Journey to Morocco
Ercument Tokat & Family
December 23, 2025 - January 2, 2026
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Itinerary Outline
Dec. 23 - 26 | Fez | Hotel Sahrai (3 nights)
Dec. 26 - 27 | Casablanca | Royal Mansour (1 night)
Dec. 27 - Jan. 2 | Marrakech | Royal Mansour (6 nights)
Jan. 2 | Departure
Guide Dec. 23, 2025 - Jan. 2, 2026
Mr. Achraf +212 665 660045
Driver Dec. 23, 2025: For Chitticks
Mr. Mohammed +212 6 64 22 11 12
Driver Dec. 23, 2025: For Tokat Family
Mr. Yassin +212 603 122895
Driver Dec. 23, 2025 - Jan. 2, 2026
Mr. Mohammed +212 6 64 22 11 12
Should any emergency arise, please contact Achraf first as he is on the ground and able to assist you the quickest.
24-hour Emergency Contacts
Mr. Achraf +212 665 660045 (Whatsapp)
Federico: +54 9 11 6912-0600 (Whatsapp)
Back-up Emergency Team
Sarah Casewit: +34-663-380-582 (Whatsapp)
Virginia: +34 697 307-339 (Whatsapp)
Contact Details
Casablanca: Mild and coastal with highs around 17–19°C, a mix of sun and clouds, and occasional light rain. Evenings are cool.
Fez: Cool and crisp, with daytime temperatures around 14–17°C and notably cold nights. Expect a mix of clear days and possible showers.
Marrakech: Pleasant sunny days around 18–20°C, cooler evenings. Nights can feel chilly, but days remain bright and comfortable.
Weather
Driver: $20-30 per day / 200-300 Dirhams.
Guide: $30-60 per day / 300-600 Dirhams depending on length and quality of the tour.
Hotel Porters: $1–2 per bag / 10-20 Dirhams.
Housekeeping: $2–5 per night / 20-50 Dirhams.
Restaurants: Tip 10% in cash if possible.
Loose Spending: Coffee/snacks, market buys, small souvenirs: $20–40 per day / 200-400 Dirhams. Morocco is mostly card-friendly, but for tipping and small vendors, having small bills and coins is key.
Tipping
Dec. 23 | Fez
Chitticks: VIP Airport Service & Private Transfer to Fez
8:55am: Flight AT201 arrival at Casablanca International Airport from New York JFK. You will be greeted at the door of the plane and assisted with customs as well as fast track through security.
Once your baggage is collected, meet with your guide Achraf at the arrivals terminal and private transfer to your hotel in Fez (approx. 3 hours). If you wish, stop in Meknes for a brief tour of this historical city. Visit the zawiya of Cheikh Al Kamel which is a stunning mosque, and the mausoleum of Mohammed al-Hadi ben Issa, the founder of the Isawiyya Sufi order, established in the 16th century.
Tokat Family: VIP Airport Service & Private Transfer to Fez
2:50pm: Flight TK 167 arrival at Casablanca International Airport from Istanbul. You will be greeted at the door of the plane and assisted with customs as well as fast track through security. Once your baggage is collected, meet with your driver at the arrivals terminal and private transfer to your hotel in Fez (approx. 3 hours).
Welcome to Fez
7:00pm: Arrive at Fez and check-in to Hotel Sahrai. As the largest urban car-free UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fez preserves Morocco’s traditions like no other city. It is the spiritual heart not only of Morocco but of North Africa, drawing pilgrims from across the region, including sub-Saharan Africa, to honor its revered saints. The city is a living labyrinth of ancient streets, grand palaces, bustling souks, and artisans practicing centuries-old crafts. Fez is alive, a city that breathes culture and history every single day of the year. To visit Fez is to pay tribute to the founders of the country and experience Morocco’s spiritual essence.
Dinner Reservation: La Maison Bleue
8:00pm: Private transfer to La Maison Bleue for your dinner reservation for 7 people. This is the quintessential Fez dining experience. You’ll want to come hungry and ready for a multiple course meal accompanied by live, gentle music of an Oud player. After dinner you will be transferred back to your hotel
Hotel Sahrai | 4 Superior Rooms
Dec. 24 | Fez
Introductory Tour
10:30am: Meet with your guide at the lobby to explore the important saint’s tombs, mosques, Quranic schools and old institutions including the world’s oldest university, al-Qarawiyyin. Visit the Dar Batha Museum to admire traditional Moroccan arts, crafts, and cultural artifacts. Witness the centuries-old leather-dyeing process at the Chouara Tannery, where vibrant colors and traditional techniques create a unique spectacle. Enjoy a panoramic view from one of the nearby terraces.
