National Geographic Journeys: Morocco: Sahara & Beyond (DCBNG)

Countries Visited: Morocco
Trip Style: Information Not available
Service Level: Upgraded
  • All the adventure you want, with a softer landing
  • Handpicked, character-rich accommodations with upgraded amenities services
  • Upgraded and private transport, including flights to maximize time
  • More included meals, activities and transfers
    Physical Demands Rating: 2 - There'll be some light walking and hiking. Suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
    Group Size: Max 12, Avg 10.
    Meals Included: 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
    Accommodations: Not Availaible

    Highlights
    Visit a womens co-op and enjoy a local lunch, watch storytellers and acrobats at Djemaa el Fna square, learn about Moroccan cuisine with a cooking class in a traditional Berber house, traverse the Sahara Desert by 4x4, try to mimic a local experts elegant sweeps in an Islamic calligraphy class.

    Description
    The culture of the Berbers in northern Africa dates back as many as 5,000 years. Discover their enduring legacy on this 15-day adventure into Morocco's rich cultural heritage. Explore the souks and streets of Marrakech and Fez; spend a night in a comfortable tented camp in the Sahara; enjoy dinner with a traditional Berber family; and unwind amid the coastal beauty of Essaouira. Throughout this magical ride, open your eyes to each dazzling place - and earn a new point of view.
  • Call (407) 833-8330 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13270567

    Tour Operator
    G Adventures
    Duration
    15 Days
    Escorted
    Escorted - Yes
    DayDestinationDescription
    Day 1CasablancaDay 1 Casablanca (1D)
    Please note that this tour does not spend any time in Casablanca. You may wish to come a day early in order to explore Casablanca, and take some time to see its medina, beachfront, and classic examples of Art Deco architecture. Be sure to also visit the spectacular Hassan II Mosque. Entrance is only permitted via guided tours, which operate from Saturday to Thursday (closed Fridays) at 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, and 14:00. These times are subject to change (particularly around Ramadan), please double check times with your hotel. Tickets can be purchased at the mosque. In the evening, there will be a brief meeting where you will meet your CEO and fellow group members to go over the details of the tour. Afterwards, go out for a welcome dinner in a nearby local restaurant. Included Activities: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting Transport: Private Vehicle
    Day 2FesDay 2 Casablanca/Fes (1B)
    Meknes is one of the four Imperial cities and its name and fame are closely linked to that of the Moroccan Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made Meknes the centre of his empire and built many of the monuments that remain today. Continue through the rolling hills to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. Once an important Roman town situated near the westernmost border of Roman conquests, Volubilis was listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Continue to Fes to spend the night. Stay in the the new city of Fes, built by the French during their Protectorate of Morocco. Additional Notes: This is a long and busy day. The times listed are actual driving times and do not include stops. We will stop to explore Meknes and Volubilis, and not arrive in Fes until the evening. Included Activities: Meknes City Tour Volubilis Guided Tour Transport: Private Vehicle (7.00-8.00 hours)
    Day 3FesDay 3 Fes (1B, 1L)
    In the evening, there may be the chance to partake in an optional dinner in a grand old Fes riad that has been converted into a spectacular restaurant. You will not only enjoy a delicious meal of local specialties, but also an evening of singing, music, and belly dancing. Included Activities: Fes Medina Guided Tour Meknes Community Lunch Islamic Calligraphy Class
    Day 4MarrakechDay 4 Fes/Marrakech (1B, 1D)
    Included Activities: Djemaa el Fna Market Square Visit Transport: Private Vehicle (6.00 hour(s))
    Day 5MarrakechDay 5 Marrakech (1B, 1L)
    In the morning, take a historical tour of the city, including the Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs. After, visit a historic riad for a hands-on cooking class from a master Moroccan chef, and enjoy the lunch that you have prepared. Included Activities: Marrakech City Tour Moroccan Foodie Experience
    Day 6Ait BenhaddouDay 6 Marrakech/Ait Benhaddou (1B, 1D)
    Included Activities: AIt Ben Haddou Kasbah Guided Tour Transport: Private Vehicle (5.00 hour(s))
    Day 7Erg ChigagaDay 7 Ait Benhaddou/Erg Chigaga (1B, 1L, 1D)
    Spend the night in a simple desert camp which provides a peak into traditional desert living. Each tent is outfitted with sheets, pillows, a raised bed, towels, and covers against the desert cold and it has a separated ensuite with simple portable toilette and wash basin. While the accommodation is basic, it is quite comfortable and offers a truly unique experience. Included Activities: Tamegroute Visit Transport: Private Vehicle (3.00 hour(s)) 4x4 (3.00 hour(s))
    Day 8ZagoraDay 8 Erg Chigaga/Zagora (1B)
    Cross the desert back to Zagora and enjoy a talk on the history of the Draa region. You'll also get to visit some of the local historical sites. Included Activities: Zagora Orientation Tour Transport: 4x4 (3.00 hour(s))
    Day 9TaroudantDay 9 Zagora/Taroudant (1B)
    Head towards the Anti-Atlas region to the carpet towns of Tazenakht and Taliouine, where saffron is harvested. In Taroudant, visit the famed leather tanneries and local markets. Included Activities: Taroudant Markets and Tanneries Visit Transport: Private Vehicle (6.00-7.00 hours)
    Day 10TafraoutDay 10 Taroudant/Tafraout (1B)
    Enter the Anti-Atlas region to view natural rock formations. In the afternoon, explore the town centre and its local markets. Included Activities: Tafraout Orientation walk Transport: Private Vehicle (4.00 hour(s))
    Day 11TafraoutDay 11 Tafraout (1B, 1L)
    Visit AIt Mansour Gorge, the Painted Rocks, and the Chapeau du Napoleon. Walk through a palm valley and have lunch in a local village house. Visit a womens cooperative that produces handicrafts and argan oil. Included Activities: AIt Mansour Gorge and Area Tour Womens Cooperative Visit Lunch at Local Village House Palm Valley Walk
    Day 12EssaouiraDay 12 Tafraout/Essaouira (1B)
    Essaouira is also famous for its music scene and offers a great chance to check out a live performance. Included Activities: Orientation Walk Transport: Private Vehicle (5.00-6.00 hours)
    Day 13EssaouiraDay 13 Essaouira (1B, 1L)
    Enjoy a day of leisure in this coastal city. Make sure you watch the colourful and lively spectacle of the return of the boats to the port with their baskets full of fish, pick out the best of the bunch, which we'll take to a local restaurant to cook up for our lunch. Opt to browse the shops and art galleries or take a stroll along the long, sandy beach. The active might choose to take a surfing or windsurfing lesson, or rent a fishing rod.
    Day 14MarrakechDay 14 Essaouira/Marrakech (1B)
    In the afternoon, have free time to further explore the fascinating city of Marrakech and dive into the labyrinthine souks. Visitors and locals alike find everything they desire here, whether it's spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or famous Moroccan lanterns. The selection is exhaustive. Don't forget to bargain. Its definitely part of the fun. Once you've tired yourself out, relax at one of the tea houses around the square, indulge in the ubiquitous sweet mint tea and watch life go by from a shady spot. Included Activities: Menara Gardens Visit Jardin Majorelle Visit Transport: Private Vehicle (2.50-3.00 hours)
    Day 15MarrakechDay 15 Marrakech (1B)
    Depart at any time. Included Activities: Departure Day
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
     Contact us for detailsQuote
    Disclaimer

    Local Flights: There are no local flights on this tour.

    Dossier Disclaimer:The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

    VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

    Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

    Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
      
    Online Agency Travel Websites