1 888 370 6765
My Odyssey
1 888 370 6765
Odysseys Unlimited
Open mobile menu

Moroccan Discovery

From the Imperial Cities to the Sahara

From $5,979
total price from Boston, New York,
$5,295 air & land inclusive plus $684 airline taxes and fees
Tour Days
14 days
Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

This land of dramatic contrasts invites us to encounter its ancient ruins and sacred mosques, endless desert and storied mountains, imposing kasbahs and spirited souks. As we travel from the imperial cities of Rabat, Fez, and Marrakech to the High Atlas and vast Sahara, we open our eyes, and hearts, to a truly foreign land, an age-old culture, and genuinely hospitable people.

Tour Details

Moroccan Discovery

From the Imperial Cities to the Sahara

From $5,979

total price from Boston, New York,
$5,295 air & land inclusive plus $684 airline taxes and fees

Tour Days
14 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Physical Activity Level:

Tour Days
14 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

This land of dramatic contrasts invites us to encounter its ancient ruins and sacred mosques, endless desert and storied mountains, imposing kasbahs and spirited souks. As we travel from the imperial cities of Rabat, Fez, and Marrakech to the High Atlas and vast Sahara, we open our eyes, and hearts, to a truly foreign land, an age-old culture, and genuinely hospitable people.

Your Tour at a Glance

Click on this icon in the Dates and Prices section below to view the hotel summary for selected departure date

Ratings are based on the Hotel & Travel Index, the travel industry standard reference

Day
Day
Itinerary
Hotel
Rating
1
1
Depart U.S. for Casablanca
2-3
2-3
Rabat
Superior First Class
4-6
4-6
Fez
Deluxe
7-8
9
9
Ouarzazate
Superior First Class
10-12
10-12
Marrakech
Deluxe
13
13
Casablanca
Deluxe
14
14
Depart Casablanca for U.S.

Small Group Highlights

  • Private Sahara sunset excursion and camel ride on the dunes
  • Visits to five UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Ancient ruins of Volubilis
  • Scenic “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs”
  • Dramatic Todra Gorge and Atlas Mountain scenery
  • Kasbah of Ait ben-Haddou
  • Fez touring
  • Marrakech’s medina and Djemaa el Fna Square
  • Storied Casablanca and Hassan II mosque
  • Outstanding accommodations

Day-by-Day Itinerary

B
= Breakfast Included
L
= Lunch Included
D
= Dinner Included
1
Depart U.S. for Casablanca, Morocco
Depart U.S. for Casablanca, Morocco
2
Arrive Casablanca/Rabat
D
D
Arrive Casablanca/Rabat

Upon arrival this afternoon in Casablanca, the commercial center of Morocco, we transfer by coach to Rabat and our hotel located near famed Hassan Tower. We have time to relax and refresh before dinner tonight at the hotel.

Upon arrival this afternoon in Casablanca, the commercial center of Morocco, we transfer by coach to Rabat and our hotel located near famed Hassan Tower. We have time to relax and refresh before dinner tonight at the hotel.

3
Rabat
B
L
D
B
L
D
Rabat

One of Morocco’s four ancient capitals, or imperial cities, Rabat is again the ­country’s capital, at once historic and contemporary, as we discover on today’s tour. We visit the necropolis of Chellah, built on ancient Roman ruins, and the Mohammed VI contemporary art museum then have lunch in a private home. On tap this afternoon: the 12th-century Kasbah of the Oudaias, the peaceful Andalusian Gardens, and Rabat’s medina, a UNESCO site. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner of traditional Moroccan fare at the acclaimed Dinarjat in Rabat’s Old Town.

One of Morocco’s four ancient capitals, or imperial cities, Rabat is again the ­country’s capital, at once historic and contemporary, as we discover on today’s tour. We visit the necropolis of Chellah, built on ancient Roman ruins, and the Mohammed VI contemporary art museum then have lunch in a private home. On tap this afternoon: the 12th-century Kasbah of the Oudaias, the peaceful Andalusian Gardens, and Rabat’s medina, a UNESCO site. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner of traditional Moroccan fare at the acclaimed Dinarjat in Rabat’s Old Town.

