5 of the bluest places on Earth
Cheerful travel inspiration for a gloomy Blue Monday
Morocco Kasbahs & Desert
8 days, Casablanca to Marrakech
Perfect for travellers looking for a fast-paced trip, this short but sweet adventure offers up a great combination of Morocco’s must-see highlights and a little free time to explore on your own. Take to a camel to tour the dunes to truly experience the Sahara, explore high-walled kasbahs and wander the labyrinthine alleys of Fès and Marrakech, all allowing you to discover the history and rugged natural beauty of mysterious Morocco.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 14, avg 10.
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Visa Requirements
Alternative Trips
8 days
Casablanca to Marrakech
Creating ripples that change lives
The Ripple Score is an honest evaluation of how often we use local businesses and services to create each tour. With this score you can see the percentage of our local expenses that stay in the communities you visit. Learn more
Ripple Score
100
More from Morocco Kasbahs & Desert
Itinerary
Day 1Casablanca
Arrive at any time.
Day 2Casablanca/Fès
Enjoy a G Adventures-supported traditional lunch. Take a guided tour of the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis before continuing on to Fès.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Fès
Explore the labyrinth of streets within the famous Fès medina with a local guide. The Fès medina is the world’s largest living medieval medina and a UNESCO site. Explore the artisan quarters, sample treats from the carts, and view Fès' famous leather tannery from above. Enjoy free time this afternoon. Opt to venture to the imperial city of Meknes by pre-booking the Meknes City Tour optional activity on the checkout page.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Fès/Merzouga
Drive south towards the desert and embark on a camel ride into the dunes to watch the sunset. Head back to your hotel for a night of entertainment under the stars.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 5Merzouga/Todra Gorge
Rise early to watch the sunrise. After breakfast, continue through a stone desert to the stunning Todra Gorge. Wedged between massive cliff walls, the gorge is filled with a green oasis of palm trees. This serene spot is great for hiking, relaxing on the edge of the river or sampling some local Berber delicacies.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Todra Gorge/Ait Benhaddou
Visit the Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Opt to participate in a tagine cooking class for an intro to Moroccan cuisine.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Ait Benhaddou/Marrakech
Head to Marrakech and take a guided medina visit. Opt to visit the Djemaa el Fna Square in the evening to see the gathering of musicians and street performers. Don't leave without indulging in a feast at the famous food stalls.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Marrakech
Depart at any time.
Meals included:
BreakfastItinerary
Day 1Casablanca
Arrive at any time.
Please note that this tour does not spend any time in Casablanca.
You may wish to come a day early in order to explore Casablanca, and take some time to see its medina, beachfront, and classic examples of Art Deco architecture.
Be sure to also visit the spectacular Hassan II Mosque. Entrance is only permitted via guided tours, which operate from Saturday to Thursday (closed Fridays) at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, and 14:00. These times are subject to change (particularly around Ramadan), please double check times with your hotel. Tickets can be purchased at the mosque.
A general note about this tour: it has a very fast-paced itinerary, which covers a lot of ground. This is great as it allows us to see a huge amount in the time available, but it also means some early starts, some long drives in the minivan, and less free time than many other G Adventures tours.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher or the G Adventures App
Moroccan House Hotel Casablanca (or similar)
Day 2Casablanca/Fès
Enjoy a G Adventures-supported traditional lunch. Take a guided tour of the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis before continuing on to Fès.
Start early and drive through the rolling hills to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Take a guided tour of the best-preserved Roman ruins in this part of Northern Africa, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After, continue to Fès, one of Morocco's most interesting cities. Take some free time to explore upon arrival. Opt to experience a traditional hammam and get to know the locals.
We will be staying in the the new city of Fès, built by the French during their Protectorate of Morocco. This area has the feel of a French provincial town, with its cafés, restaurants, and wide boulevards. Head off for a Moroccan feast at one of the many restaurants and finish off the night with some famous Moroccan mint tea.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your G for Good Moment: Meknes Community Lunch
Enjoy a G Adventures-supported traditional lunch that benefits rural Moroccan women and children. This G Adventures lunch program provides access to education opportunities and healthcare services. The proceeds from this lunch program help support vocational training for rural women, allowing them to support their families and children. Enjoy a traditional home-cooked Moroccan meal and meet some of the women that are part of this program.
