Morocco Explored By Women
Start and end in Casablanca, the “Best Of Morocco, A Women-Only Tour” is a guided adventure tour that takes 11 days. You will travel through Erfoud, Ouarzazate, Marrakesh and 3 other destinations in Morocco. “Best Of Morocco, A Women-Only Tour” is a group which includes accommodation in hotels, transport, meals and others.
Lands so diverse they will leave you spellbound; Morocco is a sight to see. On this 11-day women-only tour, travel with a small group to view Morocco’s largest mosque in Casablanca and indulge in a wine-paired lunch with the owner who shares her insights into Moroccan wine. Then take time to watch the enticing art of belly dancing. Be awed by the rugged red mountains of Dades Valley, then sip wild-herb tea alongside local nomads. Before you reach Marrakesh, walk around one of Morocco’s most impressive kasbahs at the gate of the Sahara, an earthen clay fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Opt to visit a traditional Moroccan spa or meet the inspiring women of a local cooperative over tea and snacks on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Highlights
- Rabat: See the Royal Palace and Hassan Tower.
- Casablanca: See the Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche.
- Meknès: Admire the Bab el-Mansour Gate on Place El-Hedim in the heart of the Medina.
- Fes: Led by your Local Expert, wander the maze of streets that make up the ancient Medina. See one of the world's oldest universities and pass hidden courtyards, mosques and workshops. Continue through the souks, an array of vendors selling food, clothes, leather goods and beautiful lights.
- Erfoud: Enjoy the beauty of this little oasis with the backdrop of the Sahara desert whilst you explore the red walled streets.
Itinerary
Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for your welcome dinner. You’ll have the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of good food.
Gray Suites, Casablanca
Explore the sights of Casablanca viewing the huge Hassan II Mosque, the third largest in the world. Venture to the chic seaside strip known as the Corniche, which stretches to the west and is lined with trendy restaurants and cafes. Depart for the capital of Rabat to see the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, and visit one of the few holy places open to non-Muslims, the lavish Mausoleum of King Mohammed V. This site is both an architectural marvel and a monument to a great ruler. At a local winery, savour a wine tasting of locally grown Moroccan wines with a delicious three-course lunch. Travel to Meknes, one of the kingdom’s great imperial cities where little has changed since its founding in the 11th century. Stand before the Bab el-Mansour, the monumental entrance to the imperial city and focal point of Square El-Hedim, before continuing to Fes.
Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes
Led by your Local Expert, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience to the non-profit American Fondouk, speak with the volunteer veterinarians who care so passionately for the welfare of the animals. Wander the maze of streets that make up one of the largest thriving ancient Medina’s in the world, here you can admire traditional Moroccan handiwork during a visit to a carpet cooperative. Pass one of the world’s oldest universities and visit Medersa El Attarine, founded in 1325 located at the heart of the medina. Continue through the souks where an array of vendors sell food, clothes, leather goods and beautiful lights.
Marriott Jnan Palace, Fes
Leave the bustle of the city behind and head for the spectacular snowcapped High Atlas Mountains. Pass through Ifran before reaching the great cedar forests of Azrou. After stopping for lunch at Midelt, continue through the magnificent Ziz Gorges, past palm-fringed towns to Er Rachidia, built by the French and formerly the historic crossroads between the imperial cities. Your destination is Erfoud, where the red sand buildings stand in stark contrast against the patches of greenery and surrounding desert. In the evening, there is an Optional Experience to meet the nomadic Berbers and marvel at the glorious Sahara sunset on a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud, Erfoud
Today, discover the authentic desert town of Rissani. See the Tomb of Moulay Ali Cherif one of the founders of the Alaouite family who reigned during the second half of the 17th century. Next, a visit to the quarries of marine fossils with an antiquity of 360 million years. Stop at the famous kasbah aulad abdelm. This afternoon experience a traditional lunch of Madfouna also known as Berber Pizza, this dish is a delight for the senses with seasonal fillings and spices. This afternoon will be free time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. In the evening, there is an Optional Experience to marvel at the glorious Sahara sunset on a four-wheel drive vehicle. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud, Erfoud
Venture towards the oasis of Tinehir and explore the Todra Gorge, known as the Grand Canyon of the Sahara. At Boumalne du Dads you will encounter the dry and rugged Dades Valley, dotted with oases of figs, olives, date palms and castellated mud houseshugging the slopes. Meet the locals of the region when you visit a traditional Nomad house to try authentic Berber tea. The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs concludes at Ouarzazate, also known as the film capital of Morocco. Many blockbusters have been filmed here, including Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars.
