Morocco North and South: Mountain Villages and Ancient Kasbahs

Allow your imagination to run wild, dreaming of kasbahs, medinas, and exotic lands as you make your way from the airport to the hotel. A bustling seaport, Casablanca is a mix of old and new with a blend of architectural styles and yet singularly Moroccan. We welcome you to Morocco, and invite you to bring your imagination to life as you explore the country's diverse landscapes and delicious food. ...more ...less

Arrive to Casablanca at any time and transfer to your hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.

TRANSPORT: Sit back and scan the scenery during your included arrival transfer.

ACTIVITY: EVENING Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

See the landscapes change as you head north, past farmland and through small villages and watch for large stork nests on the tops of buildings and mosques. Fall in love at once with the charm of Chefchaouen as you arrive with picturesque alleyways and shades of blue in all directions.

Drive to Chefchaouen with a stop in Souk El Arbaa for lunch. Take a CEO-led orientation walk through Chefchaouen and enjoy a free evening to choose from one of the many great restaurants or join the CEO at their local favourite.

ACTIVITY: Begin your time in Chefchaouen with a CEO-led walk around the town and stroll through the mesmerizing streets where beauty seems to appear around every corner in a place adorned in shades of blue.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Let your interests and energy level guide you today as you have the choice of 2 fantastic and different hikes in the Rif Mountains. The range is known for its narrow valleys, rivers and waterfalls with incredible views and lush scenery. There are so many great hiking options and we've picked our two favourites for you to choose from, both of which allow you to experience local culture and dramatic views.

Choice of 2 different hikes, both including a delicious lunch. Return in the mid afternoon for some time to explore the "blue city" on your own. Later if you are up for it join your CEO for a walk up to the Spanish Mosque to see the sun set over Chefchaouen.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Spend a free afternoon on your own in Chefchaouen. Discover the Medina, wander the blue alleys, and try more specialties of the region at the local market, like goat cheese. Visit the Kasbah of Chefchaouen, a treasure trove of cultural heritage in Morocco. As the day begins to close opt to go with your CEO and watch the sun set from the Spanish Mosque.

ACTIVITY: Option 1: Lace up your hiking boots and trek through the Rif Mountains, passing small waterfalls on the way to the Spanish Mosque where there will be panoramic views of Chefchaouen. As you continue through the mountains you will pass plantations and will stop in at a local gîte for a delicious lunch. You will eat in the guest house owned by a family and will be served tea and a traditional meal. Option 2: Begin this hike from Akchour and head towards the grand waterfall. Trek through scenic landscapes of cedar forests, rugged gorges, cascading waterfalls, and see the inspiring "God's Bridge". This natural stone arch spans gracefully over the nearby river. The hike to the top of the falls will take about two hours. There will be a 30-minute break at the top and time to jump in for a swim if you'd like, then the final stretch to "God's Bridge." This is the spot where the group will have a picnic lunch. *Note that in the hot summer months this waterfall may be dry*

Morocco is a land of beautiful landscapes and today as you make your way from the Rif mountains to the plains of Fes you'll experience why. Pass through traditional villages and lush farmland, see rural life unfold as you prepare yourself for the next experience, ready to discover Roman ruins and Imperial cities.

Travel from Chefchaouen to Volubilis for a guided tour of the best Roman ruins in Morocco. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a G for Good project that supports a local women's project. Visit the Imperial city of Meknes then continue to Fes in the evening.

TRANSPORT: MORNING Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Listen to a certified local guide explain life in the Roman Empire at this UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the impressive, well-preserved Roman ruins. Peer into old bathhouses, marvel at the still-present mosaic floors, and gaze up at towering marble pillars. Hear stories about life in this Roman city that will leave you in awe of just how far their empire stretched.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Volubilis and Meknès with a stop at Planeterra project (AFER).

