12-Day Premium Morocco Highlights Tour

Welcome to Morocco! On arrival at Casablanca Airport, you will be met by a Premium Morocco Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. While this is an arrival day and you may arrive at any time, please note that hotel rooms are generally only available after midday, and that there will a Welcome Meeting with your leader tonight. Transfer to a Hotel to spend the night.

Notes: Please be aware that some of our travellers in Casablanca are being approached by locals offering excursions before their Premium Tours trip commences. This has been particularly prevalent in and around the hotels used by Premium Tours. These guides are in no way connected to Premium Morocco Tours 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. Premium Tours 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 Premium Tours.

Accommodation : Hotel Odyssee Center or Similar (1 night)

Activities :

• Museum of Judaism
• Casablanca Hassan 2 Mosque 

Meals Included: Welcome Dinner

This morning after breakfast, meet your guide at 8am, We will visit the famous and the biggest Mosque in Africa, Hassan II, which was built between 1987 and 1993. This will be a golden opportunity to see the skilful work of Moroccan artisans, revealing the richness and beauty of their handicraft.

We will make our way to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, enjoy the charming Medina surrounded by walls and beautiful defensive gates, built between 1310 and 1330. Later we will stop at Mohamed V Museum built in 1972, and we will visit the tombs of Moroccan kings Mohammed V, who died in 1962, Hassan II who died in 1999, the tomb of Moulay Abdullah the uncle of Mohammed VI and Hassan Tower which was built in 12th century.
Visit the Oudaya Kasbah which was built in 12th century and served as a military base for the Almorabits army in their defence against the Spanish army. The roof of the Kasbah allows a stunning view of the surrounding area. You will also get to see the 240 km long Abi-Regrag river , located in western Morocco between Rabat and Sala.

after lunch take the road to Tangier.

Accommodation : PALAIS ZAHIA

Tour Highlights :

• Hassan 2 Mosque
• Rabat - Guided Walking Tour /  Oudaya, Hassan Tower,
• Free afternoon in Tangier

Meals Included: Breakfast /

Meet your local guide start the exploration of Tangier will begin at 8am,. You will start your day with a city
overview at the vantage point of the Colline de Bella-Vista. Then, drive to see the Grand Succo, a popular nighttime square close to the Mosque of Sidi Bou Abib and the link between Ville Nouvelle and the medina.

Enter the medina at Rue Es-Siaghinie, the busiest part of this Roman medina lined with cafes and bazaars, a Spanish church, jewelers’shops and an arts center displaying works depicting Tangier’s social history. Walk Petit Socco which was once the heart of the medina where businessmen and bankers frequented cafes, hotels, casinos and cabarets that have relocated to Ville Nouvelle. Move on to visit the Grand Mosque, built on the site of a Portuguese cathedral. Walking north, you will then visit the kasbah decorated with mosaics, ornamental stucco and woodcarving.

Next to the Kasbah you will walk the ramparts and take a short break to relax by the breathtaking view of the port. Explore the Musée de Carmen-Macein exhibiting a collection of works by Picasso, Max Ernst and Georges Braque.

Have a traditional Moroccan lunch in the city center then explore Quartier du Marshan, once an attractive residential area west of the Kasbah. Next, visit the Anglican church of St. Andrew built to cater to Tangier’s growing British population.
After, make a stop to appreciate fine works of art at the Musée d’ Art Contemporain showcasing contemporary Moroccan paintings.

We will then drive to Chafchaouen through the cities of Tetouan and Rif Mountains with cedar, oak and almond trees. we will arrive to Chefchaouen in the afternoon.
Set against a wide valley and nestled between two peaks in the stunning Rif Mountains, the isolated town of Chefchaouen is a surprising delight. Much of Chefchaouen was recreated by Andalusian refugees escaping the Reconquistia, so its striking blue and whitewashed houses, red-tiled roofs and artistic doorways give it the feel of the Spanish hills.

