Morocco
A delicate balance between East and West - Morocco is home to a spiritually uplifting culture grounded by gracious hospitality and compelling customs. With its strategic location in North Africa, Morocco stretches across fertile valleys, snow capped mountains, two extensive coastlines and an immense desert. Every region harbors a distinct local culture, tied to a distant past that shapes Morocco’s distinguished personality in the Muslim World. Over thousands of years, Berber tribes, Roman legions, Arab conquests, and European colonists have contributed to the formation of its heritage, and have left their mark on its history and cities.
A delicate balance between East and West - Morocco is home to a spiritually uplifting culture grounded by gracious hospitality and compelling customs. With its strategic location in North Africa, Morocco stretches across fertile valleys, snow-capped mountains, two extensive coastlines and an immense desert. Every region harbors a distinct local culture, tied to a distant past that shapes Morocco’s distinguished personality in the Muslim World. Over thousands of years, Berber tribes, Roman legions, Arab conquests, and European colonists have contributed to the formation of its heritage, and have left their mark on its history and cities.
Sept. 19 - 22: Tetuan
Blanco Riad | 3 nights
Sept. 22 - 24: Chefchaouen
Lina Ryad | 2 nights
Sept. 24 - 28: Fez,
Karawan Riad | 4 nights
Sept. 28 - 30: Essaouira
Villa Maroc | 2 nights
Sept. 30 - Oct. 3: Marrakesh
Riad Jardin Secret | 3 nights
Oct. 3 - 6: Skoura Valley
Dar Ahlam | 3 nights
Oct. 6 - 7: Marrakesh
Riad Joya | 1 night
Oct. 7: Madrid
NH Gran Via | 1 night
Oct. 8: Departure
Coming right on the heels of the hottest month in Morocco, September can be sweltering or relatively comfortable, depending on where you go. In Marrakech, it's cool enough for sightseeing (80°F is the daily average). In the coastal town of Essaouira, you'll have plenty of sunshine and a pleasant 74°F daily average. In the Atlas Mountains, it's slightly warmer, with a daily average of 77°F, but the highs can hit 90°F. In the north, Tangier's high averages 81°, and Casablanca is even more pleasant, with a typical high of 78°.
- No tourist visa is required to enter Morocco for US citizens.
- Fully vaccinated travelers are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test result before traveling to Morocco.
- Travelers may be chosen randomly to take a COVID-19 rapid test on arrival in Morocco.
- You will need to download, print and complete this form to present it upon arrival.
- Travelers must wear masks on public transportation.
At Madrid airport, make your way to your gate for your flight to Tangier.
Greeting at the Tangier airport and private transfer with a guide to Tetuan (approx. 1.5 hours).
A personal expert guide and private driver will accompany you throughout your journey until Dar Ahlam where you will be taken care of by the local staff there.
Resting on the foot of the Rif Mountains and a few kilometers from the sea, this quiet town is often overlooked by visitors for all the wrong reasons. Founded in the 15th century by Muslim and Jewish refugees fleeing Christian Andalusia and then later occupied by the Spanish for almost two centuries, Tetouan’s history reflects the true multicultural nature of Morocco.
Why we love it for you
This elegant 19th-century townhouse was formerly the city digs of a notable historical figure. It is now Blanco Riad, the city’s first and only proper design hotel with stunning tile-work and located in a convenient part of the old town.
Blanco Riad | 2 Junior Rooms
- Breakfast included
Tetouan's medina (Old Town) has retained its authentic Andalusian soul, which makes this town the most Hispano-Moorish influenced of Moroccan cities. Every twist and turn down an alleyway brings you to a new picture-perfect local scenset, with lots of lovely, slightly crumbling buildings lining the narrow lanes. Dar El Oddi is a painstakingly restored medina mansion that now hosts the Visions of Tetouan picture and photograph collection, which traces the city's history from the 16th to the 20th century.