4
Rabat/Meknes/Volubilis/Fez
B
L
D
B
L
D
Rabat/Meknes/Volubilis/Fez

This ­morning we depart Rabat for Fez, stopping along the way in Meknes, Morocco’s youngest imperial city (and UNESCO World Heritage site). Here we visit the Dar Jamai Museum, housing a collection of traditional Moroccan ceramics, jewelry, textiles, metalwork, and cedarwood crafts. Then we continue on to the ancient Roman ruins at the UNESCO site of Volubilis, known for its intricate and colorful mosaics. Late this afternoon we reach Fez and our elegant hotel overlooking the medina.

This ­morning we depart Rabat for Fez, stopping along the way in Meknes, Morocco’s youngest imperial city (and UNESCO World Heritage site). Here we visit the Dar Jamai Museum, housing a collection of traditional Moroccan ceramics, jewelry, textiles, metalwork, and cedarwood crafts. Then we continue on to the ancient Roman ruins at the UNESCO site of Volubilis, known for its intricate and colorful mosaics. Late this afternoon we reach Fez and our elegant hotel overlooking the medina.

5
Fez
B
L
D
B
L
D
Fez

Today we explore Morocco’s oldest imperial city, considered the “Athens of Africa” for its wealth of cultural, educational, and religious institutions. We begin with a comfortable walk through the Fez medina, where we see some hidden treasures, including the Blue Gate, the most picturesque of the Old City’s historic gates; the medieval school of Bouanania; the 12th-century home of Jewish scholar Maimonides; and the authentic food market. We also visit the traditional quarter where we watch artisans craft the acclaimed Fez pottery and ceramics. After lunch together in the medina, we tour the old Mellah (Jewish quarter), its 17th-century synagogue, and the royal gates.

Today we explore Morocco’s oldest imperial city, considered the “Athens of Africa” for its wealth of cultural, educational, and religious institutions. We begin with a comfortable walk through the Fez medina, where we see some hidden treasures, including the Blue Gate, the most picturesque of the Old City’s historic gates; the medieval school of Bouanania; the 12th-century home of Jewish scholar Maimonides; and the authentic food market. We also visit the traditional quarter where we watch artisans craft the acclaimed Fez pottery and ceramics. After lunch together in the medina, we tour the old Mellah (Jewish quarter), its 17th-century synagogue, and the royal gates.

6
Fez
B
D
B
D
Fez

We begin today with a visit to the Al-Attarine Madrasa, whose highlight is a small courtyard showcasing intricately detailed tilework and carving decorations dating to the early 1300s. We then continue our discovery on a walking tour of the medina, focusing on the artisans’ quarters, the 14th-century Koranic schools, and Al Karaouine, the medieval theological university. The remainder of the afternoon is free for independent exploration and lunch on our own. Tonight, we enjoy a private dinner at an intimate family-run riad in Fez.

We begin today with a visit to the Al-Attarine Madrasa, whose highlight is a small courtyard showcasing intricately detailed tilework and carving decorations dating to the early 1300s. We then continue our discovery on a walking tour of the medina, focusing on the artisans’ quarters, the 14th-century Koranic schools, and Al Karaouine, the medieval theological university. The remainder of the afternoon is free for independent exploration and lunch on our own. Tonight, we enjoy a private dinner at an intimate family-run riad in Fez.

7
Fez/Midelt/Erfoud
B
L
D
B
L
D
Fez/Midelt/Erfoud

Traveling inland today, we cross the fertile plains beyond Fez and continue through the Middle Atlas mountain range. We stop in the small town of Midelt for lunch. Continuing on we cross the Ziz River, passing rows of sky-scraping palm trees and fortified villages before reaching our kasbah-style hotel in Erfoud late in the day. Dinner tonight is at our hotel.

Traveling inland today, we cross the fertile plains beyond Fez and continue through the Middle Atlas mountain range. We stop in the small town of Midelt for lunch. Continuing on we cross the Ziz River, passing rows of sky-scraping palm trees and fortified villages before reaching our kasbah-style hotel in Erfoud late in the day. Dinner tonight is at our hotel.

