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Escorted Tours

Imperial Cities of Morocco


Route:
  • UK
  • Marrakech
  • Casablanca
  • Fez
  • Beni Mellal
  • Marrakech
  • UK
Tour Pace:

8 DAYS from £899pp

Tour Highlights
  • City tours of Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech
  • Explore Fez's ancient medina
  • Experience the breath-taking Ouzoud Waterfalls
  • Journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains
  • Visit the historic settlement of Meknes and Roman ruins of Volubilis
  • Witness snake charmers, dancers and musicians in Djemaa El Fnaa Square

To book call us on 0330 818 8907

Imperial Cities of Morocco

Uncover Morocco's colourful cultural offerings as you explore ancient medinas, spice-filled souks and dramatic Moorish architecture. Indulge your senses on this 8-day tour which incorporates the historic sights of Casablanca, breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains and the palaces, tombs and souks of Fez and Marrakech.

Tour Itinerary

1
UK to Marrakech

Depart London on your scheduled flight to Marrakech. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, arriving in time for your first dinner in Morroco's atmospheric capital city.

  • Dinner
2
Marrakech to Casablanca

After breakfast, journey north to Morocco's largest city, Casablanca, and uncover this modern metropolis stretching along the Atlantic coastline. On arrival, wander around the League of Arab States Park, a verdant area dotted with palm trees, before continuing to the Notre Dame de Lourdes Church with its exquisite stained-glass windows. Passing the busy shopping area of the Habous Quarter, you will arrive at the esplanade of the magnificent Hassan II Mosque which boasts the world's tallest minaret. Check into your hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
3
Casablanca to Fez

After breakfast, travel to Rabat for a half-day city tour of Morocco's colourful capital city. Visit the Hassan Tower, a 12th century minaret built from distinctive red sandstone and one of the few parts remaining from the original Hassan Mosque, then explore the nearby mausoleum of Mohammed V with its stunning mahogany domes and intricate gold leaf decorations. Travel onward to the ancient Roman town of Volubilis, the country's best-preserved archaeological site. Wander past crumbling pillars and intricately laid mosaics then delve deeper into Morocco's historical fabric on a visit to Meknes. There, explore the settlement of the ruthless tyrant Sultan Moulay Ismail who founded this imperial city for his harem of 500 wives and 12,000 horses. View the Sultan's resting place, which boasts some of Morocco's best craftsmanship, mosaics and stucco then journey to Fez, arriving in time for dinner.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
4
Fez

Brimming with history, numerous civilisations have settled or passed through Fez, leaving a legacy of palaces, mosques and museums filled with precious treasures. Begin your full-day city tour at the ancient medina of Fez, home to the architecturally rich Andalucian Quarter. Traverse some of the 9,000 streets of this maze-like district, passing some of the city's oldest and most esteemed mosques and religious schools, including the 1,200-year-old Al Kairouyine university and grandiose El Qaraoyin Mosque. The city is alive with traditional crafts and a visit to a local tannery provides a fascinating insight into the sights and smells of a craft that has remained unchanged for centuries.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
5
Fez to Beni Mellal

Bidding farewell to Fez this morning, journey past the small town of Azrou, enjoying fantastic views of the area's shimmering lakes and dense cedar forests on a spectacularly scenic drive. Arrive in Beni Mellal, tucked away in the Middle Atlas Mountains, in time for dinner at your hotel.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
6
Beni Mellal to Marrakech

Depart for Marrakech this morning, stopping first at the breath-taking Ouzoud Falls, set within the friendly Berber village of Tanaghmeilt. Take in this 3-tiered waterfall and the surrounding valleys, caves and gorges, keeping an eye for resident apes who drink from these waters. Check into your hotel in the ochre-coloured city of Marrakech and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at leisure. Later this evening, visit the world-famous Djemaa El Fnaa Square and witness the vast esplanade transform from a day market to an immense show of dancers, musicians, soothsayers, snake charmers and dancing monkeys.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
7
Marrakech

Today's tour takes you to the El Bahia Palace and tombs of the Saadian princes, then on to Dar El Basha Quarter to see its traditional Moroccan restaurants. Peruse the basketwork, dried fruit, spices and fabrics of Kessabine and Smarine souks (markets) and explore the ancient, former slave market of Rahba Kedima Square, where locals arrive in droves to buy potions for magic spells and ingredients ranging from bark to chameleons. While dinner is provided at the hotel, an optional evening of belly dancing and folklore is also available (at a fee).

  • Breakfast & Dinner
8
Marrakech to the UK

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or continue on to your extension.

  • Breakfast

Your Meals

Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner where stated will be taken at local restaurants or at your hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes.

Important Information

Visas

A visa is not required for your trip to Morocco. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

Payment

If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

Flight Information

Your flight will be departing from and returning to London Gatwick, with EasyJet.
Baggage allowance (per person): Each passenger is entitled to 23kg of hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage not exceeding 56cm x 35cm x 22cm in size one personal item (such as a handbag or laptop case) not exceeding 43cm x 22cm x 25cm. Weight restrictions will be finalised on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure.
IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.
If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.

Health and Vaccinations

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

Physical Accessibility

This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves climbing steep stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

Group Size

The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 30. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

Tour Guide

This is a fully escorted tour meaning that you will be met by a local guide in each of the cities that you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

Currency Information

The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham which is a closed currency and will need to be exchange in resort. Cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency.

