Cultural Morocco Private Tour
From Marrakech
8 Days
Overview
Journey into Morocco’s heart through its food, religion, language and culture to better understand this exciting nation and passionate people. Morocco is an exotic fusion of cultures and history. On this 8-day Morocco private tour, uncover the essence of this enticing country exploring ancient medinas and Berber villages. Admire the impressive Roman ruins of Volubilis, go behind the scenes of a film makers heaven in Ait Benhaddou, discover the dramatic red dunes of the Sahara Desert and stroll through the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Details & Itinerary
Day 1– Departure From Marrakech
Upon your arrival at the Arrive airport, we will pick you up and drive you to your riad at the Medina. Spend the evening in the main square—and busiest square in all of Africa!—Jemaa el-Fna, which comes alive with musicians, performers, snake charmers, games, and food stalls, a catch-all of entertainment! Enjoy the spectacle from a distance, choose one of the many cafés surrounding the square and enjoy a cup of mint tea and a dinner of welcome. Overnight at your Riad in the Red city.
Day 2 –Exploring Marrakech
After late breakfast in your riad, we will start exploring Marrakech ” the red city of Morocco” Your guide will ensure that you see the most important places of historical and cultural interest, including the Saadien tombs; the Palaces of El Bahia and El Badi; and the Ben Youssef Coranique school. Lunch at a restaurant near the square, then in the afternoon visit the Majorelle Gardens and the Koutoubia tower. Overnight accommodation will be in your riad
Day 3 –Marrakech – Tizi Ntchka pass – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
After your breakfast in your riad, you will depart for Ouarzazat through the famous Tizi Ntichka pass (2260m), over the High Atlas Mountains. You will get to the Famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the largest one in Morocco, built by the last Berber chieftain El Glaoui Ethami, late 19th century. The Kasbah is recognised as a UNESCO matrimonial historical site, now a house of many Glaoui family members. You will stop by the Kasbah and continue to the Dades Valley via Ouarzazat. “the Hollywood of Africa”. After Lunch . Your first stop will be at the famous village of Kalaa M’gouna,known for its roses and rose products. Since this is the road of the thousands Kasbahs you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take some of the most beautiful pictures of your trip. Overnight at your kasbah overlooking Dades Valley.
Day 4 –Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Merzouga
After a Luxury Breakfast at Your accommodation, we will drive back in the valley to see the amazing rock formation referred to as “the monkey toes”, and the standing 19th century Kasbah of Ait yul. Leave the Dades valley towards Tinrghir and the Todra valley. Watch the panoramic views of the old mud berber villages overlooking the valley. Lunch in a restaurant under 200m high red cliff of the gorge. Hundreds of rock climbers come to enjoy their preferred sport here. Continue your trip to Erfoud and Rissani then through the open black desert to the village Merzouga. You will be welcomed with a glass of mint tea before you check in to your riad Nezha. (you have an optional camel trek and overnight at the desert camp).
Day 5 -Merzouga – Midelt – Cedar Forest – Ifran – Fes
Early morning your camel guide will wake you up to watch what well may be the best sunrise in your life. Afterwards you will camel trek back to your riad in Merzouga. After breakfast in the riad, you’ll travel to Fes via Midelt and Azrou. Your journey will be along the rich Ziz Gorges carved through volcanic rock, and through the Tizi Ntalghamt Pass to Midelt. Stop in Zaida to enjoy a barbecue and refresh with a glass of mint tea then continue your journey to Azrou, a berber village in the Middle Atlas Mountains, before which we stop to see the Barbarian apes in the famous Cedar forest. On to Ifran “the French village”, stop for a picture or a drink then drive to your accommodation in Fes
Day 6 –Exploring Fes
Most of the day will be spent visiting the medina (the old city) and its alleys – including the famous tanneries and the Quaraouine mosque. Your visit includes the Jewish headquarter and the royal palace gate. After lunch in a typical Moroccan restaurant in the Medina, you’ll visit the Merinid tombs and experience a wonderful panoramic view of the city. On the afternoon you will have a short walk in the new city before you go back to your riad. Overnight accommodation will be at your riad in Fez old Medina.
