Northern Morocco and Marrakech
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Tangier
On arrival in Tangier we’ll arrange a transfer to your hotel. You’ll be staying in an authentic riad, just inside the medina so a great base for exploring. Perched on the northernmost tip of Morocco, Tangier has long been a crossroads of civilizations, attracting artists, writers, and travellers. After settling into your accommodation lose yourself in the maze-like streets of the medina, and soak up the sights, sounds and smells of the souks.
Days 2-3 – Relax & explore in Asilah
This morning you will pick up your car hire and depart for the white-hued fishing town of Asilah. The journey should take no longer than an hour. On arrival you may feel like you’ve been transported to Andalucia! There’s a Mediterranean vibe to the town and it’s common to see Spanish dishes, such as paella, on restaurant menus. You’ll be staying in a charming Moroccan riad located within the medina, just five minutes stroll from the ocean. The next couple of days you can enjoy some sun and sand in a Mediterranean atmosphere. Your riad is just five minutes walk to one of the popular beaches. 15 minutes further along the coast you’ll find the smaller, quieter Paradise Beach.
Day 4 – Drive to Chefchaouen
After two relaxing nights in Asilah, get back in your car and travel 2.5 hours across the green hills and through cedar forests up into the Rif Mountains. Your destination is the ‘blue town’ of Chefchaouen. The town owes its name to the high mountain peaks that rise above the city and resemble the horns of a goat. It’s often referred to as the ‘blue town’ because its walls are painted in shades of blue. You’ll stay in a charming riad on the edge of the medina. The rest of the day is yours to explore the cobbled streets of this picturesque town.
Day 5 – Hike in the Rif Mountains
Today you will stroll through the narrow blue streets of the medina with your guide. As you walk past fruit markets and spice stalls, your guide will share stories about local life. From the central square you have a clear view of the surrounding mountains – which is where you’re heading. You follow the river behind the city walls and continue towards the mountains, passing by farms, mountain streams and small Berber villages. Around midday you’ll stop for a picnic on the mountain meadows, overlooking the valley. Your hike ends in a small Berber village and you’ll be picked up by jeep and driven back to your riad.
Day 6 – Merhaba Fez!
This morning you will make your way towards Fez. It’s a scenic three hour drive through a mountainous landscape. On arrival into Fez, you’ll be warmly welcomed into your accommodation: a small, simple riad located close to the medina. The rooms are cosy and furnished in a typical Moroccan style. After settling into the riad, plunge into the labyrinth of small alleys of the souks and take in the exotic sights, smells and sounds. There’s no need to worry about finding somewhere for dinner. There are plenty of eateries nearby where you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal.
Day 7 – Meet the craftsmen of Fez
The city of Fez is well-known for being one of the world’s great craft centres. Today a local guide will lead you through the medina’s narrow alleys where the city’s craftsmen are practicing time-honoured traditions of leatherwork, pottery, woodcarving and silk weaving. It’s easy to get lost in the maze of streets and you run the risk of missing special places, but your guide knows the workshops away from the tourist hotspots. You will see how colourful Arabic slippers are made from leather from the famous tanneries of Fez and you will visit a village oven. There will also be the opportunity to drink tea in a family home. It’s a great insight into local life and a unique opportunity to meet the city’s craft artisans.
Day 8 – From Fez to Marrakech by rail
This morning you’ll be transferred to the train station in time for the train to Marrakech. The trains are comfortable, well equipped and we’ll book first class tickets for you. It’s a journey of 6.5 hours, so sit back and watch the landscape pass by. On arrival in Marrakech we’ll arrange a transfer to your hotel. You’ll stay in our central hotel, which is ideally located on the edge of the old medina. It’s just a short walk to the lively Djemaa el Fna Square where fire eaters, mystical storytellers and snake charmers take the stage.
Day 9 – Couscous in the Souks
This morning you’ll meet your guide and head into the souks to buy ingredients for your own delicious meal. When you’ve filled your bags with ingredients it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking in our Moroccan cooking workshop. You’ll be taught how to prepare a traditional tajine, along with the preparation of couscous, Moroccan salad and other traditional dishes. You’ll then sit down to feast on your first home-made Moroccan meal and be back at your hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 10 – Departure from Marrakech
Today you will be collected from your hotel in Marrakech and taken to the airport in time for your flight back to the UK.
Accommodation