Zawiyahs of Fez
After Duhr prayer at the Qarawiyyin Mosque, visit the shrine of Moulay Idris, and the great madrasas such as the Bou Inaniya, and the tomb of Ahmad al-Tijani. Visit the tomb of Sidi Ali al-Jamal, the Shaykh of al-Darqawi, and Masjid al-Ayn where Ibn Arabi taught, as well as the tombs of the Shadhili silsila such as Ibn Abbad and the Abdullawis in the Bab Futuh cemetery.
Lunch Reservation: Dar Hatim
1:00pm: Lunch reservation for 7 people at Dar Hatim. Enjoy a delicious lunch at this family-owned restaurant in the medina.
Vichy Spa Moulay Yaacoub (No reservations Required – Age Restriction: 18 and up)
3:00pm: Depart for Moulay Yaacoub. A 30-minute drive from Fez leads to the steaming mineral waters of Vichy Moulay Yaacoub, veiled in winter mist. Named after the revered Sufi saint Moulay Yaacoub Ben Abdellah, the village has long been a place of healing both physical and spiritual. Locals and travelers alike sink into the thermal pools, letting the warmth and quiet devotion of the place restore body and soul.
Dinner at Hotel Sahrai
This evening, the hotel will host its annual Christmas dinner. We have reserved a table for 7 people. For guests staying at Hotel Sahrai on December 24, participation in this dinner is part of the stay.
Hotel Sahrai | 4 Superior Rooms | Breakfast, Dinner
Dec. 25 | Fez
Private Cooking Class
9:30am: Greeting by your guide and private transfer to Dar Namir in the Medina of Fez.
10:00am: Immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Morocco with a hands-on cooking class with Tara in a cosy, courtyard kitchen of her private riad in the medina. Learn to prepare some of the country’s most iconic dishes guided by Rachida’s time-honored techniques. Each class features five different dishes, ranging from aromatic tagines, to flower-water infused couscous, to deeply flavored, seasonal salads. Afterwards, enjoy lunch served either in the courtyard, or on the sunny roof terrace weather-permitting.
Shopping for Street Food & Crafts
With your expert guide, enjoy a private shopping tour of the Fez medina. On the way, stop by the pastry stalls to try some traditional Maaqouda, Chebbakiya and Briwates. You will be taken to different workshops and ateliers where the famous crafts of Morocco are made by hand.
Explore the tanneries and the leather boutiques, stop by the brass workers as they bang away on embellished trays and pots, visit the wood artisans with the famous smell of tetraclinis wood.
Step into a traditional Zellij workshop in Fez, where master artisans hand-cut intricate mosaic tiles using centuries-old techniques. Surrounded by the rhythmic chisel of hammer on clay, you’ll witness artistry passed down through generations.
Note: Thursday evening is known to hold dikrs at the Tijania Zawiyah if you’re interested in attending. Achraf will lead you to the Zawiyah.
Dinner Reservation: Dar Roumana
8:00pm: Dinner reservation at Dar Roumana in the medina for 7 people. Enjoy a refined tasting menu beginning with a silky cauliflower velouté with Paris mushrooms and argan oil, followed by sautéed prawns with smoked hot paprika, peas, and garlic. The fish course features a seared sea-bass fillet served with smoked aubergine purée and charmoula sauce, while the meat course presents roasted duck breast with braised cabbage and a honey-ginger gastrique. The meal concludes with a warm sticky date pudding topped with date molasses sauce and vanilla ice cream, and finishes with tea or coffee accompanied by a chocolate truffle and Moroccan pastries.
Hotel Sahrai | 4 Superior Rooms | Breakfast, Lunch
Dec. 26 | Casablanca
Private Transfer to Zerhoun
9:00am: Greeting by your guide and private transfer to Zerhoun (approx. 1.5 hours). Perched atop two lush hills, Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is one of Morocco’s most sacred towns, exuding serenity and charm. The town offers sweeping views over olive groves and the plains below, with glimpses of its unique cylindrical minaret, rare in Morocco. Visit Moulay Idris before heading to Scorpion House.
Scorpion House Lunch
12:30pm: Lunch for 7 people at Scorpion House in Zerhoun, the private home of Mike Richardson of Café Clock. Perched on the hillside with spectacular panoramic views over the town and surrounding hills all the way down to Volubilis, This is a very special lunch in a unique setting.