After you will start exploring Chefchaouen “The blue city of Morocco”. Situated at the footstep of 2 higher mountains, Chefchaouen is a beautiful unique city with its white washed walls and blue doors, and windows. Unlike many parts of Morocco, Chefchaouen was occupied by Spain; therefore there is much influence of the Spanish civilisation and
the Moorish architecture. On the afternoon, you will have your own time to wonder around and enjoy your space.
Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore more of the town. Within the plaza is the walled fortress of the Kasbah – you can wander through the tranquil gardens inside, visit the ethnographic museum, and soak in wonderful views from the rooftop.
Alternatively, you might prefer to get out of town and enjoy a short hike in the surrounding hills.

Accommodation : Dar Echchaouen Guest house or similar

• Tour Highlights : Tangier Guided Walking Tour

Meals Included : Breakfast / Dinner

8am Morning Tour of Chefchaouen, Enjoy a free Morning explorng more of the town. Within the plaza is the walled fortress of the Kasbah – you can wander through the tranquil gardens inside, visit the ethnographic museum, and soak in wonderful views from the rooftop. Alternatively, you might prefer to get out of town and enjoy a short hike in the surrounding hills.

10 am, Descend from the hills and travel south through the centre of the peninsula towards the sacred pilgrimage town of Moulay Idriss (approximately 3 hours). From here it’s a short journey out to the World Heritage site of Volubilis. The remains of this Roman city make an undeniably impressive sight as they come into view on the edge of a long, high plateau. Take a tour around the arches, basilicas, and superb mosaics along the Decumanus Maximus, many of which remain intact. Once forbidden to non-Muslims, (IF TIME PERMITS) your next stop at ancient Moulay Idriss offers a great insight into traditional Moroccan life. Here the faithful gather to pay homage at the tomb of Moulay Idriss I – the great-grandson of Mohammed and the man who brought Islam to Morocco. Explore the delightful streets, perhaps sampling the famous nougat candy sold at street-
side stalls. Continue on to Fes, arriving by evening (approximately 1.5 hours), the spiritual heart of Morocco.

Accommodation : RIAD AL MAKAN

Tour Activities

• Chefchaouen walking Tour
• Guided walking Tour Volubilis

Meals Included : Breakfast

Enjoy the guided city tour of Fes. Begin with the entrance to the largest royal palace in Morocco. Continue with a panoramic view of the ancient medina. Enjoy an authentic experience at the traditional ceramic crafts village of Fes after that. Your next stop is Fes El Bali, the ancient town or Medina, which is a medieval part of Fes that has not changed for centuries. Optional lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the famous Al-Karaouine mosque, built by Fatima Al Fihria in 857. Al-Karaouine mosque became home to the University of Al-Karaouine, which is the first university in the world and the world's foremost center of learning at the beginning of the second millennium. The university was built by Fatima Al Fihria in 859, and, since then, it has become one of the leading spiritual and educational centers of the Muslim world. In the medina, visit also a Merdersa Attarine, which is a Coranic school. Complete the city tour of Fes with the leather Souq and the oldest Leather Tannery in Morocco. The tannery dates back at least nine centuries.

Next stop at, Funduq al-Najjarin – an 18th-century inn.

Fes is the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco; vibrant, noisy, fascinating and overwhelming – a visual and pungent feast for the senses. It is made up of three distinct ‘cities’, or quarters, well-preserved medieval old city – the mother of all medinas. the old city, known locally as Fes el Bali, arguably the world's most fascinating and confounding old city. Medieval Fes was one of the world's great centres of education and culture, both Islamic and Jewish. Its religious institutions and libraries are legendary, its mosques of great renown. Walk through the twisting streets and alleyways, passing donkeys piled high with goods, and explore the specialty sections that divide the souk. Filled with historic medressas and dye-pits, stalls loaded with fruits, herbs and soups, and where the squawk of chickens, smell of spice and sound of hammering of copper fills the air, it’s not hard to imagine yourself back in the Middle Ages. Car : 1 hours - Walk : 3 hours /

Tour experiences:

• Guided walking Tour Fes
• Fondouk Nejjarine
• Mederassa Attarine
• Al karawyin university
• Potter & Ceramic Workshop and Tanneries

Meals included : Breakfast

Meet at your hotel in Fes at 7am and embark on long driving day, where we will meet different colors of the kingdom by leaving the old Moroccan city of Fes. In the way we will pass through the most modern and clean city in the country Ifran. This Berber name of Ifran means caves and it is nicknamed in Morocco as a little Switzerland since it is a very green town and is a ski resort in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco because of its high altitude at 1665 meters. Ifran is very known as well by The Brotherhood private university, established in 1997 by The king of Morocco Hassan II
and the king of Saudi Arabia Fahd. Where all classes are taught in English, it is an international university.

