Imperial Cities of Morocco with Atlas Mountains Mini Tour Extension - Private Tour

7 Day Private Tour With 4 Day Extension

Morocco, Africa
20 Meals Included
9 Excursions
Intermediate Pace

Uncover Morocco's colourful cultural offerings as you explore ancient medinas, spice-filled souks and dramatic Moorish architecture. Indulge your senses on this 8-day tour which incorporates the historic sights of Casablanca, breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains and the palaces, tombs and souks of Fez and Marrakech.

Travel through the Atlas Mountains into the Sahara Desert. Visit Kasbahs, ancient palaces and Berber villages & enjoy camel rides across the sand dunes. Staying in a luxury tent, riad and 4-star hotel with 3 dinners included.

Highlights

  • City tours of Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech
  • Explore Fez's ancient medina
  • Experience the breath-taking Ouzoud Waterfalls
  • Journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains
  • Visit the historic settlement of Meknes and Roman ruins of Volubilis
  • Witness snake charmers, dancers and musicians in Djemaa El Fnaa Square
  • Spend a night in a luxury desert camp
  • Watch the sunset atop a sand dune
  • Visit Riads and Kasbahs in the Atlas Mountains

Map Key

Train
Coach
Boat
Airplane
Walking
1
Number of nights

Itinerary

Day 1
UK to Marrakech

Dinner

Depart on your scheduled flight to Marrakech. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, arriving in time for your first dinner in Morocco's atmospheric capital city.

Day 2
Marrakech to Casablanca

Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, journey north to Morocco's largest city, Casablanca, and uncover this modern metropolis stretching along the Atlantic coastline. On arrival, wander around the League of Arab States Park, a verdant area dotted with palm trees, before continuing to the Notre Dame de Lourdes Church with its exquisite stained-glass windows. Passing the busy shopping area of the Habous Quarter, you will arrive at the esplanade of the magnificent Hassan II Mosque which boasts the world's tallest minaret.

Day 3
Casablanca to Fez

Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, travel to Rabat for a half-day city tour of Morocco's colourful capital city. Visit the Hassan Tower, a 12th century minaret built from distinctive red sandstone and one of the few parts remaining from the original Hassan Mosque, then explore the nearby mausoleum of Mohammed V with its stunning mahogany domes and intricate gold leaf decorations. Travel onward to the ancient Roman town of Volubilis, the country's best-preserved archaeological site. Wander past crumbling pillars and intricately laid mosaics then delve deeper into Morocco's historical fabric on a visit to Meknes. There, explore the settlement of the ruthless tyrant Sultan Moulay Ismail who founded this imperial city for his harem of 500 wives and 12,000 horses. View the Sultan's resting place, which boasts some of Morocco's best craftsmanship, mosaics and stucco then journey to Fez, arriving in time for dinner.

Day 4
Fez

Breakfast & Dinner

Brimming with history, numerous civilisations have settled or passed through Fez, leaving a legacy of palaces, mosques and museums filled with precious treasures. Begin your full-day city tour at the ancient medina of Fez, home to the architecturally rich Andalucian Quarter. Traverse some of the 9,000 streets of this maze-like district, passing some of the city's oldest and most esteemed mosques and religious schools, including the 1,200-year-old Al Kairouyine university and grandiose El Qaraoyin Mosque. The city is alive with traditional crafts and a visit to a local tannery provides a fascinating insight into the sights and smells of a craft that has remained unchanged for centuries.

Day 5
Fez to Beni Mellal

Breakfast & Dinner

Bidding farewell to Fez this morning, journey past the small town of Azrou, enjoying fantastic views of the area's shimmering lakes and dense cedar forests on a spectacularly scenic drive. Arrive in Beni Mellal, tucked away in the Middle Atlas Mountains, in time for dinner at your hotel.

Day 6
Beni Mellal to Marrakech

Breakfast & Dinner

Depart for Marrakech this morning, stopping first at the breath-taking Ouzoud Falls, set within the friendly Berber village of Tanaghmeilt. Take in this 3-tiered waterfall and the surrounding valleys, caves and gorges, keeping an eye for resident apes who drink from these waters. Check into your hotel in the ochre-coloured city of Marrakech and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure. Later this evening, visit the world-famous Djemaa El Fnaa Square and witness the vast esplanade transform from a day market to an immense show of dancers, musicians, and soothsayers.

Day 7
Marrakech

Breakfast & Dinner

Today's tour takes you to the El Bahia Palace and tombs of the Saadian princes, then on to Dar El Basha Quarter to see its traditional Moroccan restaurants. Peruse the basketwork, dried fruit, spices and fabrics of Kessabine and Smarine souks (markets) and explore the ancient, former slave market of Rahba Kedima Square, where locals arrive in droves to buy potions for magic spells and ingredients ranging from bark to chameleons. Enjoy dinner at the local restaurant Dar Essalam for your final night.

Day 8
Marrakech to M'hamid Elghizlane

Breakfast & Dinner

Check out of your hotel early this morning and start your trip into the Atlas Mountains. Journeying through the Tichka Pass, the highest road pass in Morocco, you will be able to enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys dotted with Berber villages and Kasbahs. Stopping for lunch at Agdz you will continue into the palm-lined Draa Valley, passing by the towns of Zagora and Tamegroute. Exiting the valley in the late afternoon, you will stop to meet the camels who will be carrying you onward to your luxury tented camp, arriving in the evening for dinner after watching the sunset over the desert from the top of a sand dune.

