grand tour & kasbah route

Land of Kasbahs. Exploring the High Atlas Mountains’ fortifications

Last Updated on October 21, 2023 by

Imazighen , aka the High Atlas Mountains, are North Africa’s highest mountain range. Homeland of the Berbers, they are affectionately called by them as Idraren Draren , the ‘mountains of mountains’, and it needs just a second to understand why. Crossing Morocco for more than 1000 km the Atlas Mountains act as a powerful barrier in between Morocco’s coastal areas and the immense stretch of the Sahara Desert. A place of intense beauty made of tortuous passes, fertile valleys and sky-high peaks. Exploring the High Atlas Mountains means take the road less traveled to immerse into the indigenous Berber culture. Because the path less traveled is always my favourite direction, this blog will take you through an amazing Morocco’s Road of a Thousand Kasbahs itinerary for your next trip of a lifetime.

Table of Contents

Kasbahs and Ksars. The historical fortifications of Morocco

While in Europe we have Castles, in Morocco there are Kasbahs (and all the word variations of it). Indeed, Kasbah , qasaba or alcazaba (in Spanish) means all the same thing: fortification. However, the term is historically flexible. This means it could indicate various types of fortified architectural examples. In the case of Morocco, there are three different types of kasbah: the fortified citadel, the fortified residence or a walled royal quarter. Some of them may include also a fortified village that is called Ksar.

Fortified kasbah-citadels of Morocco

There are not many examples of fortified kasbah-citadels in Morocco. These are usually built on elevated positions and may include palatial architectural elements and private spaces such as a mosque, hammam or even private residences in addition to the military spaces.

A notable example is the Kasbah of the Oudayas in the capital, Rabat. This dates between 1150 or 1151 and it was purposely built with the intent of being a fortified citadel. Despite the original project was largely abandoned a few years later. A further example is the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella . This was built at the top of a mountain by Sultan Mohamed Ech-Cheikh Al-Saadi. Unfortunately, following a big earthquake in 1960, only the main gate and walls of this Kasbah survived. Although an important renovation project aims to rebuilt the Kasbah to its splendour and now it’s partially visitable.

A last example is the Kasbah of Chefchaouen . Although now is less visible compared to the past, this fortification is the oldest part of the city and used to be on an elevated position compared to the village. However, now it appears surrounded by the city’s dwellings in a quite central position. Therefore, the sense of defensive fortification has a little been lost. Indeed, the Kasbah now hosts a curated Andalusian-style garden and the Center for Research and Andalusian Studies.

Fortified kasbah-residences of Morocco

The fortified kasbah-residences are the predominant architectural type in Morocco. A few of these include also their fortified villages (i.e. the Ksar of Ait Benhaddou). These fortifications are geographically located in the Berber regions around the Atlas Mountains. Particularly in the area of the Draa Valley. There are so many fortifications that the road crossing this part of Morocco is nicknamed as “the road of a thousand kasbahs”. As this is the main topic of this article, I’ll discuss it in more depth below. So, keep reading!

Fortified Royal-Quarters of Morocco

The term Kasbah in Morocco refers also to a walled part of the city that includes the palace of the ruler and/or the administrative/political centre of the state. Morocco has three fine example of this type of architecture.

Marrakech Kasbah

The Kasbah of Marrakech occupies a large part of the southern side of the Medina. This currently hosts Dar al-Makhzen , which is the residence of the King of Morocco (that he uses when visit the city). The original Almohad Kasbah dates back to the 11th century and still preserves various architectural elements of this period. This includes its main entrance Bab Agnaou , the Kasbah Mosque and several surviving walls. During the Saadian Period (16th-17th centuries) the ruler dynasty renewed and enlarged the original Kasbah. They built new premises, including within the walled structure the Saadian Tombs and Badi Palace.

Kasbahs of Fes

The second example of walled district built in Morocco is in Fes. It is recorded that Fes used to have not one, but 13 kasbahs! Unfortunately, of these unique Moroccan fortifications only 2 survive today. One of them is Kasbah An-Nouar . This Kasbah was built in the 12th century by the fourth Almohad caliph, Muhammad al-Nasir as part of its attempt to fortify Fes. A second fortification called Kasbah Bou Jeloud. This used to occupy the part of the city where now lies the famous Blue Gate of Fes. The second surviving fortification is Kasbah Cherarda . This dates back to 17th and was used mainly as a military fort.

Tangier Kasbah

The last example is the Kasbah of Tangier. This was built on a much later date compared to the ones in Marrakech and Fes (around late 17th century). It used to host the political power in Tangier and still preserves the Kasbah mosque and the Kasbah Palace, which is currently repurposed as Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures .

The land of a Thousand Kasbahs

I am an adventurous traveler. Not one that travels just to check-off a landmark from her bucket list. I need more. I need the wind in my face, the adrenaline of a new adventure in unknown lands, I need the road less traveled and the risk of getting lost. So, when I heard that Morocco has more than 1000 Kasbahs sparse in the most remote areas of the High Atlas Mountains, I knew that was my next adventure. The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs was calling me. As a good historian, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to catch them all.

With a map on my phone and long days planning every single step of my Morocco 10 day itinerary, I soon realised my dream of visiting 1000 Kasbah was a little too ambitious. So, I opted for a more curated itinerary, which I hope will give you a good understanding of these amazing architectural jewels of the mountain.

The High Atlas Mountains on a Glance

The High Atlas Mountains belongs to the Atlas Mountains, the highest mountain range in North Africa. This mountain range is so vast that literally separates the Sahara Desert from the Coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean (which takes its names exactly from this mountains!!!). It expands for more than 1000 km crossing Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.

The section of crossing Morocco is divided into three parts: Anti-Atlas, High Atlas and Middle Atlas. The High Atlas section is the highest part of the mountain range. This is dominated by its highest peak, Jbel Toubkal, which rises at 4,167 mt above the sea level.

The High Atlas Mountains are inhabited by Berber tribes, which can be considered the “indigenous” population of the mountains. Indeed, it is historically recorded that Berbers, although called themselves with different names in the past, inhabited the Atlas Mountains at least since 5000 BC. The incredible fact is that they continuously kept their power on the mountains even when Morocco fell under different colonisers: Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, French.

The main language spoken in the Atlas Mountains (including the High Atlas) is the Amazigh/Tamazigh. The language of the Berbers. This language has ancient origins and it is estimated the first inscriptions dates back to 4th century BC. Nevertheless, because the language is mainly transmitted orally, linguists believe that Berber-speaking people have lived in North Africa since at least 3,000 BC.

Areas of Interest

Excluding the Kasbahs, of which we’ll discuss below, people visiting the High Atlas Mountains should definitely include the city of Ouarzazate. This is the biggest city of the area and place of interest for many famous Hollywood productions. Natural areas of interest in the High Atlas Mountains include the Toghda and Todra Gorges and the tortuous roads of the Dadès Gorges. To this, already famous list, I would personally include a stop in the luscious Ounila Valley and the Oasis of Skoura.

All you need to know to visit the High Atlas Mountains

Not many people decide to actively visit the High Atlas Mountains. Indeed, for most tourists they are just a passageway in between Marrakech and Ouarzazate/the Sahara Desert. Therefore, if you decide to stop along the way, there are a few useful information to know before getting on the road!

Getting to the High Atlas Mountains

Getting to the High Atlas Mountains requires to have a car. Indeed, there is no public transport (train, coaches) that reach this part of Morocco. This because coaches crossing this part of the mountain are not made for sightseeing but to get to a specific destination. Therefore, if you are planning a road trip to the High Atlas Mountains, the best thing to do is hire a car or hire a driver (with a car). Some Grand Taxis might reach the area too. However, you might have to agree in advance your planned stops. Moreover, be sure the driver understands your plans and doesn’t make any final surprise.

The closest major city to start your road trip is Marrakech. From here, reaching the Tizi n’Tichka pass, which is more or less halfway in the High Atlas, will take around 2 hours drive. If you are driving from Fez, an overnight to Marrakech is highly recommended. This will avoid you about 7 plus hours of continuous driving.

Keep in mind that if you are not driving, but prefer to hire a driver, expect to pay a minimum of £150 per day for his service. As we were touring Morocco for 10 days we opted for a car hire from Marrakech. This costed us around £500 (including the insurance).

SEPTEMBER 2023 UPDATE. Following the Earthquake happened on 8th September 2023, some areas of the High Atlas Mountains might not be reachable. Please check with local authorities if the places you want to visit have been affected by the earthquake or the road has been closed.

Driving in the High Atlas Mountains

I am not a good driver, so I left the challenging duty of navigating the winding roads of the Atlas Mountains to my lovely husband. This was definitely the best choice as the tortuous mountain passes and dangerous ravines would have been completely out of my reach to drive.

If you are planning a self driving tour of the High Atlas Mountains, be certain of your driving confidence. Indeed, a single mistake on those roads can be fatal. Moreover, make sure to save on Google Maps offline all the stops along the way you would like to do as there’s no much space for spontaneous stops on the road. So, it’s better to know in advance your itinerary.

Do I need a 4×4 to drive in Morocco?

Unless you want to drive very off-road, particularly in the desert area, a 4×4 is not strictly necessary. We rented a Dacia Logan and drove excellently even the steepest mountains road. Of course, in the end this is up to you. If you feel more confident having a 4×4, go for it! But most roads are perfectly fine to drive and for the gravel roads we drove very slowly.

Roads’ condition in the High Atlas Mountains

The condition of the roads is excellent for most of the driving length Marrakech-Ouarzazate. Indeed, this has been recently paved with new asphalt. Therefore there’s no risk of getting a flat tyre in the middle of nowhere (if you stick to the main road). The initial part of the High Atlas road (soon after you leave Marrakech) has still some roadworks.

This may cause a delay on the road and some uncomfortable parts to drive. Nothing major tough. From what I’ve been able to see, 90% of the road looks complete. I expect the entire road will be completed by next year as there were lots of people working hard on it!

Of course, when you’ll take a diversion, probably to visit one of the Kasbahs, don’t expect very nicely paved roads. Indeed, if you are lucky you’ll find gravel. Therefore, check your tyre pressure before going and don’t drive fast on those roads!

