0800 110 108
info@mondotravel.co.nz
From $6,599
10 nights
Tuesday 13th of May 2025 until Saturday 25th of October 2025
Your tour takes you to: Casablanca → Rabat→ Chefchaouen→ Volubilis→ Meknes→ Fes→ Midelt→ Merzouga→ Ouarzazate→ Todra Gorge→ Ait Benhaddou→ Marrakechv Ouarzazate→ Marrakech→
Experience desert indulgence amid ancient kasbahs, spice-filled souqs and the ‘Sea of Dunes’ on this Morocco tour with opulent riad stays, including decadent Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux. Uncover the charm of Chefchaouen, the ‘Blue City of Morocco’, then cross the Sahara Desert to dine under the stars during an unforgettable night amongst the rose-gold sands of Merzouga.
Begin your days at traditional Moroccan riad and resort stays, spending your leisure time poolside or soaking up the scenery from your room. Blend into the crowded souks of Marrakech as you try your hand at traditional Moroccan cuisine, stroll Yves Saint Laurent’s majestic Majorelle Gardens, then study Casablanca’s unique blend of French and Berber influence at the spectacular Hassan II Mosque.
Wander the narrow streets of medieval Fes and stand in awe of Ait Benhaddou – a favourite Hollywood film backdrop with centuries of history. Sample goat cheese during a guided tasting in Chefchaouen, take Moroccan pottery for a spin in Fes, then weave through the mud-brick forts of the Atlas Mountains. From regal accommodations to vast landscapes, this is your chance to see Morocco’s best of the best.
Salaam alykum! Welcome to Morocco!
Located on the northern Atlantic coast of Africa, this colourful country is brimming with Mediterranean influence. Full of well-preserved history, Morocco is famous for its ancient cities, ornate palaces and places of worship and labyrinthine markets. Though often associated with its desert expanse, Morocco is in fact a haven of verdant green landscapes, rugged mountainous ranges, fertile valleys and beautiful beaches – as well as some of the most fragrant cuisine you’ll find the world over.
The city of Casablanca – fondly known by locals as ‘Casa’ – lies on the Atlantic coast and is renowned for its well-preserved Moorish and Art Deco architecture, seaside cafes and for being the setting of 1942’s Academy Award-winning film of the same name. After your fast-tracked service through Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), you will be transferred to your hotel.
Enjoy a welcome drink and time at leisure before heading to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers.
Inclusions: Hyatt Regency Casablanca - Deluxe Room with Dinner included
After breakfast, join your tour guide to discover the best of Casablanca. Stops include the Hassan II Mosque – one of the largest in the world, and indisputably one of the most beautiful. Partially suspended above the sea and fitted with an enormous retractable roof that opens to beaming sunlight on special days of worship, this feat of architecture – with its hand-carved stone and detailed marble floor – pays tribute to the former King of Morocco.
Enjoy a stroll along the Corniche Ain Diab, the city’s picturesque seaside promenade, before arriving at the Habous Quarter, renowned for its traditional architecture, colour-filled shops and fine artisans.
After catching Casablanca’s highlights, set off for the city of Chefchaouen. Along the way, stop in Morocco’s coastal capital of Rabat, where you’ll embark on a guided tour of the city’s must-see sights. Witness the Hassan Tower, a massive 12th-century minaret built to be the largest of its kind in the Islamic world; see El Mechouar Assaid, Morocco’s Royal Palace, the official residence of King Mohammed VI; and wander through the Kasbah of Oudayas. The surrounding neighbourhood, with alleyways splashed in bright blue and white, is now a residential area teeming with lush gardens and picturesque alleyways. It’s a wonderful place to stop at a local cafe for mint tea, coffee and a light bite.
Later, continue on your way to Chefchaouen and check in at your luxurious riad – a traditional Moroccan house with palatial design and elegant indoor courtyard. In this beautifully constructed hotel, you’ll enjoy a well-earned dinner and an evening at rest.
Travel time: Driving – approx. five hours
Inclusions: Lina Ryad & Spa (Junior Suite) or similar with Breakfast and Dinner included
After a peaceful night at your riad, it’s time to discover Chefchaouen, known as the ‘Blue City of Morocco’. With its striking array of buildings in cobalt, sky-blue, indigo and countless other hues, Chefchaouen is a city of narrowly winding cobblestone streets and historic workshops.
Fall in love with this town as you visit the picturesque kasbah with its 15th-century fortifications, as well as the Grand Mosque – the city’s oldest, found in the nearby Place Outa Hammam.
