At a Glance
Route: Casablanca - Rabat - Fes - Michlifen - Ifrane - Ziz Valley - Sahara Desert - Skoura - Marakech (or Casablanca)
This is a luxury adventure to Morocco taking you from the Imperial cites of the North into the less-discovered paths of the Sahara Desert, through the valley of a thousand Kasbahs before ending in Marrakech, the heart of Morocco. Venture off-the-beaten-track to some of the country's less-visited areas. Hike the middle and high Atlas Mountains, and get up close to Morocco as you discover the country's fascinating history and exotic culture in its bustling, lively cities and authentic villages.
Your adventure starts in Casablanca, Morocco's most cosmopolitan city. Venture north to Rabat - Morocco's capital, where you'll admire landmarks that speak to its Islamic and French-colonial heritage with the Atlantic ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 11 nights handpicked luxury accommodation throughout the journey
- Meal: 11x breakfast, 11x dinner. Non-Alcoholic Drinks at included meals
- A professional English speaking tour guide accompanying the entire journey
- Excursions (Volubilis, camels, Berber Tents, 4x4 in Sahara, Hikes)
- Entrance fees to historical sites
- 12 days of air-conditioned private transportation with a professional driver (licensed for tourism). Water in vehicle
- Portage Tips for bags
Itinerary
Walking distance: approx. 1.5 - 2 hours leisure walk Upon arrival in Casablanca, your private driver will greet you at the airport and escort you to your Casablanca hotel, where you will check in and relax. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a walk (approx. 1.5 -2 hours leisure walk) at the Hassan II mosque one of the most elaborately designed mosques in North Africa with the tallest minaret in the world. Dinner at the iconic Ricks Café. Rick's has loads of atmosphere and serves good Moroccan and international food. |
Walking distance: approx 1.5 - 2 hours leisure walk This morning, you will be transferred to Rabat. Rabat is a grand city, full of fine buildings and welcoming people, with plenty to see and plenty to do. Imperial city, cosmopolitan centre of commerce and capital of Morocco, Rabat is a delight for holidaymakers. The city's buildings and houses are painted white and are surrounded by beautiful gardens. Enjoy Rabat Medina guided walking tour ( approx. 1.5-2 hour walk). Built on an orderly grid in the 17th century, it is small enough to be easily explored in half a day, but large enough to make getting lost almost inevitable. Lunch at Rabat at your own arrangement. Then walk along the Rabat beach (Approx. 45 min. Walk). Hitting the beach is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and the breeze coming off the Atlantic is a great way to cool off in the summer. Continue driving to Fes (Fez), the second largest city in Morocco after Casablanca, and long been regarded as the country’s cultural, spiritual, and intellectual heartland. Rest tonight and you will explore more of the fascinating old city tomorrow. Dinner at the Riad and return to your accommodation. |
Walking distance: approx 4 - 5 hours leisure walk Enter the walls of the Medina, and learn more about the rich culture and ancient history. Explore the twisting streets of the old Medina, with shops selling spices, carpets, silver, and more. Venture through its main horseshoe gateways into a labyrinthine of narrow streets, lanes, and alleys lined with blank-walled houses and punctuated with dead-end squares. The old capital of Morocco, Fez, is the largest medina in the world. The Medina of Fez is considered as one of the most extensive and best conserved historic towns of the Arab-Muslim world. Lunch at a traditional restaurant in the heart of the medina at guest's own expense. n the afternoon you will hike up to the Merinides Tombs overlook the heart of the old city (approx. 1.5 hours walk) Dinner will be served in a local restaurant then return to your accommodation. |
Walking distance: approx 4 - 5 hours leisure walk Fez was the Moroccan birthplace of the beautiful tile work known as zellige. This morning, you’ll be guided on a visit to the Pottery area to gain some insight. Your guide will take you through the entire production process, from pot-throwing to the painstaking hand painting and laying out of zellige (colourful geometric mosaic tilework) – it’s a joy to behold. Then you will lose yourself in the gardens of ancient palaces perfumed with orange blossoms, citrus, blood red roses and the sweetest jasmine. Explore some iconic madrasas, the fondouks, the mosques and the palaces, which offers an overview of the fascinating and beautiful world of Moroccan architecture which showcases all the main ornamentation and decorative techniques, including: Dinner will be served in a local restaurant. |
Walking distance: approx 2 - 4 hours hiking Transfer to Fes/ Ifrane by private car approx.1.5 hour drive. Hike around the Michlifen area, moderate hike 2 - 3 hours. Most of the day will be spent winding your way through the beautiful forests, jagged rock faces, and Berber villages. Transfer to Ifrane / Azrou by private car (roughly 30 min drive). Then embark another hikes closer to Azrou and into the Cedar forests, 2 - 4 hour hike. Tonight you will stay at Hôtel Michlifen Resort & Golf, a five star luxury alpine chalet style accommodation located in the Atlas mountains of Morocco. Michlifen Resort & Golf boasts a remarkable location for you to discover a different side of Morocco, with its mountains, forests, lakes and pastures. Dinner at hotel. |
Walking distance: approx 1 hour hiking Transfer from Azrou to Sahara Desert Tents approx. 7.5 - 8 hours drive by private car. Hike in Ziz valley (moderate hike through the Palmaries area of the Ziz Gorges - 1 hour hike.) Upon reaching the desert area, you will be met by 4x4 vehicle to head out to Luxury Desert Camp, a hidden gem in the desert. Once arriving at the campsite, you will be welcomed with refreshing Moroccan tea, an exquisite traditional dinner, music of the tam-tam drums and a set of Moroccan carpets, where you could relax and enjoy the peace. |