8
Erfoud/Rissani/Merzouga
B
L
D
B
L
D
Erfoud/Rissani/Merzouga

This morning we visit the city of Rissani, with its 18th-century ksar, a virtually impenetrable warren of alleys. We enjoy a tour highlight this afternoon as we set out on a sunset excursion to the breathtakingly beautiful sand dunes at Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara. In the enormous silence we watch the sun set over the desert as we take a camel ride along the erg. Following this experience, we’ll have dinner together in this desert setting before returning to our hotel tonight.

This morning we visit the city of Rissani, with its 18th-century ksar, a virtually impenetrable warren of alleys. We enjoy a tour highlight this afternoon as we set out on a sunset excursion to the breathtakingly beautiful sand dunes at Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara. In the enormous silence we watch the sun set over the desert as we take a camel ride along the erg. Following this experience, we’ll have dinner together in this desert setting before returning to our hotel tonight.

9
Erfoud/Tinehir/Todra Gorge/Ouarzazate
B
L
D
B
L
D
Erfoud/Tinehir/Todra Gorge/Ouarzazate

Our destination today is in the snow-topped High Atlas. The day features one beautiful scene after another, including the village of Tinehir, a stunning mountain oasis rising on a series of riverside terraces lush with palm trees; and the spectacular 984-foot Todra Gorge, home to a variety of rare bird and plant species. Following lunch here we visit El Kelaa des Mgouna, known for its roses, then set out on the fabled “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs” ancient caravan route, a region of fortresses with elaborately decorated façades. Late afternoon we reach the town of Ouarzazate (the “door of the desert”) where we spend the night.

Our destination today is in the snow-topped High Atlas. The day features one beautiful scene after another, including the village of Tinehir, a stunning mountain oasis rising on a series of riverside terraces lush with palm trees; and the spectacular 984-foot Todra Gorge, home to a variety of rare bird and plant species. Following lunch here we visit El Kelaa des Mgouna, known for its roses, then set out on the fabled “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs” ancient caravan route, a region of fortresses with elaborately decorated façades. Late afternoon we reach the town of Ouarzazate (the “door of the desert”) where we spend the night.

10
Ouarzazate/Ait ben-Haddou/Marrakech
B
L
D
B
L
D
Ouarzazate/Ait ben-Haddou/Marrakech

En route to Marrakech today, we stop first at uninhab­ited Ait ben-Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of southern Morocco’s most scenic villages that is often used as a location for fashion and film shoots. Its old section consists of deep red kasbahs packed together so tightly they appear to be a single unit. Then as we begin our descent from the High Atlas, we pass through typical villages with fortified walls and stone houses with earthen roofs. In Tizi N’Tichka, we traverse the Pass of the Pastures (alt. 7,415 feet), where life is much as it was centuries ago: shepherds bring their flocks to the high pastures every summer, then return with them to their villages in autumn. We arrive in Marrakech late this afternoon and dine tonight at our hotel.

En route to Marrakech today, we stop first at uninhab­ited Ait ben-Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of southern Morocco’s most scenic villages that is often used as a location for fashion and film shoots. Its old section consists of deep red kasbahs packed together so tightly they appear to be a single unit. Then as we begin our descent from the High Atlas, we pass through typical villages with fortified walls and stone houses with earthen roofs. In Tizi N’Tichka, we traverse the Pass of the Pastures (alt. 7,415 feet), where life is much as it was centuries ago: shepherds bring their flocks to the high pastures every summer, then return with them to their villages in autumn. We arrive in Marrakech late this afternoon and dine tonight at our hotel.

11
Marrakech
B
L
B
L
Marrakech

Once the capital of southern Morocco, the imperial city of Marrakech is an alluring oasis with a temperate climate, distinct charm, and fascinating sights. This morning we travel by horse-drawn carriage from Menara Park to Majorelle Gardens, a private botanical garden with some 15 species of birds native to North Africa and known for its cobalt blue accents. Following a tour of the gardens we visit the nearby Yves St. Laurent Museum, housing a vast collection of the designer’s haute couture and design works. After lunch at our hotel, mid-afternoon we embark on a walking tour of the medina, ending at Djemaa el Fna Squ are, a UNESCO site and the heart of Marrakech, crowded with snake charmers, entertainers, story tellers, musicians, barbers, and sellers of fruit, water, and spices. Dinner tonight is on our own in this exotic city.

