Day 1 - Arrive in Casablanca

Welcome and assistance at the airport by your English-speaking guide. Then transfer to the city centre to start the visit to the economic capital of the country where you will discover the central market, the district of Habous, the Royal Palace, the Mohamed V square, and the residential district of Anfa. Then transfer to your hotel where you will have a welcome tea while doing the check-in, and overnight.
Overnight at Gray Boutique Hotel Casablanca or similar (B)

Casablanca
Casablanca lies on the Atlantic coast, in central-western Morocco. Fondly known by locals simply as ‘Casa', the capital is the industrial, economic and cultural heart of this remarkable country, as well as its most cosmopolitan, liberal, and progressive city. While most visitors overlook Casablanca in favour of Morocco’s more popular and exotic tourist areas, this sprawling metropolis has plenty to offer the discerning traveller and has many hidden historical and cultural gems just waiting to be discovered. The city is famous for its spectacular Art Deco and Moorish Revival architecture, constructed during the Colonial Period. Explore the Old Medina, a tiny, ancient, walled village; visit the impressive King Hassan II Mosque; discover the ornate rooms, masterfully tiled floors, and intricately carved wooden ceilings of the Hispanic-Moorish Mahkama du Pacha; or simply watch the world go by at one of the many ocean-view cafes along the waterfront boulevard.

Day 2 – Asilah

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before our departure to Asilah, a peaceful town on the northern coast of Morocco. Offering a refuge from the nearby bustling cities of Tangier and Tetouan, Asilah features deserted, quiet beaches and a relaxing atmosphere. Arrive at your destination city and take a tour to admire the 14th-century Portuguese ramparts, the ancient gates, the flowery streets of the medina and its Islamic and Andalusian style buildings. We also see the palace of the Pasha Raissouni, and the Palace of Culture, a building that looks like a fortress. At the end of the afternoon, we transfer to the hotel, check-in and overnight.
Overnight at the Hotel Al Alba or similar (B)

Asilah
Asilah is an idyllic, fortified seaside town on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. The photogenic town is famous for its gorgeous Portuguese colonial medina, its wealth of extraordinary public art, and an array of good swimming and surfing beaches nearby. Asilah also offers a fantastic, flourishing culinary scene, boasting some of the most flavoursome tortillas, paellas and riojas in the area. Must-see attractions include the Palais de Raissouli, a remarkable palace with beautifully decorated interiors; the pristine 15th-century ramparts and gates surrounding the medina, and numerous breathtaking sacred buildings including a diversity of mosques and churches. The town is a true art lover’s delight with its magnitude of wall-art along its winding cobbled streets and numerous excellent art galleries such as the Centre de Hassan II Rencontres Internationales.

Day 3 - Chefchaouen

This morning our tour leaves Asilah and heads to Chefchaouen. We arrive at the blue city beautifully perched beneath the primeval peaks of the Rif Chefchaouen (Rif Mountains). We will explore the main square which is the heart of Chefchaouen with the Kasbah built back in the 18th century, a central mosque, and authentic cafes. We continue to explore with a trip to the source of Ras El Maa (3 km from the city of Chefchaouen) and the beautiful old medina. Transfer to our hotel, check in, and overnight.
Overnight at the Dar Echchaouen Maison d'hôtes & Riad or similar (B)

Chefchaouen
Hidden high up in the Rif Mountains of north-eastern Morocco, Chefchaouen is a relatively large historical town known for the striking, variously hued blue-washed buildings of its picturesque Medina. Visitors can look forward to wandering along narrow, cobblestone streets lined with leather and weaving workshops and an array of historical monuments. Must-see attractions include the town's exquisite waterfall; the ruins of an old mosque on a hill behind it; and the main square of Uta el Hammam, which is home to the red-walled casbah - a 15th-century fortress and dungeon displaying ethnographic and art exhibits.

Day 4 – Cannabis Farms and Fes
It’s time to go on an exclusive adventure with your guide into the Rif mountains and the beautiful Bouhachem parc. Here a 4WD vehicle will take you past the cannabis farms and allow us to discover and learn about the local cultivation sites. We then arrive at a local family home where you are greeted and stay for lunch while enjoying the amazing views. Later we travel on to Fes.
Overnight at the Palais Ommeyad or similar (B)

Fes

Morocco’s second-largest city and the country’s former capital, Fes (Fez) is an exotic mix of Arabic architecture, ancient alleyways calls to prayer and colourful markets; all mixed in with a good dose of modern culture. Home to the venerated Karaouine Mosque, which dates back to 859 AD and incorporates an Islamic university, and to the country’s most hallowed shrine, the Zaouia Moulay Idriss II; Fes is regarded as the spiritual seat of Morocco. Music lovers should try to synchronise their trips with the annual Festival of Sacred Music, one of the highlights of the city’s cultural calendar showcasing diverse performances of spiritual and religious music; while those with a penchant for shopping can browse the mesmerizing colourful markets selling an exquisite array of silver, leather and other handicrafts up for grabs.