Volubilis Guided Tour
Listen to a certified local guide explain life in the Roman Empire at this UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the impressive, well-preserved Roman ruins. Peer into old bathhouses, marvel at the still-present mosaic floors, and gaze up at towering marble pillars. Hear stories about life in this Roman city that will leave you in awe of just how far their empire stretched.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Hotel Mounia (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Fès
Explore the labyrinth of streets within the famous Fès medina with a local guide. The Fès medina is the world’s largest living medieval medina and a UNESCO site. Explore the artisan quarters, sample treats from the carts, and view Fès' famous leather tannery from above. Enjoy free time this afternoon. Opt to venture to the imperial city of Meknes by pre-booking the Meknes City Tour optional activity on the checkout page.
Enjoy a half-day medina walking tour, with free time in the afternoon to explore more of the city.
The Fès medina is the world’s largest living medieval medina and a UNESCO site. Explore the artisan quarters, sample treats from the carts, and view Fès' famous leather tannery from above.
Fès Medina Guided Tour
Follow a local guide through the Fès medina, one of the world’s largest medinas with more than 9000 winding streets lying within 365 hectares. See buildings in the medina that date back to the 9th century; there are 350 mosques in the medina that are still in use today.
Enter through one of the great gates into the chaos. Explore the artisans’ quarters as well as the many carpenters, bakers, butchers, and spice sellers. A highlight is the view of the famous Fès tannery from the balcony of a leather shop, where you can observe the men hard at work treating and dyeing the different hides. Take some time to shop for leather goods before returning to your hotel.
Free Time
Visit more of this lovely city and if you're stuck, there's always room for mint tea at an outdoor café.
5
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Ville Nouvelle Exploration
FreeHit the newer part of Fès to see life in action. Find a sidewalk café to sip mint tea and watch everyday life go by.
Shop Fès Medina
FreeSpend some time in the medina checking out carpet shops, sampling local delicacies at the food stalls or shopping for leather goods. Prepare to bargain, just don't get lost wandering the passage ways!
Dinner in Converted Fès Riad
400-500MAD per personSit down to a fantastic meal in a renovated riad, a Moroccan palace that has been transformed into a restaurant. Tantalize your taste buds and senses with delicious, local cuisine accompanied by music and belly dancing.
Belghazi Museum
20MAD per personHoused in an exquisite 17th-century building, the gallery showcases different art styles passed through generations in Morocco, such as ceramics, embroidery, instruments, and costumes. Climb up to the rooftop for a panoramic view of the city.
Meknes City Tour
Enjoy a guided tour of this imperial city. Gain local insight into city sites – each guide may put their spin on tour. Visit the Bab Mansour Historic landmark, and 18th-century Bab EL Khmiss, the ornamental gate to the city. Wander the bustling souk to browse the vast array of food, clothes, and souvenirs. Take the opportunity to see the Royal Stables and Granary; built under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail, the stables could hold up to 12,000 horses.
Accommodation
Hotel Mounia (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Fès/Merzouga
Drive south towards the desert and embark on a camel ride into the dunes to watch the sunset. Head back to your hotel for a night of entertainment under the stars.
Start early today for a drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains to reach the edge of the Sahara.
Settle into your hotel at the edge of the dunes and enjoy a warm welcome with mint tea. In the late afternoon, take a camel ride deep into the dunes to watch the sunset. Learn to tie a turban to keep the desert sun off your face and add a little flare to photos.
In the evening, gather around a campfire near to your hotel to indulge in a traditional dinner under the stars. Listen to stories about life in this region and, perhaps, some traditional music on the drums.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Camel Ride
Hold on and enjoy a ride on this even-toed ungulate, also known as the desert horse. Bring your camera for some fantastic photos of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Local guides will teach you how to mount and dismount and other handy camel-related safety tips.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 5Merzouga/Todra Gorge
Rise early to watch the sunrise. After breakfast, continue through a stone desert to the stunning Todra Gorge. Wedged between massive cliff walls, the gorge is filled with a green oasis of palm trees. This serene spot is great for hiking, relaxing on the edge of the river or sampling some local Berber delicacies.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
1
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Merzouga 4x4 Desert Excursion
View the golden dunes of the Sahara desert on a 4x4 excursion. Drive around the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi and take in the view of the seemingly endless sea of sand. Pass a kohl mine en route to the village of Khamlia. Witness the delightful sounds of the African music of Gnawa — played by members of the community — as you enjoy a cup of mint tea with the locals.
Accommodation
Hotel Amazir (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Todra Gorge/Ait Benhaddou
Visit the Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Opt to participate in a tagine cooking class for an intro to Moroccan cuisine.
