Expedition Details
Experience Morocco's mystique with a National Geographic photographer on a special photography expedition. With your camera in hand, discover the enchanting cities of Marrakech and Fez, venture into rose-colored casbahs, and visit Berbers in their mountain villages. Along the way, our expert will share techniques and insights about how to best capture the variety of images you'll encounter.
Trip Highlights
- Photograph the ancient adobe village of Aït Benhaddou lit up by the late afternoon light.
- Ride into the Sahara on a camel in time to capture the sun setting on the dunes.
- Snap portraits of the wizened snake charmers of Marrakech, tanners knee-deep in dye vats, and traditional Berber families.
- Experience the diverse landscapes of Morocco, from cool mountain forests and coastal towns to rocky outcrops that rise out of lush oases.
Itinerary - 10 Days
Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Casablanca, Morocco
Depart on an overnight flight to Casablanca. After time to relax, visit the extraordinary Hassan II Mosque, whose 689-foot minaret is the world's tallest. Then, take an excursion to a vineyard set among cork oaks and eucalyptus trees near the town of Ben Slimane. Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting in this bucolic setting. Later, stroll through Casablanca's Habous district and mechouar, the ceremonial meeting place outside the Royal Palace. Tonight, gather for a festive welcome dinner overlooking the sea.
Golden Tulip Farrah Casablanca (L,D)
Day 3 — Casablanca/Marrakech
Drive through the elegant Anfa neighborhood on the way to Marrakech, Morocco's legendary "pearl of the south." After a poolside lunch at the hotel, meander through the stunning Majorelle Gardens, once owned by Yves Saint-Laurent, and pay a visit to the museum here. See the splendid Koutoubia Mosque, and visit Bahia Palace and the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts. Explore the labyrinthine streets of the medina, lined with market stalls and craftspeople; and soak up the colorful chaos of Djemma el Fna Square, where snake charmers and magicians enchant the passersby. Discover the city on your own this evening.
Le Méridien N'Fis (B,L)
Day 4 — Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains
This morning, you may choose to delve back into the suq with a local guide or visit other sites, including the 16th-century Ben Youssef Madrassa and the Marrakech Museum. Take advantage of free time after lunch to explore on your own. Or set out on a full-day excursion to the Atlas Mountains, stopping to hike, see local markets, and visit traditional Berber villages. Tonight, gather for a rooftop reception and dinner accompanied by traditional Gnaoua music in the heart of the old medina.
Le Méridien N'Fis (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Aït Benhaddou/Ouarzazate
Cross the Atlas Mountains to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou and have lunch overlooking this enchanting fortified city. Then venture into its warren of twisting lanes and dwellings, stopping for tea in a traditional adobe home. Take an optional horseback ride along the river before continuing to Ouarzazate, a former trading post now known for its movie studios, where films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia were shot.
Le Berbère Palace (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Ouarzazate/Erfoud/Merzouga
Learn about traditional adobe architecture in Taourirt Kasbah this morning. Set out on the fabled Road of 1,000 Kasbahs to Erfoud, passing spectacular rock formations, oases, and rose plantations. Enjoy a hike through a palm and tamarisk grove. Later, walk into Todra Gorge and have lunch at the foot of the soaring, red canyon walls. In Erfoud, climb into 4x4s and drive into the desert to a traditional tented camp, nestled among the dunes of Merzouga. Dine under the star-studded Saharan sky, and enjoy an evening of Berber folk music and tales around the campfire.
Bivouac Tented Berber Camp (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Merzouga/Erfoud/Fez
Awaken early to ride a camel across the sandscape as the rising sun paints the dunes orange and gold. Return to the camp for a hearty breakfast. Head north into the high-mountain plains on your way to Fez, stopping for a walk in a lush cedar forest. Arrive in Fez late this afternoon, and settle into your room at the legendary Palais Jamai, your home for the next three nights.
Palais Jamai (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Fez
Spend the day exploring this magnificent imperial city. Discover the 14th-century Bou Inania madrassa, characterized by its intricately carved stucco walls, arches, and cornices. See the Nejjarine Fountain, covered in exquisite mosaics, and the Kairaouine Mosque. Delve into the lively medina, where merchants preside over colorful mounds of spices and tanners soak skins in vats of dye. Later, visit the Royal Palace and Fes Jdid, home to the historic Jewish quarter.
Palais Jamai (B,L,D)
Day 9 — Fez/Volubilis and Meknes
Today you may choose to explore Fez at your own pace or take an excursion to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a World Heritage site; and Meknes, Morocco's 17th-century capital. Tonight, toast our Moroccan adventure at a farewell dinner and belly-dancing performance at the Palais Jamai.
Palais Jamai (B,D)
Day 10 — Fez/U.S.
This morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight.
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Related Trip
View LargerNational Geographic Expert
Massimo Bassano
Born and raised in Italy, photojournalist Massimo Bassano has published his work in National Geographic Traveler and National Geographic online, as well as numerous European publications; and he regularly teaches National Geographic photography workshops in Tuscany and Venice. His acclaimed photography book, The Color of Silence, detailed the 12 weeks he spent in a little-known Italian monastery. Massimo has traveled and photographed extensively in Morocco, and will share techniques and insights as you capture images of medinas, mosaics and a panorama of dunes.
Massimo will join the following departure:
Oct 22 - 31, 2009Expedition Dates 
indicates a departure that has a slightly different itinerary than the one shown on this page. Click the icon to see the day-to-day itinerary.
The May 2010 itinerary is 11 days and includes an extra night along the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs.
