The Morocco and Tunisia Explorer Tour will take you on a 17-days exploration of the wonders and famous attractions in both Morocco and Tunisia. You will be exploring 10 different UNESCO World Heritage Sites (3 in Morocco, 7 in Tunisia), along with many Roman ruins, ancient medinas and other popular destinations that will simply take your breath away. You will also be able to experience the Sahara Desert in both Morocco and Tunisia.
Here are some highlights of what you will see and experience on the Morocco and Tunisia Explorer Tour
Welcome to Morocco! Today you will arrive at the Casablanca International Airport and be driven to your hotel in Casablanca for some much needed rest.
If you have an early arrival, you may want to take an afternoon guided tour of Hassan II Mosque, the third largest mosque in the world. Its minaret has a height of 210 meters (690 ft) making it the tallest religious structure in the world. Considered as the most ambitious structure ever constructed in Morocco, the Hassan II Mosque rises above the Atlantic Ocean and dominates much of the city’s skyline. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ Hotel/Guesthouse
After breakfast, you will travel to Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. While in this Imperial City, you will visit the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Andalusian Gardens.
Enter inside the 11th century fortress walls of the Oudaias Kasbah. Here you will find the oldest mosque in Rabat, the Kasbah Mosque which was constructed in 1150. This Kasbah was where Tom Cruise drove a BMW M3 in a car chase scene in Mission Impossible V: Rogue Nation.
Afterwards, you will visit Chellah, a fortified Muslim necropolis with a mosque, minaret and royal tombs dating back to the 14th century. It is a common sight to see stork nests occupying the top of the ruined minaret. The walled ruins are positioned on the Roman town of Sala, which you can explore its excavated Roman ruins of a forum, bath and temples.
If time permits, you may also want to visit the Royal Palace of Rabat where you can walk in the palace grounds and take a photo of the palace from a distance.
You will take lunch in Rabat and continue driving north into the mountains to Chefchaouen, the famous “blue pearl” of the Rif mountains in Morocco. Wander through the picturesque medina with the surrounding mountains in view. Dinner will be at the hotel/riad.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ Hotel/Riad
Today will be an exciting day of visiting ancient sites from the Roman to Islamic periods. After breakfast, you will depart for the spectacular Archaeological Site of Volubilis. You will take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore its extensive Roman ruins and mosaics.
You may want to visit the nearby town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. This is considered a holy town where Moulay Idriss I arrived in 789, bringing with him the religion of Islam. The Mausoleum of Idriss I is located in this town, but it is considered a sacred destination that is open only to Muslims.
You will travel to the ancient Imperial City of Meknes. You will have time to explore the city but you will want to pay particular attention to locations focusing on the era of Moulay Idriss: his underground prison, gates, and his mausoleum. A horse and carriage ride may finish the afternoon nicely. From Meknes, you will drive to Fes. Dinner will be at the hotel/riad.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ Hotel/Riad
After breakfast, you will take a full day guided tour of the famous ancient medina of Fes. In this 1,200 year old city, you will visit sites where very little has changed since the city was first established. You will explore the labyrinth of narrow streets and main thoroughfares lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other Moroccan artisanal items. You will be swept back in time as you wander through the labyrinth of streets and alleys, visiting the tanneries, bronze workers, mosques, the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, carpet makers, the Nejjarine Square and Museum, Mellah (Jewish Quarter), potters, mosaic artisans, and more. Dinner will be in a local restaurant.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ Hotel/Riad
You will have an early morning departure for the Sahara desert. Cross through the Atlas mountains if you are lucky you will spot Barbary apes along the way. When you reach the Oasis town of Erfoud you will meet your 4×4 driver and set out across the arid landscape to the majestic Sahara sand dunes. From the Kasbah on the edge of the dunes, you will set off by camel for a 2-hour trek out to the desert where you will spend the night in traditional Berber tents. Enjoy the silence and stars, while surrounded by majestic dunes.
Accommodation: Tented Camps Half-Board (Dinner and breakfast the following day included)
After breakfast, you will return by camel to the desert Kasbah, freshen up, and head on to Erfoud to reunite with your tour driver.
From Erfoud, it’s off to the picturesque Todra Gorges. If time permits, you can take a short walk into this stunning gorge. From Todra, continue to your destination Ouarzazate. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ Half-Board Option
After an early breakfast, the group will depart for Marrakech. The first stop along the way will be at the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou where films such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabiawere filmed. The beautiful drive to Marrakesh will take you up and through the High Atlas Mountains.
