Depart in the morning for Tangier on the northern tip of Morocco. With culture, cuisine, and language drawing from North African, Spanish, Portuguese, and French influence, this bustling port city is unique and fascinating. Take a guided tour of city sites, including the medina, kasbah, Grand Socco (a bustling square at the entrance to the medina), and Petit Socco, a little square in the medina perfect for people-watching and mint tea-drinking. Marvel at the panoramic views of Gibraltar, Tarifa, and the meeting point between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. In the afternoon, continue on to Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen is a gorgeous mountain town in northern Morocco. It is often skipped when traveling the standard route around Morocco but is truly a special place to see. Set in the Rif Mountains, this town’s white-washed buildings with blue accents make it one of the most picturesque places in the country. Known as the Blue City, the distinctive blue color was added by the city’s Jewish population who lived there as refugees in the 1930s. The main square is lined with cafés and shops selling handicrafts that are often not available elsewhere in the country. Approximate travel time: 5 hrs (Casablanca to Tangier) by private vehicle; 2 hrs (Tangier to Chefchaouen) by private vehicle *Note: The route from Tangier to Chefchaouen is curvy in places. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, consider anti-nausea remedies. Accommodation: Hotel Madrid Chefchaouen (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

Explore Chefchaouen, a city celebrated for its range of blue hues, set against the dramatic backdrop of the mountains. Spend your day unwinding in a traditional Hammam spa, discovering artisanal crafts sold by local street vendors, or taking photos among the beautifully painted alleys and walkways. If you're up for it, throw on your tennis shoes and trek up through the scenic Rif Mountains on a guided hike. Head up, up, up for 3-4 hours along lush mountains, passing small waterfalls and streams, stopping for spectacular panoramic views of the city below. A traditional lunch awaits at a local gîte at the pinnacle of your hike. Once you reach the piste, jump in a Jeep and head back to the main road to meet your driver. At sunset, opt to visit the Spanish Mosque for a stunning panoramic view of the city. Accommodation: Hotel Madrid Chefchaouen (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

We’ll leave Chefchaouen and drive to M’Haya for a traditional lunch that supports rural Moroccan women and children. Proceeds fund education, healthcare, and vocational training programs, and you’ll enjoy a home-cooked meal while meeting some of the women involved. In the afternoon, continue through rolling hills to Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. A certified guide will bring the UNESCO World Heritage Site to life as you explore mosaic floors, bathhouses, and towering marble pillars. From there, travel on to Fez, one of Morocco’s most fascinating cities. Built during the French Protectorate, parts of the city still resemble a French provincial town with cafés, restaurants, and wide boulevards. This evening is free—an ideal time to catch up on laundry or explore the medina. Browse carpet shops, sample street food, or hunt for leather goods—but don’t get lost in the maze of passageways! Approximate travel time: 4.5 hrs (Chefchaouen – Meknès) by private vehicle; .5 hrs (Meknès – Volubilis) by private vehicle; 2 hrs (Volubilis – Fès) by private vehicle; Accommodation: Hotel Mounia Fes (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Today, you'll head out on a guided tour of the Fez medina, the world’s largest active medieval medina and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start your morning by entering through one of the iconic gates into this chaotically beautiful area, which spans 1.4 square miles with over 9,000 winding streets. Follow your local guide to explore the artisan quarters, sample local treats, visit the mausoleum, and stop by the Al Qarawiyin University. You’ll also visit Fez’s famous leather tannery and have the opportunity to learn about and purchase locally made leather goods. Please note: Only nationally certified local Fez guides are permitted to guide within the medina; your main tour leader will not be able to accompany you in this area. Don’t forget to pick up the laundry you dropped off yesterday before enjoying some free time in the afternoon to explore further or relax. Accommodation: Hotel Mounia Fes (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

