9 Days / 8 Nights
Daily Tour
Unlimited
English
Eclipse & Imperial Cities is a 9-day small group journey that begins in Casablanca and travels north to the iconic Blue City of Chefchaouen — where you will witness the 2027 total solar eclipse, one of the longest in centuries at over six minutes of totality — before heading east through the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the Imperial splendour of Meknès, and the ancient 9th-century medina of Fès, then cutting south through the Middle Atlas mountains to the tranquil lakeside resort of Bin El Ouidane for a choice of hiking or Amazigh cultural experiences, and finally arriving in Marrakech via North Africa’s highest waterfall at Ouzoud Falls, ending eight nights of accommodation, 15 included meals, and private vehicle transport throughout with an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Red City on the final morning.
Your adventure in Morocco begins the moment you leave the airport. As the city unfolds before you—a captivating blend of modern architecture and ancient mosques—you'll get your first glimpse of a country that has enchanted travelers for centuries. This evening, you'll meet the people who will be sharing this journey with you.
Welcome Meeting - Meet the Customer Experience Manager and Group
Check the noticeboard in your hotel lobby (or ask your concierge) for the confirmed time and location. This is your chance to meet your Customer Experience Manager (CEO) and fellow travelers, ask questions about the days ahead, and join the group for your first meal together in Casablanca.
Head north through breathtaking landscapes that range from fertile farmland to traditional Berber villages, and observe the enormous storks’ nests on the rooftops and minarets along the way. Upon arriving in Chefchaouen, you’ll immediately understand why this city is one of Morocco’s most beloved: every alleyway is painted in a different shade of blue, and beauty is evident at every turn.
Casablanca to Chefchaouen (Private car, approximately 5-6 hours)
Guided Tour of Chefchaouen
Begin your journey here with a guided tour of the old city. Wander through the enchanting alleyways, marvel at the shades of indigo, turquoise, and cobalt, and learn the story behind this mountain city’s nickname, the Blue City.
Today is the reason so many of you are here. Join us for an eclipse party, an unforgettable experience, as the moon passes directly in front of the sun, plunging Chefchaouen into darkness at midday. The 2027 eclipse will offer one of the longest total solar eclipses over land in centuries—more than six minutes—as the path of totality sweeps across North Africa. The eclipse halo will never return to this region in our lifetime.
Eclipse Party
Experience this spectacular phenomenon the G Adventures way: Gather with your family on a hotel terrace in the Blue City and watch as day turns to night. Raise your glasses in celebration of the darkened skies, the falling temperatures, and the birds falling silent, then erupt in a raucous celebration as the sun reappears.
Free afternoon in Chefchaouen
The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the city. Wander through the old city and browse the local market for unique products such as goat cheese, argan oil, and handwoven textiles. Visit the Kasbah of Chefchaouen, a beautifully preserved fortress that now houses a small ethnographic museum and tranquil gardens. As evening falls, join your boss for a short stroll to the Spanish Mosque to enjoy panoramic views of the Blue City at sunset.
Descend from the Rif Mountains and cross into the plains leading to Fes, stopping at two important sites along the way: the magnificent Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes. Today you'll see Morocco's landscapes at their finest – mountain passes, olive groves, ancient monuments, and vibrant souks – all before arriving at your hotel in Fes for the night.
Excursion
Guided Tour of Volubilis
A certified local guide will bring a unique perspective to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the best-preserved Roman settlements in North Africa. Explore the ancient baths, admire the towering marble columns, and marvel at the remarkably well-preserved mosaic floors that have survived for nearly two thousand years. Hear stories of daily life in this remote corner of the Roman Empire.
Savor traditional cuisine in Meknes
Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Meknes, savoring a selection of authentic Moroccan dishes, including slow-cooked tagine, tender couscous, rich harira soup, and smoked aubergine dip (zaalouk).
Tour of Meknes
Discover one of Morocco’s four least-visited imperial cities on a guided walking tour. Highlights include the majestic Bab Mansour—widely considered the finest example of Moroccan architecture—the 18th-century Bab Khmiss gate, the bustling souk, Dar Jamaa (now the National Museum of Music), and the magnificent Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
Embark on a journey through time in one of the oldest and largest cities that still retains its rich history. Fes el-Bali – the old city – has changed little since the 9th century AD: donkeys still roam its narrow alleyways, artisans still practice their crafts in the same neighborhoods, and the call to prayer still echoes from its 350 mosques. This is Morocco at its finest, and sometimes at its most magical.
Guided Medina Tour of Fes
Join an expert local guide on a journey through more than 9,000 winding streets spread across 365 hectares. Pass through the gates of the old city, watch carpenters, bakers, butchers, and spice merchants at work, and visit Al-Qarawiyyin University – founded in 859 AD and widely recognized as the oldest continuously operating university in the world.
The tour concludes at the renowned Chouara tannery, where leather has been hand-tanned for centuries using methods unchanged since the Middle Ages. Admire the vats of color from the terrace of one of the leather shops and browse the wares before returning to your hotel.
Lunch in the Old Town
Enjoy a leisurely lunch served in a traditional riad—a house with a courtyard—in the heart of the old town you just explored.
