MOROCCO: Boutique Small Group Cultural, Foodie & Textile Tour - 19 days

Destination:  Morocco - | Rabat |Chefchaouen |Meknes |Fes |Midelt |Erg Chebbi Desert |Boumaine Dades | Zagora | Alt Ben Haddou | Marrakesh | Essaouita | Casablanca

Tour Commences In:  Casablanca

Tour Concludes in:  Casablanca

Number of Days:  19 days / 18 nights

Tour Style:  Private Escorted Small Group Tour (groups, couples & solo travellers)

Accommodation:  Boutique Hotels & ‘Glamping’

Meals:  Breakfast; 18: Lunches; 9: Dinners; 11:

Leaders: Professional locals guide(s)

Transportation:  Private chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles

Tour Grading:  MODERATE: Suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility

• A specially curated itinerary for Boutique Tours & Travel

• Enjoy delicious Tajine dinner at a local restaurant

• Be in awe of Hassan 2 mosque it is actually unique in its architecture and size.

• Visit the scala ramparts and what remains of the Portuguese Fortress

• Indulge in a drink at Rick's café; you’ll think you’re in ‘the movie’

• Wander the imperial city of Rabat, the capital of Morocco and where old meets new

• Visit the picturesque historical Kasbah des oudaias

• View traditional arts and crafts at the fabulous National Craft Museum

• Enjoy a gourmet couscous lunch at a local restaurant 

• Meander through the truly beautiful and quaint blue city of Chefchaouen on our guided tour 

• Taste delicious Northern specialities at a local farm

• Admire some of the world’s best mosaic tiles here on our guided tour of the Volubilis ruins

• A special treat; wine tasting at a 100-year-old vineyard in Meknes

• Explore Meknes on our guided tour including wonderful remnants of its imperial past

• Visit Moulay Ismail mausoleum and be impressed with its Islamic architecture, intricate details

• You’ll love our Pastilla dinner this evening

• Embrace the imperial city of Fez, the cultural capital with vibrant souks and old-world charm

• Discover the beautiful Mederssa Attarine & Foundouk Nejjarine entrance, a masterpiece of design

• Enjoy a foodie moment with olives, pickles, preserved lemon and harissa making

• Be impressed by the different elements of the brass etching tradition of Fez

• Immerse yourself in a wonderful cultural experience bread making at the ruined garden

• Visit the wonderful Berber villages of Sefrou & Bhalil 

• Taste tea with local family in Bhalil caves 

• Taste a  favourite, a delicious Mechoui dinner

• Be in awe with a sunset camel ride – into the desert.

• Indulge in luxury glamping at desert camp – Sahara Desert

• Visit the Kasbah Myriam 

• Taste Medfouna which is a traditional Moroccan dish

• Experience the excellent fossil museum at Erfoud

• Visit of Khamlia, the southern gateway to the Sahara

• Be captivated with the Todgha Gorges, a series of limestone river canyons, 

• Share a special lunch with local family in the Gorges

• Be in awe at the amazing UNESCO Ait Ben Hadou Kasbah 

• Mingle with the wonderful artisans at a carpet-weaving cooperative and admire their works

• Wander Majorelle Garden, the beautiful botanical gardens of Marrakech

• Be intrigued at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, dedicated to the fashion designer YSL

• Immerse yourself in a cooking class Amal Association: A non-profit woman’s Association

• Venture on a magical food tasting trail in Marrakech

• Stroll the Medina's souks, a maze of all sorts of stalls and soak up the atmosphere

• Discover Bahia Palace entrance as it is one of the most beautiful attractions in Marrakech

• Visit the Boucharouite Museum which supports Popular Art

• Enjoy tranquillity in the 400 year old Le Jardin Secret garden

• Visit Argan cooperative, their projects encourage environmental and the sustainable development

•  with local Berber families in the Atlas mountains

• Experience a Festive Dinner and taste true Moroccan cuisine

• Wine tasting at a Chateauneuf-du-Pape influenced winery

• A MUST; indulge in a Traditional Hammam & Massage 

• A foodies delight, a magnificent culinary scene at a seafood market

• Dinner this is evening is a wonderful fine dining experience. A great finale.

