Morocco Eclipse and Desert Adventure

Welcome to Morocco! Upon landing at Casablanca Airport, our representative greets you at the exit gate and escorts you to your hotel for check-in.

Settle in and relax after your journey with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Casablanca

Meals: None

After breakfast, meet your local guide for a comprehensive Casablanca city tour. Visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque from the exterior, an architectural masterpiece perched on the Atlantic coastline. Continue exploring the city's corniche, the charming Habous quarters, and the Royal Palace (exterior visit).

In the afternoon, travel to Rabat, Morocco's elegant capital city. Founded by Abd Al-Mu'min of the Almohad dynasty for military purposes, Rabat's original name, "Ribatu l-Fath," means "stronghold of victory." Your guided tour unveils the city's rich history through visits to the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, and the picturesque Kasbah Oudaya.

Enjoy free time to explore the souks and bazaars of Rabat's old medina, filled with leather goods, traditional and modern shoes, Moroccan-style bags, authentic Berber crafts, and vintage jewelry shops.

Overnight: Rabat

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, journey to Tangier, known as the "Bride of the North." Positioned at the southern entrance of the Strait of Gibraltar, just miles from the Spanish coast, Tangier has served as a strategic gateway between Africa and Europe since Phoenician times.

Begin your exploration at the whitewashed hillside medina, home to Dar el Makhzen, once a sultan's palace, now a museum displaying Moroccan artifacts. Your tour starts at the Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures, then continues to the vibrant souks of Petit Socco and Grand Socco, where you can sample local products and optional street food.

Visit the American Legation Museum to admire remarkable artworks, including the famous "Moroccan Mona Lisa." Conclude at St. Andrew's Anglican Church, a fascinating landmark built in distinctive Moroccan style with the Lord's Prayer inscribed in Arabic above the altar.

Overnight: Tangier

Meals: Breakfast

Today marks an extraordinary moment as you witness the magnificent Solar Eclipse in Tangier, a once-in-a-lifetime celestial phenomenon.

Following the afternoon eclipse viewing, journey to Chefchaouen, Morocco's enchanting "Blue Pearl." Meet your guide for a tour of this stunning mountain town, including the Kasbah Ali Ben Rachid, Plaza Uta el-Hammam, and a comprehensive walk through the blue-washed streets.

Chefchaouen's distinctive blue color adorning every building traces back to Jewish traditions and beliefs; the color blue represents the sky, reminding inhabitants of heaven and God. This pervasive blue creates an atmosphere of amazing charm, relaxation, comfort, and peace.

Overnight: Chefchaouen

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart for Fez with fascinating stops along the way. First, visit the archaeological site of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site witnessing Morocco's multicultural history. A specialized guide leads you through the remains of this Roman outpost, past Triumphal arches, the Capitoline Temple, and captivating Orpheus mosaics that tell tales of Roman life.

Continue to the Imperial City of Meknes, one of Morocco's lesser-visited treasures. Built by Sultan Moulay Ismail and conceived as the "Versailles of Morocco," the city showcases impressive architecture. Your local guide takes you to the famed Bab El Mansour and Lhri gates, the main beating hearts of the city.

Proceed to Fez for the evening.

Overnight: Fez

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, embark on a comprehensive guided tour of Fez, Morocco's capital before 1912. Your exploration focuses on the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 9th century and home to the world's oldest university.

Your local guide reveals Fez's treasures: Bou-Inania and Attarin Medersas, the famous tanners, Ess-Seffarine Square, Moulay Idriss tomb, El-Nejjarine square, the cabinet makers' souk, and the historic Hebrew district 'Mellah.'

Experience a hands-on pottery workshop with a master craftsman for an authentic Moroccan cultural encounter. After lunch at a local restaurant, choose to return to your hotel or explore the narrow alleyways of the old town independently.

Cultural note: Each October, Fez hosts one of the world's largest and most renowned Sufi festivals featuring performers from around the globe.

Overnight: Fez

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, journey toward Erfoud through the scenic towns of Ifrane and Midelt. Erfoud serves as your gateway to the majestic Moroccan Sahara, a region well-known among archaeologists for fossils dating back hundreds of years.

Upon arrival, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure driving in 4-wheel vehicles across the barren dunes. Experience the breathtaking sunset as you make your way to your desert camp in Merzouga.

Overnight: Merzouga (Desert Camp)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Wake early to witness the magical sunrise over the dunes from the back of a camel. Today, travel between Erfoud and Ouarzazate with your English-speaking driver, stopping en route at the spectacular Todra Gorge. Located southwest of Tinerhir and approximately 110 km from Ouarzazate, these gorges offer stunning photo opportunities.

Continue your drive to Ouarzazate with a stop in Skoura, one of Morocco's most beautiful oases. Though it appears as a thin, long oasis from the road, closer exploration reveals its impressive size and beauty.

Overnight: Ouarzazate

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today brings exciting cinematic history as you visit the Atlas Studios, home to some of the world's most beloved films and series, including The Mummy, Gladiator, Asterix and Obelix, and of course, Game of Thrones ("brace yourself!"). Make the most of this unique opportunity.

En route to Marrakech, traverse the dramatic Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass and visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Upon arrival in Marrakech, enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace or relax at your hotel.

Overnight: Marrakech

Meals: Breakfast

Today, you wake up in Marrakech, a dream for many travelers, so make the most of this magical city. After breakfast, your local guide and driver await to begin your guided tour of the "Ochre City."

Begin at the Majorelle Garden, named after French painter Jacques Majorelle, who dedicated tremendous effort and passion to this artistic masterpiece. Continue to Menara, despite its Arabic name translating to "lighthouse," it's actually an elegant pavilion with a basin surrounded by orchards and olive groves.

Proceed to the iconic Koutoubia Mosque and through the Jewish quarter called Mellah. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy free time before transferring back to your hotel.

Overnight: Marrakech

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, savor a free morning in Marrakech to explore independently or join an optional tour of your choosing.

In the afternoon, transfer to Casablanca and check in at your hotel.

Overnight: Casablanca

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to Casablanca Airport for your homebound flight, carrying unforgettable memories of Morocco's Solar Eclipse and imperial treasures.

Meals: Breakfast