10-Day Heart of Morocco Tour: Fez, Marrakesh Featured

10-Day Heart of Morocco Tour: Fez, Marrakesh Featured

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.

Days

10

Price

from US$3,259 p/p

Best For

Family

Best Time

Oct. to May

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Tour Highlights

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.

Visit the Blue-Washed Gardens to Meet the Spirit of Great Artists.
Cook a Moroccan Tagine with a Local Family

Visit a Moroccan family in Marrakesh, discover their nanny's "secret" recipe — an authentic Moroccan tajine (a dish cooked in a conical earthenware pot).

Cook a Moroccan Tagine at local people's house
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.

Explore the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou
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.

Journey into the Wild Sahara Desert in Merzouga
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.

Admire the Ancient Roman Ruins of Volubilis
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.

Discover the Medieval Medina of Fez
See the Highlights of the Imperial City — Meknes

Meknes is best known for its meandering city wall and numerous ancient gates. Bab Mansour Gate is the most famous of them.

See the Highlights of the Imperial City — Meknes
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.

Taste Old and New of Rabat

Tour Map

Heart of Morocco tour map

Itinerary Details

The itinerary below is only one possibility, which is offered as inspiration. We can tailor-make your trip based on your needs. Send us details of your preferences and our travel experts will customize this trip to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.

Day 1
Casablanca Arrival

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.

Day 2
Casablanca to Rabat — 90 km (56 miles)

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.

Day 3
From the New Capital Rabat to the Old Capital Fez —200 km (120 miles)

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 Exploration

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 — 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.

Day 5
Fez to Erfoud and Merzouga

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

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.

Day 7
Ouazazate to Marrakesh

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 — 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.

Day 8
Marrakesh City Tour

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.

Day 9
Marrakesh Discovery with a Cooking Experience

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.

Day 10
Marrakesh Departure

Following your hotel breakfast, a private transfer to Marrakesh airport for your outbound flight will be ready for you.

Hand-picked Hotels

Radisson Blue
Radisson Blue
Riad Kalaa
Riad Kalaa
Riad & Spa Dar Bensouda
Riad & Spa Dar Bensouda
Golden Camp
Golden Camp
Dar Chamaa
Dar Chamaa
2 Ciels Boutique Hotel & Spa
2 Ciels Boutique Hotel & Spa

Price Includes

Price from: $3,259 (Tour code: gh-mr-6)

One-to-one consultancy
One-to-one consultancy
Knowledgeable local guides
Knowledgeable local guides
Private drivers/driver guides and vehicles as listed
Private drivers/driver guides and vehicles as listed
Hand-picked hotels
Hand-picked hotels
Breakfasts and meals as listed
Breakfasts and meals as listed
Entry to all attractions on the itinerary
Entry to all attractions on the itinerary
Transportation as listed
Transportation as listed
A 24/7 helpline while traveling
A 24/7 helpline while traveling

Trip Notes

These trip notes give more information about the tour details. Every element of the tour can be tailored. Feel free to tell us your ideas and we will be happy to make adjustments for you.

1) English-Speaking Driver

Your English-speaking driver will meet you with your name sign and see you off at the airport, as well drive for you among the cities of Morocco. Since some places are small, your driver will provide enough explanation about the places like the desert areas, Rabat, Casablanca and Essaouira.

2) Private City Guides

In Marrakesh, Aït Ben Haddou, and fez, you will have a private English-speaking guide who will guide you to discover the place and share their local knowledge and perspective with you. Feel free to ask questions as our guides are available to provide you insight into their local culture, history, and life.

3) Meals

Breakfasts are included in this tour. Usually, buffet breakfasts are available in hotels. Packed breakfasts are prepared in desert and mountain areas. Lunch and dinner are not included in this tour's price. your driver/guide can provide recommendations, and we can also arrange your choices for dining if needed.

4) Transportation between Cities: Views along the Way

A private vehicle is the main transportation tool for getting between cities in Morocco. Some days you may have a 3–5-hour drive to the next destination. Your private driver will make some stops along the way to help ease your journey and to soak in the views.

5) Accommodation

We've chosen our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels with a taste of local flavor. Please note that service and accommodation in Morocco may differ from Western standards. The comfort of the camp is reasonably high, with separate toilet and bath tents. The sleeping areas consist of 2-person tents with ample space and comfortable foam mattresses.

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