While exploring the medina's fortress walls, built by Sultan Moulay Abderrahman, you can check out Tetouan's interesting Ethnography Museum, which is inside the Bab el-Okla gate of the ramparts. Inside are well organized displays explaining and demonstrating local customs, from marriage ceremonies to daily life. After viewing the exhibits, you can climb up to the roof for photos over the medina.
Blanco Riad | 2 Junior Rooms
- Breakfast included
El Fouki Market is where locals go to buy their bread. You'll find loaves of all shapes and sizes fresh from the oven on sale here, including the traditional flat, round loaves. Guersa El Kebira is where the clothing and textile traders set up shop, with wonderful local textiles to buy. The El Hot Market is where you'll find beautiful ceramic work and goldsmith-handcrafted jewelry.
With your guide and driver, explore the northern coast of Morocco. Drive through the stunning Rif mountains and visit Oued Laou, Martil and Cabo Negro.
Blanco Riad | 2 Junior Rooms
- Breakfast included
Greeting by your guide and private transfer to Chefchaouen (approximately 1.5 hours).
Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is a peaceful town founded by the Moorish exiles from Spain in 1492. The humble town is painted sky blue, a tradition that started by the former Jewish population. It is known for its colourful souks, local goat cheese, and beautiful hand woven woollen garments and blankets. Don’t miss the main plaza of Chefchaouen, anchored by the Great Mosque and the Kasbah.
Learn about the majestic walls and gates of the town; admire the small signs of early life here through the flour mill; and enjoy the beautiful natural water spring in the medina. Shopping in this beautiful blue town is one of the biggest attractions. It might not be as varied or grand as in the larger cities, but Chefchaouen has a mesmerising traditional souk. It evokes a relaxed ambience allowing you to stroll at leisure and appreciate the local leather products for which Chefchaouen is best known.
In the centre of the medina lies the beautiful Andalusian Gardens, a tranquil green oasis complementing the calming flood of blue that characterises the town. Within these gardens is the Ethnographic Museum, known as the Kasbah Museum, home to an unrivalled collection of artefacts from the Chefchaouen region, with everything from pottery to musical instruments on show.
The Grand Mosque of Chefchaouen has a unique octagonal minaret, and the beautiful call to prayer that sounds five times a day creates a great atmosphere throughout town. The architecture dates back to the 15th century, with the mosque one of the most important buildings in town – bear in mind only Muslims can enter.
Why we love it for you
Lina Ryad & Spa is located in the heart of Chefchaouen and offers a rooftop terrace with a view on the Medina. The on-site spa center features an indoor pool, a hammam and a hot tub. With views of the mountains or Medina, the air-conditioned suites at Lina Ryad & Spa are elegantly decorated and include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and a seating area. They each have a private bathroom with a bath or shower and free toiletries. Traditional Moroccan cuisine can be served in the dining area upon request and a continental breakfast is prepared daily.
A guest | 2 Junior Suites
- Breakfast included
A quick drive outside of Chechaouen will take you to the Akchour national park with its streams, waterfalls and beautiful hiking trails. Spend the morning exploring this park with your guide.
Afternoon at leisure to explore Chefchaouen independently, shop and enjoy tea in the main plaza.
Casa Perleta | 2 Suites
- Breakfast included
Today you head to Fez, a crown jewel of Moroccan medieval history.
Greeting by your guide and private transfer to your hotel in Fez (approx. 3.5 hours).
Reach your riad hotel in the early afternoon. Check in to your accommodations and take a few hours to recuperate from your journey. Fez is the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities and the medina is the largest car-free urban UNESCO site in the world.
Around sunset, visit the doors of Al Quaraouiyine with your guide, the oldest existing and continually operating educational institution in the world and is sometimes referred to as the oldest university. It was founded in 859, becoming one of the leading spiritual and educational centers of the Muslim world. In 1963, it was incorporated into Morocco’s modern state university system.