Le Berbère Palace, Ouarzazate
Marvel at and photograph the architectural wonder of Ksar of At Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts one of Morocco’s finest kasbahs. Your journey continues via the spectacular Tizi nTichka Pass, before descending past charming mountain villages, dense woods and green fields to the ochre-coloured city of Marrakesh. With the rest of the day at your leisure, why not relax and enjoy the immaculate facilities of your hotel?
Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakesh
In the morning, visit Dar El Bacha – an iconic landmark in the city of Marrakech. Meet your Local Expert and wander the maze of the Medina and see the Koutoubia Mosque, with its minaret dominating the Marrakesh skyline. Next, to the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where you can take a moment to watch the dancers, snake charmers and storytellers. With time at leisure, you are free to continue exploring: try your hand at haggling in the souks or maybe visit a museum? In the evening, perhaps choose to join fellow guests at a vibrant restaurant on Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Here you will enjoy a slew of classic Moroccan dishes as you absorb the ambience and watch twirling belly dancers balance plates of lit candles on their heads.
Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi, Marrakesh
Venture to the west coast of Africa to reach the laid-back fishing town of Essaouira. After an orientation with your Travel Director exploring the busy fishing port where you could sample the local seafood and wine at a waterside restaurant. Continue to the port city of El Jadida with its unique architectural mixture of Moorish-Portuguese-French influence
Pullman Mazagan Royal Golf and Spa, El Jadida
Once youve experienced the traditional charms of the country, Casablanca is a fascinating place to return to and offers a unique insight into modern Morocco. Perhaps visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque famous for its intricate Islamic architecture and one of the largest in the world. In the evening ‘of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world’ there really is only one place to be. Join your Travel Director at Rick’s Caf, recreated from the famous movie. Enjoy a hearty dinner with drinks and no doubt a rendition of As Time Goes By’. Here’s looking at you kid!
Gray Suites, Casablanca
Today, bid farewell to your journey along Morocco as you transfer to the airport.
Services
Includes
- private licensed driver in air conditioned vehicle throughout your stay
Important Notes
Check-in after 2:00 pm & Check-out before 12:00 pm. Early check-in or late check-out is subject to room availability and may generate additional full-day room charges. * In some remote or protected areas in Africa, such as Uganda, solar power is the main source of energy which is not suitable for using Air Conditioners at their lodges, and they will provide fans in the room, and in fact, air-cons are not necessary in these National Parks or Reserves.
In case of snowing during November and February in the High Atlas Mountains, we would drive slower than usual to ensure safety. In this case, you may reach Erfoud later than expected. If snow blocks the road, we will stay in Midelt for the night, and head further south the following day. Though mostly clear days, winds are unpredictable in the desert area. And even luxurious tents are not totally sanding-proof on windy days. If you would like to return to the Erfoud hotel for the night, we could arrange it upon the availability of hotel rooms.
Your passport should be valid for a certain period beyond your intended stay in the destination country. The required validity can vary. Six months beyond your planned departure date from the destination country is a common requirement. And ensure you have at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps. Visa requirements vary from country to country; please consult your travel consultant for more details if you are unsure whether a visa is required for your trip.
Pick ups in each city or area via private air-conditioned vehicle as listed in the itinerary. Appropriate size vehicles will be used according to the number of your group to ensure you have enough leg room and luggage space. Please be aware that the arrival or departure transfer is based on all members arriving or departing on the same flight, additional cost will be charged when arriving or departing on different flights and separate transfers.
Spring (March – May) and autumn (September – October). Coastal areas such as Essaouira remain pleasantly warm and not too hot in summer (June – August). The Mediterranean north is pleasant in spring and summer.
We arrange an English-speaking driver for the entire trip. Whilst you tour at Fez and Marrakech, we will arrange private English-speaking guides on sites, and your driver will be in charge of driving you from site to site and city to city, of course, your driver is also able to give you general information on Morocco. On your request, we are also able to arrange a private tour guide throughout the entire Morocco trip with a supplement.
Ramadan is an annual month-long festival, during which travel can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the day, such as restaurants or cafes, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider this when selecting your travel dates. You’ll find dates and further information in the ‘Climate and seasonal information’ section of the Essential Trip Information.
There are a couple of long travel days on this trip, particularly the day travelling to the Sahara Desert. Rest stops will be made on the way and you’ll be rewarded with great views on the drive itself.
