- Discover the culturally rich cities of Casablanca, Marrakech and Fez
- Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the ksar of Ait Benhaddou
- Take a camelback ride through the Sahara to a luxury camp
- Experience a traditional hammam
- Join a cookery class and enjoy the results
- See the High Atlas Mountains and have lunch with an Amazigh family
Treasures of Morocco - Premium Adventure
Culture
Activity Level
Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Premium
From Casablanca to Marrakech, discover the many wonders of this enchanting north African kingdom
Few places on earth match the cultural diversity of Morocco. Join this Premium Adventure to discover the best of it, while staying in a carefully selected accommodation portfolio, which includes traditional riads and a luxury desert camp. We tour diverse cities, including seaside Casablanca, the imperial powerhouse of Fez, and electric Marrakech. And we journey into the Sahara, where we navigate dunes on camelback and stargaze around a campfire. Village visits, kasbah tours, lunch with an Amazigh family and a relaxing hammam session complete a perfectly balanced adventure that captures the best of Morocco in style.
Highlights
Key Information
- Accommodation: 11 Premium nights (5 hotel, 5 riad and 1 desert camp)
- Travel by private minibus and camel
- Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Countries visited: Morocco
What's Included
- All breakfasts, three lunches and eight dinners
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Expert tour leader, chosen for their experience and great customer feedback
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Tips for local staff
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
- Tip for the tour leader
Itinerary
Casablanca Marrakech
Adventure starts in Casablanca
Begin your adventure in the port city of Casablanca, the economic hub of Morocco.
Around 6pm, say salam alaikum to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Want to explore further? Secure pre-tour nights through your sales representative.
Accommodation: Idou Anfa Hotel (or similar)
Hassan II Mosque; Volubilis ruins; Moulay Idriss; Fez
This morning, before leaving Casablanca, we visit the Hassan II Mosque, which has a soaring 655ft (200m) minaret and a sliding ceiling to enable the sea breeze to cool the building. We have a guided tour of the Mosque and the stunning ablutions hall with a local specialist. Please note knees and upper arms must be covered. We then begin our journey to Fez, stopping en route at Unesco-listed Volubilis, the largest and best-kept Roman ruins in Morocco. There are the remains of the forum, basilica and capitol. There are also well preserved mosaic floors of the wealthy town houses that graced this Roman city. After Volubilis we travel on to the attractive whitewashed holy city of Moulay Idriss to stretch our legs and have a traditional lunch. The town is built around the tomb of Moulay Idriss Morocco’s first Islamic leader. We will take a walking tour to see parts of the town. Our final destination is the world-renowned city of Fez, where our accommodation for the night is a traditional Riad. We enjoy a welcome dinner here, a chance for us to try tasty local fare and get to know one another.
Total drive time: Seven hours
Accommodation: Riad Dilar/Riad Salam (or similar)
Explore Fez
Fez is the intellectual and religious centre of Morocco. Founded more than 1,000 years ago, it is the oldest of the Imperial cities in the kingdom with many mosques and madrasas (theological colleges). It was declared a World Heritage site in 1981. This morning, we join our local guide to explore the bustling narrow laneways, visiting different sections of the souq, including those selling leather, brass and copper. We also stop at the tanneries and pottery workshops to see traditional local crafts in action. Outside the medina, we visit the Jewish District (Mellah) and the exterior of the Royal Palace. We drive to a panoramic viewpoint for great photos of the city below.
After the tour, return to the riad to rest or head to Hotel Saharai, where you can gaze over Fez medina with a cocktail as the sun sets. Your tour leader can help organise your visit (paid locally).
Accommodation: Riad Dilar/Riad Salam (or similar)
Drive to Merzouga, on the edge of the Sahara
We start early for a full day of travelling to the Sahara with a journey through superb scenery and plenty of stops along the way. Our journey takes us over the Middle Atlas, through the picturesque Ziz Valley to the Hamada, a flat, stony desert gradually approaching the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. The journey is undoubtedly worth it, and we’re rewarded with a night at the feature accommodation at Riad Madu or Riad Chebbi. Relax by the pool and enjoy watching the sun set over the desert.