Most of the Kasbahs, are located in the area of Ouarzazate. In order to get there, you have to first drive up the mountain for about 2 hours, more or less until the Col du Tichka. Then, the road will start going down the pass on very winding roads until you reach a plateau leading you to Ouarzazate. This is called Draa Valley. Pay attention to the police and also local motorists who will try to overcome you on the most dangerous roads. We saw a lot of them and their speed was quite concerning. Stick to your position and drive carefully.

Tips for side Kasbahs visits

There is a high number of Kasbahs perched on the walls of the mountains. You’ll start seeing them as soon as you venture further into the mountains’ road. Some of them are in good status, some of them looks impossible to reach by car. Unfortunately, we didn’t dare that much in our itinerary. However, if you have the time and willing to visit them, make sure to mark your path before you start your driving. Indeed, the mobile reception might not be the best up there.

Best season to visit the High Atlas Mountains

The High Atlas Mountains have two different types of Alpine climate. On the one hand the highest part of the peaks from Jbel Toubkal until Imilchil, have an Oceanic climate. This means that in winter most of the mountains will be capped in snow and road conditions might not be always optimal for a drive. Snow falls from November until April with some occasional events later in the year. Depending on the snow, roads might be closed and rainfall could potentially affect your trip.

On the other hand, the central part of the High Atlas, from Azilal to Ouarzazate have a completely different climate. Indeed, Continental semi-arid climate make sure this lower part of the mountain have less precipitations with warm to cool winters and sometimes extremely hot summers. Nevertheless, this area is strongly subjected to the weather in the high peaks as you can’t access it in any other way.

Having said so, I would say that late spring/summer might be the optimal seasons to travel across the area of the High Atlas Mountains. Early Autumn might be still a borderline period depending on the weather conditions. Nevertheless, due to the rapid climate change, seasons have become now unpredictable. This will bring uncertainty even in previous “safe to travel” seasons and a higher likelihood of sudden adverse events like flash floods or extreme hot weather.

Seasonal dangers of the High Atlas Mountains

One of the dangers of this part of Morocco is related to rainfall. Indeed, being an area with multiple fluvial sources, the High Atlas Mountains become extremely dangerous with summer sudden thunderstorms and winter heavy rains. This will cause enormous mass of waters descending rapidly the peaks into the lower valleys prompting dangerous flash floods . To be safe, is always better to double check the weather conditions before venturing into the mountains. Moreover, make sure your hotel is aware that you are traveling by car and have a plan B in case of sudden strong rain that could make your trip dangerous.

What to wear in the High Atlas Mountains

Keeping in mind the variation in climate between the highest and central parts of the High Atlas Mountains the best solution is always wearing layers both in cold and warm seasons. If you travel in late Autumn and Winter heavy coats and thermal layers will be essential, even if you go to the central areas. In summer, I didn’t notice a great variation of temperature in between the high peaks and Ouarzazate. Nevertheless, I never hiked the Toubkal. So I am not sure it would it probably be a little fresher up there.

Compared to Marrakech, Ourzazate was a little fresher and windier. But temperatures in June were still around 30 degrees.

If you are a woman planning to visit some of the more isolated villages up in the mountains, I would recommend dressing more conservatively. This means, no shorts or uncovered shoulders. These places are not frequently beaten by tourists and you don’t want to cause any offence. Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate are more open to Western fashion styles. However, I wouldn’t feel going around in short either. I was personally confident enough that a midi summer dress wouldn’t cause any trouble so I decided to go for it and it was ok. Just to be sure, I had a light jacket with me in case of need.

Men are pretty fine with everything (unless they want to go around shirtless!).

How many days to I need to explore the Kasbahs in the High Atlas?

If you are planning to explore all the 1000 Kasbahs of the region, a week wouldn’t probably be enough. However, it’s realistically challenging to visit them all and some of them are unaccessible or in terrible conservation status. The best thing to do is doing your homework and plan how many Kasbahs you want to visit. This will determine how many days you will stay in that area.

You should be aware that most Kasbahs have a similar (almost the same I would say) architecture. Therefore, unless you are planning a detailed study on the topic, from a tourist point of you is not strictly necessary to visit as many as you can.

We personally visited 5 different Kasbahs and we organised these visits in 2 different days.

Exploring the Road of Thousand Kasbahs in Morocco

You are know very knowledgeable about what a Kasbah is and where to find different type of Kasbahs around Morocco. So it’s now time to explore! As said before, visiting all the 1000 Kasbahs of the High Atlas Mountains was a little too ambitious for my 10 day itinerary in Morocco. Therefore, I made a list of the Kasbahs I really wanted to see as a first timer in Morocco. Only 5 made the cut and I managed to visit them all in 2 days.

If you are planning to visit additional Kasbahs and want to have some suggestions, I got you covered! Indeed, as you are aware, my original plan was more extensive, so I had a long list of Kasbahs I wanted to visit. Therefore, I created a map to visually locate them all and help me planning the itinerary.

How to use the map to build your road a thousand Kasbahs itinerary

I decided to exclusively share this map here as a precious instrument for planning your own Road of a Thousand Kasbahs itinerary in Morocco. Be aware this map doesn’t intend to be an exhaustive list of all the Kasbahs available in Morocco. I mapped the ones I believe are more interesting to visit and, most importantly, visitable. Indeed, while touring Morocco I’ve seen dozen of Kasbahs that I couldn’t locate anywhere on the map and didn’t look properly accessible. These were hanging on dangerous cliffs, towering somewhere on the top of a hill or simply reused by the village inhabitants for different purposes.

Therefore, it’s more realistic to say that even if there are a thousand Kasbahs in the High Atlas Mountains, not more than 100 of them are currently trackable on the map and open to visitors.

The map above has some lovely icons that shows you the exact location of a Kasbah. These have 3 different colours:

• Red are the Kasbahs in the High Atlas I visited for the purpose of this blog. These are discussed below.
• Green are other potentially visitable Kasbah around the Central-High Atlas that I haven’t visited (even if they were on my list). Please note these might be in difficult to reach locations or be part of restaurants/converted into hotels.
• Blue are the Kasbahs located in different areas of Morocco. These are not Amazigh fortifications but mostly fortified sections of the medina including royal premises.

If I find a new Kasbah that is worth to visit, I will add this to the map.

Road of Thousand Kasbahs itinerary

Below, you’ll find the 5 Kasbahs we visited in the High Atlas mountains and some tips and details for you visit.

Telouet Kasbah

Don’t be fooled by the exterior crumbling appearance of Kasbah Telouet. Indeed, this place is like a sort of Easter Egg: it contains a marvellous surprise inside! Kasbah Telouet sets on what used to be one of the most important caravan routes in between the Sahara and the Atlas Mountains. Indeed, the Telouet village was a pivotal place for commerce before the road construction through the Tizi n’ Tichka pass. Towering at a heigh of 1,800 mt., this fortification belonged to the powerful Thami el Glaoui famous as the “Lord of the Atlas”.

Most of the structures of the Kasbah, date back to the XVIII. Nevertheless, you can only visit the most recent construction dating 1860. This because great part of the property is in advanced state of deterioration. Indeed, after the decline of the Glaoui’s family fortune as consequence of their support to the French Protectorate, the Kasbah has been abandoned for a long time.

One of the most amazing sights of this Kasbah are the two decorated rooms. It is said these rooms were built in just 3 years by more than 300 craftsmen coming from all over the country.

This was probably one of my favourite Kasbahs as the contrast between its exterior and interior architecture is so strong that you can’t literally stop to say “WOW!”.

Visiting the Telouet Kasbah

You can find Telouet Kasbah between Marrakech and Ouarzazate. To reach it from Marrakech will takes 2 hours and 32 mins (by car). If you are traveling from Ouarzazate this is 1 hour and 35 mins drive. If you are driving from Marrakech, you have to undertake the winding N9 and turn at the P1506 before Aguelmouss. Pay a lot of attention to Google Maps as the turn at P1506 appears quite suddenly on the right and, in this mountainous roads, is not easy to get back if you do a mistake.

Unfortunately the road leading to the Kasbah is not as good as the N9, particularly the last part made entirely of gravel. We even thought to leave the car randomly on the street and proceed on foot. However, as soon as you enter the street leading to the Kasbah, you will see a small car parking in better condition of the road. This is NOT the Kasbah parking (this is located on the right proceeding forward). However, the road was so bad we decided to not risk our wheels and proceed on foot from there. It was a 3 mins walk.

Of course, this parking is “guarded” so the guy who’s there will expect a little tip.

The zellige rooms are heavily guarded. I had the impression they fear people stealing the precious decorations. A guy literally followed us from the corridor and decided to watch us from distance only when he acknowledged we were just taking innocuous pictures.

Address and fees

Kasbah de Telouet, P1506, Telouet, Morocco

The entrance to the Kasbah is just 20 MAD, a steal considering how beautiful it is inside! The fee has to be paid rigorously in cash. Remember this as there won’t be ATMs until you reach Ouarzazate.

Kasbah Tebi and the Ksar of Aït Benhaddou

The fortified village of Aït Benhaddou is probably one of the most visited locations in Morocco. Whether you are doing an itinerary of the Moroccan Kasbahs or just touring Morocco, this place will likely be on you bucket list. Made famous by several Hollywood productions and tv series, (including the Gladiator and Game of Thrones), Aït Benhaddou is a UNESCO world heritage site excellently preserved since the 17th century.

The fortification is made of two main parts: the ksar in the upper part of the hill and the kasbah in the lower part closer to the Ounila River. The ksar, is the actual village protected by the walls and its Kasbah. It’s made of several dwellings and lovely decorated shops. Most of these constructions currently host souvenir shops, cafes and local art-crafts. The lower part of the village is occupied by the Kasbah.

Kasbah Tebi

The Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou is called Kasbah Tebi. This was the name of the grandfather of Mr Mohamed, its current owner. His family inhabited the Kasbah for more than 400 years and now his and his brothers (5 families in total) are the last ones who continues to live in the ksar of Aït Benhaddou. Not many people know that you can actually sleep in the Kasbah! Indeed, Kasbah Tebi is a lovely guesthouse within one of the most unique settings in Morocco.