Day 7 – Fes – Meknes – Volubilis – Rabat
After breakfast at your riad in Fez, drive to archaeological site of Volubilis. A UNESCO protected heritage. Tour the ancient hilltop ruins with an expert local guide, and discover the town’s elaborate mosaics along the Decumanus Maximus, many of which remain intact. Continue to the nearby imperial city of Meknes, known as the Ismaili capital of Morocco, you will see the famous gate Bab Mansour, the Sahrij Souani (Basin) and the Mulay Ismail Mausoleum. After lunch, your journey will continue west through the high way to the present-day capital of Rabat, a bustling city with several sights and a rich history. Explore the medieval fortification of the Chellah Necropolis in the heart of Rabat and wander the Roman and Islamic ruins. Enter into Rabat’s original city center through the grand door of the Kasbah des Oudaias. Quietly wander the peaceful white and blue-washed streets. From there, visit the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens and enjoy the serene space away from the crowds. Discover the Hassan Tower, a minaret of the incomplete mosque and Mausoleum of Mohamed V. A 12th-century project that was abandoned, where all that remains today is the red sandstone tower and about 200 columns. Conclude your day with an amazing farwell dinner in Rabat, then spend your overnight at your stylish Riad.
Day 8 –Rabat – Casablanca
After breakfast at your accommodation in Rabat, depart to the Airport in Casablanca and based on your flight schedule, you might opt for a guided visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1–Departure From Marrakech.
Day 2 – Exploring Marrakech.
Day 3 – Marrakech – Tizi Ntchka pass – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley.
Day 4 –Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Merzouga.
Day 5–Merzouga – Midelt – Cedar Forest – Ifran – Fes.
Day 6–Exploring Fes
Day 7–Fes – Meknes – Volubilis – Rabat
Day 8–Rabat – Casablanca.
What’s Included
Planning and quality control by seasoned travel leaders
Knowledgeable Guides (Multi-lingual), special lectures, and insightful meetings
Entrance Fees to Historic Monuments
All Transfers-even individual airport transfers, when required.
Luggage Handling-at all hotels, airport, etc.
Air-Conditioned, comfortable, and luxurious vehicles depending on your choice (4*4, Mini-bus…).
Nights at the top range hotels, Riads, Kasbahs, and Bivouacs.
Elegant Meals (Breakfast daily, and usually either Dinner).
All details are handled by reliable, experienced Tour Leaders.
Outstanding value and convenience.
No hidden add-ons or markup.
What’s Excluded
Lunchs
Tips
Travel insurance charges
Travel Advices
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Best time to visit Morocco
The climate in Morocco varies wildly according to the season and area of travel. In the lowlands, the cooler months from October to April are popular among visitors. This time of year is pleasantly warm to hot (around 30°C) during the day and cool to cold (around 15°C) at night. Winter in the higher regions often brings snow and can therefore get seriously cold, particularly at night. Tourists flock to the coastline from June to September for fun in the sun, with warm mostly rain-free days. Further inland it can get hot and rain is rare, which makes the best times to travel March to June and September to December.
Morocco Culture & Customs
Morocco's culture has developed over centuries of influence from far and wide. Contemporary Morocco is a fascinating mix of Berber, Mediterranean, Andalucian, and African traditions, which are present in the cuisine, clothing, music, language, customs, and lifestyle. As an Islamic country, most Moroccans are Muslim; however, there are small populations of people who practice Judaism and Christianity. Classic examples of Islamic architecture can be observed all throughout the country and tenets of the Islamic religion are carried out in the customs and lives of the people. The 'Call to Prayer' can be heard five times a day, women are expected to dress modestly and alcohol isn't drunk by most of the population.
Most of Moroccan society can be considered traditional, with respect for elders, connection to family, and giving alms to the poor hallmarks of everyday life for many Moroccans. Hospitality is another important element of society, with warmly welcoming people into your home a time-honored tradition and social responsibility that dates back centuries.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options in Morocco ?
Much of Morocco's cuisine revolves around meat, but vegetables are an important staple and a crucial ingredient in many dishes of the Maghreb. Your diet can consist of more than just flatbread and hummus – trust us. Keep an eye out for vegetable-based tagines and couscous, the renowned Zaalouk (a smokey eggplant and tomato salad), vegetable Briouats (triangular-filled pastries), and cinnamon oranges. Vegan options are slightly more limited, as many of the pieces of bread and couscous dishes have butter added to them, but your best bet is to enquire if yours can be made using oil instead. Otherwise, it's easy to dine well on varied vege offerings in Morocco.