The evening is yours. You can return to the old town after dark, when the crowds have thinned and the atmosphere has calmed, or relax back at your hotel.
Today's journey is one of our most beautiful. After leaving the plains, we ascend into the serene Middle Atlas Mountains, the green heart of Morocco, where mountain villages, cedar forests, and breathtaking scenery await us at every turn. Frequent breaks allow us to rest, take photos, and soak up the landscape before reaching the shimmering Ben El Ouidane Lake and relaxing in our overlooking retreat.
From Fes to Ben El Ouidane (Private car, approximately 7 hours including breaks)
Lunch in the Mountains
Your tour guide will lead you to a roadside market where you can select fresh bread and local produce. He will then show you a picturesque spot to enjoy your meal together – an unforgettable lunch, made even more magical by the surrounding scenery.
Visit to Ain Asserdoun Natural Spring
A short hike takes you to Ain Asserdoun, a hidden gem that even many Moroccans haven't yet visited. Clear blue water flows from the rocks at this natural spring, offering a refreshing, amazing break before you continue your journey towards the lake.
Today is your day. You have two completely different experiences to choose from: one that takes you on a profound journey through breathtaking nature, and the other that takes you into the heart of authentic Amazigh culture. Both are unforgettable, and the choice is yours.
Option A: Hike to the Imsfrane Cathedral
Embark on a hike across open terrain to reach a captivating natural rock formation, rising from the ground like the nave of a Gothic cathedral, sculpted by wind and water over thousands of years, not by human hands. This moderately challenging hike follows rocky terrain to the summit, rewarding you with stunning panoramic views and a serene sense of connection with nature, shaped since time immemorial. It's the perfect place to reflect on the ancient seas and shifting continents that formed it all.
Option B: Lunch with an Amazigh Family
Enjoy the warm hospitality of a local Amazigh (Berber) family and savor a delicious home-cooked lunch and tea in their home. After lunch, the family will teach you traditional bread-making techniques passed down through generations, giving you a unique opportunity to experience the culture and heritage of authentic Moroccan cuisine.
Local trip from Ben Ouidane (private car, approximately 3 hours round trip)
The road to Marrakech passes through some of Morocco’s most breathtaking scenery, including a stop at Ouzoud Waterfalls, one of the country’s most spectacular. Marrakech is a city that awakens the senses with its captivating beauty: the aroma of spices, the sounds of music, the sheen of handwoven textiles, and the warmth of its lantern-lit alleyways. Enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of the Red City tonight.
Ben El Ouidane to Ouzoud Waterfalls (Private car, approximately 1 hour)
 Ouzoud Waterfalls to Marrakech (Private car, approximately 2.5 hours)
Visit Ouzoud Waterfalls
At 110 meters (360 feet), the highest waterfalls in North Africa, Ouzoud Waterfalls are a stunning three-tiered cascade that plunges into a turquoise pool below. The name Ouzoud is derived from the Berber word meaning "grinding grain," referring to the watermills that once operated at the foot of the waterfall. Stroll along the misty paths to the base of the falls, and don't forget to watch for the Barbary macaques among the olive trees above.
Guided Tour of Marrakech Medina
Explore Marrakech's historic district on a guided tour that includes visits to two of the city's most beautiful palaces and gardens. Visit the Jardin Secret—a stunning, beautifully restored 19th-century Islamic garden—and the Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture with its intricately carved ceilings and mosaic courtyards. The tour concludes at a local bakery where you can purchase freshly baked traditional Moroccan bread from a wood-fired oven.
Your trip to Morocco concludes today, but the wonderful memories—the blue alleyways, the dark eclipse skies, the aroma of the spice market, and the warmth of a Berber family home—will accompany you home. If you are not ready to leave, your Executive Manager can assist you in arranging a connecting flight or a longer stay in Marrakech.
Departure
There are no group activities today. Check-out time is in accordance with the hotel's standard policy. We wish you a safe journey and thank you for sharing this trip with us.
★ Optional: Hot Air Balloon Ride over Marrakech (approximately 4 hours)
Start your last morning soaring above the rooftops, palm trees, and desert plains as the sun rises over the Atlas Mountains. A champagne reception follows. A magical farewell.
✈ Note: If you book the hot air balloon ride, the experience ends around 10:00 AM. We recommend not booking your departure flight before 1:00 PM to allow ample time to reach the airport.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Citizens from many countries, including the USA, Canada, and most European nations, can enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days. It’s best to check the Moroccan embassy website or contact your local consulate for the latest visa information before traveling.
The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be very hot, especially in the desert and southern regions, while winters may be chilly in the mountains.
Yes, Morocco is generally safe for tourists. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas, so it’s advisable to stay vigilant and keep your belongings secure. Avoid traveling alone at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods and follow local customs and advice from your guides.
Arabic and Berber are the official languages of Morocco. French is widely spoken, especially in business and tourism. English is increasingly common in tourist areas, but learning a few basic Arabic or French phrases can enhance your experience.
Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country with conservative dress customs. It’s respectful to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees is recommended. Women might consider carrying a scarf to cover their heads when entering mosques.
Member Since 2024
