Moroccan Explorer: Imperial Cities to Desert
Moroccan Explorer: Imperial Cities to Desert
Moroccan Explorer: Imperial Cities to Desert
11 Days Starting and ending in Marrakech
Visiting: Marrakesh, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fes, Erfoud, Erg Chebbi, Ouarzazate, Aït Benhaddou
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 18
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
15-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
From:
$3659
$3469 (USD)
including Flights from the UK
Operator discount: -$190
Tour Overview
Explore the four imperial cities of Morocco: Fez, Rabat, Meknes and Marrakech – all former or current capitals of the country and known for their traditional architecture, maze-like medinas and vibrant souks. Along the way, travel through diverse landscapes, from the Atlantic coast through fertile plains to the Sahara desert.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Fly To Marrakech
Location: Marrakesh
Accommodation Name: Le Meridien
Meals Included: No Meals
Fly from London (regional are connections available) to Marrakech with British Airways. Transfer to Le Meridien (or similar) for an overnight stay.
Day 2 : Marrakech - Rabat
Location: Rabat
Accommodation Name: Dar El Kebira Salam
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Rabat from Marrakech this morning after a leisurely breakfast. Afternoon tour of the city, including the Royal Palace, the 12th-century Hassan Tower with its mausoleum followed by a mint tea in the Andalucian gardens at Oudaya Kasbah. Stay for 1 night at Riad Dar El Kebira or Dar El Kebira Salam (or similar). (B, D)
Day 3 : Rabat - Chefchaouen
Location: Chefchaouen
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dar Echchaouen Maison d'Hôtes & Riad
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel by road to the blue-walled town of Chefchaouen, perched beneath the rugged Rif mountains. Take a walking tour to discover the kasbah with its charming garden, then continue to the cobbled main square, Outa-el-Hammam square and admire the 15th-century Grand Mosque with its distinctive octagonal minaret. Stay overnight at Dar Echcahouen Hotel (or similar).
Day 4 : Volubilis - Meknes - Fez
Location: Fes
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Palais Ommeyad Suites & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning at leisure in Chefchaouen’s medina. Continue to Fez, stopping en route at the Roman ruins of Volubilis, which mark the westward extent of the Roman Empire, and the Unesco world heritage site of Meknes, now one of the quieter imperial cities but once the heart of the Moroccan sultanate. Spend 2 nights at the Palais Ommeyad & Spa (or similar).
Day 5 : Fez
Location: Fes
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Palais Ommeyad Suites & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Full-day tour of Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. Visit the Bou Inania madrasa, the Nejjarine fountain, the souk, tanneries and medina. Visit a communal bakery and join a tasting tour through the medina.
Day 6 : Erfoud
Location: Erfoud
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hôtel Palais du Désert & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Erfoud on the edge of the Sahara desert, through the high plains between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountain ranges. Stop en route at Ifrane village for a walking tour. Continue to Erfoud and stay 2 nights at Palais du Desert & Spa (or similar).
Day 7 : Erg Chebbi
Location: Erg Chebbi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hôtel Palais du Désert & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Morning at leisure. This afternoon journey into the Sahara desert in 4x4 vehicles. Stop for a refreshing mint drink with a local Nomad family and see the sunset over the dunes before returning to your hotel this evening.
Day 8 : Ouarzazate
Location: Ouarzazate
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ksar Ighnda
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel west to Ouarzazate with a photo stop at Todra gorge, an impressive orange-coloured canyon. Take a panoramic tour of Ouarzazate and stay overnight at Ksar Ighnda (or similar).
Day 9 : Ait Benhaddou - Marrakech
Location: Aït Benhaddou
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien N'Fis
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart for the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, a superb example of traditional Moroccan earthen architecture. Scenes from the films Gladiator, Prince of Persia and The Jewel of the Nile were shot here. Arrive in Marrakech and visit the beautiful Jardin Majorelle to see the exotic plants before continuing to Le Meridien N'Fis (or similar) for a 2-night stay.
Day 10 : Marrakech
Location: Marrakesh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Le Méridien N'Fis
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart for the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, a superb example of traditional Moroccan earthen architecture. Scenes from the films Gladiator, Prince of Persia and The Jewel of the Nile were shot here. Arrive in Marrakech and visit the beautiful Jardin Majorelle to see the exotic plants before continuing to Le Meridien N'Fis (or similar) for a 2-night stay.
