Itinerary Expand all Fly to Marrakech Arrival at our hotel in the evening.Hotel Gomassine or similar Day 1 Start Marrakech Arrive at the hotel at any time, depending on the arrival times of memebers of the group there may be a briefing this evening or tomorrow morning. Hotel Gomassine or similar Day 2 Visit Hassan II Mosque; to the capital Rabat. A modern and commercial seaport, Casablanca is a complete contrast to the Morocco we are soon to explore. This morning we drive 4hours to Casablanca to visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world. Afterwards, we drive 2 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. Rabat Hotel Bouregreg or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Explore the Roman site of Volubilis and Meknes; to Fez. Strike out from Rabat 2,5 hours’ 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 short drive 45min 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 2 hours drive to the ancient city of Fez, where we spend two nights. Hotel Mounia or similar Meals included: Breakfast 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 a thousand years ago, Fez has many mosques and medersas (theological colleges) including the 9th century al-Karaouine University, whose architecture is very similar to that seen in Moorish Spain. The medina in Fez is one of the largest in the world, an immense warren of souks, home to thousands of craftsmen with their tiny shops opening onto the narrow alleyways. Noisy and pungent, the medina of Fez is a totally absorbing and unique experience. Our city guide walks us through different sections of the souk - including those selling leather brass and copper. Of course, 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 take a drive up to a panoramic viewpoint over the city. Hotel Mounia or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Drive to Merzouga, on the edge of the Sahara. Today we have a long journey of approximately 10 hours, however there will be 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 sand 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. Auberge La Source or similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 6 Walk among the dunes; camel trek; overnight in a Sahara camp. There is time today with a free morning 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 partake in a genuine Saharan experience - a 45min 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. Full-service camping at Erg Chebbi or similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 7 To Skoura via the Todra Gorge. After sunrise, we leave our desert camp 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 4 hours). Following the 1000 Kasbahs Road for approximately 2.5 hours, you will marvel at the breath-taking vistas of impressive ancient Kasbahs nestled in lush palm groves. Skoura Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Skoura, the Palm grove capital of Morocco There is the opportunity to take a 1 hour drive to Toundout Valley and enjoy a 3 hours guided hike crossing 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 as the palm grove capital of Morocco, Skoura will certainly offer peace and relaxation through its various walks discovering multiple palm groves, and Kasbahs. Skoura Lodge or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 9 Journey to Telouet, via the famous Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. Leaving Skoura, we re-join 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, made famous as the location of several Hollywood films including 'Gladiator'. After admiring the view, we may see something 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 1.5-hour 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 gite for us. For those who do not want to walk, mules are available (100 MAD, payable locally). Kasbah Oliver or similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner 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 up into the hills on mule tracks with the peaks of the High Atlas acting as a fitting backdrop to our walk. The length of our walk will depend on the ability of the group, but it is likely to be approximately 4 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 over ten years on various responsible tourism projects. We will visit the village hammam, built with money raised by Exodus clients. This is a truly 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 20MAD (£1.50) plus customary tip of 20MAD. Refreshed, we return to the riad for our final dinner in the mountains. Kasbah Oliver or similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner 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, fairy-tale like structure. We continue our scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, via the Tizi'n'Tichka pass, which at 2,260m 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 growing, get a demonstration of the production process as well as have the opportunity to purchase products. 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. Riad Al Madina or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 12 Free day in Essaouira. A free day in Essaouira, a charming old Portuguese fishing port overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The settlement dates back 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 some 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. Riad Al Madina or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 13 To Marrakech; guided tour including Bahia Palace, the Saadian tombs, finish in Djemma el Fna. After breakfast, we drive back to Marrakech, journey time approximately 2.5 hours. In the afternoon we enjoy a guided tour to help us find our bearings and soak up the atmosphere of this amazing city. Our guide will take us to the Bahia Palace, ending in the Djemma 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. Hotel Gomassine or similar Meals included: Breakfast 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 Marrakech, 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 ½ hour 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, the perfect place to escape the hectic rush of the city. For your lunch we would highly recommend the Amal Women's Training Centre and Moroccan Restaurant, which we at Exodus support in their cause to empower women from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to training their 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 Djemma el Fna. Hotel Gomassine or similar Meals included: Breakfast Fly to London. Trip ends after breakfast. Meals included: Breakfast Day 15 End Marrakech. Trip ends after breakfast. Meals included: Breakfast
Morocco There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Hotel, Gite & Bedouin Camp You will spend 6 nights 3-star hotels, 1 night auberge, 2 nights riad, and 1 night Sahara camp, 2 nights lodge and 2 nights Kasbah. Some accommodation standards are more often comparable with those found in Sub-Saharan Africa. Some hotel water supplies are heated via solar panels, so hot water can not always be guaranteed, especially in Tijhza. However, all are clean, comfortable, with traditional Moroccan elements. Please note that from the Spring 2019, local authorities have forbidden camps inside the sand dunes in Erg Chebbi. This is for environmental reasons. This means that all Bedouin camps will be set up on the edge of the desert, fairly close to built accommodation. Premium Departures - on these dates we have upgraded the hotels, and in Marrakech and Essaouira we stay in historic riads right in the heart of the medina. These small family-run guesthouses offer tranquil, authentic stays in the heart of the old city. You can request a single room on this trip subject to availability. The single supplement applies to hotel nights only and therefore does not cover any nights spent in the mountains, desert or Bedouin camps. Please note that in Winter months some of the accommodation can feel quite cold as they are often poorly heated. Some properties in more rural areas may only have power in the evening (which also means only heating in the evning), however blankets are provided to keep you warm at night.