Day 1:    Wednesday:    Arrive Casablanca:    (D)
Ahlan wa Sahlan & welcome To Morocco!  Upon arrival at Casablanca Airport, you will be met by your tour host and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have free time to explore Casablanca. This afternoon we visit the most impressive sites in Casablanca – the Iconic edifice of the Mosque of Hassan II. Opened in 1993 after 7 Years on construction work of dozens of Moroccan architects and thousands of workers from all over the kingdom. This mosque has the tallest Minaret on the entire planet and is the 3rd largest Mosque in the world, the huge building is part on land and part on sea and in one area water can be seen through a glass floor. It is one of the only religious sites open to non-MuslimsLater, at a time suitable for all guests, we will rendezvous at the Hotel lobby for a tour briefing before departing for drinks at the iconic Rick’s bar (Remember “Casablanca” with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman) and then onto our ‘Welcome Dinner’ a local restaurant.  You may wish to arrive a day earlier to shop or maybe just to get your bearings and recover from any jet lag you may have. If you do choose to arrive early, we can extend your hotel bookings and provide any information or advice you may need in order to make the most of your time and get yourself familiar with the exciting city.

Day 2:    Thursday:    Casablanca – Rabat:    (B)
This morning we visit the Scala ramparts and visit some of the major squares in Casablanca before leaving Casablanca and heading to the capital of Morocco, the city of Rabat.

Day 3:    Friday:    Rabat – Chefchaouen:    (B/L/D)
Following breakfast, we explore the lovely walled quarter of Rabat known as the Kasbah des Oudaias and where the National craft museum is. There’s jewellery, pottery, musical instruments, artifacts and many other traditional arts and crafts are displayed here. Later enjoy a delicious couscous lunch at a local restaurant before we head north to the blue pearl of Morocco, Chefchaouen.

Day 4:    Saturday:    Chefchaouen:    (B/L)
We meander through the Morocco’s fabulous blue city, Chefchaouen, it is a beautiful town with its hue of blue walls between the majestic Rif mountains overlooking the character filled town. We explore the souks where locals display their homemade goat cheese which is considered the town 's signature speciality. The kasbah which is a heavily restored walled fortress, now contains a pretty garden We pass by the plaza Uta el hammam which is lined with cafes and restaurants, all serving similar fare. Later we head to a small organic farm where we taste some local Rifain (in relation to the Rif mountains) specialities like goat cheese and olives, a local soup called bayssar, rabbit tagine, seasonal grilled veggies with beef brochettes (skewers), freshly picked fruits and delicious Moroccan pastries that are served with Chamali mint tea. Chefchaouen's cuisine, just like most of the northern cities of Morocco is heavily influenced by Spanish gastronomy and its Andalusian roots on this cultural & foodie experience.

Day 5:    Sunday:    Chefchaouen – Meknes:    (B/Tastings)
Today we leave the Rif mountains behind and head south to the wine capital of Morocco.First, we stop by the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, this ancient city was the capital of the kingdom of Mauretania during the Roman empire and was founded in the 3rd century B.C. Extensive remains of these survive in the archaeological site, located in a fertile agricultural area. Although today all that remains are some ruins, some of the remaining structures and intricate mosaics have been preserved as a reminder of a city that once thrived. After exploring this Roman heritage head to the religious Mausoleum of Moulay idrissm which is an important pilgrimage site. The town has an interesting main square with shops selling incense, prayer beads and candles for the faithful, and the main street is full of restaurants and cafés for watching the passing parade.We continue our drive to Meknes and visit a vineyard that produces exclusive Moroccan wine, it covers 115 hectares in Meknes. Lined with cypresses and olive trees, the vine plunges its roots into a thousand-year-old terroir that gives its fruit a unique signature. We have the opportunity to taste 5 types of wine, enjoy some freshly made pure olive oil that is also produced on the farm and with local goat cheese to accompany your tasty wine and loads of olives and bread. Onto Meknes where this evening is yours free to relax, dine and or shop.

