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Highlights of Morocco: Marrakech, the Sahara & Fes

Duration: 12 days
Group size: 14-26
Reviews: 12

Vibrant cities, oasis towns, and desert communities—this is Morocco.

One day you’re riding a camel through the Sahara Desert and the next you’re walking through lively city souks. On this tour, you’ll see classically tiled gates and walled medinas as well as towering mountain ranges and colorful botanical gardens, all located in the heart of North Africa. Among these unique landscapes and inspiring cultures, find your Morocco moment.

Your tour package includes

10 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily
3 lunches
6 dinners
Expert Tour Director

Included highlights

Djemaa el Fna market
Majorelle Garden
Ait-Ben-Haddou
Erg Chebbi sand dunes
Roman Archaeological Site of Volubilis

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Marrakech today.

Marrakech3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Marrakech

Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to Morocco! Sip a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow travelers on a terrace overlooking the lively Djemaa el Fna market. Then, enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Marrakech

Included meal: Breakfast

Get a feel for the history of Marrakech, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, on this morning’s guided tour.

• Pass through the sophisticated Gueliz district

• Marvel at the massive Koutoubia Mosque, which features a minaret that reaches nearly 200 feet high and dominates the city’s skyline

• Enter the UNESCO-listed Medina of Marrakech to see the Bahia Palace

• Step inside the evocative Saadian Tombs, the mausoleum for the 16th-century ruling princes

Return to your hotel and spend some time relaxing before experiencing Marrakech’s market culture on this afternoon’s guided tour.

• Visit Djemaa el Fna, a festive, open-air market where musicians, snake charmers, and clowns perform during the evenings

• Walk through the city’s vibrant souks to see the many products being sold by the local vendors

Day 4: Cooking class & Majorelle Garden

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Visit a local cooking school and learn how to make Moroccan cuisine and tea during a hands-on cooking class. Enjoy eating the traditional cuisine for lunch.

This afternoon, enter Majorelle Garden, which was designed by French architect Jacques Majorelle and purchased by legendary fashion duo Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in 1998.

• Stroll through the twelve-acre botanical garden

• Visit the Berber Museum and Yves Saint Laurent memorial

Enjoy a free evening in Marrakech or add an excursion.

Moroccan Evening & Sunset Camel Ride

Excursion (additional cost)

Ouarzazate1 night

Day 5: Ouarzazate via Ait-Ben-Haddou

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer through the High Atlas Mountains to Ait-Ben-Haddou. Take a guided tour of the village’s UNESO-listed ksar to see the fortified complex made up of defensive walls and towers. Continue on to Ouarzazate, where movies and shows such as Lawrence of Arabia and Game of Thrones were filmed.

Sahara Desert Region2 nights

Day 6: Erfoud via the Kasbah of Taourirt & Todra Gorge

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Make several stops as you travel from Ouarzazate to the Sahara Desert region.

• Join a local guide and walk through the Kasbah of Taourirt, located in Ouarzazate, to see the alleys, walls, and fortified buildings

• Visit Kalaat M’Gouna, nicknamed “the valley of the roses” due to its abundance of roses and the city’s annual festival that celebrates the flower

• See the Todra Gorge and follow your Tour Director on a short walk along the canyon

• Stop to learn about the ancient Berber Qanat water well system

Day 7: Rissani & Erg Chebbi sand dunes

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend the morning touring the oasis town of Rissani with your Tour Director.

• Enter the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif

• Walk through Ksar El Fida, the oldest ksar in Rissani

• Stop at a local fossil shop before returning to Erfoud

Enjoy free time to eat lunch and relax at your hotel. This afternoon, head out to the Erg Chebbi sand dunes and discover the otherworldly beauty of the Sahara Desert.

• Hop inside a 4x4 Jeep and ride through the desert to visit the town of Merzouga

• Visit a Bedouin tent for traditional mint tea and snacks

• Learn about Khamlia’s Gnawa people, an ethnic group originating from West Africa, and see how they celebrate their culture during a musical performance

• Take a camel ride over the sand dunes and soak in the incredible landscape

Fes3 nights

Day 8: Fes via Midelt & Ifrane

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Drive through the scenic Ziz Valley and Atlas Mountains to reach the town of Midelt, where you’ll enjoy free time to explore and eat lunch. Next, visit Ifrane, a city known for its cedar forests and alpine-style architecture. After, continue on to Fes.

Day 9: Roman Archaeological Site of Volubilis & Meknes

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Head outside of Fes today and begin by visiting some of the most significant historical sites in northern Morocco.

• Discover the ancient ruins at the UNESCO-recognized Roman Archaeological Site of Volubilis

• See the Roman ruins of the forum, temple, baths, and gates followed by free time to visit the museum

• Walk through the holy town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, known as the birthplace of Islam in Morocco

Continue on to Meknes for an included lunch and a Tour Director-led sightseeing of one of Morocco’s imperial cities.

• See the bustling Lahdim Square and Bab el-Khemis gate

• View the Bab Mansour gate before entering the ruins of Dar el Ma to see the ancient stables and granaries

Return to Fes, where you’ll enjoy a free evening.

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Fes

Included meal: Breakfast

Take a guided tour of Fes, the spiritual and cultural center of Moroccan life.

• See the ornate brass doors of the Royal Palace and visit the Mellah Jewish Quarter

• View the Bab Bou Jeloud, a blue-tiled gate that exemplifies the Moorish architectural style

• Attend a ceramics demonstration, where you’ll learn how the intricate and colorful art pieces are created

• Explore the UNESCO-listed old Medina on a walking tour through the colorful souks and tanneries

• Visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss and a madrassa, a type of local school focused on both secular and religious studies

Later, enjoy a free evening in Fes or add an excursion.

