A feast for your senses!
During our captivating journey, we’ll explore Morocco’s most iconic cities, including the vibrant streets of Marrakech, the historic medina of Fes, the coastal charm of Essaouira, and arguably Morocco’s most photographed ‘blue village’ of Chefchaouen. We’ll marvel at the architectural splendour of ancient palaces, mosques, and kasbahs, each telling stories of the country’s rich heritage and cultural diversity.
Prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty of Morocco’s natural landscapes as we wander Berber villages in the High Atlas Mountains, explore the Atlantic coastline, and experience the serene tranquility of the Agafay Desert on camelback, where we’ll spend magical nights under the starlit sky in a luxury Berber-inspired camp.
Our journey will also lead us to discover the hidden gems and local treasures of Morocco, and along the way, we’ll savour the flavours of Moroccan cuisine, indulging in aromatic tagines, savoury couscous, and sweet pastries that tantalise the taste buds and reflect the country’s culinary heritage.
But perhaps the most enriching aspect of our journey will be the opportunity to connect with the warm and welcoming people of Morocco, from skilled artisans in bustling souks to fishermen on the shores of the Atlantic and mountain-dwelling Berbers in the High Atlas, each sharing their stories, traditions, and hospitality with open hearts.
Join us on this extraordinary adventure as we uncover the mysteries and marvels of Morocco, forging unforgettable bonds of friendship and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Morocco awaits!
You will love
- Rabat, Fes, Meknes & Marrakech – all 4 Imperial Cities
- The blue, and most photogenic, city of Chefchaouen
- Driving the Atlantic Coastline
- Walking in the High Atlas & lunch in Branson’s Kasbah
- Ridng camels at sunset & sleeping in a luxury tented desert camp
- Creating our signature scent in Marrakech
- Discovering Morocco’s rich and diverse history
- Retail therapy at its absolute best!
REAL ADVENTURE IN UNREAL STYLE
DAY 1 | TRAVEL TO MOROCCO
Depart for Morocco today – inflight overnight
DAY 2 | RABAT
Welcome to Morocco!
On arrival in Casablanca we will be will met by our private guide and we will transfer by road to Rabat (1 hour) to settle into Villa Mandarine for our first night in Morocco.
Villa Mandarine is set in an orange grove, in a tranquil neighbourhood, within reach of Rabat’s main attractions. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, indulge in the spa, take a swim or catch up on some sleep after your long haul flight. This evening we will meet for a cocktail followed by a hosted Welcome Dinner.
Meals : Dinner
DAY 3 | FRI 06 SEPT | CHEFCHAOUEN
Before departing this morning we will enjoy a walking tour of Rabat’s iconic sites including the majestic Kasbah of the Udayas, the impressive Hassan Tower and the nearby Mausoleum of Mohammed V and, if time permits, we will stroll the Andalusian Gardens before driving to Chefchaouen.
Nestled into a fold in the foothills of the Rif Mountains Chefchaouen is a maze of blue streets and souks that it is often referred to as Morocco’s ‘best kept secret’. After we will settle into our riad we will meet on the rooftop terrace to take in the stunning panoramic views of the blue-hued village and surrounding Riff Mountains before a hosted dinner this evening.
Meals : Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4 | SAT 07 SEPT | CHEFCHAOUEN
This morning we will set out to explore the ‘Blue Pearl’ of Morocco where the distinctive blue buildings have become a major draw for visitors – and you are unlikely to find a more photogenic city.
Chef is built on the side of a mountain and we will make our way downhill to the Plaza Uta el Hammam, lined with stalls selling everything from silver, spice and snails (a Moroccan delicacy!) to beautiful woven textiles that are unique to this area. We will visit the Kasbah a historic fortress that dates back to the 15th century and is home to a beautiful Andalusian-style garden, a former prison and a small museum.