The peculiarity of Kasbah Tebi is that is maintained in its original Berber style, this means that there is no electricity (except for the basic needs). Spaces are enlighten by natural light in the morning and candlelit at night. It’s a very suggestive environment and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Tips for visiting Aït Benhaddou

As we were guests of Kasbah Tebi, we had a privileged access to Aït Benhaddou from one of the private Kasbah’s entrances. Nevertheless, regular tourists have to access the village from one of the four different fortified access. This has a cost of 20 MAD, which are generally used by Mr Mohamed’s family and the shops’ owners to renovate the premises. Indeed, the whole village is made entirely of mud and earth materials and needs constant effort to remain in safe conditions.

When we arrived around 2 pm, we noticed the village was full of people going up and down. There were queue for taking pictures and entering the tea houses with the best views. This notwithstanding it was mid June with about 38 degrees under the sun.

So, Mr Mohamed gave us the most precious tip. He told us that after 6 pm there are usually no tourists and we could actually have the village all for ourselves. With this plan on our mind we headed to Ouarzazate in the afternoon and returned to the kasbah after 6. This was the best decision ever. No queue, no crowds around. We had a relaxing tea in one of the nicest tea house with a wonderful view on the valley and we loved it.

Therefore, if you want to stand the crowd, go later in the afternoon!

Kasbah Tebi , Ksar Aït Benhaddou – 45100 Ouarzazate, Morocco

Kasbah de Tifoultoute

Just at 8 km from Ouarzazate, the Kasbah of Tifoultoute shares a similar history to Telouet Kasbah. Indeed, it dates back to the 17th century but belonged to the Glaoui’s clan through the 18th century until it’s abandonment.

The Kasbah is now divided into two distinct sections. The old, historical one, which has a very suggestive view from the road, and the modern part. The latter has been turned into a restaurant and guesthouse.

The entrance is 20 MAD. However, when we arrived it was completely desert. Not sure why. We’ve been around the whole property, no one chased us nor we couldn’t find someone to pay the entrance fee. Just to be sure, we didn’t access the top floors. Indeed, I wasn’t sure they were open to the public.

To be honest, our visit was very quick and this was my least favourite Kasbah. I didn’t like the way it was modernised. Indeed, the modern part clashes with the old one in a very unaesthetic way. In this regard, it doesn’t maintain the basic principles of Berber Kasbahs’ architectures, which is that of using walls made of mud and earthly materials. I think the historical value of the property is a bit lost from a structural point of view.

W2G5+JVM, P1516, Ouarzazate 45000, Morocco

Kasbah Taourirt

Situated centrally in the city of Ouarzazate, Kasbah Taourirt is one of the largest and best preserved Berber Kasbahs in Morocco. Built originally in the 17th century by the Imzwarn clan, it was afterwards enlarged by the Glaoui family in the 19th century. For centuries, the Kasbah occupied a crucial location in between the Draa and Dadès rivers. It’s function was that of strategically controlling the Saharan trade routes of the Draa Valley.

Today, in addition to serving as a location for many Hollywood productions, it is a UNESCO world heritage site. UNESCO also contributed to part of its renovation, reason for which the kasbah is now open to the public.

When we visited, however, an essential part of the Kasbah was closed. This was the central part of the fortification where the decorated and private rooms are. I wanted to see them badly! Unfortunately they are under renovation. Instead, you can go around the maze. I call it the maze because it literally what it is! In fact, one of the peculiarities of Kasbah Taourirt is its room connection system.

Indeed, 90% of the external structures surrounding the central fortification are connected by a quite complex series of tunnels, hidden rooms, staircases and dead ends. If you don’t want to get lost, a guide can be really useful. However, we found this an hilarious part of the experience. Indeed, we got lost several times trying to find a corner we didn’t explore. In our defence, some passages to the next room were really hard to find as hidden behind a wall or so low that you didn’t expect they were going somewhere!

Tips for visiting Kasbah Taourirt

Be aware of scammers at this kasbah! Indeed, we almost fell for a scam without even realising it! When we bought our tickets from the ticket office, there was a guy wearing a (what I was thinking was) an official badge from the place. He marked our ticket and showed us the main entrance courtyard saying “you have to start your visit here, just wait your turn to enter”. He was so kind and smiling, so we were stupidly waiting in the main courtyard of the Kasbah.

A well organised plot!

He returned in a few moments later and started talking to us about the family who lived in the Kasbah, what was the use of that courtyard, where we came from etc. He was nice, but something didn’t sound right to me. I started looking better at the courtyard and I didn’t see any door or corridor going INSIDE the kasbah. So, I immediately realised he was taking time for something and started sending eye signals to my husband who was probably thinking the same thing. Indeed, after a few minutes, the guy started saying the Kasbah was a labyrinth and “two foreign alone” weren’t able to get around without his help. His kind help would cost us 400 MAD per person. A nice 75£ (to note the entrance to the Kasbah was in total 40 MAD -less than 5 euro).

We kindly refused but he became a little aggressive, telling us we were clearly “unable to understand what we were seeing”. To him we were just two stupid tourists. At this point, I became quite annoyed. I didn’t want to be rude and tell him that I probably knew the Kasbah better than him giving my academic background, but his insinuation about our intelligence costed him a possible tip I would have give him for his initial kindness and explanation. And, as he continued to curse us until we left for the actual entrance, I sent him kindly to f*** off.

Address and fee

The fee to enter the Taourirt Kasbah is 20 MAD to be paid in cash. The address is W492+RJF, Av. Mohammed V, Ouarzazate 45000

Kasbah Amridil

Set on the impressive background of the Valley of the Roses and the flourishing Oasis of Skoura, Kasbah Amridil is probably one of the best preserved Kasbahs I visited in Morocco. This is thanks to the impeccable care that the Nassiri family continue to give this property for more than 300 years. Indeed, this Kasbah belongs to the Nassiris’ since the 17th century.

It’s a real jewel of architecture with its perfectly ornate towers and rooms impeccably preserved. There are even ovens on the ground floor that still function as they did in 1500! Differently from other Kasbahs I visited during this trip, the living spaces at Kasbah Amridil are well-defined. Indeed, the first floor was used for the animal, the second floor was used by the staff of the house and food storage, the third floor and attic to the Caid of the Kasbah and potential guests.

The entire living space is built around a classical wust ad-dar (a sort of patio). This has been recently renovated and filled with different plants. This has been regarded as a little controversial choice. Indeed, it looks like it reflects as style not traditional for the area but resembling the riads of Marrakech.

Kasbah Amridil has been part of several filming productions including Laurence of Arabia and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. Rumours say it was the favourite Kasbah of King Hassan II and for this reason it was featured on the old 50 Dirham banknotes. You can see one those old banknotes framed in one of the towers in the upper floor.

 The fee to enter the Kasbah is 20 MAD. The addres is: Kasbah Amridil, Ouled Yaacoub, Skoura 45500

Additional Kasbahs to visit in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains

There is a large number of impressive Kasbahs to visit in the High Atlas Mountains, particularly in the beautiful scenery of the Draa Valley. Therefore, if you have some time to spare, here is a small number you can add to your itinerary. For an extended list, please see the map above. I picked up the Kasbahs listed below according to their features (i.e. if they have beautiful rooms inside, or peculiar architecture).

• Kasbah des Caids

The Kasbah des Caids is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) Berber fortifications in Morocco. Indeed, it dates back to the 16th century and its one of the lasts of its kind giving its features. Situated in the crucial way in between Marrakech and Timbucktu, the Kasba of the Caids stands in the outskirts of Agdz in the fortified village of Tamnougalt. This can be explored alone of as a mini itinerary of three close Kasbahs: the Tamnougalt Kasba and a little nearby fortress now famous as the Street Art Kasbah for its paintings in the mud-brick walls.

Similarly to the Taourirt Kasbah, also Kasbah des Caids’ architecture is formed as a maze of rooms. It was built by the Mezguita clan as administrative and residential dwelling for the caid of the region. The Caid was a sort of local judge. Because of this double function the kasbah features both private and public architectural elements such as a hammam and the office of the Caid. The Kasbah is still attached to its 500 years old ksar that you have to navigate in order to find the entrance.

Part of the Kasbah is currently a guest house managed by its owner Hassan. I hope to visit during my next trip to Morocco!

Kasbah Ait Hammou ou SaidKa

Closer to Zagora, Kasbah Ait Hammou is set on the top of a very scenic location. Surrounded by water and a dense palm grove. It dates back to the 17th century and it’s been recently renovated thanks to the funds of the BMCE banks. This Kasbah is still under the radar for tourists visiting Morocco, so this is your chance to stand the crowd before it becomes too popular!

Kasbah du Glaoui de Tamdakhte

Just at a five minute drive from Aït Benhaddou the Kasbah du Glaoui de Tamdakhte, or simply Kasbah de Tamdakhte, is a still a unknown architectural jewel. Indeed, shadowed by the fame of the two nearby famous Kasbah Telouet and Aït Benhaddou, this fortification is largely ignored by tourists.

Dating originally to the 17th century, Kasbah de Tamdakhte used to belong to a Berber chief, Ali Ou Brahim n’Aït Haddou. The story tells that he fiercely opposed to Thami el Glaoui but unfortunately he was defeated and executed around 1900. After his death, the Kasbah passed into the hands of the Glaoui clan that enlarged it and built additional annexes. After the Moroccan independence, the Kasbah was transformed into a prison and hosted the famous Oufkir family who took part to the coup of 1972.

Now most of the Kasbah is a ruin but you can still admire a glimpse of the beautiful architecture of the salons and carefully carved rooms. I hope the government will intervene to save this beautiful place from a complete decline!

The fee to pay is 15 MAD.

• Kasbah Oulad Othmane

Kasbah Oulad Othmane is a fine example of 18th-century fortification. The Kasbah is still maintained by its historical family who recently renewed and turned into a guest house. However, people can still visit even if not guests, possibly stopping by for a cup of mint tea.

