Morocco: Coast, Countryside and Royalty

Explore the popular and vibrant portside town of Tangier. Stroll through the old city or the Medina, once the cultural hub of the rich and the famous, and get a glimpse into the town’s past. Don’t miss the Kasbah, or the sultan’s palace, where you can see astonishingly well-preserved intricate wooden ceilings and a marble courtyard. Head on to the Ville Nouvelle or the new city and settle down on a bench at the aptly named Terrasse des Paresseux or Terrace of the Idle. Capture stunning views of the sparkling blue ocean in the distance and watch the locals going about their daily lives or just relaxing, like you. After refueling yourself with some of Morocco’s famous coffee at one of the many cafes nearby, spend the next few hours at the beach, relaxing under the sun and gazing at panoramic views of the coastline. (Duration: Half Day; Self Explore Activity; No guide & transfers; Entrance fees to museums & tourist spots not included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses & hats; Don’t forget to bring your camera.)

Explore Tangier, a crossroads of cultures and former playground of renowned artists and writers. Begin with a short drive passing by the 17th century Sultan’s palace, celebrities’ homes, and the modest tomb of Ibn Battouta, and head to Cape Spartel overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. Enjoy bird watching and camel riding in the garden surrounds, and experience the dramatic caves of Hercules below the lighthouse. Back at Grand Socco, trace the itinerary of Henri Matisse, and settings of his famous paintings. Next up, navigate the quaint labyrinthine alleys of Medina, filled with crafts workshops selling an assortment of vibrant souvenirs. Take a break to savor Moroccan dishes, and enjoy entertainment by Andalusian musicians and belly dancers. Visit the Tangier American Legation, an elegant five-story museum featuring photographs and artifacts. Later, hanging out at Kasbah, play Parcheesi amid smoke clouds and drink mint tea with locals. Finally, admire the centuries-old trees at the Mendoubia Gardens, with its lanes flanked by colonial buildings. (Duration: half day; Time: morning / afternoon; Private activity & transfer; Entry fees included; Meal included: no; Fitness level: easy.)

Visit the Donabo Botanical Gardens, located in a forest conservation area on the outskirts of Tangier. Begin with a stroll through the shady Promenade, lined with aromatic plants and stonecrops. Then, step through a traditional moon gate into the Chinese Garden, filled with lotuses and water lilies. Walk further and enter The Moroccan Garden that features a variety of endemic aromatics and healing herbs. Alongside, is the Mint Maze. While meandering through this fragrant garden path, discover a wide variety of mint, each with its own appearance, taste and smell. Continue onward and saunter past The Rose Garden, The Hibiscus Garden and The Pollinators Garden, before entering a space dedicated to chilis and vegetables. Next, wind your way through a vineyard and stop at the Donabo Gardens Café, built on a series of terraces overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Treat yourself to teas and juices that have been prepared using the organic herbaceous plants that you would have seen in the gardens. (Duration: half day; Private activity; All entrance fees are included; Meals included: no)

Jump in a car, seize the day and pay a visit to one of Morocco´s best known secrets. With more than 3500 years of history to boast about, the charming coastal town of Asilah will offer you a magic atmosphere you may find as difficult to resist as the many artists who have settled here. Phoenicians, Romans, Umayyad and Abbasid caliphs of Cordoba, Portuguese and the Spanish once also felt attracted to this place and as you roam around Asilah´s magnificent Medina and its countless fortifications you can feel the breath of history camouflaged as a gentle breeze from the Atlantic ocean. (duration: Half Day 4-5 hrs; driving time to Asilah from Tangier: 1 hr; entrance fees and meals not included; fitness level: easy)

Explore the beautiful town of Chefchaaouen and its many little stories and hidden finds! Known as Morocco’s ‘Blue City,’ Chefchaouen has a rich history dating back to the 1400s, when Moorish and Jewish people fled here to escape the Reconquista of Spain. Stroll at leisure through the quaint streets with their blue walls and stunning mountain scenery. Spend some time in the traditional ‘souks’ or marketplaces of the Old City and Medina where you can appreciate the famous local leather products. Visit the Kasbah Museum and check out its unrivalled collection of artefacts, which tell the story of the region. Admire the 15th century architecture of the Grand Mosque and sample some tasty street food at Plaza Uta el-Hammam. Spa lovers can head to the Lina Riad and Spa to experience the pleasures of a Moroccan hammam. Finally, tuck into some traditional Moroccan favorites such as kefta and tahine at the Aladdin Restaurant. (Half Day; Self-Organized, for self drive guests no transfers; Meals, Guide & Entrance Fees Not Included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear comfortable clothes, shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen. Don’t forget your camera and bottled water.

Roam the old medina of Chefchaouen, a city tucked away in the Rif Mountains. Originally a fortress town, Chefchaouen is now a thriving tourist hub, although quite different and relaxed compared to other tourist centers such as Marrakech and Fez. Observe how its houses and buildings are painted in cool blue hues, a facet of the city that has given it a distinctive look and feel and also elicited much traveler interest. Walk through the narrow winding alleys of the medina, surrounding yourself in blue. Pass by little cafes and restaurants, and shops selling various trinkets. If you are an early riser, do remember that mornings between 7 and 8 am is a great time to appreciate the beautiful effect of the sunlight on the blue walls, and to take in the quiet appeal of the medina before the crowds set in. (Duration: half day; Time: early morning / evening; Private activity with Guide Entry fees included; Fitness level: easy. Please note that a visit at 7/8 am is suggested, as the sun’s rays highlight the blue buildings at this time.)