You will have plenty of time to browse before the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to visit the spa in our riad, read your book on the rooftop terrace or, if you are not feeling travel weary, you may wish to take a walk (45 mins on a paved trail) to the Spanish Mosque, Mosque Jemma Bouzafar, built in the mid 1920s, for spectacular views over the city.
Over dinner this evening we will be serenaded by Hadra Sufi music.
Meals : Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5 | SUN 08 SEPT | FES via VOLUBILIS
Enroute to Fes today we will for a unique insight into Moroccan rural life and an opportunity to enjoy ‘paddock to plate’ fare for lunch before exploring the ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis – offering a captivating journey into Morocco’s ancient past, showcasing remarkably preserved Roman ruins.
On arrival in Fes we will check into the beautiful Riad La Maison Bleue and enjoy sundowners on the roof as the sun sets over the Fes skyline. The riad is famous for its culinary fare and this evening you can choose from to enjoy dinner on the terrace by the pool beneath the moonlight, or wander to a nearby café.
Meals : Breakfast & Lunch
Day 6 | MON 09 SEPT | FES
Entering the souks of Fez is like stepping back in time. The narrow streets twist and turn like a maze, with stores and shops lining the tangle of alleyways. Covering one of the world’s largest car-free areas, the cacophony of sounds, blend of unknown aromas, rich colours, and thronging crowd of people is intoxicating!
Our escorted walking tour will take us along the labyrinth of paths and alleyways to find old mosques amongst stores and markets filled with shoppers, donkeys and people going about their daily routines. We will observe communal bread ovens and have the opportunity to sample a vast selection of olives, dates, pastries, fruits and other typically Moroccan flavours whilst visiting all of the historic sites within the walls of this ancient city.
Returning to Riad La Maison Bleue we will enjoy dinner this evening.
Meals : Breakfast, Light Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 | TUES 10 SEPT | FES
Today is all about the artisans of Fez. Without a doubt Fes is one of Morocco’s craft capitals where tanners, wood carvers, leather-makers, copper beaters and potters were the founding artisans of the imperial city that dates back more than 1200 years. We will visit a potter co-operative, leather & copper craftsmen and traditional weavers.
After a hosted lunch in a local restaurant the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure – you may wish to get lost in the souk or return to our riad to indulge in a traditional hammam or spa treatment. This evening we will wander to The Clock Café where dinner is to your own account. You may wish to taste a Moroccan camel burger…. or not!
Meals : Breakfast & Lunch
Day 8 | WED 11 SEPT | EL JADIDA
We return to the Atlantic Coastline today via the town of Khemisset to spend time with the women in Zarabi souk – literally ‘the rug market’. But this is a rug market with a difference! Khemisset has long been a natural trading post where Berber farmers and craftswomen from surrounding mountain villages and rural hinterlands have delivered their rugs to be sold to carpet merchants from the big cities. The rugs come in all shapes, sizes and designs – however all sales must first go through the merchant matriarchs … and the women of Khemisset know their carpets and they know how to drive a hard bargain! Not only will this be an enlightening morning with these ladies, we will also learn a thing or two about what to look for when we are negotiating for our own rugs as we travel!
We will reach the port city of El Jadida later this afternoon, most famous for its one feature, the 16th-century Portuguese fortified city of Mazagan, and will settle into our atmospheric hotel. This evening we will dine inhouse on seafood and a range of delicious North African cuisines all served in a charmingly old-world setting.
Meals : Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 9 | THU 12 SEPT | ESSAOUIRA
Start the day with a walking tour of El Jadida including the historic chambers of the Gothic-inspired Portuguese Cistern, the Church of the Assumption & the Municipal Theatre.
Hugging the Atlantic coast, we will head south to Essaouira where we will spend two nights within walking distance of the old medina of UNESCO-listed Essaouira yet just a few minutes’ walk to the beach. T
Once we have settled in we will head out to explore the bustling entrance of the port where fishermen haul in their daily catch and lay it out proudly, just like old‐fashioned fishmongers, before we head into the walled medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site of seawalls and imposing ramparts, to discover colourful local artworks (Essaouira has long held an attraction for artists) before returning to our hotel for a hosted dinner.
