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Morocco Explorer Tour
12- Days / 11 -Nights
TOUR Overview
This tour covers classic destinations in Morocco and provides an in-depth experience in Marrakech, such as traditional cooking and visiting Majorelle Gardens. Kick back in Essaouira, a city that is full of medieval and Jewish flavor
highlights
- Rabat: Mechouar,Royal Palace,Hassan Tower,Kasbah of the Oudayas, Mohammed V Mausoleum,
- Volubilis: Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins
- Fez: University of Al-Karaouin,Attarine medresa, Qaraouiyine Mosque, Moulay Idriss Mausoleum, Souk Nejiarine, and the Hebrew district Mellah.
- Merzouga: 4x4WD to desert, Camel Ride to see sunset and jeep excursion to see sunrise
- Ait Ben Haddou: Kasbah of Ait-Ben Haddou
- Marrakech: Koutoubia Minaret,the El-Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Koranic School Medersa,Majorelle Gardens and the famous Yves Saint Laurent Exhibition,Jemaa Elfna.
- Essaouira: Medina, Old Portugese harbour, Skala fortress.
itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive in Casablanca and Free Time
Once you land in Casablanca airport, our driver will meet and greet you at the airport with a welcome sign and escort you to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your discretion.
DAY 2 :Arrive in Casablanca and Drive to Rabat
Meals provided: breakfast
After breakfast in your hotel, drive up north to Rabat, capital of Morocco. Your tour in Rabat includes Mechouar, Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, Kasbah Ouddayas, and the Mausoleum of Mohamed V. Free time to stroll around the souks and bazaars in the old medina of Rabat.
DAY 3 :From Rabat to Fez
Meals provided: breakfast
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.
DAY 4 : Fez City Tour
Meals provided: breakfast
Until 1912, Fez was the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco. Fez has retained its status as the country’s Artisan center. Your trip today will explore Medina of Fez— the 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 sites such as Attarine medresa, Qaraouiyine Mosque, Moulay Idriss Mausoleum, Souk Nejiarine, and the Hebrew district Mellah can be found here. The rest of the day is free for you to walk around the narrow alleys of the old town on your own.
DAY 5 :Drive to Erfoud and Merzouga
Meals provided: breakfast and dinner
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.
DAY 6 : Merzouga to Ouarzazate
Meals provided: breakfast and dinner
Travel today between Erfoud and Ouarzazate with a private vehicle and English-speaking driver. Stop in the Todra Gorge, located just southwest of Tinerhir 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.
DAY 7 : Ouarzazate to Marrakech
Meals provided: breakfast
You will enjoy breakfast at your hotel, and then depart to Marrakech via the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass, and the breathtaking Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou — the UNESCO World Heritage Centre where movies such as Gladiator and Jesus of Nazareth were filmed. Upon arrival in Marrakech, enjoy time at your leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
DAY 8 : Marrakech City Tours
Meals provided: breakfast
Today the city tour of Marrakech starts at the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque, her beautiful minaret dominates the skyline of Marrakech and can be seen from almost every approach to the city. You will also visit the El-Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the Koranic School Medersa. You are free to discover the colorful souks of Marrakech this evening.
DAY 9 : In-depth Marrakech Discovery
Meals provided: breakfast
Today you will cook your first 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. Your night will end with free time in the vibrant heart of the Medina of Marrakech, Jemaa Elfna. Later you will be transferred to your hotel.
DAY 10 : Marrakech to Essaouira
Meals provided: breakfast
Today we head to Essaouira, a small medieval city, also known as Mogador, located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean (approximately a 3-hour drive from Marrakech), which was occupied in the past by Portuguese. Essaouira is famous for its annual festival of “Gnawa Music”, for its relaxing atmosphere, and it is also a windsurfer’s paradise. This small town has attracted foreign visitors and artists for decades. Even Jimmy Hendrix, Mick Jagger and Cat Stevens were attracted by the mystical atmosphere of Essaouira. On the way to Essaouira, we will enjoy a stop at an Argan Women’s Cooperative to see how they extract oil from argan nuts. Upon arrival to Essaouira, you can enjoy a tour of the old port, stroll along the harbor side and admire the Skala fortress with its ramparts and ancient cannons. You can choose to visit Essaouira’s medina, which is a perfect example of Portuguese influences in architecture, the municipal market, the jeweler’s quarter, and the crafts complex. Explore the city’s souks, with their rustic workshops, or eat fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. Do not forget to enjoy a walk on the beach, where you can enjoy the fresh air and relax.
