Magisches Marokko intensiv

1. Tag: Casablanca

Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. There are no planned activities until your important welcome meeting at 6 pm, if you have time, why not check out Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco. Modelled after Marseille in France, this bustling port city has an eclectic architectural style, a fusion of Art Deco French colonial buildings and Mauresque (Moorish) government institutions, all mixed in with an old medina and the city's modern-day landmark - the Hassan II Mosque. A great way to spend the day exploring Casablanca is to wander around the Old Medina and city walls, then jump in a taxi and visit the Quartier Habous – the new medina full of shaded squares, narrow streets and lined with arcades that lead from one souk to another. This is a great place to enjoy a Moroccan coffee and maybe start working on your bargaining skills. Finish the day with a walk along the Corniche and watch the locals enjoy games of football on the beach during sunset.

Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Please be aware that some of our travellers in Casablanca are being approached by locals offering excursions before their trip commences. This has been particularly prevalent in and around the hotels used by Intrepid. These guides are in no way connected to us and we cannot guarantee the safety or quality standards of their tours. We strongly advise customers not to join any tour offered by unauthorised guides. Intrepid assesses the safety of all optional excursions offered by our tour leaders. If you would like more information on the excursions available, please contact us before you travel or see the Intrepid branded notice in the reception of your hotel.

2. Tag: Meknes - Moulay Idriss

After breakfast, opt to take a guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque (entrance fee payable locally), more than 6000 craftsmen joined forces to build this beauty in 1993 and it's one of the few mosques in Morocco that foreigners can enter. Later, head to the station and take a local train to Meknes (approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, jump into a taxi and head to the whitewashed village of Moulay Idriss – one of Morocco's most important pilgrimage sites – then go for a stroll and indulge in a rather unusual lunch, a camel burger! However if you’re a vegetarian, don’t get the hump, there’ll be an option for you too! You’ll also witness a demonstration on the art of mint tea making, this sweet treat is a Moroccan speciality. Tonight, you'll get to hang out with a local family, an experience that’s only been allowed for foreigners since 2005 – lucky you!

Optional Activities:
Casablanca - Guided Tour of Hassan II Mosque - MAD130

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Mint tea making demo

3. Tag: Fes

Take a drive through the beautiful rolling hills to Volubilis and enjoy a guided tour of these epic Roman ruins, then head back to Meknes where you'll meet your local guide for a tour of the city. Continue your adventure on a 40-minute train ride to the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco – Fes. Vibrant, noisy, fascinating and overwhelming, Fes is a visual and pungent feast for the senses, with a huge, well-preserved medieval old city that’s the mother of all medinas. Later this afternoon, enjoy some free time and perhaps check out the exquisite carvings and magnificent tile work at the Medersa el Attarine, near the spice and perfume market. Alternatively, Fes is a shopping heaven for those who want to pick up a souvenir or two.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Meknes - Guided walking tour
Volubilis - Guided tour

4. Tag: Fes

Getting lost in Fes is half the fun, but you'll have an orientation walk this morning to help you get the lay of the land first. Join your leader on an orientation walk through this vibrant labyrinth of a city – alive with the many craftsmen, markets, ceramics and beautiful mosques – navigate the narrow alleyways and visit the famous tannery and stop for that iconic view, overlooking the dye pits. Look out for the Medersa Bou Inania, one of the city's coolest buildings, which has recently been restored and is now open to visitors. You'll also visit the famous tannery and its dye pits (which are also famously stinky, but well worth it), and a ceramic factory where you can see potters working in the traditional way. Today is going to be a big day so remember to keep hydrated and pack some snacks.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Fes - Guided walking tour
Medersa Attarine Entrance - Fes

5. Tag: Midelt

Travelling south across a bunch of different terrain, you will reach Ifrane, a mountain resort established by the French in 1929. After a short stop for coffee and an opportunity to stretch your legs, continue further south. Then, at Midelt, the landscape opens up, giving way to awesome views to the west. This smallish market town, surrounded by farmland and orchards, is a great spot to break up the journey to the Sahara and watch Berber people and nomadic shepherds tending to their flocks. You'll stay the night in Midelt, but first it's time for a nice walk (approximately 2 hours). The walk itself is easy, but the terrain is rocky in some places, so wear your best walking shoes. Bring your camera too, or your smartphone or whatever, because the scenes along the way might just make your Instagram account explode.

6. Tag: Merzouga

On your way to the desert, stop at the spectacular narrow defile known as the Gorges du Ziz, then head to the large town of Errachidia. Pass the 500-year-old ruins of the Ksar of Meski then descend into the Ziz Valley, a particularly fertile region that produces figs, olives, dates and tamarisk – a fruit grown for its tannin and used in the curing of leather skins. Arrive in Merzouga, drop your main bags off at your overnight camp set next to a simple Auberge (that's French for ‘inn'), and get ready for a once in a lifetime experience – a desert full of awesome. The mode of transport? Camel, of course! Brace yourself for one heck of a sunset, this ride takes about an hour, going through the vast expanse of sand, and loops back to your private camp for an overnight stay. In the camp, you'll have a thin mattress, blankets and sheets (and auberge not so far away, just in case). Make sure you bring a sleeping sheet if it's winter (you'd be surprised how cold it can get). Sleep under the stars and have a mind-blowing 'I am so far from home' kinda moment.