Today we have a full travel day through the diverse landscapes that make Morocco so unique. As you pass through cedar and pine forests, keep an eye out for Barbary Macaques. Pass over the Middle Atlas Mountains through the pre-desert countryside with its deep gorges filled with a splendid oasis of green palm groves, finally arriving at the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. We'll spend the night in a desert auberge, located right on the edge of the dunes. Here we will have a local-style dinner and spend the night. Please note: some rooms may have shared bathroom facilities at the desert auberge. Approximate travel time: 10-11 hrs, including stops *Note: There are some sections of curvy road during today's journey. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, consider having anti-nausea remedies handy. Accommodation: Auberge Dunes D'Or (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

Spend the cool morning relaxing or exploring the golden sands of the Sahara Desert at your own pace. For those who wish, an optional 4x4 excursion is available. Ride across the dunes of Erg Chebbi, pass a historic kohl mine, and stop in the village of Khamlia to enjoy traditional Gnawa music and a cup of mint tea with the locals. In the late afternoon, set out on a camel ride deep into the dunes to watch the sunset. Local guides will show you how to ride safely and may even teach you the desert trick of tying a turban—both practical for the sun and perfect for photos. As evening falls, enjoy a traditional dinner before gathering around a campfire beneath the stars. Share stories, listen to the beat of local drums, and soak in the magic of the desert night. Accommodation: Auberge Dunes D'Or (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

Rise early to catch the sunrise, grab breakfast, and continue by private bus into the Todra Valley, passed carved out cliff-sided canyons through the mountains. The final 300 meters of the gorge are the most spectacular, as the canyon narrows to a flat stony track as little as 10 m wide in places with sheer and smooth rock walls shooting up to 160 meters high on each side. Today, the Todra River looks more like a stream as it runs its way through the gorge, with hotels and restaurants huddled against the steep walls. It's easy to walk through the gorge, as there is a well-maintained dirt road to walk along. This scenic and serene spot is great for hiking, relaxing on the edge of the river, or sampling some local Amazigh delicacies. Approximate travel time: 3.5 hrs, including stops Accommodation: Hotel Amazir (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, we'll continue along the "Route of 1,000 Kasbahs" to the thriving town of Ouarzazate for a lunch stop. This town is home to Atlas Film Studios, where many movies have been shot over the years, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Continue on to the fascinating and beautiful village of Aït Ben Haddou, a wonderful example of a kasbah (a type of fortress). Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site with your tour leader. Of all the remaining kasbahs in Morocco, the walls and interior of this area are the most intact. Like many of the earthen-built fortresses in Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou has been used in numerous film and television productions including Gladiator, Babel, and Game of Thrones. In the evening, there may be a chance for an optional cooking class, and you can learn the secrets of how to make the perfect tagine and then sample your skills for your dinner. Approximate travel time: 4 hrs Accommodation: La Rose du Sable Ait Benhaddou (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

We're leaving the pre-desert country for the magnificent High Atlas Mountains landscape, crossing the Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2260 m, before heading into the splendid Toubkal National Park. We'll pass through small villages on winding mountain roads, before eventually arriving at the village of Imlil. With our luggage transported for us, head out on a 1-2 hour hike from Imlil to the little village of Aroumd (Aremd), where we'll stay the night at a mountain gîte. Breathe in the fresh mountain air, take in amazing views of the surrounding Atlas Mountains, and then sit down to a traditional, homemade dinner made with local produce. The hike to the gîte is quite steep in parts, and is on uneven terrain, so take it at your own pace! Some participants have recommended hiking poles for those with knee issues. Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi ride to the gîte for approximately 50 dirhams. Our accommodation is multi-share with up to six beds in each room. Bedding is provided, but you will need to bring your own towel. Bathroom facilities are shared. Approximate travel time: 5 hrs (Ait Ben Haddou to Imlil) by private vehicle; 1 hr (Imlil to Aroumd) on foot *Note: The road through the mountains is very curvy. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, consider having anti-nausea remedies handy. Accommodation: Auberge Tafraout Armed (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