Day 11 : Fly To London Via Casablanca
Location: Marrakesh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport and fly to London, with British Airways.
What's Included
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Small group size - average 10 people (max 18)
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Flexible - extensions available
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International flights with British Airways
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Internal flights as specified
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Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
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Experienced local tour manager
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Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
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Stay in 4- and 5-star accommodation
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10 breakfasts & 8 dinners
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Country Entry Visas
Check out our Q&As
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes. Quoted prices include all entrance fees.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes. We only work with passionate local guides who have a firm grasp of English – so they can answer all your questions and offer invaluable insight into your destination.
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Can Cox & Kings arrange my visa?
We cannot arrange your visa but we can recommend a reputable visa assistance company who can help with your application. Please contact your tour consultant for details.
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What is the maximum group size?
All Cox & Kings group tours have a maximum group size of 18 and average just 14 guests. Travelling in such a small group allows you to make stronger and deeper connections with fellow travellers.
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Why do I have to pay more for my holiday if I am a single traveller?
Most hotels around the world charge more per person for a single occupancy room than for a shared twin room, because the cost of maintaining a room for one person can be almost as high as it is for two. In addition, many single occupancy rooms are the same as twin / double rooms.
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Are flights included in this tour?
All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do so, the cost will be deducted from the tour price.
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
If a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers, we will either offer for you to take your holiday on a private basis (which may involve a supplement), or you will be fully refunded.
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What is the difference between a 'single' supplement and 'sole' supplement?
A 'single' traveller is someone occupying a single room while travelling with one or more other people, for example a single person travelling on a group tour. A 'sole' traveller is someone travelling on their own. As a single traveller on a group tour (except those in the SoloTravellers collection), please check the single supplement price. If you wish to add an extension to that tour, please th
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When will I get my tickets?
Travel documents will be sent approximately two weeks prior to departure (third party suppliers' policies may vary), unless your booking is made within six weeks of departure, in which case final documents will be sent as soon as possible.
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When do I need to pay my final balance?
Final payment must be made no less than 75 days before departure.
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Do your prices include flights?
All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. Australasia and Canada holidays do not include international flights so that you may benefit from the best prices at the time you choose to book, taking advantage of major seasonal variations and short term special offers. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do
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What is a non-exclusive escorted group tour?
The vast majority of our group tours are exclusive to Cox & Kings clients. However, there are a few exceptions where holidaymakers who booked their tour with another travel company travel in the group.
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When will I get a detailed itinerary?
If you are travelling on a group tour, you will receive a detailed itinerary with your travel pack. If travelling on a private basis, you will receive your detailed itinerary with your confirmation invoice.
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What are the four tour categories
***LUXURY These are our most comfortable tours and will usually feature 5-star deluxe accommodation throughout*** ***SUPERIOR Most Cox & Kings tours fall under this category and are based in 4- or 5-star accommodation where available, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***STANDARD Simpler in emphasis, these itineraries typically feature 4-star or good 3-star accommodation throughout, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***DISCOVERY Best suited to the hardier traveller, these tours typically include some quite basic accommodation, possibly longer and rougher road journeys and, in some cases, more strenuous activities, such as trekking***
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Do I need inoculations?
Many of our destinations have recommended health precautions, which you can read about in our regional documents and health pages. However, we recommend that you contact your doctor who will be able to give you professional advice, arrange any vaccinations and give advice on malaria protection. Alternatively, visit the NHS website for more information.
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What happens if a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers? Will it be cancelled?
If a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers, we will either offer for you to take your holiday on a private basis (which may involve a supplement), or you will be fully refunded.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Dates & Availability
Friday - Monday
May 17, 2024 - May 27, 2024Friday - Monday
Sep 13, 2024 - Sep 23, 2024Friday - Monday
Sep 27, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024Friday - Monday
Oct 04, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024Friday - Monday
Feb 28, 2025 - Mar 10, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Mar 06, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025Friday - Monday
Apr 25, 2025 - May 05, 2025Friday - Monday
May 16, 2025 - May 26, 2025Friday - Monday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025Friday - Monday
Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025Friday - Monday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Cox & Kings requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cox & kings charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.