7. Tag: Todra Schlucht - Dades Tal

Hope you remembered to set your alarm this morning, because you'll be getting up well before the crack of dawn. Climb to a nearby sand dune to catch the sunrise and experience the amazing interplay of light as the Sahara slowly comes alive all around you. Head back for brekkie, collect the rest of your gear together and then travel west to Todra. Come across a bright tablecloth of green that might seem so out of place you'll think you are dreaming! This valley is pretty impressive, with all its palm trees and mud-brick villages. Arrive at your hotel at the top of the valley, then take a hike into the gorge where sheer cliffs rise more than 1000 feet above you.

8. Tag: Ait Benhaddou

From Todra Gorge, travel along the ‘Road of 1,000 Kasbahs’ and enjoy views of the Dades Gorge. You'll also travel past the town of Skoura, home to the beautiful little houses rising like a mirage beyond a dry riverbed. Quench your thirst with a mouthful of mint tea (the best in the world!) at Tawesna teahouse, whose profits are devoted to the projects of the women association in the village. This experience is more than just a cuppa – it’s about discovering a culture, sharing a true moment, contributing to women economic inclusion and sustainable tourism – be part of it! Continue to the medieval mud-brick town of Ait Benhaddou, which is at its best in the late afternoon sun. If you wonder why Ait Benhaddou looks familiar to you, it’s probably because you’ve seen it before! Perhaps not live, but certainly on the silver screen, Gladiator, Game of Thrones and loads of other movies and shows were filmed in this kasbah. Explore the many old streets and climb up to the fortress for a superb view over the old town, you can also (for a small fee) enter one of the most interesting of the old houses and climb up to the turrets for a view over the river. You'll spend the night just outside the walls.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Ait Benhaddou - Tea at Tawsna association

9. Tag: Hoher Atlas - Marrakesch

Continue west, passing a few Berber villages before stopping for a delicious BBQ lunch in one of the many townships along the way – enjoy mouth-watering kefta (Moroccan minced meat) and veggies served with fresh bread, then perhaps wash it all down with a local drink. Continue to take in those epic views of the countryside as you wind your way up towards Tizi ‘n Tichka. This is a whopping 2260 metres above sea level, the highest pass on the road to Marrakech and often gets covered with snow during the winter months. Leaving the Atlas behind, you'll descend into the plains that surround Marrakech and arrive late afternoon. With no planned activities after your arrival, this is a good chance to get lost in the fun of Jemaa el Fna, where there are so many fire eaters, fortune tellers, actors, musicians and hawkers vying for your attention.

10. Tag: Marrakesch

Marrakech is a feast for the senses, and this morning you’ll get to venture out for some street food tasting in the maze of Marrakech streets with a local expert. Set off on a tour of the old medina, through the bustling souks that are the lifeblood flowing through the city and sample some sweet and savoury specialities. Explore tranquil courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom, and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace. This splendid mansion was built in 1866 for a former slave who rose to power within the
government. The rest of a day is free so where to do you start? Why not head out on a cycling trip, go quad-biking or indulge in a Luxury Hammam and Spa, the options are endless. You might also like to visit Le Jardin Secret, a traditional medina garden revived for the 21st century. Once owned by a powerful local chief U-Bihi – who was poisoned by Mohammed IV – this historic riad has one of the most beautiful courtyards in Marrakech, combining exotic and traditional Islamic gardens that are fed by original khettara, an underground irrigation system. In the evening you will no doubt be drawn back to Jemaa el Fna for a final night out.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Marrakech - Guided walking tour
Street food tasting

11. Tag: Marrakesch

Today is another free day in Marrakech. As this magical city has so much to offer, it would be impossible to get bored. Also, take a chance to meet new members of the group, who maybe joining for the coming part of the trip. There will be a welcome meeting at 6pm today, feel free to join, you’ll surely learn what to expect in next few days.

