Join the Iowa Medical Society for a remarkable journey through Morocco—a land where vibrant colors, ancient traditions, and enduring stories intertwine. This all-inclusive experience leads travelers through Casablanca, Fez, and ultimately Marrakech, offering a deep and immersive look at many of the country’s most captivating sights.
Along the way, participants will wander through centuries-old Medinas, explore bustling souks, admire exquisite architecture, and witness the cultural richness that has long inspired writers and artists from around the world.
Please contact Masahiko at masahiko@johnshorstravel.com. We'd love to have you join this fabulous tour!
Be greeted by a private driver at the airport, who will take you to our five-star hotel located in the heart of the old city and near many of Casablanca’s most famous monuments.
Note: If guests wish to arrive one day earlier, so that they may relax for a full day before the tour starts, they may do so. Anyone arriving one day early will still have complimentary airport pickup, but will be on their own for October 20th in terms of activities, and will be charged for an extra night at the hotel.
Casablanca, Morocco’s vibrant coastal metropolis, blends modern energy with timeless charm. From its striking Art Deco architecture to its bustling medinas and oceanfront boulevards, the city offers a captivating mix of culture, history, and contemporary life.
Our hotel will be a luxurious five-star property situated in the historic center of Casablanca, offering convenient access to many of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The hotel will be The Hyatt Regency, or a similar hotel in the same class.
We will meet in the lobby for a welcome drink at the hotel bar before walking together to Casa Jose Puerto for dinner.
Meet in the lobby and depart with our local guide, Youssef, for a walking tour of the magnificent King Hassan II Mosque complex, which features the tallest minaret in the world and can accommodate more than 100,000 people.
This famous restaurant was designed to replicate the iconic atmosphere of the Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman classic film Casablanca.
As it’s our first full day on tour, guests will have the option to return to the hotel to relax and perhaps enjoy the swimming pool, the spa, etc. Or guests may join their tour leader on an excursion to the nearby Medina (the ancient walled part of the city) to explore.
For this excursion, the tour leader will take interested guests to a store that sells a variety of watches, purses, etc.
Please note that we will explore more significant Medinas later on in the trip.
Anyone who went to the Medina will now return to the hotel to enjoy free time.
Meet in the lobby and enjoy dinner together at Dar Beida – Hyatt, the Moroccan restaurant located inside The Hyatt Regency.
Meet in hotel lobby, with bags packed, and depart on a private bus for Fez
Enjoy lunch at a simple restaurant along the way.
Fez, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart, is a city rich in history and tradition. Known for its sprawling ancient Medina—one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world—Fez invites visitors into a maze of vibrant souks, centuries-old madrasas, and beautifully preserved architecture. With its deep artistic heritage and timeless atmosphere, Fez offers an unforgettable glimpse into Morocco’s past.
A modern and elegant hotel set amid tranquil gardens, offering a comfortable stay with easy access to Fez’s historic Medina and its most iconic landmarks.
Meet in the lobby and enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Jnan L'Fassi.
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for a walking tour, with a local guide, of Fez.
Walk through the city's Medina, a labyrinth of shops, mosques, and lively open markets. With more than 9,000 winding alleys, it stands as one of the best-preserved and most authentic ancient cities in the Arab world—an endlessly fascinating world unto itself.
The Tannery of Fez is a famous traditional leather workshop where artisans dye and treat leather using centuries-old methods. Its colorful stone vats make it one of the most iconic sights in the city.
Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, Palais Lahlou.
The Al-Attarine Madrasa is one of Fez’s most beautiful historic schools, known for its stunning zellij, carved cedar wood, and serene courtyard. A visit offers a glimpse into traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and the scholarly life of the past. Though small, it’s richly detailed and perfect for appreciating the Medina’s peaceful architectural beauty.
Meet in hotel lobby and enjoy dinner at MB Fez Restaurant.
After several busy days of sightseeing and travel, today is designed to be a free day to relax at the spacious hotel complex or do some shopping in the city.
If interested, meet your tour leader and your local guide and depart with them for a visit to a local tile factory. Here, you will see how craftsmen use centuries-old techniques to create intricate tables, fountains, platters, and much more.