DAY 11 : Enjoy a Free Day in Essaouira
Meals provided: breakfast
Today is a free day which can be spent at your leisure, or you can partake in a great variety of optional activities that Essaouira has to offer. You can choose between mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, sailing, surfing, wind surfing, kite surfing, camel rides, visits to vineyards, or trekking.
DAY 12 : Drive from Essaouira to Marrakech Airport
Meals provided: breakfast
Enjoy your final breakfast, and then drive back to Marrakech for your outbound flight.
included / excluded
- Transport in comfort vehicle for tours and transfer
- Well selected Accommodation with breakfast included
- Local Guide for city tours
- Entrance fee to Monuments mentioned in itinerary
- Cooking Class in Marrakech in Day 9
- Camel Ride in desert dunes
- Jeep stroll in desert
- 2 cold water bottles Per person Per Day and cold tissues in the car.
- Shopping Cost
- Travel Tax
- Personal Exprenses
- Speed Money
- Insurance
suggested hotels
MOGADOR MARINA **** :
This monumental 4-star hotel, which is located near the port and the old medina, has everything to please: it features Art Deco architecture and offers a world full of colours and flavours. Located on the central avenue of Casablanca, and offering direct access to Mohammedia and the Rabat highway, its location is simply exceptional. Opened in 2016, this exceptional hotel has cosy rooms with all the modern comforts. This hotel provides 176 rooms with city views, free Wi-Fi and conference space. Located only 15 minutes walk from the central market, Mogador Marina-Casablanca offers a wide range of international meals, as well as access to many nearby restaurants.
Location : Google Map
RIAD KALAA :
True traditional riad, this former notable house dating from 1815 offers 11 rooms and suites. Discovered by chance in 2004 by the owners, the Riad has known for a second life. A jewel of Arabo-Andalusian architecture, it has been totally refurbished and decorated in accordance with Moroccan craft techniques. It is fully equipped with modern comforts essential to the well being of its guests. In addition to its rooms and suites, its Andalusian patio, its 400m² of terraces with swimming pool, its hammam spa and its restaurant of traditional Moroccan cuisine make this place a unique place in Rabat
Location : Google Map
RIAD DAR BENSOUDA :
Every detail, simple or complex, the proportions harmony, the magic of the colors, and the extraordinary combination of the ancient zellij, the stucco, and the carved woods shows the incredible elegance and the highly refined taste of its previous owner, the Bensouda Saint. Now accessible to all, Dar Bensouda is the ideal place for a memorable experience. The 18 rooms and suites with majestic doors, carved and painted wood ceilings, and zellij floors, all have private bathrooms for your convenience.
Location : Google Map
GOLDEN CAMP *** :
Golden Camp provides accommodation in Merzouga with free WiFi and mountain views. Set 11 km from Ghost town, the property offers a garden, a bar and a shared lounge. A continental breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. With staff speaking English and Spanish, advice is available at the reception. The tented camp offers a barbecue. A children’s playground and a terrace are available for guests at the property to use. Camel Trekking Company is 17 km from Golden Camp, while Flamingo Birdwatching is 19 km from the property.
Location : Google Map
DAR CHAMAA *** :
It is our wish to make your stay at RIAD-HOTEL DAR CHAMAA one truly memorable experiences, for which we count on our extraordinary staff who will be at you entire disposal during your time at our hotel. Built in a similar way to a former KASBAH (buildings constructed with mud and with towers in the corners) the interior design displays a central court with a fountain surrounded by an archway. Located in a privileged environment inside Ouarzazate’s palm grove, our guests will enjoy magnificent views of the Atlas mountains.
