Souks & Treasures

DAY 1 | THU 04 SEPT - TRAVEL TO MOROCCO

Depart for Morocco today – inflight overnight

DAY 2 | FRI 05 SEPT - Arrive Casablanca

Welcome to Morocco!

On arrival in Casablanca we will be will met by our private guide and we will transfer by road to the centre of Casablanca (1 hour) to settle into Hôtel le Casablanca.

The refined elegance and comfort of Hôtel le Casablanca greets us like a comforting hug after our long flight. You will immediately feel right at home.  After settling in a tour briefing will be hosted before an early dinner so we can enjoy a good night’s sleep in preparation for our adventures ahead.

DAY 3 | SAT 06 SEPT | Cruising Casablanca

This morning we will set out to view the exquisite Hassan II Mosque.  Constructed on a promontory overlooking the  Atlantic, it is Africa’s second largest mosque with a minaret that reaches 210 metres, and is a culmination of the work of the finest artisans from across the country. Later we will explore the heart of Casablanca, enjoying lunch in a local café before returning to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon (jetlag recovery). This evening we will sip cocktails in Rick’s Café ‐ a modern interpretation of the setting for Humphrey Bogart’s protagonist in the classic 1942 movie, Casablanca, followed by a welcome dinner in this iconic establishment.

Meals : Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 4 | SUN 07 SEPT | Travel to Fès via Volubilis

En route to Fès today we will for a unique insight into Moroccan rural life and an opportunity to enjoy ‘paddock-to-plate’ fare for lunch before exploring the ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis, offering a captivating journey into Morocco’s ancient past, and showcasing remarkably preserved Roman ruins.

On arrival in Fès we will check into the beautiful Palais Amani and enjoy sundowners as the sun sets over the Fès skyline. Palais Amani is a stunning riad tucked just inside the walls of Fès’ medina, where tradition meets understated luxury.

Dinner will be hosted this evening.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 | MON 08 SEPT | Fès on Foot

Entering the souks of Fès is like stepping back in time. The narrow streets twist and turn like a maze, with stores and shops lining the tangle of alleyways. Covering one of the world’s largest car-free areas, the cacophony of sounds, blend of unknown aromas, rich colours, and thronging crowd of people is intoxicating!

Our escorted walking tour will take us along the labyrinth of paths and alleyways to old mosques amongst stores and markets filled with shoppers, donkeys, and people going about their daily routines. We will observe communal bread ovens and have the opportunity to sample a vast selection of olives, dates, pastries, fruits, and other typically Moroccan flavours while visiting all of the historic sites within the walls of this ancient city.

Returning to Palais Amani to freshen up for a hosted dinner this evening.

Meals : Breakfast, Tasting Tour Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 | TUES 09 SEPT | Artisan Explorations in Fès

Today is all about the artisans of Fès. Without a doubt Fès is one of Morocco’s craft capitals where tanners, wood carvers, leather-makers, copper beaters and potters were the founding artisans of the imperial city that dates back more than 1,200 years. We will visit a potter co-operative, leather and copper craftsmen and traditional weavers.

After a hosted lunch in a local restaurant the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure – you may wish to get lost in the souk or return to our riad to indulge in a traditional hammam or spa treatment. This evening we will wander to the Clock Café where dinner is to your own account. You may wish to taste a Moroccan camel burger…. or not!

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch

Day 7 | WED 10 SEPT | Fly Fès to Marrakech & into the Agafay Desert

After a relaxed morning we will drive to the airport for our flight to Marrakech. On landing we will drive one hour to Inara Luxury Desert Camp, affording stunning views of Agafay’s barren grandeur and beyond to the snowcapped Atlas Mountains.

Our luxury tented camp is strung across the stoney desert terrain, lit by flickering lanterns. Our impressively plush  safari-style tents offer comfortable beds, African woven matting and Berber rugs, interesting pieces brought back from travels abroad and atmospheric Moroccan lanterns – delivering an ambience of an expedition from another time. You can recline in a traditional Moroccan lounge whilst you silently savour the mystical desert landscape or laze by the oasis of the swimming pool. 

Meals : Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 8 | THU 11 SEPT | Bedouin Luxury in Agafay

Rise early for a dawn yoga class in the dunes, take in the breathtaking desert dawn or sleep in and join us at breakfast! How you choose to spend your day is your decision. Cycling and quadbiking tours offer some adventure, the lagoon pool provides a cool oasis and prefect reading spot and massages can be arranged for an indulgent treat. Today is spent entirely at leisure and your discretion. We will reconvene at sunset to embark on a camel safari, reminiscent of scenes from Sex in the City, before returning to camp to feast on traditional Moroccan cuisine around a convivial communal table whilst being serenaded by live Ganoua musicians.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 9 | FRI 12 SEPT | Onward to Essaouira

Leaving the desert behind, we will travel through Morocco’s winelands to the coastal fishing town of Essaouira (pronounced Ess-a-weera) where we will spend two nights within walking distance of the THE UNESCO-listed walled medina and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Once we have settled in we will head out to explore the bustling entrance of the port where fishermen haul in their daily catch and lay it out proudly, just like old‐fashioned fishmongers, before we wander the seawalls and explore the imposing ramparts, to discover colourful local artworks (Essaouira has long held an attraction for artists) before returning to our hotel for a hosted dinner.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch (with wine tasting)  & Dinner