Day 1 – Sunday, 26 March 2028
Welcome to Morocco | Casablanca
Welcome to Morocco!
Our Moroccan adventure begins in Casablanca. On arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, we’ll be met by our local team and privately transferred to our hotel.
After checking in, there’s time to unpack, relax and recover from the international journey. Depending on arrival times, you may choose to enjoy the hotel, head out for a short wander or simply take some time to recharge.
Later, we’ll come together with Ruth and our fellow travellers for our first evening in Morocco. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner, giving everyone a chance to meet, get to know each other and look forward to everything that awaits over the next 13 days.
Today’s highlights
- Arrival in Casablanca
- Meet our Moroccan ground team
- Private airport transfer
- Time to settle in and relax
- Meet Ruth and your fellow travellers
- Welcome dinner
Overnight: Exe Hotel Casablanca or similar
Weather guide: Approximately 20–24°C
Day 2 – Monday, 27 March 2028
Casablanca | Atlantic Coast, Architecture & Rick’s Café
After breakfast, we meet our local guide and begin discovering Casablanca, Morocco’s modern coastal city. We’ll visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the city’s most impressive landmarks, spectacularly positioned beside the Atlantic Ocean. Our exploration continues through Casablanca’s distinctive Art Deco architecture, before heading towards Corniche Ain Diab, where we can enjoy some time beside the Atlantic.
Tonight brings something rather iconic. We’re off to the famous Rick’s Café, inspired by the classic movie Casablanca, for dinner together. It’s a fabulous way to finish our first full day in Morocco.
Today’s highlights
- Guided Casablanca sightseeing
- Hassan II Mosque
- Casablanca’s Art Deco architecture
- Corniche Ain Diab
- Atlantic coastline
- Dinner at Rick’s Café
Overnight: Exe Hotel Casablanca or similar
Weather guide: Approximately 20–24°C
Day 3 – Tuesday, 28 March 2028
Casablanca → Rabat | Morocco’s Elegant Capital
After breakfast, we leave Casablanca and travel north towards Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital. With our local guide, we’ll discover some of Rabat’s most significant historical landmarks. We’ll visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, see the neighbouring Hassan Tower, and continue to the beautiful Kasbah of the Udayas, dramatically positioned overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. There’ll also be time to wander through its peaceful streets and simply enjoy the atmosphere of this fascinating city before checking into our accommodation.
Today’s highlights
- Journey from Casablanca to Rabat
- Mausoleum of Mohammed V
- Hassan Tower
- Kasbah of the Udayas
- Atlantic views
- Time to explore Rabat
Distance: Approximately 90 km
Driving time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Overnight: Le M Hôtel or similar
Weather guide: Approximately 20–24°C
Day 4 – Wednesday, 29 March 2028
Rabat → Chefchaouen | Into the Blue
Today, we leave Morocco’s Atlantic coast behind and travel through the beautiful landscapes of the Rif Mountains. Our destination is somewhere very special — Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famous Blue City. Nestled beneath the mountains, Chefchaouen is instantly recognisable for its extraordinary blue-painted buildings, doors, steps and winding lanes. We’ll spend the afternoon wandering through its atmospheric medina, discovering little artisan shops and enjoying the wonderful relaxed atmosphere. We’ll explore Uta el-Hammam Square and visit the peaceful Ras El-Ma Spring.
And, of course, there’ll be time simply to wander. For anyone who loves photography, Chefchaouen is going to be difficult to resist — there seems to be something worth photographing around almost every corner.
Today’s highlights
- Scenic journey through the Rif Mountains
- Chefchaouen
- Blue-painted medina
- Artisan shops
- Uta el-Hammam Square
- Ras El-Ma Spring
- Time for exploring and photography
Distance: Approximately 250 km
Driving time: Approximately 4 hours
Overnight: Palacio Al Andalus, Maison d’Hôtes Afassi or similar
Weather guide: Approximately 18–24°C
Day 5 – Thursday, 30 March 2028
Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Meknes → Fez
More Than 2,000 Years of History
Today’s journey takes us through more than 2,000 years of Moroccan history. We begin at Volubilis, Morocco’s best-preserved Roman archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll explore the fascinating ruins before continuing to Meknes, one of Morocco’s historic imperial cities. Built and developed under Sultan Moulay Ismail, Meknes is known for its monumental gates and impressive imperial architecture.
Later, we continue to Fez, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital. Tonight, we settle into a traditional riad in preparation for tomorrow’s exploration of one of the world’s great medieval cities.
Today’s highlights
- Volubilis Roman ruins
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Meknes
- Imperial architecture
- Arrival in Fez
- Traditional riad experience
Distance: Approximately 200 km
Driving time: Approximately 4 hours, excluding sightseeing
Overnight: Dar Fez Medina or similar
Weather guide: Approximately 20–26°C
Day 6 – Friday, 31 March 2028
Fez | Step Inside a Medieval World
Today, we venture deep into the extraordinary medieval city of Fez.
