Magic in Morocco

DAY 1 | FRI 03 SEPT | DEPART SYDNEY | INFLIGHT

Our Moroccan adventure begins this evening as we depart Sydney aboard our overnight flight to Dubai, continuing onwards to Casablanca the following morning.

DAY 2 | SAT 04 SEPT | ARRIVE CASABLANCA & RABAT | VILLA MANDARINE | 1 NIGHT

Welcome to Morocco!

Arriving into Casablanca around midday, we clear Customs & Immigration before meeting our private vehicle for the approximately one-hour drive north to Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital.

We should reach Villa Mandarine by mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of time to settle in, enjoy a swim or perhaps succumb to a well-earned nap after the long journey. This evening we come together for welcome drinks and dinner – our first chance to raise a glass to the adventure ahead.

Meals : Dinner

DAY 3 | SUN 05 SEPT | RABAT TO CHEFCHAOUEN | HOTEL ZIRYAB | 2 NIGHTS

Our morning begins with an introduction to Rabat, including the impressive Hassan Tower and neighbouring Mausoleum of Mohammed V – two landmarks that offer our first glimpse into Morocco’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.

Leaving the capital behind, we travel north through the changing landscapes towards Chefchaouen, tucked into the Rif Mountains. Known throughout Morocco as the ‘Blue City’, Chefchaouen is famous for its blue-washed lanes and wonderfully photogenic old quarter. We arrive in time to settle into Hôtel Ziryab and watch the sun slip behind the surrounding mountains.

Meals : Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 4 | MON 06 SEP | CHEFCHAOUEN & HOUMAR | HOTEL ZIRYAB

We set out early this morning to explore Chefchaouen on foot, before the lanes become busy. Wandering through the cobbled streets and seemingly endless shades of blue, we discover one of Morocco’s most distinctive towns before allowing time to browse the medina. Carpets, kaftans, Berber jewellery, woven blankets and traditional handmade pieces make this a particularly tempting place to begin our Moroccan shopping.

Around midday we leave town and travel to the village of Houmar, where local women welcome us for lunch and a traditional tea ceremony. Away from Morocco’s better-known tourist trail, this is an opportunity to experience a quieter side of rural life in the Rif Mountains. Those feeling energetic can also take an optional short walk in the surrounding countryside.

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 5 | TUE 07 SEP | VOLUBILIS & FÈS | RIAD EL AMINE FÈS | 3 NIGHTS

Leaving Chefchaouen, we wind our way south through the Rif Mountains towards Volubilis, breaking our journey with lunch at Scorpion Restaurant.

We then step much further back in time as we explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Grand columns, remarkably preserved mosaics and the remnants of once-substantial homes offer a fascinating glimpse into the many layers of Morocco’s past.

From Volubilis we continue to Fès, arriving in one of Morocco’s great imperial cities and a place where artisans, scholars and storytellers have flourished for centuries. Our home for the next three nights is Riad el Amine Fès.

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 6 | WED 08 SEP | MEDIEVAL FÈS

Fès is a city best discovered on foot, and this morning we delve into its extraordinary medieval medina. Our explorations include the Palais Royale, the historic Jewish Mellah and Dar Mokri before entering through the imposing Bab Boujloud.

Within the old city we continue past the splendid fountain at Place Nejjarine, Moulay Idriss II Islamic School and the Kairouyine Mosque & University before visiting Fès’ famous tannery – one of the enduring sights of the medina.

We also explore through taste, wandering the stalls of Souk Attarine, Fès’ premier grocery and spice market, on a tasting tour that introduces us to some of the flavours and ingredients woven into Moroccan cooking.

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 7 | THU 09 SEP | ARTISANS OF FÈS

Today belongs to the artisans of Fès. Rather than simply admiring the finished products in the souks, we look behind the scenes at some of the traditional skills for which the city has long been renowned.

Our visits include a pottery cooperative as well as leather and copper craftsmen, before continuing to Fonduk Staounyine, dedicated to weaving, and Chemmaine Fonduk, where rare handicrafts are sold. It is a fascinating insight into the craftsmanship that remains such an important part of Fès – and there may, of course, be a little temptation to shop along the way.

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 8 | FRI 10 SEP | FÈS TO AGAFAY | WHITE CAMEL | 2 NIGHTS

The morning is ours to enjoy at leisure in Fès before transferring to the airport for our flight to Marrakech.

On arrival we are met and whisked away from the city towards the stark, moon-like landscapes of the Agafay Desert, approximately 45 minutes from Marrakech. For the final approach to camp we transfer into four-wheel drive vehicles and head deeper into the rocky desert to The White Camel Lodge & Tents.

Tonight we settle into our desert surroundings, with dinner included at camp.

Meals : Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 9 | SAT 11 SEP | AGAFAY DESERT

Sunrise in the desert can be magical, so early risers may choose to greet the day as the first light spreads across Agafay – although sleeping in is an equally acceptable holiday pursuit!

The morning is deliberately unstructured. You might choose an optional activity, indulge in a massage or simply claim a spot beside the ‘Desert Lagoon’ swimming pool and soak up the extraordinary views.

