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Morocco Imperial Cities 11-Day Small-group Tour

Morocco Imperial Cities 11-Day Small-group Tour

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Morocco Imperial Cities 11-Day Small-group Tour

Once a tourist destination gets famous, it gets flooded with hordes of tourists. This Morocco Small-group Tour will help you get away from the hustle-bustle of cities, and let you enjoy the scenic sights, imperial architecture, awe-inspiring mountains, coastal beaches, and much more. This tour includes the cities of Rabat, Meknes, and Fez, and passes through the enchanting blue-colored town of Chefchaouen. You will also experience contrasting cities, with the fast pace of Tangier making you come alive, and the sleepy town of Asilah making you feel relaxed and at ease.

When you book a tailored Moroccan escape, you’ll work with a travel expert to create an itinerary that meets your needs and desires. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your travel goals, preferences, and budget, and the travel expert will use this information to design a customized itinerary. The itinerary can include a variety of activities, such as guided tours of Morocco’s historic cities, hiking in the Atlas Mountains, camel trekking in the Sahara desert, or experiencing the country’s world-famous cuisine.

TOUR MAP

11
10+ Age
Group Tours
Small-group Tours to Morocco
  • Departure
    Casablanca
  • Departure Time
    Depends on your flight time
  • Return Time
    Depends on your return flight time
  • Dress Code
    Casual
  • Included
    Entrance Fees
    New air-conditioned vehicle 4WD or Minivan/Mini Bus
    Pick-up and Drop Off Service
    Professional driver/Tour guide during the tour
  • Not Included
    Camel trek (one camel per guest)
    Flights
    Local guides in major cities: Fes; Marrakech, Casablanca mosque, Volubilis; Essaouira, Atlas Mountains
    Lunches and drinks unless specified
    Meals as per itinerary
    Overnight in Desert Luxury Camp
    Personal expenses

From our gallery

Morocco Northern Trails 11-day Tour-1

Tour Plan

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Day 1: Casablanca Arrival

Arrive at Casablanca, where you will be picked up from the airport and dropped to your hotel.
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Day 2: Casablanca - Meknes - Volublis - Fez

Get a guided tour of Morocco’s largest and Africa’s second-largest mosque, Hassan II. After this, you will be driven to Fez and will pass the cities of Meknes and Volubilis on the way.

Meknes, situated just an hour away from Fez, is a city whose history drips with imperialism, grandeur, and magnificence. Back in the 17th century, Sultan Moulay Ismail made Meknes the capital of his kingdom. While that was quite some time ago, the soul of a once kingdom capital can still be felt and experienced in this quaint city. There are so many things that you can enjoy here starting from Bab Mansour, which is the ginormous gate that serves as an entry point to this city. The wood carvings and beautiful tilework make this one of the most beautiful gates in the whole of Morocco.

Volubilis is an ancient Roman occupation that dates back to 225 BC! While the structures are in ruins, they are still as magnificent as ever, showing the might that the Roman Empire once possessed. A lot of the magnificence can be attributed to the fact that these ruins have been maintained well over the years. Due to the preservation of these historically important structures, UNESCO has granted a world heritage site to Volubilis

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Day 3: Exploring Fez

Today is the first of two half-day tours of Fez with your private guide. They will help you explore the winding streets of the Medina as well as give you a full history of the city.

Fez is the cultural and spiritual hub of Morocco, that has stood the test of time and has managed to retain its imperialistic charm. It is situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

Despite the modernization, what will enchant you is the old-world architecture that still prevails in different parts of the city. There are wonderfully designed mosques such as MedersaBouInania and Medersa el-Attarine, that even though don’t open their door to non-Muslims, can be seen from outside. The complexly done tile work is an absolute artistic delight.

The King’s Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Jewish quarters are other well-known places of interest that one can explore. The King’s Palace is open only to the members of the Royal family. Others can enjoy viewing it from outside. Another noteworthy thing is that the city is full of fountains, just like important kingdom cities used to be way back in time. And given that it is still traditional, both men and women should cover themselves well when they are exploring the city.