Once the capital of southern Morocco, the imperial city of Marrakech is an alluring oasis with a temperate climate, distinct charm, and fascinating sights. This morning we travel by horse-drawn carriage from Menara Park to Majorelle Gardens, a private botanical garden with some 15 species of birds native to North Africa and known for its cobalt blue accents. Following a tour of the gardens we visit the nearby Yves St. Laurent Museum, housing a vast collection of the designer’s haute couture and design works. After lunch at our hotel, mid-afternoon we embark on a walking tour of the medina, ending at Djemaa el Fna Squ are, a UNESCO site and the heart of Marrakech, crowded with snake charmers, entertainers, story tellers, musicians, barbers, and sellers of fruit, water, and spices. Dinner tonight is on our own in this exotic city.

12
Marrakech
B
D
B
D
Marrakech

Our day-long tour includes the beautifully proportioned Koutoubia Mosque with its distinctive 282-foot minaret visible from miles away; Dar El Bacha Museum, a landmark 18th-century
palace housing a prized collection of Moroccan crafts and artifacts; and the recently restored 16th-century Madrasa Ben Youseff in the heart of the medina, known especially for its splendid architecture. On the way back to the hotel, we stop to see the oldest historical gate of Marrakech, Bab Agnaou, built in the 12th century. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant in the city’s Old Town.

Our day-long tour includes the beautifully proportioned Koutoubia Mosque with its distinctive 282-foot minaret visible from miles away; Dar El Bacha Museum, a landmark 18th-century
palace housing a prized collection of Moroccan crafts and artifacts; and the recently restored 16th-century Madrasa Ben Youseff in the heart of the medina, known especially for its splendid architecture. On the way back to the hotel, we stop to see the oldest historical gate of Marrakech, Bab Agnaou, built in the 12th century. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant in the city’s Old Town.

13
Marrakech/Casablanca
B
D
B
D
Marrakech/Casablanca

We leave Marra­kech this morning by coach for storied Casablanca, Morocco’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. After a brief orientation tour of the city, we visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, Morocco’s only functioning mosque open to non-Muslims. Sitting on the Atlantic shoreline, the mosque boasts a prayer hall the size of London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. Tonight we celebrate our Moroccan adventure at a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

We leave Marra­kech this morning by coach for storied Casablanca, Morocco’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. After a brief orientation tour of the city, we visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, Morocco’s only functioning mosque open to non-Muslims. Sitting on the Atlantic shoreline, the mosque boasts a prayer hall the size of London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral. Tonight we celebrate our Moroccan adventure at a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

14
Depart for U.S.
B
B
Depart for U.S.

After breakfast this morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.

After breakfast this morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.

Tour Price Includes

  • Round-trip air transportation from listed cities
  • 12 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe, Superior First Class, and First Class hotels
  • 31 meals: 12 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 11 dinners
  • Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
  • Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
  • Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
  • Luggage handling for one bag per person
  • Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
  • $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)

Average Daily High by Month (°F )

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Sep Oct Nov Dec
Rabat 65 65 68 71 74 77 77 70 65
Marrakech 64 68 74 79 84 89 81 73 66

Average Temperature (°F )

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Sep Oct Nov Dec
Rabat 65 65 68 71 74 77 77 70 65
Marrakech 64 68 74 79 84 89 81 73 66

Dates & Prices

Please wait while we retrieve this information.

Tour Directors

Anouar Serhane

“There was not a question he could not answer, his manner and sense of humor was great, and his knowledge of history, geography, and culture allowed him to paint a clear, rich picture of Morocco.”

Albert & Kathleen Andry
San Antonio, TX

Nabil Ezzaouaoui

"It was a pleasure to be led by Nabil… He handled all 24 tour members with utmost professionalism. Nabil is an excellent ambassador for Morocco and a credit to Odysseys Unlimited."

Trudy Burr
Bethesda, MD

Fattah Bouchekhbat

"Fattah was exceptional… His fine language skills, true enjoyment of his group, his sense of humor, his organizational skills, his calm demeanor all contributed to the quality of our visit."

