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Day 1:
Start Marrakech
Buzzy Marrakech is a whirlwind of tradition and culture; an invigorating introduction to Morocco. However, today is a relaxing one, a chance for our group to congregate at the hotel and settle in. We may have a welcome briefing this evening or tomorrow, depending on when everyone arrives.
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine or similar
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Day 2:
Visit Hassan II Mosque; to the capital Rabat
This morning we drive four hours to Casablanca, a modern and commercial seaport, to visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world. After, we drive two hours to Rabat, the political capital of Morocco, but second to Casablanca in importance. Although mostly modern, Rabat has an excellent old quarter that we take time to explore.
Accommodation: Rabat Hotel Bouregreg or similar
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Day 3:
Explore the Roman site of Volubilis and Meknes; to Fez
Strike out from Rabat on a 2hr 30min drive over the northern plain towards Meknes. The scenery changes as the land becomes more cultivated, this being one of the most fertile areas of Morocco. Sultan Moulay Ismail's old capital of Meknes is our first example of one of the imperial cities of Morocco. We meet our guide and wander the narrow streets of the old city, and explore the souk, perhaps having your first chance at bartering for souvenirs. In the afternoon, we take a 45-minute drive to the largest and best kept Roman ruins in Morocco – Volubilis, once a large Roman town and now a Unesco World Heritage site. After exploring this site we continue our journey approximately two hours drive to the ancient city of Fez, where we spend two nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Mounia or similar
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Day 4:
Guided tour of Fez, including visits to the Medersa Bou Ananiya (entrance not included) and the medina
This fascinating city is the intellectual and religious centre of Morocco. Founded over 1,000 years ago, Fez has many mosques and medersas (theological colleges) including the ninth-century al-Karaouine University, whose architecture is very similar to that seen in Moorish Spain. Fez medina is one of the largest in the world, an immense warren of souks, home to thousands of craftsfolk with their tiny shops opening onto the narrow alleyways. Noisy and pungent, the medina is an absorbing experience. Our city guide walks us through different sections of the souk, including those selling leather, brass and copper. No visit to Fez is complete without a visit to the tanneries. Outside the medina we shall visit the Jewish District (mellah), the exterior of the Royal Palace and drive up to a panoramic viewpoint over the city.
Accommodation: Hotel Mounia or similar
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Day 5:
Drive to Merzouga, on the edge of the Sahara
Today we have a journey approximately 10 hours long, with frequent stops and beautiful scenery along the way. We travel over the stunning Middle Atlas, down through the picturesque Ziz Valley to the Hamada, a flat stony desert, gradually approaching the spectacular site of the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. We stay in a small and welcoming auberge (inn) on the edge of the dunes from where it is easy to climb to watch the sunrise.
Accommodation: Auberge La Source or similar
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Day 6:
Walk among the dunes; camel trek; overnight in a Sahara camp
A free morning provides time to explore the largest sand sea in Morocco, or to relax in the shade of a palm tree by the dunes. The sand sea is famed for its pink tones that take on a spectacular rose colour at sunset. In the late afternoon, we take part in a genuine Saharan experience – a 45-minute camel trek through the dunes, where we watch the sunset. We then come back to the camp at the edge of the desert to spend the night.
Accommodation: Full-service camping at Erg Chebbi (or similar)
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Day 7:
To Skoura via the Todra Gorge
After sunrise, we leave our desert camp and head towards the little city of Skoura, nestled on a beautiful palm grove and located near Ouarzazate. From here onwards to explore Todra Gorge, and the picturesque oases they hide in (journey time approximately four hours). Following the 1,000 Kasbahs Road for approximately 2hr 30min, you will marvel at the breathtaking vistas of impressive ancient kasbahs nestled in lush palm groves.
Accommodation: Skoura Lodge (or similar)
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Day 8:
Skoura, the palm grove capital of Morocco
There is the opportunity to take a one-hour drive to Toundout Valley and enjoy a three-hour guided hike through a Berber village, where you will learn a little of their culture. Alternatively, relax in and around the lodge, walking through the magnificent lush palm groves. Considered the palm grove capital of Morocco, Skoura will certainly offer peace and relaxation through its various walks discovering multiple palm groves and kasbahs.
Accommodation: Skoura Lodge (or similar)
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Day 9:
Journey to Telouet, via Kasbah Ait Benhaddou
Leaving Skoura, we rejoin the main road and drive west along the 'Route of the Thousand Kasbahs' via the desert city of Ouarzazate and on to the well-preserved Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. This Unesco World Heritage site is one of the most spectacular sights of the Atlas, and the location of several Hollywood films including Gladiator (2000). After admiring the view, we may see some of the simple village houses. Continuing into the mountains, we branch east through a wide flat mountain valley, finally arriving at Anmiter, where we leave our bus and take a 90-minute picturesque walk on a gentle uphill gradient to the village of Tigzha, where we spend the next two nights. Our luggage will be transported to the gîte for us. For those who do not want to walk, mules are available (100 dirhams, payable locally).