Day 5 - Fes
Get lost in the imperial grandeur of this once great city, filled with labyrinthine alleys that lead to exquisite fountains and streets bursting with aromatic food stands. Here you will be introduced to some of the most refined and diverse cuisines in Morocco. Learn the hidden secrets behind some of the country’s most well-known dishes as you’re treated to a traditional cooking class. Before the lesson, meander through bustling souks with a local chef to gather your ingredients. Then, embark on a journey of the senses as you learn to craft dishes bursting with flavour, before sitting down to lunch with locals, where you will learn about ‘Fassi’ culture and traditions. After lunch, we travel back in time six centuries as you’re guided on an insider tour of the medieval medina, whose narrow, cobbled streets are lined with ancient mosques, soaring green minarets, and historic Fondouks. Peek into peaceful courtyards bedecked with carved cedarwood, brightly coloured mosaic tiles, and stucco ornaments.
Overnight at the Palais Ommeyad or similar (B)

Day 6 – Erg Chebbi Desert

We start our journey early this morning as we head off to the mighty Sahara. You will be able to admire the sumptuous parade of mountains, big valleys, forests of pines, canyons, and deserts. Transfer by 4WDs from Erfoud to Merzouga where you will live a typical Saharan experience as we overnight in a typical desert camp with a diner under thousands of stars and a campfire.
Overnight at the Desert Luxury Camp (BD)

Erg Chebbi

Situated in the vast desert region of Saharan Morocco, dividing Morocco and Algeria, Erg Chebbi is one of two Moroccan ‘ergs’, which are a sea of dunes. What it lacks in size - compared to the deserts of Algeria, Libya and Namibia - it makes up for in its extraordinarily scenic golden landscape, which changes colours dramatically at sunset. The dunes of Erg Chebbi span over 30 kilometres and rise to 160 metres. Each tent includes an en-suite bathroom and has been carefully designed to offer the highest comfort and luxury. Guests are provided with inclusive breakfast and dinner as well as non-alcoholic beverages.

Day 7 - Ouarzazate

What better way to wake up than to take a camel ride to discover the magical sunrise in the middle of the desert! We get back to our camp for breakfast before we leave for Erfoud to drop off the 4WD and continue to Tinghir, were we have a break for lunch. We then drive onwards to Ouarzazate and our hotel for the evening.
Overnight at the Dar Qamar or similar (BD)

Ouarzazate

At the intersection of the Dades and Draa Valley lies the relaxed Moroccan town of Ouarzazate. Surrounded by some unbelievably picturesque terrain, the town is characterised by the red-glowing kasbah at Ait Ben Haddou, the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, and the spectacular Sahara Desert with its rolling dunes, vast canyons and deep gorges. These exotic backdrops have served as the location for a slew of Hollywood movies which have turned this once sleepy town into Morocco’s version of Hollywood. The town is a popular stopover point for tourists on their way to the Sahara. Its palm-fringed boulevards are lined with grand palaces, bustling souks, old adobe buildings and film studios. It's an ideal location for hanging out at one of the many charming cafés, sampling some delicious local Moroccan cuisine and perhaps even spotting one of the many celebrities who frequent this fascinating North African city.

Day 8 - Taroudant

A busy day as we head west towards the coast. Tazenakht will be our first stop where you’ll be shown how to weave wool for Berber rugs, before we explore the vibrant bazaars. Next up is Taliouine, the ‘capital’ of the most expensive spice in the world: saffron. Learn all there is to know about this luxurious spice. Our tour continues to Taroudant and the Claudio Bravo museum. Numerous paths and corners invite you to discover sculptures and an abundance of exotic plants. The main body of the estate is separated into several wings and structures, connected to each other by courtyards and covered passages. These separated wings house lounges and rooms, as well as the private suites and the Bravo workshop.  A tour of the building is fascinating, with so many of the works and paintings are available to view (including some works by Bravo's friends such as Picasso), giving the impression that the artist has just left. In the pavilion located near an artificial lake, there are coffee and authentic Moroccan pastries available, while you relax in front of the breath-taking view of the snow-capped High Atlas that can be seen in the distance. At the other end of the estate are the stables, which still house 20 noble horses. Overnight at the Palais Claudio Bravo (B)

Taroudant
Once the capital of the Saadi Dynasty, Taroudant is set in southern Morocco’s lush Souss Valley, in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. The city is surrounded by red-clay walls similar to those that surround the capital, which have remained virtually intact since they were built in 1528. Within them lies a vibrant trading centre with both Arab and Berber cultural influences. Two markets are located on either side of the main square and provide excellent shopping opportunities, particularly for the town’s renowned handicrafts, including jewellery, carpets, leather and terracotta products.

