This is a flexible tour beginning and ending in Casablanca.

Our tour routes are fully customisable and can be tailored to your preferences, travel style and arrival airport.

Our prices are based on two persons. 

Discounted rates for children and for larger groups.

Customised Morocco is the only link between you and a great tour of Morocco!

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Casablanca

Upon arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, you will be met by your specialist guide and transferred by private car to your deluxe hotel accommodation in the city where you will be greeted with a glass of hot, sweet mint tea, a much-loved tradition in Morocco, signifying hospitality and friendship, ordinarily accompanied by delicious almond paste sweets.

Depending upon your arrival time in Casablanca, your first day will include a half-day privately guided tour of some of Casablanca’s top highlights and attractions including the Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral and Cathedral du Sacre Coeur, along with the Royal Palace, Mohammed V Square, Central Market and the elegant Habous quarter (Casablanca’s new Medina).  You will not want to miss a visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco.  Its minaret is the world’s tallest at 210 metres.

The beautifully scenic promenade of Corniche borders the western seafront of Casablanca and is lined with palm trees, restaurants and swimming pools.  Corniche d’Ain Diab is a district in Casablanca where the rich come out to play and tourists line the streets to enjoy the vast array of attractions and activities.

This evening you will enjoy a welcome dinner at a restaurant at Corniche.  Moroccan food is as diverse and vibrant in colour and flavour, as is the Kingdom of Morocco itself.  Your Moroccan adventure begins right here.

Day 2 CASABLANCA - RABAT

After a wonderful night’s sleep you will wake and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.  Today you will have the flexibility to spend some more time in Casablanca or head straight to your next destination, Rabat, Morocco’s coastal capital city.  This grand city has many fascinating sites.   It has a beautiful marina located at the mouth of the Bouregreg River.  Its famous landmarks speak to its Islamic and French-colonial heritage and include the unfinished Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the 17th century walled medina and the opulent Royal Palace.  You will witness stunning views from the clifftop Kasbah of the Udayas and visit Rabat’s jewel in the crown highlight, the gardens and Roman ruins of Chellah, a UNESCO World Heritage listed site since 1981.  A truly delightful capital, enchantingly cultural and richly historical.

Tonight you will stay at a perfectly situated deluxe riad in the Medina of Rabat.

Day 3 Rabat - Chefchaouen

Today you leave Rabat and head to the Blue City of Chefchaouen nestled in Morocco’s Rif Mountains.  You’ll explore the winding alleys and steep cobbled streets of this pretty old town with endless photo opportunities.  The central square of Place Outa el Hammam is dominated by the 15th-century red-walled Kasbah fortress and dungeon, and the town’s Grand Mosque.  The Medina is lined with cafes, restaurants and artsy blue-tinted buildings housing dozens of hotels and shops.   It’s a hive of activity with locals and tourist mingling easily.  Here you will stay for one night in a traditional blue-washed guest house.

DAY 4 CHEFCHAOUEN - VOLUBILIS - MEKNES - FES

Today is a day packed full of adventure and exploration.  Your first stop is Volubilis, now a ruined Roman city of Morocco.    Founded in the 3rd Century BC and abandoned in the 11th Century AD, the ancient city of Volubilis is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.   The archaeological remnants of this site bear witness to several civilisations.

Just 30 km from the ancient ruins of Volubilis is the Imperial City of Meknes.  This historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Highlights include the Royal Palace,  Bab Mansour (a beautifully decorated gate of the old Medina),  the Sehrij Swani water reservoir built by Moulay Idriss for watering his gardens, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail (second ruler of Moroccan Alaouite dynasty), his Granaries and Royal Stables.

Late afternoon/evening you will arrive in Fes and your final stop for today. After a long day sightseeing you’ll be sure to enjoy dinner and an overnight pause in Fes staying at one of our hand-selected riads situated in the historic old town of Fes with panoramic terrace views of the Medina.

Day 5 FES

Fes is Morocco’s oldest Imperial City, often referred to as the country’s cultural capital.  Fes Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site peppered with alleyways that see far fewer tourists than those of Marrakesh. Its passages are narrower, making it impossible not to get caught up in the comings and goings of daily life here.  Vibrant in colours and with heady aromas abound, you’ll dive deeper into the Medina as you twist and turn through its cramped and crooked alleyways with just a glimpse of sunlight as you pass through.  Cat-calls, activity, billowing smoke from stoves, the pungent pits of the tanneries obscured by barrow-fulls of fresh mint conjure up mystery and intrigue. The Medina of Fes is as enticing as it is stomach-churning.  With over 9000 tiny streets dating from the 9th Century, The Medina of Fes is enthralling and wonderfully raw.