Meals : Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 10 | FRI 13 SEPT | ESSAOUIRA
Essaouira’s medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases a unique blend of Arab, Berber, and European influences in its architecture, art, and traditions. After breakfast this morning we will delve into the medina to discover the vast array of beautifully crafted goods, from intricately carved and inlaid wood to colourful textiles and ceramics, and hand woven shoes that we have not discovered in any other city,
Then, if you love cheese our destination for lunch today is going to make your heart sing! [And if you are not a cheese lover, never fear, we will cater for you]. We will dine in an open air restaurant and taste local goat and sheep-milk cheeses accompanied by fresh salads and mechoui (lamb spit roast or an alterative for vegetarians) – and all accompanied by local wines. After our feast, we will roll home for the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
Meals : Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 11 | SAT 14 SEPT | AGAFAY DESERT
Departing Essaouira after breakfast we make our way to a winery en route to the Agafay Desert. We will observe where the wine is matured, mixed, bottled and labelled before enjoying a selection of wines accompanied by a light tapas lunch.
Transferring to 4WD vehicles we head into the rocky desert of Agafay with its stunning 360° views of Agafay’s barren grandeur and beyond to the snow‐capped Atlas Mountains. After settling in, we will embark on a camel safari out into the desert, embracing the space and freedom that the desert delivers. This is also an opportunity to channel your inner ‘Sex in the City’ character if you wish with a lot of photo opportunities for the ‘gram! On return to camp, we will enjoy sundowners before we feast on traditional Moroccan cuisine around a candlelit communal table, serenaded by musicians. Then as the evening envelops the camp in inky blackness we bed down in our tents savouring the stillness of the desert night.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 12 | SUN 15 SEPT | MARRAKECH
The morning is at leisure to do whatever you choose. Enjoy a sleep-in in your luxury tent or rise early to participate in a yoga session overlooking the Atlas Mountains and desert landscape. After lunch in camp we will board our 4WD transfer to the ochre‐coloured city of Marrakech where we will have the pleasure of unpacking and spending the following five nights!
Take your time to settle in, then we will rendezvous by the pool for a hosted dinner.
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 13 | MON 16 SEPT | MARRAKECH
After breakfast we set off on a walking tour of Marrakech to take in the famous Koutoubia Minaret, the 12th century Kasbah (fortress), the 16th century monument site of the Saadian Tombs and we will explore the mellah (Jewish quarter).
We then enter the maze of alleyways and narrow streets that make up the souk. Here sellers offer everything from spice, sandalwood, and black soap to clothing, baskets, leather goods, furniture, lanterns, fabrics, pottery, and almost anything else you could wish for.
We take lunch in the middle of the souk in a fabulous rooftop café and then you will be let loose to explore at leisure (or you can stick with the guide who is on hand to help you navigate the souks). We will set a rendezvous point for those who wish to dine together this evening (to own account), or you may wish to make your own arrangements.
DAY 14 | TUES 17 SEPT | ATLAS MOUNTAINS
Heading out of the city we meander through the valleys at the foot of Mount Toubkal, Morocco’s highest mountain, which rises 4,165m above sea level and remains snow‐capped for most of the year.
We will delve deep into a traditional Berber market to encounter traditional village life before taking a short hike to a traditional Berber home toienjoy mint tea, fresh baked bread and hummus. This is not a strenuous hike, but a degree of fitness is required. If you prefer to relax by Richard’s* swimming pool you can!
After our hike we descend to *Richard Branson’s renowned and award‐winning Kasbah Tamadot. We will indulge in a long, decadent lunch on the rooftop terrace with views along the picturesque valley. The food marries local produce, flavours, and ingredients from Tamadot’s vast gardens. After lunch we have time to explore the property before returning to Marrakech where those who have not yet sated their appetite may wish to venture into the souk, or simply relax in the hotel and order a snack.