Rabat
Continue on to Casablanca with the option to stop by Rabat to enjoy a brief visit of the Royal Mausoleum and the Hassan Tower. Stroll through the Kasbah of the Oudayas with your guide, with its narrow sky-blue alleyways, and end in its beautiful garden for a glass of mint tea overlooking the Atlantic ocean and Bouregreg River.
Arrive at your hotel in Casablanca and relax at leisure as you settle into your accommodations.
Optional Maghreb Prayer at Hassan II (Time Permitting)
6:00pm: Private transfer to Hassan II Mosque to experience the Maghreb prayer (6:29pm) at the iconic mosque, perched above the Atlantic. Join locals in a moment of stillness as the call to prayer echoes through the vast marble courtyards. The mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world, with space for over 100,000 worshippers. Its minaret stands at 210 meters (689 feet), making it the tallest minaret in the world.
Dinner Reservation: La Brasserie au Royal Mansour
8:00pm: Dinner reservation for 7 people at La Brasserie of the Royal Mansour. This is the best French restaurant in Morocco by Éric Frechon.
Royal Mansour Casablanca | Two-Bedroom Vintage Suite & 1 Junior Suite | Breakfast
Royal Mansour Casablanca
The PerksAs a guest of Sarah Casewit at the Royal Mansour Casablanca, you will enjoy the following amenities:
$100 F&B credit that can be utilized in F&B outlets and room service
Upgrade subject to availability
Early Check-in / Late Check-outEarly Check-in / Late Check-out, based on availability on the day of arrival / departure
Free Wifi
VIP arrival with a meeting by the GM, in-room check-in (if possible) and special welcome amenities in the room upon arrival.
Complimentary Buffet Breakfast
Dec. 27 | Marrakech
Private Transfer
10:00am: Greeting by your host and private transfer to Marrakech (approx. 2.5 hours). "Marrakech is a city where the past and the future coexist in perfect harmony", said Tahir Shah, explorer and writer. This quote the essence of Marrakech, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern influences, creating a vibrant, dynamic atmosphere. I’ve fallen in love with this city, over and over again. Whether you choose to stay in the maze of the old medina for the full experience or just outside the old city walls, Marrakech will dazzle you.
Lunch Reservation at Le Jardin du Royal Mansour
1:00pm: Lunch reservation at Le Jardin for 7 people. Set within the lush gardens of the Royal Mansour Marrakech and inspired by the rich Arab-Andalusian tradition, this open-air Asian restaurant offers a sensory dining experience like no other. Here, gourmet cuisine meets a fresh burst of flavor in an atmosphere that blends effortless chic with relaxed elegance.
Enjoy your riads at your leisure.
1112 Tea House & Sunset Walk
4:30pm: Meet your guide at the lobby of the hotel and private transfer to the medina for a sunset walk to Jamaa El Fna Square. Start with Moroccan tea at 1112 Tea House (reservation for 7 people at 5:00pm) and walking through the old medina to the famous square – a 1000-year old UNESCO site with everything from snake charmers and acrobats, magicians and storytellers, to food stalls and orange juice stands.
Dinner Reservation at Dar Yacout
7:00pm: Dinner reservation at Dar Yacout for 7 people. Experience the ultimate Moroccan dining at Dar Yacout, the King’s favorite restaurant. The food is as magnificent and generous as the palace – a classic four-course feast – and is accompanied by the syncopated rhythms of gnaoua musicians and the lovely lilting sound of the oud.
Royal Mansour Marrakech | 1 Privilege Riad & 1 Premier Riad | Breakfast
Royal Mansour Marrakech
The PerksAs a guest of Sarah Casewit at the Royal Mansour Marrakech, you will enjoy the following amenities:
Free WIFI Access
UpgradeUpgrade upon availability
Early Check-in / Late Check-outEarly check-in upon availability
VIP amenities: fruit basket and mineral water in the room upon arrival
$100 F&B Credit that can be utilized in F&B outlets, room service
Dec. 28 | Marrakech
Side-car Ride Through Marrakech
11:10am: Meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel and private transfer to the starting point of your Side-car Tour.
11:30am: Start with the Palmeraie on the outskirts of Marrakech where desert meets palm groves. Then, drive through the old town of Marrakesh to see some of the major historical sites from the outside, that you cannot miss when visiting Marrakesh, including the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs and the Bahia palace. Whizz through the maze of vibrant souks in the heart of the old city.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
1:00pm: End at the Ben Youssef Madrasa. Explore this 14th-century Islamic school, known for its stunning architecture, including intricate stucco work, cedarwood, and mosaics. The madrasa offers a window into Morocco’s educational and religious history.
