Morocco's Riads
Morocco - By Land and Air
Trip Summary
Discover eclectic Morocco from the inside-out on a journey punctuated by stays in riads, traditional Moroccan palaces with interior gardens, graciously hosted by families. In these authentic, individually designed homes you'll find history, warmth and a place to reflect on your day's discoveries: colorful souks, mouthwatering cuisine, architectural wonders, and historic ruins. Escorted in a private Mercedes mini-coach, you'll visit the famed cities of Marrakech, Rabat, Fes, Meknes, and Erfoud, and view diverse landscapes including the magnificent Middle Atlas Mountains and the sand dunes of the Sahara at sunset.
Highlights
- Stay with Moroccan families in beautiful, traditional palaces
- Walk the Roman ruins of Volubilis
- Discover the twisting alleys within the ancient walls of Fes
- Drive through the striking Middle Atlas mountain range
- Immerse yourself in Marrakech's Koutoubia Mosque, souks and colorful gardens
Itinerary: 17 Days / 16 Nights
Day 1
Rabat
On arrival in Casablanca you will be met by a representative from "Originally Morocco" and transferred to Rabat by mini-coach to your boutique hotel, Villa Mandarine (approximately a one hour 30 minute drive.) Villa Mandarine, once a family's holiday mansion, has been transformed into a warm and inviting luxury hotel with 31 rooms and 5 suites. The rooms and common areas are appointed with Berber rugs, art, and beautiful architecture everywhere you look. The magnificent gardens are full of a variety of citrus trees and are a great place to sit and relax.
Lodging:Villa Mandarine
Day 2
Rabat
The Kingdom of Morocco's capital city, Rabat's history blends Berber, Arab, Andalous and French traditions, architecture and fine arts in a beautiful coastal setting. Visit the Royal Palace, as well as the Mohamed V Mausoleum, the burial place of the present King’s grandfather. Also see the well-preserved, and still imposing, Hassan Tower and the Chellah, which were built by the Merinids in the 12th and 13th centuries. Enjoy lunch at your discretion in Rabat.
Lodging:Villa Mandarine
Day 3
Fes
Depart after breakfast in your private Mercedes mini-coach for the two-hour drive to Meknes, a former Imperial city of Morocco. See the old ramparts; the Agdoul Basin, which was used to water the royal gardens and amuse the favorite concubines; the Moulay Ismail stables, granaries, and House of Water (Dar el Ma), which were built in the 17th and 18th centuries to house, feed, and water the sultan's 12,000 horses. Also visit Bab el Mansour, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, one of the few holy sites in Morocco which may be visited by non-Muslims, and the enjoy intrigue of the Meknes landscape. Continuing your drive another 30 minutes you'll arrive at the ruins of Volubilis. Volubilis was the Roman capital of northwestern Africa and has impressive and well-preserved Roman ruins. The Romans evacuated most of Morocco at the end of the 3rd century, but unlike some other Roman cities Volubilis was not abandoned and survived until the 18th century when it was demolished, and its marble used for construction in nearby Meknes. In 1915, the French began archeological excavations uncovering extensive remains. Continue by road to Fes (approximately 40 minutes) and check into the Riad Fes. Riad Fes is renowned for its luxury, impeccable service and fine restaurant. Its new Andalous pavilion and lounge have brought an even more vibrant edge to Fes's most stylish Riad. With spectacular views of the Medina and the Atlas Mountains, Riad Fes is ideal for those travelling for business or pleasure. Enjoy Moroccan specialties and French cuisine as well as the swimming pool, and nearby golf course.
Lodging:Riad Fes
Day 4
Fes
Your private guide and Mercedes mini-coach will meet you in the hotel reception for a full-day tour of Fes, the religious capital of Morocco. Your tour will include the old and new medinas, the 14th century Medersa Attarine (religious school), and the Arts Museum of Batha. This Hispano-Moorish palace dates from the end of the 19th century houses an admirable collection of traditional art from Fes: sculpted wood, wrought iron, sculpted plaster, and decorative materials that are works of art in their own right. Also embroidery, carpets, jewelry, and coins compete with one another for the visitor's attention. This afternoon, explore the impressive labyrinth of souks in Fes, declared by UNESCO to be one of the world's cultural treasures. The afternoon will also include photo opportunities at the imposing gate of Bab Boujloud, the splendid fountain at Place Nejjarine, the ancient ramparts, and the beautiful façade of the Royal Palace.
