Moroccan charms: Casablanca to the Agafay Desert
Embark on this dream discovery trip of Morocco's charms, spread out across eight days. Discover the modern-meets-traditional wonders of Casablanca, tuck into some seafood by the Atlantic Ocean in Essaouira, then explore the stunning history and culture of Marrakech. You'll top off your trip in style, staying in a luxurious camp within the heart of the Agafay Stone Desert, complete with a delicious traditional dinner and golden sunset hues.
Services
Included:
- Seven nights accommodation in hotels/tented campsite as per the itinerary
- Daily breakfast, one dinner
- Private transfers in an air-conditioned car with driver
- Full-day guided tour with English-speaking guide in Essaouira & Marrakech
- Fuel & highway fees
Excluded:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Admission fees to sites
Optional:
- Hammam bathing experience
- Camel ride
- Cooking class
- Quad bike tour
Itinerary at a Glance
Casablanca
Welcome to the White City
Casablanca - Essaouira
From Casablanca to the Atlantic Ocean
Essaouira
Enchanting Essaouira
Essaouira - Marrakech
Journey to Marrakech, the Red City
Marrakech
Lose yourself in vibrant Marrakech
Marrakech - Agafay Desert
Luxury camping in the desert
Agafay Desert - Marrakech
A last day in Marrakech
Marrakech - Casablanca
Goodbye, Morocco
Detailed Itinerary
Casablanca
Day 1: Welcome to the White City
Upon arrival at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, you will be welcomed by your driver and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you'll enjoy your first experience of the White City of Casablanca with an orientation drive, before having the rest of the day to relax at leisure.
Casablanca - Essaouira
Day 2: From Casablanca to the Atlantic Ocean
Today, you will visit the main sights of Casablanca. Start with the magnificent Mosque of Hassan II, one of the country's few mosques that open to non-Muslims and women, and a veritable showcase of Moroccan craftsmanship. After your guided visit there, you'll continue on to explore the Quartier des Habous, where you'll find interesting markets and very few, if any, tourists.
In the afternoon, you'll drive through enchanting landscapes full of fruit plantations and argan trees on your way towards charming Essaouira.
Essaouira
Day 3: Enchanting Essaouira
After breakfast, you will explore Essaouira on a guided tour with an official tour guide. Spend the morning in the lively Medina, visit spice and jewellers' markets, and tour the Mellah (Jewish Quarter). Stroll down to the port and lunch on sardines or other fish of your choice at one of the numerous barbecue stalls by the seaside; alternatively, find something to better suit your tastes at the Medina's many little restaurants and cafes.
The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, so enjoy it and make the most of Essaouira's laid-back coastal charm!
Essaouira - Marrakech
Day 4: Journey to Marrakech, the Red City
In the morning, you may want to explore more of Essaouira or take a swim in the Atlantic Ocean. The winds along the coast here make it the ideal place to host windsurfing competitions, and you can watch people trying their hand at this sport year-round.
Afterwards, you'll pack your bags and embark on a 170km-long drive to Marrakech. Along the way, you may get the chance to spot the famous and curious sight of tree-climbing goats nestled up in argan trees.
Once you've reached Marrakech, check into your hotel and relax for the rest of the evening, spent at your leisure.
Marrakech
Day 5: Lose yourself in vibrant Marrakech
Today, you will tour the Red City on a full-day guided tour with an official local guide. Visit the stunning Majorelle Gardens, owned by the late Yves Saint-Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé. Discover the main monuments of the city, including the Koutoubia Mosque and the splendid Bahia Palace. In the Gueliz district, you might like to stop for lunch at Al Fassia, a restaurant run by women and featuring some of the best cuisine in the country.
In the afternoon, spend time in the Medina with its various trade quarters, before ending up in the midst of the buzzing Jemaa El Fnaa Square. Sip a refreshing mint tea at one of the cafes on the square's fringes, and enjoy the view as you wait for the sun to set - after all, the square comes alive at nighttime, and is a sight you won't want to miss.
Marrakech - Agafay Desert
Day 6: Luxury camping in the desert
After a nice breakfast, you'll leave Marrakech to drive to the Stone Desert of Agafay, 35km away. Enjoy the golden sunset in the vastness of the desert, then spend the night in luxurious Berber tented accommodation.
As part of the experience, you'll enjoy a typical Moroccan tagine dinner and admire the glorious veil of stars scattered across the sky - an unforgettable night is guaranteed. For added comfort, your tent comes with its own basic private bathroom and shower with running water.
Agafay Desert - Marrakech
Day 7: A last day in Marrakech
Return to Marrakech this morning, and enjoy a sumptuous breakfast in your beautiful riad. Continue with a day at leisure in Marrakech: stroll through the narrow meandering roads of the Medina, find some classic Moroccan souvenirs for your loved ones back home, and drink a freshly-pressed orange juice in one of the roadside cafes.
To cap off your time in Marrakech, you could opt to partake in a cooking class to learn how to prepare a spicy tagine, or visit a hammam for a unique bathing experience.
Marrakech - Casablanca
Day 8: Goodbye, Morocco
Sadly, it's time to fly back home! Ahead of your flight, you will be transferred back to Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca for your departure from Morocco. Safe travels and visit again soon!
