11-Day Treasures of Morocco, a Women-Only Tour

Join your Travel Director and fellow guests for your welcome dinner, with the opportunity to mingle over a pleasant evening of good food.

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, savor 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.

Led by your Local Expert, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to the non-profit American Fondouk, where you’ll hear from dedicated volunteer veterinarians who provide vital care to working animals. Wander the maze of streets that make up one of the largest thriving ancient medinas in the world, where you’ll 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 in the heart of the medina. Continue through the souks where an array of vendors sell food, clothes, leather goods and beautiful lights. Later, get up close and personal with Morocco’s culinary scene at NUR Restaurant, where Chef Najat Kaanache shares her artistry and story over an innovative tasting menu.

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.

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.

Venture towards the oasis of Tinehir and explore the Todra Gorge, often called the Grand Canyon of the Sahara. Stop at a traditional farm to learn how local produce is cultivated using time-honored methods. Then, enjoy a Farm-to-Table lunch of traditional Moroccan cuisine at Restaurant Yasmine. At Boumalne du Dadès, take in the stark beauty of the Dades Valley, where oases of figs, olives and date palms punctuate the slopes, dotted with castellated mudbrick houses. Later, meet the locals as you visit a traditional Nomad house and share authentic Berber tea. The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs concludes in Ouarzazate, Morocco’s film capital, where epics like Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars were filmed.

Marvel at and photograph the architectural wonder of Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your journey continues via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, before descending past charming mountain villages, dense woods and green fields to the ochre-colored city of Marrakesh. With the rest of the day at your leisure, why not relax and enjoy the immaculate facilities of your hotel?

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.

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.

Once you’ve 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 Cafe, 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!

Today, bid farewell to your journey along Morocco as you transfer to the airport.