommodation: Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud, Erfoud

Accommodation Name: Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud, Erfoud

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, discover the authentic desert town of Rissani. See the Tomb of Moulay Ali Cherif, one of the founders of the Alaouite family who reigned during the second half of the 17th century.  Next, a visit to the quarries of marine fossils with an antiquity of 360 million years. Stop at the famous Ksar Oulad Abdelhalim. This afternoon experience a traditional lunch of Madfouna, also known as ��Berber Pizza’, this dish is a delight for the senses with seasonal fillings and spices. The rest of the afternoon will be free time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. In the evening, there is an Optional Experience to marvel at the glorious Sahara sunset on a four-wheel drive vehicle. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 6: Spectacular Ouarzazate

Location: Ouarzazate

Accommodation: Le Berbère Palace, Ouarzazate

Accommodation Name: Le Berbère Palace, Ouarzazate

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Venture towards the oasis of Tinehir and explore the Todra Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of the Sahara. At Boumalne du Dadès you will encounter the dry and rugged Dades Valley, dotted with oases of figs, olives, date palms and castellated mud houses—hugging the slopes. Meet the locals of the region when you visit a traditional Nomad house to try authentic Berber tea. The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs concludes at Ouarzazate, also known as the film capital of Morocco. Many blockbusters have been filmed here, including Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars.

Day 7: To Marrakesh

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abdelmajid ouazine
sandracristina.amaral

Location: Marrakesh

Accommodation: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakech

Accommodation Name: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakesh

Meals Included: Breakfast

Marvel at and photograph the architectural wonder of Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts one of Morocco's finest kasbahs. Your journey continues via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, before descending past charming mountain villages, dense woods and green fields to the ochre-coloured city of Marrakesh. With the rest of the day at your leisure, why not relax and enjoy the immaculate facilities of your hotel?

Day 8: Marrakesh, Pearl Of The South Relaxed Start

danielaresendee
abdelmajid ouazine
sandracristina.amaral

Location: Marrakesh

Accommodation: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakech

Accommodation Name: Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakesh

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, visit Dar El Bacha - an iconic landmark in the city of Marrakech. Meet your Local Expert and wander the maze of the Medina and see the Koutoubia Mosque, with its minaret dominating the Marrakesh skyline. Next, to the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where you can take a moment to watch the dancers, snake charmers and storytellers. With time at leisure, you are free to continue exploring: enjoy the sensorial experience of strolling through the souks or maybe visit a museum. In the evening, perhaps choose to join fellow guests at a vibrant restaurant on Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Here, you will enjoy a slew of classic Moroccan dishes as you absorb the ambience and watch twirling belly dancers balance plates of lit candles on their heads.

Day 9: Elegant Essaouira Relaxed Start

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oceansurfpoint

Location: Essaouira

Accommodation: Pullman Mazagan Royal Golf and Spa, El Jadida

Accommodation Name: Pullman Mazagan Royal Golf and Spa, El Jadida

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Venture to the west coast of Africa to reach the laid-back fishing town of Essaouira. After an orientation with your Travel Director, explore the busy fishing port where you could sample the local seafood and wine at a waterside restaurant. Continue to the port city of El Jadida with its unique architectural mixture of Moorish-Portuguese-French influence.

Day 10: Return To Casablanca Relaxed Start

Simo Ba
kamal chafai

Location: Casablanca

Accommodation: Gray Suites, Casablanca

Accommodation Name: Gray Suites, Casablanca

Meals Included: Breakfast

Once you’ve experienced the traditional charms of the country, Casablanca is a fascinating place to return to and offers a unique insight into modern Morocco. Perhaps visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque famous for its intricate Islamic architecture and one of the largest in the world. In the evening 'of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world' there really is only one place to be. Join your Travel Director at Rick's Café, recreated from the famous movie. Enjoy a hearty dinner with drinks and no doubt a rendition of ‘As Time Goes By'. Here's looking at you kid!

Day 11: Au Revoir Casablanca

Simo Ba
kamal chafai

Location: Casablanca

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, bid farewell to your journey through Morocco as you transfer to the airport.

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 6 dinners with wine, 3 lunches, and 2 additional dinners.

  • Personal Radio Headsets

    Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

  • Tips and Taxes

    Hotel and restaurant tips are included, along with all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

  • Luggage Handling

    Your bags are carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.

  • Insight Flourish

    From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

  • Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • Transfers

    Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.

  • Luxury Coach

    Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

  • Hand Sanitizer

    Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences such as the four-wheel drive vehicle tour to marvel at the Sahara sunset are not included.

  • Transfers Outside Scheduled Times

    Transfers are not included if your flights are outside the scheduled times or if you have not booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations.

Dining Summary

  • 10 Breakfast (B)
  • 6 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 3 Lunch (L)
  • 2 Dinner (D)

Additional Included Highlights

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Insight Experiences

  • Dades Valley: Stop at a traditional Nomad house and meet the locals as you sip Berber tea.
  • Marrakesh: Visit Dar El Bacha, a beautiful palace that has been standing since the 18th century and is a symbol of the city’s rich history and culture.

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a visit to the non-profit American Fondouk in Fes, where you can speak with volunteer veterinarians. You will also have the opportunity to stop at a traditional Nomad house in the Dades Valley to meet locals and try authentic Berber tea.

  • What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?

    You can expect a variety of authentic dining experiences, including a Moroccan feast in Fes with music and belly dancers, a four-course dinner at Rick's Café in Casablanca, and a traditional lunch of Madfouna, known as 'Berber Pizza', in Rissani.

  • What are some of the highlights of the tour in Marrakesh?

    In Marrakesh, you will visit Dar El Bacha, explore the Medina with a Local Expert, see the Koutoubia Mosque, and experience the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa Square with its dancers, snake charmers, and storytellers.

  • What is the transportation like during the tour?

    The tour provides travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on the coach and in hotels, and physical distancing measures are implemented.

  • Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?

    Yes, there is an optional experience to marvel at the Sahara sunset on a four-wheel drive vehicle tour.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

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Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

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Operator discount: -$413

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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