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.

La 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 km 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 (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 by the charming ski resort of Ifrane and the handicraft centre of Azrou. 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.

Palais De Desert (1 night)

After breakfast, we depart for Rissani, the holy city where Moulay Ali Cherif, an ancestor of the Alaouite dynasty, is buried. We’ll visit the ruins of a 17th-century Kasbah and the imposing remnants of the 19th-century castle, Ksar Abbar. We continue to Merzouga and the remote Erg Chebbi dunes. Nestled among these undulating dunes is our deluxe tented camp, featuring comfortable beds, private en suite bathrooms with hot and cold water, and all the amenities of a well-appointed desert retreat. As the sun sinks low, casting the dunes in rich amber hues, we have the opportunity to ride camels and witness the sunset. At night, we gather for a traditional Berber meal, with music filling the air as we dine under a canopy of stars.

Golden Camp Luxury or similar (1 night)

We'll take a 4x4 off-road journey through the stunning desert landscapes of Dort L'erg to visit Khamlia, a nomad village with roots in sub-Saharan Africa, before returning to Merzouga.

Hotel Nomad Palace (1 night)

Following an early morning call to admire the sunrise over the desert, we continue to Tinghir to explore the Todra Gorge, where magnificent towering limestone cliffs soar 1,000 feet overhead. After lunch, we travel through the rugged Dades Valley to Dades, renowned for its blooming roses each spring.

Hotel Xaluca Dades (1 night)

Today, we travel through the Dades Valley, where the Dades River nourishes a variety of colourful fruit and nut trees and 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 travelling from Africa's depths to the Moorish cities in the north.

Oscar Hotel by Atlas Studios (1 night) 

After breakfast, we will explore Aït-Ben-Haddou, the UNESCO World Heritage Site where the timeless masterpiece Lawrence of Arabia was filmed. We then continue onward to Marrakech, the fabled imperial city that once served as a painting retreat for Winston Churchill. Later, we settle into a riad in the heart of the city and close to all the action. Tonight we gather for dinner.

Palais Sebban (4 nights)

Today, we immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds, and crafts of Marrakech. Our day begins with a peaceful stroll through the Jardin Majorelle, offering a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Next, we’ll visit the Berber Museum and then dive into a special cooking class at Palais Sebban. In the afternoon, we journey back in time exploring the Medina’s labyrinthine streets, alive with local handicrafts. Highlights include the iconic Koutoubia Minaret, the intricately adorned Saadian Tombs, the historic Kasbah, and the vibrant Jemaa el-Fna Square.

Delve deeper into the fascinating city of Marrakech with a visit to the Ben Youssef Madrasa, an iconic landmark renowned for its exquisite Islamic architecture and rich heritage. Marvel at the striking artistry of the 19th-century Bahia Palace, 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 Marrakech lies Toubkal National Park. We drive up the mountain to the Berber village of Imlil, followed by a gentle walk along country roads and local paths. A graciously hosted lunch with a local family offers 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 vibrant 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 capture the ambiance of the 1942 film "Casablanca."

Le Palace d’Anfa (2 nights)

Today we visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque, the seventh-largest building of its kind in the world. After a visit, we shall enjoy some free time to explore the area.

This morning, as we bid farewell to Morocco, we catch our flights to Montreal and Toronto, with connections to our homes across Canada.