L’Mida
2:00pm: Lunch reservation at L’Mid Restaurant for a relaxed fusion of Moroccan and international dishes. Following lunch, private transfer back to your hotel.
Royal Mansour Spa
Unwind with a rejuvenating experience at a traditional Moroccan hammam at the Royal Mansour Spa – paid separately. This centuries-old ritual of cleansing and relaxation provides a serene escape, featuring steam, exfoliation, and massages in an atmosphere of pure tranquility. View the Royal Mansour Spa menu here.
Dinner Reservation: La Grande Table Marocaine at The Royal Mansour
8:00pm: Dinner reservation at your hotel’s La Grande Table Marocaine for 7 people. An elegant immersion into Morocco’s culinary soul, where centuries-old recipes are elevated with refined technique and heartfelt hospitality. Each course reveals delicate layers of spice, aroma, and tradition—from fragrant tagines to artfully presented pastillas—served in a setting that feels intimate, opulent, and deeply rooted in Moroccan heritage.
Royal Mansour Marrakech | 1 Privilege Riad & 1 Premier Riad | Breakfast
Dec. 29 | Marrakech
Day in the Atlas Mountains
9:00am: After breakfast, depart for the High Atlas Mountains with your expert guide. Pass by the beautiful Ourika Valley. Located just outside of Marrakesh (approx. 45 minutes), this lush valley is filled with charming adobe Berber villages and farmlands.
Arrive at the village of Imlil deep in the High Atlas Mountains and share tea with a Berber family. Hike on foot and by mule through the mountains and the valley. Learn about Berber culture and traditions in this beautiful region, home to the highest peak of North Africa: Mount Toubkal.
Kasbah Tamadot Lunch: Asayss
1:00pm: Lunch reservation for 7 people at Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot with views that stretch across valleys and snow-capped peaks.
Private Transfer
3:00pm: Private transfer back to your hotel in Marrakech (approx. 1 hour 10 minutes).
Late afternoon at leisure to enjoy the amenities of you hotel including its incredible Spa.
Dinner Reservation: Sesamo of The Royal Mansour
9:30pm: Dinner reservation for 7 people at Sesamo, your hotel’s Italian restaurant. This restaurant is the brainchild of chef Massimiliano Alajmo of Le Calandre fame, who has earned himself the nickname of ‘the Mozart of Italian cuisine’. Alajmo knows his Italian food.
Royal Mansour Marrakech | 1 Privilege Riad & 1 Premier Riad | Breakfast
Dec. 30 | Marrakech
Galleries & Gardens of Marrakech
10:15am: Greeting by your guide and private transfer to the Majorelle Gardens. On this tour, you will visit the beautiful gardens and art galleries of Marrakech, starting with Jardin Majorelle – a vibrant botanical garden in Marrakech, famed for its cobalt blue buildings and exotic plant collection. Once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, it offers a serene escape from the city's bustle.
Lunch Reservation: Le Petit Cornichon
1:00pm: Lunch reservation at Le Petit Cornichon for 7 people. This is a warm, unpretentious French bistro where classic dishes are executed with precision and soul. The menu celebrates seasonal ingredients and timeless techniques, offering comforting plates in an atmosphere that feels both familiar and effortlessly refined.
Afternoon Explorations
Option to continue to the Jardin Secret, a beautifully restored 19th-century palace nestled in the heart of Marrakech's medina. Once a private residence, it now offers visitors a serene escape with its two distinct gardens: an Islamic garden reflecting traditional Moroccan design and a more exotic garden showcasing diverse plant species. Go shopping and exploring with your guide and driver at disposal.
Dinner Reservation: Al Fassia Aguedal
8:00pm: Dinner reservation for 7 people at Al Fassia. This restaurant is a standout culinary experience in Marrakech, offering refined, creative cuisine that blends Moroccan tradition with modern technique. Set in an elegant, romantic atmosphere overlooking lush gardens, it pairs exceptional cooking with warm, attentive service for an evening that feels both intimate and memorable.
Royal Mansour Marrakech | 1 Privilege Riad & 1 Premier Riad | Breakfast
Dec. 31 | Marrakech
Morning at Leisure or Sightseeing
Enjoy your morning at leisure with lunch at the Royal Mansour depending on your interest. Your guide and driver will remain at your disposal for touring Marrakech and walking through the medina.
