Current as of: March 29, 2024 - 05:27

Narrow alleyway in the medina, Chefchaouen

Tangier & the Rif Mountains to Marrakech Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: Morocco
  • Programmes: Culture
  • Activity Level:

    2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

  • 10 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: AMN

Trip Overview

Unlock a diverse land of medinas and mountains, riads and ruins, blue towns and buzzy souks

Journey deep into northern Morocco to visit unique towns and cities, each thick in a one-off blend of history and intrigue. Taking two time-saving train rides, we visit dramatically diverse destinations; there’s the bright-blue town of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, the remarkable Roman ruins at Volubilis, the intellectual and religious hub of Fez and the surprisingly calm capital – Rabat. We end in vibrant Marrakech, touring mazey souks and standing in Djemaa el Fna square, a pulsating mix of snake charmers, juice vendors and trinket sellers.

At a Glance

  • Nine nights in hotels
  • Travel by trains and air-conditioned private minibus
  • Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16yrs

Highlights

  • Tour the mighty oceanside Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
  • Wander the bright blue streets of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains
  • Step back in time with a tour of the Roman ruins at Volubilis
  • Visit the myth-soaked Cave of Hercules near Tangier
  • Meet artisans and makers in the souks and tanneries of Fez
  • Navigate the Marrakech souks in search of a bargain

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our ratings, please visit our Activity Level guidelines.

It provides an excellent introduction to northern Morocco with a relatively busy itinerary. We travel by train and private minibus.  Morocco is stunning but large and the cities and country areas are spread out. This means there are sometimes long journeys, but this is the only way to see all the country offers. We are not confined to our vehicle though, as there are plenty of photo stops and opportunities to stretch your legs. The approximate drive times are noted on the daily itinerary. Although there is an organised itinerary every day, the walks are optional.

The temperatures in Morocco are hot in the summer months but we try to make the most of the coolest parts of the day for our sightseeing so you can expect some early starts.  Expect it to be hot to very hot in the desert from May through to September.

Morocco can get cold in the winter months though usually daytime temperatures are mild. It is advisable to pack winter clothes for November through to March when nighttime temperatures especially in the desert and the mountains can drop considerably. During these months there can also be rain throughout the country and snow in the mountains. As Morocco is generally mild to hot it is not set up for colder temperatures and so there may not be heaters available. Please pack winter clothes and nightwear to ensure you are comfortable. Of course you can also ask for more blankets from the hotels. Please be prepared for the colder months.

Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 10 March-10 April 2024 and 28 February-29 March 2025. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.

Group

There will be a local leader and a driver and local guides where needed.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 6

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Tangier & the Rif Mountains to Marrakech

Land Only

  • Start City: Casablanca
  • End City: Marrakech

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Casablanca

The adventure begins in Casablanca, a modern port city and business hub on the edge of the Atlantic. We have a welcome briefing in the evening, in which we gather for the first time as a group and you can ask any questions you may have.

Accommodation: Oum Palace (or similar)

Day 2
Hassan II Mosque; train from Casablanca to Tangier

We couldn’t leave Casablanca without first visiting the Hassan II Mosque, an intricately decorated place of worship with room for 105,000 people. A picturesque position on a promontory in the Atlantic is complemented by exquisite Moroccan stylings, including wood and stone carvings, marble floors and fine local tiles known as zellige. It’s also one of just two Moroccan mosques that non-Muslims can visit. Please note, knees and upper arms must be covered to enter.

After, we travel two hours’ north by high-speed train (TGV) to Tangier, a coastal city perhaps best known for being a one-time favourite for artists, counter-culturalists, Beat writers and rock stars, before investment brought economic development and a more modern sheen to the city. We visit the medina this afternoon, where an ancient kasbah and stalls selling food, spices, rugs, textiles are wrapped by the walls of an ancient Portuguese fortress.

