Cultural and Relaxing Journey from Washington D.C. to Morocco and The Gambia

Day 1: Travel & Arrival

Rabat, Morocco on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Flight from IAD to CMN

Depart Washington Dulles International Airport for Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, the main entry gateway to Morocco.
USD500-800 (varies by airline and booking), 8h0m (approx flight time)

5:00pm

Travel to Rabat

Take a 1-hour train or taxi from Casablanca airport to Rabat, Morocco's capital city known for its rich history and seaside views.
MAD100 (~USD10), 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dar Naji

Enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine at Dar Naji, a traditional restaurant serving tajines and couscous dishes; open until 11pm.
MAD150 (~USD15), 1h30m
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Day 2: Explore Rabat

Rabat, Morocco on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Dhow

Start your day with breakfast at this unique boat-restaurant offering Moroccan and international options with river views; opens at 7am.
MAD80 (~USD8), 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kasbah of the Udayas

Explore the ancient Kasbah with stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful Andalusian gardens.
MAD10 (~USD1), 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Ziryab

Enjoy a variety of Moroccan dishes in a charming garden setting; open for lunch from noon.
MAD120 (~USD12), 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V

Discover these iconic historical monuments, symbolizing Morocco’s rich heritage.
MAD10 (~USD1), 1h30m

3:30pm

Stroll through Rabat Medina

Explore the local markets, artisan shops, and vibrant streets of the Medina.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at El Walter

Dine on traditional Moroccan cuisine in an atmospheric setting; open till 10:30pm.
MAD150 (~USD15), 1h30m
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Day 3: More Rabat

Rabat, Morocco on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Terrasse des Oudayas

Enjoy breakfast with panoramic views of the ocean and kasbah; opens early morning.
MAD90 (~USD9), 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Chellah Necropolis

Explore the Roman and medieval ruins in a peaceful garden setting.
MAD10 (~USD1), 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at La Mamma

Try Italian-Moroccan fusion dishes at this cozy restaurant; open at noon.
MAD130 (~USD13), 1h0m

1:30pm

Museum of History and Civilizations

Discover Morocco’s extensive history with exhibits covering prehistoric to Islamic eras; opens at 9am, closes 5pm.
MAD30 (~USD3), 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Jardin d’Essais Botaniques

Wander through beautiful botanical gardens and enjoy a quiet afternoon.
MAD20 (~USD2), 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Le Petit Beur

Savor fresh seafood and Moroccan specialties in a relaxed setting; open till 10pm.
MAD150 (~USD15), 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel to The Gambia

Banjul/Serekunda, The Gambia on June 22, 2025

6:00am

Flight from Rabat to Banjul

Take a connecting flight from Rabat to Banjul International Airport; expect a travel time around 8-9 hours with layovers.
USD400-700, 9h0m (including layovers)

3:00pm

Transfer to Resort near Banjul or Serekunda

Check in to a relaxing beach resort close to the city or Serekunda for restful days ahead.
USD100-200 per night, 30m-1h

5:00pm

Relax at the resort beach

Unwind on the beach and enjoy resort amenities after your journey.
Included in accommodation, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Resort Restaurant

Enjoy fresh seafood and Gambian specialties prepared onsite; typically open for dinner from 7pm.
USD20-40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Relax at Resort

Banjul/Serekunda, The Gambia on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at the resort

Start the day with a buffet breakfast featuring local fruits and international options.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Kachikally Crocodile Pool

Explore this sacred crocodile pool in Bakau, where visitors can see and sometimes touch these revered reptiles; open 9am-5pm.
GMD100 (~USD2), 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Big Tree

Enjoy local Gambian dishes in an outdoor setting in Bakau, near the crocodile pool.
USD15-25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at Kalimba Beach

Spend the afternoon on one of The Gambia’s beautiful beaches, swimming and sunbathing.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ocean Bay

Dine on seafood and Gambian dishes with ocean views; popular for fresh fish caught locally.
USD20-30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Explore Serekunda Area

Serekunda, The Gambia on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with tropical fruits and freshly brewed coffee.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Albert Market

Explore Serekunda’s largest bustling market, offering textiles, crafts, and local produce.
Free entry, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ciao Pizza

Casual dining offering pizzas and sandwiches, popular with travelers and locals.
USD10-15, 1h0m

1:30pm

Cultural Tour with Local Guide

Take a guided walking tour to discover cultural landmarks and meet artisans; arrange with the resort or local tour operators.
USD30-50, 3h0m

5:00pm

Return to Resort and Relax

Enjoy resort facilities or the beach before dinner.
Included, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Serendipity Restaurant

Known for delicious Gambian and international dishes, perfect for a relaxing evening meal.
USD20-30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Resort Leisure

Banjul/Serekunda, The Gambia on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Resort

Enjoy a fresh, healthy breakfast buffet.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Optional Water Sports or Spa Time