Main highlights include the University of Al Quaraouiyine and Mosque.  Al Quaraouiyine is recognised by UNESCO as being the oldest university in the world, dating back to the 9th Century.  The Royal Palace of Fes, with its imposing golden doors and mosaic tiling, is spectacular and well worth a visit, as is Batha Square and Museum, Madrasa Bou Inania, Medina of Fes, Chouara 11th Century tanneries and the Jewish Quarter.   You will enjoy a full day’s privately guided tour of this Imperial City. Time permitting you can visit the dramatic ruined Merenid Tombs, a crumbling necropolis situated high above Fes.  The views over Fes are spectacular and well worth the climb.

This evening’s dinner can be taken at a restaurant overlooking the historic Medina of Fes or at your accommodation where you can relax and enjoy a dip in the hotel’s swimming pool.

Day 6 FES - OUZOUD

This morning you will bid farewell to the Imperial City of Fes and head south towards your next destination, Ouzoud, with its impressive cascading waterfalls.  The 400 km journey is long but there will be plenty to see en route.  You will travel through the vast fertile plains of the Middle Atlas Mountains, vital for the countries’ agricultural industry.  The light reddish soils of the Saïs Plain near Meknes and Fes supports productive vineyards, which may come as a bit of surprise given that Morocco is a Muslim country.  However, Morocco has been making wine for hundreds of years dating back to Phoenician times.  Agriculture is a key contributor to Morocco’s economy and accounts for around 40% employment in the country.  Its geographical diversity results in a varied range of products including barley, wheat, citrus fruits, grapes, vegetables, olives, livestock and wine.  Along the route you will see makeshift shops selling all manner of produce including recycled plastic bottles filled with honey.

Along the route you will pass through the Middle Atlas town of Ifrane, known as ‘Little Switzerland’ because of its Alpine-style architecture.  Because of its elevation, the Ifrane experiences snow during the winter months and a cool climate during the summer.  The King of Morocco has his summer Royal Palace here and in the winter Ifrane becomes a popular ski resort for locals and tourists.

Further along the route you will drive through the Cedar forests of Azrou, which means “rock” in Tamazight (the language of the local people), and home to Barbary macaque.   You can pause here to watch the monkeys jumping between the branches of the cedar trees.

You will arrive in Ouzoud late afternoon and take a walk around the impressive cascading waterfalls.  In late afternoon arching rainbows appear in the mist around the falls which is truly mesmerising. This is also the perfect time to spot the Barbary macaques as they come to drink at the river.

Day 7 OUZOUD - AIT BOUGUEMEZ VALLEY

This morning you leave behind Ouzoud after an early morning breakfast and embark upon your journey into the High Atlas where you will pass through Azilal, a provincial town in the region of Béni Mellal-Khénifra.  From here you’ll begin to ascend higher and higher as you journey over the Aghbara Pass at 2260m and down into Aït Bouguemez  (which translates as Happy Valley in French).   Aït Bouguemez valley lies in the shadow of the magnificent Mount M’Goun standing at a height of 4068 metres (just 99 metres shorter than the Atlas Mountains highest peak, Jbel Toubkal).   The Happy Valley is popular amongst hikers and climbers and even for non-mountaineers it is well worth a visit.  The valley floor is lush and rich with vegetation.  Its clear river and intelligent water systems are perfect for growing fruit, nuts and cereals.  As you walk within the green fields and apple orchards breathing the clean air of this Berber heartland, you’ll experience the fabled hospitality of the Berber villagers along the way.  Here you will pause to have lunch and witness first hand the daily lives of these indigenous people of North Africa.  While in the Aït Bouguemez valley you’ll literally be walking with dinosaurs.  Millions of years ago, impressive dinosaurs left their huge footprints throughout the valley on huge slabs of limestone.

This evening you will spend the night in a traditional guest house located in the Aït Bouguemez valley.

Day 8 AIT BOUGUEMEZ VALLEY - DEMNATE - MARRAKESH

The drive from Aït Bouguemez valley in the High Atlas to Marrakesh takes around 4 hrs, but you will be journeying through the most beautifully scenic landscapes that will captivate you. You’ll stop approximately half way when you reach the province of Demnate.  Here you will stop to explore the natural bridge of Imi-n-Ifri.  The hike to the bottom takes around 10 minutes and is well worth it.  There is a creek at the bottom and the view through the bridge arch is impressive.  Later, you’ll pause for a spot of lunch at some point along the route to Marrakesh.  Once you have arrived in Marrakesh and settled in to your accommodation, you’ll enjoy a half day tour of the highlights of Morocco’s Red City.  Tonight, you will take dinner on the lively square of Jemaa El Fna.

Day 8 MARRAKESH - CASABLANCA

This morning, after breakfast, you will be treated to a tour of the souks in the Medina.  These markets are the biggest in the whole of Morocco and the beating heart of Marrakesh.  Later you’ll have plenty free time to wander around the souks and Medina by yourself and barter for any souvenirs you may wish to take home with you.  The drive from Marrakesh to Casablanca is around 2 hours and there is no set departure time for your journey back to Casablanca, leaving you more time to spend in Marrakesh if you wish.  This evening, at your accomodation in Casablanca, you can relax and reflect on your time spent in the Kingdom of Morocco during your Imperial Cities and Atlas Moutains tour.  A farewell dinner will be served at your hotel.