Total drive time: Nine hours
Accommodation: Riad Madu or Riad Chebbi (five-star)
Village cultural experience; ride a camel at a Saharan camp
Enjoy a leisurely start to the day (with perhaps another dip in the pool). Later this morning, we travel by 4×4 to Khamlia village for a wonderful cultural experience watching a Gnawa music show and eating a traditional lunch of Medfouna, a surprising take on pizza. The unique instruments used in Gnawa music create a distinctive sound. It is a unique blend of African, Arab and Amazigh influences. This afternoon, we transfer to our luxury desert camp and then undertake a genuine Saharan experience – a camel trek through the dunes to watch the desert take on a rose colour at sunset (it is also possible to walk). After dinner cooked by our local chefs, we sit around the campfire and gaze at the stars.
Accommodation: Merzouga Desert Camp (or similar)
To Skoura via the Todra Gorge
Leaving the desert, we head towards the little town of Skoura. En route, we pass through the Todra Gorge, sheer cliffs rising dramatically on either side of the road. We take a short walk through this gorge so you can appreciate its majesty and take photos. Following the 1,000 Kasbahs Road for approximately two hours, we see several of these imposing buildings along the way in the palm groves. We stay in an original Kasbah lodge during our two nights in Skoura. Located in the heart of the Skoura Palm grove this lodge is decorated in traditional Moroccan style and all rooms have air conditioning.
Total drive time: Seven hours with three stops
Accommodation: Kasbah Ben Damiette (or similar)
Skoura, the palm grove capital of Morocco
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then join the leader on a guided walk through the palm groves of sleepy Skoura. Dotted around the palm, fig, birch and tamarisk trees are some of the most beautiful kasbahs in southern Morocco, the largest of which is the Amerhidil Kasbah, once owned by the Glaoui family. We take a guided tour through the restored interior with a local guide. During our walk we stop for a picnic lunch.
Accommodation: Kasbah Ben Damiette (or similar)
Journey to Imlil village via Ait Benhaddou
Leaving Skoura, we rejoin the main road and drive west along the 1,000 Kasbahs Road via the desert city of Ouarzazate and onto the well-preserved ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most spectacular in the Atlas, and a location for several Hollywood films including Gladiator (2000). After admiring this vast site from the riverbed, we take a walk through the winding village streets. Once a bustling village today the ksar is home to around 10 families. From here we continue our drive through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 7, 415ft (2,260m) above sea level. The drive to the village of Imlil is a winding one with a variety of scenery to enjoy.
Total drive time: Eight hours with stops
Accommodation: Riad Jnane Imlil (or similar)
Walk to the Amazigh village of Aremd; evening hammam
Imlil village is the starting point for trekkers climbing Mount Toubkal, the tallest mountain in North Africa. A two-hour hike (which has a steep 655ft/200m ascent) takes us to the small Amazigh village of Armed set into a hillside.
Along the way, we see many fruit trees including cherries, apricots and quince. We follow a small irrigation channel where we are likely to meet villagers and their mules. Stopping at the edge of a waterfall, we take a break with a fresh orange juice. From here, we carry on uphill to the village where we enjoy a home-cooked lunch in a local guesthouse.
For those who do not want to walk, mules are available (35 dirhams each way, payable locally).
After lunch, we do a little more hiking around the village then return to Imlil (a one-hour hike) for your traditional hammam experience. A standard treatment with soap and scrubber is included but it is customary to give a 20-dirham (US$2) tip. The restaurant at our riad has panoramic views of Imlil and the mountains.
