Casablanca, Marrakesh, Dades, Erfoud, Fez and Rabat
Spiced with North African culture and a soupçon of French flavor, Morocco captivates with its old-world traditions and magnificent landscapes. Our escorted Morocco tour from the U.S. encompasses must-see destinations like Casablanca, Marrakesh, Fez and Rabat. And, if you like, a noble camel will take you on an unforgettable ride during a full-day Sahara Desert excursion. (Cue theme song from Lawrence of Arabia!) You’ll also have time to savor the country’s delightful customs, like the ritual of Moroccan tea, and delectable cuisine—couscous, tagine and pastilla. From ocean to oasis, mountains to mosques and souks to UNESCO World Heritage sites, majestic Morocco will charm you with its vibrant contrasts and warm Mediterranean lifestyle.
Itinerary at
a Glance
2020 Itinerary:
- 1 night in Casablanca
- 3 nights in Marrakesh
- 1 night in Boumalne Dades
- 2 nights in Erfoud
- 2 nights in Fez
- 2 nights in Rabat
2021 Itinerary:
- 1 night in Casablanca
- 3 nights in Marrakesh
- 1 night in Boumalne Dades
- 2 nights in Erfoud
- 2 nights in Fez
- 1 night in Rabat
Tour
Highlights
Your Tour
Includes
- Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK)
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- Intra-Morocco ground transportation and transfers
- Accommodations at first-class hotels
- 2020 Departures: 18 meals: 11 full buffet breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L) and 5 dinners (D)
2021 Departures: 17 meals: 10 full buffet breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L) and 5 dinners (D) - Comprehensive sightseeing tours including admission fees
- Experienced English-speaking Tour Director throughout
2020 Itinerary - 13 days
Arrive in Casablanca
Apologies to Bogie, but here begins a beautiful friendship with Casablanca and this amazing country. After a morning arrival in Morocco’s economic and cultural center, you’ll be greeted at the airport by your Tour Director. Casablanca’s history—well, it’s complicated. Influences range from French to Spanish to Portuguese to Arab to British. You’ll catch a few of these influences on a guided tour, starting with a visit to the ornate Hassan II Mosque, which has the tallest minaret in the world. You’ll see some of Casablanca’s neighborhoods along the way to the city center….
Casablanca/Marrakesh
Today we’ll experience another medina, which is a historic part of a city, typically walled and with labyrinthine streets. After a sumptuous breakfast, we’ll travel to Marrakesh, home of a UNESCO World Heritage medina. Our afternoon tour starts at the 16th-century Saadian Tombs and continues to the Koutoubia Mosque and a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, Bahia Palace. The highlight will be wandering past palm readers, snake charmers, acrobats and musicians to the medina’s main square, the famous Jemaa el-Fna. Evening is at leisure.
Le Meridien N’Fis…
Marrakesh/Essaouira Excursion
Our destination for a full-day excursion is Essaouira, a town on the Atlantic coast with beautifully preserved Moroccan charm. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Marjana Cooperative to see how argan oil, highly in demand for cosmetics and cooking, is extracted. In Essaouira, we’ll walk along a beautiful fortified wall north of Moulay Hassan Square and on to Skala de la Ville for gorgeous views of bright blue fishing boats in the harbor. We’ll have time to explore yet another medina, where artists hone centuries-old crafts and merchants in the many souks (markets) sell spices and…
Marrakesh/Boumalne Dades
Our journey through majestic Morocco continues across the High Atlas Mountains and the spectacular Tichka Pass to Boumalne Dades. We’ll stop for a brief tour of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This giant fortification, which showcases a unique example of pise clay architecture, has been a filming location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones. You’ll have time for lunch on your own before we continue to our final destination today: Boumalne Dades. Prepare to be wowed by this town set on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Tonight, savor an included dinner at your…
Sahara Desert Experience
The only word for today’s full-day excursion is unforgettable! We’ll start in Rissani, a caravan center with a large vibrant souk at its heart, where we’ll hop into a 4×4 caravan to venture into the desert, winding through small villages before stopping in serene Tissardmine for a picnic lunch. As we ascend the peak of Erg Chebbi, prepare to be blown away by the desert vastness. We’ll “trade up” to camels for the real deal: a ride through the Merzouga dunes on camelback! Loaded with memories (and photos) you can’t wait to share, we’ll return to the hotel after sunset…
Fez
Fez is home to the oldest university in the world, and today we’ll join a local expert to learn more about this 1,200-year-old city, which was Morocco’s capital for 400 years and stands as one of the world’s largest, best-preserved medieval fortified cities. Our full-day exploration includes the Fez el Bali Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where life unfolds as it did centuries ago. We’ll wander the famous souks known for authentic Moroccan carpets and ceramics. After the high energy of the souks, a quiet lunch in a riad (a traditional Moroccan house with an interior courtyard)…
