For those wishing to explore the Imperial Cities of Morocco while still visiting the desert, have a look at this tour. You will experience the Cities, the Sahara desert, and more…while only taking a week off of work
Day 1: Casablanca – Meet and assist
Upon arrival in Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco, you will be met and taken to your Casablanca hotel. You will visit the city, including a visit to the Hassan II, one of the world’s biggest mosques Outside of Mecca.
Day 2:Casablanca – Rabat – Fes
After breakfast, the group will leave by van towards Fes. On route, you will stop at Rabat, the capital city and residence of the King, for lunch and a time to enjoy the beautiful coastal city. After lunch you can have an optional visit of Volubilis, exploring the 2000-year-old ruins and getting a picture of life during the Roman Empire. You will continue to Fes, the spiritual capital of Morocco.
Day 3: Fes – Guided tour of the Medina
After breakfast, you will begin our guided tour of the Fes medina, one of the world’s largest walled in cities. You will explore the narrow streets lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco. A visit to the King’s Palace, the tanneries, and potters are just a few places you will experience. For lunch, you may choose to eat in a traditional restaurant in the heart of the medina. After lunch, you will continue the tour and return to your riad for the evening.
Fes – the Atlas Mountains – Erfoud
After breakfast, you will begin your guided tour of the medina, one of the world’s largest walled in cities. You will explore the narrow streets lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco. A visit to the Kings Palace, the tanneries, and potters are just a few places you will experience. For lunch, you will eat in a traditional restaurant in the heart of the medina. After lunch, you will complete the tour and return to your hotel for the evening.
Day 5: the Sahara Desert and the region
Most of the day will be spent relaxing at the hotel or exploring the small but interesting desert town. In the afternoon, you will head off in some 4-wheel drive vehicles across the barren land to the majestic Sahara dunes. You will set off by camel for a 2-hour trek out to the oasis where you will spend the night in Berber tents (Dinner is included). ***this could be optional if you would prefer to return to the hotel to sleep***
Day 6: Merzouga – Todra Oasis – Tinehr – Dades Valley
The great “sand sea” of Merzouga, a beautiful area of fine, apricot – colored sand stretches as far as the eye can see. After breakfast, you will return to Erfoud. From Erfoud you set out behind the High Atlas Mountains on route to the Todra Gorges the highest oasis in Morocco, its walls are 3 meters high. Have your lunch by the gorge appreciating by this natural water reservoir. Then continue your journey towards another impressive gorge Dades passing the strange rock creation of Tamnalt Hills. Overnight right in the Dades Gorge lined by the red and mauve rock.
Day 7: Dades – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakesh
n the morning enjoy the views of the Dades Gorge, carved by centuries by the Dades River. The striking colors of the red and mauve rock that towers above the road. After our visit, we will be passing the Rose Valley known for the growth of roses. The whole valley in the spring smells of roses. The products made of the rose petals are priced throughout the world. The road will then takes us to the palm oasis of Skoura where we visit an important Kasbah Amerhidil, featured on the Moroccan bank notes. Then it is a short drive to Ouarzazate, and Ait Ben Haddou, the best-preserved Kasbah. With its dramatic walls of red earth, slit windows and crumbling towers, it is a magnificent example of a traditional stronghold. Chosen as a location for Hollywood films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Jewel of Nile and more recently Gladiator, AIt Ben Haddou sits upon a lofty pinnacle of rock overlooking a river. Dating from the 15th century, its importance as a trading post gradually waned, and today’s inhabitants eke a living from farming. Then it will be time to cross on a dramatic drive the High Atlas Mountains; the views get more and more impressive. Then arrival to Marrakech.
Once in Marrakech, you will check into your hotel and then head off to the Djemaa el-Fna, the center square of the medina. The famous Djemaa el-Fna is one of the center attractions of Marrakech. Coming alive at night with the local storytellers, entertainers, and mouth-watering barbeque pits, the square is well worth a visit. A quiet cup of tea on the terrace of an adjacent cafe provides a spectacular aerial view of the bustling square. Dinner can be taken in the hotel or the square.
Day 8: Fully Guided City Tour of Marrakesh
After breakfast, the group will have a guided tour of Marrakech, the southern pearl of Morocco. You will discover the Palace of the Bahia, the Saadian Tombs, and many other hidden treasures. After lunch, you will continue with the tour on to the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque and the famous Djemaa el-Fna, one of the center attractions of Marrakech. The tour will conclude with an exploration of the souk (market) lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco. Dinner will be served in the Riad.
Day 9: Marrakesh
Spend more time in Marrakech with optional day trip to the coastal city of Essaouira.
Day 10: Marrakesh
Breakfast and transfer to the Airport of Marrakech or Casablanca for departure.
