Day 1: Friday, July 30 -  Casablanca  | Hotel Barcelo **   |   D

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• Arrival and greeting at Casablanca Airport

• Check in to hotel & relax following a long travel day

• Walk the sea breezes at the Corniche for snacks and shopping

• "Welcome to Morocco" dinner with guide

 

 Day 2: Saturday, July 31 - Casablanca - Rabat; or (option) skip and arrive                Tangier July 31, TBD    I               Hotel TBD       |      B L

 

• Casablanca & Rabat: After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Hassan II Mosque, second-largest active mosque in Africa, 14th largest in the world, the world's 2nd tallest minaret at 689 feet (60+/- stories high), and the only mosque in Africa allowing non-Muslims to take a guide tour inside.

• Transfer to Rabat, an Imperial Kingdom City and the Capital of Morocco

• City tour: Hassan Tower, iconic minaret of an incomplete mosque; Mausoleum of Mohammed V; and the Oudayas Kasbah, a historic fortress offering views over the Atlantic ("kasbah" - a fortress or citadel),

• Dinner on your own

Day 3: Sunday, August 1  -  Rabat – Tangier | Palais Zahia  |  B D

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• After breakfast, visit the Chellah, a medieval fortified Muslim necropolis and ancient archeological site

• Photography exhibits at a recently opened Photography Museum on the waterfront, transfer and stroll the Rabat Marina

• Transfer to Tangier, Morocco's Europe-to-Africa  "Gateway to Africa" and "Eclipse Central" for viewing the next day's Eclipse

• Check-in at lodging

• Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner together with other MTAG Eclipse travelers at El Minzah Hotel; musical entertainment, belly dancers

 

Day 4: Monday, August 2  -  Tangier | Palais Zahia  |  B L

 

• Following breakfast – enjoy the show we've gathered for - the world's longest remaining total solar eclipse led by renowned  Astronomer Professor Said Rachafi, from approximately 8:40 to 11:05 a.m.  Private tents, refreshments, swimming option at the walk-to beach

• Lunch at café

• In the afternoon the Tangier city tour begins in the Old Medina, historic heart of the city. Wander with your guide through narrow streets, bustling souks and vibrant markets of the Old City. Stop for nougat, its taste we continue to savor, while learning the storied history of Tangier, a duty-free 60-year international zone in the early 1900's controlled by several European countries and the United States. Travelers hear French, Arabic and Spanish spoken everywhere as they enjoy views of Spain across the Gibraltar Straits. ​

• Dinner on your own

 

Day 5: Tuesday, August 3 – Tangier - Chefchaouen |  Lodging TBD |  B D

 

• After breakfast, head off to Tetouan or Chefchaouen (2:30 drive time).​  Nestled at the foot of the Rif Mountains, relatively laid-back Tetouan is considered the most Andalusian city in Morocco due to its location. The Spanish influence is everywhere as locals speak the language and the city's architecture has the Spanish look and feel.  

• Though smaller than those of larger cities, Tetouan's Medina features “Andalusian” “Jewish” and “Berber” quarters largely untouched by development, making this the country's most authentic Medina.

• Transfer to Chefchaouen, a picturesque town nestled at the foot of the Rif Mountains.  Known for its distinctive blue-washed buildings, Chefchaouen, Morocco's "Blue City" is a tranquil retreat and a "paradise" for photographers.  

• Wander through narrow cobblestone streets admiring vibrant blue buildings.

• Visit Chefchaouen Kasbah, a historic citadel and the town's main attraction, and the Spanish Mosque offering panoramic city and mountain views.

• Dinner at Restaurant Chourafa

 

Day 6: Wednesday, August 4 – Volubilis - FEZ   Lodging TBD*   |    B D

 

• After breakfast, transfer to Volubilis.  The 2000-year-old Roman ruins of Volubilis are Morocco’s best-preserved archaeological site, and since 1997 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only half of Volubilis’s ruins have been excavated.  Its many mosaics, the site's main feature, are preserved in situ.​  Enjoy the site with a local guide.