Day 9 DEPARTURE

Today we say Bislema (‘goodbye’ in Arabic) and a bon voyage, and hope very much that you have enjoyed your time in the Kingdom of Morocco as much as we have enjoyed guiding you.  Before you depart, you will enjoy one last Moroccan breakfast at your Riad.  Your private taxi will be on hand to transfer you to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport in accordance with your flight departure time.  Should you have an afternoon or evening departure, you can rest assured your luggage can be stored safely at your accommodation until your taxi transfer to the airport.

 

Accommodation

For this Imperial Cities and High Atlas Circuit Tour we have hand-selected 3-4* accommodation throughout chosen for location, styling, comfort, and exemplary service.   Here’s  a taste of the accomodation you can expect to enjoy on this tour.

All our tours are fully customisable and offer the freedom and flexibility to design an itinerary and accommodation that is perfect for you. 

Please contact us should you wish to upgrade your accommodation for this tour. 

CASABLANCA

In Casablanca we have chosen Hotel & Spa Le Doge for its central location, stunning Art Deco styling and sumptuous rooms.

RABAT

In Rabat we have chosen Dar El Kebria Salam for its magnificent terraces, panoramic views and rooftop swimming pool, plus its stunning architecture and luxurious rooms.  A truly magical place in the heart of Rabat.

Also in Rabat, Riad Siti Fatah has been chosen for its charm and location in the heart of the Medina and its traditional Moroccan architecture.

FES

Our choice of accommodation in Fes is the exceptional Palais Houyam, a sumptuous Arab-Andalusian palace restored and reopened as a luxury hotel in July 2017.  It has a stunning outdoor dipping pool and a luxurious hammam and spa.  Here you will spend two nights whilst you experience all that this wonderful Imperial City of Fes has to offer.

Also in Fes is the fabulous Riad Braya for its contemporary design. This beautifully restored old house of the noble Fassi family has a terrace with unobstructed views of Fes old Medina.

OUZOUD

In Ouzoud we have chosen La Kasbah d’Ouzoud for its lush gardens and refreshing outdoor swimming pool.

HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS

In the Aït Bouguemez valley you will stay at a traditional guest house, a building of authentic character and charm, built using local materials.  You will participate in the preservation of Berber culture, their customs and traditions, and experience the legendary hospitality of the Berber people in this region.

MARRAKESH

In Marrakesh we have chosen Riad Bindoo.  An exceptional, well-styled riad located in the Medina, it has comfortable lounges, a rooftop terrace with sunbeds and views over the Medina.  The rooms are spacious and harmoniously arranged.  A truly stunning riad.

Also in Marrakesh is specially selected Riad Le Jardin d’Abdou. A boutique 9 suite riad with views to the Palmeraie, it offers comfort and serenity.  It has a Hammam and beauty treatment room providing a calm oasis.

Ready to Book?

Our booking process is simple.  Just fill in the form below and we will get straight back in touch.  Feel free to use our price calculator to estimate the final cost of your chosen tour.   Please be assured, our tour prices are not subject to seasonal price fluctuations. The price you see is the price you pay.  Our tours are not inclusive of flights and these will need to be booked and paid for separately.  When filling out the booking form please give an indication of your preferred dates of travel.  Once we have confirmed availability for your chosen tour and its start date, we will hold your booking for a period of 5 working days to allow you time to arrange your flights.    When you have notified us of your flight details, your booking will be confirmed and only then will your deposit become payable. Payment can be made via bank transfer or by use of credit and debit card.  The final balancing payment for the tour will be payable on arrival in Morocco.  We are able to modify your tour in accordance with your time of arrival and departure. Please let us know your exact requirements.  We can customise Morocco!

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is essential when visiting Morocco. As Morocco is outside of the EU there are no reciprocal healthcare agreements and you will not be covered by an EHIC if you have one. A travel insurance policy that covers emergency medical assistance and repatriation, and also covering all activities you are planning to participate in is a mandatory requirement for all our tours and we reserve the right to ask for proof of such.

It is wise to buy your Travel Insurance at the same time as booking your flights and tour as you will be covered from the outset.

Top Tip

Through experience we have found travellers with pre-existing medical conditions may find cheaper comprehensive travel insurance through specialist insurers such as staysure.co.uk, insurancewith.com and bootstravelinsurance.com.

For further travel and safety advice we would suggest reviewing the following websites:  www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco

Customised Morocco does not sell Travel Insurance and has no affiliation with any of the insurance companies referred to above.

Financial Protection for You

The final balancing payment for your tour is due only upon arrival in Morocco.   Deposits can be made via bank transfer

We understand that sometimes your plans may change. Should you need to cancel your trip, your deposit, whilst non-refundable, can be credited to the cost of an alternative trip, less any costs incurred, i.e. hotel reservations, etc, if taken within six months of your original booking.  We are committed to being completely honest and transparent with our customers and places integrity at the forefront of everything we do.  Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.