Lodging:Riad Fes
Day 5
Fes
Depart for an in-depth discovery of one of the treasures of Fes, the Borj-Nord Museum. This 16th century fortress close to the ramparts remains true to its military traditions since it has been transformed into the Weapons Museum. The collections have been built up mainly as a result of royal donations and include a number of rare pieces. Weapons specialists will appreciate the development of techniques while art lovers will be impressed by the splendor of the objects. Your afternoon is free to rest or enjoy the hotel's amenities.
Lodging:Fes
Day 6
Fes, Midelt, Erfoud, Merzouga Dunes
Depart in your private Mercedes mini-coach for the full-day drive to southern Morocco. Travel through the cedar forests and picturesque scenery of the Middle Atlas Mountains to Erfoud, stopping at the alpine village of Ifrane and then at Kasbah Asmaa in Midelt for a typical lunch. The drive from Fes to Midelt is approximately three hours 30 minutes. After lunch, continue on to Erfoud (approximately four hours 30 minutes) and take a camel trek into the desert to see a fantastic sunset over the dunes. Erfoud, situated among the impressive sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, is one of the largest oases in Morocco. After sunset check into Kasbah Xaluca Maadid in Erfoud. Get ready for a truly exotic holiday in complete relaxation with a bit of adventure at this conveniently located desert destination. The brainchild of two Spanish and Moroccan entrepreneurs, it is a reflection of the meeting of two cultures.
Lodging:Kasbah Xaluca and Desert Camp
Day 7
Erfoud
After breakfast drive to Rissani, cradle of the Alaouite dynasty now reigning in Morocco, and visit (from outside) the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif and inside the Kasbah Ouled El Hadim. Then drive back to Erfoud for a tour of the market and check into Kasbah Xaluca. The drive time from Rissani to Erfoud is approximately 30 minutes by Jeep.
Lodging:Kabash Xaluca and Desert Camp
Day 8
Ouarzazate
Depart for Ouarzazate through the beautiful 1,000 Kasbah Valley. Along the way, visit Tinghir, a former military outpost built on terraces above a magnificent palm grove and the route into the awesome Todra Gorge "at the ends of the earth" between 300 meter (900 feet) cliffs. Enjoy free time for lunch in Todra Gorges. (Drive time from Erfoud to Todra Gorges is approximately three hours.) Then continue the drive to Boumalne du Dades, a large town and local administrative center at the foot of the gorge of a dry riverbed followed by a series of kasbahs (huge adobe fortified houses), to El Kelaa de Mgouna and Skoura. After Skoura, the palm trees are replaced by orchards and irrigated gardens. Roses for making perfume are the specialty of El Kelaa de Mgouna. (Drive time from Todra Gorges to Ouarzazate is approximately three hours 30 minutes.) Situated in a valley at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate is a former outpost of the Foreign Legion and has now become an important center for the film industry due to the quality of its light and unpolluted atmosphere. Check in to your hotel, built in the Kasbah style, and with a mix of Berber and traditional crafts.
Lodging:Le Berbere Palace Hotel
Day 9
Ouarzazate
Your guide and private mini coach will take you to see the ancient Kasbah complex of Ait Ben Haddou, an impressive 11th century structure, declared by UNESCO to be an historical treasure (approximately a one hour drive.) A photographer's wonderland, Ait Ben Haddou is still home to five families. Recent movies made at Ait Ben Haddou include Gladiator and Alexander. After visiting Ait Ben Haddou, drive past scenic views of mountains and semi-desert terrain topped by Kasbahs and adobe homes. Return to the Berbere Palace Hotel in the afternoon for free time to relax. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Lodging:Le Berbere Palace Hotel
Days 10 - 11
Imlil
Depart by road in your private mini-coach for Imlil through the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi N'Tichka Pass (6,600 feet.) Arrive at Ait Ourir village at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains then cross the Haouz Plain to Ourika Valley. Total driving time from Ouarzazate to Imlil is approximately four hours 30 minutes. Just five miles from Ait Ourir, the green valley of the Ourika River begins. From its small beginnings in the Berber country, it streams down the slopes of Atlas Mountains, between the Tlemcen peak and the Timeskar plateau. The green landscapes of this valley, the lazy meandering torrent of the river combined with the small red adobe Berber villages hanging on the slopes will enchant you. Visit a potters' village where you can be tempted by colorful plates, salad-bowls, flower vases or lamps in either traditional or modern style; collections of precious minerals: quartz, amethyst, and many other rocks that are found in this area. Possibly enjoy a savory Berber Tajine for lunch. Afterwards, continue driving to Tahanaout then to Asni and Imlil for about 45 minutes to reach the impressive luxury of Tamadot Kasbah, a magical walled building in Morocco's high Atlas region, and the newest addition to the Virgin Limited portfolio. The next day enjoy free time to explore the Kasbah and Imlil. Your mini coach and driver are at your disposal for the day.