2 CIELS HOTEL ****:
Luxury boutique hotel & spa, ideally located in the heart of the city, surrounded by the exclusive hivernage and the legendary gueliz. An urban oasis with a chic and refined interior, art deco style with the master touch of local craftwork, designed exclusively for the hotel. 2ciels will surprise you with its originality, embedded in the smallest details while providing you with a comfortable and luxurious experience. The hotel is strategically located, a short walk away from the mythical place djamaa el fna and cultural tourist attractions, near the famous mohamed v boulevard and in front of royal tennis club.
COTE OCEAN MOGADOR ***:
Located on the coast of the city of Essaouira, the luxurious Côté Océan Mogador offers all the excellence of service and comfort that one is entitled to expect from a large hotel.
Swimming pool, tennis courts, golf nearby and, of course, fine cuisine, with fresh and varied flavors…Everything has been designed to make the Côté Océan Mogador a pleasant place to stay and visit Essaouira’s most beautiful historical wonders.
A place of calm and serenity where you can know the most peaceful state of mind but also enjoy a lots of activities that Côté Océan Mogador offers.
Location : Google Map
Other ACtivities that can be include
ACTIVITIES IN MARRAKECH
Start your day with a Private Guided Tour at Les Jardin Majorelle, the French painter Jacques Majorelle (1886 – 1962) dedicated forty years of his life to the creation of the luxurious gardens and Berber museum. An amateur botanist, Majorelle included plants from all five continents in the gardens. Marjorelle’s studio, a Cubist style villa constructed by architect Paul Sinoir, has since been transformed into the museum, and is painted a vibrant blue. The garden covers two and a half acres, and was opened to the public in 1947. The garden has been open to the public since 1947. Since 1980 the garden has been owned by Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé. After Yves Saint Laurent died in 2008 his ashes were scattered in the gardens. The garden also houses the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech, whose collection includes North African textiles from Saint-Laurent’s personal collection as well as ceramics, jewelry, and paintings by Majorelle.
A private visit to the home of the late Yves St Laurent, the Villa Oasis. Yves saint Laurent travelled here each year to gain inspiration for and design his future collections. These inspirations saw him pay tribute to artists in his haute couture collections with the famous Mondrian dresses, then in 1966 with the pop art dresses and in 1967 with his major homage to Africa. In the 1970s he presented his Picasso and Diaghilev collections and tributes to Matisse, Cocteau, Braque, Van Gogh, Apollinaire in the 1980s.
After his retirement Yves Saint Laurent devoted his energy to the activities of the Foundation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent, with the mission is to conserve 5,000 haute couture garments and 150,000 accessories, sketches and other objects making up the collection, to organize thematic exhibitions on fashion, painting, photography, the decorative arts, etc., and to support cultural and educational activities.
The Villa oasis still houses many of these collections and this a rare opportunity to gain insight into the extraordinary talent of the designer. The fee for the visit is a direct donation to the foundation to ensure future talents both in Morocco and abroad.
Enjoy a hosted visit by the gallery representatives & curators of the Maison de la Photographie of Marrakech is a courtyard mansion and is a private foundation created by Hamid Mergani and Patrick Manac’h in 2009.
Designed to create an archive of and showcase the diversity of Morocco as it was seen by those who visited it, anonymous travelers or famous photographers, over the last 150 years or so. Of visit is the documentary on Berber life by Daniel Chicault, shot 1956, runs on a loop on the second floor.
Rocco Orlacchio of Voice Gallery offers a private showing as well as a visit to the Atelier of a well renowned Artist in Residence Eric Van Hoven. Rocco sits on the board of the Marrakech Biennale and is the prefect ambassador to shed light on the Moroccan art scene. Voice Gallery showcases local and international, mainly young artists, who come together create and collaborate with each other, extending boundaries and exchanging ideas annuitizing the culture and landscape of Morocco to inspire their artistic endeavors.
