Morocco
Best of Morocco: Berbers, Kasbahs & Camels
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After years of carving our way through labyrinthine medina streets, camel trekking through deserts and hiking through the Atlas Mountains, we’ve come to know almost every nook and cranny of Morocco. Now, plotting what we believe to be the ultimate route through this mesmerising country, you’ll come face to face with the blue city of Chefchaouen, weave through Fez’s age-old alleyways and stargaze in the all-encompassing darkness of the Sahara. Come out the other side to find the snake charmers that frame Jemaa el Fna in Marrakech before retreating to Sir Richard Branson’s picturesque hotel perched high in the Atlas Mountains in one fell, luxurious, swoop. Two weeks later and it’ll be hard to deny that you haven’t taken in the best of Morocco on this luxury vacation.
Master Photography in Chefchaouen
Your adventure begins on touchdown in Casablanca from where you’ll head north to the iconic city of Chefchaouen. Tucked deep within the blue medina walls, rest up at Riad Lina – perhaps finding some time to reset in the hammam. Tomorrow, you’ll pick up your camera and join a private guide as you set off through the city – capturing it at all the best angles. Catch the light glinting off the white and pale blue-washed town and the arc of the surrounding Rif Mountains as you stroll through, stopping off at local hotspot, Cafe Clock, for lunch. Picking up some pointers from your guide, spend the afternoon exploring the city’s culture and history at your own pace.
Food Tours and Ancient Ruins in Fez
The next day, it’s south to the old capital of Fez, stopping by the 3rd century BC archaeological site of Volubilis and the home of Islam at Moulay Idriss en route. After a picnic among the ruins, it’s into Fes where you’ll spend three nights in opulence at one of the country’s finest riads, Riad Fes. The next day, you’ll set off on a private tour of the medina, starting at Boujloud and winding down past The Kairaouine Mosque and University, before sauntering on through the Fondouk Nejjarine; a stunning museum of Moroccan woodcarvings. In the afternoon, enjoy a few hours getting to know another side to medina on a souk tasting trail food tour. Tantalise your tastebuds over Moroccan honey, spices and breads before returning to the Riad.
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Start PlanningTomorrow, you’ll head out of the city to spend the day in Sefrou and Bhalil with some local artisans, visiting them in their workshops and seeing how they make items as intricate as the buttons sold on a Jellabah. Savor lunch in a local restaurant before returning to Fez for one last lazy afternoon poolside, before heading out into the Sahara Desert the following day.
Desert Camping & Oasis Living
Heading south towards Erg Chebbi, Morocco’s highest sand dune, where you’ll then swap four wheels for four legs as you enjoy a sunset camel ride into your luxury camp for the night. Dine beneath the stars and rest your travel-worn self in the calm of the Sahara desert. At sunrise, it’s time to make an attempt at the summit of the 1000ft sand dune, before heading west to the breathtaking Todra Gorge and on to Skoura for two nights at the enchanting Dar Ahlam. Lined with palms and boasting an abundance of curious fauna and beautiful flora, Skoura begs exploration. If you want to learn more about the area, venture deeper into the Kasbahs that line the roads, or simply enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch by lake Ouarzazate or a 4×4 drive through the famous Valley of the Roses and the gorges surrounding it.
Sidecars & Souks in Marrakech
The next day, you’ll continue your travels through the mountainous terrain via the stunning Ait Ben Haddou to buzzy Marrakech. Spend three nights here uncovering the cities mysteries from the enchanting Villa des Orangers, an intimate hideaway just steps from the main attractions of Marrakech. Tomorrow, you’ll be treated to an unexpected perspective on Marrakech as you take a trip through its secret side on a vintage sidecar tour. It’s the perfect way to get to grips with the mazy labyrinth of the ancient part of the city and explore secret places outside its walls with your guide taking you wherever your interests want. Having worked up an appetite, return to the city in time for an evening street food tour visiting some of our favorite back-alleys and hidden gems of the medina.
Morocco from a Hot Air Balloon
It’s an early start the next morning as you wake early and head out into the desert for a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Morocco’s varied landscapes. Peering over the basket edge as the sun floods across the desert and lights up the mountains, it’s an unforgettable perspective. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan landing on touching back down to earth before heading back into Marrakech for an afternoon cooking class. Join your expert teacher on a trip to the local markets, where you’ll collect fresh ingredients before learning a selection of ancient techniques to help you make the perfect tagine and other local delights.
Berber Culture in a Mountain Hideaway
For your final stop on your Moroccan grand tour, you’ll travel up into the Atlas Mountains on a 4×4 adventure – stopping en route at Imlil for a trek into a Berber Village where you’ll enjoy lunch alongside the locals. At the end of the day, settle in for a well-earned rest amid Morocco’s most dramatic landscape as you hole up at the paradisiacal Kasbah Tamadot. Spend your final two nights exploring the surrounds and luxuriating in the beauty of one of Morocco’s most spectacular hotels. On your final morning, after one last indulgent Moroccan breakfast, you’ll be driven to Marrakech airport for your flight home.