Lodging:Kasbah Tamadot
Days 12 - 13
Essoaouira
Depart for Essaouira, a charming fishing harbor 170 kms from Marrakech. Renowned for generations for its production of "Murex" a small shellfish used to make the purple dye for Roman togas, Essaouira is now a very active fishing harbor. Today, protected from the sea and the wind behind its commanding fortified walls, Essaouira shelters a flourishing craftsmanship in marquetry, working citron-and-lime wood with ebony, mother of pearl and silver thread to make tables, chess-boards, caskets and bracelets. Check into your luxury Riad, Palais Heure Bleue,a sumptuous 19th century residence deserving of Essaouira's rich past, on the crossroads of the African, European and Arabic civilisations. The Palais l'Heure Bleue is located in the heart of the Medina near the Bab Marrakesh door. The souks, the port, the ramparts and the beach are close by. The following day enjoy a full day walking discovery sightseeing tour in Essaouira with your guide.
Lodging:Palais l'Heure Bleue
Days 14 - 16
Marrakech
Embark on a full-day guided tour to Marrakech (approximately 45 minutes drive from Imlil to Marrakech.) Marrakech dates back as far as the year 1070. First, visit the Koutoubia Mosque, sister tower to Seville's Giralda, the minaret of which has become the symbol of the city. Then visit the more recently built 19th-century Bahia Palace, which is often inhabited by His Majesty's guests Continue to the Museum of Dar Si Said with the country's best display of Berber arts and crafts, and the remains of the Badii Palace. Enjoy lunch at your discretion in Marrakech and later check in to your riad. Riad Farnatchi has been created out of five small Riads in the heart of the oldest part of Marrakech, with the feel of a beautiful, highly individual, private house, but the facilities of a world class 5 star hotel. The following day, take a morning horse-drawn carriage ride along the old city ramparts and through the lush botanical Majorelle Gardens, privately owned by Yves St. Laurent. Enjoy some time in the gardens before heading off to the souks of Marrakech, the most colorful and the liveliest in Africa. The different trades are grouped by services they offer: the dyers, the blacksmiths, the babouche and shoemakers, spices, and fabric sellers. This afternoon ends at the renowned Djemaa El Fna Square, a popular entertainment area where each afternoon storytellers, snake charmers, tooth-drawers, and dancers appear to entertain the crowd in a scene that is pure street theater. The fourteenth day is yours to enjoy at your leisure to explore the city on your own. A Mini-coach and guide are at your disposal for the whole day.
Lodging:Riad Farnatchi
Day 17
International Flights Home
Enjoy the morning at leisure at the palace and have an early dinner before your commercial flight to Casablanca. At 1:30 pm your driver will transfer you to the Marrakech airport (a two hour 30 minute drive) for your domestic flight to Mohamed V Airport in Casablanca.
Trip Prices
Dates, budget and number of travelers at your discretion. Call us at 1-800-995-8689 to craft a private journey for you.
Preparing For Your Adventure
At Bushtracks, we believe that being prepared for your adventure makes a world of difference in your ability to savor your travels.
Our experienced team knows just what kind of information you'll find most valuable in your final preparations for the exciting adventure ahead. We'll include much of this in your Expedition Planner and Preparation Package, sent to you before departure. Our knowledgeable staff is on hand to answer any additional questions. So you can know before you go, you'll receive:
Detailed itinerary and typical day on safari. Learn what a "typical day" might look like, even though we all know each day holds a new adventure.
Etiquette and customs highlights. As a guest in any country it is best to be aware of local customs and expected behavior. You'll be privy to critical insights into tactful behavior and overall cultural sensitivities.
Health and insurance information. Bushtracks Expeditions automatically covers you with International Medical Evacuation Insurance and Accident/Sickness Medical Coverage. We'll also send you information on supplemental insurance and a listing of immunization requirements.
Travel tips. Keeping you safe and healthy is our number one priority. We'll help you determine food and water safety, how to avoid sun over-exposure, clothing and packing lists, tips for avoiding motion sickness, local currency exchange suggestions and much more.
Reading lists. To help you prepare for this expedition, we'll send you specially selected field guides and a comprehensive reading list.
Documents. Passport requirements and visa kits with full instructions.
Voucher wallet. Just before departure, you will receive an attractive voucher wallet holding all relevant air tickets and travel vouchers to submit to ground operators for prepaid flights, tours and accommodations.
Contact information. An extensive list of contact information so those at home can be informed on how to reach you.