An artist’s retreat with a difference, Al Maqam is in the village of Tahanaout in the lower reaches of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Al Maqam means ‘The Place’ in Arabicand it serves not only as an artist’s colony but also as gallery, library and a place to stay. There is nothing else quite like it in Morocco.
The painter Mohamed Mourabiti has been setting up Al Maqam for over a decade and now, carefully installing traditional home-wares and local paintings and now photographers, writers and artists flock to the centre to share ideas and inspiration.
On average 100 international artists are hosted a year, and there are regular guests like the painter Abderrahim Yamouand the French writer Michel Butor.
Calligraphy means “beautiful writing” and Arabic calligraphy (or more properly, Islamic calligraphy) is considered a high art form in the Arab world and is increasingly gaining recognition and appreciation worldwide.
Abdeljalil conducts calligraphy workshops to share his passion with others. Whether you ask him about history or more practical information such as the ink or the pens, he will not skimp on precious information that may just leave you speechless. Patient and devoted, he will also teach you how to write the alphabet, your name and help you become familiar with calligraphy. After all, his life motto is “Make a living from a passion”.
The philosophy is to connect you authentically to the culture, through a tasting trail that is able to deliver through insider culinary access, allowing you to experience the heart of Moroccan culture at its source.
Join local Moroccan foodie experts who are passionate about sharing their culture and culinary expertise with you. The three-hour tour will guide you through the meandering streets of the Medina and Kasbah. Here you will discover mouth-watering delicacies that most travelers would not have access to. En route, you’ll experience a wide range of tastes, a variety of active ancient communal cooking facilities, and the how’s and why’s of food sourcing and preparation.
Private Cooking Lesson is at Le Maison Arabe. The workshops are conducted by a dada (traditional Moroccan cook) or a chef from our Moroccan restaurant, using easy-to-use modern equipment found in everyday kitchens. At the end of each workshop, participants dine on the meal they have prepared. At a typical half-day workshop, one learns to prepare an appetizer and a main dish, or a main dish and dessert.
The cooking class takes place in the Amizmiz Valley, populated by Berbers who still stick to their traditional way of life. Just a short ride from Marrakech this valley has been little affected by tourism. His elegant eco-farm is set amongst 15hectares of olive groves, vegetable gardens and orchards in a traditional Berber hamlet with the imposing silhouette of the High Atlas Mountains dominating the landscape. He will teach you how to utilize herbs and spices as well as prepare a typical Moroccan meal including bread making Moroccan style
Tasting Marrakech is a tailor-made food and cultural experience that takes place in the famous Jemaa el Fna square in the company of a state-approved guide and a foodie expert. The tour is private and customized to your appetite and palate. Dine with the locals while sampling regional specialities at the most popular food stalls in the market while soaking up the night-time ambiance in the famous square.
Once you have had the opportunity to try the various street foods, we then take over a local restaurant close to the Jma El Fna and re-create what we’ve tried en route!
Spend some time in a small village and experience the countryside first hand. Learn some of the daily tasks from baking your own bread, learning to make your own tagine, cooking on coals, milking the goats, going for water at the well and making mint tea.
Start your day trip with a wine degustation at Val Du Argan, one of the leading wineries in the south of Morocco.
Moroccan-French born Charles Mélia, owner/winemaker, moved to France to manage his family’s property in Cotes Du Rhone at young age before turning back in his late 40’s to make wine in his motherland. His vineyard began with five tentative hectares planted in 1994 and now extended to 40, and still remains the only winery situated on the southern coastal part of Morocco. His boutique wines are now a reference point for the Moroccan wine industry.
Following the wine tasting stop en route for a cheese tasting and lunch at La Fromagerie where Jaouad Hbib and Abderrazzak Khoubbane run a seriously good dairy. The cheeses are made from old Berber techniques and each cheese reflects the unique vision of the farm in offering bio-made produce at high quality levels.
