Culture & History
Culture And History Tour
Like most African nations, Morocco had a complicated and occasionally turbulent history. The eclectic culture is influenced by the numerous cultures that have left their marks on the area over the years. Morocco’s culture and history is as varied as its surroundings, but despite its extensive ethnic diversity, the nation has managed to remain united. A harmonious balance between the old and the new has been achieved by the blending of Romans, Berbers, Arabs, Jewish, French, and Spanish. Morocco’s many architectural splendors are a reflection of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Morocco is home to numerous magnificent structures that are worth admiring, including imposing mosques, classic riads, bright palaces, and beautiful centers of religious learning.
Day 1: Depart to Rabat & Afternoon Guided Medina Tour
Welcome to Casablanca! We are heading to Morocco’s capital, Rabat. With our escorted city tour, discover Rabat, Morocco’s wonders like never before. This trip takes you on a journey through the city’s rich history and culture under the direction of local experts. Discover the enchanting Andalusian Gardens in addition to well-known sites like the Chellah Necropolis and the majestic Hassan Tower. You will get knowledge of the habits and traditions that have shaped this particular city along the way.
Day 2: Depart Fez via Volubilis, Moulay Idriss & Meknes
The second day begins and we have a few fascinating stops to make before getting to Fez! We will visit the ancient sites of Volubilis and Moulay Idriss. Explore beautiful mosaic floors, uncovered and brought to light by the archaeologists who work this partly excavated site. It was developed from the 3rd century BCE onwards as a Phonecian and later a Carthaginian settlement. After Volubilis moved on to Moulay Idriss, one of Morocco’s most venerated Muslim sites only recently opened to non-Muslims. The scenic village has lovely souks to explore and several panoramic views of Volubilis. Our last stop today is the imperial city of Meknes, recognized as one of the pieces of United Nations cultural heritage, and behold the magnificence of the Bab Mansour Gate, which is the largest in all of Morocco. Arrive Fez and evening at leisure.
Day 3: Fez Full-Day Historical Tour
The spiritual and cultural hub of Morocco is Fes. It is a vibrant, raucous, engaging, and overpowering sensory extravaganza. Enter the old city, also known as Fes el Bali locally, which is arguably the most fascinating and confusing old city on earth. Fes was a major center for Islamic and Jewish culture during the Middle Ages. Its mosques are well-known, and its religious institutions and libraries are famous. Explore the specialty areas that split the souk as you meander down the winding pathways and passageways. It is not difficult to picture oneself in the Middle Ages when you are surrounded by historical khans, madrassas, dye pits, stalls filled with fruits, herbs, and soups, hens clucking, the aroma of spices, and the sound of copper being hammered. Visit Medersa Bounania, the tanneries, and Fondouk Nejjarine, a magnificently preserved 18th-century inn, as you spend the day discovering the old city.
Day 4: Fes – Cooking Class Cultural Experience
Are you ready to try the best North African food? Enjoy a cooking demonstration this morning at a private residence. This experience is more than just traditional Moroccan cooking; it’s a full immersion into Moroccan culture and history of family life. You’ll spend the day being hosted by a Moroccan family, cooking with them, going to the souks, and baking at the neighborhood Ferran (bakery). The day will end with a traditional Moroccan meal that you’ll all enjoy together. We give you access to a translator to assist you with language, manners, and inquiries about regional cuisine and family life. Spend your spare time in Fez exploring on a free afternoon. Alternatively, get in touch to explore our list of activity options.
Day 5: Fez – Merzouga via Ifrane, Erfoud & Rissani
Today we are heading to Merzouga! Before we arrive, scenic stops waiting for us to discover including Ifrane, Switzerland of Morocco! The town of Erfoud, sometimes referred to as the Sahara’s Gates, has a lot more to offer than only the first breathtaking vistas of the world’s largest desert. The largest ksar, Maadid, with its busy alleys and charming buildings, is one of the town’s several ksars (prehistoric fortified villages). Hollywood adventure films have frequently used the picturesque sand and dunes of Erfoud as their backdrop. Along with the calm desert, the area is also home to beautiful flora, a fertile oasis, and valuable mineral fossils on the route to Merzouga. Erfoud’s Souq offers the excitement of a genuine Moroccan market where you may purchase Berber handicrafts or fresh dates and olives. Visit the neighboring Royal Palace, which is renowned for being the only castle in the Sahara Desert, as well as the Bur-Est hilltop, which provides beautiful views over the nearby town.
Rissani Morocco is renowned for its biodiversity and natural beauty. It is the ideal location to get a sense of the African flora and fauna. The largest sand desert in Morocco, Erg Chebbi, lies closest to the town of Rissani in eastern Morocco, adjacent to Erfoud. The town is a popular tourist destination in Morocco that showcases beautiful examples of traditional Moroccan architectural designs found in structures like the Ksar Oulad Abdelhalim and Ksar Aber.