Today will also feature a unique goat cheese-tasting experience, in which you can look forward to visiting a local cheese shop or artisanal farm for the chance to sample a selection of the city’s offerings. Learn about the skilled production processes and the unique flavours of different varieties, then follow the guidance of an expert taster as you taste the complex nuances of aged goat cheese. Pair your samples with fresh bread, dried fruits and golden-sweet honey, demonstrating the versatile uses of this flavoursome product.
Conclude your day with a trip to a scenic spot offering panoramic views over the blue city and the surrounding mountains.
Inclusions: Lina Ryad & Spa (Junior Suite) or similar with Breakfast and Dinner included
Check out of your hotel after breakfast, then meet with your guide to depart for the old imperial city of Meknes. Along the way, stop at Volubilis, the well-preserved ruins of a once-prosperous Roman settlement. As you walk through the streets and admire traditional Roman mosaics, gain insight to the Roman citizens who lived there.
Carry on to the acclaimed Château Roslane, one of the city’s most well-known wineries, where you’ll indulge in a refreshing lunch and a tasting. This afternoon, delve into the ancient city’s fascinating history, beginning at the Bab Mansour, a monumental gate admired for its intricate decoration.
Then, see the final resting place of Mouley Ismail, Morocco’s longest-reigning sultan. As the mausoleum is one of few spiritual places within Morocco with areas open to the public, seize this opportunity to admire its representation of intricate Islamic design. At Meknes’ central square, Place el Hedim, observe the bustling street markets and hear the din of trade.
Later, continue to Fes and check in at your opulent accommodation, where you’ll enjoy an evening of leisure at the five-star Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux, where intricate Moroccan design and traditional architecture converge. From the panoramic terrace to the tastefully classic accommodations, this 14th-century palace is a cut above the rest.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 4.5 hours
Signature Inclusions: Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux stay (Deluxe Superior Room) or similar with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
After breakfast, immerse yourself in Fes’s medieval history as you explore its twisting alleyways on a guided tour. Gaze upon mosaic fountains and breathe in alluring spices as you pass aromatic food stands offering bowls of earthy harira soups and lamb sausages stuffed with paprika.
Walk back through time through Fes Medina, the city’s old town; its cobbled streets are lined with ancient mosques, soaring minarets and historic fondouk hotels. Peek into peaceful courtyards and marvel at the brightly coloured tiling. You’ll stop at Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, one of the world’s oldest universities, and Bou Inania Madrasa, a historic Islamic learning centre.
Sit down for lunch at a local restaurant in the heart of the Medina, then continue to a pottery and ceramics workshop for the chance to don an apron and try your hand at this longstanding Moroccan practice. Under the tutelage of a local craftsman, you will shape your very own piece, listening as the history of Moroccan ceramics is revealed.
Finally, visit the Chouara Tannery to learn about the ancient craft of leather-tanning, and wander through the Mellah, the city’s historic Jewish district, to gain a glimpse of the city’s rich Judaica.
Return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure before a hearty dinner.
Signature Highlights & Inclusions: Pottery workshop with a local artisan plus Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux stay (Deluxe Superior Room) or similar with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Depart Fes and travel to Merzouga for a change of pace – today you head deep into the Sahara. Stop first in the charming town of Ifrane, called the ‘Switzerland of Morocco’ for its ski slopes, forests and alpine architecture. Then, pass through cedar forests and cross the Middle Atlas Mountains to the town of Midelt. After a brief stop, descend into the desert wilderness, spellbound by the magic of Erg Chebbi, a truly spectacular ‘Sea of Dunes’.
The village of Merzouga feels wonderfully isolated, as if the modern world has left it behind; legend has it the settlement was once a lush oasis before being punished by God. Historically, it has been a vital trading post for spice-laden caravans making the trek southward to Timbuktu.
Check into your luxury desert camp, then mount a camel – or a four-wheel drive – and set off for the Sahara to experience sunset and the changing colours of the sands. Enjoy a traditional Berber meal by the campfire with your group, complete with the tribal folk music of your hosts, and gaze up at the vast shroud of stars above.
Travel time: Driving – approx. eight hours
Signature highlights: Sahara glamping experience - Lemnaouar Erg Camp (Luxury Tent) or similar with Breakfast and Dinner included
Fuel up at breakfast ahead of another adventurous day.
Begin by making the journey toward Todra Gorge. Considered one of Africa’s most spectacular canyons, the views over lush palm groves at the gorge’s floor are breathtaking.
Drive through the Valley of Roses and pass Kelaat M’Gouna, where thousands of Berbers travel for the annual Rose Festival. This springtime celebration honours the fragrant harvest and production of treasured rose water with parades and dancing. Continue to the city of Ouarzazate, nicknamed the ‘door to the desert’ and home to the world-famous Atlas Studios. Measured by acreage, Atlas is indisputably the largest film studio in the world; movies and television filmed here include Prison Break, Gladiator and the 1999 smash hit The Mummy.
