Traditional 5 Star Luxury Accommodations For An Authentic Journey

A Riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard. The word riad comes from the Arabian term for garden, ryad. The ancient Roman city of Volubilis in Morocco is where riad architecture during the rule of the Idrisid Dynasty first appeared.

As you travel with Biotrek you will have the opportunity to stay in a variety of types of hotels and riads – from those with majestic Andalusian and Islamic gardens to cottage style settings. The riads can be three stories high with rooftop dining and stunning views over the historic medinas. Note that because these are historic properties, elevators are rarely available in riads.

Please Call for the most up to date information regarding the riads we will enjoy on the tour.

Morocco is one of Biotrek’s favorite places on earth! Irresistible to painters, writers and especially photographers, it is a land of mystique, vibrant colors, textures and exotic fragrances. Our small group escorted tour visits bustling imperial cities, towering sand dunes, sleepy coastal towns, high Atlas mountains and unique Berber culture. Moroccan food is outstanding especially the famous typical tagines. Some of the many attractions you will experience on your guided tour are:

  • Rabat – the modern capital of Morocco located on the Atlantic Ocean. Sights include the Oudaïa Kasbah, Musée de Oudaïa, the Hassan Tower at the Royal Palace, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
  • Fes – the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities, regarded by many as the cultural and religious center. A crucial crossroads, it has a history of foreign dynasties, but today retains its distinct Arab identity and cosmopolitan character.
    • The Bou Inania Medersa – Widely acknowledged as a major example of Marinid architecture.
    • Al-Attarine Madrasa
    • University of Al-Karaouine
    • Zaouia Moulay Idriss
    • Fes el-Bali - A UNESCO World Heritage site and the old medina is often referred to as a “live museum.”
    • Seffraine Square – Place el-Seffarine – This kisseria is the most important center for the production of Fasiss style ceramics, brassware and silverware in Morocco.
    • The Tannery – The Chourara or the Tanner’s Quarters is the most picturesque souk in Fès.
    • Weavers Cooperative – The workshop specializes in weaving the finest jellaba fabric, made of silk and wool threads imported from Italy.
    • Pottery & Zellij Tile Cooperative – A cooperative where old techniques of how zellij and pottery is made.
  • Roman Ruins of Volubilis – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Imperial City of Meknes
  • Merzouga and the legendary dunes of Erg Chebbi – Arrive in Merzouga before sunset, then go by dromedary camel, at sunset into the Erg Chebbi Dunes to camp overnight at a luxury tent at an oasis. The Sahara is the world’s largest desert. As you glide across the silent, mystical dunes there will be countless opportunities to photograph the endless vistas.
  • Ouarzazate is the main Berber city in the south, known for its spectacular sunsets and dramatic mountain and desert scenery.
  • Meet a local Berber family and learn how to make traditional bread and a tajine.
  • Kasbah Telout, one of Morocco’s hidden jewels and a famous Kasbah that is the origin of the Pacha Glaoui Family
  • Marrakech – The country’s second Imperial city after Fes. Marrakech is lively and dramatic.
    • Majorelle Gardens, a magical and lush garden estate designed by Jacque Majorelle and later maintained by Yves Saint Laurent.
    • 19th Century El Bahia Palace with its eight-hectare gardens. The Bahia offers a perfect example of a palace garden and courtyards surrounded by grandiose architecture.
    • 16th Century Saadian Tombs and El Mansour mosque.
  • Essaouira – a lovely sea-side medieval town boasts lovely white-washed and blue-shuttered houses, colonnades, thuya wood workshops, art galleries and mouthwatering seafood. Take a stroll along the town’s sunlit pedestrian main square, Place Prince Moulay el Hassan. Skala du Port, the fishing harbor, offers breathtaking views of the Portuguese ramparts. Explore the ramparts, the spice and jewelry souks of the medina, and the old Jewish Mellah.
  • Casablanca – including the residential area of Anfa, the Corniche of Ain Diab, the esplanade of mosque Hassan II, the Mohammed V square and of course Rick's Cafe.