Contrary to what the world believes, the world’s oldest university is not anywhere else but at Fez. The University of Al-Qarawiyyin is supposed to have been established in 859 ADThe rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
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Day 4: Fes to Chefchaouen

In the morning, a driver will pick you up and take you for a journey to the famous blue medinas of Chefchaouen, the main city in the Rif Mountain region in the north of Morocco, and is undoubtedly one of the prettiest towns in the country. The city is dramatically situated, with blue and whitewashed buildings perching on the mountainside and small steep alleys, paths, and stairways winding around the tightly packed old medina. It remained a bastion against European influence until 1920 when the first Christians were allowed to enter, and the town retains a strong Arabic and Andalusian feel, with traditional wrought iron and beautifully woven lamps. Chefchaouen is a relaxed and tranquil town with a rather bohemian feel, and is a perfect antidote to many of the larger cities in Morocco, with superb views of the surrounding countryside.You will be in the vicinity of the Rif Mountains, as the city of Chefchaouen is on the foothills of the mountain. The medinas are small and can be explored by taking a walk around.
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Dday 5: Exploring Chefchaouen

Today, you can explore the town of Chefchaouen further. You can take a journey uphill into the Rif Mountains, and get an enthralling view of the blue city of Chefchaouen. A vantage point to click photos of the town!
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Day 6: Chefchaouen to Tangier

The driver will pick you up in the morning and take you to the coastal city of Tangier. The drive en route Tangier is mesmerizing. You will be staying here for 2 days.Tangier is Africa’s gateway to Europe and is situated at the confluence of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, standing tall over the Strait of Gibraltar and the neighboring European country Spain.Over the years, Tangier has been colonized or ruled by various entities – the Romans, the Arabs, the Portuguese, and many more. Needless to say, the cross-cultural influences are evident till date. There was a time when Tangier was literally a free zone and controlled by several European states. There was an unrestricted movement of people, and illegal activities could be openly undertaken. But today, this two-millennium old city is today an industrial hub and an important port for the Moroccans.
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Day 7: Exploring Tangier

The first of the day will include a trip to the medina, where you will learn about the impact and historical relevance of the 20th century on this city. You will be free in the second half and can spend it leisurely, relaxing and strolling around one of the many beaches.
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Day 8: Tangier to Assilah

Morocco is in touching distance of Spain. No wonder, you will find towns that are influenced by the Spanish culture. Asilah is one of them. You can explore the elegant white colored medinas of Asilah, and enjoy some Spanish cuisine here. A nice break from the Moroccan delicacies you’ve been having for a week!Asilah is a fortified town on the northwest tip of the Atlantic coast of Morocco, about 50 kilometers from Tangier. It boasts a small, beautifully preserved medina with a picturesque location right by the shoreline. The town itself has a Spanish feel, with lovely whitewashed buildings and public artwork on the walls of many of the narrow alleyways. There are some beaches in the vicinity, which are not ideal for sunbathing but excellent for a relaxing stroll. Its history dates back to 1500 BC when it was a trade base for the Phoenicians. Asilah served as a base for pirates in the 19th and 20th centuries and was under the Spanish Empire during parts of the 20th century. Easy to navigate and soothingly low-key, Asilah is perfect for a day of relaxation between Morocco’s better-known destinations.
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Day 9: Assilah to Rabat

In the morning, you will leave for Morocco’s capital Rabat. In between, you will halt at Lixus, which is a site of ancient Roman ruins such as temples, baths, and 4th-century walls.Explore the Islamic and French influences of Rabat, such as the French-styled parks, and the very famous Hassan tower. If you are clueless about the sights to visit, you can hire a guide too!
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Day 10: Rabat to Casablanca

Drive through the high way to reach Casablanca the metropolis and the economic capital of Morocco, in Casablanca, you will visit the Hassan 2 mosque, the only visited mosque in the morocco and the third-largest after Mecca. After lunch, you will explore the old medina including the Habous quarter and enjoy a beautiful sunset on the Cornish before checking to your hotel
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Day 11: Return Flight

Have breakfast, and then get dropped off at the airport for your flight back home! Return home with fond memories End of our Morocco Northern Trails 11-day Tour