Excursion to Khamalia (Famous for Gnawa music) this morning and then head to far-flung Rissani to experience the Sahara Desert and a rich history of Berber trading routes Enjoy a Berber Pizza before heading to Sahara Desert. Take 4x4 vehicles to meet up with your camels. After camel riding (30 - 45 minutes), hike up to the top of the dunes and watch the breath taking sunset. Dinner at the desert camp. |
Walking distance: approx 2 hours hiking After breakfast, you will return to your 4x4 and head back to Erfoud. After meeting up with your driver, you will continue to the Todra Gorges approx. 2 hours hike. The Todgha Gorges are a series of limestone river canyons, or wadi, in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains, and are recognised around the world as one of the most spectacular canyons. From here, you will set off towards Skoura along the Route of 1,000 Kasbahs. Skoura is one of Morocco’s beautiful oases and it offers weary travelers a chance to rest their weary feet and enjoy the abundance of nature. Dinner will be served at the Kasbah. |
Guided walk of the palmeraies to learn about the area and the Kasbahs in the palm groves. These masterful creations resemble eastern castles which are only enhanced by the beautiful palm trees that abound in this oasis. Once you have explored this world of palm groves and castles, you might consider learning more of the religious affiliations of the area through a visit to the pre-islamic Muslim shrine called the Marabout Sidi M’Barek. Optional: Bike ride if desired. |
After an early breakfast, you set off to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou (a fortified village in English). Tucked away in the High Atlas Mountains, it is one of the jewels of Morocco. In typical Moroccan fashion, the true treasures must be searched out and discovered...usually off the beaten path. In actuality, this setting has been used for more films than any other location in Morocco; films including, Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and The Gladiator. Lunch will be served at Ait Benhaddou (guest’s own expense). Continue for a visit of Telouet where you will enjoy a visit to the Kasbah Glaoui. Arrive at Marrakech, one of Northern Africa's most inspiring cities. Dinner will be served at the riad, then return to your accommodation. |
After breakfast, you will have a guided tour of Marrakech, the southern pearl of Morocco. You will discover the Palace of the Bahia, Koutoubia Mosque, Jemaa el-Fna and many other hidden treasures. In the afternoon you will enjoy walking through Majorelle Gardens (Jardin Majorelle), a two and a half acre botanical garden and artist's landscape garden created by the French Orientalist artist, Jacques Majorelle over almost forty years. Visit the YSL Museum. Dinner will be served in a local restaurant. |
After breakfast, you will be taken to Marrakesh or Casablanca airport to meet your departing flight. OPTIONAL TOUR EXTENSION: |
Dates & Prices
The price is based on 2 people private departure. Surcharge applies to holiday season (December - January). Group discount is available. Please contact us for a quote.
More Info
- The departure point is Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), Morocca
- The finish point is Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), Morocca or Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK)
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), Morocca or Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK)
Note: please refer to the airline websites for scheduling your flight.
Day 1: approx. 1.5 - 2 hours leisure walk
Day 2: approx. 1.5 - 2.5 hours walk
Day 3: approx. 1.5 hours walk
Day 4: art, garden, architectural & museum walk
Day 5: approx. 2 - 3 hours hike
Day 6: approx. 1 hour hike
Day 7: soft adventure at sand dunes
Day 8: approx. 2 hours hike
Day 9: guided walk in palm groves
Day 10: explore High Atlas Mountain
Day 11: guided tour in Marrakech
Day 12: Depart from Casablanca or Marrakech
In Morocco, the climate is Mediterranean on the coasts, while it's desert in inland areas, and continental in the highest mountains. The best travel time is spring and autumn, in March-April and from October to mid-November. For a beach holiday, you can go on the Atlantic coast from July to September, and on the Mediterranean coast in July and August.
In Casablanca, the average temperature ranges from 13 °C (55.5 °F) in January to 23 °C (73 °F) in July and August.
In Rabat, the capital, the climate is similar to that of Casablanca.
In Marrakesh, the average ranges from 12 °C (53.5 °F) in January to 28 °C (82 °F) in July and August.
Fez is a bit colder and rainier. The average temperature ranges from 9 °C (48 °F) in January to 26 °C (79 °F) in July and August.
In Ifrane, it can snow in winter, even though the snowfalls are more abundant in the mountain peaks. In summer, when the sun dominates, every so often, some showers can occur.
The Atlantic coast enjoys a mild climate, similar to that of the Mediterranean but even milder. On the Mediterranean coast, the climate is typically Mediterranean: winters are mild and moderately rainy, and resemble those of the northern part of the Atlantic coast, while summers are hot and sunny, and they are hotter than on the Atlantic coast. In Al Hoceima, the temperature ranges from 12 °C (53.5 °F) in January to 25 °C (77 °F) in August.
Other Information
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by ONLYLUXE CLUB.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify OCT4 PTY LTD, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Not suited for children under the age of 8.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise OCT4 PTY LTD and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. OCT 4 PTY LTD and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the OCT4 PTY LTD and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which OCT4 Pty Ltd or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure OCT4 Pty Ltd will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the OCT4 PTY LTD and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.