Continue to Kasbah Taourirt, a 17th-century fortress in the middle of town built by a wealthy local family to control vital trade routes through the Sahara. Finally, complete your day by checking in to your hotel. Enjoy the evening soaking up the scenery poolside or from your beautifully designed room.
Travel time: Driving – approx. six hours
Inclusions: Ksar Ighnda (Superior Room) or similar with Breakfast and Dinner included
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortified village (or kasr), Ait Benhaddou is a perfect example of authentic Moroccan mudbrick architecture. In its millennia-long existence, it has served as a trading post, fortress and actor – the location has popped up as a backdrop for countless films and television shows, including Lawrence of Arabia and Game of Thrones.
Once you’ve spent some time exploring, it’s time to venture through the High Atlas and on to the city of Marrakech. Once you’ve checked in at your hotel, you’ll join your guide for a walking tour of the Djemaa El Fna, a centuries-old home of snake charmers, conjurers, acrobats and musicians. With an array of fresh produce stands, vending juices squeezed to order from organically grown fruit and vibrant street life, this central square is the beating heart of Marrakech.
With your appetite suitably whet, tuck into a Moroccan feast at the hotel.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
Inclusions: Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech – Superior Room (Superior Upgrade: Deluxe Room) or similar with Breakfast and Dinner included
Set out this morning for a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of Marrakech. Learn about the French-influenced architecture of renowned fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent’s one-time residence in Majorelle Garden. Marvel at the magnificent minarets of Koutoubia Mosque – a 12th-century masterwork and one of Marrakech’s most widely recognised structures.
Walk by the buildings of the 15th-century Mellah and wander the streets of this historic Jewish quarter before entering the colonial-inspired Bahia Palace, which housed sultans and the French government until the late 20th century.
This afternoon, meander through the powder-pink ramparts of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Medina of Marrakech. Lose yourself in the bustling bazaars that flank the streets of Old Town, and haggle for a colourful souvenir from one of the open-air souks.
Step inside a traditional bakery, where artisans have spent hundreds of years mastering the art of breadmaking, frying buttery msemmen flatbread and hearty pastilla.
Spend the evening at leisure – sip mint tea under the stars or get out to experience the city’s electrifying nightlife.
Inclusions: Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech – Superior Room (Superior Upgrade: Deluxe Room) or similar with Breakfast included
Gather your energy over breakfast, then join your fellow travellers for an unforgettable culinary experience. With the expert guidance of local chefs, your traditional Moroccan cooking class begins with a visit to the busy souks to select the freshest ingredients, fragrant spices, herbs and local produce. Upon your return to the riad, you will learn the secret skills and age-old techniques needed to prepare dishes such as tagine, couscous and Moroccan pastries. You’ll come to understand the cultural significance of each dish and the importance of communal dining in Moroccan culture.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite in the kitchen, it’s time to sit down to your freshly made feast in the courtyard or dining room of La Maison Arabe for a complete sensory experience.
After your lunch, visit a traditional Moroccan bath house and learn about the wood-burning furnace that heats the heart of all traditional hammams.
Inclusions: Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech – Superior Room (Superior Upgrade: Deluxe Room) or similar with Breakfast and Lunch included
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Morocco as you transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) with fast-tracked assistance for your journey onward.
Inclusions: Breakfast
Highlights
Fes pottery workshop, Relais & Châteaux riad stay & Sahara glamping experience
After time exploring the ancient alleyways of Fes, unleash your creativity in a pottery class, guided by a local artisan. Here, the story of Moroccan ceramics takes shape as you follow your experienced mentor and craft your own masterpiece.
In Fes, guests will enjoy a five-star stay at the luxurious Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux, where intricate Moroccan design and traditional architecture converge. From the panoramic terrace to the tastefully classic accommodations, this 14th-century palace is a cut above the rest.
Travelling through Morocco is like a movie montage of spectacular locations, but nothing can prepare you for the magnificence of Erg Chebbi, the Sahara Desert’s Sea of Dunes. Spend a magical evening among rose-coloured sands in the tiny trading village of Merzouga, where you’ll enjoy a luxury glamping experience beneath the desert’s blue-black blanket of stars. Matched by a traditional Berber campfire feast – with folkloric singing and music – it’s a night that will stay with you for a lifetime.
More Handpicked Inclusions
Multiple departures available between May - October 2025
Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking. Contact us today and secure your spot on this fabulous tour