Accommodation: Hotel Challa (or similar)

Drive time: One hour and a half hours

Train time: Two hours

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Explore the Atlantic Coast of Tangier

Today we head across the coast; if it’s a clear day, we may even be able to see Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar. We head to the rocky promontory of Cape Spartel, which marks the extreme northwest of Africa, to visit the atmospheric Cave of Hercules where the ancient hero is said to have rested after dividing the European and African continents. We also visit Parc Perdicaris, a tree-filled green space with Mediterranean views, for a gentle stroll.

Next, we transfer to Chefchaouen (2hr 30min), a painted-blue city layering a slope in the Rif Mountains. On arrival, we have a short orientation tour around the narrow vibrant streets, stopping outside the 15th-century Grand Mosque, and (dependent on time) walking to the hilltop Spanish Mosque for sunset and beautiful views.

Accommodation: Dar Mounir, Hotel Ziryab, Puerta Azul (or similar)

Drive time: Four and a half hours

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
Optional walk in the Rif Mountains or free time in Chefchaouen

We have the choice today of exploring Chefchaouen on our own or taking an optional guided walk to Akchour Waterfalls. (extra cost).

For the latter, we explore the area around the falls, where mountains, rivers and waterfalls create an idyllic landscape. We also take a detour to the God’s Bridge rock formation before walking through the cool, verdant forest to visit the Akchour Waterfalls.

Accommodation: Dar Mounir, Hotel Ziryab, Puerta Azul (or similar)

Optional tour drive time: Three hours

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
Drive to Fez

Following free time in Chefchaouen this morning, we leave the Rif Mountains and drive to Fez, a scenic journey of about 4hr 30min, passing through rural landscapes that become increasingly agricultural. In Fez, we enjoy a pastilla for dinner, a pastry-wrapped savoury dish and a Moroccan delicacy.

Accommodation: Riad Dar Tafilalet (or similar)

Drive time: Four and a half hours

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6
Full day in Fez

Today we discover Fez, the intellectual and religious centre of Morocco. Founded more than 1,000 years ago, the city has many mosques and medersas (theological colleges), including the ninth-century al-Karaouine University, said to be the oldest still-running university in the world.

We join our city guide on an intriguing exploration, cutting through the souks where vendors sell leather, brass, copper and ceramics, and visiting the tanneries. We also journey outside the medina to visit the Jewish District and admire the elaborately decorated doors of the Royal Palace, before driving to a viewpoint for vistas over the medina.

Accommodation: Riad Dar Tafilalet (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
Volubilis and Meknes; to Rabat

After breakfast we travel to Volubilis, a Unesco World Heritage site housing the largest and best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. Despite damage caused by an earthquake in 1755, this important Roman town retains detailed (and very beautiful) mosaics.

We travel to Meknes for lunch (not included) and explore the medina, where we see Lahdim Square (a scaled-down version of Djemma el Fna in Marrakech) and the monumental Bab El Mansour gates. We continue by road (two hours) to Rabat, the capital of Morocco.

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel (or similar)

Drive time: Six hours

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
Rabat, train to Marrakech

We have the morning in Rabat, a city that feels calmer than many in Morocco and is less visited by tourists. We start with a visit to the Kasbah of the Udayas, originally a small Arab fortification, later settled by Andalucians. Next is the unfinished (yet still impressive) Hassan Tower, a 140ft (43m) tall red-stone minaret dominating the Rabat skyline. Adjacent is the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the resting place of the eponymous king and his two sons, Hassan II and Prince Abdallah.

From Rabat, we take a late afternoon train, travelling in first-class compartments to Marrakech, a journey of just under four hours.

Accommodation: Hotel Meriem (or similar)

Train time: Four hours

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9
Marrakech; guided city tour

In Marrakech, we have a half-day guided tour to soak up the atmosphere of this amazing city. Our guide will take us to the Bahia Palace, the Saadian tombs, and end in Djemma el Fna, where the town becomes a maze of bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. It is also worth visiting at night when this renowned landmark comes to life with food stalls, snake charmers, juice sellers and acrobats.

