Contiki Moroccan Adventure (Winter 2024/25)

Day 1 - Arrive Marrakesh

It's time to let our senses guide us as we arrive in the colourful city of Marrakesh. We'll meet and greet our travel crew before spending the evening enjoying North African aromas and spices ahead of a full day exploring tomorrow.

Day 2 - Marrakesh to Casablanca

Today we'll get to explore the sights and sounds of Marrakesh on a sightseeing tour and discover what this city is all about. You'll be sure to see the likes of Koutoubia Mosque, Jemaa El-Fna and Bahia Palace (tickets are available at an extra cost if you'd like to explore the Palace). Then its time to move on to our next destination... Welcome the Casablanca, the iconic city of Hollywood legend. For our first adventure, we'll wander the cornice and soak up all of those coastal views.

Day 3 - Casablanca to Chefchaouen via Rabat

Today we'll get to explore the elegant city of Casablanca and admire the Moorish buildings. We'll also we'll pay a visit to the iconic Hassan II Mosque, the largest functioning one in all of Africa. More astounding architectural sights are in store in Rabat, as we visit the Mohammed V Mausoleum, tour Hassan and see the gilded royal palace. We then make our way to Chefchaouen, keeping our eyes peeled for the iconic blue buildings. Cameras at the ready: we'll explore Chefchaouen's most iconic insta spot - the 'Blue City' - whilst also uncovering the likes of Place Outa Hamam, Kasbah, and the local markets.

Day 4 - Chefchaouen to Fes via Volubilis

After breakfast this morning, we’ll make our way to Fes… with a stop-off in Volubilis along the way. Welcome to Volubilis – once a Roman settlement, and Morocco’s largest ancient attraction to this day (it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site). We’ll get to explore this marvellous site on a walking tour with a local guide. We'll travel through the Rif mountains to the cultural capital of Fes and Check in to our hotel, ready for a full day of exploration tomorrow.

Day 5 - Fes

Welcome to Fes, Morocco's famed cultural capital - known for its medieval architecture and old-world atmosphere. Today you'll see the sights while also learning about the art of making carpets, handicrafts and how to shop medina style. Tonight, we’re off for an optional Moroccan feast… with live entertainment too.

Day 6 - Fes to Erfoud

Today we drive into the High Atlas Mountains, North Africa's highest mountain range as we make our way over to Erfoud. Expect to see some staggering peaks and breath-taking views, whilst making some pit stops in the gorgeous towns of Ifrane and Midelt, sitting between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountains. All before making base and enjoying some dinner in Erfoud, an oasis town situated in the mist of the Sahara Desert.

Day 7 - Erfoud to Merzouga

Erfoud, it's been a blast, but move on we must! We'll be making a charming stop for a home visit where we'll enjoy local Berber hospitality and plenty of Moroccan mint tea. Back on the road but we'll be making a stop in Rissani for a lazy lunch and maybe a cheeky swim (just what we need)! We've arrived, but we're not stopping yet. Enjoy optional activities such as visiting the Berber Music Center for some culture, or riding a sand buggy (or even sandboarding!) through sand dunes for some epic fun. Then in the evening, we'll swap the coach out for some camels and trek into the Sahara Desert for some beautiful sunset views. For dinner you'll be treated to a traditional Berber feast inside the royal tent before settling in for the night.

Day 8 - Merzouga to Ouarzazate via Todra Gorge

We're back on the road, and today it's time to unleash your inner Gladiator. After driving the iconic 1000 kasbahs and eating lunch at the beautiful oasis of Tinghir, we’ll head off to Todra Gorge. Here you’ll have the chance to do some hiking, and also try out rock climbing at Todra Gorge. Afterwards, you can visit Tatefy, a local women’s cooperative on the edge of the Dades Valley, known for its tea and baked goods (a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience). Once you're full and ready to go we will explore Ouarzazate - an iconic city you'll recognise from films including Kingdom of Heaven and Gladiator.

Day 9 - Ouarzazate to Marrakesh

It's the final full day and time to head back to Marrakesh. But first we'll enjoy some traditional treats, including stopping at a local traditional argan oil cooperative to learn the different techniques and traditional ways of producing this fragrant oil - which helps to support the ladies of the cooperative and their families (a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience). Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. And besides, we're not done yet. Before you bid farewell to magical Morocco, you’ll have the chance to take a cooking class with a local family learning all about Moroccan hospitality and even have the chance to get a traditional Hammam Spa treatment.

Day 10 - Marrakesh

You've seen the sights, tasted the culinary delights - It's been emotional! But all good things must come to an end. It's time for all the hugs and most likely a few tears as we bid a farewell and start planning the reunion!