Day 6:    Monday:    Meknes – Fes:    (B/D)
This morning we explore Meknes which is known as the Moroccan Versailles; founded at the end of the 17th century by Moulay Ismail. The sightseeing of Meknes includes Bab Mansour, the most preserved gate in Morocco, Hari Souani and the old medina including the Jewish neighbourhood. We also visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail the 18th century’s Mausoleum is known to be the resting place of the most famous sultans of the country. The Mausoleum is best described as a spiritual and peaceful place and is believed to bring blessings to its visitors. We later drive to the spiritual capital of Morocco, the city of Fes where you will be spending the next 3 nights at the heart of its epic Medina.  Dinner this evening will be Fes's signature dish, the tasty savory & sweet chicken pastilla.

Day 7:    Tuesday:    Fes:    (B/D)
This morning we take a fabulous walking tour of the old city, known locally as Fes el Bali. It’s alive like a 1001 night’s tale and as you step back into the Middle Ages in the labyrinth of the Medina. Immerse yourself in a time warp and mingle with the local artisans in their leather and metal workshops, along with admiring the workmanship of ceramics, carpets and silks. After walking around this mystical site, we visit the Medersa Bou Inania founded in 1351 by a Merenid Sultan this Beautiful building is a living example of Merinid architecture, afterward, we visit the splendid Funduk Nejjarine, a charming 18th century inn. We also see the fabulous Fes tannery!In the afternoon we visit a riad cooking school. Where we will learn how to preserve lemons and pickled plums the way fassis do and enjoy a meal at the end of this experience. This evening is yours free to relax, dine and or shop.

Day 8:    Wednesday:    Fes:         (B/L)
This morning we have an opportunity to learn five different breads in a special cooking class, as well as how to hand-roll couscous. Once ready, we take the bread to the communal oven to be cooked. Enjoy lunch here of Fez specialties including the slow roasted lamb (Mechoui) and pigeon pastilla.Following lunch, we discover more about history & tradition and how they go hand in hand with skills that everyone is an artisan! In a brass etching workshop, accompanied by a local expert who will guide you through each step, and assist you in creating your own masterpiece. This evening is yours free to relax, dine and or shop.

Day 9:    Thursday:    Fes – Midelt:    (B/L/D)
Early this morning we depart Fez and drive south to the Middle Atlas Mountains. Our first stop will be the Bhalil Village that’s set on the side of a hill 6 km northwest of Sefrou. The village of Bhalil is a quiet town and here there are not too many tourists visiting this part of northern Morocco. This small village is notable for its unique cave houses and our own local guide will take us to his personal cave house and serve you mint tea. Bhalil is also known for its production of Jelleba Buttons. Village women can often be found in alleyways, chatting while they diligently work through hundreds of strings and buttons in the creation of traditional Jellaba, We continue on to the great desert of Morocco passing by mountains, villages & fertile lands, we stop along the way for pictures & lunch in Midelt. We visit a carpet and embroidery workshop run by Nuns who provide sustainable employment and education to local Berber women and it encourages small businesses run by women.The evening is at leisure at the hotel where you will get to relax and enjoy the local cuisine.

Day 10:    Friday:    Midelt – Erg Chebbi; Luxury Desert Camp:    (B/L/D). 
We drive south today but before we reach the golden desert we stop by the capital of the fossils, Erfoud. In the middle of a sprawling palm grove in Morocco's remote eastern desert, inhabitants of an oasis town watch over a rare and vanishing treasure. We visit the fossil museum that’s preserving many treasures from the region. Tables in fossil marble, sinks and basins, fountains, lamp stands, decorative objects and blocks of fossil stones… Lunch today is the south eastern specialty dish Medfouna.We continue our drive and later we arrive at Erg Chebbi which is set amongst the amazing undulating sand dunes and behold our luxury glamping tents in the Sahara Desert. Be in awe of the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes, changing with the light as the day progresses. Perhaps participate on a camel trek of these fabulous dunes. Later enjoy the sunset as you stop to take it all in. This evening, a tented restaurant offers a traditional 3 course meal and when night falls, the camp lights up with many lanterns and becomes alive with a campfire and music. 