• Continue on to visit Meknes (if time and interest allow). This quieter, laid-back town was Morocco’s 4th Imperial City, its former capital and the home of the country's sultanate. Enjoy a guided tour of the city which historically was no important than Fez due to its road network and three sets of defensive fortifications. The king’s tomb stands in the remains of the original imperial city near magnificent Bab El Mansour gate. On the other side of the vast Hedim Square is the Museum of Moroccan Art, “Dar Jamai”, offering a wide variety of handicrafts 

• Drive to Fez for check-in at your lodging, T/B/D 

• Dinner at L'Amandier inside Palais Faraj, Gordon Ramsay's favorite Morocco restaurant, located on the top floor of Palais Faraj where he stays.

 

Day 7: Thursday, August 5 -  Fez  |  Palais Faraj**   |  B L

 

After breakfast, enjoy the guided city Tour of Fez

• Explore the city’s intricate mosques and madrasas, renowned for stunning architecture and decorative artistry. Fez was the site of Morocco’s first Jewish district established in 1438.  Visit the vibrant tannery where traditional leather production methods are still in practice. 

• Discover the historical and cultural treasures of Fez with your guide on the comprehensive private tour winding through the narrow streets of this Imperial City and its stunning architecture. Fez boasts the world’s largest Medina and car-free zone, a labyrinth of narrow streets and souks - the hub of the city’s culture and spirituality.

• Enjoy lunch of traditional cuisine at Restaurant Ryad Nejjarine

 

Fez Highlights

• Jardin Jnan Sbil: these gardens were created in the 19th century and were originally exclusive to royal elites. They were connected to the Royal Palace by an underground passage.

• Al-Attarine Madrasa:  It was built in 1323-25 and is considered one of the highest achievements of Marinid architecture due to its rich and harmonious decoration and its efficient use of limited space.

• Chouara Tannery:  It is the largest tannery in the city and one of the oldest

• Fez el-Bali: The oldest walled part of Fez - an engaging local neighborhood

• Museo Nejjarine: The specialty museum of wooden arts and crafts

• Bab Boujloud: Ornate carved city gates

• Dinner on your own, recommended:  Dar Rafti or Dar Khabya

 

Day 8: Friday, August 6 – Fez - Midelt/ | Lodging TBD    |    B  D

 

11 Day tour departs for Marrakech today to spend 3 nights there (see "Day 15 "to continue the basic 11 Day tour)

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18 Day tour continues here:

 

• After breakfast start your drive with the first stop in the delightful town of Ifrane – a European style mountain town (the “Little Switzerland" of Morocco). Walk around the town and stop for a drink and/or ice cream snack

• Continue on driving through the Middle Atlas Mountains

• Stop at a tiny Berber community of farmers/ranchers (Ait Ghiat) to visit a rural family. Enjoy tea and freshly baked bread inside a villagers’ house (if fortunate to be invited this day). See how the self-sustaining Berber people live off the land tending their goats, donkeys, chickens and sheep.

• Arrive in Midelt to check in to a luxury riyad guest house where you’re greeted with offerings of delicious dates and roasted almonds. Enjoy dinner and a comfortable evening at Ryiad Pomme d'Or.  (Note:  a wine shop/store is located around the corner from the Riyad)

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Day 9:  Saturday, August 7-  Midelt - Sahara Desert | Xaluca Luxury Desert** Camp  |  B L D

 

• After breakfast, drive through the beautiful Ziz Gorge; hike or walk through the beautiful valley full of palms.

• Continue on to Merzouga to enjoy lunch and visit Khamlia, a small town of Gnaoua & Berbers villagers. The Gnaoua came from near Sudan and have preserved their language and their music; watch as they perform their music and dance for you to an intoxicating percussion! 

