Morocco's Souks & Sahara
Morocco | October 2026 SOLD OUT!
Enchanting to the end
Capture the essence of Morocco – the colour, history, contrasts and style – on this jam-packed journey. Rich with immersion and full of surprises you will travel from the Atlantic Coast, through ancient Imperial cities and desert landscapes against the backdrop of the spectacular Atlas Mountains.
Commencing in Rabat we will travel directly to the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Fès, where we will be transported back to medieval times as we stroll through the labyrinthine alleyways of the 1200-year-old Medina and explore this eclectic city and its surrounds. Travelling south we’ll sink into sands of the Sahara Desert, riding on camels, off roading in a thrilling four-wheel drive experience, and sleeping in a luxury tented camp beneath an inky, star-filled sky. The atmosphere of the desert at night is every bit as enchanting as you imagine. Rounding out our journey in Marrakech we will indulge in the diverse cultural influences that have shaped this fascinating country – learning to cook authentic cuisine, shopping our way through the souks, strolling through the Majorelle gardens and spending time with the Berber people in the High Atlas Mountains.
Enjoying a combination of the very best riads, hotels and luxury camps along the way, this is your chance to lose yourself in the ancient cultures and shifting sands of Al Maghrib, the ancient Arabic name for Morocco, meaning “far west where the sun sets.”
Please note: We have crafted an option extension to Tunisia to offer an even richer deep dive into the enchanting culture of ancient North Africa. See Taste of Tunisia.
You will love
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Rich and diverse history
- Fascinating culture & cuisine
- Incredible, other-worldly landscapes
- Retail therapy at its best
- Small group departure hosted by Sarah Hoyland
- Optional extension to Tunisia. See Tunisian Trails.
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
14 ENCHANTING DAYS
2026 IS SOLD OUT
Our September 2026 journey is now sold out! We will be returning to Morocco in March 2027. If you would like to be the first to know when that tour launches, or if you would like to be placed on the waitlist for September 2026, please click here.
DAY 1 | SAT 17 OCTOBER | RABAT | 2 NIGHTS
Welcome to Morocco. On arrival at Casablanca airport you will be met in arrivals and driven to Rabat (approx. 1 hr) to settle into Riad Dar Shâan. Depending on your arrival time, we will head out to visit the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas, enjoying a mint tea at Café Maure before returning to our riad for a hosted, welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Riad Dar Shâan
DAY 3 | MON 19 OCTOBER | FÈS | 3 NIGHTS
After a morning visit to view the highlights of Rabat, followed by lunch we will drive to the Imperial city of Fès often referred to as the cradle of Moroccan culture for its role in preserving rich traditions and craftsmanship within its ancient medina. Check in to Barceló Fès Medina for some time at leisure before dinner.
Accommodation: Riad & Spa Dar Bensouda – 3 nights including breakfast
DAY 4 | TUE 20 OCTOBER | FÈS
Step out today for a private walking tour of the medieval Medina of Fès.
Entering the souks of Fès is like stepping back in time. The narrow streets twist and turn like a maze, with stores and shops lining the tangle of alleyways. Covering one of the world’s largest car-free areas, the cacophony of sounds, blend of unknown aromas, rich colours, and thronging crowd of people is intoxicating!
Our escorted walking tour will take us along the labyrinth of paths and alleyways to old mosques amongst stores and markets filled with shoppers, donkeys, and people going about their daily routines. We will observe communal bread ovens and have the opportunity to sample a vast selection of olives, dates, pastries, fruits, and other typically Moroccan flavours while visiting all of the historic sites within the walls of this ancient city.
DAY 5 | WED 21 OCTOBER | FÈS
Today we will visit the former Imperial City of Meknes, Moulay Idriss and Roman ruins at the World Heritage Site of Volubilis – a significant Roman city where the foundations and mosaics of large Roman villas, many featuring atriums and gardens similar to Moroccan riads, are still visible. Returning to our hotel we will have time to relax and take a dip in the pool before preparing for dinner at the beautiful Riad Masion Blue.
DAY 6 | THU 22 OCTOBER | MERZOUGA | 1 NIGHT
Depart Fès this morning and hit the road for Midelt, set in the high plains between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountain ranges, then Errachidia, known as the gateway to the desert with the palm-filled Ziz Valley and authentic glimpses into traditional Berber life.
