Timeless Morocco

One of the best reasons to visit Morocco is its rich and varied cultural heritage. Whether you’re walking through the streets of Fes or spending the night in a desert camp, it feels like you’re stepping into a storybook!!

Morocco is home to absolutely stunning architecture. The country is characterised by its colours, with gorgeous tile work everywhere.

The landscapes are incredibly diverse in Morocco. From the golden sands of the Sahara Desert to the towering peaks of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco’s scenery is nothing short of spectacular. 

Morocco’s markets and souks are a vibrant, sensory experience that draws you into the heart of its culture. In Marrakech, the bustling souks are filled with colorful textiles, intricate lanterns, and handwoven rugs, each stall brimming with local craftsmanship. 

The air is filled with the scent of spices, from saffron to cumin, blending with the aroma of freshly brewed mint tea. In Fes, the ancient medina’s narrow alleys lead you through a maze of shops, where artisans create copperware and leather goods, preserving centuries-old traditions. 

The delicious cuisine is a treat for meat eaters and well as vegetarians. You will discover freshly cooked tagines, couscous, warm bread, mint tea, and so much more.

The warm Moroccan hospitality is legendary. You have to experience it to understand!

The lodging is luxurious + the cities are vibrant, filled with culture, history, and modern charm, making them a must-see for any traveller.

So, let’s discover it together! With minimal rain, the daytime temps range from 64-82 degrees in April, and it’s cooler at night. Limited to just 15 people, I have 3 single rooms available.

Tuesday, March 31

USA – CASABLANCA

Depart USA for Casablanca

Wednesday, April 1

ARRIVE IN CASABLANCA (D)

Reception upon arrival and transfer to Kaan Casablanca. At the Welcome Dinner, you’ll enjoy an introduction to Morocco’s rich culinary traditions and the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travelers as your journey begins.

Overnight at Kaan Casablanca

Arriving in Casablanca is like stepping into the vibrant heart of modern Morocco. As the country’s economic capital and largest city, Casablanca blends contemporary energy with rich cultural heritage, offering a fascinating first impression of Morocco. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, the city combines wide boulevards, elegant Art Deco architecture, lively cafés, and a cosmopolitan spirit, all set beneath the dramatic silhouette of the Hassan II Mosque.

Thursday, April 2

CASABLANCA – RABAT (B)

Discover one of Morocco’s most extraordinary architectural masterpieces with a guided visit to the Hassan II Mosque. Perched dramatically on the Atlantic coastline, it is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world, with a minaret rising 210 metres above the city – the tallest structure in Morocco. Admire the mosque’s remarkable craftsmanship, from its elegant white granite columns and handcrafted marble walls to its stunning Murano glass chandeliers, a blend of traditional Moroccan artistry and impressive engineering.

After breakfast, meet your driver for a comfortable transfer to Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Enjoy a guided exploration of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the grandeur of the Royal Palace from the outside, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the historic Hassan Tower, one of Morocco’s most emblematic monuments. Continue to the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas, a charming fortified quarter known for its Andalusian architecture, whitewashed houses with blue accents, and spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean and the Bou Regreg River.

Overnight at Rabat Marriott Hotel

Friday, April 3

RABAT – MEKNES – FES (B)PLACENCIA (B,L)

After breakfast, meet your driver for a comfortable transfer to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accompanied by your guide, explore a remarkable collection of monuments reflecting the power and ambition of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who transformed Meknes into the capital of his vast empire in the 17th century, including the magnificent Bab Mansour Gate, widely regarded as the most beautiful gateway in Morocco, the lively El Hedim Square, the impressive Royal Granaries (Heri es-Souani), and the revered Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.

Following some free time for lunch and a chance to soak up the city’s atmosphere, continue your journey to Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart. Upon arrival, transfer to your riad and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight at Riad Marjana Suites & Spa

Saturday, April 4

FES ANCIENT MEDINA & TIMELESS TRADITIONS (B)

Today, immerse yourself in the rich culture of Morocco with a full-day exploration of Fes. Also known as Fes el Bali, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in the 9th century and is home to the world’s oldest university, reaching its peak economic and cultural prominence in the 13th and 14th centuries under the Merinid dynasty. While the political capital moved to Rabat in 1912, Fes has preserved its role as the country’s artisan hub.

