Morocco Tours
Authentic Morocco Escorted Tour
An 8 day escorted small group tour in Morocco. We focus on authentic travel experiences and explore off the tourist trail.
Tour Overview
Embark on a journey through the heart of authentic Morocco. Here, the echoes of ancient empires reverberate in the four imperial cities: Marrakech, Rabat, Meknes, and Fes.
Within the labyrinthine alleys of these medinas, vibrant trade and skilled craftsmanship converge in a tapestry of colours and scents. The allure of Moorish architecture also graces the cityscape. For example, centuries-old buildings feature elegant arabesques and meticulously carved cedar wood ceilings. Together, they stand as a testament to the region's distinctive heritage.
However, this voyage promises more than just the well-trodden paths. Our curated itinerary ventures into the true essence of Morocco. First, venture off the beaten track to encounter remote villages and their welcoming inhabitants. Then delve into the stories behind Berber carpets and witness their artisanal creation, a tradition unaltered over centuries. As you ascend the majestic Atlas Mountains, a Berber family opens their home and offers mint tea. They also give a glimpse into the ancient craft of loom weaving by skilled women. Higher still, the rugged mountains unveil rudimentary salt mines. Here, men painstakingly extract salt bars by hand, evoking the days of caravan trade.
To enhance this exceptional travel odyssey, indulge in the comfort of Riads. These are traditional Moroccan homes turned into luxurious accommodations. Each one is also handpicked for its architectural splendour and lavish interior designs.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Marrakech
Our guide meets you at the international airport. Then you transfer to our hotel for the next two nights.
Overnight in Riad Jolie or Novotel, Marrakech
DAY 2
Marrakech
First, visit the Koutoubia's minaret, a 70-metre tower well-preserved since the 12th century. Then see the Ben Youssef Madrasa, with its carved cedar wood and zellij tiles. After that, continue to the Bahia Palace, a prime example of Arab architecture. In the evening, explore the vibrant Djemma El Fna square, alive with musicians, storytellers and snake charmers. The Souk's maze of sounds, colours and crafts also awaits. Finally, have dinner from street food stalls or a restaurant overlooking the plaza.
Overnight in Riad Jolie or Novotel, Marrakech · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3
Casablanca and Rabat
Visit the spectacular Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of the few open to non-Muslims. It is also the largest religious building in Morocco, with one of the tallest minarets in the world. Then continue to Rabat, the elegant capital. Here, visit the 11th-century Casbah des Oudaias with its Andalusian Garden. Finally, see the remains of the Hassan Mosque near the Mausoleum of Mohamed V.
Overnight in Riad Dar Alia, Rabat · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4
Meknes and Volubilis
Explore Meknes, shaped by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. This includes the Bab El Mansour gate and a visit to the Medina. Then continue to the sprawling ruins of Volubilis, Morocco's most expansive archaeological site. It dates to the 3rd century BC and later became the westernmost capital of a Roman-influenced territory. Finally, arrive in Fez in the early evening.
Overnight in Riad Yacout, Fez · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5
Fes
Spend a full day exploring Fes's Medina, considered the most beautiful and complex in North Africa. It is split into Fez al Bali and Fez el Djedid. Here you find narrow medieval alleys, caravanserais and souks alive with donkeys, spices and music. Taste the refined local cuisine at lunch. You also visit the madrasa of Bou Inania and the mosque of Kairaouine.
Overnight in Riad El Yacout, Fez · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6
Atlas Mountains and Cedar Forests
Wind through the valleys and mountains of the Middle Atlas. First, stop in Ifrane, a mountain resort with alpine architecture. Then leave the main road for a path through great cedar forests to a tiny Berber village.
Overnight in Gite Rahhabia · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 7
Salt Mines and Carpet Auction
Travel dirt tracks to remote villages, where private Berber homes receive you for traditional welcome tea. You also watch local women demonstrate artisan-loom carpet weaving. Then continue higher into the mountains to rudimentary salt mines. Here, men hand-dig salt bars, which are then loaded onto mules. Afterwards, visit a market on carpet auction day. There, a 'barker' praises each carpet's qualities to a crowd of merchants.
Overnight in Continental Hotel or a local Riad · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8
The Salt Market
Visit a village on market day. You will find rams, goats, handicrafts and salt merchants selling the bars quarried in the mountains. Then make the journey back to Marrakech, arriving late afternoon to early evening. Day-use rooms are also available before a transfer to the airport.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Arrival and departure transfers
Transportation with a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle and driver for the whole tour
All accommodation as shown or of a similar quality
Daily breakfast, plus lunch and dinner as shown in the itinerary
Services of a local expert English speaking guide
Exclusive authentic experience visiting the local weavers and salt miners
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Drinks
Items of a personal nature
Tips for driver and guide
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
This tour requires a minimum of six people to operate. However, we may be able to run at lower numbers for an additional supplement.
Prices shown are per person, based on double or twin room occupancy. Also, get in touch if you'd like to check availability or discuss a private departure on different dates.
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Morocco.
British nationals don't need a visa to enter Morocco for tourism for up to 3 months. However, make sure your passport is stamped on entry. Some tourists have had difficulties leaving without an entry stamp. In addition, the Moroccan Consulate General in London advises on passport validity. Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months on your date of entry. It also shouldn't be damaged, because this has led to entry refusals.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice. The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) publishes this on the TravelHealthPro website. It is also a condition of booking with Our Local Tour that you have adequate valid travel insurance. This must fully cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, including medical emergency helicopter evacuation. Moreover, it must cover the entire duration of your holiday and all activities you intend to undertake, including optional activities.
What to Bring
Lightweight clothing is essential. However, a warmer jumper is advisable for cooler evenings in the mountains. A light raincoat is also a good idea. Lightweight comfortable shoes/trainers and sandals are ideal, and we recommend waterproof footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent and a water bottle. Finally, we suggest a solar charger for your phone and other electronics.
While You're There
The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the local currency. Larger restaurants, hotels and some souk shops accept most major credit cards, especially Visa and Mastercard. ATMs are also available in larger towns. However, service can be erratic in smaller ones. In addition, travellers' cheques are best avoided.
Moroccan cuisine blends Mediterranean, Arabic, Jewish, Persian, West African and Berber influences. For example, it ranges from elaborate multi-course diffa feasts to quick roadside brochettes. Tagines are the national staple. In addition, Djemaa el Fna square in Marrakech is famous for its after-dark street food stalls. Alcohol laws are fairly liberal for non-Muslim visitors in tourist areas. However, the law does not permit drinking in view of a mosque or during Ramadan. Waiting staff also expect a tip for satisfactory service. This is usually up to 5 dirhams on small bills or around 10% on larger ones.
Morocco has a diverse climate. The Mediterranean coast is warm, while the continental interior is hotter and drier. The south is hot and dry. However, night temperatures there can drop dramatically in December and January. Rain falls November to March on the coast. Meanwhile, the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-November are the best time to avoid extremes of heat. Morocco uses type C, E and F plugs, on a 220-240V supply.
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