Gaze up to the nights sky and witness the incredible Geminids Meteor shower as it peaks over the Moroccan desert. Explore the highlights of Morocco on this 9 day tour led by an expert local guide. Starting in Marrakech we travel to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate before we begin our camel trek into the Sahara. Visit the Imperial Cities of Fes, Rabat and Meknes.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Marrakech
10 December. Upon arrival at Marrakech airport you’ll be met and transferred to our hotel in the centre of town. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore Marrakech - you might want to explore some of the highlights of Marrakech, such as the medina or Djemaa el Fna, the exuberant market place. Later on there will be a Welcome Meeting at the hotel at 19:30hrs.
Overnight: Marrakech
Majorelle Gardens & Marrakech City Tour
After breakfast we head over to the beautiful Majorelle Gardens just a short drive from the hotel. These botanical gardens were designed by the French Artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and 1930s. He used a distinctive shade of cobalt blue for the majority of the garden and although a lot of his other work has largely been forgotten – this garden is seen as his greatest master piece. The garden has been owned by Yves Saint Laurent since 1980 and his ashes were scattered here after his death in 2008. The garden contains an extensive collection of exotic plants and trees and is home to 15 species of bird. There is also a Berber Museum representing the various indigenous tribes of Morocco including over 600 artefacts. The newly opened Yves Saint Laurent museum nearby is also well worth a visit - this museum was opened in 2017 and is dedicated to the life and works of Yves Saint Laurent himself. Please note entrance into the YSL museum is not included and costs 100 MAD per person if you would like to go in.
This afternoon you will meet up with the rest of the group who are coming in from Casablanca before embarking on a guided tour of Marrakech. Inside the rose coloured medina walls is a tangle of winding streets and alleys that open onto verdant gardens and bustling souks. At the heart of the medina is Djemaa El Fna, the city's exuberant market place and towering over it, is the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the tallest building in the city.
This evening you'll be met by your specialist astronomy guide, who will give you a short presentation after dinner about the sky above you and what you can hope to see in the next couple of evenings.
Overnight: Marrakech | Breakfast, Dinner
Ait Benhaddou
Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate. Departing the city this morning we travel across the plains of haouz and reach the great High Atlas mountains. Climbing over the pass of Tizi n Tichka, we stop for lunch and then continue onwards with great views over the Mountains and valleys to Ait Benhaddou. This incredible ancient fortified Kasbah was built for defence purposes high on a hill and is a stunningly well preserved medieval city which has famously featured in many blockbuster movies, including Gladiator and Laurence of Arabia as its beauty is unequal to any other fortified kasbah in south Morocco. Carrying on we continue south to the Hollywood of North Africa – Ouarzazate (pronounced war-zazat). Ouarzazate is famous for being the filming location for many other Hollywood blockbusters and famous TV shows including James Bond – The Living Daylights, The Mummy and more recently Game of Thrones.
After dinner we will head outside and look up to the sky, your astronomy guide will explain the constellations and stars that shine bright in the nights sky.
Overnight: Ouarzazate | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Geminids Meteor Shower
Ouarzazate - Todra Gorge - Merzouga (Sahara). This morning we begin our journey into the Sahara with a medley of palm trees, rose fields and magnificent gorges. Travelling from Ouarzazate, there is a possibility of visiting the kasbah Amherdhil in Skoura before seeing the rose fields and reaching scenic Todra Gorge. Surrounded by towering vertical limestone cliffs reaching heights of 1000ft, it is known as Morocco’s Grand Canyon. The charm of Todra lies in its changing colours as the sun slowly moves from east to west. After time to wander through Todra we hit the road again for Merzhouga – our base before we head into the Sahara. Depending on the time of year, spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming before climbing aboard our camels for an incredible trek into the Sahara Desert to watch a beautiful sunset and spend the night at our remote Berber Camp, nestled amongst the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi. We enjoy local food, music and an amazing night camping in the Sahara.
The stars above Morocco are impressive all year long, however, every year on the 13th of December the Geminds Meteor Shower peaks with amazing effect. Having been observed for over 500 years, it is believe the meteor shower emanates from the Gemini constellation and hence this is where it gets it's name. Your local astronomer will guide you through the science behind what you'll hopefully get to see, the incredible display of ones the worlds brightest meteor showers.