Carol Silverstein
New York, NY

Mustapha Ait Malek

“Mustapha’s people skills, knowledge of his country’s history, and love for the work he does combined to make this tour experience truly exceptional.”

Harry & Beth Redd
Rockville, MD

Mohamed Dahouas

"Mohamed was wonderful – able to fix problems quietly and calmly. He was always gracious and super attentive. Nothing escaped his notice. "

Charlie & Kathy Blackman
Seattle, WA

Seddik Aassim

"Seddik's vast knowledge of his country and Islam provided us with an excellent educational experience."

Dick & Marlyn Sinclair
Destin, FL

Hassan Rakmi

“Hassan, in every way, was by far the best tour director we have ever had… His love for his country, his knowledge, and attentiveness to everyone on the tour could not have been better.”

Elizabeth O’Brien
Marlborough, CT

Salah Eddine

“Salah is thoughtful, kind, and friendly with a good sense of humor. He watched over all of us, was flexible, and his attention to detail was second to none.”

Dennis & Lenita Firth
Mill Creek, WA

Tour Directors

Hassan Rakmi

“Hassan, in every way, was by far the best tour director we have ever had… His love for his country, his knowledge, and attentiveness to everyone on the tour could not have been better.”

Elizabeth O’Brien
Marlborough, CT

Anouar Serhane

“There was not a question he could not answer, his manner and sense of humor was great, and his knowledge of history, geography, and culture allowed him to paint a clear, rich picture of Morocco.”

Albert & Kathleen Andry
San Antonio, TX

Salah Eddine

“Salah is thoughtful, kind, and friendly with a good sense of humor. He watched over all of us, was flexible, and his attention to detail was second to none.”

Dennis & Lenita Firth
Mill Creek, WA

Fattah Bouchekhbat

"Fattah was exceptional… His fine language skills, true enjoyment of his group, his sense of humor, his organizational skills, his calm demeanor all contributed to the quality of our visit."

Carol Silverstein
New York, NY

Mohamed Dahouas

"Mohamed was wonderful – able to fix problems quietly and calmly. He was always gracious and super attentive. Nothing escaped his notice. "

Charlie & Kathy Blackman
Seattle, WA

Mustapha Ait Malek

“Mustapha’s people skills, knowledge of his country’s history, and love for the work he does combined to make this tour experience truly exceptional.”

Harry & Beth Redd
Rockville, MD

Nabil Ezzaouaoui

"It was a pleasure to be led by Nabil… He handled all 24 tour members with utmost professionalism. Nabil is an excellent ambassador for Morocco and a credit to Odysseys Unlimited."

Trudy Burr
Bethesda, MD

Seddik Aassim

"Seddik's vast knowledge of his country and Islam provided us with an excellent educational experience."

Dick & Marlyn Sinclair
Destin, FL

Destination Insights

Exploring...

Recommended Books & Films

Exploring...

Guest Photos & Testimonials

There were so many highlights of this tour, but the most memorable was the camel ride in the desert! The many dinners and places we dined were another highlight. Odysseys will be my first choice to travel with again.
Dr. Terry & Glenda Waldman
Bellaire, TX
Loved seeing as much of Morocco as we did. Had we planned this trip on our own, we would never have seen so much and such a variety of landscapes.
Jill Fuller
Gloucester, MA
Wow! What an amazing trip. We feel that we got an expansive tour of Morocco.
Judy & William Eschleman
Liberty Twp, OH
There were so many highlights of this tour, but the most memorable was the camel ride in the desert! The many dinners and places we dined were another highlight. Odysseys will be my first choice to travel with again.
Dr. Terry & Glenda Waldman
Bellaire, TX
Loved seeing as much of Morocco as we did. Had we planned this trip on our own, we would never have seen so much and such a variety of landscapes.
Jill Fuller
Gloucester, MA
Wow! What an amazing trip. We feel that we got an expansive tour of Morocco.
Judy & William Eschleman
Liberty Twp, OH
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

Share your great adventures with us on social media. Tag your pictures with #myodyssey and they may be featured on our website!

Continue
Back to Top
crosschevron-down icon-angle icon-bars icon-times