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Reviewed March 2020 Susan McClellan Trip: Highlights of Morocco Wonderful Trip If you're looking for an interesting and informative trip, where every day is different, then this one's for you. The choice of accommodation was very good and definitely enhanced the group's overall experience. Living out of a suitcase isn't everyone's idea of fun but is necessary in order to visit the wide variety of sites across a large area. I'd recommend this trip to anyone wanting a moderately priced holiday in a culturally diverse country which is relatively close to the UK. Thank you, Exodus. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Nothing stood out as being particularly inspirational but everything was enjoyable. The camel trips were fun. What did you think of your group leader? Both group leader Hamid and driver Reduan were excellent at their respective jobs, and very good company. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Just look forward to the enjoyment of having everything organised for you.
Reviewed October 2019 Kevin Orrey Trip: Highlights of Morocco What an awesome trip! My first Exodus trip and what a cracker; diverse, interesting, informative and full of new and exciting experiences and activities and Adil the tour guide was outstanding. The itinerary is full of interesting stops, numerous extras were added in and adding in multiple extras like hiking in the early morning out to the dunes to enjoy the sunrise, climbing mini mountains and outcrops at Riad Oliver this was a packed trip and just the way I wanted my first experience from Exodus to go. I'm surprised at the cost to what actually was included and the amount of time away, flights and activities. The company was excellent and I quickly bonded and gelled and look forward to my next trip. Well done Exodus! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Sunrise in the Sahara atop a dune with Louise What did you think of your group leader? Adil is fun, helpful and informative and goes that extra mile, you can't go wrong with him. He even arranged a birthday cake as my birthday occured whilst in Fez Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't pack too many clothes, plenty of chances to launder and quickly dry. Take the opportunity to do extra yourself, get up early to go around Rabat in the early morning before the sun rises and go along the front to the Kasbah. Get up early and do as many sunrises as you can in the Sahara and Skoura. Get a roof terrace to watch the sun go down in Marrakech. Go for the hammam, its different! Be open to new experiences.
Reviewed October 2019 Rick Hardy Trip: Highlights of Morocco Absolutely Fabulous! If you want to learn about the culture and history of a country as well as seeing some spectacular scenery then this is for you. There is a lot of travelling involved and a few early morning departures (8:00am) but enough time for rest to compensate. Maybe a little more space in the mini-bus would have been nicer as the back 4 seats were a little cramped but there were plenty of breaks during the journeys to from Marrakech to Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Fes, Merzouga, Skoura, Tigzha, Ouarzazate, Essaouira and back to Marrakech. If you fancy something different here are two examples; 1) A camel ride onto the Sahara to watch the sunset, eat and sleep in a Bedouin Camp with some traditional music, up before dawn early for another camel ride to watch the sunrise then back to the hotel for breakfast, and 2) Two nights in a mountain retreat and a 4 hour morning walk in the High Atlas mountains. Food was good and sometimes exceptional. All accommodation was acceptable and in some cases fantastic. Our tour guide, Ahmed, and driver, Mustafa, were absolutely marvellous. My 15 travelling companions also contributed to the enjoyment of the holiday. This was my first holiday of this type and I will certainly try another - most likely with Exodus. They obviously have years of experience organising holidays like this. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I suppose the very most inspirational moment was the mountain retreat and a 4 hour morning walk in the High Atlas mountains. What did you think of your group leader? Ahmed was exceptionally excellent. As was our driver Mustafa. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Read the trip notes a few times so there are no surprises - although surprises can be good. So, just be prepared - although no preparation can be carried out for your first camel ride! LOL
Reviewed June 2019 Jennifer Whittaker Trip: Highlights of Morocco Morocco I thoroughly enjoyed the trip as we had so many places to explore and to learn the history and culture of the country. The scenery was so diverse and in all towns and villages we were met with smiles. Families invited us into their homes and treated us to delicious meals which was very special as it was during Ramadan . Our leader was very helpful in telling us the best places to eat and drink. The only downside was the mini bus that we had to travel in as it was quiet cramped and uncomfortable and on the days when the journey took 10 hours it felt like torture What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The Camel trek which was so much fun What did you think of your group leader? Youssef was a great leader looking after us all and listening to anyone who had a problem. He had to be creative at times during Ramadan but he always came up with a solution Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Carry an inflatable cushion
Reviewed April 2019 sue lockley Trip: Highlights of Morocco Highlight of Morocco I enjoyed most of the holiday but would have like to have stayed in a Essaouira another night and one less night in Marrakesh at the end of the trip as it was lovely by the beach and very relaxing after a lot of driving. The mountains were great, Fes and many other places were great, very interesting trip. I did not like long hours in the mini bus but it was part of the trip. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Walking in the Mountains and gorges, Fes was also very interesting in the old and new part of the city. What did you think of your group leader? Very good group leader, very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful when I was not well. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Great holiday to see Morocco, but if you do not like travelling hours in a bus it could be too much especially when you feel rough!!! Is there anything else you would like to add? The hotels were very good and the amount included in the trip was all in all very good.
