Marrakech Trip Overview
The earthy scent of saffron, the kaleidoscope of coloured carpets, mountains, mosques, mayhem – this is Morocco. Let us guide you through the chaos of the medinas, bustling squares and sprawling palaces, getting you under the skin in ways you just couldn’t manage alone. From the magical mayhem of Marrakesh through to iconic Casablanca and Rabat, we’ll then head into the desert to stay with some Berber people and enjoy dinner in the royal tent.
Additional Info
* Duration: 10 days
* Starts: Marrakech, Morocco
* Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
The earthy scent of saffron, the kaleidoscope of coloured carpets, mountains, mosques, mayhem – this is Morocco. Let us guide you through the chaos of the medinas, bustling squares and sprawling palaces, getting you under the skin in ways you just couldn’t manage alone. From the magical mayhem of Marrakesh through to iconic Casablanca and Rabat, we’ll then head into the desert to stay with some Berber people and enjoy dinner in the royal tent.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Marrakesh
Stop At: Marrakech, Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi
It’s time to let our senses guide us as we arrive in the colourful city of Marrakesh. We’ll meet and greet our travel crew before spending the evening enjoying North African aromas and spices ahead of a full day exploring tomorrow.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Dinner: Included at the accommodation
Accommodation included: Hotel Almas (or similar)
Day 2: Marrakesh to Casablanca
Stop At: Marrakech, Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi
Known as Africa’s ‘capital of culture’, this place won’t disappoint. Today we’ll get to explore the sights and sounds of Marrakesh on a sightseeing tour and discover what this city is all about. You’ll be sure to discover the likes of Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadians Tomb, and Jamaa El Fna before heading north up to the coast.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Palacio da Bahia, 5 Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid, Marrakech 40000 Morocco
This morning take a guided local tour of Marrakesh and visit the Bahia Palace where your local guide will give you the history, the local stories and you will certainly get some epic Insta pics! This place really does live up to its name, ‘Palace of Brilliance’.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Casablanca, Casablanca, Casablanca-Settat
Welcome the Casablanca, the iconic city of Hollywood legend. This afternoon belongs to you, why not take a walk through the Moorish and European Art Deco architecture of this once French city or maybe you want to head to the beach and take a quick dip in the sea.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Prince de Paris (or similar)
Day 3: Casablanca to Chefchaouen via Rabat
Stop At: Hassan II Mosque, Blvd Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah, Casablanca 20450 Morocco
Today we’ll get to explore this elegant city, admiring the Moorish buildings including the opulent Hassan II mosque. We’ll also wander the cornice and soak up all of those coastal views.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Rabat, Rabat, Rabat-Sale-Kenitra
More astounding architectural sights are in store in Rabat, as we visit the Mohammed V Mausoleum, tour Hassan and see the gilded royal palace. Then it’s onto Chefchaouen…
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Chefchaouen, Chefchaouen, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
Enjoy a free night in the blue city of Chefchaouen, Morocco’s Santorini. Hang out at the pool and soak up the last few rays or head out to explore the main square.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Place Outa el Hammam & Kasbah, Avenue Hassan II, Chefchaouen 91000 Morocco
Take a stroll through town and wander among the insta-famous blue washed walls and mingle with the locals among the many cafes that line the main square
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Parador Hotel (or similar)
Day 4: Chefchaouen to Fez
Stop At: Chefchaouen, Chefchaouen, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima
Cameras at the ready: today we’ll explore Chefchaouen’s most iconic insta spot – the ‘Blue City’ – whilst also uncovering the likes of Place Outa Hamam, Kasbah, and the local markets with our local guide.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Ras El Maa Waterfall, East outside of Chefchaouen medina, Chefchaouen Morocco
Visit the Ras El Maa Waterfalls where the local women wash their clothes in the fresh mountain water.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Fes, Fes, Fes-Meknes
Once we’ve taken all the snaps we can, we’ll travel through the Rif mountains to the cultural capital of Fes where dinner and an authentic Moroccan Riad awaits. Your rooms tonight all come with terrace so you to watch the sunset over the mountains and city.
Duration: 8 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner: Included at the accommodation
Accommodation included: Riad Mounana (or similar)
Day 5: Fez
Stop At: Fes, Fes, Fes-Meknes
It’s time to soak up all that Fez has to offer! Today you’ll see the sights whilst also learning and thing or two about the art of making carpets, handicrafts and how to shop medina style.