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a G Adventures-supported traditional lunch that benefits rural Moroccan women and children. This G Adventures lunch program provides access to education opportunities and healthcare services. The proceeds from this lunch program help support vocational training for rural women, allowing them to support their families and children. Enjoy a traditional home-cooked Moroccan meal and meet some of the women that are part of this program.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a guided visit of the Imperial City of Meknes. The least visited of the Imperial cities; Meknes has a unique feel to it. Visit the Bab Mansour historic landmark, and 18th-century Bab El Khmiss, the ornamental gate to the city. Wander the bustling souk to browse the vast array of clothes, spices, handicrafts, and of course food. The visit also includes stops at Dar Jamai: The National Museum of Music and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Walking through the maze-like medina in Fes is like stepping back in time. Brush shoulders with the locals going about their shopping as people here have done for the past thousand years. Make way for the occasional donkey and embrace the frenetic energy within the market, it is beautiful chaos like nothing you've ever experienced.

Experience the medina up close, your CEO will take you through the historic medina famous for its colourful tanneries, stay close by and see if you can remember your way as you are guided through the maze of streets. End the morning with a special lunch at a traditional riad. Later choose to spend more time in the Medina or return to the hotel to freshen up. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy.

ACTIVITY: Follow a local guide through the Fès medina, one of the world’s largest medinas with more than 9000 winding streets lying within 365 hectares. See buildings in the medina that date back to the 9th century; there are 350 mosques in the medina that are still in use today.Enter through one of the great gates into the chaos. Explore the artisans’ quarters as well as the many carpenters, bakers, butchers, and spice sellers. Visit the mausoleum and the Al Qarawiyin University.A highlight of the tour is the view of the famous Fès tannery from the balcony of a leather shop, where you can observe the men hard at work treating and dyeing the different hides. Take some time to shop for leather goods before returning to your hotel.

FREE TIME: EVENING Spend a free evening on your own in Fès.

ACTIVITY: Indulge in a delicious meal for lunch within the embrace of a charming Riad set within the ancient walls of the bustling Medina you just walked through.

Another day of gorgeous scenery is on the menu. Wind your way from the plains back into the Middle Atlas mountains, an area not often explored by tourists, here you find a very authentic Morocco. Stop at viewpoints, villages and to stretch the legs with photo opportunities around every corner. You'll be amazed at the beauty of the lake as you approach Bin El Ouidane and settle into the serene lakeside hotel in the evening.

Drive from Fes to Bin El Ouidane with a stop for a picnic lunch along the way as well as a visit to Ain Asserdoun. Take part in a sunset yoga class before dinner at the hotel.

ACTIVITY: During the drive to Bin El Ouidane stop with your CEO to gather some fresh produce, bread, and other treats for a picnic lunch with the group. Enjoy your meal, take in the stunning views, share a moment of togetherness. The group will also make a stop at hidden gem, Ain Asserdoun, a natural spring boasting crystal-clear, azure waters.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle en route to Bin El Ouidane with stops along the way.

ACTIVITY: Stretch those limbs after travelling all day and partake in a sunset yoga practice at Bin El Ouidane.

Immerse yourself into the natural and beautiful landscapes on a hike to a massive natural rock formation resembling a cathedral. Sculpted over eons by wind and water, this geological wonder showcases the Earth's history, with layers of sedimentary rock narrating tales of ancient seas and shifting continents. Take yourself even deeper into the culture with a delicious lunch in a family home.

Hike to Imsefrane Cathedral and have lunch with a local Berber family, learning how they make their traditional bread. In the evening, choose to set off in a kayak or in a rowboat to view sunset on the lake near the hotel.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Hike to Cathédrale Imsfrane and marvel at a natural environment resembling a cathedral carved by nature. There are towering rock formations sculpted through time by wind and water. It's the perfect hike to ponder the history of Earth and think of tales of ancient seas and shifting continents. Cathedral Imsefrane provides not only a physical challenge but also a chance to connect with nature's tranquility as you breathe in the desert air. The hike is considered moderate and the path to the top is rocky terrain.

ACTIVITY: Sit down for tea and lunch in the home of a hospitable Berber family. After eating, you will learn traditional bread-making techniques from members of the local family and build a stronger understanding of the culture through their culinary heritage.

ACTIVITY: After arriving at the hotel head out on the water by kayak or boat to enjoy the lake during sunset.