The underground Kasbah of Tamegroute

Tamegroute is a small village not far from Zagora. People often ignore it because it’s quite unassuming compared to other touristy places in Morocco. However, Tamegroute has many incredible sights. One of these is its Kasbah. Indeed, this fortification is very peculiar, probably a unique example of his type in Morocco, because it’s completely underground. Indeed, both the kasbah and its ksar are buried under the sand forming a series of windowless fortified corridors and dark dwellings. The light filters only from occasional openings in the ceiling.

Apparently, people live there for centuries as they found this type of architecture providing shade and cooler temperatures throughout the day. A guide is more than essential to get around as the fortification entrance is invisible from the outside.

While in Tamegroute, don’t miss the occasion to visit the Koranic Library. This is located in the Nasiriyya Zawiya, the city’s religious institution. The library used to be the largest Koranic library in North Africa and it still hold more than 4,500 rare volumes and manuscripts.

Lastly, the city is also famous for its pottery and it’s one of the best places if you would like to do some shopping!

As the ksar is completely underground, it doesn’t have a pinpoint on the map above. However, I pinpointed the city of Tamegrout. Once there, you’ll need someone leading you underground.

N’Kob the village of 45 Kasbahs

If you haven’t had enough of visiting Kasbahs around Morocco, this little village is what you need to fulfil all your kasbah visit needs! Indeed, N’kob has more than 45 Kasbahs, and most of them are in excellent preservation status. Indeed, the residents of the village decided to turn their historical heritage into a full tourist attraction and renewed great part of the Kasbahs of the village. These are now hotels, museums and restaurants. One can spend even a week trying to visit them all.

The village sets at a height of 1050 meters surrounded by two large oases. One of the most famous Kasbahs in the village is Kasbah Ait Hatta that belonged to the Berbers of the famous tribe carrying the same name.

Rock the Kasbah. Overnight stay in a Moroccan fortification. How to choose where to stay.

Booking an overnight stay in a Moroccan Kasbah should be on everyone’s bucket list of unique experiences to to in Morocco. Indeed, this would provide a unique way to experience the culture and hospitality provided by the Berbers. The High Atlas Mountains, particularly the Draa Valley, is the best region to stay in a Kasbah. Most of these structures are authentic Berber jewels, some of them even dating to the 16th century. However, pay attention to the ‘fake-looking’ kasbahs. Indeed, driving through the High Atlas Mountains taught us that not all you see it’s authentic. There are many hotels that call themselves as ‘Kasbah X’ and then they are just regular hotels but in the middle of nowhere.

How to find an authentic Kasbah where to stay

Real, authentic kasbah are quite a rare sight. However, the High Atlas Mountains have the highest concentration of them. To be 100% sure you are staying in an authentic kasbah, you should keep in mind 3 simple rules:

• Authentic kasbah are made of mud and earth materials. This is clearly visible as you touch the walls. Mud brick is often mixed with sand and straw that pops out of the walls here and there. Moreover, as this needs constant care, you’ll probably see a section of the kasbah where the actual mud-bricks are prepared in case of need. Most of them need to dry in the sun for a couple of days/weeks.
• Most authentic Kasbahs date between 17th and 19th century. Some of them are even regarded as UNESCO world heritage sites. This means that to preserve their integrity and historical value, redecoration and restorations have to be kept at minimum and respecting the original architecture. Therefore, an authentic 17th-century Kasbah won’t turn into a luxury hotel very soon.
• Authentic Kasbahs in Morocco still follow their centuries-old inheritance rules. Indeed, you have to think them as the equivalent of European Castles. Therefore, their original owners were likely belonged to families of a certain importance within their village/society. As per our Castles, these properties were passed from father to son until the current generation. Although the fundamental hierarchies the past are (most of the time) no longer alive, these families still have the control of their Kasbahs. Ergo, if your Kasbah owner is a British man, it’s unlikely that his Kasbah is really authentic. There might be a few exceptions, of course, but always double check the Kasbah historical info before going.

Historical Kasbahs including a guesthouse

For our overnight Kasbah stay, we chose Kasbah Tebi in the Ksar of Ait Benhaddou. This Kasbah is a UNESCO world heritage site and its owner, Mohamed (and his family), keep it in pristine authentic conditions. The Kasbah doesn’t have electricity, this means the only source of light for the night are candles (provided with great abundance by the family). You have always the option of sitting outside and enjoy the most incredible starry night of your life.

If you want additional options for your Kasbah stay, here is a small list of Kasbahs hosting a guesthouse:

• Espace Kasbah Amridil
• Kasbah Itran
• Kasbah Assfar
• Kasbah Baha Baha

Exploring the Draa Valley and all its beautiful fortifications it’s one of the best decision we took for our Morocco itinerary. We learned a lot about the Berber culture and we discovered unspoiled beauty even across the most remote areas of the High Atlas Mountains. I hope this blog will inspire you to discover more of this fantastic area of Morocco and plan your own Road of a thousand Kasbahs itinerary.

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I did a road trip through the Atlas Mountains to Merzouga and then up north to Cascade D’ouzoud. It was one of my most memorable adventures and kept me in Morcocco for extra weeks (well worth it).

The Cascade d’Ouzoud is on my next bucket list for Morocco! Couldn’t make it this time! This area is so full of beautiful sights!

I’ve always wanted to visit Morocco! I didn’t realise how many stunning cultural places there are to visit. If I ever visit I’ll be sure to refer back to this post. Thanks for sharing!

I hope you can visit! This area of Morocco is really stunning!

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Morocco in 10 days - Grand Tour & Kasbah Route - Superior

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Arrive at your US departure airport, ready for a flight to Casablanca. Night on board. Important: If your outbound flight leaves at dawn (before 04:00) you must arrive at the airport the night before the selected departure day.

Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to the hotel. Casablanca, immortalised in the famous movie, is a port city and commercial hub in western Morocco, located on the Atlantic Coast. Dinner and overnight stay in Casablanca.* * Dinner is not included if you arrive after 8:00 pm.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit the captivating Gorges of Todgha, and the Dades Valley, to experience the natural wonders of this unique landscape. Pass by ancient fortresses of red abode and lush oases before arriving at the small Berber town of Kalaat M'Gouna, famous for its roses and perfumes. Continue to Ouarzazate, a desert city and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure, explore the abundance sights, sounds and aromas of sensational Marrkech. We recommend haggling for authentic souvenirs in the souk, explore the Kasbah and Mellah neighbourhoods or heading to the new town to discover the oasis of the Jardin Majorelle. Dinner and overnight stay in Marrakech.

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The trip was well laid out. Tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable. The only complaint is some of our travel documents that were sent out were not in English. I...

A great trip to Morocco!

A great trip to Morocco made better by a super great guide, Mounir M. We saw a lot that the country had to offer and Mounir provided additional insight and detail th...

Buena organización

Buena ruta. Buena organización y una app muy fácil de usar, en la que encuentras la información muy rápido Hoteles bien, guías también y tener tiempo libre para org...

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The thousand kasbah road

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I really enjoyed this trip with our special guide, especially the stage of going up into the mountains and visiting the village area. They were amazing people and cultures. I hope to visit this place again.

• The trip was amazing with Hassan it was very helpful i love the trip and i want to repeat it one more time.

I cannot recommend this trip highly enough. All stops and the plan for the day were clearly detailed  plenty of photo opportunities and bathroom breaks. Friendly service. The Riad and tents were awesome (jumper/jacket mandatory in the desert). I felt very safe and cared for . Hassan was excellent.

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• Road of the 1000 kasbahs

  Last Updated: 2021-04-28

The route of a Thousand Kasbahs is possibly one of the most fascinating experiences ever, especially for someone who wants to get to know Morocco in depth. Following the itinerary you will see some famous and also some lesser known places. You will discover exotic paradises and the way of life of the Berber people. Let’s go deeper into this journey.

What is a Kasbah?

The term “kasbah” may sound strange and, to some extent, even ambiguous. Based on its etymology, the Arabic word “kasbah” is translated as a “central part of a city” or, more colloquially, as a “fortress” .

However, this word corresponds to two very different types of architecture. First, we have the kasbahs in the north of the country , such as the Kasbah of the Oudayas in Rabat, the Alcazaba in Chaouen or the Kasbah in Tangier. They are fortified buildings that once served as a place of residence for a governor as well as other administrative and military spaces were added.

Second, we have the southern kasbahs , which functioned as a place to host wealthy families and as a meeting point along trade routes.

These two types, although seemingly similar, are actually quite different. The first type in the North is linked to Muslim culture. These are in fact also present in the Spanish Muslim heritage and reffered to as alcazabas. The second type in the South is related to Berber culture. While Muslim kasbahs were built to last as cornerstones of future cities, Berber kasbahs were located at strategic points with no initial intention of perpetuating or expanding . This is noticeable in the construction materials, mostly adobe, which requires constant maintenance in order to prevent structural collapse.

We will talk about the second group of Kasbahs that dot the route. These kasbahs are the ones that travelers usually refer to when they talk about their beloved Moroccan culture.

The Route of a Thousand Kasbahs

Although the name may seem like an exaggeration, designed to attract the tourist’s eye, it’s actually in line with reality. There are more than a thousand kasbahs in the southern region of Morocco. 

The kasbahs are in different states of conservation, some in better shape than others. Some are located in the plains, others are in higher places. They can be very different in certain regards, while at the same time sharing common elements (commonly a rectangular layout with 4 defensive towers and a single entrance access, as well as several upper floors for different uses, usually the first floor for the grain storehouse, the second for the kitchen and workers, and the third for the family). These form an infinite series of variations.

It’s not the purpose of this article to list them all, but to just give enough detail to allow us to understand how different they are from one another. The journey will allow us to discover the variety of natural landscapes that serve as a prelude to the Sahara.

We propose starting in the city of Ouarzazate , which is where Atlas Studios (the largest in the world) and also the Kasbah of Taourirt are. This kasbah is one of the best preserved in the whole country and residence of the representative of the Glaoui, the family that administered the region by means of a feudal system.

Before starting the route, we first go back down national route 9, to reach Aït Ben Haddou 30 kilometers (19 miles) away. This ksar (that is, set of kasbahs) overlooks the Ounila River and is surrounded by crops, palm trees and fruit trees. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, although its popularity is due mainly to having been the scene of many films such as “Lawrence of Arabia” , “Gladiator” and “Babel” among many others. The panoramic view from a height on the access road is a must-see.