Accommodation: Hotel Meriem (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10
End Marrakech

Our tour ends after breakfast in Marrakech. If you’d like to spend more time in this electric city, speak to your sales representative to extend your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Well-located hotels and a riad

We spend seven nights in hotels and two nights in a riad (a small boutique guesthouse offering an insight into traditional Moroccan living).

Casablanca: Hotel Imperial (night 1)

Tangier & the Rif Mountains to Marrakech

Our first accommodation is centrally located in Casablanca, within 10 minutes’ drive of Hassan II Mosque and the Central Market. Post-exploration, enjoy a cocktail in the lounge-bar or dine in Restaurant Le Marius, a modern bistro serving a Mediterranean-international menu.

Tangier: Hotel Chellah (night 2)

Tangier & the Rif Mountains to Marrakech

Hotel Chellah is in the heart of Tangier, less than 10 minutes’ walk from the beach. There is a dining terrace, where you can enjoy both local and international dishes, plus a bar and lounge. Relaxation also comes in the form of a palm-shaded outdoor pool.

Chefchaouen: Hotel Ziryab (nights 3-4)

Wrapped by the Rif mountains, Hotel Ziryab is our home for two nights. If you need to cool down, there’s an outdoor pool and loungers, plus a few parasols for shade. If you decide to walk into town, the Grand Mosque is just over a 10-minute walk away, while the medina is even closer.

Fez: Riad Tafilalet (nights 5-6)

Experience a traditional 19th-century home at this restored riad in Fez medina. The restoration respected the character of the house while ensuring maximum comfort for guests. There’s a hammam spa (additional cost) plus a roof terrace with views over the medina. A riad is a traditional Moroccan home where the wealthiest people would historically live. The riad is built around a central courtyard. The rooms are not standardised and come in different sizes and shapes.

Rabat: Imperial Boutique Hotel (night 7)

In the capital of Morocco, we stay at the Imperial Boutique. The location is ideal, just a five-minute walk to the Hassan Tower and about 15 minutes’ walk to Rabat Medina.

Marrakech: Hotel Meriem (nights 8-9)

Tangier & the Rif Mountains to Marrakech

We end our Moroccan adventure at Hotel Meriem, where you can beat the heat in one of two outdoor pools. There’s also a trio of restaurants (serving Moroccan and international cuisines) plus a bar.

Accommodation - Pre Trip

Pre-tour accommodation available in Casablanca on request.

Accommodation - Post Trip

Post-tour accommodation available in Marrakech on request.

Single supplement from USD 442

Food & Drink

Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. Where meals are not included, budget for the following approximate prices:

  • Lunches: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)
  • Dinners:
    • In cities: 80-200 dirhams (US$8-US$19)
    • Small towns and villages: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)
  • Soft drinks in restaurants: 10-20 dirhams (US$1-US$1.90)
  • Alcohol:
    • Beer: 30-50 dirhams (US$2.85-US$5)
    • Wine: 150 dirhams (US$14) and more

Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip.

Please note, if you have any special dietary requirements, you should inform us prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (eg coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home.

Transport

We use a private bus (usually an 18-seater minibus for a full group of 16) with a local driver for most of the trip. Moroccan roads are reasonably good and driving conditions in towns and on the plains are good. On mountain roads, the pace will be slower, but the roads are still good. Please note, there are some long drives on this trip. We also have two train journeys. The train from Casablanca to Fez is by high-speed train and we travel in standard class. The train from Rabat to Marrakech is on a slower train and we travel in a first-class compartment. Buses usually have air-conditioning and heating but please note this is not up to European/North American standards.