Accommodation: Kasbah Oliver (or similar)
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Day 10:
Full day walking in the High Atlas; evening hammam
We start our day with an optional walk through the villages of the Tigzha Valley, heading into the hills on mule tracks with the peaks of the High Atlas acting as a backdrop to our walk. The length of our trek will depend on the ability of the group, but it is likely to be approximately four hours. The afternoon is free to relax with a book, enjoy the mountain views, take a stroll through the beautiful landscape or challenge the village children to a game of football.
Tigzha is just one of four villages in this remote valley that has been supported by Exodus for more than 10 years on various responsible tourism projects. We will visit the village hammam, built with money raised by Exodus clients. This is an authentic experience and terrific fun. It is very much a traditional hammam and you are likely to get the opportunity to mix with the villagers, which further adds to the experience. A standard treatment is included, but you will need to purchase a scrubber and soap for 20 dirhams (US$1.90) plus a customary tip of 20 dirhams. Refreshed, we return to the riad for our final dinner in the mountains.
Accommodation: Kasbah Oliver or similar
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Day 11:
Over the High Atlas Mountains to Essaouira
Leaving the gite, we walk back to our bus for a short drive to the palace of Telouet. This once-grand building stands abandoned and crumbling but we can visit a small part of this labyrinthine, fairytale-like structure. We continue our scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, which at 7,415ft (2,260m) above sea level is the highest road in Morocco. The scenery is spectacular and there are some wonderful views of the mountains. We stop at a women's cooperative argan oil farm, where you can see the trees, get a demonstration of the production process, and purchase products if you’d like. Our journey finally brings us to the flat arid plains of Marrakech, and then onwards to the pretty seaside town of Essaouira. Journey time is between approximately 10 hours, with plenty of comfort breaks and photo stops along the way.
Accommodation: Riad Al Madina (or similar)
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Day 12:
Free day in Essaouira
Enjoy a free day in Essaouira, an old Portuguese fishing port overlooking the Atlantic. The settlement dates to the 15th century but the present town was constructed around 1760 by Sidi Mohammed ben Abdullah, who needed a base from which to suppress a revolt from Agadir. Today, the town is extremely relaxed and its whitewashed houses with painted shutters, artisan workshops, boat yards and fishermen provide a marked contrast to the desert, kasbahs and cities we have so far visited. Our hotel is situated in the heart of the old walled city, where we have plenty of time for shopping in the souks or strolling along the beach. With many pleasant cafes and some outstanding seafood restaurants, there is plenty of choice for our evening meal.
Accommodation: Riad Al Madina (or similar)
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Day 13:
To Marrakech; guided tour including Bahia Palace, finish in Djemaa el Fna
After breakfast, we drive back to Marrakech, journey time approximately 2hr 30min. In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided tour to find our bearings and soak up the atmosphere of this amazing city. Our guide will take us to the Bahia Palace, ending in the Djemaa el Fna, where the town becomes a maze of bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. It is worth seeing this renowned landmark in the evening, as Marrakech revolves around this open-air central square, with food stalls, juice sellers, snake charmers and acrobats. It is a place of night-time entertainment for both local people and tourists.
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)
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Day 14:
Free day in Marrakech
Today is free in Marrakech and there is no shortage of things to do. You might wish to visit the largest mosque in the city, Koutoubia, or venture through the souks and old streets of the medina. After bartering for souvenirs, there will be time for a short visit to the Koranic School and Museum of Marrakech. After this, you can unwind by taking a 30-minute calèche ride (a bright green horse-drawn carriage) to the Jardin Majorelle. These tranquil gardens are decorated throughout in indigo blue and were once owned by Yves St. Laurent.
For lunch, we would highly recommend the Amal Women's Training Centre and Moroccan Restaurant, which Exodus supports in their cause to empower women from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are a non-profit organisation dedicated to training students to become self-sufficient and improving their quality of life through acquiring new skills in a professional restaurant setting. For a superb traditional Moroccan meal and the opportunity to support this worthy cause, do pay them a visit. This evening it's common for the group to enjoy a final meal together on Djemaa el Fna.
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine or similar
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Day 15:
End Marrakech
Enjoy your final breakfast this morning and take the chance to reflect on your unforgettable Morocco adventure. You’ve navigated lively medinas, ridden a camel in the Sahara and experienced a traditional hammam in the Atlas Mountains. Now, however, is the time to start your journey home and start planning your next adventure.