Rabat
After breakfast, we’ll tour Rabat’s fascinating historic sites, including the 19th-century Royal Palace, the “Gate of the Winds” (also known as Bab Rouah) and Hassan Tower, the minaret of an incomplete mosque that was originally intended to be the world’s largest. Our tour continues to the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas, built in the mid 12th century, where you’ll walk through the French-colonial gardens and explore the fortress built to shield royalty from attacks. We’ll end at Chellah, a necropolis and the site of the ruins of the Roman town, Sala Colonia. After some free…
2021 Itinerary - 12 Days
Arrive in Casablanca
Apologies to Bogie, but here begins a beautiful friendship with Casablanca and this amazing country. After a morning arrival in Morocco’s economic and cultural center, you’ll be greeted at the airport by your Tour Director. Casablanca’s history—well, it’s complicated. Influences range from French to Spanish to Portuguese to Arab to British. You’ll catch a few of these influences on a guided tour, starting with a visit to the ornate Hassan II Mosque, which has the tallest minaret in the world. You’ll see some of Casablanca’s neighborhoods along the way to the city center….
Casablanca/Marrakesh
Today we’ll experience another medina, which is a historic part of a city, typically walled and with labyrinthine streets. After a sumptuous breakfast, we’ll travel to Marrakesh, home of a UNESCO World Heritage medina. Our afternoon tour starts at the 16th-century Saadian Tombs and continues to the Koutoubia Mosque and a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, Bahia Palace. The highlight will be wandering past palm readers, snake charmers, acrobats and musicians to the medina’s main square, the famous Jemaa el-Fna. Evening is at leisure.
Kenzi Rose Gardens or…
Marrakesh/Essaouira Excursion
Our destination for a full-day excursion is Essaouira, a town on the Atlantic coast with beautifully preserved Moroccan charm. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Marjana Cooperative to see how argan oil, highly in demand for cosmetics and cooking, is extracted. In Essaouira, we’ll walk along a beautiful fortified wall north of Moulay Hassan Square and on to Skala de la Ville for gorgeous views of bright blue fishing boats in the harbor. We’ll have time to explore yet another medina, where artists hone centuries-old crafts and merchants in the many souks (markets) sell spices and…
Marrakesh/Boumalne Dades
Our journey through majestic Morocco continues across the High Atlas Mountains and the spectacular Tichka Pass to Boumalne Dades. We’ll stop for a brief tour of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This giant fortification, which showcases a unique example of pise clay architecture, has been a filming location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones. You’ll have time for lunch on your own before we continue to our final destination today: Boumalne Dades. Prepare to be wowed by this town set on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Tonight, savor an included dinner at your…
Sahara Desert Experience
The only word for today’s full-day excursion is unforgettable! We’ll start in Rissani, a caravan center with a large vibrant souk at its heart, where we’ll hop into a 4×4 caravan to venture into the desert, winding through small villages before stopping in serene Tissardmine for a picnic lunch. As we ascend the peak of Erg Chebbi, prepare to be blown away by the desert vastness. We’ll “trade up” to camels for the real deal: a ride through the Merzouga dunes on camelback! Loaded with memories (and photos) you can’t wait to share, we’ll return to the hotel after sunset…
Fez
Fez is home to the oldest university in the world, and today we’ll join a local expert to learn more about this 1,200-year-old city, which was Morocco’s capital for 400 years and stands as one of the world’s largest, best-preserved medieval fortified cities. Our full-day exploration includes the Fez el Bali Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where life unfolds as it did centuries ago. We’ll wander the famous souks known for authentic Moroccan carpets and ceramics. After the high energy of the souks, a quiet lunch in a riad (a traditional Moroccan house with an interior courtyard)…
Rabat
After breakfast, drive to Rabat, Morocco’s capital and fifth largest city. Upon arrival, spend the afternoon touring the many fascinating historic sites in Morocco’s coastal capital of Rabat. You’ll see the 19th-century Royal Palace and the city’s “Gate of the Winds” (also known as Bab Rouah). Visit Hassan Tower, the minaret of an incomplete mosque that was originally intended to be the world’s largest. Construction started in 1195 and then came to a halt in 1199 after Sultan Yacoub al-Mansour passed away. Continue on to the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas, built in the…
Guided Tour Pricing
Price includes round-trip airfare from the U.S. (Land-only pricing available on request.)
