Morocco

Tour members from across Canada gather in Toronto and Montreal for the overnight flight to Casablanca.

Welcome to Morocco! On arrival in Casablanca, we will meet our local guide and transfer up the coast to our hotel in Rabat. In the evening, we gather for dinner at our hotel.

Tour Hassan Palace (2 nights) 

Explore the city of Rabat, which features the exquisite Hassan Tower, the busy Kasbah des Oudayas, the impressive mausoleum of Mohamed V, and the imposing Royal Palace, Chellah. Balance of the day at leisure.

This morning, we travel further inland to Fez, the world’s oldest and largest medieval city. En route, we shall visit Meknes, which once rivalled Versailles in its beauty and opulence. Built over a fifty-year period as an imperial city by Moulay Ismail, Meknes is a treasure trove of palaces and gardens enveloped by 40 kms of mighty walls. Enter through the monumental gates of Bab Mansour to find the exquisite mausoleum of the city’s builder. Nearby we explore the Roman ruins at Volubilis. This UNESCO site dates back to AD 40 and was the capital of the Roman province of Mauritania. Later this afternoon, we arrive in Fez where we will spend two nights in the heart of the Medina with its bustling markets and heady mix of aromas, sounds and sights.

Hotel Les Merinides or similar (2 nights)

This is a day of enchantment as we visit the Medina of Fez, the ancient walled city of artisans, craftsmen, and lively markets. We then descend into the souks of Fez and enter yet another world filled with mingling aromas of cedar, leather, and spices, as we discover the districts of tanners, engravers, and merchants. You may want to visit the Kairaouine Mosque and University, the Bou Jeloud Gardens, and the Sultan’s Palace, each offering displays of classical Islamic art.

Departing Fez, we cross over the Middle Atlas Mountains into the heart of Berber country. En route, we pass Ifrane, a charming ski resort, and Azrou, an important handicraft centre. Midelt is a pleasant town surrounded by verdant pine trees in a tranquil mountain setting. Take in the scenery as we head to the edge of the Sahara via the palm-fringed Errachidia and Ziz Valley.

Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud (1 night)

After breakfast, we depart for Merzouga where 4x4 vehicles await to carry us through the final leg to the remote Erg Chebbi dunes. Surrounded amidst the undulating dunes lies our deluxe tented camp. Each tent offers comfortable beds, a private en suite bathroom with hot and cold water, and all the comforts of a well-appointed desert camp. As the desert sun sinks low, casting the dunes in rich amber hues, we have the chance to ride camels and witness the sunset. At night we gather for a  traditional Berber meal, the sound of music filling the air as we dine under a canopy of stars.

Golden Camp Merzouga (1 night)

Enjoy a morning at leisure followed by an afternoon visit to a local village along the fringe of the vast Saharan sands.

Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Tombouctou (1 night)   

Following an early call to admire the sunrise over the desert, we depart for Rissani, the holy city where Moulay Ali Cherif, an ancestor of the Alaouite dynasty is buried. Visit the ruins of a 17th century Kasbah and the ruins of the imposing 19th century castle, Ksar Abbar. We continue onto Tinghir to visit the magnificent Todra Gorge, its towering limestone cliffs soaring 1,000 feet overhead. After lunch, we will journey via the rugged Dades Valley to Dades, renowned for its blooming roses each spring.

Kasbah Xaluca Dades or similar (1 night)

Today, we journey through extraordinary red rock formations to reach the stunning Dades Gorge. This area is often referred to as "Kasbah Country" due to the impressive forts that grace the valley, evoking memories of ancient desert caravans traveling from Africa's depths to the Moorish cities in the north. Following lunch, we will explore Aït-Ben-Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the timeless masterpiece Lawrence of Arabia was filmed.

Oscar Hotel Studio or similar (1 night)

Winding through the Atlas Mountains, we journey to the village of Ait Ourir. There we hope to meet a local Imam and visit a school where nearly 90 children are educated. You may bring a small gift for the children if you wish (school visit subject to confirmation). We continue onward to Marrakech, the fabled imperial city that served as a  painting retreat for Winston Churchill. Later, we settle into a riad at the heart of the city, close to all the action.

Palais Sebban (4 nights)

Stroll through the Jardin Majorelle, a tranquil retreat from the bustle of the city. Visit the Museum of Islamic Art before participating in a special cooking class at La Maison Arabe (or similar). Step back in time as we explore the Medina’s narrow streets brimming with local handicrafts. Highlights will include the Koutoubia Minaret, the Saadian Tombs with their ornate carvings, the Kasbah, and  the lively Jemaa el-Fna Square.

Delve deeper into fascinating Marrakech at the Tiskiwin Museum, set within a traditional palace filled with Berber artifacts and insights into local culture. Marvel at the striking artistry of Bahia Palace, built in the 19th century with sections still reserved for the Royal Family. A special highlight will be our visit to the Amal Centre created to support local women from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Just outside of Marrakech lies Toubkal National Park. Drive up the mountain into the Berber village of Imlil. A gentle walk on country roads and local paths follows, before a graciously hosted lunch with a local family, offering insights into rich Berber traditions. As the day ends, we return to Marrakech, leaving the evening open for leisure.

Legendary Casablanca awaits, made famous by Humphrey Bogart. Explore this port city, highlighted by the eclectic Medina, the Royal Palace, and the magnificent Ain Diab Corniche. Our farewell dinner will be at Rick’s Café, recreated to fit the theme of “Casablanca’s” set in 1942.

Le Palace d’Anfa (2 nights)   

Today we visit the stunning Hassan II Mosque, the seventh largest building of it’s kind in the world and truly iconic. After a visit, we shall enjoy some free time to explore the area.

This morning we catch our flights to Montreal and Toronto with connections to our homes across Canada.