Mosques, Ancient Ruins, and Holy Cities amid Arid Deserts and Lush Oases
Though the rolling dunes of the Sahara Desert are a common sight in Morocco, the country has a quite varied landscape—Casablanca has a rugged coastline, and the Atlas Mountains here are lined with fertile valleys. On this eight-day, six-night guided tour of Morocco, you’ll see some of the country’s natural beauty as you travel between four major cities: Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, and Marrakesh. The trip includes round-trip airfare from New York, hotel accommodations, daily breakfast, and guided tours of mosques, ancient ruins, and medinas, or walled city centers, in each city.
To see the full itinerary and more information about optional excursions, click here.
Days 1–4: Rabat and Fez
An overnight flight from New York brings you into Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. You’ll get a chance to see Casablanca on the final days of this tour; for now, you’ll head about an hour north to the capital city of Rabat. On a guided tour here, you’ll pay a visit to the royal palace and the ruins of an ancient Roman village.
The tour soldiers on to nearby Fez, which you can choose to explore on your own for a full day. Or, take an optional guided tour (extra fees) of the city to see the oldest operating university in the world and the Nejjarine Fountain, which has a beautiful mosaic design.
Days 5–6: Marrakesh
The drive from Fez to Marrakesh takes a full day, but it’s a beautiful trip—you’ll pass the Atlas Mountains, lush valleys, and dry flatlands along the way, with plenty of rest stops and a lunch break in the town of Beni Mellal. That evening, take a short bus tour of Marrakesh before turning in at your hotel.
The next morning, you’ll explore the Saadian Tombs, a royal burial ground that dates back to the 16th century. On a half-day city tour you’ll also get a chance to shop for Moroccan herbs and spices. The tour ends at the medina of Marrakesh, an ancient walled section of the city where local artisans sell their crafts and local pranksters superglue one-dirham coins to the sidewalk. Feel free to spend the afternoon exploring the medina on your own, or sign up for an optional tour (extra fees) that includes a traditional lunch.
Days 7–8: Casablanca
A three-hour drive brings you back to Casablanca, where you’ll visit the seaside area and the Hassan II Mosque—the second-largest mosque in the world. That evening, you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner with your tour group at a seaside restaurant.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.