We continue along the Ounila valley for 20 more kilometers (12 miles) until we come across the Kasbah of Telouet , in an apparent state of abandonment if we look at its façade but with a diametrically different interior that has sometimes been compared to the Alhambra in Granada.

Then we return to Ouarzazate and take national route 10. The next stop on the way is the palm grove of Skoura and the Kasbah of Amridil , in a more than enviable state of conservation and inside of which we see items used in daily life from centuries past.

On the way to our next discovery we will pass through the Valley of the Roses , an essential stop especially in spring, in which the flowering of the damask rose, resistant to cold and drought, paints the valley.

Later we will be able to enjoy the Tinerhir valley , which has a 20-mile-long gorge (30 km) and walls that rise to 1000 feet (300 m) in altitude. On a hill, the Kasbah of El Glaoui looks down over the valley and, although it’s of little architectural interest since it’s in an obvious state of ruin, it’s still well worth going up to its location to have a unique view of the landscape.

Then we take the R113 road, which later connects to national route 12. We reach the Tazzarine Oasis and later the N’kob oasis , both located at the foot of the Jbel Saghro massif .

It’s worth stopping in Tazzarine to see its rock carvings, but the second oasis is especially interesting, a vast palm grove that houses more than 50 kasbahs . Although the majority are in a deep state of deterioration making it impossible to go in them, in few places like this it’s possible to see the expansive landscape of a date farm dotted with signs of ancient civilization.

If we continue the route we cross national route 9 again, and we must decide whether to turn right or left.

Turning to the right, we will return to Ouarzazate, but not before passing through the Agdz citadel, which is located in the Draâ valley , almost 200 kilometers (125 miles) long. Inside the city is the Kasbah of Caid Ali , a 19th-century fortress that has been renovated and converted into an inn. On the outskirts is Tamnougalt , where two kasbahs are located, one of the same name and the other called Kasbah of Caids , where various movies were filmed. 

If we have enough time it’s best to turn left toward the Kasbah of Oulad Othmane , which dates from the 17th century and which, like the one in Agdz, is also well maintained thanks to the income provided by its hotel industry.

We have to keep going at least to Tamegroute to discover a type of kasbah that we haven’t seen as of yet : a buried kasbah, in order to withstand the high temperatures due to its closeness to the desert. This city also houses a library that contains the largest number of ancient Arab manuscripts in all of North Africa. Now, we change direction returning to Ouarzazate by way of Agdz, which we have already described above.

An experience worth a few days

The proposed route is 2 to 4 days , so we have to spend the night; Fortunately, there are suitable accommodations all along the route. There are even some ancient kasbahs available for travelers who want a more authentic accommodation experience.

This is just a humble effort to paint the greatest architectural heritage in Morocco in a few brushstrokes. If you have been in the area and want to contribute by adding something that surprised you, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments.

If you want to know more, visit our page on the Sahara .

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Just returned from the 11 day luxury tour. The tour was exhausting, often up to 11.5 hours on the bus. There was no indicating, on booking, that our group size was 44, travelling by coach.

Our guide, Abdul, was a major disappointment. He would either give us incorrect information or not bother to keep us informed.

Much time was wasted being herded to businesses and restaurants he insisted we patronize. We found the prices here were inflated compared to similiar establishments.

We often did not follow the planned itinerary. At no time did we know in advance changes that he had decided.

Would I recommend a Moroccan tour? Yes, a beautiful country but for heaven sakes book with a different tour company!

Tripadvisor staff removed this post at the original author's request.

This is material from the other duplicate posting.

Edited: 1:00 pm, today"

I would advise you to review this company in the review section as you will reach more potential "victims" of this company :)

I wonder if this company farms out their tours to local companies?

If anyone is interested about other reviews of Exoticca tours, have a look at the following link from the TA Holiday Travel Forum:

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i12334-k11396757-Exoticca-Holiday_Travel.html

I tried to post a review but it needs specific names of hotels etc.

But found multiple locations listed here.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g190479-d17849432-Reviews-Exoticca-Oslo_Eastern_Norway.html

Another thread contain a lot of complaints worldwide.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12334-k11396757-Exoticca-Holiday_Travel.html

And their own page here where they reply to the many many complaints.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Profile/Exoticca?fid=3cefcd6c-c96f-4c34-a8fd-24f77cdebf01

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Morocco: Grand Tour & Kasbah Route

August 25, 2024 - march 2, 2025, quote request, or call 1.877.523.7823, contact information.

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Touch down in historic Casablanca stroll through modern Rabat, fall in love with the Blue City of Chefchaouen and experience the grandeur of Fez. Cross the Atlas Mountains to Midelt and Erfoud and enter the desert of Erg Chebbi. Pass through the Gorges of Todra and the Route of the Kasbah until you reach the fortress of Ait Ben Haddou in Ouarzazate. End your tour in colorful Marrakech.

• Roundtrip airfare to Casablanca
• 9 night guided vacation
• 9 night hotels in 3 or 4 star hotels
• 18 meals: 9 breakfast & 9 dinners
• Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
• Visits and entrances fees as indicated in the itinerary.
• All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
• English-speaking guide during the whole trip

Dates, prices and promotion are subject to change without notice. Other departure cities are available – please call for more details!

Not Included: Drinks, lunch, tips and any other services not mentioned in the inclusions

Day 1: Canada – Night on board Arrive at your Canadian departure airport, ready for a flight to Casablanca. Night on board.

If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Casablanca (D) Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to the hotel.  Casablanca, immortalized in the famous movie, is a port city and commercial hub in western Morocco, located on the Atlantic Coast. Dinner and overnight stay in Casablanca.

Note: – The transfer to the hotel upon arriving at the airport may be shared with other travelers in your tour group. A guide will be there to meet you just outside of the airport but you may be required to wait before leaving for the hotel, depending on the flight arrival times. For your convenience, you can choose to book a private airport transfer at a time that suits you best for an additional cost. – Dinner is not included if you arrive after 8:00 p.m. – Add early check-in on arrival for an additional cost

Day 3: Casablanca – Rabat – Asilah – Tangier (B/D) Breakfast at the hotel. Today, get to know iconic Casablanca and enjoy a city tour where you can marvel at the Art Deco buildings and the Dar El Baida White House before visiting the Mohammed V Square and the upmarket Anfa district. Leave in the direction of Rabat to visit the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a citadel that is located to the north of the city. This fortress retains its Arab character of narrow alleys with white and blue façades that lead to viewpoints from which there are incredible views of the Atlantic coast Visit the astounding Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. After the visit, travel to Asilah, founded in Phonecian times, before finally arriving in the bustling port-city of Tangier. Check-in to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay in Tangier.

Day 4: Tangier – Chefchaouen – Ouazzane – Meknes – Fez (B/D) Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a panoramic tour of the city, before heading to the Rif Mountains and to the blue city of Chefchaouen, one of Morocco’s most photographed cities. Continue to Ouazzane, a city known for its spiritual significance to Sufism, before arriving in the imperial city of Meknes, founded by Moulay Ismail and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city including the Mellah Jewish Quarter, Bab Mansour Gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay. Afterwards, continue to Fez to check-in to your hotel in time for dinner. Overnight stay in Fez.

Note: The city of Meknes is currently undergoing extensive renovation works and no date has been set for their completion. Many of the city’s landmarks are inaccessible and/or hidden behind protective covering, but your guide will endeavor to show you as much of the city as possible during your visit.

Day 5: Fez (B/D) Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day tour of Fez, considered the centre of Islam in Morocco. It is the intellectual and religious capital of the country. Begin with a panoramic view from one of the hills surrounding the city, then visit the bronze doors of the Royal Palace and walk into the medina to visit Medersas, the centre of Koranic studies. Explore the workshops in the artisan neighbourhoods. Walk along the broad Boulevard of Mohamed V and stroll through the endless streets of the world’s largest medina. After the visit, return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Fez.

Day 6: Fez – Midelt – Erfoud (B/D) Breakfast at the hotel. Depart through the gentle mountains of the Middle Atlas, until you reach the city of Midelt, known for its apple cultivation. Continue along a beautiful route and view Berber life first hand. Arrive in Erfoud, at the edge of the great Sahara desert. Tonight, you have the opportunity to spend the night in a Berber Jaima Camp of your choice in the dunes of the Sahara*. Dinner and overnight stay in Erfoud.

*Optional Night in the Sahara Dunes (additional cost). Take a 4×4 all-terrain vehicle to reach the high dunes of Merzouga. Admire the magical sunset and spend the night in a typical Berber Jaima Camp, with a traditional dinner included.

Note: If you would like to book this experience you must reserve it in advance, up to 30 days before departure, as places are limited. You will not be able to sleep in the hotel if you choose this optional night at the camp.

Day 7: Erfoud – Gorges of Todgha – Dades Valley – Kalaat M’Gouna – Ouarzazate (B/D) Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit the captivating Gorges of Todgha, and the Dades Valley, to experience the natural wonders of this unique landscape. Pass by ancient fortresses of red abode and lush oases before arriving at the small Berber town of Kalaat M’Gouna, famous for its roses and perfumes. Continue to Ouarzazate, a desert city and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakesh (B/D) Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a visit to the Kasbah of Taourirt, the former residence of the Pacha Glaoui called the Lord of the Atlas Region. Continue to the majestic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This Kasbah, dotted with crenellated towers, is considered one of the most beautiful in the country and has often been a filming location for movies. In the afternoon, depart across the High Atlas mountains en route to Marrakesh. Arrive in Marrakesh, and spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Marrakesh.

Day 9: Marrakesh (B/D) Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on an eye-opening tour of the wonders of Marrakesh, starting with the Minaret of the Koutoubia, from the 13th century and the spiritual centre of Marrakesh. Visit the Palace of the Bahia, the residence of the old vizir, and known for its intricate tile and wood carving decoration. Discover how spices and argan oil are made in a local school before you head to the Jamaa el Fna square home to the bustling souks, so typical of the city and full of fruit vendors and stalls selling wicker baskets. Dinner and overnight stay in Marrakesh.

