MOROCCO
Get to know the sights, sounds and aromas of Morocco!
Grand Tour of Morocco
Bucket List Travel is excited to introduce this amazing 12-day, 11-night Grand Tour of Morocco!
A trip to Morocco is like visiting a dozen different countries! From the gorgeous red dunes of the Sahara Desert and the maze-like souqs of Fez, to the dazzling blue city of Chefchaeoen and the Alps-like High Atlas Mountains, and the exotic romance of the kasbah of Casablanca and spice bazaars of Marrakesh - you will be overcome with the sights, sounds and aromas of Morocco!
This Grand Tour of Morocco shows you all of this and so much more!
WHAT YOU'LL SEE IN MOROCCO
WHAT'S INCLUDED
HOTEL
11 nights at 4* or 5* hotels
TOURS
All tours escorted by a private driver and a local guide
ENTRANCE FEES
Entrance fees to all sights in the itinerary
MEALS
10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 10 dinners with water
FREE IN TOUR BUS
Water, Wi-Fi, and snacks will be available free on the tour bus
GROUND
TRANSPORATION
All transportation, in modern air-conditioned vehicles
AIRPORT
TRANSFERS
We'll pick you up at the airport when you arrive, and bring you to your hotel. When it's time for you to leave, we'll bring you from your hotel back to the airport
What To Expect
This moderately-paced, escorted tour covers 1,178 miles in 12 days - which means a lot of time on a bus. We will have free water, snacks and wifi on the tour bus every day, and will stop frequently for rest stops and tours. The longest day spent on the bus is between Fez and Erfoud (day 6), which is approximately 9 hours. The tour includes a reasonable amount of walking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Most of the sightseeing stops are between one to three hours. We find our guests are happiest when they can roll with delays and last-minute changes that may happen in the unpredictable world of African travel. The best things you can bring with you are flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor!
Morocco Sites: A Snapshot!
Rabat - Morocco's Capital
Today we’ll tour Rabat, Morocco's capital, which rests along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. It has a real European feel, with cafés lining the streets, and landmarks that speak to its Islamic and French-colonial heritage. We'll explore the Royal Palace, the official residence of the king of Morocco; Mohammed V Square with its historic Art Deco buildings; the Hassan II Mosque, whose minaret soars 575 feet above the city; and the ancient Kasbah of the Udayas - a small, fortified city which dates to the 1100s.
Tangier - Europe’s Gateway to Africa!
Tangier is located on the Strait of Gibraltar. The old town is enclosed by 15th-century ramparts, and dominated by the Sultan’s Palace, a Kasbah, and the Great Mosque. We'll discover the picturesque coastal Cap Spartel and Cave of Hercules; and visit the Tangier American Legation, an elegant mansion that holds diplomatic artifacts between the USA and Morocco. We'll walk through lush Perdicaris Parc, with views of the Mediterranean, and visit Tangier's largest market, and the legendary fortress called the Kasbah.
The Exquisite "Blue Pearl of Morocco"
We'll drive to the exquisite city of Chefchaouen, known as "Morocco's Blue Pearl," and then on to Meknes, a scenic hilltop city with a 12th-century Grand Mosque. We'll see the vast El Hedim Square, so typically Moroccan – with pottery, leather, monkeys, and snake charmers; and the royal stables and granaries designed to stable and feed 12,000 horses. We'll see the white-washed town of Moulay Idriss, a pilgrimage site named for Morocco’s founder, and the impressive Roman ruins of Volubilis, dating to the third century BC.
Fez - Morocco's Cultural Capital
Today we'll tour the beguiling medieval city of Fez, the country’s cultural capital. It is primarily known for its walled Medina, the oldest and largest in North Africa, with vibrant souks and old-world atmosphere. Walk through the famous blue gate of Bab Boujeloud and be transported back 1,000 years. We’ll see the 14th-century religious schools Bou Inania and Al Attarine, with elaborate carvings and ornate tiles; the beautiful 18th century Nejjarine Fountain; the Karaouine Mosque, founded in 859; and the Jewish Quarter, established in 1438.