Accommodation: Riad Jnane Imlil (or similar)
Over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech
This morning, we travel over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. Along the way, we stop at a women’s argan oil cooperative where we see a demonstration of how this multi-use oil is produced. There is also an opportunity to purchase a range of products which make for an unique gift from Morocco. Onwards our journey takes us to the flat arid plains of Marrakech. Here we have a guided tour, visiting the Bahia Palace and the Saadian tombs. The tour ends in the central square of Djemaa el Fna, where the town becomes a maze of bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. The square comes alive every evening with food stalls, juice-sellers and acrobats entertaining both the locals and the visitor. Our final accommodation on this tour are boutique hotels located in the modern town area of Gueliz.
Total drive time: 1hr 30min
Accommodation: Stars or Bab or 2 Ciels Hotel (four-star)
Marrakech cooking class; free time; farewell dinner
Start with a trip to the local market to purchase ingredients before embarking on a cookery class of recipes to impress your friends when you get home. Enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch. This afternoon, take free time to see more of Marrakech. You might wish to visit the largest mosque in the city, Koutoubia, or venture through the souqs and old streets of the medina. After bartering for souvenirs, you may have time for a short visit to the Koranic School and Museum of Marrakech. After this, you can unwind by taking a 30-minute ride on a calèche (a horse-drawn carriage) to the Jardin Majorelle. These tranquil gardens are decorated throughout in indigo blue and were once owned by Yves St Laurent. Your expert leader can help plan your free time.
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner together, in which we can discuss the adventures we’ve had and, perhaps, plan the next.
Accommodation: Stars or Bab or 2 Ciels Hotel (four-star)
Adventure ends in Marrakech
We’ve scaled dunes on camelback, eaten lunch with an Amazigh family and toured the greatest cities in Morocco. But after breakfast, this tour draws to a close. Speak to your sales representative if you’d like to extend your stay in Marrakech and explore the city further.
Extend Your Trip
Marrakech Hotels & Riads
A city of vibrant souks, ornate palaces and fragrant gardens, where ancient traditions meet modern energy. Extra nights here give you time to wander the medina, relax in hidden courtyards and soak up the city’s atmosphere at your own pace. Here are a few of our favourite hotels to inspire your stay:
Kenzi Rose Garden: Set within expansive landscaped gardens in Marrakech’s Hivernage district, this comfortable hotel offers a peaceful retreat close to the city’s main attractions. With multiple pools, spacious rooms and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s an ideal base for unwinding after exploring the medina.
Riad Moullaoud: Tucked away in the heart of the medina, this traditional riad offers an intimate and authentic Moroccan experience. Centred around a tranquil courtyard with a small pool and rooftop terrace, it’s perfect for travellers wanting charm, character and easy access to Marrakech’s souks.
Es Saadi Marrakech Resort: Located in the upscale Hivernage area, this stylish resort combines luxury accommodation with lush gardens, art-filled interiors and excellent dining. With a large spa, pools and views towards the Atlas Mountains, it offers a refined and relaxing end to your adventure.
This is just a glimpse of what’s possible. Speak to your sales representative, who can guide you through the options and arrange everything for you.
Premium hotels and camp
Experience elevated accommodation on this Premium Adventure, where we mostly stay in four- or five-star properties, plus a luxury Bedouin camp among the Sahara dunes. Find a list of the properties typically used below:
- Casablanca: Idou Anfa Hotel (night 1)
- Fez: Riad Dilar or Riad Salam (nights 2-3)
- Merzouga: Riad Madu or Riad Chebbi (night 4)
- Sahara: Merzouga Desert Camp (night 5)
- Skoura: Kasbah Ben Damiette (nights 6-7)
- Imlil: Riad Jnane Imlil (nights 8-9)
- Marrakech: Stars or Bab or 2 Ciels Hotel (nights 10-11)
Worth knowing
- The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We will endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.