Evening in Fes: Dinner & Music

Excursion (additional cost)

Casablanca1 night

Day 11: Casablanca via Rabat

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

As you make your way to Casablanca, stop to tour Morocco’s capital city of Rabat.

• Enter the white and green Mausoleum of Mohammed V, which houses the tombs of the 20th-century king and his two sons

• View Hassan Tower, intended to be the world’s largest mosque until construction halted in 1199

• Make a photo stop at the Royal Palace

• Walk through the Kasbah des Oudaias to see the mouth of the Bou Regreg river and the Andalusian gardens

Enjoy free time for lunch before continuing on to Casablanca, where your Tour Director will introduce you to the seaside city made famous by Old Hollywood.

• See the Hassan II Mosque, the largest in Morocco

• Pass through the fashionable La Corniche waterfront area

Tonight, attend a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Please note: Some flights may leave Casablanca very early in the morning.

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Reviews

4.1 average

05/14/2019 by 11th time traveler Anonymous

Included camel ride was great...would have liked more time to explore the souks...also more commentary on the issues facing the country. Be mindful of any health issues that may crop up, and be highly proactive in seeking care!

Morocco tour - could be improved.

05/14/2019 by 4th time traveler Richard H.

Morocco is beautiful country with many interesting things to see and photograph. The Moroccan food was excellent and the scenery was spectacular, including panoramic views of adobe ruins, the high Atlas mountains and hilltop ksars. The souks and squares in the medinas were bustling and colourful. ...

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05/14/2019 by 7th time traveler Helena L.

Too rushed, too much time in a bus, tour director sometimes not helpful but very knowledgeble. Hardly any free time. One or more days would have helped. Morocco is a beautiful country and we saw a lot of it. It was just too rushed and many of us were exhausted.

Morocco April tour

05/09/2019 by 6th time traveler Maxine M.

There were many things I liked about the trip - and several I did not. I en joyed the Moroccan cooking class, visits and demonstrations in a Berber rug store, ceramic store and silver smith and tannery. The scenerary was great. In Marrakech we visited a market square. It was narrow, winding and c...

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05/09/2019 by 5th time traveler Marcy B.

Our guide was very helpful when I injured my back and needed a hand walking on the narrow streets. I do think that sometimes the daily schedule was too full. We needed a little time to rest up after touring all day before going to dinner. Time could have been saved by limiting time for rest stop...

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Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Hotels, flights, & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Radisson Blu Hotel

This modern hotel is located in the Gueliz district. Guests enjoy a restaurant, a pool, and a spa. Nearby you’ll find the Koutoubia Mosque, the Marrak...

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Berbere Palace

This contemporary hotel is located in Ouarzazate. Guests enjoy multiple restaurants, a garden, and an outdoor pool. Nearby, you'll find the Ksar Ait-B...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Morocco, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 3 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with some hills and stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Marrakech and depart from Casablanca. You are responsible for going through customs, collecting your luggage, leaving the arrivals hall, and making your way outside of the airport. A representative from Go Ahead Tours holding a Go Ahead Tours sign will meet you outside of the airport and take you to your hotel. Please wait outside of the airport if you do not see the sign, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
A 4x4 Jeep ride in the Sahara Desert is included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
Please note that summer temperatures in Morocco are often very high and we advise wearing breathable clothing. Cotton, linen, or a quick-dry material is best for hot days outside, though a light scarf or extra layer may be needed for chillier evenings and early mornings.
You may want supportive walking sandals to keep cool during city sightseeing tours. Comfortable closed-toed shoes, such as sneakers or lightweight hiking boots, are best for activities in the desert.
Sun protection is very important. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a broad-brimmed hat to protect your face and the back of your neck from the sun.
A small bottle of hand sanitizer may be helpful when other facilities are not readily available while on the road.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit mosques or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis). Furthermore, in Morocco modest dress is preferred for women in general. Female travelers often feel more comfortable with shoulders and bare knees covered at all times.

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Morocco.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website atcdc.gov.
While in Morocco, we recommend drinking bottled water and refraining from consuming tap water, even when brushing teeth.
Temperatures in this region often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), especially during the summer months. Drinking plenty of water, limiting your alcohol intake, and using proper sun protection is extremely important in order to prevent the effects of dehydration and heat stroke.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
Please note that certain medication, both over the counter and prescription, are banned in some foreign countries. The importation of these drugs can carry severe consequences. Please consult your physician four weeks prior to departure to ensure that any drugs you may want to bring with you are legal in Morocco.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Moroccan cuisine consists of a unique blend of spices, such as saffron, turmeric, cinnamon, and cumin. Popular dishes include delicately spiced stews of meat, most often cooked with vegetables or fruit in a conical clay pot known as a tagine. These dishes are often added to couscous.

Electricity & air conditioning

Morocco operates on 220 volts and use Types C or E plugs with two small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
Air conditioning is available in all of your hotels in Morocco.
Hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Morocco is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the Moroccan dirham on tour.
The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency. This means North American banks cannot exchange for it and you can only obtain it once you arrive in Morocco.
You can exchange your dollars for dirhams at a Bureau de Change in the airport, at a bank, and in most hotels.
Keep your receipt after exchanging your money as you may need it to exchange your dirhams for dollars upon departure. You can do this at the airport for a good rate.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Your guide will partner with a local aide to further assist the group during certain guided sightseeings in Morocco. We recommend tipping the equivalent of $1USD per aide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

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