Weather & Seasonality

From April to June and in September, Marrakech and the north are pleasantly hot with temperatures averaging 26C (79F) in the day and 16C (61F) at night. It is unusual for there to be much humidity so it is quite pleasant except at midday when the sun is very strong. Desert temperatures are similar to those in Marrakech with the nights usually a little cooler and the days a little hotter. Mountain temperatures are cooler than in Marrakech.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Mohamed، 12-14 avenue des Far, Rue M Kamal, Casablanca
Phone: +212 5222201500
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening if everyone has arrived or the next morning. If you miss it the leader will update you separately.
Airport: Casablanca Airport (CMN)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Marrakech Airport (RAK) from the end hotel.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Departing from Marrakech Airport
Upon departure from Marrakech, we suggest allowing three hours to navigate the airport, including check in, bag drop, immigration and security. The airport doesn’t accept mobile boarding passes, so we suggest having a printed boarding pass to avoid subjecting yourself to further delays.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Casablanca
Location end: Marrakech

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • Water bottle
  • Sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Swim wear
  • Backpack
  • Lightweight walking boots with good ankle support and sole protection
  • Torch (flashlight)
  • Light jacket and waterproof jacket
  • Wet wipes, soap, toilet paper/tissues

For November to March departures, you also need:

  • Fleece jacket
  • Warm trousers (pants)

Although Morocco is a Muslim country, the dress code in the large cities is not as strict as it used to be. So it is fine to wear tops with no sleeves and shorts. When entering mosques and in more rural areas it is advisable to be more modest and wear for example over the knee skirts/shorts/trousers and with shoulders covered.  Additionally, women should avoid wearing revealing clothes.

Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill sites or get burnt, both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip we have decided to include drinking water in order to reduce the amount of plastic used. This means that safe filtered drinking water will be available throughout which means all you need to do is bring a bottle to re-fill along the way. Please add this to your packing list!

Practical Information

Visa

Morocco

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Morocco. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/morocco
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/morocco
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Morocco.html

Vaccinations and Health

Morocco

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. A polio vaccination certificate may be required for some travellers. Please confirm your needs and requirements with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Morocco's time zone: Africa/Brazzaville (UTC +01:00)

Electricity

Morocco's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and E (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz

Money

Morocco's currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD), a non-convertible currency. You can only import/export a maximum of 2,000 dirham to or from Morocco.

ATM Availability

It is easy to use Visa/Mastercard at the ATMs in larger towns and cities in Morocco. Credit cards are normally accepted for more expensive souvenirs, such as carpets, though most shops will charge up to five percent extra for the use of credit cards.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

We recommend you change your money at the airport into the local currency, as Morocco only allows 2,000 dirhams to be imported or exported. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency you take. When changing your money, ensure you keep hold of your exchange receipt as you may need to show it at the airport bank at the end of your holiday where it’s normally possible to change any unspent dirham notes back into Euros, British pounds or US dollars.
Allow approximately 30 – 70 dirhams (US$3-US$6.50) per day to cover postcards, small souvenirs, soft drinks etc. See the eating and drinking section for more details on expenditure.

Although most are included, there may be some entrance fees to certain optional historic and religious sites; allow up to 80 dirhams (approximately US$8) per person if you intend to visit them all.

1/2 day optional walk to Akchour Waterfalls on day 4

1697 – 143 dirhams (US$165-US$14) price depends on group size

Full day walk to Akchour Waterfalls on day 4

2181 – 174 dirhams (US$212-US$17) price depends on group size

Tipping

Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work and tipping is at your discretion for both the leader and the local staff. However, tipping is part of the local culture and generally expected. If you do wish to tip, we have found it useful for the group to have a tipping kitty – about 300 dirhams (US$29) per person. This can ease confusion and embarrassment of not knowing how much or how little to tip local staff (such local guides, hotel staff etc). If you do not wish to join the group kitty, do not feel pressured. Many clients also wish to tip their leaders and drivers at the end of the trip. We suggest 30 dirhams (US$3) a day per person for the leaders and 10-20 dirhams (US$1-US$2) a day per person for the drivers. This is completely at your own discretion and to be used as a guideline only.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

  • Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
  • This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
  • Read more about our other initiatives here.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

  • By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
  • We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
  • The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income used to upkeep and develop these important sites. We visit several heritage sites on this trip.
  • We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
  • Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration hereincluding our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

  • Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
  • Our local partners have reached B Corp Certification which requires that they demonstrate high levels of social and environmental performance.
  • Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

  • Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
  • Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.