Morocco Northern Trails 11-day Tour

  1. Stargazing in the Sahara
Experience the mesmerizing beauty of the night sky over the Sahara Desert. After a day of exploring the shifting dunes, gather around a traditional campfire, listen to local Berber music, and gaze upon the constellations in a sky untouched by city lights. An astronomer will guide you through the celestial wonders, enhancing your desert night with fascinating stories of the stars. 
  1. Explore the Majestic Gorges of Dades and Todra
Venture deeper into Morocco’s dramatic landscapes with a guided hike through the Dades and Todra Gorges. Walk alongside towering red rock walls, visit hidden villages, and learn about the unique geology of the region. You’ll be accompanied by local guides who will share the history and traditions of the Berber communities that call these gorges home. 
  1. Culinary Journey: Cooking with the Locals
Add a flavorful touch to your adventure with a hands-on cooking class in a traditional Moroccan home. Learn the secrets of Moroccan cuisine as you prepare an authentic tagine or couscous meal, using spices and fresh ingredients sourced from local markets. Share the meal with your hosts, gaining insight into the culinary heritage that is integral to Moroccan culture. 
  1. Atlas Mountains Village Stay
Take the road less traveled and spend a night in a remote Berber village nestled in the Atlas Mountains. Engage with the local community, participate in daily activities like weaving or baking bread, and witness a lifestyle that has changed little over centuries. This experience offers a glimpse into Morocco’s rich cultural tapestry and its deep-rooted traditions. 
  1. Visit a Women's Cooperative
Support sustainable tourism by visiting a women’s argan oil cooperative. Learn about the process of extracting oil from the argan nut and the important role these cooperatives play in empowering local women. Not only will you have the opportunity to purchase high-quality products directly from the source, but you’ll also contribute to the preservation of this ancient craft. 
  1. Sunset Camel Ride and Desert Camping
For the ultimate desert experience, embark on a sunset camel ride across the sweeping dunes of Erg Chebbi. Feel the magic of the golden hour as you ride to a secluded desert camp. Enjoy a night under the stars, complete with traditional music, stories, and an exquisite Moroccan dinner. 
  1. Hammam and Spa Experience
Relax and rejuvenate after your adventures with a traditional Moroccan hammam experience. Indulge in a luxurious steam bath, followed by an exfoliating scrub using black soap and an argan oil massage. This ancient ritual is the perfect way to unwind and revitalize both body and mind.
Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco - AFC Morocco Travel Tips
More and more people are visiting Morocco every year. It’s a beautiful country. If you plan on going, here are a few pointers to help you prepare for your trip.
  1. Dress Appropriately
Overall, guys can dress however they like, but women need to dress more conservatively. Although you see many tourists wearing whatever they want, we chose to cover up as much as possible to avoid unwanted attention. Even if you’re traveling with a group of guys, you may still get harassed. Some of the girls in our group got groped on multiple occasions even though we were paired off with a male buddy. It was mostly really old men, and it happened more often in crowded places. When visiting mosques, you need to cover down to your wrists and ankles. For the ladies out there, it really helps to have a shawl/scarf handy in case you need it.
  1. Currency and Cost
More established shops will take credit cards, but most smaller markets, street vendors, and cabs will not. Be ready with the local currency. The Moroccan Dirham (DEER-HAM) goes for roughly 9.20 Dirhams (DH) per 1 USD or 10 per 1 euro. We thought things would be cheaper in Morocco, but because of how touristy the country has become, the prices were comparable to Europe. Our tour guide recommended each person exchange 100 euros per day.
  1. ATMs.
Exchange enough money when have a chance. ATMs can run out of money especially during a holiday or on the weekend also keep in mind some machines will let you withdraw up to $400.00 a day. There are many exchange offices especially in the big cities, your tour guide will help you get the best exchange rates. Also, traveler’s checks are pretty much useless in Morocco. It’s hard to find a place to cash them.
  1. Keep Correct Change with You
Moroccan cab drivers rarely “have change” when you need it. To avoid overpaying, keep your coins. Most of our cab rides within the city were roughly 30 Dirhams, be careful when the cab driver says I will charge you a flat fee (it’s illegal), once you’re inside the cab look at the meter it should read something like 2.3 DRS during the day and 3.2 DRS during the night, roughly a 10 minutes cab ride should cost you around $8.00, do the best you can to have small change with you (coins).
  1. Tipping