Accompanied by our licensed local guide, we’ll explore its labyrinth of narrow lanes, souks, workshops, historic buildings and hidden corners. We’ll visit Al-Qarawiyyin University, admire the impressive gates of the Royal Palace, and see Moroccan craftsmanship in action at traditional mosaic workshops.
Then comes one of Fez’s most famous sights — the colourful Chouara Tannery. We’ll also visit the beautiful Nejjarine Fountain before enjoying some free time to explore the souks and artisan workshops. Leather, ceramics, textiles, metalwork, spices — this is a wonderful place to watch craftspeople at work and perhaps do a little shopping.
Today’s highlights
- Licensed local Fez guide
- Historic Fez Medina
- Al-Qarawiyyin University
- Royal Palace gates
- Traditional mosaic workshops
- Chouara Tannery
- Nejjarine Fountain
- Souks and artisan workshops
- Free time for exploring
Overnight: Dar Fez Medina or similar
Weather guide: Approximately 20–26°C
Day 7 – Saturday, 1 April 2028
Fez → Ifrane → Cedar Forest → Ziz Valley → Merzouga
Across the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara
Today is one of our longer travelling days — but what a journey it will be. We leave Fez and travel south through the beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains towards the Sahara.
Our first stop is Ifrane, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco”. We’ll then visit the Cedar Forest, home to Morocco’s famous Barbary macaques. As we continue south, the landscape begins to change dramatically. We’ll travel through the spectacular Ziz Valley, one of Morocco’s largest palm oases, before passing through Erfoud, a region renowned for its fossil workshops.
Then comes one of those fabulous travel moments. The landscape opens and the enormous golden dunes of Erg Chebbi appear in the distance. We’ve reached the Sahara.We’ll arrive in Merzouga and settle into our accommodation beside the dunes.
Today’s highlights
- Middle Atlas Mountains
- Ifrane
- Cedar Forest
- Barbary macaques
- Ziz Valley
- Erfoud
- First views of the Sahara
- Merzouga
- Erg Chebbi dunes
Distance: Approximately 470 km
Driving time: Approximately 7–8 hours
Overnight: Palais des Dunes, Kasbah Erg Chebbi or similar
Weather guide: Approximately 22–30°C, dropping to approximately 10–14°C overnight
Day 8 – Sunday, 2 April 2028
The Sahara Desert Experience
Camels, Nomadic Culture & a Night Beneath the Stars
Today is going to be one of those days you remember for years.Wake to the extraordinary landscape of the Sahara and, for early risers, the opportunity to experience a spectacular desert sunrise. After breakfast, we’ll head out to explore the landscapes and communities surrounding Merzouga. We’ll visit Khamlia village, where we’ll experience traditional Gnawa music, before travelling along sections of the old Paris–Dakar Rally route. We’ll also meet a local nomadic family, giving us an insight into a very different way of life.
Lunch today is another Moroccan experience — traditional Medfouna. Later comes one of the signature moments of our journey. We’ll meet our camels and set out across the magnificent golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. As the afternoon light softens, we’ll watch the desert change colour and experience sunset over the Sahara. Our destination tonight is our luxury Sahara Desert camp. After settling in, we’ll enjoy dinner and traditional Berber music.
Then look up – away from the lights of the cities, we’ll have the opportunity to experience an enormous Sahara sky filled with stars. MAGIC!
Today’s highlights
- Sahara sunrise
- Khamlia village
- Traditional Gnawa music
- Old Paris–Dakar Rally route
- Visit with a nomadic family
- Traditional Medfouna lunch
- Camel trek across Erg Chebbi
- Sahara sunset
- Luxury desert camp
- Dinner
- Traditional Berber music
- Stargazing beneath the Sahara sky
Overnight: Luxury Sahara Desert Camp
Weather guide: Approximately 24–31°C
Day 9 – Monday, 3 April 2028
Merzouga → Rissani → Todra Gorge → Dades Valley → Ouarzazate
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the Sahara and begin travelling through Morocco’s spectacular pre-Saharan valleys. Our first stop is Rissani, a historic trading town known for its lively local market. We continue to the magnificent Todra Gorge, where towering cliffs rise almost 300 metres above the river. From here, our journey takes us through the beautiful Dades Valley and the Valley of Roses. We’ll stop at a local cooperative to discover the traditional rose-based products produced in this region. Later, we arrive in Ouarzazate for the evening.