About riads
Riads are traditional Moroccan homes, generally in the old part of the city or medina, where the wealthiest people would historically live. They’re typically built around a central corridor with windows facing an internal courtyard (external windows are rare). Most have a rooftop terrace where breakfast is served. A night in a riad is an authentic Moroccan experience; however, riads do not have hotel-style facilities. Additionally, the rooms are not standardised and come in different sizes and shapes. Riads are built to keep sunlight to a minimum in order to keep the interiors cool in the extreme summer heat.
Trip Experts
Lahcen Id Blaid
Expert Leader: Morocco
Reviews
Add your own reviewAn Incredible and Exciting Trip
My wife has long desired to travel to North Africa to explore her Berber ancestry from her maternal grandfather’s side of the family. I am thrilled that we finally made this amazing trip happen in October and November of 2024.
Most Inspirational Moment
I was truly inspired by the people of Morocco. From the stunning expanse of the Sahara Desert to the pristine beauty of Rabat, the charm of Fez and its medinas, and the magnificent mosques in Casablanca and Marrakech, everywhere we went left a lasting impression. I particularly enjoyed hiking in the High Atlas Mountains and sharing a delightful lunch with Lahcen's family.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lahcen was an exceptional leader who genuinely cared for everyone. He was particularly attentive to those with special needs and offered his support whenever possible. His professionalism was evident in every aspect of his work. In a group setting, I felt completely secure and confident in Lahcen's abilities.
Advice for Potential Travellers
This trip, in a sense, is an expedition across North Africa and an adventure. There is a lot of walking and hiking which was fine for me, but difficult for my wife. We enjoyed the long bus rides as we got to see more of the countryside and visit small villages. Sophisticated travelers are aware that North Africa is a developing country, so its hotels are not rated the same way as those in the United States or England. My wife and I sought a genuine experience of Moroccan culture and lifestyle. The riads were exceptionally charming. The food was simply fantastic, particularly the bread. We had no complaints whatsoever. We even had the opportunity to experience riding in a taxi cab to and from an event. What can I say, but, our experience in Morocco for 12.5 days was truly remarkable. We will never forget our Morrocan brothers and sisters. We'll be back to visit soon. Thank you, Exodus. I highly recommend Lahcen and this trip.
The itenarary was great. The local group guide was great. However, I have some constructive criticism below.
The trip was very nice but I have some constructive comments. This was advertised as a premium trip, however the starting hotel in Casablanca was mediocre at best. Certainly not 4 stars. The hotel had a least 4 other tour groups staying there at same time. One of the groups had 40 persons. This all resulted in poor service and chaos. The last hotel in Marrakesh was also a disappointment. The towels we old and only 2 provided. This is just a symptom of overall. The food for breakfast was disappointing. The farewell dinner that was at the hotel was terrible. The service was unacceptable. We were divided into tables of 4 instead of a large group farewell table. It would be more appropriate to go out of the hotel for a farewell nice dinner. A sign on the front desk at the hotel offered rooms available for $100 USD per night. The local guide was very knowledgeable and kind and did a nice job. However it seems he has done a lot of adventure guiding but maybe not so much of the premium luxury sort of trip. He could use some coaching on higher end trips. We had 8 Brits and 8 Americas the were in their late 50s to early 70s demographic. All of seemed to be very well traveled and use to higher end accommodations. One day on the road we ate at a gas stations with 3 other tour buses. This was chaos and was not luxury. Another time when we did not have a evening meal provided by the tour, we asked the guide to take us as a group together and of course we would pay for our individual meals. The guide understandably did not have a bus, So he put us is in 4 or 5 taxis and did not pay the taxi driver. We had to gather up 20 local currency (about the equivalent of $2 each for the cab ride . The was annoying and should have certainly covered by our Exodus fees .
