Storied Morocco

You know the names: Paul Bowles, William S. Burroughs, Edith Wharton, Jack Kerouac… even Agatha Christie and Mark Twain. These and so many other western writers have found their way to Morocco, and discovered their inspiration. Fiction, non-fiction, classical and contemporary, the work is varied but always significant to the larger bodies of the authors’ work. Moroccan writers have also written prolifically, in or about their own country. What do they have to say? Discover their works in translation to find out…

This is a general-interest sightseeing tour seen through a literary lens. We travel to the cities most often written about, or where well-known authors have spent considerable time and produced great literary works. We’ll visit some of their haunts and hangouts, and along the way, take in Morocco’s exotic traditions, historic landmarks, culinary treasures, and vibrant culture.

Key Tour Highlights

• Escorted
• Five private guided walking tours: Tangier, Tetouan*, Chefchaouen, Fes*, Marrakech* 
• Visits: Writers’ houses, hotels, haunts, hangouts
• Literary evening(s) with Moroccan writers, poets
• Hassan II Mosque: Casablanca
• Roman ruins: Volubilis* 
• Day Excursion: Essouira
• Tradescrafts: vegetable silk, marquetry, leatherwork, carpet-making
• 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Keepsake personal journal
• OPTIONAL: 4-day extension to Sahara Desert
• Exceptional cuisine, beautiful accommodations

11 DAYS/10 NIGHTS:

Day 1: ARRIVAL: Casablanca, Welcome Dinner  (Marrakech departure available)

Day 2: Tour Casablanca, Hassan II Mosque; tour Rabat, National Library

Day 3: Travel to Tangier; Jean Genet grave (Larache)

Day 4: Guided walking tour: Tangier (and “storied” sites)

Day 5: Travel to Chefchaouen; guided walking tour: Tetouan

Day 6: Guided walking tour: Chefchaouen; visit: Volubilis; travel to Fes

Day 7: Guided walking tour: Fes; literary evening

Day 8: Travel to Marrakech

Day 9: Majorelle Gardens and guided walking tour of Marrakech

Day 10: Day excursion: Essaouira, return to Marrakech

Day 11: DEPARTURE: Casablanca or Marrakech

SMALL GROUP — LIMIT: 6

PRICE PER PERSON (inc. taxes, fees):

USD $3040.

CAD $4435.

Tour price includes airport transfers, all ground transportation, services of the driver, private 4X4 vehicle or 8-passenger van, and fuel, 3/4 star accommodations, all breakfasts,  and welcome/farewell dinners. See What’s Included tab for full details.

Travelling alone? Please contact us for solo pricing. (No single supplement.) Travelling with children? Learn about our family pricing. Prices valid to December 31. Subject to currency fluctuations.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION:  All ground transportation in a private vehicle, including the vehicle, fuel, and services of your Moroccan host/driver each day. Airport transfers on both ends of your tour are also included.

ESCORT:  In addition to your host/driver, an experienced escort will help you have a comfortable and enjoyable trip, answer questions, and generally support your experience in Morocco.

ACCOMMODATIONS:   All accommodations in single-occupancy private rooms with private bathrooms for 10 nights in Moroccan-owned and operated riads/hotels. Properties disclosed before final payment is taken.

MEALS:   Breakfast is included each morning at your riad except your day of arrival. One lunch is included (Essaouira-area cheese farm or winery.) The Welcome and Farewell dinners are included.

We encourage you to discover hidden gems or local specialties for the meals when you’re on your own, but we’re happy to make recommendations. Your accommodations may offer dinner with advance notice. (We can arrange this for you if you wish.) 

GUIDING SERVICES:   We hire a professional guide fluent in the language of your choice for your walking tours in Tangier, Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Fes, and Marrakech. (No guide is needed at the Majorelle Gardens or in Essaouira. Guides are included in the admission price at the Hassan II Mosque and at Volubilis.)

ADMISSIONS:     Admissions are included to the Majorelle Gardens (including the Berber Museum and YSL Museum), Volubilis, and Hassan II Mosque.

SPECIAL:  It’s a tour that celebrates writers and writing! OF COURSE we’ll include a keepsake journal that you can keep notes in along the way, or perhaps find inspiration in Morocco and begin your own great novel!

NOT INCLUDED:

ADMISSION FEES:     Admission fees to attractions you may want to visit on your guided walking tours are not included so that you can more freely decide what you want to visit.

GRATUITIES:     Gratuities are not included so that you can make a personal decision about how or if you would like to recognize the services of your driver, guides, and other service personnel who help you along the way.

PERSONAL BEVERAGES:

Personal beverages (including bottled water, soft drinks, fruit juices and alcohol) are not included, nor are snacks you might purchase along the road or at your accommodations.

 NOTE:    Payments made on your behalf for third-party services or activities such as cheese farm/winery facility visits, Majorelle Gardens tickets, Hassan II Mosque tickets or guiding services are non-refundable.