This nine-day tour takes you to the desert and cities of Morocco. It starts in Casablanca. Explore the medieval medinas of Fes and Marrakech, as well as the modern cities Rabat and Casablanca. You can also explore old caravan routes and desert oases.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive at Casablanca. Transfer to Rabat | Rabat |
Day 2 | Chefchaouen. Explore the Blue City | Chefchaouen |
Day 3 | Volubilis, Meknes to fez | Fes |
Day 4 | Explore the Imperial City of fez Create your tour |
Fes |
Day 5 | Cross the Middle Atlas, Erfoud to reach Merzouga | Erg Chebbi |
Day 6 | To Ouarzazate , Kasbah and Oases | Ouarzazate |
Day 7 | Ait Benhaddou, Tizi n’Tichka Pass, to Marrakech via | Marrakech |
Day 8 | Discover Marrakech | Marrakech |
Day 9 | Back to Casablanca. |
The impressive Hassan II Mosque is worth a visit
Morocco, welcome! The Hassan II Mosque is the best place to visit in Casablanca, which is Morocco’s commercial capital. It is located in a beautiful location by the ocean. The minaret, which measures 690 feet (210m), is the tallest structure in Morocco. The mosque’s exterior and surroundings are stunning, but it is also unique in that non-Muslims can enter. Take a morning tour to the mosque and see the exquisite craftsmanship: intricate marble floor details, hand-carved stone, wood and gilded ceilings.
North to Rabat, the imperial capital and the present-day capital. The other imperial cities include Meknes and Fes. You can explore the medieval fortifications of the Chellah Neopolis, and also wander through the Roman and Islamic ruins. Through the magnificent door of the Kasbah Des Oudaias, you will reach Rabat’s old town center. You can then visit the 20th century Andalusian Garden, and take a break from the crowds. The Hassan Tower is a minaret from the incomplete mosque. It also houses the Mausoleum Mohamed V. This was a 12th-century project, which was abandoned. Today, the tower and 200 columns are all that is left.
Explore the charming streets of Chefchaouen
North to the striking blue city Chefchaouen, in the Rif Mountains. You can also stop for a hike (between 2 and 3 hours) through lush vegetation to see the Cascades d’Akchour Waterfalls of Akchour, a hidden treasure. Relax in the charming Chefchaouen after work. Chefchaouen, which has remained largely unchanged since the 15th Century, offers a relaxing atmosphere with some the friendliest people of the country. It is also known for its blue-washed buildings and its historic medina. You can explore its narrow streets, alleyways and clinging to the northern hills of the mountains.
The main square, Plaza Outa el-Hammam is named after the number of hammams that used to surround it. Before you browse the shops selling traditional wares, grab a bite at a cafe or restaurant. You can visit the Grand Mosque, kasbah, an old fortress or fortification, and take a tour of the kasbah’s museum, garden, and some of its prison cells. As evening draws near, climb the path to the white Spanish Mosque (between 20 and 30 minutes) for a last glimpse of Chefchaouen before the sun sets behind them.
Volubilis still has impressive Roman Ruins
Get up early and walk the streets in quiet areas to get unobstructed shots. Then, join your driver and continue toward Fes. Stop and stretch your legs as you travel to the UNESCO-protected Roman ruins Volubilis. Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is worth exploring. It was built in the third century BCE and abandoned in the eleventh century. However, it is still remarkably well-preserved. Admire the merchant houses (with their visible heating systems beneath), the temples, as well as the almost-intact colorful mosaics on site, including the Labors of Hercules.
On your way to Fes, stop in Meknes Meknes is a smaller version of Fes. Shopkeepers are less pushy and Meknes has a more peaceful medina. Although Meknes is large, there are two main areas of interest. The Ville Imperiale and the manageable medina.
Continue on to Fes, and follow the impressively complex medina down the hill. Take a moment to visit the Merenid Tombs and enjoy a magnificent view of the old town before you go. Overnight stay in a charming riad with an interior courtyard garden in the medina.
Al Attarine Madrasa’s exquisite details
Fes, the oldest imperial city in Morocco, is also one of the most fascinating to explore. Its medina, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest urban car-free zones in the world, has remained relatively unchanged since its foundation over 1,000 years ago. It is often considered the country’s cultural capital. It includes two historic medina quarters, Fes el Baliand Fes el Jedid. The modern Ville Nouvelle was built during the French colonial era (1912-1956). As you walk through the maze-like streets, your guide will help you to understand the country’s history and culture.
Start in Fes el Bali (789CE) at the well-known bab Boujeloud Gate, then enter the main thoroughfare for Talaa Kebira. As you walk past shops and souqs (markets), scan local products for souvenirs and gifts, discover how Spanish and Tunisian immigrants influenced the medina’s architecture. For a panoramic view of the numerous stone wells that are filled with dye, and the men at work (a process that has not changed much over the years), visit the Chouara Tannery.