Day 10: Marrakesh (B/D) Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure, explore the abundance sights, sounds and aromas of sensational Marrakech. We recommend haggling for authentic souvenirs in the souk, explore the Kasbah and Mellah neighbourhoods or heading to the new town to discover the oasis of the Jardin Majorelle. Dinner and overnight stay in Marrakesh.

Day 11: Marrakesh – Casablanca – Canada (B) Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport in Casablanca to board a flight back to Canada.

Note: Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Optional Tour

(Price is per person based on double occupancy – additional cost will apply to solo travelers or group with odd numbers)

Day 6: Night in the Dunes of the Sahara (Pick up time: 5 PM (winter) or 6 PM) Price from $297

Take a 4×4 all-terrain vehicle to reach the high dunes of Merzouga. Admire the magical sunset and spend the night in a typical Berber Jaima Camp, with a traditional dinner included.

What’s included: Transfers in 4×4, dinner and accommodation. Private jaima with private bathroom.

Entry requirements

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All rates are per person, based on double occupancy in canadian dollars (unless otherwise stated) new bookings only. space and price may be limited and subject to availability at the time of booking.  errors or omissions may occur on the above information with no guarantee of being honoured. terms and conditions apply. tax is not included in the above base fare. above tax amount includes non-refundable $30 per adult booking management fee. $50 per adult cancellation fee. not included in the above rates: xpresspost fee, recommended medical, cancellation or baggage insurance. child rate is applicable when travelling with 2 paying adults sharing 1 hotel room, using the existing bedding. price match policy: travel best bets makes every effort to remain competitive by offering our ‘match or beat any price’ offer however due to certain restrictions  there will be some product we cannot match or beat. please note the star ratings found on www.travelbestbets.com are determined by travel best bets based on a number of factors and may not match the star rating found in the tour operator’s brochure. please view our star ratings by clicking here. due to an increasing volume of disputed bookings, we will only accept payment for air only travel to india, the philippines and the continent of africa through the following means: book and pay cash in person or by direct deposit into our business account – once the transaction is verified and a copy of the receipt emailed or faxed to our office, we will confirm the booking. please contact us for details on how to book using this method. please contact [email protected] for photo credit information. bpcpa #3287, choose your departure city.

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Grand Tour & Kasbah Route

Morocco in 10 days, 9 nights in destination, up to £400 reward.

Rachel Travel crafter

Our most complete tour of Morocco, including Marrakech, Casablanca, the beauty of the Atlas Mountains and a night in the desert city of Ouarzazate.

Trip Highlights

• map-pin-check-icon Ait Ben Haddou
• map-pin-check-icon Casablanca
• map-pin-check-icon Chefchaouen
• map-pin-check-icon Dadès Gorges
• map-pin-check-icon Dadès Valley
• map-pin-check-icon Fes
• map-pin-check-icon Marrakesh
• map-pin-check-icon Ouarzazate
• map-pin-check-icon Rabat

All flights

Accommodation

All transfers

Availability

Departures available until December 2025

Available Group tours

Solo travelers from + £ 280

Add up to 5 nights to your stay

• WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

charm included

superior from + £ 200

luxury from + £ 1,100

Exoticca is fully ABTA and ATOL protected

Our Travel Protection takes care of you

Select a day to go to next step

Categories Available :

• Accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels and riads.

From £ 1,099

• Accommodation in Superior and Luxury category hotels.

From £ 1,999

Accommodation: 9 Nights

Melliber Hotel

Rating TripAdvisor travelers

Based on 526 reviews

The hotels we select comply with our high standards and requirements per category. The allocation is dependent on availability and seasonality, so you can be assigned any of our selection, including the following: Oum Palace Hotel

Touch down in historic  Casablanca ,  stroll through modern  Rabat,  fall in love with the Blue City of  Chefchaouen  and experience the grandeur of  Fez.  Cross the Atlas Mountains to  Midelt  and  Erfoud  and enter the desert of  Erg Chebbi. Pass through  the Gorges of Todra  and the  Route of the Kasbah  until you reach the fortress of  Ait Ben Haddou  in  Ouarzazate.  End your tour in colorful  Marrakech.

Arrive at your UK/Ireland airport, ready to catch a flight to  Casablanca.*  Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to the hotel. ** Casablanca, immortalised in the famous movie, is a port city and commercial hub in western Morocco, located on the Atlantic Coast.  Dinner  and overnight stay in Casablanca.*** *Important: If your outbound flight leaves at dawn (before 04:00) you must arrive at the airport the night before the selected departure day. ** The transfer to the hotel upon arriving at the airport may be shared with other travelers in your tour group. A guide will be there to meet you just outside of the airport but you may be required to wait before leaving for the hotel, depending on the flight arrival times. For your convenience, you can choose to book a private airport transfer at a time that suits you best, which you can add to your reservation during the next step of the booking process. ***Dinner is not included if you arrive after 8:00 pm. You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in the next step of the booking process. To guarantee optional services, we recommend that you add them to your current booking, as they are subject to availability.

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS

Melliber hotel or similar.

526 Reviews

See our full selection

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, get to know iconic Casablanca and enjoy a city tour where you can marvel at the Art Deco buildings and the Dar El Baida White House before visiting the Mohammed V Square and the upmarket Anfa district. Leave in the direction of Rabat to visit the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a citadel that is located to the north of the city. This fortress retains its Arab character of narrow alleys with white and blue façades that lead to viewpoints from which there are incredible views of the Atlantic coast Visit the astounding Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V . After the visit, travel to Asilah,  founded in Phonecian times, before finally arriving in the bustling port-city of  Tangier.  Check-in to the hotel,  dinner and overnight stay in Tangier.

Dixil Garden Tanger or similar

Casablanca City Tour & Highlights of Rabat and Asilah

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a panoramic tour of the city,  before heading to the  Rif Mountains  and to the blue city of  Chefchaouen, one of  Morocco's most photographed cities. Continue to Ouazzane,  a city best known for its spiritual significance to Sufism. Afterwards, continue to Fez to check-in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Fez.

Please note: The city of Meknes is currently undergoing extensive renovation works and no date has been set for their completion. Many of the city's landmarks are inaccessible and/or hidden behind protective covering, but your guide will endeavour to show you as much of the city as possible during your visit. Please note: The city of Meknes is currently undergoing extensive renovation works and no date has been set for their completion. Many of the city's landmarks are inaccessible and/or hidden behind protective covering, but your guide will endeavour to show you as much of the city as possible during your visit.

Hotel L'Escale or similar

127 Reviews

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a  full day tour of Fez,  considered the centre of Islam in Morocco. It is the intellectual and religious capital of the country. Begin with a panoramic view from one of the hills surrounding the city, then visit the bronze doors of the Royal Palace and walk into the medina to visit Medersas, the centre of Koranic studies. Explore the workshops in the artisan neighbourhoods. Walk along the broad Boulevard of Mohamed V and stroll through the endless streets of the world's largest medina. After the visit, return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Fez.

Full-Day Fes City Tour

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart through the gentle mountains of the Middle Atlas, until you reach the city of  Midelt,  known for its apple cultivation. Continue along a beautiful route and view Berber life first hand. Arrive in  Erfoud , at the edge of the great Sahara desert. Tonight, you have the opportunity to spend the night in a Berber Jaima Camp of your choice in the dunes of the Sahara.*  Dinner  and overnight stay in Erfoud. Estimated transfer time and distance 8h, 422Km. *Optional Night in the Sahara Dunes . Take a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle to reach the high dunes of Merzouga. Admire the magical sunset and spend the night in a typical Berber Jaima Camp, with a traditional dinner included. Please note: If you would like to book this experience you must reserve it in advance, up to 30 days before departure, as places are limited. You will not be able to sleep in the hotel if you choose this optional night at the camp.

Kasbah Tizimi or similar

193 Reviews

Night in the Dunes of the Sahara

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit the captivating  Gorges of Todgha,  and the  Dades Valley,  to experience the natural wonders of this unique landscape. Pass by ancient fortresses of red abode and lush oases before arriving at the small Berber town of  Kalaat M'Gouna,  famous for its roses and perfumes. Continue to  Ouarzazate,  a desert city and enjoy  dinner  and an overnight stay at the hotel. Estimated transfer time and distance 6h, 340Km.

Ibis Ouarzazate Centre Ho... or similar

744 Reviews

Gorges of Todgha & Dades Valley Excursion

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a visit to the  Kasbah of Taourirt , the former residence of the Pacha Glaoui called the Lord of the Atlas Region. Continue to the majestic  Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou , declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This Kasbah, dotted with crenellated towers, is considered one of the most beautiful in the country and has often been a filming location for movies. In the afternoon, depart across the  High Atlas  mountains en route to Marrakesh. Arrive in  Marrakesh,  and spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure.  Dinner  and overnight stay in Marrakesh. Estimated transfer time and distance 5h, 200Km.

Hotel Almas or similar

751 Reviews

Kasbahs of Ouarzazate & Ait Ben Haddou

Breakfast at the hotel. Today,  embark on an eye-opening tour of the wonders of Marrakesh , starting with the Minaret of the Koutoubia, from the 13th century and the spiritual centre of Marrakesh. Visit the Palace of the Bahia, the residence of the old vizir, and known for its intricate tile and wood carving decoration. Discover how spices and argan oil are made in a local school before you head to the Jamaa el Fna square home to the bustling souks, so typical of the city and full of fruit vendors and stalls selling wicker baskets.  Dinner and overnight stay in Marrakesh.

Tour of the wonders of Marrakech

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure, explore the abundance sights, sounds and aromas of sensational Marrkech. We recommend haggling for authentic souvenirs in the souk, explore the Kasbah and Mellah neighbourhoods or heading to the new town to discover the oasis of the Jardin Majorelle.  Dinner and overnight stay in Marrakesh. 

Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport ** in Marrakesh to board a flight back to UK/Ireland. Arrive in UK/Ireland and end your trip. *Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.  **The airport transfer will be shared with other travelers in your tour group. There are two transfers organized per day, and the timings of these will depend on the whole group's flight times. There will be one transfer during the morning and another one in the afternoon. For your convenience, you can choose to book a private airport transfer at the time of your choice, which you can add to your reservation during the next step of the booking process. If you would prefer this tour to be an exclusive experience for you and your group, please contact our Customer Service Department.