Everyone visiting the tile store will enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.
For those staying at the hotel, lunch will be available there at your own leisure, with the charges billed to the tour leader's room.
For anyone interested, we will take an optional shopping excursion to a lovely carpet store, where local weavers create traditional Moroccan carpets.
Meet in the lobby and depart in our private bus, for a nearby restaurant, Palais Faraj, which is housed in a former palace and features wonderful views of the city. Here we will savor a special, multi-course meal, while enjoying a wonderful view of Fez.
Meet in the lobby with bags packed for our departure to Marrakech. We will take a short detour to explore Volubilis along the way, the ancient Roman city often referred to as the “Moroccan Pompeii”.
Volubilis is one of Morocco’s best-preserved ancient Roman cities, known for its impressive ruins, detailed mosaics, and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. A visit here offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s Roman past and its architectural legacy.
After touring the Volubilis, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.
We’ll wrap up our visit to the Roman site and begin the final stretch of our drive to Marrakech.
Arrive at the hotel and check in. Our hotel will be the Radisson Blu Hotel, a vibrant oasis nestled in the heart of the city. The hotel offers excellent amenities and provides convenient access to key attractions in the region. A similar hotel of the same standard may be used if needed.
Meet in the hotel’s restaurant for dinner.
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart with Youssef for a walking tour of Marrakech. We will start by passing the Koutoubia Mosque.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Medina is the original fortified citadel of Marrakesh — a nearly thousand-year-old fortress surrounded by more than twelve miles of pink walls and dominated by endless alleys.
Enjoy a rooftop lunch at L’Mida
Enjoy free time to shop and look around the many different stalls.
Return to the hotel afterwards.
Meet in the hotel lobby and walk about five minutes to an Italian restaurant, La Trattoria.
For this morning, we will be joining a local organization and participate in volunteering activities.
Details to be confirmed closer to the date.
Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Enjoy the rest of the day to rest at the hotel, or continue exploring independently.
Meet at the hotel lobby and depart by bus to Comptoir Darna. This popular restaurant is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and live belly dancing performances.
Meet in hotel lobby and depart, with a local guide, for our continued walking tour of Marrakech
We will have reserved tickets for this specific time to visit Jardin Majorelle, the enchanting garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later beautifully restored by the iconic designer Yves Saint Laurent.
We will also visit the Yves Saint-Laurent Museum, a beautifully designed space dedicated to the life and legacy of the legendary French couturier. The museum showcases an exceptional collection of his iconic haute couture creations, original sketches, and personal archives, offering a fascinating look into his creative world and lasting influence on fashion.
Enjoy lunch at a nearby rooftop restaurant.
Guests may return to the hotel to enjoy its outdoor pool and various amenities, or explore more of this vibrant city with Youssef.
Meet in the lobby and walk about five minutes for a farewell dinner at Le Loft, a highly-rated restaurant known for its Western dishes.
Private transportation provided to Marrakech International Airport.
*This is an all-inclusive tour with the exception of alcoholic beverages and hotel incidentals such as laundry, room service, etc.)
Price of Tour:
$7,495 USD per person, based on double occupancy
$8,495 USD per person, based on single occupancy
Price includes:
Accommodations at high-end hotels
All transportation within Morocco
All meals and non-alcoholic drinks
Fees (tours, guides, etc.)
Excursions
All tips
Price does not include:
International airfare to Casablanca and returning from Marrakech
Alcoholic drinks
Activities during free times such as golf, spa, etc.
Hotel incidentals such as room service, mini bar, phone charges, laundry, etc.
Charges incurred if guests opt to arrive early in Casablanca or stay late in Marrakech
Exact tour details may differ slightly from what is listed above, depending on recommendations from local guides; as restaurants close, streets are refurbished, etc.
Before booking your slot, please ensure that you are physically and mentally fit to travel fully unassisted. This includes being able to:
Walk two or more miles per day, including on uneven surfaces
Go up and down steps and inclines
Stand for periods of time
Carry personal bags and luggage independently
Have a look at our full “Traveler Expectations and Disclaimer” page here.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. For your convenience, you can explore options from our trusted travel insurance partner here.