An exotic taste of Africa, Morocco offers a wealth of experiences beginning with an astonishingly rich architectural tradition and deep cultural history. Medieval cities, Roman ruins, Berber Kasbahs and beautiful Islamic monuments await you on our small group tour. Morocco conjures up a sense of mystery, intrigue, and Bogart movies. Bring those senses with you and see it in person – you won’t be disappointed. Morocco is one of Biotrek’s favorite places on earth. Irresistible to painters, writers and especially photographers, it is a land of mystique, vibrant colors, textures and exotic fragrances. Our excorted tour visits bustling imperial cities, towering sand dunes, sleepy coastal towns, High Atlas Mountains and unique Berber culture. Moroccan food is outstanding especially the famous typical Tagines.

Casablanca is the economic capital of Morocco. Among the sites we visit are the residential area of Anfa, the Corniche of Ain Diab, the esplanade of mosque Hassan II, the Mohamed V square and Rick's Cafe.

Rabat is a comparatively quiet city, that reflects its Muslim, Roman and French influences. One of Rabat’s most famous landmarks is the Hassan Tower, located on the same site as the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the present king’s father. The tombs of the Moroccan king and his two sons, late King Hassan II and Prince Abdallah is considered a masterpiece of modern Alaouite dynasty architecture, with its white silhouette, topped by a typical green tiled roof. Its construction was completed in 1971. Hassan II was buried there following his death in 1999. The Mosque Hassan II, dramatically sited at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. was built by the late King Hassan II at the end of his 40-year reign. This astounding edifice is larger than Saint Peter’s in Rome and capable of holding 80,000 worshippers.

Fes el-Bali - is a crucial crossroads, with a distinct Arab identity and cosmopolitan character. In addition to fantastic dining and shopping in the countless souks and the famous tanneries, Fes offers amazingly varied examples of “zellij,” the plaster and woodwork so characteristic of Arab art. The narrow cobbled streets are filled with ancient mosques and towering green-glazed minarets. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, its medina is believed to be the world’s largest contiguous car-free urban area. Al-Qarawiyyin, founded in AD 859, is the oldest continuously functioning madrasa in the world. The city has been called the “Mecca of the West” and the “Athens of Africa”.

    • The Bou Inania Medersa – is a madrasa founded in AD 1351–56 by Abu Inan Faris, who also founded the Madrasa Bou Inania in Meknes. It is widely acknowledged as a major example of Marinid architecture. “Bou Inania” comes from the first part of the sultan’s name “Abou Inan”.The madrasa functioned as both an educational institute and as a congregational mosque at the same time. It is the only madrasa in Fes which has a minaret. According to history, religious leaders of the Karaouine Mosque advised Abu Inan Faris to build this madrasa. The madrasa became one of the most important religious places of Fes and Morocco, gaining the status of Grand Mosque.The madrasa was renovated in 18th century.
    • Al-Attarine Madrasa was built by the Marinid sultan Uthman II Abu Said (r. 1310-1331) in 1323-5. The madrasa takes its name from the Souk al-Attarine, the spice and perfume market. Its layout, architectural design and decorative motifs make Al-‘Attarin Madrasa one of the most beautiful buildings erected during the Marinid dynasty. The building was constructed in a narrow space in a very densely populated district. Its layout is not complex and is adapted to the topography of the site. The building is entered through a large wooden door covered with bronze pieces.
    • University of Al-Karaouine was founded in 859, this university is one of the leading spiritual and educational centers of the Muslim world and is considered the oldest continuously operating institution of higher learning in the world.
    • Zaouia Moulay Idriss – A zaouia (shrine) dedicated to and the tomb of Moulay Idriss II, who ruled Morocco from 807 to 828 and founded the city of Fès for the second time in 810.

