Prehistoric, Bronze Age and Roman archaeology: Morocco
16 September 2025 - 10 days for £3,850 per person
Uncover the fascinating history of Morocco through prehistoric, Bronze Age and Roman archaeological finds as you journey from Casablanca to Marrakech via the Sahara desert and Atlas Mountains, stopping at key sites en route to enrich your understanding of north African culture and history while enjoying Moroccan hospitality.
Your adventure takes you from the cultural hub of Casablanca along the north coast to Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, and then on to the old capital of Meknes, from where you'll explore historical sites including the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Head onwards to Fes before traversing through the Middle Atlas Mountains to Erfoud, viewing prehistoric fossil beds along the way. Discover ancient rock carvings in Taouz and enjoy the vibrant Gnawa music in Khamliya. Experience a camel ride and guided stargazing in the Sahara desert, explore the stunning Dadès Gorge and travel through the picturesque Draa Valley to Ait Benhaddou. Finally, arrive in Marrakech to visit the Badi Palace and Saadian Tombs.
Throughout the tour, you will be accompanied by an expert who will deliver a series of engaging talks and walking seminars on the intricate history of Morocco.
This tour is perfect for those interested in Moroccan and North African history, Greco-Roman enthusiasts and for any curious-minded traveller.
In partnership with Intrepid Travel.
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN CASABLANCA
Welcome to Morocco! Check in and settle into the five-star Hotel le Casablanca. In the evening, you will meet your fellow guests plus the tour leader, who will brief you on the tour, and your tour expert, who will give you an introductory talk then take you for a welcome dinner.
DAY 2: MOSQUE OF HASAN II, RABAT AND MEKNES
This morning, visit one of Casablanca's most awe-inspiring landmarks – the majestic Mosque of Hassan II. As the second-largest mosque in Africa, this architectural marvel straddles both land and sea, offering a unique and breathtaking sight. Finished in 1993, it was designed by French architect Michel Pinseau, taking six years to complete. The mosque complex features hand-carved wood and stone, marble floors and gilded ceilings made of cedar, sourced from the Atlas Mountains.
After soaking in the grandeur of the mosque, drive north along the coastline to Rabat, Morocco's elegant capital and one of its imperial cities. Begin your exploration with a stroll through the bustling medina and souks, where the air is filled with the rich aromas of spices and the sounds of lively bargaining. From here, you head to the Kasbah des Oudaias, a 12th-century citadel and designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was built to defend the ancient Roman city of Sala Colonia at the mouth of the river. It was subsequently restored by the French Protectorate in the early 20th century.
Continue your day with a visit to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a masterpiece of modern Alaouite dynasty architecture, and marvel at the towering minaret of the Mosque of Hassan. As the day winds down, journey onward to Meknes, a former capital of Morocco.
DAY 3: MEKNES CITY TOUR, VOLUBILIS ROMAN RUINS AND ON TO FES
This morning, visit the Winery Roslane, where you can indulge in an optional wine tasting and savour a delicious lunch amidst the vineyards.
Next, dive into the rich history of the imperial city of Meknes on a guided tour. Marvel at the grandeur of the Bab Mansour gate and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of El Hedim Square, bustling with life and local charm.
The day's highlight awaits at Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its remarkably preserved Roman ruins, just under an hour from Meknes. Founded in the 3rd century BC, Volubilis was once the capital of the Roman province of Mauretania, a thriving hub on the fringes of the Roman Empire. Here, you'll encounter a fascinating blend of architectural styles and cultural influences, from Roman to Libyan, Carthaginian, Islamic and Christian. Wander through the site and admire the impressive mosaics, basilicas and triumphal arches that stand as a testament to its storied past.
After this immersive historical journey, continue to the enchanting city of Fes. In the evening, join your tour leader for a dinner featuring one of the city's signature dishes, the exquisite salty and sweet pastilla.
DAY 4: FES
Today, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Fes el-Bali, the historic heart of Fes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its narrow, winding streets where every corner reveals a piece of living history.
Begin your journey with a visit to the Mellah, the former Jewish Quarter, where the echoes of the past resonate through its ancient architecture. Established in 1438, it was the first official Jewish district in Morocco. At its peak, around a quarter of a million Jews lived here. While the population is now less, Jewish influence on the architecture is still evident, with two synagogues active in the district. Next, marvel at impressive craftsmanship at a pottery artisans’ cooperative, where skilled hands transform clay into beautiful works of art.
