Private Morocco

Arrive in Casablanca, where you clear customs and immigration and transfer to your hotel. After settling in, spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Begin the day in the port city of Casablanca, Morocco’s largest metropolis and its commercial hub. Visit the stunning Hassan II Mosque, which accommodates up to 25,000 worshippers; its minaret stands as the tallest religious structure in the world. Then, travel to the Moorish city of Rabat, capital of Morocco, to visit the Mohammed V Mausoleum, dedicated to the founder of modern Morocco, grandfather of the current king. View the Mauresque-style Hassan Tower and Oudaya Kasbah, along with its palm-dotted Andalusian garden. Continue to Fez for an evening at leisure.

Explore Fez el-Bali (Old Fez), the cultural heart of Morocco. Founded in the eighth century by Moulay Idris I, this imperial capital was a renowned center of medieval learning. Stroll the lanes and souks of the old quarter. Proceed to the intricately detailed Karaouine. Built in 859 AD, it is one of the oldest still-functioning universities in the world. You also visit Nejjarine Square before continuing to Fez el-Jadid (New Fez) where you see the Royal Palace, madrasas and mellah (Jewish quarter).

Journey overland to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. With its triumphal arches, basilicas and capitals, Volubilis brims with iconic examples of Roman architecture. Among its greatest treasures are the amazing mosaic floors of former family dwellings, which include depictions of Orpheus charming animals with his lyre, nine dolphins signifying good luck and a portrait of Amphitrite in a seahorse drawn chariot. Visit Meknes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the imperial cities of Morocco. Its impressive monuments recall the splendor of a fortified city, first built in the 17th century by the powerful sultan Moulay Ismail, to rival the court of his contemporary, Louis XIV of France. Upon completing this glimpse into antiquity, return to Fez.

Travel to desert-fringed Erfoud, passing Berber villages, endless date palm plantations and the majestic Atlas Mountains en route. After today’s scenic drive, settle into your hotel, spending the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner this evening is prepared with locally sourced, organic ingredients.

This morning, discover the fortified desert town of Rissani. Continue to the desert dunes of the Sahara by four-wheel-drive vehicle, where a reception with mint tea and pastries awaits at your nomadic tented camp. The stunning reddish-hued sand dunes can reach up to 500 feet high, creating an otherworldly landscape. Experience it like a local on camel back. Then, return to your camp for a traditional meal before a campfire. Slumber tonight in comfort, as the sounds of the desert lull you to sleep.

Journey overland to Ouarzazate, once a stopping point for African traders travelling to the cities of Morocco and Europe. En route, absorb views of the High Atlas’ southern slopes, intersecting the Dades Valley’s flourishing crops, irrigation canals and palm trees. Travel along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” to Ouarzazate and your delightful oasis of a hotel.

Begin the day by exploring Ouarzazate, a city originally built as a French garrison in the 1920s. Today, the city is a regional trade center, known for its pottery and carpets. See the Kasbah of Tifoultoute, a majestic 17th-century fortress overlooking the Wadi Tifoultoute. Continue to elaborate Ait Benhaddou, dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of the region’s most exotic kasbahs, where structures all but defy the laws of gravity as they perch upon the steep slope. Some of these buildings have been featured in films, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.

Journey over the scenic High Atlas Mountains, observing everyday life in remote rural towns, to the fascinating “Red City” of Marrakech, where you settle into your luxurious hotel.

Today, begin to unearth the secrets of Marrakech, starting in the medina, the old walled section of town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at its architectural jewels, including the soaring Koutoubia Minaret. Visit Dar Si Said Museum and Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of domestic architecture. Afterward, visit Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakech’s main square, filled with orange juice stalls and vendors, along with acrobats, dancers and street musicians performing at every turn. You may also wish to stroll the city’s fabled, labyrinthine souks.

Begin your day at Jardin Majorelle, a picturesque garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by design legend Yves Saint Laurent. Stop at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum nearby for an up-close look at some of the famed designer’s creations. This afternoon, enjoy a cooking demonstration that teaches you how to prepare dishes with Moroccan spices and savor the results with a tasting. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Transfer to the Marrakech airport and board your international flight home.