Why we love it for you
These palatial digs near the Andalous Quarter will transport you to a time of Sultans and caravanserai, albeit lavishly updated with 21st-century whistles and bells. From here you can dip in and out of the medina with ease, all the while knowing you're coming home to plush lounges, foot rubs, and chilled rosé.
Karawan Riad | 2 Suites
- Breakfast included
Enjoy a hidden medina tour of Fez showcasing the alluring charm of the old town, the colorful streets and souks, and the rich tapestry of life that exists within its ancient walls. Gain access to ancient palaces and Islamic gardens, venture into the depths of the tanneries, observe weavers at their loom and discover hidden workshops where generations of artisans ply their individual trades and adapt century old techniques to a modern market. Visit Medrasah Nejjarine (Quaranic School) and gain expert insight into the different ornamentation and decorative techniques. Floral motifs, infinite geometric patterns, ceramic carvings, and calligraphy are all testament to the rich cultural heritage of the vast Islamic empire.
Meet with a local scholar and university professor for lunch to discuss the current political situation in Morocco and contemporary social issues.
A Professor
This individual is a Moroccan Professor at Moulay Ismail University in Meknes. They obtained their PhD from Sidi Med Ben Abdellah University in Fez. They teach General Linguistics, Cultural/Gender Studies, and Translation. Their teaching career began in 1989. They have worked in various teaching and learning contexts, including Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco, the American Language Institute, The Royal Military Academy of Meknes, and several High Institutes of Finance and Management in Fez. Their research focuses on Higher Education, Gender studies, and History. They have participated in several international conferences and research projects, including work with the Geo-culture in the Mediterranean group at the University of Catania, Italy, and the International Medieval Congress, University of Leeds, UK. They are a member of The Royal Studies Network at the University of Winchester, UK, and El Centro de Historia da Universidad de Lisboa at the University of Lisbon, Portugal. They contributed to the book “Queenship in the Mediterranean” (Palgrave McMillan, 2013) with a chapter titled “Consorts of Moroccan Sultans: Lalla Khnata Bint Bakar, a Woman with Three Kings”. They also have an article titled “Consolidating Authority: Moulay Ismail’s Struggle for Legitimacy” in the publication process. Currently, they are working on a multidisciplinary project focused on the reigns of female sovereigns in Morocco from the medieval period to the early modern era. This individual is also an active member of civil society.
Afternoon and evening at leisure.
Karawan Riad | 2 Suites
- Breakfast included
With expert guidance, depart the walls of the old Medina in favor of Ain Nokbi, the renowned Potter’s Quarter of Fez. Participate in a tile workshop, led by a local artisan. Floral motifs, infinite geometric patterns, ceramic carvings, and calligraphy are all testament to the rich cultural heritage of the vast Islamic empire.
Experience the energy and essence of the Fez street food scenset as it comes to life. This fascinating tasting trail reveals the captivating appeal of the medina as the sun goes down and the locals enjoy the specialities that only the evening offers. Your walk will take you from Bab Boujloud, winding your way through the alleys and souks with a local food expert. You will visit different food souks allowing the chance to try traditional Moroccan street food including dried meats, milawi, harsha, briwats, spicy sardines, spicy potato cakes, snail soup, stuffed camel spleen, olives and more. At the honey souk taste an array of delicious wild honeys, discuss their flavors and health-giving properties and find out why honey is so important in Islamic culture. Discover the world of spices and their uses in Moroccan cuisine.
Karawan Riad | 2 Suites
- Breakfast included
The ancient capital of Meknes was once considered to be the Versailles of Morocco. It’s known as the “poor brother” among imperial cities of the country. It was developed as a capital late in the history of the nation, in the 17th century. The city’s Friday mosque was built in 1200 along with the main city gates. Back then, Meknes was a prosperous commercial city, known also as a spiritual and educational hub. This city offers a “snapshot” of Morocco’s last imperial era. A ruler's palace-city (over 40 km. of walls, not counting outer defenses) is a stupendous investment of might in masonry.
