Crossroad of Civilizations
Morocco Tours
Highlights of Morocco Tours
- Ride a camel and enjoy a night in desert
- Enjoy shopping in exotic souks (markets)
- Taste delicious Moroccan cusisine
- Admire the stunning cities and dreamy countryside
Dates & Cost
DATES
DAYS
Morocco Itinerary
Morning We’ll pick you up from the airport with a warm smile and transfer to your hotel for a check-in and a refreshing cup of Moroccan ice tea. Depending on arrival time you will have a time to refresh or take a nap.
Afternoon 1PM Lunch, orientation, and money exchange. Meet us in a lobby.
Time to explore the city! We start from shopping for beautiful shawls and visit the famous Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco and one of the most breathtaking architectural wonders you’ll ever see. It is the only mosque where non Muslim visitors can enter.
Next, we take a stroll through the lively streets of the Old Medina, the heart and soul of Casablanca with all sorts of fascinating trinkets, spices, and souvenirs. After a busy medina, a leisurely stroll along the coastline.
Evening It’s time to indulge in local cuisine and listen to a local university professor speak about Morocco! Being located on the coast, Casablanca offers delicious seafood tagines (option for vegetarian version)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Morning We will take a scenic ride along the coast to Chefchaouen “the Blue Pearl of Morocco” because of its blue houses and streets. We will stop for a short lunch along the way.
Afternoon The number one reason to visit Chefchaouen is for its beautiful, picturesque streets, filled with houses painted in a variety of blues. We go on a leisurely walk and try to find an answer to why the walls are blue? Some say it’s for practical reasons, such as keeping mosquitoes away or keeping the houses cooler, others say that the blue represents sky and heaven or the colors of the Mediterranean Sea. We pass through a small but charming medina (old town) and sample the variety of local goat cheese and warm bread with argan oil.
Evening We head to city square to enjoy delicious Moroccan cuisine on a romantic patio of Bilmos.Then we climb a small hill to the Spanish Mosque – a beautiful building that sits isolated on a hill above Chefchaouen. The mosque was built in the 1920s, during the war. However, it was never actually used and now sits abandoned, looking out across the city. It is an easy 30-minute hike to the top, where you are rewarded with incredible views and sunset.
Attention: the total time on the bus is 5 hours
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Morning 6-7AM Sunrise in Chefchaouen is magical, so wake up in the early morning, get to the rooftop of your riad, and enjoy the most magical sunrise you will see during your trip
Optional photo tour: Chefchaouen is called the most picturesque and “insta” city of Morocco – join an optional 1 hour photo tour with local photographer to capture some unique images (additional tips about $35 USD per person for photographer, includes fee for sites)
Continue east to the imperial city, Fes (3.5h -4h ride with break)
Afternoon With its impressively large old medina, Fes is a city worth getting lost in. First we drive up to the hill to visit the Merenid Tombs and take a glimpse of historic Fes and the surrounding area. We then descend the hill and find our way to riad (a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden) to enjoy a delicious meal and relax for the evening.
Evening Optional outing to see traditional Moroccan music
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Morning Sightseeing in Fes – the oldest of the four Imperial Cities in Morocco and perhaps the most exciting to explore. It has the most complete medina (old town) in the Arab world and is mostly untouched since it was founded over 1000 years ago. Considered the country’s cultural capital, it is made up of three parts, two medina quarters, Fes el-Bali and Fes el Jdid, and the more modern, French colonial influenced, Ville Nouvelle.
We start in the oldest and most authentic section- Fes el-Bali. It is a maze of little streets and passageways dotted with shops, residences, and factories. Admire the Spanish and Tunisian influenced architecture, and practice your negotiating skills in endless markets.
Afternoon We visit the Chouara Tannery and marvel at the many dye-filled stone pots and the men at work still using centuries-old techniques. Next, admire the intricate zellij tilework of the 14th-century Al Attarine Madrasa before heading over to the Mellah (old Jewish quarter and cemetery) in Fes el Jdid. If there’s time, we visit Ville Nouvelle to discover the dramatic change in architecture (French).
Evening Optional outing to local hookah lounge with shisha and belly dancing
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Morning We start the day bright and early and travel south toward Merzouga. This is the longest ride on this tour but very interesting and with beautiful scenery and many stops. First, Along the way, we climb up and over the Col du Zad pass through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas mountains. Enjoy sightings of the local Barbary Macaque monkeys before stopping for lunch in Midelt (the “apple city”).