The artisan workshops in the medina remain as vibrant and productive as they were a century ago, with crafts such as blacksmithing, leatherworking, ceramics, silk weaving, tapestry making, and sculpting still proudly practiced today. The city’s original ramparts continue to safeguard the ancient heart of Fes, where an estimated 9,000 narrow passageways and bustling streets beckon you to explore its timeless charm.

Sunday, April 5

FES – IFRANE – LAKE AGUELMAM (B,D)

This morning, enjoy a hands-on pottery workshop offering a fun introduction to the traditional ceramic arts of Fès, one of Morocco’s most renowned craft centers. Guided by local artisans, learn basic techniques such as hand-shaping, molding, and decorating clay, and create your own small ceramic piece to take home as a souvenir.

Then, leaving Fes behind, journey through the beautiful landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains, where rolling hills, cedar forests, and traditional Berber villages create some of Morocco’s most picturesque scenery. Your first stop is Ifrane, a charming mountain town often called the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine-inspired architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Continue through dense cedar forests and panoramic mountain vistas to Midelt, nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, where you’ll enjoy free time for lunch.

In the afternoon, travel to the stunning Aguelmam Sidi Ali, one of Morocco’s most beautiful high-altitude lakes, surrounded by forests, rolling hills, and dramatic mountain scenery – a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Atlas Mountains.

Overnight at Hotel Xaluca SPA Aguelmame Sidi Ali

Monday, April 6

LAKE AGUELMAM – ZIZ VALLEY – MERZOUGA (B,D)RAL IMMERSION (B,L,D)

After breakfast, depart Aguelmam Sidi Ali and travel south through the ever-changing landscapes of the Middle Atlas Mountains towards Errachidia, watching as forested mountains and highland plateaus gradually give way to the palm groves, kasbahs, and desert horizons of southern Morocco.

Continue into the spectacular Ziz Valley, one of Morocco’s largest and most impressive oasis valleys, famous for its endless date palms, traditional fortified villages, and dramatic viewpoints. Arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon, at the edge of the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes, where you’ll choose between a traditional camel trek across the golden sands or a comfortable 4×4 transfer to your desert camp.
Settle into your private tent and embrace the silence and beauty of the desert. As evening falls, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner followed by an atmospheric Amazigh music performance around the campfire, beneath a sky filled with stars.

Overnight at Luxury Camp Chebbi

Tuesday, April 7

SAHARA: NOMADS, MUSIC & DESERT HORIZONS (B,D)

After breakfast, set out to discover the cultural and natural treasures surrounding Merzouga, beginning with Khamlia, a small village renowned for its vibrant Gnawa heritage and home to descendants of sub-Saharan communities who settled in the region centuries ago, offering a rare chance to experience an authentic live Gnawa music performance.

Continue by 4×4 across the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes, following sections of the legendary Paris–Dakar Rally route through dramatic desert scenery, with stops at former kohl mines, abandoned settlements, and scenic viewpoints. A highlight of the day is a visit with a nomadic family, offering a rare insight into their traditions and way of life. The journey continues to Rissani, a historic oasis town and former capital of the Tafilalt region, where you can explore the traditional market and sample the famous Berber pizza.

Return to camp in the afternoon for time at leisure, then watch the sunset transform the dunes into shades of gold and amber before another evening of traditional dinner and music around the campfire.

Wednesday, April 8

MERZOUGA – TODRA GORGES – DADES VALLEY (B,D)

Wake early for a breathtaking sunrise over the Merzouga sand dunes before breakfast at camp. The journey continues to Erfoud, known for its ancient fossil quarries, where skilled artisans craft marine relics into beautiful objects. Next, explore El Khorbat, a traditional adobe ksar where narrow alleyways reveal a preserved way of life, then head to the dramatic Todra Gorges, where towering cliffs and a flowing river invite a relaxing walk.

In the afternoon, follow the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs into the fragrant Valley of Roses, home to rose-based products and age-old traditions, before arriving in the serene Dades Valley for the evening.