Ride a vintage side car through the lively alleys of the medina, venture across the mythic palm grove and encounter small villages or rally the ville nouveau, whichever your choice this is a fun and exciting way to explore a secret Marrakech not normally accessible on foot. Our rides start from 1.5 hours through to half or day tours and we’ll tailor make the experience to you! Your motorbike will be either a Ural, an authentic Russian knock off of the 1938 BMW R71 or a Mash and seat 1 driver and up to 2 passengers per bike, one on the back, one in the sidecar – but whichever seat you’re in you’ll discover Marrakech from an unusual point of view”
Drift gently over the fantastic desert landscape and capture the sunrise while floating over secluded Berber villages and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains on this magical balloon flight. Rides are available with groups or can be arranged privately with champagne breakfasts following the flight for that extra special occasion.
Adventure and fun at its best – half day of dune bugging in the oasis palmary of Marrakech. Enjoy a relaxed introduction to quadding alternating the soft, dried silt plains of the palmgrove with simple river crossing (in case of rain) and winding trails through lunar landscapes on the outskirts of Marrakech. Catered for beginner to experienced riders we can adapt the level that’s right for you. Choose from shorter rides through to half or full day excursions on the latest Quads and buggies.
Enjoy a fantastic experience with gentle and well-trained horses riding through the local Berber Villages. All levels are catered for as the guide will adapt to your riding experience.
Only an hour south of Marrakech, the Mizik Pass is a wild and totally undeveloped crossing between two populated valleys situated within the Toubkal National Park at nearly 2000m above sea level. A steady hike up through juniper forests offers spectacular views over the Berber dwellings of Imlil, the Tamatert Pass and up to the Tacheddirt Pass and the top of the ski slopes at Oukaimeden, the highest ski resort in North Africa. On your descent you’ll start to experience the villages in the picturesque valley of olive groves where the rapid change in vegetation creates vibrant strips of cultivation close to the water source.
A picnic lunch will be freshly prepared for you at AzibTamsoult – a cluster of shepherd huts used by villagers and their flocks during the summer period. From here you’ll walk on a network of picturesque paths through the village of TiziOussem and down towards the village of Aid Aissa.
Today’s hike takes around six hours of walking to arrive at your final destination of Imlil at the base of the National Park and foothills of the High Atlas Mountains.
The Moroccan tradition of Hikayat, or storytelling dates back almost 1, 000 years. Some stories were recorded and other stories are passed orally. This form of entertainment was found in cities throughout Morocco but today Marrakech’s Jemaa El Fna square is the only city that’s keeping this tradition alive. This evening enjoy a private session of this dying artin the comfort and peace of your hotel with the master Storyteller Ahmed Ezzarghani in both Arabic and English before dinner.
Whether it’s a romantic ride or fun for the family Caleche horse drawn carts are a great way to see the city, particularly at sunset when the colors against the red ochre change dramatically. Tours can include the medina remparts, Agdal or Marjorelle gardens and even the palmeries where a delicious evening dinner picnic can be arranged amongst an exotic backdrop.
Unlike the dunes of the Sahara Desert which take hours to reach, the Agafay with its stony hamada style desert offers a stunning landscape to relax, unwind and watch the setting sun – you’ll feel a world away from Marrakech even though it’s only a 45-minute drive. A gorgeous dinner in a camp setting with traditional musicians and campfires, overnight stays and daytime activities can all be arranged for those seeking a desert like experience without the long travel.
A perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing, Les Bain des Marrakech is one of the first private Hammam’s in Marrakech and remains one of the best. Located in the medina from the moment you arrive when exotic scents fill the air, you’ll be pampered and made to feel like new with their sumptuous spa and massage packages that range from basic through to the ultimate luxurious spa experience.
Head this morning to visit the village of Imlil at the base of Jebel Toubkal. Choose to explore on foot or by mule to visit some of the surrounding Berber villages to look at some of the working co-operatives. These co-operatives, set up through independent and government funding allow the women of the region to support themselves and be sustainably independent, as well as providing the opportunity for literacy education. Experience traditional rural life with local women and roll your own Couscous then enjoy the meal that you will all share together in a true Moroccan style.
A perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing, Les Bain des Marrakech is one of the first private Hammam’s in Marrakech and remains one of the best. Located in the medina from the moment you arrive when exotic scents fill the air, you’ll be pampered and made to feel like new with their sumptuous spa and massage packages that range from basic through to the ultimate luxurious spa experience.
Earlydeparture from Marrakech heading to the direction of Damnate and its beautiful fields of olive trees. After driving towards the natural bridge of ImiNifrid you will stop for a mint tea and enjoy the view. All this road is unique by its greenish valleys and amazing scenarios. You will have plenty of chances of taking photos. Visit of a traditional water mill in the region. Berber lunch near the waterfalls. Return to Marrakesh in the evening after a wonderful day out of Marrakech.
Situated on the Atlantic coast 2.5hrs from Marrakech is the laid-back fishing village of Essouira, famous for its Gnaoua music and artistic scene. Many local and foreign artists have settled here continuing the vibe that attracted visitors such as Jimmy Hendrix and Cat Stevens (Yousuf Islam) in the 1960’s.
Once an old Portuguese fishing village, Essouira is a perfect place for those who wish to wander the souks for wooden carvings that it is famous for, to stop and enjoy fresh seafood and local wine whilst watching the fisher men come in with their daily catch. For a more active alternative the kite and board surfing is excellent here and there is horse riding, camel riding and golf available. 
ACTIVITIES IN Fez
Experience the energy and essence of Fez as it comes to life after dark. Fez by Night tour reveals the captivating appeal of the medina and Ville nouvelle, and the vibrant life that exists within this traditional city. Start from Bab Boujloud, to the Jewish Mellah and through the gold souks to the Kings Palace. Promenade along the boulevards discovering the famous fountains of Fez and soak up the festive atmosphere of Fassis enjoying their own city after sunset.
Lose yourself in the gardens of ancient palaces and exotic Riads perfumed with orange blossoms, citrus, blood red roses and the sweetest jasmine. The tour combines an overview of the fascinating and beautiful world of Moroccan Architecture which showcases all the main ornamentation and decorative techniques from floral motifs, geometry, ceramics to calligraphy, symbolic of the rich cultural heritage of the vast Islamic empire and uncovers the mysteries of the Islamic concept of Chahar-bagh, the four-fold garden and leads us to discover earthly paradise revisited.
This morning enter into the depths of the tanneries, observe weavers at their loom, engage with the copper workers employing traditional design techniques and discover hidden workshops where generations of artisans ply their individual trades and adapt century old techniques to a modern market. This artisanal tour is designed to give you an overview of production methods and step by step explanations as you go beyond the traditional medina tour to delve deeper into the world of the artisans of Fez. Meet the artisans themselves as you gain firsthand knowledge of the materials and the processes involved in their daily work. The tour finishes with a visit to Fez’ new artisanal school and exhibition gallery
Morocco is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in the diaspora. It dates back to 2000 years. Its singular Jewish culture is the result of a fusion of varied traditions including Berber, Herbatic, Andalusian, and Arab influences. Fez, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco par excellence, leaves its visitors with a unique experience. Fez is the home of Al-Qarawiyeen University the oldest one in the world, where the famous Jewish philosopher Maimonides (Rambam) studied. It is also where the first Mellah, Jewish quartier in Morocco, was established in 1438. This journey to Jewish Fez takes us into a history that shaped Sephardic Judaism, visiting its synagogues, cemetery museum, and taking a walk in its street that once witnessed the presence of the Jewish families and grand rabies, will remind us not only of how Moroccan life was/is like, but also of how was Jewish life in Spain before the expulsion of 1492, as Fez was destination of many of those Jews. Today there is still a small, but vibrant, Jewish community in Fez with a functioning synagogue, kosher restaurant and a community center.
Morocco is a place where music plays a large part in celebrating religious festivals, marriage and birth. Drums are seen and heard everywhere in Morocco and Fez is the place to make them.