Afternoon we continue our journey into the Ziz Valley, known for its hidden oasis. Along the road we will see many fortified houses known as ksars—built to protect precious wares, including gold, salt, and spices.
Evening We reach Erg Chebbi and Merzounga. For many this is the highlight of Morocco trip as we climb atop a camel to ride through the dunes to spend the night under the stars in a luxury tent camp. We will enter the mysterious world of berbers, enjoy their music, food and stories over the campfire.
As you close your eyes for the well deserved rest you will carry with you the incredible dessert sky with million stars!
Attention: longer bus ride 6.5 hours but with 3-4 longer stops
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Morning Optional sandboard experience over the dunes ( 30 USD)
We pass some of the beautiful desert towns before reaching the 984 feet deep Todra Gorge. Take time to explore the gorge and relax in the cool water of the shallow Todra River.
We continue through the Valley of a Thousang Kasbahs (old fortresses) . Though many are now in disrepair, local families still live in some of them. We may even come across nomads herding their animals.
Afternoon We continue to Kelâat M’Gouna. Known for its Festival des Roses, here you can see extensively cultivated farmland bordered with fragrant rose bushes. We shop for some fragrant rose based products.
Evening After we continue west to Ouarzazate, a gateway to the Sahara Desert made popular by the film industry and join a studio tour to discover how the nearby desert landscapes have been featured in many films.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Morning A UNESCO World Heritage site, Aït Benhaddou is believed to date from the 11th century and is called the most beautiful village in the world. Follow the narrow streets up to the Granary for a view of the surrounding landscapes. From there, ascend the High Atlas mountain range and look out for the highest peak, Mount Toubkal (13,671 feet).
Afternoon Lunch. As we descend the High Atlas, you will notice a dramatic change in the climate and landscape. Soon you will be a part of the noise and clamor of your final imperial city, Marrakech. We settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon as you like.
Evening In the evening, the main square, Jemaa el-Fna, comes alive with musicians, performers, snake charmers, and food stalls. If you want to enjoy the spectacle from a distance, choose one of the many cafés surrounding the square and enjoy a cup of mint tea and a meal.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Morning We explore Marrakech’s ancient medina, starting with the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens. Though the mosque cannot be entered by non-muslims, it’s worth checking out its
Indulge your senses as we explore the complicated labyrinth of souks: Souk el Attarin, Souk Chouari, and Souk Smata for a selection of spices, woodwork, and babouche (traditional Moroccan slippers). Next, admire the fine example of Moroccan Islamic architecture of the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 16th-century Koranic school, and note the ornate detail of its interior: carved cedar ceilings, sculpted plaster, and zellij tiling.
Afternoon Visit to Bahia Palace, Majorelle Garden
Evening We can’t leave Morocco without learning how to cook the delicious tagging. We combine the last dinner with a cooking class and a truly Moroccan party joined by local guests. Besseha! ( means cheers in Arabic)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Morning Free time and departures
Meals included: breakfast
Tour Operator
Sylvia +1 617-301-1237
Emergency Telephone Numbers
Morocco – Country Code +212 | Police 19 | American Embassy: (+212) 5226-42000 Address: Boulevard Moulay Youssef, Casablanca 20250, Morocco
Jordan – Country Code +962 | Police 911 | American Embassy: (+962) 6 590 6000 Address: Al-Umawyeen St 37, Amman, Jordan
Israel – Country Code +972 | Police 100 | American Embassy: (+972) 2-630-4000 Address: David Flusser St 14, Jerusalem
Panataxi: 7-55-5555
Accommodation
Air condition
Towels and soap
Hair Dryer
Safe
Example from past accommodations
Inclusions
What’s included?
- Flights between countries
- All activities listed on itinerary
- Accommodation
- Most meals
- Guides
- Tickets to all scheduled sites
- Ground transportation
- 24h bilingual tour director support
- Pre-departure Q&A
What’s not included
- Airfare
- Some meals
- Optional airport pick up and drop off - 45 USD (both ways) per person
- Alcohol
- Additional health & evacuation insurance
Essential Travel Information
for Morocco tours
visa requirements, health, currency and more
Important notice: The group will enjoy a camel trek through the Sahara. It’s possible to walk alongside the caravan on the sand for about an hour instead. The walk is not very demanding and you manage with a basic level of fitness. You can also skip this experience.
