The Great Circle Luxury Tour of Morocco's Imperial Cities
11 DAYS/10 NIGHTS
Marrakesh - Skoura - The Sahara Desert - Fez - Casablanca
This 11-day itinerary offers a rich blend of Morocco’s diverse landscapes, historical sites, and cultural experiences, ensuring that your journey is filled with discovery and delight.
WHAT'S INCLUDED: Some Highlights
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Flights Round-trip from USA or Europe (minimum booking time required)
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Airport welcome, transfers & welcome dinner
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Highly rated private guides & specialty venue guides
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Air-Conditioned private luxury transport, private dedicated driver
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Luxury lodging at private Villas, Riyads and luxury hotels in major cities
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Meals: 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches & 7 dinners of the “World’s Best” Moroccan cuisine*
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Cooking Class with a meal of the recipe’s creations – always a highlight!
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Memorable luxury Agafay Desert and/or Sahara Desert camp stargazing nights (8 & 11-day tours)
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Atlas Mountains and Ourika Valley day tours from Marrakesh
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Hiking, Desert Treks, Dune Buggies & 4 x 4 Jeeps, Camel Rides, Spas & Hammams
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Nightlife with special dinners, events, performances
*Moroccan cuisine voted "World’s Best Cuisine” in a poll of 2.5 million world travelers. Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay announced results 7/16/24 on Instagram platform Pubity.
Cities in This Tour
Marrakech Villa Luxe 4BR/BA w/ Pool 2700 sq. ft., or 5 Star hotel
Marrakech is the fourth-largest city in Morocco. It is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco and is the capital of the Marrakech–Safi region. The city lies west of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.
Skoura Les Jardins de Skoura, L’Ma Lodge*
Skoura is a town in Ouarzazate Province, Morocco on the way to the Sahara. It consists of a modern town as well as an historical oasis and palmeraie (palm groves) with traditional rammed-earth architecture.
Erg Chebbi - The Sahara Desert Luxury Desert Camp*
The Sahara, the world’s largest hot desert, spans across North Africa. With an area of 9,200,000 square km (3,600,000 sq miles).
Fez Fez Hotel Sahrai; Riyad Salama*
Fez (also Fes) is a city in northern inland Morocco and the capital of the Fès-Meknès administrative region. It is the second largest city in Morocco. Located to the northwest of the Atlas Mountains, it is
surrounded by hills and the old city is centered around the Fez River.
Meknes and Volubilis Fez Hotel Sahrai; Riyad Salama*
Meknes, capital city of Morocco in the 17th century for the Sultan Moulay Ismail (an important builder but also a ruthless warrior during his 50+ year rule). Under the Sultan Meknes was developed from unimportant town into a majestic capital boating of gigantic ramparts, palaces, monumental gates and outer walls spanning 16 miles. Dominating the city’s attractions are horse stables and granaries built for the Sultan’s cavalry, colorful food markets and the giant Bab El Mansour Gate looming over El Hedim square.
Volubilis, the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site, is a partially excavated Berber-Roman city that may have been the capital of the Kingdom of Mauretania. Our tour reveals excavated 2000-year-old ruins noted for wonderful colored mosaics and remains of Roman monuments including the Arch of Triumph, a Temple and Basilica.
Rabat
Rabat, an Imperial Kingdom city and capital city of Morocco, was founded in the 12 th century and the home of the Royal Palace of Rabat, official residence of the King of Morocco. The ancient medina of Rabat is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Casablanca Hotel Radisson Blu*
Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco, its major airport and the country’s economic and business center. This amazing city is located on the Atlantic coast of the Chaouia plain in the central-western part of Morocco.
*As available, or comparable
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakesh D
Balance of Day on Your Own: Upon your arrival in Marrakech, your private guide and driver will meet you and escort you to your luxury lodging. Once you’re settled, your guide will review the travel itinerary with you, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the days ahead. Depending on your accommodations—whether you’re staying in a luxurious 4-bedroom villa with a pool just 15 minutes from the Medina or a charming Riyad in the heart of town—you’ll either enjoy a traditional Moroccan welcome dinner feast or begin your exploration of Marrakech. Perhaps you’ll wander through the vibrant souqs or sample the city’s delicious street food, immersing yourself in the local culture right from the start
Accommodation: 4-Bedroom Villa or comparable (hotel or riyad)
Day 2: Marrakesh B L D
Half-Day Guided Tour: : Start your morning with a privately guided tour of Marrakech’s main historical sites. Marvel at the intricate decorations of the 16th-century Saadian Tombs, explore the opulent Bahia Palace, and admire the towering Koutoubia Mosque, which dominates the city’s skyline. In the afternoon, dive into the bustling souqs where artisans skillfully craft their goods. Learn about the traditional techniques used by dyers, tanners, and coppersmiths before ending your day at the famous Djemaa el-Fna square, where street performers entertain the lively crowds.