Duration: 12 hours
Stop At: Royal Palace of Fez, Avenue Omar Ibnou Khattab, Fes 30004 Morocco
Locally Guided Tour, see the Royal Palace, the Medina & visit the cooperative of handmade carpets and the local markets.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Fes, Morocco
And if this day couldn’t get any better, you have the chance to add some Contiki Cares magic to your trip with an optional dinner with some locals in their homes, learn about Moroccan life and tuck into an authentic Moroccan feast. (Optional Experience – Not Included)
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Riad Mounana (or similar)
Day 6: Fez to Erfoud
Pass By: High Atlas Mountains, 40020 Morocco
Today we drive into the High Atlas Mountains, North Africa’s highest mountain range as we make our way over to Erfoud.
Stop At: Ifrane, Ifrane, Fes-Meknes
Expect to see some staggering peaks and breath-taking views, whilst making some pit stops in the gorgeous towns of Ifrane (Little Switzerland) and Midelet, sitting between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountains.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Erfoud, Erfoud, Meknes-Tafilalet Region
An oasis town situated in the mist of the Sahara Desert. A city famous for the number of movies that have been filmed there including The Mummy, Prince of Persia and Spectre to name a few. Take this time to relax around the pool and get ready for the adventure to follow tomorrow in this truly unique location.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: Lunch in Midelt, situated between the Mid and High Atlas.
• Dinner: Included at the accommodation
Accommodation included: Kasbah Tizimi Hotel (or similar)
Day 7: Erfoud to Merzouga
Stop At: Merzouga Desert, Merzouga Morocco
Buckle up because today we’re in for one hell of an adventure. Taking our 4x4s into the sweeping Merzouga Desert, we’ll be greeted by our Berber hosts with traditional drumming, chants and dancing.
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Merzouga Desert, Merzouga Morocco
Then it’s time to decide what adrenaline filled adventures take our fancy. Will we hit the golden sands on a sandboard, buggy car or quad bikes?
Duration: 4 hours
Stop At: Merzouga, Merzouga, Draa-Tafilalet
Watch the sunset into the desert, then we’ll be treated to a traditional Berber feast inside the royal tent, learning that amazing hospitality is at the heart of their culture, before settling in for the night in our luxury tents.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner: A traditional Berber Feast with music.
Accommodation included: Belle Etoile Desert Camp (or similar)
Day 8: Merzouga to Ouarzazate via Todra Gorge
Pass By: Merzouga, Merzouga, Draa-Tafilalet
We’re back on the road, and today it’s time to unleash your inner Gladiator.
Stop At: Gargantas del Todra, Tinerhir 45800 Morocco
After driving the the iconic 1000 kasbahs we’ll get to enjoy lunch in the beautiful oasis of Tinghir. Then we’ll make our final stop at Todra Gorge where you can have some free time or choose to hike up the gorge.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Ouarzazate, Ouarzazate, Draa-Tafilalet
Once you’re full and ready to go we will explore Ouarzazate – an iconic city you’ll recognise from films including Kingdom of Heaven and Gladiator. In the afternoon we’ll pit stop at a palm tree farm where you’ll get to witness date picking and learn about the production and also enjoy a spot of afternoon tea, Berber style.
Duration: 10 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner: Included at accommodation.
Accommodation included: Karam Palace Hotel (or similar)
Day 9: Ouarzazate to Marrakesh
Pass By: Marrakech, Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi
It’s the final full day and time to head back to Marrakech. But first we’ll enjoy some traditional treats, including stopping at a local traditional olive oil brewery cooperative to learn the different techniques and traditional ways of producing this fragrant delicacy – which helps to support the ladies of the cooperative and their families.
Stop At: Amal, El Attaouia, Morocco
We’ll also enjoy a cooking class at Ladies Cooperative Al Amal where guests will have the opportunity to pick bio vegetables and learn Moroccan cooking methods – yummy! (Contiki Cares).
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Marrakech, Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi
Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened – and we’re not done yet. During your free time why not head over to the captivating Musee Yves Saint Laurent and learn about the legendary French fashion designer and his creative work.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Jemaa el-Fna, Jamaâ El-Fna, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
If you want to end the final evening on a high, we’ll have the option to dine in Jamaa El-Fna Square, while local belly dancers offer the entertainment. It’s the perfect cultural feast to say goodbye. (Optional Experience – Not Included)
Duration: 3 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: Enjoy a cooking class a the Al Amal women’s cooperative in Marrakech where you will learn how to cook a Moroccan meal
Accommodation included: Hotel Almas (or similar)
Day 10: End Marrakech
Pass By: Marrakech, Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi
You’ve seen the sights, tasted the culinary delights and stocked up on all the Moroccan souvenirs – It’s been emotional! But all good things must come to an end. It’s time for all the hugs and most likely a few tears as we bid a farewell and start planning the next trip.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