Meals : Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 15 | WED 18 SEPT | MARRAKECH
First thing this morning we will attend a workshop to create our own fragrance ‐ exotic and Arabian in nature, think ingredients like musk, patchouli, jasmine and amber.
Once we have created our signature scent, we will explore the world famous Marjorelle Gardens – once the private home of painter Jacques Majorelle. The Marjorelle Gardens are one of the most visited sites in all of Marrakech and beyond the gardens we recommend visiting the fascinating onsite Berber Museum. The boutique stores across the road are also definitely worth browsing!
After visiting the museum entirely devoted to the work of the legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent we will enjoy lunch in a restaurant that empowers women by teaching them culinary skills, and where the food is delicious!
Then the afternoon is all yours! We can guide you to the best boutiques & artisan workshops in Gueliz (the new city full of designer boutiques) or you may wish to wander the souk or return to the riad for some rest and relaxation. Dinner is at your leisure. A group dining option will be on offer.
Meals : Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 16 | THU 19 SEPT | MARRAKECH
A mouthwatering morning awaits! Our riad offers one of the most outstanding cooking classes in all of Morocco! Our day begins with a trip to the spice market to gather all we need before being initiated into the delights of one of the world’s best cuisines. The menu is chosen daily by their chefs according to the seasonal market offering and our morning workshop will teach us how to prepare a full, traditional meal that you can easily reproduce for your friends and family at home. On conclusion we will gather for a glass of wine and to savour the fruits of our labour!
The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to return to grab that last-minute ‘must have’ in the souk or enjoy some pampering before your journey home. We will celebrate our final night in Morocco with a Gala Dinner this evening!
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 17 | FRI 20 SEPT | INFLIGHT HOME
Today marks the end of our Mayhem in Morocco journey. Depart Marrakech after breakfast by road bound for Casablanca, arriving in time to check in for your flight home.
Wishing you a safe flight and ‘shukran’ (thank you) for sharing this wonderful adventure!
NOTE: if you would like to extend your stay in Morocco to venture into the Sahara Desert please get in touch – we can easily arrange this for you, along with a visit to other exotic destinations on the western side of the Atlas Mountain range.
DAY 18 | SAT 21 SEPT | HOME
Welcome Home!
A more detailed itinerary with lots of gorgeous images is available on request – please click here
ACCOMMODATION
A handpicked selection
Villa Mandarine – Marrakech
Perfectly located within the exclusive Agdal area of Rabat, Villa Mandarin has been transformed by its French owners into a sunlit hotel upon 2 hectares of orange groves. Villa Mandarine is ideal prior to departure from Casablanca, and offers the opportunity to discover the historical wonders of Rabat. Read More
La Maison Arabe – Marrakech
La Maison Arabe is a traditional riad in Marrakech, centrally located in the Medina. Housing just 26 rooms and suites, plus multiple courtyards, a large subterranean hammam and an eclectic mix of Middle Eastern antiques, it exudes intimate, old fashioned elegance and provides an oasis of calm within easy reach of the bustling souks. Read More
NEED TO KNOW
17 nights | 04 - 21 September 2024
17 nights
04 - 21 September 2024
AUD $10,970 per person twin share | AUD $4,870 single supplement
AUD $10,970 per person twin share
AUD $4,870 single supplement
START: Casablanca | Finish: Casablanca
We recommend flying with Emirates (Qantas codeshare) via Dubai. Please call to discuss your individual flight requirements.
Australia & New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for Morocco for a stay of up to 30 days. If you do not travel on an Australian or New Zealand passport please be sure to let us know and we will advise if there are any visa requirements.