Explore the villages around Chefchaouen during this experience. At the scheduled time, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven past the azure-painted walls, doors and alleys of Chefchaouen. Navigate the winding, scenic roads of the Rif Mountains. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and take in the dramatic scenery of deep ravines, sparkling streams and towering, craggy peaks. Travel to Akchour, a small town in the Talembote Valley, known for its hidden cascades. Stone-paved paths lead to Akchour Waterfalls, where water plunges into vivid turquoise basins. You will also find God’s Bridge, an elevated stone arch offering gorgeous valley views, here. Next, drive to Gorge of Wad Lou, a canyon where the Oued Laou River meets the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy the panoramic mountain views before heading back to Chefchaouen. In the Medina, go past blue-washed buildings that line the narrow, winding, cobblestone alleys to round out the day. (Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes; Please carry sunglasses & a hat))

Visit the unique natural formation known as God’s Bridge on this hiking adventure. Walk from the village of Akchour, with your knowledgeable guide leading the way. Hike uphill to the Berber hamlet of Ouslaf, and get a peek into the lives of the locals. Take in views of the dramatic landscape as you ramble along the rugged path. After hiking for about an hour, arrive at the huge natural stone arch that soars above the Farda river. Two cliffs join to create this natural bridge that has existed for millennia. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the village before you wrap up the tour and head back to your hotel. (Duration: half day; Private activity; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance)

Explore Talassemtane National Park and its beautiful waterfalls on foot during this experience. Set out into the park with your knowledgeable guide, who will be leading the trek. As you walk, take in the greenery, the rocky mountains and the beautiful views. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the flora and fauna found here. Make your way to the Akchour waterfall that originates from deep inside the Rif mountains. You will pass smaller waterfalls, swimming holes and gorges before you arrive at the picturesque Akchour waterfall. Stop to take in the scenic beauty. There is also a trail that leads to God’s Bridge, a natural structure that connects the two main waterfalls of the region. From the bridge you can get great views of the park. After the trek, break for a meal before returning to your hotel. (Duration: half day; Time: morning or afternoon; Private activity; Meal included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance.)

Explore Talassemtane National Park on a quad bike during this exciting tour. First, listen to the safety instructions and learn the basics of how to use the all-terrain vehicle. Then, hop on your quad bike and head into the park, with your knowledgeable guide leading the way. Negotiate the trail with its rocky outcrops and see small waterfalls and gorges along the way. Get an adrenaline rush as you traverse the winding paths and feel the breeze in your face. Stop for stunning views of the picturesque Akchour falls, God’s Bridge and the Rif mountains in the distance. After you have had your fill, break for a meal before heading back to your hotel. (Duration: half day; Time: morning or afternoon; Private activity; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance)

Experience 1,300 years of Moroccan heritage in the exotic city of Fes! Witness stunning examples of Islamic art and architecture including Medersa Bou Inania and Medersa el-Attarine, Islamic educational institutes exquisitely embellished by master Moroccan artisans. Admire the intricate stucco and tile work in the mosques. Walk through the narrow streets of Fes Bali, the largest surviving medina in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Flanked on either side by bustling souks occupied by tailors, artists, and traders, the medina also houses some spectacular mosques, tanneries, and fountains. Visit the iconic Bab Boujloud or Blue Gate, and have a cup of coffee at a street side cafe. Explore the outdoor markets, the covered bazaar and the tranquil little squares. Head to mellah, the Jewish quarter, where you can learn about Moroccan Jewish life and culture. End the day with souvenir shopping in the vibrant souks of Fes. (Full Day; Self-Organized; For self drive guests no Transfers included; Meals, Guide & Entrance Fees Not Included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear comfortable clothes, shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen. Don’t forget your camera and bottled water.)

Set off for the vineyards of Meknes nestled at the foothills of the Atlas mountain range. The altitude of the region and its mild temperatures with just the right amount of sunshine make it ideal for producing high quality wines. Les Celliers De Meknes has been a pioneer in the Moroccan wine industry and controls over 20,000 hectares of vineyards. Witness a dedicated team of professionals go about the winemaking process bringing together tradition methods and modern concepts and machinery. Take a look at the winemaking equipment at the winery which is responsible for the delicious Chateau Roslane, the first Moroccan Chateau as well as the only AOC in the country. Get a glimpse of the oak barrels used for ageing various types of wines. Later, enjoy a delicious lunch at the winery before making your way back. (Duration: full day; Private activity; For guests on self drive no transfers included; Travel time to activity: 1 hr from Fes; Entry fees included; Meal included: yes, lunch and wine tasting. Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy to moderate. Please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance.)

Traverse through 1,300 years of Moroccan heritage as your guide leads you across the most beautiful medina in Morocco. In the beautiful city of Fes, gaze in awe at the exquisite examples of Islamic art and architecture. Walk through the narrow streets flanked on either side by bustling souks occupied by tailors, artists, and traders selling a variety of wares. Saunter past cafes that lead to outdoor markets, the covered bazaar, and quiet squares where you can spot children at play and donkeys at work transporting supplies. The world’s largest car-free urban space and a prominent UNESCO World Heritage site, the medina is where you will find a large number of spectacular mosques, tanneries, and fountains. Accompany your guide into some of the mosques that permit non-Muslims to enter, so you can get a closer look at the intricate stucco and tile work inside. Explore the new medina, the medersa or Islamic educational institute, and the iconic Bab Boujloud or Blue Gate, which is a great place to indulge in people watching! Stop by the picturesque fountain at Place Nejjarine before you make your way to the mellah (Jewish quarter) for a glimpse into the city’s Jewish heritage. Browse through some of the souks of Fes before you decide to call it a day. (Full Day; Time of Day: Morning; Duration: 6 hrs; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please note that non-Muslims are not allowed insides many of the mosques. Please note most Medinas are closed for non muslims on Fridays.)

For your day in Fes a Ford Tourneo with driver will be at your disposal for additional comfort.