If you would prefer the comfort of a hotel with en-suite facilities this evening, opt for our complimentary Sahara hotel alternative. Please do let us know your preferred option at the time of booking.
Overnight: Berber Camp | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fes
Merzouga (Sahara) - Fes. Departing early, we climb back on our camels disembarking for a truly stunning sunrise. After freshening up and breakfast in Merzouga we’re back on the road heading for Fes. It’s a long drive today however there is a lot to see on the way. We’ll pass through cedar forests full of Barbary Macaque monkeys on our way through the Moyen Atlas mountains. Just before Fes we stop at Ifrane – a beautiful town often likened to a Swiss Alpine resort. Along the way we also start to see our first glimpse of Morocco’s nomadic Berbers – travelling across the mountains and often staying in make shift tents as they head to their next destination. We arrive into Fes in the early evening.
Overnight: Fes | Breakfast, Lunch
Fes
Fes is the oldest and largest medieval city in the world and its medina is a cacophony of aromas, sights and sounds. This morning we enjoy a guided tour of Fes el Bali - the old walled city. This fascinating medina is a veritable rabbit warren of 9400 alleys that often finish with dead ends – so be sure to stay close to the group! We also visit the dye-pits and tanneries before lunch in the medina. The remainder of the day is at leisure – why not take part in an optional Tagine Making Class or a night of Moroccan entertainment and food at a restaurant in town (both payable locally).
Overnight: Fes | Breakfast
Volubilis & Meknes
Fes - Volubilis - Meknes - Rabat. Departing Fes this morning we visit the fascinating UNESCO listed Roman ruins of Volubilis, which date back to AD40. Continuing on we stop at the Imperial City of Meknes, which became known as the Versailles of Morocco due to its impressive buildings and elaborate monuments. After lunch and some free time our final stop of the day is Rabat – Morocco’s capital where we overnight.
Overnight: Rabat | Breakfast
Rabat & Casablanca
Rabat - Casablanca - Marrakech. This morning we take a guided tour of Rabat and visit some of the capital’s highlights, including the impressive Chellah - a necropolis and complex of ancient, medieval ruins, the Royal Palace and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. After lunch we continue to Casablanca where we visit the Hassan II Mosque, which has the tallest minaret and is the third largest mosque in the world - it can hold 25,000 worshippers at any one time. After our visit to the mosque we say goodbye to our fellow passengers leaving us in Casablanca and continue onto Marrakech for the night.
Overnight: Marrakech | Breakfast
Marrakech
18 December. Our amazing tour of Morocco ends today after hotel check out.
Breakfast
Need to start your tour in Casablanca?
If you find that Casablanca is the better airport for you to fly to and from then why not check out our Road to Casablanca tour. The 10th December start date and duration is the same and you'll visit the same sites as this tour.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of a single room.
Read MoreExtra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Adam Park Hotel & Spa, Marrakech
Guests can expect a very comfortable stay at the Adam Park Hotel & Spa. Each of the elegant rooms feature a patio or balcony with views of the surrounding area. Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. Several restaurants offer a variety of options including Italian specialities, Moroccan favourites and international cuisine. There are also plenty of ways to unwind after a day exploring Marrakech, with an outdoor pool, fitness centre and a spa offering rejuvenating massage treatments.
Riad Imilchil, Marrakech
Traditional and stylish, the Riad Imilchil is a beautiful example of boutique Moroccan accommodation. The 6 rooms and 1 suite are beautifully decorated with colourful interiors and gorgeous en suites. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout and there is a stunning rooftop terrace where guests can view the whole of the city whilst enjoying a refreshing drink. At night you can view the famous Djemma El Fna pulsating in the distance. Well located, just 10 minute walk into the centre of the Medina.