    Volubilis was once occupied by the Romans. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and gained international acclaim when Martin Scorsese made it a feature location for his film, The Last Temptation of Christ. Discover the fascinating Roman ruins adorned with beautiful mosaics and colorful tiles depicting Roman mythology. The ruins are spread out across several green acres. See how the Roman Empire transformed the original Carthaginian settlement into a typical Roman city complete with mansions, a town center, a triumphal arc and temples devoted to the Roman gods.

    Merzouga and the legendary dunes of Erg Chebbi are considered by desert aficionados to be perhaps the largest dunes in the Sahara, they are constantly shifting due to the considerable desert winds. From here, our escorted small group can climb, or camel ride the dunes to watch the glorious sunset.

    The Sahara is the world’s largest desert. Only a small part of the Sahara is fertile and it is here that corn, dates and other fruits grow. These parts are fed by underground rivers and oases. The Sahara can be an inspirational experience at night, with the air being crisp, clean and clear and the stars being so close you can almost touch them.

    Ouarzazate is the main Berber city in the south known for its spectacular sunsets and dramatic mountain and desert scenery. Surrounded by breathtaking valleys, Ouarzazate was once the crossing point for African traders seeking to reach northern cities in Morocco and Europe. Film buffs may be surprised to learn that Ouarzazate was the setting for dozens of movies from David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia to Bertolucci’s The Sheltering Sky. Our group will visit the Kasbah Taouirit and the UNESCO restored Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou.

    Marrakech – Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravid, Youssef Ben Tachfine, several dynasties followed. The country’s second Imperial city after Fes, Marrakesh is a city of drama. Set against the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, its famous Djemaa el-Fna square provides perhaps the world’s greatest open-air spectacle. The medina’s also offer plenty of entertainment, with souks, terrific restaurants, great shopping for rugs, arts, crafts, rugs and, of course, people-watching.The defining landmark of Marrakesh is the 12th century tiled minaret of the Koutoubia mosque, and there is no better place to begin your journey into this entrancing city. From here, our small group will begin to explore the ancient pink-walled Medina. Explore the colorful and diverse souks each trading its own goods, spices, carpets, jewelry, brass and cedar, carpets and hand-made rugs. Continuing we discover the Bahia palace, the Saadian tombs and the medieval medersa ben Youssef, one of the finest Islamic monuments in North Africa, the Menara Basin and many other hidden treasures.In the early evening we head towards the frenetic Djemaa el Fnaa, the greatest square in all of Africa and perhaps the world, designated as a UNESCO world heritage cultural space, it provides ever- changing entertainment for Moroccans and foreigners alike, reaching its climax at sunset when the square is alive with storytellers, healers, snake charmers, acrobats, and countless food stalls. Walk through the square to experience its intensity and then perhaps enjoy the view from the terrace of a rooftop café is the best Morocco hospitality.En route to Essaouira we visit the Argan Cooperative where argan oil, butter and cosmetics are made with the Argan nut by hand as Berber women crack the nuts and the grind them one by one. This cooperative is run entirely by women. Our travel group will visit the village of Tadarta UNESCO World Heritage site and while it appears in parts to be in ruins on the exterior, its interior is one of true splendor.

    Essaouira is a lovely seaside medieval town boasting white-washed and blue-shuttered houses, colonnades, thuya wood workshops, art galleries and mouthwatering seafood. The Arabic name of the town means “wall” or “image”.  Stroll through its tiny, winding streets, enjoying the many intriguing blue and white windows, seasonal festivals, and artwork of many cultures. Essaouira has been a trading base for well over 1,000 years, dealing in everything from slaves and rare purple dye to tea and sardines, and its medina, fortified by the Portuguese in the 15th century, is still a thriving commercial centre, full of tiny shops selling beads, carpets and handmade shoes. But it’s most famous for the friendly, laid back vibe which since the 1950s has inspired artists, musicians and filmmakers.