Take advantage of resort offerings including water sports, spa treatments, or pool relaxation.
Costs vary by service, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Resort

Light lunch by the beach with fresh salads and sandwiches.
USD15-20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Tanji Fishing Village

Explore this colorful fishing village with traditional canoes and seafood markets; approx. 30 minutes by taxi.
Free, taxi approx. USD10, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Rif Kebabs

Casual eatery serving grilled meats and local specialties; open till 10pm.
USD15-25, 1h30m
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Day 8: Travel to Basse

Basse, The Gambia on June 26, 2025

7:00am

Bus to Basse

Board a bus from Serekunda to Basse, a journey of about 5-6 hours through scenic Gambian countryside.
GMD300-400 (~USD6-8), 6h0m

1:00pm

Check into accommodation in Basse

Settle into local guesthouse or hotel in Basse for an extended stay.
USD30-50 per night, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at local eatery

Try traditional Gambian dishes like domoda (peanut stew) or benachin (rice dish).
USD5-10, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Basse town center

Stroll through the market and streets to experience local life and culture.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant or local spot

Enjoy fresh local cuisine in a friendly environment.
USD10-15, 1h30m
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Day 9: Basse Exploration

Basse, The Gambia on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Start the day with a local breakfast including fresh fruit and bread.
Included or USD3-5, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Wassu Stone Circles

Take a day trip (about 15km from Basse) to UNESCO-listed megalithic stone circles, ancient and mysterious.
Entry fee GMD200 (~USD4), 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at a nearby local café

Sample simple local meals near the stone circles before heading back to Basse.
USD5-10, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Basse and rest

Relax after your excursion with some downtime or light exploration.
Free, 3h0m

5:30pm

Dinner with live local music if available

Enjoy an evening of food and cultural music at a local venue or hotel restaurant.
USD15-25, 2h0m
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Day 10: Cultural Immersion

Basse, The Gambia on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Enjoy a traditional breakfast to prepare for the day’s activities.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit local village markets and crafts centers

Meet artisans and learn about traditional crafts, including weaving and pottery.
Free, purchases optional, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local restaurant

Eat freshly prepared local cuisine, emphasizing fresh ingredients from the region.
USD7-12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Attend cultural workshop or dance session

Participate in traditional music or dance session often arranged by guesthouses or community centers.
USD15-30, 2h0m

5:00pm

Evening stroll by the river

Enjoy peaceful views and local scenery along the riverbanks.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at accommodation

Savor a home-cooked style meal featuring local flavors and family recipes.
Included or USD10, 1h30m
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Day 11: Leisure Day

Basse, The Gambia on June 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

A relaxed breakfast to start a leisurely day.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Relax or optional fishing trip

Enjoy some downtime or join a local fishing excursion arranged via accommodation.
Fishing trip approx. USD20, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at local eatery

Light meal featuring grilled fish or chicken with local sides.
USD7-12, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit nearby nature spots or relax at accommodation

Explore nearby natural sites or take time to enjoy the serene environment.
Free to low cost, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel or guesthouse

Enjoy a peaceful dinner to end the day.
USD10-15, 1h30m
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Day 12: Basse & Surroundings

Basse, The Gambia on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Breakfast with fresh fruit and bread.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Day trip to Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve

Explore the wetlands via boat or walking trails to see rich birdlife and natural beauty; arrange transportation locally.
USD20-40, 5h0m

2:00pm

Lunch picnic or local meal nearby

Enjoy lunch in a scenic natural setting or nearby village restaurant.
USD7-15, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Basse for rest

Relax back at your accommodation after a nature-filled day.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at local restaurant

Sample one last local Gambian meal before your return to the coast.
USD10-20, 1h30m
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Day 13: Return to Banjul

Banjul, The Gambia on July 1, 2025

7:00am

Bus from Basse to Banjul

Travel back to Banjul by bus, approximately 5-6 hours. Arrive mid-afternoon.
GMD300-400 (~USD6-8), 6h0m

1:00pm

Check into accommodation near the airport or city center

Settle in for your last night in The Gambia.
USD40-70 per night, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Banjul Craft Market

Browse souvenirs and handicrafts at the well-known Banjul market; great for last-minute gifts.
Free entry, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax in King’s Park

Enjoy a walk or rest in this popular waterfront park.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ali Baba Restaurant

Try a variety of Gambian and international dishes at this long-standing restaurant near the city center.
USD20-30, 1h30m
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Day 14: Departure

Banjul, The Gambia on July 2, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before your flight home.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Transfer to Banjul Airport

Travel to Banjul International Airport for your departure flight back to Washington D.C.
USD10-15 by taxi, 30m

10:00am

Flight from Banjul to IAD

Board your return flight to Washington Dulles International Airport with likely layovers.
USD500-900, 9-11h approx.
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