Next, you will find your way to the 14th century Al Attarine Masa. This beautiful example of Moroccan architecture features intricate Zellij tilework. You can then find your way to the Al-Qarawiyyin University (859 CE), located next to the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque. Although the mosque is closed to Muslims, you can still see its beautiful interior from a few spots. A cooking class is a great way to learn the basics of Moroccan cuisine before you retire for the evening.
Stay the night in a Bedouin-style tent on the Sahara.
To take a sunset camel ride, start your day by heading south towards Merzouga. You will ascend 7,146 feet (2.178 m), over the Col du Zad pass, and through the cedar forests in the Middle Atlas mountain ranges. You will be able to see the Barbary monkeys, before you stop for lunch in Midelt (the apple city), and enjoy the nearby Moulouya River. Continue on over the Tizi n’Talremt pass to the Ziz Val, which is known for its hidden oases or palm tree clusters. You will pass many fortified houses called ksars, which were built to protect valuable wares such as gold, salt, and spices.
Continue on to Erfoud. This area is well-known for its fossil mining and date festival. To learn more about the process, and to meet local artisans, you can visit a local collective. You can end your day at Erg Chebbi. This vast sea of dunes covers an area of 13.5 miles (35 km). The massive dunes are never stationary and move with the wind. Upon reaching Merzouga, switch gears and ride your camel through the dunes to your already-prepared-for-you camp. Enjoy the sunset from a nearby dune before you return to your camp to enjoy a delicious dinner and relax by the campfire.
Kelaat M’Gouna, the High Atlas mountains are in the distance
Enjoy the sunrise and then head to Khemliya for a visit to a traditional Saharan village. Its inhabitants are originally from Mali. Continue on to Rissani. Rissani is a market town and home to a livestock auction. It also has a « donkey parking area. » This is a sight worth hearing and experiencing. Continue on to Tinghir, a desert town. You will reach the 984 foot (300 m), deep Todra Gorge. Enjoy the gorge, and then relax in the refreshing waters of the Todra river.
Explore the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Although many kasbahs have fallen into disrepair, some families still live in them. Nomads may be seen tending to their livestock. Go west to Kelaat M’Gouna. You will find extensive cultivated farmland, dotted with fragrant rosebushes, in this area. It is well-known for its Festival des Roses. Continue on to Ouarzazate to access the Sahara Desert, which is popularized by the film industry. Take a studio tour to see how desert landscapes in the area have been used in many films.
The road descends from Tizi n’Tichka Pass
You can travel to nearby Ait Benhaddou. Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is believed to have been established in the 11th century. It was an important point along the trans-Saharan route between Marrakech and Ouarzazate. To view the surrounding landscapes, follow the narrow streets to the Granary. To see the highest peak, Mount Toubkal (13.671 ft/4.167 m), climb the High Atlas range. To enjoy the stunning views of the mountain range, stop at the Tizi N’Tichka pass (7.415 ft/ 2.260 m).
You will see a drastic change in the landscape and climate as you descend the High Atlas. You will soon be part of the bustle and clamor of Marrakech. After a tiring day on the road, you will be able to settle in your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon. The main square, which is the busiest in Africa, Jemaa El-Fna comes alive in the evening with performers, snake charmers and games. There are also food stalls that offer a wide range of entertainment. You can also enjoy the spectacle from afar by visiting one of the cafes around the square, where you can enjoy a cup or mint tea and a delicious meal.
Dusk over Jemaa el-Fna Square
Marrakech, once an important trading center for the Atlas mountain tribes, is now a vibrant imperial city. Start exploring Marrakech’s old medina by visiting the Koutoubia Mosque, Gardens and other attractions. Non-muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque. However, it is worth visiting its 12th-century foundations as well as its 253-foot (77-m) minaret. The adjacent garden has fountains and pools.
Explore the intricate labyrinthine souks hidden behind regular shops and restaurants. For a wide range of spices and woodwork, visit Souk el Attarin and Souk Chuari. Souk Smata has a variety of traditional Moroccan slippers, babouche. To see traditional dyeing techniques used for cloth and yarn, visit Souk des Tiinturiers. Next, take a look at the fine example Moroccan Islamic architecture found in the Ben Youssef Malasa. This 16th-century Koranic school features carved cedar ceilings and sculpted plaster.
A close-up look at the workmanship of the Hassan II Mosque
Do your last-minute shopping, or visit Majorelle Gardens if you have the time. These lush, expansive gardens are located just minutes from the bustle of the medina. This is the ideal place to escape the heat before you transfer to Casablanca for the return flight. It takes three hours.
Please keep in mind that the itinerary provided is merely a suggestion. If it does not suit your needs, feel free to reach out to us. We will be happy to create a customized tour itinerary specifically designed to meet your preferences and the length of your stay. We offer personalize tours and trips throughout Morocco. The cost of the tour is based on the number of participants, with a lower cost per person for larger groups. The transportation fee remains constant, and the cost will be divided among participants. The price also varies based on the quality of the chosen accommodation. For a precise quote, please get in touch with us.
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