Cox and Kings Moroccan Explorer: Imperial Cities to Desert

• 4-star accommodation
• Flexible – extensions available
• Small group size – average 14 people (max 18)
• International flights
• Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
• Experienced local tour manager
• 10 breakfasts & 8 dinners
• Guided sightseeing & entrance fees

– Explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis
– Dine in a riad in Rabat
– Walking tour of Chefchaouen’s medina
– Drink mint tea and watch the sunset over the dunes
– Sample local food in Fez

Day 1: Fly to Marrakech
Fly from London (regional connections available) to Marrakech. Transfer to your hotel.
(No meals)

Day 2:  Casablanca • Rabat
After breakfast, travel to Casablanca. Here, you’ll take a city tour, including a visit to the Hassan II Grand Mosque. In the afternoon, continue to Rabat. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner in the riad.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 3: Rabat
Take a morning tour of Rabat, seeing the Royal Palace and the Hassan Tower. Enjoy a mint tea in the Andalusian gardens before an afternoon at leisure.
(Breakfast)

Day 4: Chefchaouen
Travel by road to the blue-walled town of Chefchaouen, perched beneath the rugged Rif mountains. Take a walking tour to discover the kasbah with its charming garden then continue to the cobbled main square, Plaza Uta el Hammam. The 15th-century Grand Mosque has a distinctive octagonal minaret.
(Breakfast)

Day 5: Volubilis • Fez
Travel towards Fez, stopping on the way at the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Continue to Fez where you’ll stay for 2 nights.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 6: Fez
Full-day tour of Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. Visit the Bou Inania madrasa, the Nejjarine fountain, the souk, tanneries and medina. Visit a communal bakery and join a tasting tour through the Medina.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 7: Erfoud
Travel to Erfoud on the edge of the Sahara desert through the high plains between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountain ranges. Stop en route at Ifrane village, for a walking tour. Continue to Erfoud and check into your hotel.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 8: Erg Chebbi
Morning at leisure. This afternoon journey into the desert in 4×4 vehicles. Stop for a refreshing mint drink with Nomads in the Sahara and see the sunset over the dunes before returning to your hotel this evening.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 9: Ouarzazate
Travel west to Ouarzazate with a photo stop at Todra gorge, an impressive orange-coloured canyon. Take a panoramic tour of Ouarzazate and stay overnight at Ksar Ighnda (or similar).
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 10: Ait Benhaddou • Marrakech
Depart for the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, a superb example of traditional Moroccan earthen architecture. Scenes from the films Gladiator, Prince of Persia and The Jewel of the Nile were all shot here. Back in Marrakech, visit Jardin Marjorelle before checking into your hotel
(Breakfast)

Day 11: Marrakech
Full-day city tour of Marrakech. Highlights include the lavish Moroccan architecture of Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia mosque and the bustling souks. Finish in Djemaa el Fna market square, a swirling carnival of musicians, fire eaters, storytellers and snake charmers. Farewell meal at a local restaurant.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 12: Fly to London via Casablanca
Transfer to the airport and fly to London
(Breakfast)

Ksar Ighnda, Ouarzazate
Located on the edge of the desert at Ouarzazate is the Ksar Ighnda, located in spectacular surroundings and only a 2-minute drive from the Unesco world heritage site of Ksar Aït Benhaddou. The riad provides an authentic yet modern setting with sculpted ceilings, traditional furnishing and works of art decorating the interiors. Enjoy treatments in the spa using Moroccan Argan oil, or take a stroll in to the village to watch local artisans at work.

Palais du Desert & Spa, Erfoud
Located in the oasis of Erfoud in southern Morocco, the Palais du Desert & Spa is a luxurious property located in the suburbs of the town, close to the palm grove and Zerktouni mosque. The hotel was built in 2014 and is renowned for its Moroccan architecture. The two restaurants serve a variety of local and international dishes while the lounge bar is an ideal location for after-dinner drinks.

Palais Ommeyad Suites & Spa, Fez
The Palais Ommeyad Suites & Spa is located in the Old Medina in Fez, a 20-minute walk from Karaouiyne Mosque. The property has traditional Moroccan decor and features spacious guestrooms. The restaurant serves Moroccan cuisine characterised by a variety of dishes, mainly from Arabic, Berber or Jewish traditions. Features: 30 rooms, restaurant, indoor & outdoor swimming pools, spa, terrace, garden.