Lunch will be scheduled in a Berber village called Zayda which is situated on the foothills of the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains. Drive through the ziz valley, considered Moroccan date basket, an old Cravan Route, from Sahara to Fez.

From a vast plateau you will get impressed by the huge sand dune of Merzouga appearing from the horizon. We meet our camel men, embark on an optional 1hour camel ride into the desert to spend a wonderful night enjoying these dramatic dunes, wonderful skies and stars at night, you may get involved in some drumming arround the fire with the berbers tonight, dinner in the campsite.

Accommodation: Luxury Camp Azawad

• Activities : Camel Trekking / Desert camp

Meals Included : Breakfast / Dinner

Start the day with a truly unforgettable desert sunrise, watching the landscape turn remarkable shades of orange. After breakfast drive to Todra Gorge, Visiting Errisani and the hometwon of the founder of the Alaouite Dynasty of Morocco, Moulay Ali Chrif in the 17th century. This silent town was the ancient capital of Tafilalet and its location as a crossroads between north and south brought the city to an important status of a former major caravan center. Up to now Rissani remains a major
commercial center in the region, with a large souk, particularly lively today on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sunday. It was noted for its leather and goat skin trading in ancient ages.

we will then visit the underground irrigation channels used by the nopmads to irrigate theire oasis of palms and henna during the drought times, we will visit the oasis Museum in one of the most vibrant valleys of southern Morocco, called the valley of Tinjdad. 127 km from Errisani the great canyons of Morocco Todgha Gorges are situated beyond the central high Atlas Mountains. Here, the contrasting landscapes, its gorges and great canyons, and its peaks sometimes splintered by erosion. Several peaks in this area exceed 4000 m, with Jbel Saghro 2500 m and Jbel Mgoun at 4068 m being the highest peak in this part of the High Atlas. The area is populated by Berbers. Here you can enjoy a hike among those fabulous canyons and canions. overnigh in the valley of todgha.

Accommodation : KASBAH TABORIHTE – STANDARD ROOM

Activities :

• Guided walking tour of the valley and Gorge

Meals Included : Breakfast / Dinner

From the great canyons of Todgha we go along the road of 1000 kasbahs, since there are enormous Kasbahs on both sides of the road. Some of those old fortified houses are restored but unfortunately a lot of them are ruins. we head to the Berber family for Lunch, cooking course, a walk to discover the valley and spend some time wit the Berber family.

We pass a town called Kalaa Mgouna situated on the edge of Dades valley which rises in the High Atlas Mountains, giving life to a huge Berber community by its rich agriculture. Along this valley another valley called valley of roses appearing with the green colors of its Alfalfa plants, olive trees, fig trees and grapes. This valley gives birth to a rose from which locals produces different cosmetic products like soap, perfumes and skin creams. Locals here celebrate this rose by organizing a national festival each end of April.

Drive to Skoura, A visit to one of those kasbahs is scheduled by seeing Amrhidil Kasbah.

Getting to Ouarzazate (Hollywood of Africa, Noiselessly town, The door of the desert), is a city
situated in the middle of a bare plateau, south of the High Atlas Mountains. It is mainly inhabited by Berbers, who constructed many of the prominent kasbahs and building for which the area is known. One of those building is Taourirt Kasbah diverted in 17th century.

Why this town is nicknamed as Hollywood of Africa? Simply because it has been noted as a film-making location, with Morocco's biggest studios inviting many international film companies to shoot their movies like: Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Living Daylights (1987), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Martin Scorsese's Kundun (1997) and Babel (2005).