Reviewed March 2019 GRAHAM CLARKE Trip: Highlights of Morocco Highlights of Morocco - Premium A good overview of the country taking in the major sights and attractions. Due to the geography of the country there were a some long drives but these were broken up by stops and we were travelling through some spectacular scenery in some cases. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? There were a number of course, but for me personally it was the ascent from Gorge du Todra and the walk in the Atlas mountains from Kasbah Oliver. Marrakesh is quite mad but that was expected. The camel ride into the desert campsite was a new experience also. What did you think of your group leader? Mohammad was excellent: he was ever helpful, kind and considerate with a good sense of humour as well as a good knowledge of the country. I should mention also Yussef (not sure of spelling) who drove us safely the whole time particularly on the winding mountain roads. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The Hotels were not the best I have ever stayed in, they were sparse in most cases and not always warm we went in February; that is all there is in many places but at least they were clean. Do take heed of the packing list and take warm clothes; fleeces, gloves,hats etc. It can get very cold at night and in the mornings before the sun gets up especially in the mountains and in the desert camping. If you are intending to do the walk up the Gorge du Todra then a walking pole or poles would be very useful and Exodus could well add this to their packing list. Is there anything else you would like to add? A memorable trip.
Reviewed January 2019 Chamini Mendis Trip: Highlights of Morocco Cities and beyond The trip had a great mixture of imperial cities of Morrocco as well as country side and desert. Great to see Essaouira which a starke contrast to other cities. Loved the walks in Torda gorge as well as the high Atlas. Loved the city of Fes with winding souks. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Sunrise in the Sahara and high Atlas walk What did you think of your group leader? Mohamed is a great leader with immense amount of knowledge and experience. He made sure everyone was involved were looked after well Do you have any advice for potential travellers? It is a busy but fun trip that has bit of everything . Great introduction to Morocco.
Reviewed January 2019 Chamini Mendis Trip: Highlights of Morocco Cities and beyond The trip had a great mixture of imperial cities of Morrocco as well as country side and desert. Great to see Essaouira which a starke contrast to other cities. Loved the walks in Torda gorge as well as the high Atlas. Loved the city of Fes with winding souks. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Sunrise in the Sahara and high Atlas walk What did you think of your group leader? Mohamed is a great leader with immense amount of knowledge and experience. He made sure everyone was involved were looked after well Do you have any advice for potential travellers? It is a busy but fun trip that has bit of everything
Reviewed January 2019 Chamini Mendis Trip: Highlights of Morocco Cities and beyond The trip had a great mixture of imperial cities of Morrocco as well as country side and desert. Great to see Essaouira which a starke contrast to other cities. Loved the walks in Torda gorge as well as the high Atlas. Loved the city of Fes with winding souks. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Sunrise in the Sahara and high Atlas walk What did you think of your group leader? Mohamed is a great leader with immense amount of knowledge and experience. He made sure everyone was involved were looked after well Do you have any advice for potential travellers? It is a busy but fun trip that has bit of everything
Reviewed December 2018 Ciaran Brooks Trip: Highlights of Morocco Enjoyable trip A good introduction to the country and a chance to see the majority of the sights, albeit sometimes briefly. The cities of Fes and Marrakech were interesting, and the time in the mountains and Todra Gorge were enjoyable. The food was good, though perhaps dominated by tourist rather than local restaurants. The guide was excellent and the driver good too. Overall it was an enjoyable trip. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The city tour of Fes was excellent. What did you think of your group leader? Great in all aspects. Professional, organised, approachable.
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