• From Erg Chebbi, climb aboard your camel (or Jeep 4x4) to begin the Moroccan desert evening that travelers consider among the most memorable highlights of their tour! Admire the desert sunset over majestic Sahara dunes and spend tonight in a luxury heated Berber tent with all facilities at this desert oasis.

• Dinner, entertainment, stargazing and overnight at Xaluca Luxury Desert Camp

 

Day 10: Sunday, August 8 – ​ Sahara Desert -  Ouarzazate | Hotel t/b/d  |  B D

 

• This morning, after breakfast, opt to walk or drive for an hour in the Sahara Desert and/or the Dunes of Erg Chebbi, ride camels or ATVs in the sand dunes, visit traditional nomadic camps on the desert plateau to observe and capture images showing how nomads today live today, or just relax at the desert camp.

• After the return to Merzouga, drive to Todra Gorge for a brief walk at the gorge or through the valley below the canyon past a changing assortment of barren mountain vistas and lush green scenery of the Tinghir Oasis.

• Continue to Ouarzazate

• Dinner at hotel or restaurant

 

Day 11: Sunday, August 9 - Ouarzazate –  Taroudant | Hotel t/b/d | B  D  

 

• After an early breakfast, we will visit the immensely popular tourist destination at UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, the filming location for Lawrence of Arabia, The Gladiator, Gladiator 2, Game of Thrones, The Mummy, Time Bandits, Prince of Persia, and many others.

• Then we begin our day’s journey toward Taroudant with stops along the way to visit one or two small Berber villages and view the cottage industries of rugs hand woven by the village women

• Taroudant, a charming town enclosed by majestic pink and orange-hued walls remains an authentic Berber town untouched by French occupation, offering a peaceful, crowd-free experience.  Known as the "Pearl of Souss," Taroudant is one of Morocco's oldest fortified cities and was the first Almoravid capital in the 11th century. A former trading hub, it boasts lively markets, skilled artisans, and bustling, shaded streets. 

• Enjoy a panoramic city tour followed by a guided medina stroll, where you’ll explore vibrant souks around Assarag and Tamaklotte Squares. Discover exquisite Berber carpets, leather goods, jewelry, and finely-etched silver crafted by master artisans. 

• After dinner, relax in your hotel.

 

Day 12: Monday, August 10 – Taroudant – Agadir | Hotel t/b/d | B  D  

 

• Today following breakfast on the way toward Agadir and a short drive from town, we’ll visit the Claudio Bravo Palace. A native of Chile, Claudio Bravo was an internationally celebrated artist known for his hyperrealist paintings, who selected Morocco to live and paint for its striking light during the day and at night. His home is a place of exceptional beauty.

• The journey continues to Agadir.  Agadir during the 1980's was a premier world sardine source, and today is Morocco's most important fishing port and has a booming export industry for citrus fruits and vegetables grown in the fertile Souss Valley.  Many thousands of visitors flock annually attracted by Agadir's 340 days of sunshine, a 6 mile beach and seafront promenades.  The town is a relaxing respite from the primary tourist routes offering a balancing mix of relaxation together with a rich culture and history.

• Enjoy a city tour including visiting the Agadir Amazigh Heritage Museum, showcasing Berber heritage and traditions, and Agadir Oufella, the Kasbah that once housed the old city, and offers insights into the city's past. 

• Dinner at one of our favorite restaurants.  Spend the evening by relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere at Plage d'Agadir, a bustling beach with restaurants and shops that provide a contemporary contrast to the city’s historical sites.

 

Day 13: Tuesday, August 11 – Agadir | Hotel t/b/d | B  

 

• Day at leisure – enjoy this beautiful beachfront town

• Lunch and dinner today will be on your own.

 

Day 14: Thursday, August 12 – Agadir – Essaouira | Lodging TBD** | B L

 

• After breakfast, we travel to Essaouira,”the Artists’ City”.  “Essaouira” means “a little picture” and the town lives its name showing off its vibrant blue and white old medina, sandstones gates, colorful ramparts and a bustling harbor.