Accommodation :  Dar Chamaa

• Activities : Visit Boutaghrare village
• Skoura kasbah

Meals Included : Breakfast / Lunch and Dinner

We start our day visiting the fortified city of Aït Benhaddou, built in the 11th century. Once up on a time this Kasbah was the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh. It is situated on a hill along the Ounila River and has some beautiful examples of kasbahs, which unfortunately sustain damage during each rainstorm and windstorms. Most of the town's inhabitants now live in a more modern village at the other side of the river; however, around five families are still living within this Kasbah.
Aït Benhaddou Kasbah has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and several films have been shot there, including Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Time Bandits (1981), The Jewel of the Nile (1985), Kundun (1997), Gladiator (2000) and Alexander (2004). We will then drive accross the high Atlas mountains, to tizi n Tichka pass 2260 m, enjoy dramatic view and drive along the windy road, continue to Marrakech and check in to your hotel. This evening, why not head to the great square of Djemaa el-Fna – one of the largest public spaces in the world, When night falls, it transforms into a hive of activity. You may like to finish your day with a cup of tea at one of the roof-top restaurants overlooking the square.

Accommodation : Hotel 3 Palmiers or Similar

Activities :

• Visit to Ait Benhaddou Kasbah,
• Jamaa Lafna square

Meals Included : Breakfast

Pick up at 8am, drive to Essaouira, Essaouira is also referred to as The “City of the wind” and it attracts surfers from all over the world. Essaouira knew many civilisations – including the Portuguese occupation, which affects much of its architecture – however, it remains a small village with much history. Because of its size and its characteristic blue doors and washed walls, it is also regarded as Morocco’s “Jewel of the Atlantics”. There is an annual festival of “Gnawa music”, where many musical groups come from different parts of Africa and the world. Usually it starts in the second week of June. Today you will have lunch in a Moroccan way, bought fishes ‘cooked to order’. On the
afternoon, you will have some free time to wonder around, go to the beach and enjoy your space.

At 4pm, Take the Road to Marrakech, Along the half way between Essaouira and Marrakesh you will see enormous Argan tree on both sides of the road. These Argan trees are frequently climbed by goats. Argan oil is produced by several women's cooperatives and it is used to prepare couscous, salads. Moreover it was traditionally used as a treatment for skin diseases before being founded as good enough for cosmetics by Europeans manufacturers. Still stop by one of these cooperatives is worthy to see how Berber women squeezed the Argan fruits between hands to extract this precious oil.

For your final evening, maybe join your leader for a farewell dinner. Your leader will be able to recommend some fantastic local restaurants.

Tour Highlights:

• Essaouira walking tour

Meals Included : Breakfast,

A Full guided tour will be scheduled to discover Marrakesh which is known as the "Red City". Marrakesh is the most important former imperial city in Morocco's history, it is situated near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountain. Like all the old cities, Marrakech comprises both an old fortified city The Medina and an very modern city called Gueliz built during the French occupation. Marrakesh has the largest traditional market (souk) in Morocco and also has one of the busiest squares in Africa and the world, Djemaa el Fna. The square is full of story-tellers, water sellers, dancers, snakes charmers and musicians. During the night the square turns into a huge open-air restaurant.
visit we will see The Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 12th century in the reign of Almoravid Dynasty. Next visit the The Bahia Palace is a 19th century building, consisting of rooms decorated with stunning stuccos, paintings and mosaics palace and a set of gardens located in Marrakech, Morocco. The Bahia Palace was intended to be the greatest palace of its time. The name of the Bahia Palace means in Arabic “brilliance”. As in other buildings of the period in other countries, it was intended to capture the essence of the Islamic and Moroccan style. There is a 2-acre (8,000 m²) garden with rooms opening onto courtyards in the Bahia Palace.

will go among narrow streets and allies in ancient city. visit the souks,  Walk through the streets of the old medina to Djemaa el-Fna, stopping off to taste some of the marvellous freshly squeezed orange juice from a local stall – this is sure to be one of the most delicious glasses of orange juice you’ve ever tasted! The rest of the day is free to explore. Maybe visit Le Jardin Majorel – or head back into the medina and practice your bargaining skills.

Activities :

• Guided walking Tour of Marrakech
• Bahia Palace
• Medina and Souks walking tour

Meals Included : Breakfast

According to your flight details, you will advised of the pickup time, we will assist and transfer you to the airport.

• Activities : Airport Transfer

Meals Included : Breakfast