As afternoon fades we head out across the rocky dunes by camel, timed for sunset. Back at camp, the evening concludes with dinner beneath the stars accompanied by live traditional music – a wonderfully atmospheric finale to our time in the desert.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 10 | SUN 12 SEP | AGAFAY TO ESSAOUIRA | DAR L’OUSSIA | 2 NIGHTS

After breakfast we leave the desert behind and turn towards Morocco’s Atlantic coast, with two rather different stops planned along the way.

Our first visit is to a women’s association producing argan oil, offering an insight into a product intrinsically linked with this part of Morocco. We then turn our attention to an altogether different local industry, stopping at a beautiful vineyard for lunch and an introduction to the world of Moroccan wine.

Later this afternoon we continue to Essaouira and settle into Dar L’Oussia where our evening is at leisure.

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 11 | MON 13 SEP | ESSAOUIRA

We explore Essaouira on foot this morning, wandering through its port and souk and meeting artisans whose work reflects the character of this coastal town.

The afternoon is free for some serious browsing and shopping – or simply to enjoy the atmosphere of Essaouira at your own pace.

Late afternoon we regroup in the kitchen, joining a local chef for a traditional Moroccan cooking class. Having done the work ourselves, there is only one thing left to do: sit down together and enjoy our culinary creations for dinner.

Meals : Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 12 | TUE 14 SEP | ESSAOUIRA TO MARRAKECH | RIAD MALAIKA | 4 NIGHTS

There is no need for a rushed start this morning as we leave Essaouira and travel inland towards Marrakech, stopping for lunch along the way.

After settling into Riad Malaika, we venture into the medina for our first taste of Marrakech, beginning with the legendary Jemaa el-Fna and then dipping into the labyrinth of souks that surrounds it. Colour, noise, scent, food, traders and seemingly endless alleyways combine in one of Morocco’s most intoxicating urban experiences.

We retreat to our riad this evening for sundowners and dinner – close to the action, but blissfully removed from the bustle beyond its doors.

Meals : Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 13 | WED 15 SEP | MARRAKECH MEDINA & SOUKS

We delve deeper into Marrakech this morning on foot, taking in some of the city’s most important landmarks including the Koutoubia Minaret, the beautifully carved 12th-century Bab Agnaou, the 16th-century Saadian Tombs and the historic Jewish quarter.

From here we disappear into the maze of narrow lanes that make the Marrakech medina so addictive. We take lunch in the middle of the souk in a fabulous rooftop café and then you will be let loose to explore at leisure (or you can stick with the guide who is on hand to help you navigate the souks).  We will set a rendezvous point for those who wish to dine together this evening (to own account), or you may wish to make your own arrangements.

DAY 14 | THU 16 SEP | THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS

We exchange Marrakech for the mountains today, winding our way high into the surrounding landscape before continuing on foot – or by mule – to visit a traditional Berber family.

Lunch is shared in their home surrounded by soaring peaks, providing a wonderfully different counterpoint to the bustle of Morocco’s imperial cities.

On our return towards Marrakech we make a rather glamorous stop off at Richard Branson’s renowned Kasbah Tamadot, where the choice is refreshingly simple: perhaps a G&T, perhaps a cup of tea. Back in Marrakech the evening is free, although a rooftop cocktail may prove difficult to resist.

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 15 | FRI 17 SEP | PERFUME, GARDENS & MARRAKECH

There is still plenty of Marrakech to uncover, beginning this morning at the Musée de la Parfumerie, where we create our own signature scent – a particularly personal souvenir of Morocco.

We then visit the famous Majorelle Garden and Yves Saint Laurent Museum, with time to browse the boutiques in the surrounding area.

The afternoon is entirely yours. We can guide you to the best boutiques and artisan workshops in Gueliz (the new city full of designer boutiques) or you may wish to dive back into the souks for one final treasure hunt, or retreat to the riad for a swim and a snooze.

This evening we come together for our hosted Farewell Dinner, celebrating a journey that has taken us from blue mountain villages and ancient Roman ruins to medieval medinas, desert landscapes, Atlantic shores and the irresistible souks of Marrakech.

Meals : Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 16 | SAT 18 SEP | MARRAKECH TO CASABLANCA

Today marks the end of our Morocco journey. Depart Marrakech after breakfast by road bound for Casablanca, a journey of approximately three hours, arriving in time to check in for your flight home.

Salaam Alaikum – and thank you for sharing our adventure through Morocco.

Meals : Breakfast

DAY 17 | SUN 19 SEP | ARRIVE SYDNEY

After connecting through Dubai, we continue our journey home to Sydney, arriving this evening.

Welcome home – hopefully with wonderful memories, a camera full of photographs and perhaps one or two Moroccan treasures that proved impossible to leave behind.

NOTE: if you would like to extend your stay in Morocco to venture into the Sahara Desert please get in touch – we can easily arrange this for you, along with a visit to other exotic destinations on the western side of the Atlas Mountain range.

A more detailed itinerary with lots of gorgeous images is available on request – please click here