Day 9
M'hamid Elghizlane to Ait Benhaddou

Breakfast & Dinner

Today you have the option of an early start with a stroll before breakfast to enjoy the sun rising amongst the sand dunes. After breakfast back at camp you will take a jeep back to M'hamid and meet your vehicle for the start of your journey to Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage Site along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Arriving in the afternoon and checking in to your riad, you will have time to visit the stunning stronghold of Ait Benhaddou, used as a backdrop for many a Hollywood blockbuster. Return to your riad in the evening for dinner.

Day 10
Ait Benhaddou to Marrakech

Breakfast & Dinner

After a late breakfast at your riad, you will travel through the Ounila Valley along an ancient caravan trail to Telouet, a Kasbah also known as the Pasha's Palace. Take in this age-old structure famed for its intricately decorated walls. Leaving Telouet, you will head back to Marrakech via the National Road which winds its way past valleys and mountain peaks as it descends into Marrakech. Arrive into the city in the late afternoon in time for dinner at your hotel.

Day 11
Marrakech to UK

Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

View Full Itinerary

Accommodation

The hotels listed below are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent to you approximately 10 days before you travel
Red Hotel
1 nights
Marrakech, Morocco
More details
New Hotel Piscine Wellness and Spa
1 nights
Casablanca, Morocco
More details
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Tour Testimonials

Phil Summerfield

18 Oct 24

Mohamed our guide, was brilliant, very knowledgeable, and very friendly. He appeared to know almost everyone in Morocco.

Carol Krahe

20 Jun 24

The tour leaders and drivers were amazing and looked after us really well.

Being on our own at the desert camp and sleeping under the stars was a wonderful experience.

Anne Pitt

01 Feb 24

Another excellent escorted tour that gave us an overview of what Morocco has to offer. Our guide spoke very good English and had a wealth of historical information to share with us. Experiences included visits to local souks, charming and beautiful mosques, traditional foods, and entertainment.

Important Information

The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.

If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

It is your responsibility to check your passport validity. The embassy of Morocco in the UK advise that your passport should be valid for at least 3 months on your date of entry to Morocco. If your passport does not meet this requirement, you may face difficulties and you should check with the Moroccan authorities and your travel provider before travelling. Make sure your passport isn’t damaged. Some travellers have been refused entry when travelling on damaged passports. Sources of information include; https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice .

Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalized on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (DH) and it is a closed currency. This means it is not possible to buy Moroccan money in the UK before you travel. It is important to budget carefully as you should not take any Dirham out of Morocco when you depart. There are foreign exchange offices and cash machines available in most places during your tour. Your tour guide will assist you at the start of your tour with currency exchange. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels and some shops and restaurants; a charge is sometimes added for using them.

As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.

You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any dinners where these are not mentioned in your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £200-£300 per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour.

Tipping

Tipping is at your discretion. We would recommend approximately 270 DH per person for the guide and 215 DH per person for the driver. This will be collected by your guide at the end of your tour for your convenience. It is asked that you tip in the local currency, please do not give coins as these are difficult to exchange. We also recommend 10 DH for waiter service in restaurants and hotels

This is a fully escorted tour meaning that you will be met by a local guide in each of the cities that you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. For groups of 6 people or less you will have an English speaking Driver Guide or a Driver and Local/Monument Guides

Private Tour: If you have booked a private tour then you will be accompanied by a Driver Guide or a Driver and Local Guides. These will be available to you during all scheduled sightseeing. Private Tours can depart on any day of the week depending on flight and train schedules and the opening days of the attractions. They will follow the itinerary as described in the brochure unless you have been advised otherwise and you will still have all of the same meals, sightseeing and local excursions included.

Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist compared to what you might expect in the UK. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.

Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner on your tour (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.

It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way.

Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information

Ramadan is the most important month in the Muslim Calendar, and it is a time for people to be with their loved ones, self-reflect and renew their faith. During this time Muslims fast from dawn until dusk and abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and chewing gum. If you are a tourist visiting Oman, you will not be expected to fast. While eating, drinking and smoking is strictly prohibited in public places, hotels will offer meals and nonalcoholic drinks at many of their restaurants and bars. If you wish to consume alcohol during your trip, you may do so in your hotel room during the day, and some bars will be open as normal after sunset. Your guide during your tour will be on hand to give you any additional information that you require. When packing for your trip, it’s important you include a couple of different outfit options, so you’re prepared for all the activities you wish to take part in. When you’re relaxing by the hotel pool or sunbathing on the resort beach it’s fine to wear swim wear and beach clothes. However, when out in public during the day, it is advisable to be more covered up to show respect to the local customs. We would recommend that women cover their shoulders and knees and men should wear knee length shorts or trousers when out in public areas.

On your arrival in Marrakech you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Sahara Tours, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Sahara Tours representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries.

If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are:

Sahara Tours: 27-29 Complexe Agador, Boulevard 20 Août, Agadir, Morocco Contact number: 00212 528 840421 / 528 840611 Email ihsane.stirak@gmail.com or reservation@stimaroc.com

Emergency contact information: Please find below the emergency contact details for Sahara Tours: Mobile: 00212 661 38 08 82 Email: ihsane.stirak@gmail.com or reservation@stimaroc.com