Arrive at Merzouga one of the entrances to the Sahara. It is the Erg Chebbi region, a landscape of dunes, palm trees, trails, and hikes. Explore the vast dunes that are covered in sunshine and a magical ambiance as you wander through the desert.
Day 6: Sunset Camel Riding and Overnight Camp
The Life of a Berber in a Day! Although some of the Berbers’ ancestors were previously nomads, they now practice subsistence cultivation. Although they also have their languages, cultures, and traditions, the majority of Moroccans are Berber. Tradition and modernity coexist in intriguing ways in Berber camps. Eat regional food served on rugs over an open campfire while sleeping in canvas or goat and camel hair tents. You’ll appreciate having actual mattresses, functional toilets, and even air conditioning. A traditional and typical Berber meal from the Tafilalt region is called “Moroccan pizza” or “madfouna.” Typically, veggies, meat, and spices make up the stuffing. In Arabic, the word “Madfouna” means “Buried”. The term “Berber pizza” originated from the original cooking technique, in which the bread is baked or “buried” in the heat of the desert sand. This afternoon, meet your Nomad guide for Sunset Camel riding over the golden dunes and spend the night in a charming bivouac.
Day 7: Erg Chebbi – Skoura via Tinehir and Todra Gorges
Day 8: Skoura – Marrakech via Ouarzazate
Skoura is a Plam’s grove and is where the lovely small dwellings that rise out of the dry riverbed like a mirage can be found. Continue to the historic mud-brick town of Ait Benhaddou Kasbah in Morocco after visiting the Taourirte Kasbah and Atlas Studio Cinema in Ouarzazate. This is a well-known home of the Glaoui family and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its historical matrimonial significance. One of Morocco’s most well-known sites is Ait Benhaddou, which has remained mostly unaltered since the 11th century and is perched on a mountaintop. If you believe you recognize the location, you probably do because Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, and Gladiator have all been filmed or filmed in the area. Enjoy a stroll through the old town’s winding lanes as you ascend the hill to the summit, where you can take in the surrounding plains’ views. From here, travel across the Atlas Mountains on meandering roads to Marrakech, a historic, fascinating city encased in contemporary Europe. There’s no need to rush because the High Atlas Mountain Pass landscape is so breathtaking that multiple photo stops will be necessary. You might want to visit Jemaa el Fna, one of the biggest public squares in the world and a special feature of Marrakech, once you check into your hotel. As dusk strikes, it becomes a hive of activity. The square is home to henna artists, performers, and storytellers as well as a street food bazaar with shops selling delicious Moroccan fare. Consider capping off your day with a cup of mint tea at one of the rooftop eateries with views of the square. Spend the night in your riad in Marrakech, the Red City.
Day 9: Marrakech Full-Day Historical Tour
Today, after breakfast, meet your local guide and embark on a morning tour of the old Medina, passing by the humming souks that are the city’s heartbeat. Discover the several salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace, as well as the serene grounds that are scented with orange blossoms. This magnificent palace was constructed in 1866 for a former slave who attained political influence. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque. Its renowned minaret served as a model for similar structures built worldwide, notably La Giralda in Seville. Then go back through the historic Medina’s streets to the Jemaa el Fna for a cool drink of fresh orange juice. The remainder of the day is devoted to touring Jacques Majorelle’s tropical gardens in France and the Palais Badi’s ruins, which were once among the most stunning palaces on earth.
Day 10 & 11: Optional High Atlas Mountains Excursion
Days at leisure or choose to include the High Atlas Mountains! A hiker’s paradise. Imlil, which is 90 minutes from Marrakesh in the High Atlas foothills, is where two-day climbs to Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 4167m (13670ft), begin. The seven-day Toubkal circuit can be finished if you have more time; it follows historic roads that once connected remote Amazigh villages and through verdant valleys, mountainous massifs, and breathtaking passes. The region surrounding Tafraoute is the Amazigh region of Morocco, where the tribes and customs are still intact and there are even more unexplored trails. The Anti Atlas is the perfect place for hikers to begin because it is flanked by lush palm groves and hilltop kasbahs. The highest point in the area is Jebel El Kest, which rises to a height of 2359 meters (7740 feet), although there are also more leisurely hiking and cycling trails that go through the picturesque villages of the Ameln Valley. We have different trails that could be done within a half day/full day or more days. Write to us and we will tailor together a train that fits your interests/physical conditions.
Day 12: Depart
Your driver will meet you today after breakfast and transport you to the airport.