Overnight at Xaluca Hotel

Thursday, April 9

DADES VALLEY – ATLAS MOUNTAINS – MARRAKECH (B)

Begin the day exploring the striking Dades Gorges, following the river through dramatic rock formations, ancient kasbahs, and Berber villages. The journey continues to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco” for its famous film studios, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of Kasbah Taourirt.

Just outside Ouarzazate lies the iconic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll have time to wander its narrow alleys and climb to the top for sweeping valley views. In the afternoon, cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, arriving in Marrakech by evening to explore the lively magic of Jemaa el-Fna Square before settling in for the night.

Overnight at Riad & SPA Bahia Salam

Friday, April 10

MARRAKECH: SOUKS, STORIES & FLAVORS (B,D)

Step into the heart of old Marrakech, where time slows among the winding, labyrinthine streets of the ancient medina. Let your guide lead you through the vibrant souks before visiting the magnificent Bahia Palace, a 19th-century architectural gem adorned with intricate mosaic walls and hand-carved ceilings. Continue to the Medersa Ben Youssef, a former Quranic school celebrated for its breathtaking Arab-Andalusian design.

Later, find tranquility in the iconic Majorelle Garden, a lush oasis painted in vibrant cobalt blue and filled with rare botanicals. Before the day ends, immerse yourself in the captivating energy of Jemaa el-Fna Square as it comes alive at sunset with street performers, storytellers, musicians, and food stalls.

In the afternoon, embark on a private food tour through the medina, exploring hidden food stalls, aromatic spice markets, and family-run eateries with a local expert guide. Savor authentic Moroccan delicacies, from warm khobz and slow-cooked tagines to crispy maakouda, and sip sweet mint tea on a rooftop terrace as food becomes your lens into Moroccan life.

Saturday, April 11

MARRAKECH: COOKING, HAMMAM & FAREWELL (B,L,D)

Immerse yourself in the rich flavors and traditions of Moroccan cuisine with a hands-on cooking class guided by a local chef. Begin by visiting a local market to select fresh spices and ingredients, then step into a welcoming kitchen to prepare an authentic meal from fragrant tagines to fresh Moroccan salads and hand-rolled couscous, using age-old techniques passed down through generations. Enjoy the fruits of your labor accompanied by mint tea and lively conversation.

This afternoon, an optional Hammam Experience awaits for those seeking a traditional Moroccan wellness ritual: a soothing steam bath, gentle exfoliation with a traditional Kessa glove, cleansing with natural Moroccan black soap, and a full-body Rhassoul clay mask, concluding with a relaxing cup of Moroccan mint tea.

This evening, join us for a memorable farewell dinner at a traditional local restaurant, celebrating the end of the journey together with authentic Moroccan cuisine, warm hospitality, and shared memories.

Sunday, April 12

DEPARTURE FROM MARRAKECH (B)

After breakfast we will have a transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport.

$5395 per person in a shared room
$5995 for a single room ($600 supplement)

$750 non-refundable deposit
$2300 due by Nov 1, 2026
$2345 (+ single supplement if applicable) due Jan 1, 2026

Send your check to Susan Duval, 200 Spruce St, Apt C5, Doylestown PA 18901.
OR by Zelle to SusanDuvalSeminars@gmail.com
OR by Venmo (full payment) to Susan-Duval-2
OR by credit card via Paypal – add 3.5%.  Please speak to Susan for exact amounts.

CONTACT SUSAN FOR A REGISTRATION FORM
Call 267-614-6012 cell or email SusanDuvalSeminars@gmail.com

• Hotel accommodations for 11 nights
• PRIVATE Motor coach 
• Airport Transfers
• English speaking tour guides
• 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners

• International flights
• Travel & Health Insurance
• Meals not mentioned in tour description
• Alcohol and soft drinks
• Optional Hammam Experience
• Gratuities for guides and drivers

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The purchase of trip cancellation / emergency medical travel insurance is HIGHLY recommended. No one likes to buy it, but if you need it, you’ll be REALLY happy you have it.

If you have pre-existing conditions, it’s best to select a policy that covers you for them. Call customer service for assistance within 10 days of paying the deposit.

Insure My Trip covers all ages, including people age 70 and up, and gives you various policies to choose from. Call 800-487-4722.

Other reputable companies are Travel Guard, WithFaye, and Allianz.