Optional Activities:
Palmery cycling tour - MAD350
Heart of the Atlas Mountains cycling day tour - MAD900
Quad Biking the Rock Desert & Palmgrove - MAD715
Urban Adventures - A Taste Of Marrakech - MAD605
Quad biking Barrage Lalla Takerkoust - MAD1650
Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour - MAD350
Hot Air Ballooning - MAD2050
Hammam & Massage in a luxury spa - MAD750
Tajine cooking class - MAD655
Asni & Ouirgane with lunch - MAD1806
Cascades d'Ouzoud day tour - MAD2207
Oukaimeden day tour - MAD1882
Ourika Valley day tour - MAD1817
Imlil & Aroumd day tour - MAD1817

12. Tag: Aroumd

Wake up in the morning and catch a private bus towards Imlil, high in the Atlas Mountains. Calling dibs on a window seat would be a smart move – the 2-hour drive has got some great scenery to keep you occupied on the way. Arrive at Imlil, a little village that sits at the foot of North Africa’s highest peak, and then lace-up for a scenic 1-hour trek to the mountain village of Aroumd. Tonight’s stay is in a family-run gite (mountain home) in the village. The Berbers are famous for their hospitality, so make the most of this opportunity to sit down, break bread with the family and learn about their culture. Facilities at the homestay are shared (both the bathroom and sleeping arrangements) but they’re cosy, comfortable and offer an experience that is so much more memorable than a hotel.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Scenic walk to Imlil

13. Tag: Taghazout

Today you’ll hit up some of Morocco’s best swimming spots so make sure you have your swimsuit ready. First stop is the appropriately named Paradise Valley, full of gorgeous waterholes and canyons. You’ll have time to explore the rocky landscapes dotted with palms, and take a dip in one of the pools cascading through the canyons and ridges. Afterwards, roll on to Taghazout. This scruffy little roadside village might not look like it at first, but it’s quickly gained a solid reputation as an awesome surfing location. The waters stay warm all year round and the surf is top notch for both rookies and adept wave riders.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Paradise Valley visit

14. Tag: Taghazout

Kick off your adventures in the sleepy town of Taghazout with an early morning yoga session, helping you relieve any tension before diving into the water later in the day. Oddly enough, the skills required for both surfing and yoga complement each other through the principles of concentration, flexibility and balance. Good news if you were planning on hitting the waves! Don’t know how to ride a board? No stress. Today includes a half-day surfing course to teach you the basics, and if you already know the ropes, there’s always time to refine your skills in unfamiliar territory.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Surfing class
1 hour yoga class

15. Tag: Essaouira

You’ve got a free morning in Taghazout, so why not get up early and watch the sunrise, then take an optional yoga class or rent out a surfboard and hit the waves? Later, travel to the old fishing town of Essaouira, a place where the medina brushes up against the Atlantic Ocean. Its name translates to ‘little picture’, and you’ll be definitely taking many around the place. This artists’ town has attracted visitors like Orson Welles and Jimi Hendrix who (according to local legend) spent a lot of time here in the 1960s. Join your local leader for a walking tour through the old medina, Jewish mellah, port and by the skala (sea wall). Spend the night in a restored riad: a traditional nobleman's house unique to Morocco. The riad is beautifully designed and decorated in traditional Moroccan style; cosy yet historical. It’s definitely one of the more stylish stays of your Moroccan adventure.

Optional Activities:
Horse riding - MAD250
Seafood Market Lunch - Essaouira - MAD80

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Guided walking tour Essaouira

16. Tag: Essaouira

Yesterday’s walking tour should have you well up to scratch with the ins and outs of Essaouira, so go crazy! Get exploring. Have a traditional Moroccan breakfast, and maybe wander to the harbour and its adjacent fish markets (you’ll have to get up early if you want to see the daily catch being auctioned off). There’s also an opportunity to head back to the markets for a fresh seafood lunch. You might like to check out the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum for a look at its collection of artefacts, woodwork, carpets and stringed instruments. If you feel like something more active, why not go on an optional horse ride along the sandy beaches of Atlantic Ocean?

17. Tag: Marrakesch

Chat with locals on a shared bus ride back to Marrakech (approximately 3 hours). Once the bus arrives back in the city, enjoy some time to explore, and later on, tuck in for an awesome included dinner experience at the famous Djemaa el-Fna. This square is known as one of the largest public spaces in the world – it’s truly an unmissable part of the city. As soon as the sun sets, the square comes to life with henna-painters, performers and storytellers sharing the space with street food stands. The smells of the stalls will lure you in and the tastes will keep you coming back for more. There’s all sorts of excellent pastries, fresh juices, teas and even bowls of snail soup to go round if you’re feeling a little adventurous! As the evening closes in, enjoy the company of your new friends over some of these delicious snacks as you overlook the bustling hub.

Optional Activities:
Oukaimeden day tour - MAD1882
Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour - MAD350
Palmery cycling tour - MAD350
Ourika Valley day tour - MAD1817
Hammam & Massage in a luxury spa - MAD750
Asni & Ouirgane with lunch - MAD1806
A Taste Of Marrakech - MAD620
Cascades d'Ouzoud day tour - MAD2207
Hot Air Ballooning - MAD1990

18. Tag: Marrakesch

Your epic adventure comes to an end today. Check-out time is usually around midday and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring here. If you’d like to explore more of Marrakech, you can also join one of our in-depth Urban Adventure tours. Just visit www.urbanadventures.com.