After breakfast, take a scenic hike back down the mountain to meet the van in Imlil and head to the coastal town of Essaouira, arriving mid-afternoon. The rest of the day is free to explore as you wish. Essaouira is a funky, Portuguese-flavoured, hippie coastal village. Browse the many shops for leather, jewelry, lamps, or trinkets. Watch the brightly-painted ships bring their catch into the busy harbor or take a stroll along the long, sandy beach. This is the perfect place to enjoy some local seafood and unwind. Approximate travel time: 1 hr (Aremd to Imlil) on foot; 5 hrs (Imlil to Essaouira), including stops, by private vehicle Accommodation: Riad Nakhla Essaouira (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

Today is free for you to explore any way you like! Essaouira is a perfect place to enjoy some local seafood and unwind. If you're feeling adventurous, you can head out windsurfing or horseback riding. Your tour leader can arrange camel riding on the beach in Essaouira for you as well; just ask them for more details if you're interested. If you want to soothe aching muscles, you can pre-book the Traditional Hammam Experience ($60 USD) with us. In a Moroccan bathhouse, your session starts in a warm room to gently prepare your skin and body, transitioning into a steam-filled hot room for deep relaxation. Relish a thorough body scrub and a soothing massage, and conclude your experience with a refreshing mint tea. Please note that men and women have separate areas in the hammam, and the treatment includes a full-body scrub and massage, including the chest, stomach, and head—expect to get your hair wet unless you specifically request otherwise. Accommodation: Riad Nakhla Essaouira (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, we continue our journey to Marrakech. Once you've arrived in the Red City, join your certified city guide for a tour of the Marrakech medina. Shop to your heart’s content in the souks with their narrow, winding streets as you search out spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or the famous Moroccan lanterns. Visit the historical Koutoubia Minaret and gardens, the Mellah, and the Saadian Tombs, a complex of sepulchers and mausoleums that house the remains of Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Ed Dahb. The tombs were sealed off until their re-discovery in 1917. Tour the grounds of the Bahia Palace, marveling at the intricate decoration, and experience the sights and sounds of the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Once the tour is finished, you are free to explore the secrets of this amazing, ancient city at your leisure. After that, relax at one of the tea houses around the square, indulging in the ubiquitous sweet mint tea and watching the hustle and bustle from your shady spot. End the day like a local with an optional group dinner in the famous food stalls of Djemaa el Fna. Approximate travel time: 3 hrs by private vehicle Accommodation: Hotel Oudaya Marrakech (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

Today is a free day to explore. If you're interested, get up early and catch the sunrise over Marrakech by pre-booking the Hot Air Balloon excursion ($225 USD). Another great place to start your day is Djemaa el Fna square, in the heart of the medina. The square changes its offerings throughout the day. In the morning, you can wander through fresh orange juice stalls, water sellers in colorful costumes with traditional leather water bags and brass cups, and street performers. As the day progresses snake charmers are replaced by Chleuh dancing-boys, storytellers, magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines. As the sun sets, the square fills with dozens of food stalls, packed with locals and very entertaining chefs and waiters. Grab a spot on a bench with the other diners and try the Tanjia (slow-cooked lamb), Harira soup, grilled seafood, famous Moroccan couscous, tajine, snails, or even the sheep’s head! Wash it all down with some spiced tea. See our list below of optional activities for more recommendations about how to spend your free time. Accommodation: Hotel Oudaya Marrakech (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

There are no planned activities today, so you may depart Marrakech at any time. The nearest airport is Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK). If your departure flight is out of Casablanca, affordable transfer options include a 2.5-hour train that runs frequently throughout the day, or direct flights from Marrakech to Casablanca. If you wish to extend your stay in Marrakech, consider booking post-tour accommodation with us. Please note that check-out time from the hotel is usually mid-morning, but luggage storage services are available at the reception desk. Want more adventure? Book two or more GEEO programs in the same school year and receive a discount! GEEO will give you 10% off of the lesser value program(s) (up to 3 programs per year). If you would like to extend your time abroad but don't see another GEEO program that interests you, let us know. We can work with you to find a trip from our tour operator’s much larger catalog. Their tours are open to the general public and not designed specifically for educators, but we can still offer you and your travel companions a discounted educator price on any additional tours that you book. Meals included: Breakfast