This tour covers the classic cities that are mostly in the middle of Morocco. You will have plenty of opportunity to interact with the locals in Marrakesh while learning traditional cooking and exploring the heart of Morocco. Walk around the Majorelle Gardens to appreciate the work of YSL.
Brief Itinerary for Heart of Morocco Tour: Fez, Marrakesh Featured Tour
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Casablanca Arrival |
| Day 2 | Casablanca to Rabat â 90 km (56 miles) |
| Day 3 | From the New Capital Rabat to the Old Capital Fez â200 km (120 miles) |
| Day 4 | Fez City Exploration |
| Day 5 | Fez to Erfoud and Merzouga |
| Day 6 | Merzouga to Ouarzazate |
| Day 7 | Ouazazate to Marrakesh |
| Day 8 | Marrakesh City Tour |
| Day 9 | Marrakesh Discovery with a Cooking Experience |
| Day 10 | Marrakesh Departure |
- Monica Mo
- 8 years of travel advisor experience
- Has helped 5,000+ clients
Tour Highlights
Here are the awesome attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Highlights Travel (HT Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Highlights Travel (Only With HT) included in this tour:
Visit the Blue-Washed Gardens to Meet the Spirit of Great Artists.
Walk in the Majorelle Gardens to sense the artistic atmosphere created by Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakesh.
Cook a Moroccan Tagine with a Local Family
Visit a Moroccan family in Marrakesh, discover their nanny's "secret" recipe â an authentic Moroccan tajine (a dish cooked in a conical earthenware pot).
Explore the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou
Built around 1,000 years ago, Aït Ben Haddou is one of Morocco's most impressive historic landmarks. Many famous movies / TV series including "A Game of Thrones" were filmed there.
Journey into the Wild Sahara Desert in Merzouga
Ride on a camel to appreciate the stunning sunset and enjoy an overnight camp in a luxury tent.
Admire the Ancient Roman Ruins of Volubilis
Volubilis is one of the largest and most important archaeological sites in Morocco, with the remains of settlements dating from the pre-Roman to the early Islamic periods.
Discover the Medieval Medina of Fez
Enjoy a guided tour to the medina (old district) of Fez to immerse yourself in the country's artistic heartland.
See the Highlights of the Imperial City â Meknes
Meknes is best known for its meandering city wall and numerous ancient gates. Bab Mansour Gate is the most famous of them.
Taste Old and New of Rabat
Visit the landmark historical sites and stroll around the souks (alley markets) and bazaars to take in the old and new undercurrents of Morocco's capital city Rabat.
Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration
Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful tour for you.
- Once you land in Casablanca airport, our English-speaking driver will meet and greet you at the airport with a welcome sign and escort you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
- After breakfast in your hotel, we drive north to Rabat, capital of Morocco.
- Your tour in Rabat includes the Mechouar (large public square outside the palace) and Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, Kasbah of the Udayas, and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V. Free time to stroll around the souks and bazaars in the old medina of Rabat.
- After breakfast, you will be escorted by your English-speaking driver to Fez.
- En route to Fez, you will visit the Imperial City of Meknes, which became known as the Versailles of Morocco due to its impressive buildings and elaborate monuments.
- Continue to the UNESCO-listed Roman ruins of Volubilis. You will reach Fez in the late afternoon, where you can explore the local market on own.
- Fez was the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco until 1912. Fez has retained its status as the country's artisanal center. Your trip will explore the Medina of Fez â its old walled city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in the 9th century, and is home to the world's oldest university, the University of Al-Karaouin.
- Other major sights include the Al-Attarine Madrasa (Islamic school), Al-Karouine Mosque, Moulay Idriss Mausoleum, Souk Nejiarine, and the Hebrew District (the Mellah). The rest of the day is free time. You may find it easy enough to walk around the narrow alleys of the old town and discover the sights you are interested in on your own.
- Your English-speaking driver will take you to Erfoud. You'll pass through a scenic forest of cedars and cross the Middle Atlas Mountain range to reach the mineral mining city of Midelt, where a stop for lunch (optional) is scheduled.
- When you arrive to Erfoud, take a 4X4 excursion to the desert of Merzouga. Ride on a camel and sand board, before enjoying the sunset in the desert. Stay overnight at a luxury desert camp.
- Travel between Erfoud and Ouarzazate with a private vehicle and English-speaking driver.
- Stop in the Todra Gorge, located just southwest of Tinerhir (a High Atlas town) and some 110 km (65 miles) from Ouarzazate. After capturing stunning photos, you will continue the drive to Ouarzazate. Along the way, you will make a stop in Skoura, a beautiful oasis. At first glance, it resembles a thin, long, oasis, but if you have a chance to explore it, you will notice it is rather large and impressive.
- After breakfast at your Ouarzazate hotel, we depart for Marrakesh via the dramatic Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass, and the breathtaking Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou â the UNESCO World Heritage site where movies such as "Gladiator" and "Jesus of Nazareth" were filmed.
- Upon arrival in Marrakesh, start to explore Morocco's cultural center at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
- Your Marrakesh city tour starts at the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque. Her beautiful minaret dominates the skyline of Marrakesh and can be seen from almost every approach to the city. You will also visit the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and the Ben Youssef Madrasa (Koranic school).
- You may discover the colorful souks of Marrakesh at your leisure in the evening.
- On day 9, you will cook a Moroccan Tagine with a local family.
- This special experience will be followed by a visit to the Majorelle Gardens and the famous Yves Saint Laurent Exhibition. It is an exhibition of Yves Saint Laurent's best creations from his time as a designer. Later you will be transferred to your hotel.
- Your evening will end with free time in the vibrant heart of the medina of Marrakesh and its Jemaa el-Fna square, where Arabian Nights culture comes to life.
- Following your hotel breakfast, a private transfer to Marrakesh airport for your outbound flight will be ready for you.
Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours
Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.
Hand-Picked Hotels
We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.
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Radisson Blue
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Riad Kalaa
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Riad & Spa Dar Bensouda
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Golden Camp
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Dar Chamaa
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2 Ciels Boutique Hotel & Spa
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Our Service Includes:
Groups of 4 or more enjoy a more competitive price.
- One-to-one consultancy
- Knowledgeable local guides
- Private drivers/driver guides and vehicles as listed
- Hand-picked hotels
- Breakfasts and meals as listed
- Entry to all attractions on the itinerary
- Transportation as listed
- A 24/7 helpline while traveling
Tour code: gh-mr-6