Your exploration continues at Medrassa Attarine, a historic spiritual centre celebrated for its breathtaking architecture and intricate tilework. Take your time to absorb the vibrant local life, savouring the sights, sounds and scents that make this ancient city so captivating.
After a day filled with exploration, return to your riad for the evening.
DAY 5: MIDDLE ATLAS MOUNTAINS AND ERFOUD
From Fes you will make the 6-7 hour journey to Erfoud, via the breathtaking Middle Atlas Mountains. Along the route, you'll uncover the rich tapestry of ancient nomadic cultures.
One of the day's highlights is a visit to the prehistoric fossil beds near Erfoud. Here, you'll delve into the fascinating world of desert archaeology. These fossil beds, often referred to as the largest open-air fossil museum in the world, are a treasure trove of ancient marine life. They offer a captivating glimpse into a time when the Moroccan Sahara was submerged under a vast ocean during the Devonian period, around 380 million years ago. Marvel at the well-preserved ammonites, goniatites and Orthoceras that populate this area, each telling a story of Earth's distant past.
You'll arrive at your hotel in Erfoud early evening.
DAY 6: TAOUZ ROCK ART AND MERZOUGA, GATEWAY TO THE SAHARA
Today promises excitement as you set off on a four-wheel-drive excursion to Taouz. Here, you'll uncover ancient rock carvings and petroglyphs dating back to around 500 BC. These remarkable artefacts are invaluable in shedding light on life in Morocco during the Bronze Age, a period with few historical records.
Next, journey to the village of Khamliya, renowned for its Gnawa music. This tradition is rooted in the history of the slave trade from at least the 16th century.
Your adventure continues as you head to Merzouga, a village near the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes of the Sahara desert. With its deep Berber heritage, Merzouga offers a unique cultural experience. Embark on a camel ride into the Sahara, where you'll witness the beauty of the dunes at sunset. As night falls, dine under the stars and with the Sahara's incredibly low levels of light pollution, take part in a guided stargazing session with a local astronomer.
DAY 7: DADÈS GORGE
After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey to the breathtaking Dadès Gorge, a 4-5-hour journey.
Enjoy a guided, 2½-hour walk through the gorge, where you'll marvel at the unique rock formations that range from rust red to deep mauve. These valleys, nourished by the waters of the Dadès River, are home to thriving plantations of olives, almonds and figs. As the day draws to a close, you'll settle into your accommodation for the night in Dadès.
DAY 8: AIT BENHADDOU
Today, head onwards to Ait Benhaddou, traveling through the picturesque Draa Valley. This scenic drive, lasting around 5-6 hours, offers views of lush palm groves and traditional Berber villages.
Upon arrival, explore the renowned kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its magnificent ksar architecture. This extraordinary ensemble of earthen buildings provides a complete picture of pre-Saharan construction techniques. The site has also served as a backdrop for numerous iconic films, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.
While its picturesque beauty is undeniable, Ait Benhaddou's true significance lies in its historical role as a crucial hub for ancient trade and caravan routes linking Sudan to Marrakech. As you wander through this ancient fortress, you'll gain fascinating insights into how these trade routes influenced Morocco's archaeology and culture.
DAY 9: MARRAKECH, BADI PALACE AND SAADIAN TOMBS
After breakfast, set off for the vibrant city of Marrakech, a place teeming with culture and history. Upon checking in to your riad, begin your exploration of the city with a visit to the ruins of the Badi Palace. Completed in 1593, it was commissioned by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur after his victory over the Portuguese in the Battle of the Three Kings. Gaining vast amounts of wealth from this victory, the Sultan used materials from all over the world in its construction: marble from Italy, onyx from India and gilt from Sudan. After the fall of the Sultan in the early 17th century, the palace was stripped of its precious materials for use in other building projects, mostly in Meknes. As you wander through the remnants of this once magnificent palace, learn about its construction, its golden age, and its eventual decline, immersing yourself in the echoes of Morocco’s royal past.
Next, visit the Saadian Tombs, an impressive 16th century burial site that stands as a display of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur's power and wealth. Located within the Kasbah Mosque, built in 1557 and one of Morocco's oldest mosques, the tombs are a marvel of intricate stucco carvings and colourful tiles. Explore the two main sections, each containing several chambers, and appreciate the artistry that adorns this historic site.
As your journey nears its end, gather with your group for a final farewell dinner. Your accompanying tour expert will share some final insights into Moroccan archaeology.
DAY 10: DEPARTURE FROM MARRAKECH
The morning is free for you to relax and explore at your own pace before driving to the airport for your onward journey.
