Trip Highlights

• Enjoy the pristine beaches of Casablanca as you witness the immaculate Hassan II Mosque nestled on the edge of the Atlantic.
• Try your hand at haggling for local goods in the open air markets of the iconic “blue city” in Chefchaouen.
• Watch the sunset fade over the Sahara as the North African night sky comes alive with a dazzling array of stars.
• Step into an authentic Berber village in the Atlas Mountains as you discover this fascinating indiguos culture which spans the northern reaches of Africa.
• Join the lively evening festivities in the sprawling open air market at Djemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech.

Is this trip for me?

• This Itinerary includes leisurely hikes through pristine regions of the Atlas Mountains. These trails are not difficult or strenuous, and if you have a reasonable level of fitness this itinerary will be an amazing opportunity to explore Morocco.
• Vendors in Morocco are passionate about closing sales, so do not be caught off guard by enthusiastic requests to purchase local goods while exploring the open air markets, known locally as souks.

Itinerary

Day 1 Casablanca

• Your journey begins in the bustling coastal city of Casablanca, the perfect mix of modern and historic Morocco for your introduction to this enchanting land. There will be a team meeting at 5 p.m. in the hotel followed by a welcome dinner in the city. If you arrive early, be sure to take time to view the stunning Hassan II mosque perched on the edge of the Atlantic, or perhaps pay a visit to the Villa des Arts to experience its stunning combination of modern and contemporary art.

Day 2 Meknes

• Depart from Casablanca in the morning as you head towards the capital of Rabat, a historical city on the mouth of the river Bou Regreg. Explore the remains of Arab civilization from the Almohad and Merenid dynasties, and be sure to take a break to soak in the 12th century Kasbah des Oudaias, a tranquil walled quarter of the historic city. Continue on to the Berber-Roman remains of Volubilis, claimed to be some of the best preserved in North Africa. Finally end your day in the tranquil former capital city Meknes, spending the night there.

Day 3 Chefchaouen

• Set out for the stunning “blue city,” nestled between two peaks, and learn the intriguing history behind the city’s vividly painted streets. Enjoy a guided introduction into the Medina of the old city, and then take time to explore the picturesque souks as you discover the stories of the refugees who developed this unique coastal city. End the day with dinner in the heart of the city as you relax and soak in the tranquil streets.

Day 4 Fes

• Leaving Chefchaouen in the morning you will continue to the city of Fes. Boasting a well deserved title as the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco. Be sure to stick with your trip leader for assistance in navigating the labyrinth of winding streets in the old medina, as you wind your way through food stalls, historic dye pits, and some of the liveliest souks in Morocco. Try your hand at haggling as you take on the vendors offering every sort of craft and ware imaginable, and then retreat to the comfort of a laid back dinner and relaxing evening removed from the lively streets of Fes.

Day 5 Midlet

• Start the day by climbing the roads into the Anti Atlas Mountains, soaking in their barren yet captivating red peaks. Midlet is a perfect stop to break up the trip from Fes to the Sahara in the far south. Take a short yet leisurely walk between the peaks above Midlet as you marvel at the Berbers who manage to thrive in these seemingly harsh yet beautiful mountains.

Day 6 Merzouga

• Make your way down towards the small desert village of Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara. Set out as a team by camel into the heart of Erg Chebbi, one of the most stunning regions of the Sahara. Passing through towering red dunes not far from the Algerian Border, your experience will truly be one of stepping into the Untraversed. A comfortable traditional camp will be waiting for you, along with an authentic feast of local cuisine to be enjoyed to the backdrop of the sun setting in a colorful array behind the distant dunes. Take in the dazzling night sky over the desert landscape as you enjoy local music by the fire and contemplate the lives of ancient desert wanderers who called this vast and unforgiving region home.

Day 7 M’Goun Valley

• Return by camel in the morning to Merzouga as you watch the sunrise over the mighty Sahara. From there you will return to motorized transportation as you venture on to the M’Goun Valley. Stop at the Todra Gorge along the way, an impressive chasm carved out of the heart of the Atlas mountains. Take a short stroll through the towering limestone cliffs, before continuing on to spend the night in M’Goun. Spend the night in a traditional local Berber home known as Gite.

Day 8 M’Goun Valley

• Set out for a leisurely paced trek through the Atlas Mountains to experience the intriguing Berber culture of the high Atlas in person. Pass through villages far removed from the rest of the country, and enjoy tea in a Berber village as you discover the ancient history of the men and women who inhabited the region since pre-Islamic times. Return to the Gite for one last night in this tranquil setting seemingly detached from the modern world.

Day 9 Ait Benhaddou

• Today you will experience the iconic fortresses of Morocco as you set out along the “Road of 1,000 Kasbahs” en route to Ait Benhaddou. Stop in at Skoura Oasis with its expansive mud brick forts, before continuing on to the Hollywood favorite, Ait Benhaddou. Upon sighting Ait Benhaddou, try to see how many films you can recall which used this iconic fortification as their set! Spend the night in a nearby hotel.

Day 10 Marrakech

• Wind your way through a beautiful stretch of the Atlas Mountains on your way to Marrakech. Here you will have the opportunity to visit the expansive open air market of Jemaa el Fna, complete with a never ending flurry of vendors at day, becoming a dazzling bright array of festivities in the evening. Enjoy one last dinner together as a team in a restaurant overlooking the square.

Day 11 Marrakech

• There are no activities scheduled for the last day of the trip. You are free to book your flight for any time. If you would like to extend your stay feel free to reach out to the Untraversed team for inspiration on ways to extend your adventure in Morocco!