Personal Expenses

You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any dinners where these are not mentioned in your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £200-£300 per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour. Tipping is not compulsory and is at your discretion. We would recommend approximately 150DHS (£11.00) per person which is split between the drive and guide. Should you wish to tip, this will be collected by your guide at the end of your tour for your convenience. It is asked that if you do not tip in the local currency, please do not give coins as these are difficult to exchange.

Tour Dates & Prices

Depart UKArrive UKPrice
2024 Dates
08 May 202415 May 2024SOLD OUT
05 Jun 202412 Jun 2024£1069.00
10 Jul 202417 Jul 2024£1139.00
07 Aug 202414 Aug 2024£1139.00
11 Sep 202418 Sep 2024£1079.00
09 Oct 202416 Oct 2024£1039.00
06 Nov 202413 Nov 2024£899.00

Included in the Price

  • Local English-speaking Guides
  • Scheduled Flights from the UK.
  • All internal travel including air-conditioned/heated transportation.
  • Accommodation, meals as specified and entry fees to all sights.
  • All airport taxes and security charges.

Additional Expenses

  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Tips
  • Any meals not specified in your itinerary
Itinerary changes

The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, the order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.

What to expect

Fact File
Currency

Moroccan Dirham

Average Flying time

3 - 3 ½hours

Min/Max temperature

13 °C / 24 °C

Spoken languages

Arabic, French and English

When to go

Weather can vary throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.

Casablanca

Fez

Marrakech

What to pack
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunhat
  • Waterproof lightweight jacket
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera and charger
  • A plug adaptor - the electricity in Morocco is 220 V. You will need a round 2-pin plug adapter
Customer Rating:
/10
David Trevethick
19th Apr 2020

We were well lookedafter from start to finish. It was just unfortunate that Covid-19 intervened. The Mercury rep met us at the airport on arrival and stayed with us when we left. Hamsa our guide was excellent, and looked after us above and beyond, especially when we had to stay in our room at the end. Driver was excellent.

Customer Rating:
10/10
G Thomas
1st Apr 2020

The guide was excellent caring for us very well in difficult circumstances. When places closed he found alternatives for us which still made a super holiday. Ihsan was a godsend ensuring we were able to get on our BA flight home when flights were being cancelled.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Jane Day
22nd Mar 2020

Our guide for the tour was marvellous, very reassuring re flights, a good sense of humour and very knowledgeable,

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Jennifer Shailes
19th Mar 2020

Hamza, who was our guide, deserves a medal for his outstanding efforts. A natural communicator with a sense of humour too, he was personable and caring from the start. He was a brilliant guide explaining all the history, politics, architecture, folklore,etc, as it became relevant and showing us his beautiful country with amazing knowledge. When we asked questions he was incredibly informative and even found out more answers from other sources about the wildlife for some of our group.
We will always be grateful for having Hamza as our guide. An absolute gem! Thank you.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
J Chainey
4th Feb 2020

The food in the hotel in Fes was limited, the hotels could have been warmer apart from Agadir. Appreciate that a lot of travelling on the coach was required to get from A to B no problem with us. Tour guide and driver were excellent.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Melinda Zaharia
23rd Jan 2020

Very good service. Everything was very nice, the guide Hamza very helpful and good knowledge about the sights, the driver very professional,we enjoy every day and everything was very well organised

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Ann Jackson
21st Nov 2019

well worth doing

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Asiya Ali-akbar
27th Sep 2019

Our guide Hassan was amazing and so patient and helpful and he was able to take into account everyone's walking abilities. He was constantly counting us making sure he'd lost nobody as the group was around 25. He also helped out in the restaurants when we had lunch outside. Our driver was excellent and very experienced and we felt safe with him on narrow and winding roads where mopeds were all over the place. We were so lucky to have a great group - everyone was so friendly and helpful to each other. We dined with different people most nights and nobody felt left out. Apart from of course "there's always one". One lady (becky) gave our guide a very hard time and every other staff at the hotels as soon as we arrived there with her moans and demands. Such selfish behaviour.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
7.5/10
Anuraja Wijesekera
23rd Nov 2018

the hotels were good including the food

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Tour Map
Imperial Cities of Morocco Route Map
Tour Dossiers
Extensions
  • Morocco
    Atlas Mountains Mini Tour

    3 nights from £349pp

    View
  • Morocco
    Agadir Beach Stay

    4 nights from £369pp

    View
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Hotels & Accommodation

Extensions

Atlas Mountains Mini Tour
Tour Route
  • UK
  • Marrakech
  • Casablanca
  • Fez
  • Beni Mellal
  • Marrakech
  • Atlas Mountains
  • UK

Travel through the Atlas Mountains into the Sahara Desert. Visit Kasbahs, ancient palaces and Berber villages & enjoy camel rides across the sand dunes. Staying in a luxury tent, riad and 4-star hotel with 3 dinners included.

3 nights
from £349pp
View Tour + Extension
View Tour + Extension
Agadir Beach Stay
Tour Route
  • UK
  • Marrakech
  • Casablanca
  • Fez
  • Beni Mellal
  • Marrakech
  • Agadir
  • UK

Relax at the end of your Morocco tour and spend some time in the charming town of Agadir. This popular beach resort is famed for its whitewashed buildings and long stretches of golden sand beach.

4 nights
from £369pp
View Tour + Extension
View Tour + Extension