Exploring Morocco's Mediterranean Gem
Chefchaouen Extension
Below is a description of this extension when done in conjunction with our Morocco: Camels to Casbahs adventure, pre-trip. If you would like to do it post-trip, or if you are participating on a different Morocco adventure, please contact us for details.
Overview
Explore atmospheric Chefchaouen, an incredibly picturesque blue-walled city. Inside its ancient gated medina, nearly every building is whitewashed or painted some shade of azure, contrasting with the terracotta rooftops and red-walled casbah. Leather and textile workshops line the city's twisting cobblestone streets, and the souks are filled with colorful wares. The Berbers who live in the surrounding villages are also known for their ironwork and textiles.
Arrive: Casablanca, Morocco
Depart: Casablanca, Morocco
Highlights
- Explore the atmospheric “blue city” of Chefchaouen, with its peaceful medina
- Hike to Akchour Falls in the rugged Rif Mountains
Itinerary
Meet your private guide and driver this morning, either at the hotel or at the Casablanca Airport. A scenic five-hour drive brings you to the dramatic "blue" village of Chefchaouen (pronounced shef-SHA-wen). Arrive in the late afternoon, and check into the hotel. The city is filled with atmospheric restaurants offering both international cuisine and delicious Moroccan dishes. Many offer al fresco seating with views of the grand mosque, the medina, and the majestic Atlas Mountains. Dinner is on your own this evening...L
After breakfast, enjoy a morning walk up to the Spanish mosque by way of the Ras el-Maa springs for a panoramic view over the mountains. You'll tour the medina, including the casbah, Outa el Hammam square, and the friendly souks. There is an option to visit a local weaving shop or cooperative. For a cultural experience, enjoy lunch with a local family. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at hotel...BLD
This morning we take a side trip to the natural wonder of Akchour Falls in the wild, rugged Rif Mountains, with an optional challenging hike to God's Bridge—a natural red rock formation high above a series of sapphire pools and sparkling waterfalls. We may return to Chefchaouen in early to midafternoon, giving you another opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of this artistic, laid-back retreat. Overnight at hotel...BLD
After breakfast, drive back to Casablanca through the Rif Mountains and the Berber town of Ouazane, (a spiritual capital for Sufis and Moroccan Jews), then cross the fertile plains of Loukous to arrive back in Casablanca. Driving time is approximately 5 hours. In the late afternoon, join the Morocco: Camels to Casbahs group...B
A visa is not required for U.S. citizens visiting Morocco.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.