Included activities

All timings are approximate and dependent on traffic, weather and local conditions. This timing schedule is intended for guidance only and is subject to change by our guide or driver.

Included activity for day 2

Take a city tour of Casablanca's most emblematic sights before heading to Rabat to visit the Kasbah of the Oudayas, the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Next, explore Asilah, founded by the Phonecians and home to an old medina.

Duration 10:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Included activity for day 4 in Fes

A full-day tour of Fes. Begin with a panoramic view of the Royal Palace and walk into the medina to visit Medersas, the centre of Koranic studies. Explore the workshops in the artisan neighbourhoods and stroll along the Boulevard of Mohamed V.

Duration 08:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx

Included activity for day 6 in Dadès Gorges

Visit the captivating Gorges of Todgha and the Dades Valley, to experience the natural wonders of this unique landscape. Pass by ancient fortresses of red abode and lush oases before arriving at the small Berber town of Kalaat M'Gouna, famous for its roses

Included activity for day 7

Visit the Kasbah of Taourirt, the former residence of the Pacha Glaoui, the Lord of the Atlas Region. Continue to the majestic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered to be one of the most beautiful kasbahs in the country.

Duration 11:30h Approx. Pick up time: 08:30 Approx

Available Activities

In winter pick up would be at 5pm

Suggested activity for day 5 in Merzouga

Take a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle to reach the high dunes of Merzouga. Admire the magical sunset and spend the night in a typical Berber Jaima Camp, with a traditional dinner included.

Pick up time: 18:00 Approx

The price includes

• premium-care-icon Included in all our trips.   more information
• Departure from the main UK/Ireland airports.
• International flights: UK/Ireland - Casablanca, Marrakesh - UK/Ireland.
• 9 nights accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels and riads.* more information See hotels included
• 9 Breakfasts and 9 Dinners.
• Transfers in air conditioned vehicles.
• Visits and entrances fees as indicated in the itinerary. See itinerary
• All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
• ATOL Protection.
• English-speaking guide during the whole trip.

Not included

Drinks, lunch, tips* and any other services not mentioned in what's included. * Tips: 10USD per person per day, not compulsory but highly recommended. Important:  The airport transfer on departure is not included when adding additional nights to the itinerary. If required, a departure airport transfer can be added for an additional cost.

See important notes

* Possibility to spend the night in a Berber Jaima Camp in the dunes of Erg Chebbi. If you would like to book this experience you must reserve it in advance, up to 30 days before departure, as places are limited. Important festivals: Ramadan: from March 10th to April 9th 2024 / from February 28th to March 30th 2025. Eid-al-Adha: from June 16th to 18th 2024 / from June 6th to June 9th 2025.  Please note: During July and August, Morocco is an extremely popular destination for local and international tourists, which can affect schedules due to intense traffic. Additionally, passengers should be aware that temperatures are consistently high at this time of year.

This trip is not suitable for a person with reduced mobility due to the nature of the excursions and the terrain. However, please note that this tour can be taken privately. There will be a private guide and a specifically designed itinerary to ensure maximum enjoyment. The excursions will be taken via alternative routes with ease of access and the pace will be dictated by the passenger. To take part in the private tour it is required that the person with reduced mobility is accompanied by a dedicated person at all times, to assist in any necessary situations, such as getting in and out of the transport vehicle, on excursions, and so on. This tour is not recommended for children under 8 years old, as many transfers can be quite lengthy. It is possible to do the tour privately so that any age group can take part. To book the private tour please contact our customer service department and they will be happy to assist you.

Useful information Morocco

Entry requirements

Passport with a minimum of six months validity.

No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Moroccan Dirham.

Electricity

220 V. European style two pin adaptor required.

There are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from EU countries.

Other useful information

You should always barter when shopping in Morocco.

Tourist Office website

www.visitmorocco.com

Offer conditions

Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting  www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice . 

If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +44 20 8068 3176 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met. While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

Exoticca Travel Stories

Creating unforgettable memories, one traveller at a time

Marrakesh · Morocco

We had a great time in Morocco with Exoticca

We had a great tour guide (Mohamed) and we got a chance to visit many places, try local food and were given an understanding of the culture whilst travelling on a luxury bus. My wife and I had a great time.

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North America

Central america & caribbean, south america, north africa & middle east.

Few travellers make it to this icy continent, but the lucky ones who do get to explore a frozen Eden ruled by the elements and teeming with wildlife.

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G adventures sailing & cruises, g adventures private travel.

Whether it’s a family retreat or a girls trip, you can surround yourself with a hand-picked crew and customize a tour that fits you all perfectly.

The Geluxe Collection

Our new line of premium active adventures is officially here. With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations and elevated dining, this is adventure at its finest.

National Geographic Journeys

Go deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. More is included and you’ll enjoy greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to roam.

National Geographic Family Journeys

Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.

Jane Goodall Collection

Step deeper into the animal kingdom while respecting all of its inhabitants. Our incredible collection of wildlife-focused tours is endorsed by the world-renowned ethologist.

Roamies by Hostelworld

The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

Why choose us

As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.

Change the world just by having the time of your life. When you travel with us, you become a force for good by acting responsibly and creating positive impact.

Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.

Trees for Days

Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.

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Looking to have the time of your life in the next 90 days or so? You can save big if you’re ready to book now.

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Morocco Kasbahs & Desert

8 days, casablanca to marrakech.

• Full itinerary
• Tour details

Perfect for travellers looking for a fast-paced trip, this short but sweet adventure offers up a great combination of Morocco’s must-see highlights and a little free time to explore on your own. Tour the dunes from atop a camel for an authentic way to experience the Sahara, explore high-walled kasbahs and wander the labyrinthine alleys of Fès and Marrakech, all allowing you to discover the history and rugged natural beauty of mysterious Morocco.

Casablanca to Marrakech

Special offers, is this tour for me, travel style: classic.

All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 14, avg 10.

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 8

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 94

More from Morocco Kasbahs & Desert

Places visited

Itinerary notes.

Please note that if you are travelling to Morocco between November and February, your tour will have a level of flexibility based off of winter weather conditions on roads in the mountains. Heavy snow is not uncommon, so plan on packing warmer clothing to suit conditions.

Day 1 Casablanca

Arrive at any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Day 2 casablanca/fès.

Enjoy a G Adventures-supported traditional lunch. Take a guided tour of the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis before continuing on to Fès.

Meals included:

Explore the labyrinth of streets within the famous Fès medina with a local guide. The Fès medina is the world’s largest living medieval medina and a UNESCO site. Explore the artisan quarters, sample treats from the carts, and view Fès' famous leather tannery from above. Enjoy free time this afternoon.

Day 4 Fès/Merzouga

Drive south towards the desert and embark on a camel ride into the dunes to watch the sunset. Head back to your hotel for a night of entertainment under the stars.

Day 5 Merzouga/Todra Gorge

Rise early to watch the sunrise. After breakfast, continue through a stone desert to the stunning Todra Gorge. Wedged between massive cliff walls, the gorge is filled with a green oasis of palm trees. This serene spot is great for hiking, relaxing on the edge of the river or sampling some local Amazigh (also known as Berber) delicacies.

Day 6 Todra Gorge/Aït Ben Haddou

Visit the Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Opt to participate in a tagine cooking class for an intro to Moroccan cuisine.

Day 7 Aït Ben Haddou/Marrakech

Head to Marrakech and take a guided medina visit. Opt to visit the Djemaa el Fna Square in the evening to see the gathering of musicians and street performers. Don't leave without indulging in a feast at the famous food stalls.

Day 8 Marrakech

Depart at any time.

What's Included

• Your G for Good Moment: Mhaya Village Community Lunch, Meknès
• Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
• Volubilis guided tour including visit to the Roman ruins
• Fès medina guided tour including artisans' quarter and Fès tannery
• Sunset camel ride in the desert
• Todra Gorge stay with walk through local villages
• Aït Ben Haddou kasbah tour
• Marrakech medina guided walk including Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa square
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels (7 nts)

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner Allow USD220-290 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private air-conditioned van, camels.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, driver, local guides.

Available extras  (Add these to your tour when you book)

Hot air balloon marrakech - from $225.00.

Get an early start and watch the sunrise over the red dust, palm groves, and majestic open landscapes of Marrakech from a hot air balloon. After soaking up the sights, refuel with an authentic Berber breakfast in a Moroccan tent.

Merzouga Land Cruiser Desert Excursion - From $67.00

View the golden dunes of the Sahara desert on a land cruiser excursion. You'll be driven around the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi in land cruiser cars, taking in the views of the seemingly endless sea of sand. Pass a kohl mine en route to the village of Khamlia. Witness the delightful sounds of the African music of Gnawa — played by members of the community — as you enjoy a cup of mint tea with the locals.

My Own Room - From $359.00

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

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Morocco trip with Exoticca - Grand Tour... - Exoticca

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Tips for the Coastal Cities & Cultural Treasures tour of Portugal Just got back from the Coastal... read more

We recently took the Exoticca South Africa/Kruger/Victoria Falls tour. The tour was very good but... read more

Morocco trip with Exoticca - Grand Tour & Kasbah Route

Our trip to Morocco with Exoticca was all that we were hoping for. It was well organized and our tour guide Hassan was awesome. He's very knowledgeable on all aspects of his country, funny and went out of his way to ensure that our group of 8 was well taken care of at all times. I recommend Exoticca to anyone who plans a trip to Morocco.

The weather was beautiful, the skies were blue and the staff were very quick to meet our needs. This trip was an education for us. Changed our concept of Morocco. They are a wonderful people, charming and always ready to help. A far cry from what we learned from television. A personnel from one of the rest area found a dollar and looked for the one that dropped it. Isn't this refreshing? I walked back to the hotel by myself and got lost. A kind young girl googled my hotel and insisted on walking me to my hotel which was a good 20 -25 min walk. I tried to give her money as a sign of gratitude and she vehemently refused. She mumbled something about "God" so I told her that "my God asked her Allah to send her to me". If we can all live like this then we will surely attain PEACE through out this world. MOROCCO you are a beautiful nation and your people are wonderful.