Later, explore the ancient site of Volubilis, with beautiful mosaic floors, uncovered and brought to light by the archaeologists that still work on this partly excavated site. This town was developed from the 3rd century BC onwards as a Phoenician and later a Carthaginian settlement. The town fell to local Berber tribesmen in 285 and was never recovered by the Roman Empire.
Karawan Riad | 2 Suites
- Breakfast included
Consider this your main travel day to Essaouira.
Greeting by your guide and private transfer to Essaouira. Along the way, you can stop in the city of Rabat for a quick tour and light lunch.
Essaouira is a charming fishing town on the Atlantic Coast known for its beautiful fortified port, laid-back atmosphere and traditional crafts. The old medina of Essaouira (UNESCO) was formerly named Mogador, originating from the Phoenician word “Migdol” meaning a “small fortress”. This relaxed port on the Atlantic is a fortified town of the mid-eighteenth century. It was constructed according to the principles of contemporary European military architecture in a North African context, while in perfect harmony with the precepts of Islamic architecture and town-planning.
Why we love it for you
Essaouira’s scenset, 18th-century riad hotel with 21 shabby-chic rooms, a Carita-endorsed spa and a front-row, ocean-view location in the Unesco-protected medina. Located at the southern end of the medina in between Place Moulay Hassan and Place Orson Welles. This is a great place to be situated, right between the beach, harbour and the heart of the medina with a roof terrace encompassing all three.
Villa Maroc | 2 Double Bedrooms
- Includes Breakfast
Its relatively late foundation, in comparison to other medinas of Morocco, was the work of a Sultan (1757- 1790). He wanted to build an Atlantic town to serve as a royal port, acting as a Moroccan commercial centre open to the outside world. Over the centuries, it played a major role as an international trading seaport, linking Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa with Europe and the rest of the world.
Rise early in the morning to see the port of Essaouira at work with boats coming in and out.
This museum is a former pasha’s palace filled with Roman ruins, Jewish artefacts, Moroccan costumes and musical instruments.
One of the most atmospheric terraces in town, you can dine by candlelight inside or out. With great views over the square and port, and an interesting menu specialising in fish, it’s a great place to be. There’s often live music, too, and the magician will have you mesmerised. It’s also good for afternoon tea, or a drink at the bar. As well as a bar, boutique, gallery and library, Taros has a kitchen serving nourishing Moroccan food.
Villa Maroc | 2 Double Bedrooms
- Includes Breakfast
Head over to the Red City today!
Greeting by your guide and private transfer to Marrakech (approximately 2.5 hours).
Founded almost 1000 years ago, Marrakech is a feast for the senses and has remained at the heart of Moroccan life ever since, acting as Sultanate capital on occasions, but now undoubtedly as the country’s cultural centre. Meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel and take a private transfer to a restaurant for lunch on the terrace. After lunch, walk down the street to a tea room for some Moroccan tea.
At sunset, explore the famous Jamaa El Fna Square with your expert guide - a 1000-year old UNESCO site with everything from snake charmers and acrobats, magicians and storytellers, to food stalls and orange juice stands.
Why we love it for you
It's not just the dazzling lush interior garden and beautiful rooftop patio that draws us to this discreet riad in the heart of the Marrakech medina, it's also the spacious rooms, the casual feel of the owners, and the beautiful breakfast display.
Riad Jardin Secret | 2 Superior Rooms
- Breakfast included
Visit Jardin Majorelle, a gift to Marrakesh by Yves Saint Laurent in 1964. Explore the electric- blue villa and its gardens that preserve the vision of its scenset owner, landscape painter Jacques Majorelle. Then, circle around the block to visit the newly inaugurated Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
This is a stunning museum of Moroccan photography in a riad, housing a permanent collection & offering rotating exhibitions.
Visit Marrakech’s main historical attractions, including the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, an ancient university and a palace. Continue on to explore the souks and artisans with a guide, and learn about the art of bargaining for special pieces.