From Alpine Village to the Sahara Desert
Early this morning, we depart from Fez and drive 250 miles to Erfoud, an oasis town popularly known as the Gates of Sahara Desert. We'll travel an idyllic route, admiring the mountains, valleys, forests, and desert. We stop in Ifrane, which is often referred to as “Morocco’s Switzerland.” Located at an altitude of 5,460 feet in the Middle Atlas region, this small hill town has red-roofed houses, blooming flower beds, lake-studded parks and snowbound winters. Next we visit Azrou, named for the large, black volcanic outcrop.
Erfoud - The Gates of the Sahara
Today we’ll tour Erfoud, known as the Gates of Sahara, which offers the first awe-inspiring views of the largest desert on the planet. Experience Erfoud’s Souq, famous for Berber handicrafts and fresh dates. Visit the Royal Palace, the only castle in the Sahara; and the Bur-Est hilltop, which offers picturesque views of the town below. We'll visit the fossil shops in what geologists call "the largest open air fossil museum in the world;” and stop at the Kasbah of Rissani, an ancient caravan center. Tonight we’ll stay in a superior tented campground in the Erg Chebbi Desert in fancy camel skin tents, enjoy a Berber campfire dinner, and marvel at the sunset and a night in the silent desert with its magnificent starry sky.
Trek Through the Canyons
We'll leave our desert tented camp and drive 230 miles through some spectacular mountain gorges. We’ll drive through the magnificent Todgha and Dades Canyons around the hairpin bends of the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.” We’ll view breathtaking colorful rock formations; and overlook the valley full of historic fortified villages of the Berber people. We’ll visit the city of Tinghir, at the center of a lush oasis, and continue along the road with sheer and smooth rock walls up to 1,300 feet high.
A Caravan Route Through a Mountain Pass
Traveling along a former caravan route, we’ll visit Ait Benhaddou, a fortified city considered a great example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture. It has served as a spectacular backdrop in movies and TV, from Lawrence of Arabia to Game of Thrones. We’ll continue north via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest mountain pass in North Africa, with an elevation of 7,415 feet, arriving in the energetic and spellbinding city of Marrakesh.
Marvelous Marrakesh
Marrakesh has it all: Colorful souks selling handmade crafts and hand-woven Berber rugs, stunning gardens, and restaurants serving delicious Moroccan cuisine. Within the high red walls of the Medina, just soaking up the atmosphere is the main tourist attraction. We’ll see the Menara Gardens, established in the 12th century; and admire the painted wood ceilings, stained glass windows and intricately carved doors of the giant 19th-century Bahia Palace. We’ll tour the iconic Jemaa el-Fna Square, a vibrant hub of vendors, musicians, fortune-tellers, and snake charmers that springs to life every afternoon and parties on until midnight.
Here's Looking at You, Casablanca!
We’ll drive to scenic Ourika Valley and admire the natural majesty of Morocco in this pristine peaceful place. Then it’s on to Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco. We’ll see the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque, built partially on land and partially over the Atlantic Ocean. We’ll drive along the beautiful Corniche seaside and continue to Mohamed V Square, a beautiful example of Moroccan Art Deco architecture, and Habous Quarter, designed in the 1930s. We’ll visit the Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral, known for more than 8,600 square feet of breathtaking stained-glass windows that light up the interiors with colored beams of light.
Farewell to Enchanting, Amazing Morocco
After breakfast we'll transfer to Casablanca airport, and bid farewell to enchanting, amazing Morocco.
COST & PAYMENTS
This 12-day, 11-night adventure is priced $2,399 per person double occupancy
This does NOT include airfare to and from Morocco.
Single supplement is $750.
Your space will be secured when we receive a deposit of $500.
Upon receipt, 50% of the deposit paid is nonrefundable.
The balance is due by three months before your departure.
CANCELLATION & REFUNDS
In the event that you need to cancel your trip, these fees will be applied:
Within 150-101 days of travel: $375.
Within 100-61 days of travel: 25% of tour price
Within 60 and 46 days of travel: 50% of tour price.
Within 45 and 31 days of travel: 75% of tour price.
Within 30 and 1 days of travel: 100% of tour price.