Today’s highlights
- Rissani Market
- Todra Gorge
- Dramatic pre-Saharan landscapes
- Dades Valley
- Valley of Roses
- Local rose cooperative
- Ouarzazate
Distance: Approximately 360 km
Driving time: Approximately 6–7 hours
Overnight: Riad Tama & Spa or similar
Weather guide: Approximately 20–28°C
Day 10 – Tuesday, 4 April 2028
Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Telouet → Imlil
Kasbahs & the High Atlas Mountains
After breakfast, we visit the famous Atlas Film Studios, reflecting Ouarzazate’s long association with international film and television productions. Then we’re off to one of Morocco’s great sights — Ait Ben Haddou. This magnificent fortified village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s finest examples of traditional earthen architecture. We’ll have time to explore before continuing to the historic Telouet Kasbah, once home to the powerful El Glaoui family.
Our road then climbs into the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass at approximately 2,260 metres. Today’s scenery is breathtaking as we descend through the mountains towards the peaceful village of Imlil.
Today’s highlights
- Atlas Film Studios
- Ait Ben Haddou
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Telouet Kasbah
- Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- High Atlas Mountains
- Arrival in Imlil
Distance: Approximately 200 km
Driving time: Approximately 4½ hours
Overnight: Riad Village or similar
Weather guide: Approximately 15–22°C
Day 11 – Wednesday, 5 April 2028
High Atlas Mountains
Amazigh Villages, Mountain Landscapes & Local Life
Wake surrounded by the fresh mountain air and magnificent scenery of the High Atlas Mountains. After a traditional Amazigh breakfast, we’ll head into the mountains with our guide. Our walk takes us through picturesque villages, walnut groves and terraced fields, surrounded by beautiful High Atlas scenery.
At midday, something rather special awaits. We’ll enjoy a gourmet picnic beside a hidden mountain waterfall. Later, we’ll visit a local Amazigh family for a wonderfully personal cultural experience. We’ll learn how to prepare traditional Moroccan mint tea and bake fresh bread in a wood-fired oven, while discovering more about the customs and traditions that have been passed down through generations. These are the experiences we particularly love — not simply seeing a destination, but spending time with the people who call it home.
Today’s highlights
- Traditional Amazigh breakfast
- Guided High Atlas Mountains walk
- Traditional mountain villages
- Walnut groves
- Terraced fields
- High Atlas scenery
- Hidden mountain waterfall
- Gourmet picnic
- Visit with an Amazigh family
- Traditional mint tea
- Bread baking in a wood-fired oven
- Authentic cultural encounter
Walking: Approximately 3 hours
Overnight: Riad Village or similar
Weather guide: Approximately 12–20°C
Day 12 – Thursday, 6 April 2028
Marrakech | Welcome to the Red City
Today, we discover the colour and energy of Marrakech.
Accompanied by our licensed local guide, we’ll visit the magnificent Bahia Palace and historic Ben Youssef Madrasa. We’ll admire the famous Koutoubia Mosque from the exterior before venturing into Marrakech’s historic medina.
And then come the souks – spices, leather, jewellery, textiles, ceramics, lanterns and all manner of Moroccan treasures fill the maze of lanes. There’ll be free time to experience Jemaa el-Fna Square, browse the shops or simply find somewhere to sit and watch Marrakech life unfold around you.
Those wanting to explore further may choose to visit the House of Photography of Marrakech or Majorelle Garden. These are optional experiences.
Tonight, we’ll come together for a special farewell dinner. After almost two weeks travelling across Morocco, it’s time to raise a glass, share our favourite moments and celebrate the adventures and friendships we’ve made along the way.
Today’s highlights
- Licensed Marrakech guide
- Bahia Palace
- Ben Youssef Madrasa
- Koutoubia Mosque – exterior
- Historic Marrakech Medina
- Colourful souks
- Jemaa el-Fna Square
- Free time for shopping and exploring
- Special farewell dinner
Optional: House of Photography of Marrakech and Majorelle Garden
Overnight: Riad El Walida, Riad Nour Boutique or similar
Weather guide: Approximately 22–30°C
Day 13 – Friday, 7 April 2028
Farewell Morocco
After breakfast, our Moroccan adventure comes to an end. Depending on flight schedules, there may be time for a leisurely breakfast, one final wander through the shops or perhaps one last Moroccan mint tea. Private transfers will be arranged according to flight schedules to either Marrakech Airport or Casablanca Airport.
After 13 days together, we’ll be leaving with considerably more than photographs. We’ll have wandered the blue lanes of Chefchaouen, explored ancient Roman ruins and medieval medinas, crossed the Atlas Mountains, watched the sun set over the Sahara, slept beneath the desert stars, shared mint tea with an Amazigh family and experienced the colour and energy of Marrakech. And, as so often happens on a Travel With Lesley Whyte journey, we’ll hopefully be leaving with a wonderful new group of friends.
Today’s arrangements
- Breakfast
- Free time subject to flight schedules
- Private airport transfer
- Farewell Morocco
To Marrakech Airport: Approximately 10 km / 20 minutes
To Casablanca Airport: Approximately 225 km / 3–3½ hours