Another natural wonder awaits you at Ouzoud Waterfall on the way to the bustling city of Marrakech. Throw yourself into the city's ancient historical sector and the lively marketplace full of souvenirs, hopeful shopkeepers, and food stalls for you to practice your bargaining skills. Marrakech brims with energy, history and beautiful architecture and epitomizes Morocco's diversity in cultures, people and delicious food.

Drive to Marrakech with a stop at and short walk at the Ouzoud Waterfall. Take a guided walking tour through the city's historic medina and visit the Saadian Tombs. Enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at a local restaurant in the evening.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a city tour visiting the souk to seek out colourful spices, the Saadian Tombs – a complex of sepulchers and mausoleums that house the remains of Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Ed Dahb, and the grounds of Bahia Palace where you can marvel at the intricate decoration as you wander through the grand courtyard.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Travel to North Africa's highest multi-tiered waterfalls. At a height of 360ft (110m), the Ouzoud Falls are named after "the act of grinding grain" in Berber culture.

See the mix of the old and new as you spend a full free day in Marrakech. Pass modern buildings and ancient structures that begin to tell the story of this bustling city and embrace all of the new cultural traditions, landscapes and delicious food that await.

Enjoy a free day to explore the city, visiting sites like the Jardin Majorelle and Jardin Secret. This evening, delight in a flavourful Moroccan feast with your group.

ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Let a local guide show you the best of Marrekech. Head into the maze of tiny streets and alleyways of the ancient medina to really get a taste of everyday life in Marrakech. See the Koutoubia Minaret and head to a spice shop to discover an array of Moroccan spices.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a free day to soak in Marrakech on your own. Begin in the modern quarter, Gueliz and wander the Jardin Majorelle with its vibrant colours and lush greenery.

See the landscape change dramatically as you pull away from Marrakech, passing verdant green farmland and rocky desert outcroppings before crossing the Atlas mountains along a winding road. You arrive to Ouarzazate, considered to be at the crossroads of the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara desert, where the land becomes more stark as you approach the striking valley of the Dades Gorge.

Drive from Marrakech to the Dades Gorge via the Atlas mountains, stopping in Ouarzazate along the way for lunch and a chance to stretch your legs. Make your way to Dades and enjoy an afternoon walk through the gorge before dinner.

TRANSPORT: Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle from Marrakech to Dades with a stop along the way in Ouarzazate.

ACTIVITY: EVENING Traverse the winding Dades Gorge, taking in the dramatic landscape and rich colours of the mountains all around you. Listen to weird and wonderful facts about the fascinating geology of the area.

Keep the camera handy as you continue east to the sprawling expanse of the Sahara Desert wilderness. There is something magical about the sea of sand for as far as the eye can see, and particularly stunning at sunset. Reaching your comfortable desert camp by 4x4 and riding a camel up the dunes for sunset will be an unforgettable experience, and watching as the sky starts to glimmer with stars as you take it all in from around a campfire.

Drive to Merzouga with a stop in Arfoud for lunch and a brief visit. You arrive in Merzouga and continue by 4x4 to the desert camp. Climb a nearby sand dune riding on the back of a camel at sunset and enjoy a mint tea accompanied by melodies from bedouin musicians as you settle into the evening.

TRANSPORT: Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle from Dades Gorge to Merzouga with a stop along the way to the town of Arfoud.

ACTIVITY: Pause along the journey to Merzouga in the picturesque town of Arfoud. Often celebrated as the, "Fossil Capital of Morocco" there are plenty of cultural and natural wonders of the Sahara region to discover during your time here. Arfoud is nestled within the heart of Morocco's southeastern expanse and also boasts some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.

TRANSPORT: Take a 4x4 vehicle to reach our desert camp in Merzouga. Upon arrival, check in, then hold on and enjoy a ride on camel up to the highest dune for sunset. Bring your camera for some fantastic photos of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Local guides will teach you how to mount and dismount and other handy camel-related safety tips as the group climbs the dunes in the Sahara to observe the sunset. Tea and blankets will be available.