Riad dar Chamaa , Ouarzazate
In the classic kasbah style, Riad dar Chamaa is set within the Ouarzazate palm grove with fantatsic views of the surrounding Atlas mountains. All guest rooms are air conditioned with en suite facilities. They are designed in a classic Moroccan riad style with marble floors. The riad boasts a beautiful central courtyard and a refreshing outdoor pool complete with sun loungers for relaxing. The riad also boasts a tea lounge, restaurant and pool bar.
Desert Camp, Merzouga
Set amongst the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi, the Berber camp is designed with a traditional Moroccan theme. The permanent tents include multiple beds and electricity (after night fall) Camping out in the desert is a wonderful experience, due to the lack of light pollution, the stars come out in abundance and really are a sight to behold.
Hotel Atlas Saiss Fes, Fes
Hotel Atlas Saiss Fes is a popular 4 star hotel, conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from Nouvelle Ville. The hotel offers spacious and comfortable guest rooms, equipped with free WiFi, flat screen TVs, air conditioning and en suite bathrooms. Facilities include a restaurant, 24 hour room service and a sauna (at an additional cost). Start the day with a generous continental breakfast before heading out to explore the enchanting imperial city of Fes. After a busy day, relax on the hotel terrace, enjoy a tasty meal at the restaurant or rejuvenate in the sauna.
Hotel des Oudaias, Rabat
On the edge of the medina in Rabat, Hotel des Oudaias is a beautiful riad style property. Guest rooms are spacious and beautifully furnished in a typical Moroccan style with wooden furnishings, marble floors and en-suite bathrooms. Rooms are air-conditioned and have flat screen TVs. The property also boasts complimentary wi-fi throughout and an on site restaurant.
Reviews
Travellers have rated this tour as 4 out of 5 based on 4 recent reviews
Great experience with some needed improvement
Overall it was a mixed bag but gives you a good overview of Morocco. From old Medina, mountains, desert and coast.
Some really great highlights (Sahara or City tour of Fez) and some major lowlights (City tour and evening in Marrakesh, stop in Mekenes). The quality of the service was very dependant of the local guide in each city.
Our "astronomer" was lovely and knowledgeable but a bit insecure in English and only practises it as a hobby not professionally.
Accommodation were good. The vehicle and drive were great. Food is a bit one note with chicken lemon tajine or couscous.
As on any tour the group was a key element. Ours was great. We were 12 people, very international and aged 21-70+”
Short but fun trip. My recent trip to Morocco was a great experience our guide, Hicham was friendly and knowledgeable of the local areas. Always up for a laugh and showed us to the best spots. The small Riads we stayed at each had their own quirks and made it a real local holiday. ”
Our tour guide and driver ( Ibrahim ) were excellent. Very attentive and knowledgeable and all -round nice people. Nothing was ever too much trouble. There was a lot to see and do, and sometimes this felt a bit rushed. A little bit of free time would have been nice. We had some great city tours, but the time spent in carpet shops would have been better as free time.
Food became a bit monotonous, as every riad we stayed in cooked us chicken. A bit of variety would have been welcome.
The night in the Sahara was a must do experience, although very cold. This became a very long and tiring day as we left the Sahara very early. The day was far too long, and perhaps somewhere in between would be a good idea. Although the minibus that we had was very clean it was really too small for the number of people. The space overhead was not deep enough for rucksacks, so they had to be at your feet, and the leg room was limited. I am only 5’3”, but some were over 6 ft.
The only other negative was the lack of hot water for showering. Most were only tepid, if not cold.
The experience was fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Please see the above as constructive and not just a negative. ”
Jamal was amazing - kind and thoughtful over the whole trip. Wen above and beyond.”
In Brief
Great experience with some needed improvement
Overall it was a mixed bag but gives you a good overview of Morocco. From old Medina, mountains, desert and coast.
Some really great highlights (Sahara or City tour of Fez) and some major lowlights (City tour and evening in Marrakesh, stop in Mekenes). The quality of the service was very dependant of the local guide in each city.
Our "astronomer" was lovely and knowledgeable but a bit insecure in English and only practises it as a hobby not professionally.
Accommodation were good. The vehicle and drive were great. Food is a bit one note with chicken lemon tajine or couscous.
As on any tour the group was a key element. Ours was great. We were 12 people, very international and aged 21-70+”