• For lunch we will savor a fresh seafood meal, the culinary specialty of this coastal town. 

• In the afternoon, enjoy a town tour with a local specialist guide by visiting the old medina and the local souk.

• Skala and Sunset: Head to the Skala to catch a stunning sunset over the ocean waves.  Visiting the ramparts and old cannons of Skala de la Ville offers insight into the city's economic and strategic significance

• Dinner on your own

 

Day 15: Friday, August 13 – Essaouira -  Marrakech | 2Ciels Luxury Boutique Hôtel | B  D

 

• After breakfast, transfer to Marrakech

• Today you will have much of the day to explore and visit colorful historical monuments:

• Koutoubia Mosque: Admire the stunning architecture of this iconic landmark.

• Saadian Tombs: Discover the architectural masterpieces and tombs housed in two mausoleums.

• Bahia Palace: the 19th-century architectural marvel adorned with vibrant mosaics, intricately painted wood, and gleaming Italian marble unveils its rich history and stories of the city’s past glory.

• Dar Si Said Museum: Explore this museum dedicated to Moroccan arts.

• Ben Youssef Madrasa: Visit this 16th-century Islamic college founded by Moulay Abdallah, renowned for its exquisite architecture. Intricately carved wooden ceilings and detailed tilework which hark back to the grandeur of Morocco’s educational heritage.

• Jemaa el-Fnaa: In the afternoon, stroll through the famous square of Jemaa el-Fnaa, where you can experience food stalls, storytellers, henna tattoo artists, musicians, acrobats, and other entertainers.

• Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Le Slimana

 

Day 16: Saturday, August 14 -  Marrakech | 2Ciels Luxury Boutique Hôtel  

| B D

 

• After breakfast, Visit Jardin Majorelle, known today as the residence and pride of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.  The Majorelle Garden is a two-acre botanical and artist’s landscape garden created by French artist Jacques Majorelle through forty years(!) ending in 1963 and features a Cubist villa from the 1930’s. 

• Complete city tour & see sights not seen in Day 3

• Afternoon free to explore on your own

• Cooking Class followed by dinner made from your recipe creations  – Dar Rhizlane

 

Day 17: Sunday, August 15  - Marrakech (Day Trip Atlas Mountains) | 2Ciels Luxury Boutique Hôtel  | B  D

 

• After breakfast, drive to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, enjoy coffee on the veranda of Richard Branson’s Kasbah “Tamadot” and soak in the mountain views. Meet “Specialist mountain guide,” Ibrahim.

• Drive to Ouirgane to walk (easy to low-moderate) in the National Park.

• Visit traditional “olive oil factory farm” employing donkeys to power the olive crusher, enjoy tea & bread and taste the olive oil with the farmer’s family.

• Hike more or return to Marrakech

• Farewell Morocco! dinner at Le Bistro Arab

 

Day 18: Monday, August 16 – Marrakech – Airport | B

 

• After a final breakfast, check out from your hotel. Your guide will transport you to Menara Marrakeh Airport (RAK) for your departing flight.

• The MTAG team wishes you a safe and pleasant journey carrying with you what we hope are unforgettable memories of your experiences amidst Morocco's diverse beauty, rich heritage and warm, welcoming peoples.

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* The Solar Eclipse Itinerary is intended for individuals joining together as an unaffiliated small group in order to experience the 11- or 18-day Eclipse program  as shown. Existing affinity groups comprised of couples, friends and families travel according to their own specially tailored itineraries specially customized to these groups' interests & unique pace.

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** The hotels, riyads and desert camps listed are a few examples of the fine lodging quality travelers can expect at the "Comfort" level. "Ultra - Luxury" itineraries include 5-star lodging in Tangier for up to 3 Itinerary days, and throughout the trip subject to lodging availability. Each property's often daily pricing variations based on their own algorithms will inform our decisions on the group's hotel placement.  We reserve the right to substitute comparable high-quality properties in place of those listed.