We invite you both to spend a morning in a typical Fondouk(traders workspace) under the watchful eye of a drumming artisan teaching you how to make your own drums. You choose the sound of drum you prefer, pick out the skin, stretch and string your own instrument before painting it in your very own individual design. Finally a professional drummer will teach you how to play the drum Moroccan style so you can impress family and friends on your return. 
One cannot but help notice the different fashions that adorn the streets of the medina, from the western style dress to the more traditional kaftan style jelabas worn by men and women. This afternoon you will be accompanied by a seamstress through the dress makers’ souk to choose a celebratory kaftan design. You will need to select your materials, threads and beads from the vast array available in the souk and with your design prepared, have the perfect his and hers kaftans made for you – ready for collection the following day!
Dance is integral to the culture in Morocco, far more so than it is in the West. Both men and women dance, but it is mainly something done by women. It’s a way of women sharing and being together, and displaying themselves in public in a way they don’t usually do in ordinary life. It is joyous, sensual, and energetic, and is performed mainly at weddings, parties and rituals such as circumcisions and baby naming ceremonies. At these gatherings the women wear beautiful dresses when they dance; long, flowing and colourful, with belts around their waists. Moroccan dance includes aspects of Middle Eastern belly dancing – rotating the stomach is a common element and other styles such as Gnawa (an African ethnic group who became part of the Sufi order in Morocco), where the movements involve jumping and hair tossing and tribal dances from the Amazigh (Berber) regions which vary widely.
In this modern age of new world cosmetics we invite you into the world of ancient beauty secrets and where it all began. Participate in a 5 hour workshop that unearths traditional methods and natural beauty products that can easily be made in your own home by yourself or with friends. Start your day by shopping at the souk el henna to purchase ingredients and gain an overall explanation of the products that can be made from each one. We move on to our workshop, in a Moroccan Dar on the rooftop terrace, a space traditionally reserved for ‘women’s businesses. Sip Moroccan tea as you learn how to make and blend your own rhassoul and we take you through the traditional products including Argan oil, sabun bildi and eau de fleur with step by step instructions so that you understand the properties of the ingredients, how and why they are used and the benefits they each provide. We finish off the workshop with a visit to a medina hammam so that you can employ the techniques that you have learned and absorb yourself into the rituals and culture of the local Moroccan women
Experience a unique opportunity to connect with locals and be absorbed into Moroccan culture through a visit to one of the traditional hammams in the Fez Medina. We provide a local escort who explains the history, traditions and products and guide you through the steps of this ancient practice. Perhaps finish the day with a “Henna tattoo” for her and “close shaving” for him.
More than traditional Moroccan cooking, this class is a complete immersion into the Moroccan culture and family life. Spending time with our lovely local family in their beautiful riad, you will be encouraged to fully take part in the daily activity of shopping and preparing for a delicious traditional meal. This unique experience will take you to the local medina souk, the bread you make will be baked at the local faran, and your delicious feast will be shared with the family Moroccan style.
Your lesson will entail, shopping for seasonal vegetables and fruit, preserving lemons, making traditional Moroccan salads, bread-baking and the art of making the perfect mint tea – what you make will depend on the seasonal produce and can be decided on prior to your souk visit.
Find your way through the streets and souks with a local Fez food expert. Start by exploring the fresh food souks, then on to the honey souk to taste an array of delicious honeys, their flavours and properties and find out why honey is so important in Moroccan cooking and Islamic culture. From the honey souk, visit traditional farnatchis, the spice El attarryia and the henna souk. Try traditional Moroccan foods including dried meats, milawi, harsha, briwats, spicy sardines, and fresh goat cheese, finishing off with a visit to a traditional Moroccan tea house.
Indulge your sweet tooth and learn how to prepare Moroccan patisseries as well as discovering this important cultural practice. A Moroccan feast is not complete without sweets; in particular, patisseries play an integral role in everyday life in Fez. The ancient city is famous for its diverse and traditional sweets with a multitude available every day at the local souks. Spend the day with a Moroccan family to prepare 4 to 5 different traditional Fassi Moroccan sweets.