Most Inspirational Moment
The camel ride and staying in the Sahara desert at the hotel and at the glamping camp. Also when we were in the atlas mountains it was very nice Riad and nice walk and nice meal with a view of snow on the Atlas mountains. The cooking class in Marrakech was great.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Great and I would recommend him. I would go on another tour with him and I gave him a nice gratuity. However, he needs a bit of coaching for a high end travel group. Also we had a woman that had some health issues and had a great deal trouble walking. Not really appropriate for this type tour when we walked 20,000 to 25,000 steps some days. He was very kind and attentive to her and spent considerable time arranging to walk with her and get her to a destination while leaving us in the care of local guides. I appreciate his care of her, but he should balance the needs of the group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
There is a lot of walking and a lot of time on the bus. However it was a great experience and I recommend this trip.
Reply from Exodus
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on your recent trip with Exodus. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the overall experience and appreciated the knowledge and kindness of your tour leader.
We’re sorry to learn that several aspects of the trip did not meet your expectations for a premium experience. Your comments about the hotel quality, service levels, and farewell dinner arrangements are very important to us. We understand how these elements can impact the overall enjoyment of a trip, and we’re actively reviewing them with our local partners to ensure improvements are made.
We also appreciate your feedback regarding your leader’s experience with luxury travel and the logistical challenges around group dining and transportation. These insights help us refine our premium offerings and better tailor them to the needs of well-travelled guests like yourself.
Thank you again for your constructive feedback—it’s invaluable in helping us enhance future trips. We hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon.
Outstanding Guides and Historians
Such a wonderful pilgrimage of history and knowledge learned about the Moroccan people. From Casablanca, to the Sahara Desert, to the High Atlas Mountains and onto Marrakech. …
Most Inspirational Moment
Spending time and having tea with the Nomads, their children, the camel ride, learning about the Medinas and getting to know the Berber people and their families. The Et-Taous African drum band and dancers was such a delight and it was joyful and fun. We enjoyed the overall history of the country, its past, present and current richness. The historical guides were extremely informative and knowledgeable. Each unique with rich stories to tell.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader, Idblaaid Lahcen, was the best. He went out of his way to take care of everyone and to make all feel special.
Advice for Potential Travellers
To the travelers, this is a fantastic tour however, if you have a disability this may not be the tour for you. My husband, who is as fit as a fiddle, enjoyed all of the walking tours, all of the hikes as well as every aspect of this trip. The high Atlas Mountains hike was one of the highlights for him. He said, “He’d love to do it again.” This is an unforgettable experience, one you’d never forget. In spite of my health challenges, I am so very grateful that I was able to make this incredible trip. I learned so much about my ancestors which was so inspiring to me. I met so many beautiful people who felt like family. I will never forget them. They will remain vibrant in my heart forever. This is a beautiful tour. It’s full of spectacular sunsets and stunning sunrises. The road trip allows you to see so much of the countryside and so many aspects of the Moroccan North African culture. The Et-Taous African drum, dancers were very colorful, stimulating and exciting to see. To Exodus, I explained to Exodus that I had a disability and what my limitations were. They assured me that this tour would not be strenuous. However, this is a vigorous tour. But, Lahcen and all of the guides, upon being made aware of my challenges, quickly found rest areas and other options for me. Exodus might think about changing the description of this tour. They also need to listen more effectively to the customer to better accommodate their expectations. The Exodus team should take this tour so that they are aware and know firsthand the tour’s difficulties and the customer experience. Then perhaps change the rating from “moderate” to “vigorous or moderately strenuous”. Also, I suggest for this tour the maximum group be limited to 12 participants, instead of 16. It would be nice too if customers had a dedicated contact person at Exodus to work with them from the onset of the booking and afterwards, instead of the generic customer service contact number and email once the tour has been booked. This is an amazing tour and I highly recommend it!!!
Amazing trip to Morocco!!
When we agreed to this trip, I was nervous to say the least. Our guide Lahcen and the people of Morocco immediately put all of that to ease. We had an amazing trip. Lahcen and our other tour guides taught us about the culture, history, Islam faith and community of Morocco. It was unbelievable. I’d also be remiss not to mention Abdul, our driver. The care he took in getting us from destination to destination was awesome!!