| Depart | Return | Depart - Return | Best Value Pricing - Reserve by Oct 31, 2020 | Reserve after Oct 31, 2020 | Select Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2021 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| April 20 | May 1 | Apr 20 - May 1 | $2,699 | $2,799 | $3,099 | Book Now: |
| May 11 | May 22 | May 11 - May 22 | $2,699 | $2,799 | $3,099 | Book Now: |
| June 15 | June 26 | Jun 15 - Jun 26 | $2,899 | $2,999 | $3,299 | Book Now: |
| September 21 | October 2 | Sep 21 - Oct 2 | $2,799 | $2,899 | $3,199 | Book Now: |
| October 5 | October 16 | Oct 5 - Oct 16 | $2,699 | $2,799 | $3,099 | Book Now: |
| November 2 | November 13 | Nov 2 - Nov 13 | $2,499 | $2,599 | $2,899 | Book Now: |
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
2020 Departures: Single room supplement is $499
2021 Departures: Single room supplement is $599
Mar 10 Departure: This is a women-only departure. To learn more about the added experiences, please click here.
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00-9:00 EST and Sat-Sun, 10:00-6:30 EST) at 800-337-7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made by phone (1-800-337-7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of $300 per person non-refundable, non-transferable deposit which must be received at the time of reservation*. A second non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $300 is due 60 days after the date of your reservation. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. *If the reservation date is within 70 days of the final payment due date, both first and second deposits are due at the time of reservation. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. For complete booking information and terms & conditions click here.
Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.
Pricing is subject to change. Payment (non-refundable) should be made by cash or credit card (VISA, MasterCard or AmEx, subject to service charge).
Couscous Cooking Demonstration and Gardens with Lunch
- Marrakesh
- From approx. $95 Per Person, lunch included
Proceed to the Majorelle Gardens. First created in the 1920s, these beautiful botanical gardens have been owned and maintained by French artists since their creation – first by painter Jacques Majorelle, then fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent. Once on the grounds, also visit the
Majorelle Museum which displays a collection of Berber objects such as art, jewelry, and clothing. Later we begin with an instructional cooking demonstration of how the traditional Berber dish, couscous, is made. In a beautiful authentic restaurant near Djeema el Fna Square, learn from a local chef how to…
Featured Accommodations
Before You Depart
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Flights from the U.S. and back are on the following schedules. Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing customs and immigration if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least three-and-a-half hours. Please note that flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice.
| Departure Date | Airline | Depart | Return |
| 2021: Feb. 2 | Royal Air Maroc | 8:00PM | 6:00PM |
| 2021: Mar. 16 | Royal Air Maroc | 9:00PM | 7:00PM |
| 2021: Apr. 20, May 11, Jun. 15 | Royal Air Maroc | 8:45PM | 6:45PM |
| 2021: Aug. – Nov. | Royal Air Maroc | TBA | TBA |
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT
Royal Air Maroc does not assign seats in advance, and smarTours® is not involved in seat assignments. Seat assignments can only be arranged at the airport upon check-in.
LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS
International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.
Main Tour: Land-only services start upon independent check-in at Casablanca hotel on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on our tour page. Land-only services end after breakfast at your hotel in Rabat on Day 13 of the itinerary listed on our tour page. Transfer to Casablanca airport is not included.
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. U.S. citizens do not require visas. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates for current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Your airline tickets, along with final instructions and additional travel tips, will be sent to you 7–10 days before the scheduled departure of your tour. Please make sure to advise us in case your address changes.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Immunizations are not currently required. However, you may wish to consult your personal physician, local public health authorities or Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as to their suggestions.
CLIMATE
The temperature in Morocco ranges from the mid-50s to the mid-70s in the fall and spring, the mid-60s to mid-90s in the summer and mid-40s to mid-60s during the winter.
Clothing
Some religious sites may require more conservative attire (no sleeveless tops, short skirts or shorts).
NON-INCLUDED MEALS
You may dine at the hotels or restaurants recommended by your Tour Director. Average cost for a hotel dinner (excluding drinks) is about $15-20 per person. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals, but not all restaurants will do so.
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency or U.S. Dollars. Your hotels will be able to exchange cash to local currency or you can withdraw local currency from an ATM. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (suitcase) max. 44 pounds, and one carry-on not exceeding 18”x10”x8”. We recommend that you do not overpack and that you take a variety of casual separates with climate and comfort in mind.