Here we begin to head away from Fez and out East to Ribat El Kheir. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Atlas foothills en route to get to the town surrounded by mountains and lush agriculture.Start learning the secrets of a good Moroccan couscous while at the same time experiencing traditional rural life. Visitors roll their own couscous from scratch with the women of the association and then cook and eat it for lunch. After lunch take a walk along the ridge to see the donkey-powered olive press and have mint-tea and an olive oil tasting with the owner. In the afternoon head back to Fez.
Depart Fez for the Middle Atlas Mountains to visit one of Morocco’s leading boutique fromagerie’s, La Pommerai. The private property is one of the first to be officially certified organic in the region and is set against a backdrop of apple and orange orchids. Taste exquisite, hand-crafted and artisanal cheeses and olive oils which are cold pressed as well honey raised and processed into a variety of pure honey. Here we’ll have a Dada on hand (female cook), who’ll be teaching us how to make khobz(Moroccan bread) in a traditional clay faran. A delicious meal of farm produce will be served, along with our own homemade breads and the local cheeses.
Mount Zalaghs’ peaks and slopes can be easily seen from Fez Medina and yet whilst only half an hour travels by car, the tranquillity and natural beauty of Mt Zalagh is a world away from the bustle of Fez. Short treks will take you through surrounding forests of pine, cedar, fig, almond and olive orchards to visit local homes and farmsteads. Here you will experience not only the warmth and friendliness of this mountain people, but also see the beauty and simplicity of the traditional Berber adobe/pise architecture. A picnic lunch will be provided, Berber style, and we have no doubt that this will prove to be a most memorable excursion to a world so near and yet so far from the Medina of Fez.
This morning depart for Fez via Moulay Idriss and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a day spent in the past, seeing ancient architecture and eating age old recipes, a feast fit for Anthony and Cleopatra themselves! Find beautiful mosaic floors, uncovered and brought to light by the archaeologists that work this partly excavated site. It was developed from 3rd century BCE onwards as a Phoenician and later a Carthaginian settlement. The town fell to local tribesmen in 285 and was never recovered by the Roman Empire. Constantly uncovering this city beneath the sands of time, now exclusively a Moroccan project runs by Moroccan archaeologists. Following a tour of this stunning historic site from the 3rd century BC and its many intact and colourful mosaics, enjoy the tranquillity of a local farm in the shadow of the ancient ruins while sampling traditional Roman recipes as recorded in the Latin texts of Apicius and Cato.
This morning cycle towards Bhalil, a tranquil town is located at the foot of the Jebel Kandar which offers visitors spectacular views of the town and the landscapes surrounding it and is most notably known for its modern day cave dwellers. (Option exists here of organizing morning tea with locals). From Bahlil we move on to Immouzer, particularly beautiful in spring with apple blossom and a lively place to be in July with the Pommes de Fete. Becoming increasingly known as a region for cheese production we’ll stop off at La Pommeraie. The private property is one of the first to be officially certified organic in the region and is set against a backdrop of apple and orange orchids. The cheeses here are exclusive to Morocco’s leading luxury hotels & restaurants. Here we’ll sample the cheeses and enjoy a BBQ lunch before setting back to Fez.
The Middle Atlas region offers many hidden delights including spectacular views of cedar and cork forests and delightful & hilarious Barbary apes. A short hike into the cedar forests with a mountain guide to participate in the Monkey Watch programme. Enjoy the crystal air of the mountains while you discover the rustic Berber towns of Immouzer, Ifrane and Azrou.
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AGADIR, MOROCCO
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Some tour frequently asked questions
Intrepid adventures are for travellers with a yearning to get off the beaten track. Whether you’re travelling solo, with a group of friends, or are aged 18 or 70, there is an Intrepid adventure to suit
Good things come in small packages, which is why we keep our group sizes down. This means we’re small enough to remain flexible as we thread our way
For the majority of our trips the minimum age is 15. An adult must accompany all children under the age of 18. Our Overland Adventures have a minimum age of 18.
While we can’t tell you who your leader is prior to departure, we can tell you they will be awesome. Our leaders are experts in their regions, some because they’ve been travelling