DAY 1: ARRIVE CASABLANCA, MOROCCO
Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to your luxurious accommodations, designed with contemporary styling and traditional Moroccan accents. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in this exotic setting, the inspiration for the eponymous 1942 Humphrey Bogart film.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca
DAY 2: RABAT & FES
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 worshipers; 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 Fes for a special cocktail reception. Then, sit down to a welcome dinner, joined by a female professor who shares her insights on the role of women in modern Morocco, an A&K-exclusive experience.
Accommodation: Palais Faraj Suites & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: FES
Explore Fes el-Bali (Old Fes), the cultural heart of Morocco. Founded in the eighth century by Moulay Idris I, this imperial capital was a renowned centre of medieval learning. Stroll the old quarter, with its 9,000 narrow lanes, alleys and souks, on a market visit of exceeding authenticity. Watching local craftsmen in action — working with bronze and pottery — makes for an engaging artisan visit as well. 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 Fes el-Jadid (New Fes), where you see the Royal Palace, madrasas (Islamic schools) and mellah (Jewish quarter).
Accommodation: Palais Faraj Suites & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4: VOLUBILIS
Journey overland to explore Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. With its triumphal arches, basilicas and capitals, the Volubilis skyline brims with iconic examples of Roman architecture. Among its greatest treasures, however, are the 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. Proceed to a winery outside Meknes for a Chef ’s Table experience at an on-site restaurant set among the region’s sunbathed vineyards and olive groves. Return to Fes, with your evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Palais Faraj Suites & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5: ERFOUD
Travel to small, desert-fringed Erfoud, pausing for lunch en route and marvelling at everyday life as you pass Berber villages, endless date palm plantations and the majestic Atlas Mountains. After the day’s scenic drive, settle into your hotel before gathering for dinner this evening. Tonight’s meal is prepared with locally sourced, organic ingredients.
Accommodation: L’Hotel by Chateau de Sable
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: THE SAHARA
This morning, discover the fortified desert town of Rissani. Continue into the desert dunes of the Sahara, at first by four-wheel-drive vehicle, amid stunning reddish-hued sand dunes that reach up to 152 metres high, creating an otherworldly landscape. Then, switch modes of transport and Ride Like a Local, camelback, to your nomadic tented camp, where a reception with mint tea and pastries awaits you. As the sun sets over the Saharan dunes, celebrate your unforgettable desert foray with a Scenic Sundowner. Return to your camp for a traditional meal before a campfire, along with distinctively Moroccan entertainment. Then, slumber in comfort as the sounds of the desert lull you to sleep.
Accommodation: A&K Exclusive Desert Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