Travel along the “Route of 1000 Kasbahs” to the thriving town of Ouarzazate for a lunch stop. This town is home to Atlas Film Studios, where many films have been shot over the years, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.
Continue on to the fascinating and beautiful Aït Ben Haddou, a wonderful example of a kasbah.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah Guided Tour
Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site and Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou with your CEO. Of all the remaining Kasbahs in Morocco, the walls and interior of this area are the most intact. The Kasbah still houses a few families, but many now live in the adjacent village. Like many of the earthen built fortresses in Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou has been used in many film and television productions like Gladiator, Babel, and Game of Thrones.
1
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Tagine Cooking Demonstration
120MAD per personLearn all about the quintessential Moroccan dish — tagine. Learn about the tagine itself (a clay pot) and different ingredients and spices. Enjoy the fruits of your labour for dinner.
Accommodation
La Rose du Sable (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Ait Benhaddou/Marrakech
Head to Marrakech and take a guided medina visit. Opt to visit the Djemaa el Fna Square in the evening to see the gathering of musicians and street performers. Don't leave without indulging in a feast at the famous food stalls.
The journey to Marrakech includes breathtaking views throughout the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m).
Arrive in Marrakech in time for lunch with the rest of the day free to wander the city.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Marrakech Medina Guided Walk
Head into the maze of tiny streets and alleyways of the ancient medina to really get a taste of everyday life in Marrakech. Shop to your heart’s content in the souks. Find spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or famous Moroccan lanterns. The selection is exhaustive. Bargain away – it's definitely part of the fun!
5
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Djemaa el Fna Market Square Visit
FreeWander past fresh orange juice stalls and water sellers in colourful costumes reminiscent of an era past. See storytellers, magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines as the day progresses. When the sun sets, the square fills with dozens of food stalls, and is packed with locals, entertaining chefs, and waiters. Grab a spot on a bench with other diners and try the “tanjia” (slow cooked lamb), harira soup, grilled seafood, famous Moroccan couscous, tajine, snails, or even sheep’s head (for the truly adventurous). Wash it all down with some spiced tea.
Jardins Majorelle
50-75MAD per personVisit this stunning garden in the heart of the city designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle (1886-1962). Follow the pathways through trees, exotic plants, streams, and pools while watching the numerous birds who call this peaceful paradise home.
Traditional Moroccan Dinner with Folklore Entertainment
400-500MAD per personExperience a traditional 3-course dinner in the heart of the medina of Marrakech - Djemma El Fana square - and enjoy a folklore performance.
Musée de Marrakech
40MAD per personWander around the salons of the ornate Mnebhi Palace displaying various collections of Moroccan art forms.
El Badi Palace
10MAD per personVisit the ruins of what was once the most ornate palace of the 16th-century. Its sunken gardens and pools give a glimpse into its former glory.
Accommodation
Moroccan House Hotel Marrakech (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Marrakech
Depart at any time.
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help you book extended accommodation.
Meals included:
BreakfastWhat's Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Meknes Community Lunch, Meknès
- Volubilis guided tour
- Fès guided tour
- Sahara Desert excursion with camel ride
- Todra Gorge stay with walk through local villages
- Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah visit
- Marrakech medina guided walk
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hotels (7 nts)
Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Allow USD220-290 for meals not included.
Transportation
Private air-conditioned van, camels.
Staff & experts
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, driver, local guides.
Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)
Meknes City Tour - From €35.00
Enjoy a guided tour of this imperial city. Gain local insight into city sites – each guide may put their spin on tour. Visit the Bab Mansour Historic landmark, and 18th-century Bab EL Khmiss, the ornamental gate to the city. Wander the bustling souk to browse the vast array of food, clothes, and souvenirs. Take the opportunity to see the Royal Stables and Granary; built under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail, the stables could hold up to 12,000 horses.
Merzouga 4x4 Desert Excursion - From €57.00
View the golden dunes of the Sahara desert on a 4x4 excursion. Drive around the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi and take in the view of the seemingly endless sea of sand. Pass a kohl mine en route to the village of Khamlia. Witness the delightful sounds of the African music of Gnawa — played by members of the community — as you enjoy a cup of mint tea with the locals.
My Own Room - From €199.00
If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.
Departures
Make it a private tour
Book this tour as a private departure – with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour – for any group, big or small (even just one traveller).
Similar Tours
North Africa / Middle East
Morocco
€1199
From€1079
On Jul 26, 2019
15
days
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