Riad Jardin Secret | 2 Superior Rooms
- Breakfast included
Walk through Moroccan artisanat & ancient art guilds: step into the hidden world of the medina’s back-ways to explore the different sections that produce crafts of copper, leather, silver, wood, and others. Meticulously handmade, these ancient art forms are passed down from generation to generation within family art guilds that keep their crafts alive to this day. Witness the traditional leather auction that is held every morning and learn about the processes of wood carving at the workshop of a master.
Time at leisure to explore independently or relax at your hotel.
In the late afternoon, experience a Moroccan cooking class. Dine on what you have prepared after the workshop!
Riad Jardin Secret | 2 Superior Rooms
- Breakfast included
Cross the High Atlas Mountains and the Ouarzazate Desert Steppe to reach Dar Ahlam in the region of Ouarzazate.
Greeting by your guide and private transfer to Dar Ahlam in the Skoura Valley with stops along the way (approximately 4.5 hours).
Stop by the famous UNESCO site Ait Ben Haddou. This is a fortified village (ksar in Arabic) located along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Many families still live in this ancient village, which is composed of a dozen kasbahs -- or merchants houses and other individual dwellings. The structure is a spectacular feat of earthen clay architecture that is typical of this southern region of Morocco.
This is a traditional kasbah turned luxury boutique hotel in the Palmeraie of Skoura Valley outside of Ouarzazate. Enjoy an outdoor massage in the afternoon, by the beautiful swimming pool and surrounded by palm trees.
Why we love it for you
This could very well be the continent's most underrated property and we're happy it's that way. The secluded hotel is in the depths of the Skoura Valley and built in the traditional adobe kasbah model with dreamy, candle-lit hallways and stunning suites. The expert staff design the experiences so that you never cross paths with another guest!
Dar Ahlam | 2 Suites
- All meals included
Your guide will take you on a trek through the valley. Explore its orchards and villages with their forts and traditional lifestyle. Skoura is known for its many historical places as well as its natural attractions. Enjoy a visit in the palm grove and visit Kasbah Amerhidil, an ancient adobe fort. Explore the small beaches along the Dades river where you can swim, and stop by the Toundount salt mine, where “Tazoudasaurus Naïmi”, a 180 million-year old dinosaur, was discovered.
Drive out to a spectacular lookout point where you can enjoy views of the Skoura Valley. Skoura is one of Morocco’s beautiful oases with an abundance of nature and orchards with flourishing waterways. The scenset of Skoura’s natural wealth is two seasonal rivers which feed the vegetation in the area. It is known for its 17th-century Amerhidl Kasbah and incredible gorges that surround it.
Dar Ahlam | 2 Suites
- All meals included
Day at leisure to enjoy a wide variety of activities and explorations in the Ouarzazate region with the assistance of a personal guide and team.
Dar Ahlam | 2 Suites
- All meals included
Greeting by your guide and private transfer to Marrakesh (approximately 1.5 hours).
Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure while staying at a lovely riad near great restaurants.
Why we love it for you
Crafted with care by an Italian art director and designer, Riad Joya provides a high dose of minimalist, Italian chic amid the medina's dusty lanes. In addition to the interiors, food is a real focus here.
Riad Joya | 2 Rooms
- Breakfast included
Make your way to Madrid, Spain, for a layover before your flight home.
A private transfer will be provided through your hotel in Marrakech.
A private transfer will be provided from the Madrid airport to your hotel in Gran Via.
Option to head over to Chocolatería San Ginés, a century-old café, for a cup of hot chocolate and traditional crispy churros (open from morning to late at night).
Bodega de los Secretos | You will never stumble across this restaurant by chance as it is totally hidden from sight and boasts romantic alcoves for a unique dining experience.
Hotel NH Gran Via | 2 Superior Rooms
- Breakfast included
Private transfer to the Madrid airport for your flight home!
Morning: Private transfer to the airport in time for check-in for your flight home.
Driver Name: will be provided
Phone Number: will be provided
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