Arriving in Merzouga, you will feel as though you’ve been transported into a magical, biblical land, as you climb aboard your camel for a ride into the desert, and dine by soft lamp light to live Gnawa music. Sink into your feather-soft bed under luxuriant canvas and absorb the electric silence of the desert at night. Simply stunning!
Accommodation: Madu Luxury Desert Camp – 1 night including breakfast
DAY 7 | FRI 23 OCTOBER | SKOURA | 2 NIGHTS
After breakfast we depart for Skoura where ancient kasbahs meet epic landscapes. En route we will enjoy lunch with a local family in Tinghir and stop to drink in the cool shade and scenic beauty of the Todra Gorge.
Accommodation: Ksar el Kabbabba – 2 nights including breakfast
DAY 8 | SAT 24 OCTOBER | SKOURA
After a relaxed start to our day we will enjoy a hands-on cooking class in the kasbah kitchen where we will learn to prepare breads, pastries and tagines before dining on our culinary creations for lunch! The afternoon is then at leisure to relax in our graceful kasbah-inspired hotel indulging in a hammam or simply sitting by the pool, or you may wish to explore the local area under your own steam. From the hotel, you are perfectly placed to explore the cinematic landscapes that have made this region famous.
DAY 9 | SUN 25 OCTOBER | MARRAKECH | 5 NIGHTS
This morning we visit the UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou, a striking fortress of earthen clay along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. From here we will cross over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi’n’Tichka Pass, before descending into Marrakech by late afternoon.
Dinner will be at our hotel tonight.
Accommodation: Riad XO – 5 nights including breakfast
DAY 10 | MON 26 OCTOBER | MARRAKECH
After breakfast we set off on a walking tour of Marrakech to take in the famous Koutoubia Minaret, the 12th-century Kasbah (fortress), the 16th-century monument site of the Saadian Tombs and we will explore the mellah (Jewish quarter).
We take lunch in the middle of the souk in a fabulous rooftop café and then you will be let loose to explore at leisure (or you can stick with the guide who is on hand to help you navigate the souks). We will set a rendezvous point for dinner this evening.
DAY 11 | TUE 27 OCTOBER | MARRAKECH
An optional perfume workshop is on offer this morning for those who wish to create their very own signature scent. ,Once complete we will all explore the world-famous Majorelle Gardens – once the private home of painter Jacques Majorelle. The Majorelle Gardens are one of the most visited sites in all of Marrakech, with the fascinating onsite Berber Museum a must, and the nearby YSL Museum included in our morning tour. The boutique stores across the road are also definitely worth browsing before we return to our riad for an afternoon at leisure. For those who seek more retail therapy we can also return to the souk if you wish before gathering for dinner this evening.
DAY 12 | WED 28 OCTOBER | MARRAKECH
Heading out of the city we meander through the valleys at the foot of Mount Toubkal, Morocco’s highest mountain, which rises 4,165 metres above sea level and remains snow capped for most of the year.
We will delve deep into a traditional Berber market to encounter traditional village life before taking a short hike to a traditional Berber home to enjoy mint tea, fresh baked bread and hummus. This is not a strenuous hike, but a degree of fitness is required.
In the afternoon we will return to Marrakech and later, enjoy dinner at an elegant but relaxed, lovely rooftop terrace.
DAY 13 | THU 29 OCTOBER | MARRAKECH
Today we embark on a ‘souks and crafts’ tour in the old medina, exploring the maze of alleyways and narrow streets that make up the souk. Here sellers offer everything from spice, sandalwood, and black soap to clothing, baskets, leather goods, furniture, lanterns, fabrics, pottery, and almost anything else you could wish for.
A farewell dinner will be hosted at a fabulous restaurant in the heart of the medina this evening!
DAY 14 | FRI 30 OCTOBER | Departure
Today marks the end of our Moroccan journey. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before transferring to Casablanca for outbound flights – home to Australia or onward to Tunisia to join our ‘Taste of Tunisia’ week long exploration.
Wishing you a safe flight and ‘shukran’ (thank you) for sharing this wonderful adventure!
