Northern Morocco: Chefchaouen, Fes & the Rif Mountains - 9 Days
Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female50%
- Male50%
Average age
Start / End
- Casablanca
- Marrakesh
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 12Meals included
18Highlights
- Admire the views of the "blue city" in Chefchaouen
- Explore the Roman Ruins of Volubilis
- Fall into the hustle and bustle of the Fes medina
- Hike to the Imsfane Cathedral rock formation
- Soak in the scenery while eating a picnic lunch.
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Summary
Bursting with culture, beautiful landscapes, and mouth-watering food, northern Morocco is an absolute must for curious explorers. Walk through the photogenic "blue city" of Chefchaouen and wander the maze-like medina of Fes. Stay active by hiking to the natural rock formation of Imsfrane Cathedral and relax in a lakeside resort at sunset. Savour the traditional cuisine with open air picnic lunches and in family homes, providing unforgettable opportunities for new connections with the communities you visit. In the north, adventure is everywhere you look.
Map
Itinerary
Days 1-0: Casablanca: An Immersion into MoroccoArrival Day
Allow your imagination to run wild, dreaming of kasbahs, medinas, and exotic lands as you make your way from the airport to the hotel. A bustling seaport, Casablanca is a mix of old and new with a blend of architectural styles and yet singularly Moroccan. We welcome you to Morocco, and invite you to bring your imagination to life as you explore the country's diverse landscapes and delicious food. Arrive to Casablanca at any time and transfer to your hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.
Days 2-1: Chefchaouen: The "Blue City"
See the landscapes change as you head north, past farmland and through small villages and watch for large stork nests on the tops of buildings and mosques. Fall in love at once with the charm of Chefchaouen as you arrive with picturesque alleyways and shades of blue in all directions. Drive to Chefchaouen with a stop in Ouezzane for lunch. Take a CEO-led orientation walk through Chefchaouen and enjoy a free evening to choose from one of the many great restaurants or join the CEO at their local favourite.
Days 3-2: Chefchaouen: Your OMG Day
Let your interests and energy level guide you today as you have the choice of 2 fantastic and different hikes in the Rif Mountains. The range is known for its narrow valleys, rivers and waterfalls with incredible views and lush scenery. There are so many great hiking options and we've picked our two favourites for you to choose from, both of which allow you to experience local culture and dramatic views. Choice of 2 different hikes, both including a delicious lunch. Return in the mid afternoon for some time to explore the "blue city" on your own. Later if you are up for it join your CEO for a walk up to the Spanish Mosque to see the sun set over Chefchaouen.
Days 4-3: Fes: Volubilis and Meknes
Morocco is a land of beautiful landscapes and today as you make your way from the Rif mountains to the plains of Fes you'll experience why. Pass through traditional villages and lush farmland, see rural life unfold as you prepare yourself for the next experience, feeling ready to discover Roman ruins and Imperial cities. Travel from Chefchaouen to Volubilis for a guided tour of the best Roman ruins in Morocco. Then, visit the Imperial city of Meknes and afterwards, enjoy an included lunch of traditional dishes. Continue to Fes, arriving in the evening.
Days 5-4: Fes: The Medina
Walking through the maze-like medina in Fes is like stepping back in time. Brush shoulders with the locals going about their shopping as people here have done for the past thousand years. Make way for the occasional donkey and embrace the frenetic energy within the market, it is beautiful chaos like nothing you've ever experienced. Experience the medina up close, your CEO will take you through the historic medina famous for its colourful tanneries, stay close by and see if you can remember your way as you are guided through the maze of streets. End the morning with a special lunch at a traditional riad. Later choose to spend more time in the Medina or return to the hotel to freshen up. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy.
Days 6-5: Bin El Ouidane: Through the Atlas Mountains
Another day of gorgeous scenery is on the menu. Wind your way from the plains back into the Middle Atlas mountains, an area not often explored by tourists; here you find a very authentic Morocco. Stop at viewpoints, villages and to stretch your legs with photo opportunities around every corner. You'll be amazed at the beauty of water as you approach Bin El Ouidane and settle into the serene lakeside hotel in the evening. Drive from Fes to Bin El Ouidane with a stop for a picnic lunch along the way, as well as a visit to Ain Asserdoun. Enjoy time to relax, get settled in at your lakeside resort, and drink tea in a serene setting before dinner at the hotel.