Accommodation: 4-Bedroom Villa or comparable (hotel, riyad)
Day 3: Marrakesh B L
Today Explore Marrakesh: You might enjoy bartering in the souqs, visiting a traditional hammam for some relaxation, or taking a day trip to the High Atlas Mountains for a serene lunch at one of the luxurious mountain properties. Whatever you choose, the day is yours with your guide with a potpourri of suggestions and choices allowing you to experience the city in your own unique way.
Accommodation: 4-Bedroom Villa or comparable (hotel, riyad)
Day 4: Journey to Skoura B L D
High Atlas Mountains Adventure: Leave the city behind as you embark on a scenic journey over the High Atlas Mountains to Skoura. The winding roads offer spectacular views of tiny villages clinging to the mountainsides. Part of your journey will be by 4x4, allowing you to visit remote areas on your way south. You’ll have the opportunity to stop at the historic kasbahs of Telouet and Aït Benhaddou, learning about their rich history before continuing along the lush Dades Valley to your accommodation in Skoura.
Accommodation: Kasbah Ait Ben Moro*
Day 5: Skoura Sahara Desert & Desert Experience B L D
Continue your journey along the Dades Valley, stopping at the impressive Todra Gorge en route to Erfoud, located on the edge of the Sahara Desert. From Erfoud, you’ll travel deeper into the heart of the desert on a short camel ride, arriving at your desert camp just in time to watch the sunset over the dunes. As night falls, settle into your luxury camp for a magical evening under the stars.
Accommodation: Desert Luxury Camp in Erg Chebbi.
Day 7: Journey to Fez B L D
Scenic Drive (7:00 with stops) through Diverse Landscapes: Today, embark on a long but fascinating journey north to Fez. Observe Morocco’s diverse landscapes as you travel up the Ziz Gorge, cross the barren Middle Atlas plateau, and wind through the Alpine Middle Atlas with its Swiss-style buildings. After an eight-hour drive, you’ll arrive in the ancient city of Fez, where you can unwind in your charming Riyad.
Accommodation: Riyad Salama, Hotel Sahrai*
Day 8: Explore Fez B L
Guided City Tour: Delve into the history and culture of Fez with a private guided tour of the city. Wander through the ancient, maze-like medina, visit the tomb of the city’s founder, Moulay Idriss II, and admire the intricate decoration of mosques and madrasas (Islamic colleges). Visit the centuries-old tannery, where you can witness the complex process of turning animal hides into leather. End your day on the roof terrace of your Riyad, listening to the evening call to prayer echoing through the city.
Accommodation: Riyad Salama, Hotel Sahrai*
Day 9: Fez B L D
Day Trip to Volubilis and Meknes: Spend the day exploring the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes with your private guide. Walk through the extensive ruins of Volubilis, where many well-preserved mosaics still adorn the ground, and learn about the city’s prosperous past. In Meknes, once a capital of the kingdom, your guide will recount its turbulent history as you explore the city’s monumental archways and remnants of its former glory.
Accommodation: Riyad Salama, Hotel Sahrai*
Day 10: Meknes to Rabat to Casablanca B L D
On a final full day of touring, travel from Meknes toward Casablanca via Rabat, Morocco’s fourth Imperial Kingdom city. Visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Morocco and the city’s ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continuing (1:10 drive time) along the Moroccan coastline we arrive in Casablanca, Morocco’s most contemporary, cosmopolitan city and business center featuring the monolithic and the majestic Hassan II Mosque, renowned in the Muslim world as Islam’s second-largest house of worship.
This architectural marvel, with its intricate details and stunning oceanfront location, provides a captivating glimpse into Morocco’s spiritual heritage. Along with a visit to a favorite local restaurant for a delicious lunch, your guide will take you for visits to famous Rick’s Café of classic Humphrey Bogart’s “Casablanca” film fame, the Royal Palace of Casablanca, a stroll around the old Medina and a stop at United Nations Square. Settle for a final night into your comfortable hotel, a luxurious retreat to relax and reflect on what we at MTAG Morocco hope will be your lifetime memories of what we hope has been a fascinating and memorable series of travel adventures in Morocco with us.
Accommodation: Hotel Radisson Blu*
Day 11: Casablanca; Departure (B)
On your final day, your guide and driver will escort you to Casablanca Airport for your departure. Bid fond farewell to them and other travel partners as you return home to reminisce and hopefully cherish memories of your Morocco travels for a lifetime
*Or comparable