FURTHER INFORMATION
To request the whole adventure brought to life in a vibrant, full-colour itinerary please click here
NEED TO KNOW
AUD 10,790 per person twin share | AUD 14,760 per person single room
Start: Casablanca
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Finish: Casablanca
HOSTED BY ‘JOURNEYS FOR WOMEN’ FOUNDER, SARAH HOYLAND
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR JOURNEY
- All four Imperial Cities: Rabat, Fès, Meknes & Marrakech
- The remarkably preserved Roman ruins of Volubilis
- Tasting Tour + Artisan Tour + Heritage walking tour of the ancient city of Fès
- Fès’ outdoor tannery where leather is dried, dyed & crafted
- Traditional Moroccan Tagine cooking class
- Guided visit of Aït Benhaddou – UNESCO-listed ksar
- Four-wheel drive desert excursion across the dunes with sunset camel ride
- Desert dining under the stars – traditional music & fireside tea ceremony
- Overland journey via the High Atlas – Tizi n’ Tichka Pass – with photo stops
- Wandering the world-famous Marjorelle Gardens
- Visiting both the Berber & YSL Museums
- Option to create your signature scent in Musée du Parfum
- Walking through Berber Villages in the High Atlas
- Historical walking tours of Marrakech, including the famous Djemaa El Fna square
- A guided tour of the famous Marrakech souk with plenty of time to shop
- Discovering Morocco’s rich & diverse history
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites… plural!
- Retail therapy at its absolute best!
- Travelling with a small group of like-minded ladies
- And even more surprises…
Inclusions
- Escorted by Sarah Hoyland, Director of The Classic Safari Company
- 13 nights in handpicked riads, a kasbah & a luxury tented camp
- Breakfast daily + selected lunches & dinners as per the detailed itinerary
- Bottled water whilst touring
- Airport arrival & departure transfers on dates specified to/from Emirates/Qantas (or trip start/end flights) on arrival & departure days
- Land transportation in air-conditioned private vehicle throughout
- All sightseeing hosted by an English-speaking Moroccan guide & all entrance fees to sites outlined
- All gratuities for porters & group restaurant meals whilst on tour
- Once-in-a-lifetime experiences throughout the journey
- Small group of like-minded travellers
Exclusions
- International air arrangements plus all applicable pre-paid departure taxes
- Travel insurance & individual health requirements
- Additional meals & snacks + all drinks not expressly included
- Room or flight upgrades
- Transfers to any flight other than the specified arrival/departure flights
- Laundry, personal purchases & any camera/phone fees where applicable
- Discretionary tips for driver & lead guide (budget AUD350 per person)
- Items of a personal nature & any item not specified
Terms and conditions apply – please click here for full details.
This tour departs with a minimum of 8 people and a maximum of 12 people (plus host).
A single-room supplement of AUD 3,970 applies if you are travelling solo and wish to secure your own room.
The price is subject to change due to currency fluctuation and unforeseen changes beyond our control.
We reserve the right, due to situations beyond our control, to substitute any hotel or boat with another of comparable quality – this would be advised as soon as possible.
All quoted airfares & taxes are subject to change at any time prior to, or at the time of, ticketing.
Australian & New Zealand passport holders do NOT require a visa for Morocco for a stay of up to 90 days. A visa must be obtained online before arrival. If you do not travel on an Australian or New Zealand passport, please be sure to let us know.
Hosted by...
Sarah Hoyland
Firstly thank you for introducing me to the wonderful tours of the Secret Women's Series. The trip was superbly organised, the hotels brilliant and activities, informative and spectacular. This definitely won't be the last trip that I take.
Kris Isemonger
Sarah was full of fun, life ideas, knowledge and of course madly making it all happen seamlessly for us!! So so appreciate everything you did for us, our survey was just full points on every score because everything to do with the trip was full points on every score!
Jacquie Randall
Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford family
Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.
Elizabeth Mackintosh
Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip.
Jenny Kidd
Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!
Ros Wheeler
Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.
Tim Bradley
You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!
Buckingham Family
Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.
Ron & Alison Guthrie
An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!
Sheryl & Robert Taylor
Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.
Andrew & Pip Stevens
If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.
Miriam & Joseph Harrison