Days 7-6: Bin El Ouidane: Imsfrane Cathedral
Immerse yourself into the natural and beautiful landscapes on a hike to a massive natural rock formation resembling a cathedral. Sculpted over eons by wind and water, this geological wonder showcases the Earth's history, with layers of sedimentary rock narrating tales of ancient seas and shifting continents. Take yourself even deeper into the culture with a delicious lunch in a family home. Hike to Imsefrane Cathedral and have lunch with a local Amazigh family, learning how they make their traditional bread. In the evening, free time to view sunset on the lake near the hotel.
Days 8-7: Marrakech: Into the Souk
Another natural wonder awaits you at Ouzoud Waterfall on the way to the bustling city of Marrakech. Throw yourself into the city's ancient historical sector and the lively marketplace full of souvenirs, hopeful shopkeepers, and food stalls for you to practice your bargaining skills. Marrakech brims with energy, history and beautiful architecture and epitomizes Morocco's diversity in cultures, people and delicious food. Drive to Marrakech with a stop at and short walk at the Ouzoud Waterfall. Take a guided walking tour through the city's historic medina and visit the Saadian Tombs. Enjoy a delicious farewell dinner at a local restaurant in the evening.
Days 9-8: Marrakech
Today your adventure comes to an end, but the memories made during your time in Morocco will live on. Depart at any time.
Prices & Availability
Please select the number of adults and children to see start dates and prices
What's Included
Meals
Breakfasts: 8, Lunches: 6, Dinners: 4Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.Vegetarian options available
Local Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Airport Transfers
Arrival OnlyAn airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
Important Notes
ACCOMMODATION NOTE:Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.WEATHERPlease note that the climate in Morocco can be both very hot during the day in summer months (up to 50°C) and cold at night in the mountains in autumn, early spring and winter (down to -6°C). Summer months, from April to September are very hot throughout Morocco. Winter months November to March can be cool to cold, especially in the Atlas Mountains, with high probability of snowfall. Most Moroccan buildings are not equipped with heating, so without proper layers you will be cold at night. Please bring appropriate clothing for the months in which you are travelling and check temperatures before you leave. RAMADANAccording to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between Feb 28th - Mar 29th 2025, and Feb 17th - Mar 19th 2026. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.AID AL-ADHADuring your visit to this country, we would like to inform you about an important celebration called Aid Al-Adha. This holiday may impact your travel experience, as most shops and restaurants are closed during the celebration. Some of the historical places we visit might also be closed during this time. There will be a shorter number of staff at the hotels and less crowded streets on the day of the celebration. Aid Al-Adha will fall between Jun. 6th-7th 2025.COMBO TRIPPlease note that this tour combines with other the tour operator tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travellers may be continuing together on another the tour operator tour, after your trip concludes.
Packing List
Conservative Dress: • Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders) • Shawl or scarf (for temple visits) Documents: • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border) • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies) • Passport (required) (With photocopies) • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required) • Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies) Essentials: • Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.) • Binoculars (optional) • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries) • Cash, credit and debit cards • Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights) • Ear plugs • First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal) • Fleece top/sweater • Footwear • Hat • Headphones (Noice-cancelling recommended) • Locks for bags • Long pants/jeans • Moneybelt • Outlet adapter • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.) • Reusable water bottle • Shirts/t-shirts • Sleepwear • Small travel towel • Sunglasses • Swimwear • Watch and alarm clock • Waterproof backpack cover • Windproof rain jacket Health & Safety: • Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.) • Hand sanitizer • Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.) Light Hiking: • Hiking boots • Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended) • Walking poles Smart Dress: • Smart outfit (For evenings out) Warm Weather: • Sandals/flip-flops • Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended) • Sturdy water shoes/sandals • Sun hat/bandana • Swimwear Note: For departures from Nov-Feb the weather can be cold, please bring warm clothing.
What to Take
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase or sports bag on wheels, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags.It is important to pack clothes for warm to hot days and cool evenings. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.