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR JOURNEY
- 15 nights in stunning riads, hotels & a luxury tented camp
- All four Imperial Cities: Rabat, Fes, Meknes & Marrakech
- The remarkably preserved Roman ruins of Volubilis
- Fes’ outdoor tannery where leather is dried, dyed & crafted
- Chefchaouen – the most Instagram-worthy city in Morocco
- Meeting the inspiring matriarchs of Khemisset Zarabi Souk
- Staying in a 19th Century Portuguese church in El Jadida
- Cheese & wine tasting on the Atlantic coast
- Riding camels at sunset in the desert
- Sleeping beneath a blanket of stars in a luxury tent
- Being serenaded by Gnaoua & Sufi musicians
- Wandering the world-famous Marjorelle Gardens
- Visiting both the Berber Museum & YSL Museums
- Creating our signature scent in Musee du Parfum
- Walking through Berber Villages in the High Atlas
- Indulging in a decadent lunch at Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot
- Traditional Moroccan Tagine Cooking Class
- Historical walking tours of Marrakech and Fes
- Discovering Morocco’s rich and diverse history
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites ..plural
- Retail therapy at its absolute best!
- Travelling with a small group of like-minded ladies
- And even more surprises…..
Inclusions
- Escorted by Sarah Hoyland, Founder of The Classic Safari Company’s Journeys for Women
- 15 nights in accommodation as specified (or similar)
- All Itinerary highlights detailed above
- Breakfast daily, 10 lunches and 10 dinners
- Welcome dinner in Rabat & decadent Farewell Dinner in Marrakech
- Wine with lunch at Walila Farm, Val D’Argan Vineyard & La Fromagerie
- Bottled water whilst touring
- Airport arrival and departure transfers on dates specified to & from Emirates/Qantas flights
- Land transportation in air-conditioned deluxe vehicle throughout the itinerary
- All sightseeing hosted by English speaking guide
- All entrance fees to monuments outlined
- All tips & gratuities for guides, porters & restaurant staff
Exclusions
- International air arrangements plus all applicable pre-paid departure taxes
- Travel Insurance and individual health requirements
- Additional meals & snacks + all drinks
- Room or flight upgrades
- Transfers to any flight other than specified Emirates/Qantas flights on start & end dates
- Laundry, camera fees (minimal) and personal purchases
- Discretionary tip for full-time Moroccan host (budget $300)
- Items of a personal nature & any item not specified
Minimum – 10 travellers
Maximum – 16 (plus host)
Flights & Insurance – on request
Recommended Routings to Casablanca | Emirates or Qantas (codeshre) via Dubai | Etihad / Qantas via Abu Dhabi
Terms and conditions apply – please click here for full details.
This tour departs with a minimum of 8 people and a maximum of 16 people (plus host).
A single room supplement applies if you wish to secure your own room – A$4,870 single supplement. If you are ‘willing to share’ we will do all possible to pair you with another participant. If unsuccessful the single supplement will apply.
The price is subject to change due to currency fluctuation and unforeseen changes beyond our control.
We reserve the right, due to situations beyond our control, to substitute any hotel or boat with another of comparable quality – this would be advised as soon as possible.
All quoted airfares & taxes are subject to change at any time before, or at the time of, ticketing.
Australian & New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for Morocco for a stay of up to 90 days. If you do not travel on an Australian or New Zealand passport, please let us know.
By making any payment for this tour, and/or joining this tour, you acknowledge the potential health risks & you accept full responsibility for all potential quarantine and/or health requirements.
Hosted by...
Sarah Hoyland
Sarah is the Founder of our Journeys for Women collection and co-Director of The Classic Safari Company. Over the years she's travelled to all seven continents, visited over 63 countries, forged global lifelong friendships, and honed her haggling skills to perfection! In her own words, 'I am happiest when I am lost in a souk, on safari in Africa, travelling with my daughters or when I have the privilege of viewing wild and wonderful places afresh through the eyes of the ladies I host on our womens-only soirees!'.