Day 9 - Essaouira

Once on the road, our next stop is to the Domaine du Val d’Argan. Red, white, and rose wines are made here using the grapes grown in the lush vineyards that cover more than 1,500 hectares. The Val d’Argan and Orian Rouge labels are well known and the winery uses traditional wine-making methods coupled with modern equipment. Around 200,000 bottles of wine are stocked in the cellar at any given time. After our wine tour, we visit the town of Essaouira which is known for its spectacular beaches. The almost constant tropical trade winds have changed this city from a hardworking port into one of the world's greatest sites for water sports. Our visit includes the Kasbah, the ancient Medina, and the port.
Overnight at Riad Chbanate or similar (B)

Essaouira
Favourably situated on a vast sweeping bay on the southwest coast of Morocco, featuring long stretches of glorious, golden-sand beaches, the historical town of Essaouira is one of the country’s premier tourist attractions. The town is set against a picturesque backdrop of lush, wooded hills and a patchwork of small fields, spread with a kaleidoscope of colourful wildflowers in springtime. Known for its bustling fishing harbour, quaint white and blue houses, and its lovely, souk-filled medina, there is plenty to keep you blissfully engaged in this popular seaside town. The strong Atlantic wind provides perfect conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Despite its popularity, the town has managed to retain its old-world charm and is an ideal place to embrace the laid-back lifestyle of the locals and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Day 10 - Essaouira

Today you have time to discover the city at your own leisure. Alternatively, you may want ot just relax and enjoy the beach and watch the kite surfers.

Overnight at Riad Chbanate or similar (B)

Day 11 - Marrakesh

Today we are on our way to Marrakech. We will discover Le Jardin Secret which has opened its doors to the public for the first time in its history. The origins of the complex date back to the Saadian Dynasty, more than four hundred years ago. Rebuilt in the mid-Nineteenth century at the behest of an influential kaid of the Atlas Mountains, Le Jardin Secret has been the home of some of Morocco and Marrakech’s most important political figures. Today you are able to fully appreciate it, thanks to the recent renovation; Le Jardin Secret is part of the great tradition of stately Arab-Andalusian and Moroccan palaces. As a result, visitors can discover its gardens and buildings, which are outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture. We transfer to the hotel, check in, and overnight.

Overnight at the Riad & Spa Bahia Salam (B)

Marrakesh
Situated to the north of the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and fringing the famed Sahara, the bustling UNESCO-listed city of Marrakesh is an enchanting travel destination. Marrakesh is also home to the largest traditional Berber market in Morocco and one of the busiest squares in the world, known as Djemaa el Fna. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this square in the evening as it transforms into an enormous, open-air restaurant, and browse through exquisite carpets, spices and a myriad of other items. Art, design and architecture enthusiasts flock to the city to see its incredible artisan achievements, so beautifully expressed at the glorious Bahia Palace, Dar Si Said and Saadian Tombs, as well as at several museums. The other-worldly Jardin Majorelle is also unmissable.

Day 12 - Marrakesh

A tour of the Majorelle garden, Yves Saint Laurent & La Menara Gardens. This is a park of about 100 hectares, full of the most varied tree species, in the centre of which stands a huge water reservoir and a hydraulic system designed to collect water from the thaw of the Atlas. In the days of the Almohad dynasty (12th century), the gardens were destined for the romantic meetings of the sultans of Marrakech. We will also visit the Dar Si Said Museum and the Bahia Palace, one of the masterpieces of Moroccan architecture. Then we visit Medina, with its old markets - the souks, which sell gold, silver, furniture, silks, tapestries, handicrafts, and all the spices that invade our senses. Finally, in the heart of the city, we enter the famous Djamae El Fná Square, a place where everything happens at any time of the day or night. At nightfall, the square fills with musicians, magicians, healers, snake charmers, storytellers, jugglers, dentists, animal taming, and more, all offering the visitor a unique show. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell dinner at a locals favourite.

Day 13 – Goodbye Morocco

Today marks the end of your Authentic Morocco tour. You take home a big smile and a lifetime of memories that much is certain. At a suitable time, you will be transferred back to the airport to board your flight. (B)