Most Inspirational Moment
Visiting Lahcen’s home near Marrakesh and visiting his village, Imlil, in the High Atlas Mountains were very inspiring. While visiting Lahcen’s communities we learned how special his family and community are to him and saw firsthand the community coming together in support of a villager, his family, and the rest of the community that passed away during our visit.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lahcen was amazing!!! His patience, love for Morocco and appreciation of our group were spectacular!!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for long bus rides. Going from Casablanca to the High Atlas Mountains/Marrakesh, and everything in between requires a lot of drive time. It’s so worth it though. We saw ancient Roman ruins and other UNESCO World Heritage sites, stayed in Riad’s across Morocco, visited markets in each city/location, learned so much about the Moroccan people, and rode camels in the Sahara Desert. Wow!!!
Amazing Morocco
I went into this trip with very little knowledge of what to expect. I am leaving Morocco with a true appreciation of the people, the culture, the landscape and the history. The trip was very well curated and we were extremely well taken care of throughout the entire experience. Our guide, Lahcen, was incredible; he shared so much of himself, his humor, his culture and was very willing to answer anything we asked about politics, religion or history. The guides in each city/town were also very informative and insightful.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were many, but I think what resonates the most was being in Imlil and in the village where Lachlan grew up. Listening to him talk with such pride about this community and then seeing the village and meeting the people was amazing. The warmth, the kindness, the support they have for one another. It was an honor, especially to be there as a member of the community passed away and to be witness to them all come together. Again, Lahcen was very generous as he explained this very important burial custom to us all in the midst of his own personal connection.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Patient, humorous and very attentive. He managed us all very well and took care of us to ensure we felt safe and everyone had what they needed. It would not have been the same trip or experience without Lahcen.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It is a lot of time traveling, so be prepared for that, but worth it to see as much of Morocco and have the vast experience of the country.
Wonderful Travels thru Morocco
This was a very comprehensive trip. We saw the cities, the villages and the Sahara. We went through the markets with a local guide shopping for our food for our cooking class. “Glamping” in the Sahara and riding camels was fabulous. Every local guide that we had at each stop was so informative as they explained what life was like in these villages throughout history and today.
Most Inspirational Moment
The most inspiring moment for me was being able to go to Imlil, in the high Atlas Mountains. The village where our guide Lahcen grew up and still has a home. We were in his village when we heard what was a call to inform the villagers that someone had passed away in the village. Within minutes, we saw people coming from all directions to go to the town to support the family and participate in the ritual of honoring this fellow villager.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lahcen was very informative and organized. Lahcen is very kind, calm and understanding. He also has a good sense of humor. I really enjoyed his company throughout the trip. He explained to us about everything that we passed while we were in the bus and in the villages and cities. He answered every question that we had about the culture in Morocco, religion, beliefs and rituals. He shared his passion for his way of life, growing up in a village community that is one big family. He shared his passion about his family and we were fortunate to meet them . He transferred that passion to all of us. We had a lot of fun with Lahcen. He made sure that he kept an eye on all of us and kept us together. We all were very safe and well cared for. I arrived not knowing much about Morocco and left feeling like I really understood the people and the culture. As one of our guides said to us. “ we seek to build bridges“ and that they have!
Advice for Potential Travellers
There is so much to see in Morocco. This really gives you a full view , highlighting many different aspects of the Moroccan culture. It’s a great start and you will want to go back for more.
Treasures of Morocco Premium Adventures
Although we experienced an earthquake it was handled very well by our tour guide, Hassain. He made sure we were safe and it didn’t affect our trip too much.
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was always ready and willing to support us.
Treasures of Morocco Premium Adventures
Most Inspirational Moment
Staying in the desert, having tea with the nomad lady, out tour guide’s enthusiasm and fantastic knowledge.
Thoughts on Group Leader
He was always ready and willing to support us.
You may also like
The Adventure Begins Here
Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus’ experts.