Please respect the country culture by dressing appropriately. Women will need to cover their heads in mosques.
▹ Visa requirements for Jordan, Israel and Morocco tours
There are no special visa requirements for U.S. citizens entering Morocco and Israel for less than 90 days. Please make sure your passport is valid for at least another 6 months and has empty pages.
▹ Health, Vaccinations
✔︎ All travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should be able to walk at least 2-3 miles a day and be able to climb at least two sets of stairs.
✔︎ You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure.
✔︎ There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Morocco.
✔︎ At least 30 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
✔︎ If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays ( we recommend additional 1-2 weeks of supply).
✔︎ If you tend to get motion sickness please travel with appropriate medication. If you have a sensitive stomach consider bringing imodium as well.
Health Insurance: international health insurance, evacuation or cancelation insurance are not included. We recommend purchasing those before the trip. See the insurance box on the sidebar of this page.
▹ Electricity
✔︎ Morocco operates on 220 volts and uses a Type C or E plugs with two small, round pins.
▹ Connectivity, Internet
✔︎ The Internet is available in all hotels although speed may vary.
✔︎ Please consult your phone plan provider for phone call and text messages, international charges and plans.
▹ Time zones
✔︎ Morocco is 5 hours ahead Eastern Time (ET). 12pm in New York, is 5 pm in Morocco
▹ Currency, cash, credit cards
✔︎ The currency in Morocco is Moroccan dirham.
✔︎ Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas.
✔︎ ATMs are available in all major towns and cities and credit cards are generally available in tourist shops and restaurants. Visa and MasterCard are better than American Express, Diners. Smaller venues accept cash only.
▹ Transportation and arrival information
✔︎ If you add airport pick up our driver will meet you at the airport with a sign that says: Colibri Travel & Tours. If you do not see your driver immediately stay right by exit from the secure area for another 15 min. If you still can’t find each other please give us a call. Driver’s name and phone number will be provided within 24 hours before your departure.
✔︎ If you choose to arrange for your own transportation we will meet you at the hotel or casa. In this case please make sure that you have the address and phone number.
▹ Baggage allowance
✔︎ Our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights. Additional baggage can be a subject of extra fees. Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
✔︎ We recommend that you make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents and a set of clothes, pijamas and cosmetics (travel size) in your carry-on bag in case of baggage delays. ber of your first hotel printed out.
▹ Tipping
✔︎ It’s customary to offer your guide and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
✔︎ We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10 per day per person and giving the tips to tour leaders to distribute between drivers, guides etc.
✔︎ Tips can only be paid in cash.
▹ Itinerary
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travelers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.
We LOVE to talk about travel. If you have any questions please give us a call: 617 301 1237 or email us: info@colibritraveltours.com.
We are always happy to talk to our travelers and answer the questions.
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Register now!
Steps to enroll:
- Fill up the registration form on-line here.
Or download the registration form below, fill it out and send to info@colibritraveltours.com or mail to Colibri Travel & Tours, 341 Pearl St, Cambridge, MA 02139.
2. Send us a copy of your passport and deposit check via password protected email or regular mail.
3. Pack your bags and enjoy!
Small group:
8 - 20 ppl
Physical rating:
Moderate
Do you need a travel insurance?
Reviews
Thank you Colibri Travel & Tours for a truly enchanted Morocco tours. This trip was absolutely out of this world and the itinerary was just perfect! I loved everything about it (well, maybe except for a long ride in the mountains which made me a bit dizzy). But there’s one experience that stands out from all the rest: a night in the Sahara desert. We rode camels into the dunes to watch the sunset and then headed to the Berber camp to sleep in tents. Our camp was in a small oasis with flowers and only about 9 really luxurious large tents, with super clean and comfy beds. We watched gazillion stars at night, ran over dunes and listened to traditional Berber music, and ate delicious food. There is no way we could ever organize it the way Colibri Travel & Tours did. The rest of Morocco and the extended tour in Petra and Israel were also incredible. It is a long trip with lots of moving around but the experiences you get and the places you get to see are well worth the inconvenience of being on the bus for extended hours. Thank you!