Have some change ready for tips. A good general rule of thumb is 3 to 5 DH at a local place and 5 to 10 DH at nicer places (coffee shops), when you dine at a restaurant a 10% tips is greatly appreciated. For your driver and guide 15 to 20% is greatly appreciated.
  1. Be Wary of Local Guides.
It’s definitely great to hire a local guide to help you get an inside perspective on the country and navigate through the maze of the medinas (old towns) but be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. The local guides have built relationships with many different stores, and they are most likely getting a cut of the sales. Don’t be fooled when they say they are trying to help you haggle to get the best price. I always offer them a 70% off the asking price, we start negotiating until we meet somewhere in the middle, put your poker face on. For this reason, our guides and drivers will stay with you from the beginning to the end of the tour to avoid such miss-step.
  1. Stay Away from Strangers Offering Free Tours or Directions.
Even if you don’t hire a local guide, there will be a lot of locals offering you tours while you’re walking around the markets and medinas. If you go with one of them you may end up completely lost and pressed to spend money. Most of the time they will ask for a tip afterward too. This is the same as asking for directions. A lot of them will offer to walk you to where you’re going but then ask for a tip. If you’re so inclined, always have money to pay them off or just plan ahead and ask your hotel or pull up some maps when you have WIFI. And this is the reason why we have well-trained staff professional chauffeurs and nationally certified guides that offer you protection to your experience.
  1. Fridays are Holy Days and Prepare for Holidays
Keep in mind that it is a Muslim country, so pay attention to their holidays otherwise you might be there when everything is closed. Also, most shops and attractions are closed during the mid-day prayer then everything is back to normal after that. During Ramadan most food places will be closed until late afternoon, however, you can still find some places where you can eat, the restaurant at the hotels, and Riads are always open. If you arrive in Morocco on Eid al-Adha, where they slaughter and sacrifice helps. Shops restaurants will be closed for at least 4 to 6 days and banks will be close for at least 2 days.
  1. Careful What Water You Use
To stay on the safe side, drink bottled water and even use it to brush your teeth. the water bottle is really useful when you’re in Morocco.
  1. Pack Some Immodium
Because the food, the meat, and the vegetables are all organic and they are not processed in most cases you will be fine but just to be in the safe case, bring some medication with you.
  1. Watch Your Pockets
Most Moroccans are friendly and honest, but be careful about pickpockets in any major city especially in crowded places like the markets.
  1. What Language Do They Speak?
Moroccans speak a mixture of Arabic, Berber, English, Spanish, and French. You’ll be fine with English in most of the larger cities, but you’ll probably need a translator in the rural parts of the country.Here are a few basic Arabic words that came in handy:
  • Hello(Peace Be With You): Salam Alikome (salaam a eleikum)
  • Thank You:Choukran (shokran)
  • No Thank You: La Choukran (la shokran). This one is useful when you have a bunch of street vendors hassling you to buy something.
  • Watch Out: Although you won’t use this yourself, you’ll most likely hear this in the medinas or souks (outdoor markets). It will be said by locals coming by with a mule, motorcycle, or cart and is a warning to move to the side.
  1. Visiting Mosques:
If you’re hoping to visit Mosque in Morocco, you might be out of luck unless you’re Muslim. Most mosques are off-limits to non-Muslims, with the exception of the massive Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. They are still beautiful to take photos from outside though!
  1. Do I Need a Visa or Vaccines?
Almost all English-speaking countries (except South Africa) do not require visas to enter the country. The CDC also doesn’t require any vaccines although many would recommend Hepatitis A and Typhoid shots. Find out more details from the CDC here.
  1. Ask Before Taking Photos (And You May Have to Pay).
When you’re walking through the markets, be careful about taking photos of people and shops. Unless you are purchasing something, they may get angry at you and even demand money for the photos. When taking photos of the snake charmers, you need to pay 20 DH. Some may even hassle you for more, so it’s good to first establish a price before taking a photo.
  1. Souvenirs to Bring Home:
Leather and carpets are well known in Fez. Fragrances, oils, and spices (like saffron) are famous in Morocco.  Your tour guide will have recommendations for each product you want to get as a souvenir.

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Overall, Morocco is a beautiful country, and you will be happy to experience it. As long as you’re completely aware of your surroundings, and you go in with the right mindset and expectations, you can have a wonderful experience.

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