Once in Marrakech, you will check into your hotel and then head off to the Djemaa el-Fna, the center square of the medina. This famous square is one of the center attractions of Marrakech with its local storytellers, entertainers, and delectable barbecue. It is well worth a visit! Taking a quiet cup of mint-tea at one of the cafes overlooking the square provides a spectacular birds-eye view of the exciting environment. Dinner will be taken at your hotel.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ Riad Options
After breakfast, you will have a guided tour of Marrakech. En route you will discover the Palace of the Bahia, the Saadian Tombs, and many other fascinating landmarks. After lunch, you will continue with the tour on to the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque and the famous Djemaa el-Fna, one of the center attractions of Marrakech. The tour will conclude with a stop by the souk (market) lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other treasures of Morocco. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ Hotel/Riad Options
In the morning take some free time to explore Marrakech. You may want to try out your bargaining skills in the market, or enjoy a stroll through the historic medina.
In the later morning head out for Casablanca. If you missed the Hassan II Mosque on Day 1, be sure to take a guided tour. Explore the medina for any last souvenirs or visit the beautiful coastline at Ain Diab.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ Half-Board Options
Your private driver will return you to the Casablanca International Airport at your stated time. Arrive at the Carthage International Airport in Tunis and meet your driver, then transfer to the hotel.
If you arrive in the morning to Tunis, you will take an afternoon visit to the ancient archaeological site of Carthage, once the largest ancient cities in northern Africa. This site holds ruins from many eras of history: the Punics, Romans, Vandals and Byzantines all made claim to this area at some point.
You will then continue to the quaint village of Sidi Bou Said, built on and around several hills overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. We will explore its beautifully paved lanes and spectacular sea views. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
Full day of exploring Roman ruins. In the morning, we will drive to Dougga, the Roman Archaeological site. This enormous site is one of the best preserved Roman ruins in Tunisia, and it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site overlooks the vast regions surrounding it and it’s not uncommon to see locals herding their sheep through the Roman ruins.
Continue on to Makthar to see the famous forum and arc of Trajan, large baths, a basilica and the Makthar amphitheater. After the visit, travel to Kairouan for dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: La Kasbah 5★ Half-Board
This morning you will visit the grand mosque Okba Ibn Nafaa and the mausoleum of the Berber companion of Mohammed. Afterwards, you may be interested in a visit to a carpet-making workshop where you can observe, admire, and learn about this incredible artisan work. There is an ancient medina with winding streets, which make for a nice place to have lunch.
When you have completed your visits travel to Sbeitla with its numerous mosaics, churches, baptisteries, temples, baths, and the Arch of Diocletian. Do not forget to leave time to visit the museum. When you are ready to continue, travel to Tozeur. Dinner will be at the hotel.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
After an early morning, travel to the beautiful mountainside oasis village of Chebika. Chebika was once a Roman outpost, but later became a mountain refuge for the Berber people. You can hike through the Chebika canyon to the source of the mountain oasis. From Chebika, travel to Tamerza which is the largest mountain oasis in Tunisia. Afterwards, travel to Mideswhere you will have a nice panoramic view of the canyon below. The canyon was used for the filming of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The English Patient.
In the afternoon, explore Ong Jemel, ‘the neck of the camel‘. Travel over barren land and see the Sahara dunes and a Star Wars Mos Espa film location. Return to Tozeur for your night and dinner.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
After breakfast travel across the Chott el Jerid, the largest salt flat in Tunisia, and across barren lands until you reach the desert Oasis city of Douz. This city has been nicknamed the ‘gateway to the Sahara’. Visit the small Sahara oasis and market. You may want to take lunch here before traveling to the beautiful oasis of Ksar Ghilane. This oasis is situated right next to the Sahara dunes. Enjoy the natural hot spring or take a quad or camel trek to a Roman fort. Dinner will be at the hotel/or tented camp.
Accommodation: Dar Ghilane or Residence La Source 3★, Yadis Camp 4/5★, Zemela Camp (tented camp 16KM from Ksar Ghilane in the Sahara) Half-Board
Today you will begin with a stop at Matmata and visit troglodyte museum and homes. For Star Wars fans, this was also another filming location of Luke Skywalker’s interior home.
Continue back north to the town of El Jem, which hosts a Roman Coliseum which is one of the best preserved in the world. It was constructed between 230 and 238 AD and is believed to at one time have hosted between 30,000 to 45,000 spectators. Take time exploring this enormous structure and do not forget to go down to the rooms where the gladiators waited their upcoming battle. There is a museum in the town that hosts a plethora of mosaics.
Travel to Sousse and if time remains in the day, perhaps you would like to see the archaeological museum, Ribat, and medina.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
After breakfast, you will visit the coastal towns of Hammamet and Nabeul, which are known for its sandy white beaches, crystal clear blue sea water, and beautiful gardens. Afterwards, continue your exploration of picturesque peninsula Cap Bon with a stop at Kerkouane, the ancient Punic town. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will also see Houaria (the tip of Cap Bon) and Korbous (a natural hot spring). Return to Tunis for night.
Accommodation: 3★, 4★, or 5★ options
Your driver will take you to the Tunis-Carthage International Airport for your departure, thus ending your Morocco and Tunisia Explorer tour.