ACTIVITY: After arriving to your accommodation for the night, slip into the traditional attire laying on your bed and indulge in a desert-infused dinner at the camp's restaurant by the warm glow of a fire. Local Berber musicians will play enchanting melodies for you beneath the sprawling desert sky.

The people who live in this area have thrived despite the harsh environment, settling near natural oases where water and date palms provide some essential elements to survive. Set off into the dunes in 4x4s where you'll have the choice to focus more on the cultural traditions of the Sahara meeting with nomads and villagers, or to focus more on the natural history of the desert, exploring an oasis and meeting with a local farmer.

Choice of activity in the morning, both including lunch. Enjoy some free time in the late afternoon for optional sandboarding or a buggy ride before settling into camp again for the night.

ACTIVITY: Option 1: Board a 4x4 and cruise into the breathtaking panorama of Erg Chebbi's sand dunes and stop at a Kohl mine and learn about this ancient mineral. Deeper in the region you will encounter the welcoming Amazigh nomads and be able to immerse yourself in their ways of life. Sip some mint tea in the heart of their traditional dwellings. Continue on to the village of Khamlia and learn about Gnaoua music. Then, delight in a Medfouna cooking demonstration in Taous village and savor the delicious traditional dish after your lesson.Option 2: Start by exploring the camp's traditional organic garden where you will witness how sustainable ancient methods came to be and learn more about this agricultural haven's commitment to sustainability. Travel by 4x4 and traverse Erg Chebbi's dunes before arriving to the palmeraie (oasis). Accompanied by a local farmer, wander through this lush landscape, an emblem of life in the Moroccan Sahara, and delve into the intricacies of how the lands are shared among the local communities. Enjoy a Medfouna cooking demonstration by locals and savor this delicious traditional dish with nature's beautiful landscape as your backdrop.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Spend the afternoon free and try some of the optional activities in the area. Opt for a thrilling buggy safari or a sand boarding session on the dunes.

ACTIVITY: After arriving to your accommodation for the night, slip into the traditional attire laying on your bed and indulge in a desert-infused dinner at the camp's restaurant by the warm glow of a fire. Local Berber musicians will play enchanting melodies for you beneath the sprawling desert sky.

Leaving the desertscape behind, you'll head back through farmland and dusty, rocky terrain on the way to the ancient kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou. Wandering the narrow alleyways next to massive clay buildings, picture yourself in one of the many famous movies or tv shows which have been filmed here, all of which the locals will be thrilled to tell you about.

Drive from Merzouga to Aït Ben Haddou and take a guided tour of the site. In the evening take a cooking class to learn how to make a traditional tagine for dinner.

ACTIVITY: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou. Of all the remaining kasbahs in Morocco, the walls and interior of this area are the most intact. The kasbah still houses a few families, but many now live in the adjacent village. Like many of the earthen built fortresses in Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou has been used in many film and television productions like Gladiator, Babel, and Game of Thrones.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Learn all about the quintessential Moroccan dish — tagine. Start with an introduction to the tagine itself (a clay pot) and the different ingredients and spices used. Get hands on with the ingredients and then tantalize your taste buds by indulging in your delicious creations for dinner.

The views are stunning as you head up into the High Atlas Mountains, passing through Berber villages and along lush valleys on the way to Ouirgane. The town itself sits next to a reservoir of the river amongst olive trees, and is the perfect base for exploring the area.

Travel to Ouigane with some stops along the way to take in the beautiful Atlas Mountain scenery, arriving in the afternoon. Enjoy a stroll in the beautiful and fragrant gardens of the hotel before dinner.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

The picturesque mountain scenery will be your playground as you set off on a hike through olive and juniper trees and quaint villages. Immerse yourself into the daily life of a Berber family and take part in some of their routines like harvesting crops, mastering the art of tea-making, and creating of butter from freshly obtained milk before sharing a delicious traditional meal with them.

Today your adventure comes to an end, but the memories made during your time in Morocco will live on.

Drive to Marrakech in the morning, where the tour ends on arrival. Outbound flights should depart no earlier than 2pm.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.