Exoticca made our trip a breeze! Jordan is beautiful and full of wonderful places. The night spend in Wadi Rum was one to remember forever! Although you need to be careful if you have alimentary restrictions as communication could be difficult with local staff.

Amazing trip with Exoticca to Turkey's "Treasures of Anatolia." Best buck for your money. I will definitely travel with Exoticca again. Our tour guide "Leader" from the local operator company was incredible knowledgeable and passionate about his country and culture.

Good trip, covered lots of ground in a short time, worth the money. Our guide, Mohammad Mahoud was the best. A good guide makes the whole trip. The hotels for the Superior classification were very good, but none of them were well maintained, and a few of them were downright shabby. Customer Service via phone before the trip left a lot to be desired - a definite lack of knowledge about details of the upcoming trip, flights, etc. Our flights involved two intermediate layovers, a total of 34 hours, when more direct flights were available. Read the info they send you carefully, as there are hidden requirements that you have weed out yourself. Overall, a good trip, just not smoothly handled before the trip, or during the flights.

The trip was excellent but did jot rate the food or accomodation provided by Exoticca. Very poor standard expected a higher level given the price of the overall trip

Casablanca Travel services

Making your travel dreams a reality.

Grand Tour & Kasbah Route Morocco in 11 Days • 9 Nights in Destination

Great pyramids & full-board nile cruise egypt in 9 days • 7 nights in destination, italy in 9 days 8 nights in destination, promotions and offers.

Best customer service, Mr Hicham went above and beyond to get us the best deal ,he made sure that we are happy with our purchase. Highly recommend him. We ... Read more

Great service 👍👍 friendly staff Thank you hicham

To be honest, I do not trust any travel agency except yours, which is characterized by respect, credibility, understanding, and dedication to serving the ... Read more

Good customer service. Thank you so much Hicham for giving me the best deal. Highly recommended.

The best customer service I ever have they take care of you from A to Z and it's the agent that you can trust

I recommend Hicham to everyone. Excellent Customer Service, professional and Friendly staff.

Hicham is Very professional, quick to respond to all my requests and changes. Efficient and extremely friendly. I definitely would recommend him for any ... Read more

Best agent! Friendly and trustworthy!

Casablanca Travel service The best traveling experience I ever had, Helpful team, Flexible services, Always answer our questions, Flow up with us, Patient ... Read more

friendly staff professional services

Trains Moscow to Elektrostal: Times, Prices and Tickets

• Train Times
• Seasonality
• Accommodations

Moscow to Elektrostal by train

The journey from Moscow to Elektrostal by train is 32.44 mi and takes 2 hr 7 min. There are 71 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train for as little as or as much as . The best price for this journey is .

Get from Moscow to Elektrostal with Virail

Virail's search tool will provide you with the options you need when you want to go from Moscow to Elektrostal. All you need to do is enter the dates of your planned journey, and let us take care of everything else. Our engine does the hard work, searching through thousands of routes offered by our trusted travel partners to show you options for traveling by train, bus, plane, or carpool. You can filter the results to suit your needs. There are a number of filtering options, including price, one-way or round trip, departure or arrival time, duration of journey, or number of connections. Soon you'll find the best choice for your journey. When you're ready, Virail will transfer you to the provider's website to complete the booking. No matter where you're going, get there with Virail.

How can I find the cheapest train tickets to get from Moscow to Elektrostal?

Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. You can find train tickets for prices as low as , but it may require some flexibility with your travel plans. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets. Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results. Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets.

How long does it take to get from Moscow to Elektrostal by train?

The journey between Moscow and Elektrostal by train is approximately 32.44 mi. It will take you more or less 2 hr 7 min to complete this journey. This average figure does not take into account any delays that might arise on your route in exceptional circumstances. If you are planning to make a connection or operating on a tight schedule, give yourself plenty of time. The distance between Moscow and Elektrostal is around 32.44 mi. Depending on the exact route and provider you travel with, your journey time can vary. On average, this journey will take approximately 2 hr 7 min. However, the fastest routes between Moscow and Elektrostal take 1 hr 3 min. If a fast journey is a priority for you when traveling, look out for express services that may get you there faster. Some flexibility may be necessary when booking. Often, these services only leave at particular times of day - or even on certain days of the week. You may also find a faster journey by taking an indirect route and connecting in another station along the way.

How many journeys from Moscow to Elektrostal are there every day?

On average, there are 71 daily departures from Moscow to Elektrostal. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 18 departures from Moscow which travel directly to Elektrostal. There are 53 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Moscow to Elektrostal.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Moscow to Elektrostal

The cheapest Moscow - Elektrostal train tickets can be found for as low as $35.01 if you’re lucky, or $54.00 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $77.49.

Find the best day to travel to Elektrostal by train

When travelling to Elektrostal by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Moscow to Elektrostal CO2 Emissions by Train

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Frequently Asked Questions

Go local from moscow, trending routes, weekend getaways from moscow, international routes from moscow and nearby areas, other destinations from moscow, other popular routes.

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

Write your review

Tour Details

Moscow metro tour: architectural styles of the subway.

Duration: 2 hours

Categories: Culture & History, Sightseeing

This metro tour of Russia’s capital and most populous city, Moscow, is your chance to get a unique insight into the beautiful and impressive architecture of the city's underground stations. Admire their marble walls and high ceilings representing Stalin's desire for glory after World War 2, and see first-hand how the interiors change with the rise of new political eras. Your guide will lead you through the complex network, which is one of the most heavily used rapid transit systems worldwide, with over two billion travelers in 2011.

Opened in 1935, Moscow’s underground system, now 190 miles (305 km) long with 185 stations, is today one the largest and most heavily used rapid transit systems in the world. On this Moscow metro tour, discover the impressive architecture of Moscow’s underground stations and learn how they reflect the Soviet era.

Getting around by metro, your local guide will take you through parts of Moscow’s infamous history. Stop at stations built during the time of the USSR (Soviet Union) that are praised as one of the most extravagant architectural projects from Stalin’s time. After World War 2, he was keen on establishing Stalinist architecture to represent his rising regime and a recognized empire. Learn how when his successor started the de-Stalinization of the former Soviet Union in 1953, the extravagancy of the architecture was toned down.

Discover how the unique character of each station reflected several different eras. While stations like Kievskaya and Slavyansky Bulvar have pompous halls and high stucco ceilings brimming with extravagant decorations, those built later, like Volzhskaya, are lightly adorned with sparse furnishings. Architect Alexey Dushkin and painter Alexander Deyneka were just two of the many artists who made these magnificent landmarks possible.

Revel in Moscow's glory days, as well as the years of scarcity, on this fascinating Moscow metro experience. Conclude your tour at one of the central stations in Moscow. If you're lucky, you may even find the secret entrance to the unconfirmed Metro-2, a parallel underground system used by the government -- a mystery which has neither been denied nor confirmed today.

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On this walking tour through the Kolomenskoye Estate in Moscow, immerse yourself in Russia’s interesting royal history. Walk around the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ascension Church, built in 1532, and enter the Hou...

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

For those who like to travel in comfort

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon

Moscow Metro Underground Small-Group Tour - With Reviews & Ratings

Moscow metro underground small-group tour.

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Tour Information

Key Details

• Mobile Voucher Accepted
• Free Cancellation
• Duration: 3 Hrs
• Language: English
• Departure Time : 10:00 AM
• Departure Details : Karl Marks Monument on Revolution Square, metro stop: Square of Revolution
• Return Details : Metro Smolenskaya
• If you cancel at least 4 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
• If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
• Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Go beneath the streets on this tour of the spectacular, mind-bending Moscow Metro! Be awed by architecture and spot the Propaganda , then hear soviet stories from a local in the know. Finish it all up above ground, looking up to Stalins skyscrapers, and get the inside scoop on whats gone on behind those walls.

Know More about this tour

We begin our Moscow tour beneath the city, exploring the underground palace of the Moscow Metro. From the Square of Revolution station, famous for its huge statues of soviet people (an armed soldier, a farmer with a rooster, a warrior, and more), we’ll move onto some of the most significant stations, where impressive mosaics, columns, and chandeliers will boggle your eyes! Moreover, these stations reveal a big part of soviet reality — the walls depict plenty of Propaganda , with party leaders looking down from images on the walls. Your local guide will share personal stories of his/her family from USSR times, giving you insight into Russia’s complicated past and present. Then we’re coming back up to street level, where we’ll take a break and refuel with some Russian fast food: traditional pancakes, called bliny. And then, stomachs satiated, we are ready to move forward! We’ll take the eco-friendly electric trolleybus, with a route along the Moscow Garden Ring. Used mainly by Russian babushkas(grannies) during the day, the trolleybus hits peak hours in the mornings and evenings, when many locals use it going to and from their days. Our first stop will be the Aviator’s House, one of Stalin’s Seven Sisters, followed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — and you’ll hear the legends of what has gone on inside the walls. Throughout your Moscow tour, you’ll learn curious facts from soviet history while seeing how Russia exists now, 25 years after the USSR.

Local English-speaking guide

Pancake snack and drink

Additional food and drinks

Tickets for public transport

Souvenirs and items of a personal nature

Tips and gratuities for the guide

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Dress standard: Please wear comfortable shoes for walking. For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people

Traveler Reviews

This tour exceeded our expectations. Nikolai (Nick), our tour guide, was very knowledgeable, thorough, and has a great personality. He didn't take shortcuts and really covered everything that was on the agenda in great detail. We saw beautiful metro stations and learned the history behind them, including many of the murals and designs.

We did the tour with Anna her knowledge and understanding of the History surrounding the metro brought the tour alive. Well done Anna!

This tour was amazing!

Anna was a great tour guide. She gave us heaps of interesting information, was very friendly, and very kindly showed us how to get to our next tour.

Amazing beauty and history.

An excellent tour helped by an absolutely amazing guide. Anna gave a great insight into the history of the metro helped by additional material she had prepared.

great tour and guide - thanks again

great will do it again, Miriam ke was very good as a guide she has lived here all here life so knew every interesting detail.a good day