Day 11:    Saturday:    Erg Chebbi –  Bourmaine Dades:    (B/L/D)
This morning, (all being well) experience one of the best sunrises over the spectacular dunes of the Sahara Desert.After breakfast we leave for Khamlia which is a small village in southern Merzouga. En route, you will appreciate the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes - changing with the light as the day progresses.The Khamlia’s Gnawa originated in black Africa having a close and long-standing relationship with the desert. We stop for tea and enjoy some live Gnawa music with very hospitable and kind people. Later we depart and head to the gorges of Todra the highest, narrowest gorges in Morocco. Here we will have lunch with a hospitable Berber family and enjoy amazing food, local music, and connect with your hosts and learn about their daily lives in this isolated part of the country. After lunch we continue onto the Dades Valley, where you’ll see the majestic sandcastles and the amazing rocks formations. We spend tonight at a local cosy hotel where you will also have an included dinner.

Day 12:    Sunday:    Bourmaine Dades – Zagora:    (B/D)
This morning we drive to the Draa valley and Zagora. On arrival well have lunch before joining a pottery workshop with locals of Tamegroute, a village where pottery is the main activity and the green glaze is a dominant colour in it. This workshop will give you the opportunity to get acquainted with the art of pottery here you are able to learn and participate working the clay in the traditional method, while being assisted by local "Maalems" or artisans. This will be a hands-on workshop as well as a cultural experience where you will learn about the region, its traditions and its people. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the beautiful kasbah.

Day 13:    Monday:    Zagora – Ait Benhaddou:    (B/D)
We continue our journey and bid farewell to the lush Dades Valley passing by many beautiful Berber villages on our way to Ait Ben Haddou. a UNESCO world heritage site. But before we arrive there, we stop by the famous artisanal village of Taznakht which is the home of the famous "tazenakht carpet" Here we meet the women inside a cooperative, weaving fabulous carpets that are sold world-wide. We have free time to stroll in the old village and through its charming alleys.  We drive onto Ait Ben Haddou and visit its epic Kasbah that’s been perched on a hilltop and almost unchanged since the 11th century. Ait Ben Haddou is one of Morocco's most iconic sites and its kasbah is one of the most gorgeous in Morocco and the fortified village is a fine example of clay architecture. The town has a long list of film and TV credits, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones and the Gladiator. 

Day 14:    Tuesday:    Ait Benhaddou - Marrakesh:    (B/L/T)
Today we travel the tiz'n tichka windy road pass towards the city of Marrakech a colourful melting pot where European modernity meets ancient vibes. Upon arrival, we will stop for lunch at the city centre then we will head to the wonderful Majorelle Gardens. These lush gardens are the vision of the global fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent as he made his 2nd home in Marrakech for many decades. There is also a small but must-see Berber Museum! After visiting the Majorelle Gardens, head next door to the Yves Saint- Laurent Museum, which honours the fashion icon’s love of Marrakech and builds upon the collections housed at the Majorelle Gardens.We then travel to our beautiful riad in the Medina with time to rest and relax with time to freshen up before joining the guide to go on another culinary adventure, this time in the heart of the colourful Marrakech Medina. Here, you will learn about culinary habits, history, culture and get to taste samples of Moroccan food as you go behind the scenes with your local expert who will provide an insight into Moroccan specialities at hidden stalls in the medina. With degustation’s of fresh olives, to stops by a neighbourhood oven (bakery) to taste some freshly cooked bread, then sit in a local café to try messmen (Moroccan pancakes) & sfenj ( Moroccan donuts) all with a sweet cup of mint tea then afterwards, you will head to the stalls to have a delicious roasted lamb. Last but not least, you will finish up with a spicy herbal drink called khoudenjal, some call it ‘Christmas & spice market’ in a cup before returning to your riad.