Sunset with Samaa Singing
5:00pm: Sunset tea ceremony at the Royal Mansour at your riad. A special sunset experience awaits with Sarah’s dear friend and amazing singer Ghizlaine accompanied by Oud player Abdallah. This is all about Andalusian music, poetry and the art of remembrance.
New Years Eve Dinner: La Sultana (7 people)
6:45pm: Private transfer from the Royal Mansour to La Sultana’s New Years Eve Dinner & Celebration for 7 people at 7pm. Enjoy traditional Moroccan music and a delicious a la carte dinner at the beautiful La Sultana Riad in the medina.
Royal Mansour Marrakech | 1 Privilege Riad & 1 Premier Riad | Breakfast & Dinner
Jan. 1 | Marrakech
The Seven Saints of Marrakech
10:30am: Follow the sacred route of the Seven Saints of Marrakech, a traditional pilgrimage established by Sultan Moulay Isma'il to honor seven great awliya. Begin at the tomb of Sidi Youssef Ben Ali and continue through the city to sites like Al Jazuli, Sidi Bel Abbès and Sidi Abdelaziz al-Tebaa. Each stop offers a chance for prayer, reflection, and connection with the spiritual legacy of Morocco’s most venerated Sufi masters. The ziyara culminates in a deeper understanding of the baraka that permeates the city and its living tradition of sainthood.
Lunch Reservation: Le Jardin
1:00pm: Lunch reservation for 8 people at Le Jardin in the medina. This is a casual eatery in a beautiful garden courtyard, conveniently located within the medina.
Leisure
Enjoy your last afternoon at leisure. Your guide and driver will be at disposal for any additional touring you’d like to add to your stay in Marrakech.
Dinner Reservation: L’Asiatique by Jean-Georges
6:45pm: Private transfer to La Mamounia where you have a dinner reservation at L’Asiatique by Jean-Georges for 7 people at 7:’00pm. This is an elegant, contemporary dining experience where East-Asian flavors are reimagined with the chef’s signature finesse. The menu highlights vibrant ingredients, delicate balance, and bold aromas, all served in a chic, intimate setting that feels both polished and inviting.
Royal Mansour Marrakech | 1 Privilege Riad & 1 Premier Riad | Breakfast
Jan. 2 | Departure
Private Transfer & VIP Airport Service
11:00am: After breakfast, greeting by your host at your hotel and private transfer to the Marrakech Airport where VIP airport personnel will assist you with check-in and fast track through customs to board your flight back home.
Flight to Newark
1:20pm: Flight UA 627 departs Marrakech RAK for Newark EWR.
inclusions
See our Booking Terms & Conditions here.
Accommodation: All luxury accommodations as described in the itinerary.
Hotel Sahrai: 4 Superior Rooms for 3 nights
Royal Mansour Casablanca: 1 Two-Bedroom Vintage Suite and 1 Junior Suite for 1 night
Royal Mansour Marrakech: 1 Two-Bedroom Privilege Riad and 1 Premier Riad for 6 nights
Transport: All transfers in private with a dedicated driver at disposal day and night throughout the trip, as described in the itinerary.
Dedicated Guide: A personal dedicated guide and host at disposal throughout the itinerary.
Touring & Activities: All experiences, activities, tours with English speaking guides, all required entrances fees and passes, as described in the itinerary.
Meals: All meals as listed in the itinerary (“B”, “L” or “D”).
Other: City taxes associated with your accommodations. VIP airport services in Casablanca and Marrakech. Restaurant reservations and coordination. All insider tips and recommendations for your trip. Local team on call 24-hours a day during your trip.
Exclusions
Flights
Travel insurance
Meals and activities not listed in the itinerary
Tips
Your Travel Curator: Sarah Casewit
I was born in Marrakech and grew up in Fez and Rabat, where I attended Moroccan schools and lived a fully local life. Arabic and French were my first languages before English, and they remain the foundation of how I connect with people and places.
Morocco is not just where I am from, it is part of who I am. The scents of the medina, the rhythm of daily life, the generosity of families welcoming guests, and the beauty of landscapes that stretch from desert to sea are woven into my being.
When I design an itinerary here, I pour all of that into the experience. Every detail is shaped not only by professional expertise but by a lifetime of intimate knowledge and heartfelt connection. What I share with my travelers is not simply a journey. It is an invitation into a Morocco that is deeply personal, layered, and real.