Day 15:    Wednesday:    Marrakesh:    (B/L)
Today we discover some of the fabulous history of Marrakesh. The beautiful Koutoubia mosque with its famous minaret; it is the prototype for others of its kind around the world, including La Giralda in Seville. Then onto the Royal Palace to the Ancient Kasbah. Admire the beauty of Moroccan architecture as we stroll by the Jewish Mellah streets before arriving at the Beautiful Bahia Palace. We amble the peaceful courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom and the many lounges and rooms that make up this architectural wonder. This gorgeous mansion was built in 1866. We visit Muséé Bouerwite which has a collection of handmade unique & ecological rugs made of scraps of fabrics transforming them into boucherouite rugs. Knotted on top of each other from which very colourful geometric and abstract patterns are born.We stop for lunch before continuing onto botanical garden of Le Jardin Secret that dates back more than 400 years to the Saadian dynasty and has been the home of some of Morocco and Marrakech’s most important political figures. Discover the gardens and buildings, they are outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture. After, we walk back through the narrow streets of the Medina through souks and spice Markets. When we arrive at Rahba square, the rest of the evening is free at your leisure.  

Day 16:    Thursday:    Marrakesh:    (B/L/D)
This morning we visit Amal Association, A non-profit organization empowering women through culinary skills. Together with a local master chef we learn how to make traditional Moroccan dishes such as tajines, couscous, or pastilla. We discover the key components of a Moroccan meal starting with how to prepare the famous Moroccan mint tea. Next, sample some tasty local bread and hear all about how to cook traditional Moroccan bread. From here, the hands-on portion of the course begins as you prepare salads and your main course. The class ends with a lunch where you enjoy your very own masterpieces!  The rest of the day is free for you to explore Marrakech further. This evening dinner is at one of Marrakech's best hotels.

Day 17:     Friday:    Marrakesh – Essaouira:    (B/L)
We depart Marrakesh this morning travelling west to the seaside city of Essaouira. En-route we stop at a local winery and participate in a tour, tasting and lunch. Considered to be the best in the country, this winemaker has won multiple awards for his vintages at the Chateauneuf du Pape. (Provence, France) We arrive at our hotel in the afternoon and once settled you have an option to enjoy an immersive moment, a traditional Moroccan experience which is ‘The Hammam’. A fabulous way to relax. They use the best organic ingredients used in Moroccan beauty regimens for centuries. You will walk out of this experience relaxed, fresh and with amazing glowing skin. (Not Included in tour)Later, join our orientation walk that will conclude with a cocktail on a rooftop overlooking the Medina and the beach.

Day 18:    Saturday:     Essaouira:    (B/D)
Later this morning we meet up with our tour guide to visit the port of Essaouira and enjoy a fabulous culinary scene of fresh seafood. This afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to spend your last afternoon in Morocco relaxing by the beach or doing some last-minute shoppingLater this evening, our farewell dinner is a wonderful fine dining experience. 

Day 19:    Sunday:    Depart Morocco:   (B)
Our small group tour concludes after breakfast and for most guests it is time to say farewell to acquaintances, new-found friends and Morocco.

At your leisure before transferring to the airport in Casablanca  (allow sufficient travel and check in time) for your onward or homebound journey.

• Exclusive curated private for Boutique Tours & Travel

• A small Group tour 8 - 12

• Private international airport arrival and departure transfers for all guests - Casablanca

• Hand selected  5 & 4/3 star modern and boutique hotel accommodation 

• Welcome tea at hotels

• Internet WIFI access where possible

• Meals as indicated in Itinerary; B = Breakfast:  L = Lunch:   D = Dinner: 

• Private services of a bilingual tour guide(s)

• Concierge / bell hop services throughout tour

• 24 hour on-call service

• Deluxe private air-conditioned vehicles for all our transportation

• Admission fees to all sightseeing excursions and activities as per itinerary

• Gratuities for guide & driver

• Room Sharing options for singles / solo travellers available  

Not Included:

• International airfares

• Arrival & Departure Taxes, levies or other charges

• Passport & Visa Fees

• City Taxes for hotels if required

• Personal Travel Insurance

• Excess baggage charges

• Cost of any ‘luggage delivery’. – via FedEx or postal services

• Late check-out at hotels

• Porterage and gratuities on your arrival at airport and hotel and in free time

• Extra gratuities to tour guides and drivers and others.

• Meals and Alcoholic beverages not included in the itinerary

• Expenditure of personal nature

• Optional activities not included in tour