Morocco Cities and Desert Tours 8 Days

Highlights

Imperial City Exploration: Discover the rich histories and vibrant cultures of Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, and Fez, each offering unique architectural marvels and traditions.

Sahara Desert Adventure: Experience the magic of the Erg Chebbi dunes with a camel trek and an unforgettable night under the stars in a traditional Berber camp.

Ancient Roman Heritage: Explore the well-preserved ruins of Volubilis, providing a fascinating glimpse into Morocco's Roman past.

Dramatic Atlas Landscapes: Traverse the scenic Tizi-n-Tichka pass and witness the stunning beauty of the Ziz Valley and Todra Gorge.

Departure: Casablanca

Final Destination: Marrakech

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Description

Embark on an enriching 8-day, 7-night journey through the heart of Morocco, seamlessly blending the cultural richness of its Imperial Cities with the breathtaking landscapes of the Sahara Desert. This carefully curated tour begins in Casablanca and concludes with your departure from Marrakech, offering a deep dive into Morocco's unique culture, heritage, stunning architecture, and captivating history. Be prepared for an unforgettable experience guided by our knowledgeable team, dedicated to ensuring your Moroccan adventure is truly remarkable.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Casablanca - Arrival

Upon your arrival at Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport, our professional driver and guide will warmly welcome you to Morocco. Depending on your flight schedule, your introduction to Casablanca will begin with an orientation tour. This will encompass the city's modern boulevards, the historic narrow streets of the medina, the impressive United Nations Square, the grand Mohammed V Place, the bustling central market district, the elegant residential area of Anfa, and the scenic Corniche, lined with pools and restaurants. A highlight of your first day will be a visit to the magnificent Hassan II Mosque. As the second-largest mosque globally and an architectural marvel, it is one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors, providing a unique opportunity to admire its intricate craftsmanship. Dinner and a comfortable overnight stay await you at your hotel in Casablanca.

Day 2 - Casablanca - Rabat - Meknes - Fez

An early start after breakfast takes us on a cultural exploration towards Fez, with significant stops in Morocco's other Imperial Cities. Our first destination is Rabat, the kingdom's political capital, situated along the Atlantic coast. Here, you will witness the impressive crenellated red ocher walls, stretching over 5 kilometers, a testament to the city's historical significance during the reign of Sultan Yacoub el-Mansour. We will visit the iconic Hassan Tower, notable for its four distinct facades, the serene remains of the old mosque, and the majestic Mohamed V Mausoleum, a masterpiece of Moroccan traditional architecture adorned with exquisite materials and decorations from around the world. We will also take a brief tour of the new city to view the Royal Palace, a residence of the Merinide dynasty. Lunch will be enjoyed at a carefully selected local restaurant. Our journey continues to Meknes, another esteemed Imperial City. Our visit includes the grand Bab Khemis gate, the historic royal stables. A significant stop will be made at the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, a site of historical and spiritual importance. We will also pass through the renowned Bab El Mansour gate, leading to the expansive Hedim Square. On the other side of the square, the Museum of Moroccan Art "Dar Jamai" offers a rich display of traditional handicrafts. Our final leg for the day takes us to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, where you will have time to explore the well-preserved 2000-year-old remnants, providing a fascinating glimpse into life during the Roman Empire. We will arrive in Fez in the evening for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Day 3 - Fez - Guided Tour

After breakfast, prepare for a captivating guided tour of the Fez medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's largest and most intricate walled cities. You will navigate its narrow, winding alleyways, alive with the sights and scents of fresh produce, aromatic spices, intricately woven Berber carpets, and a myriad of other Moroccan art objects. Your tour will include visits to significant mosques, such as the venerable Quaraouiyine Mosque (founded in 859 by Fatima el Fihri) and the Andalusian Mosque (dating back to 860). You will discover beautiful fountains, including the Nejjarine fountain, and explore historic Medersas (Koranic schools), some dating back to the 13th century. The Batha Palace, now a museum of arts and traditions, the bustling Chouwara Tanneries, and the vibrant souks, including Souk Attarine, one of the city's liveliest, are also on our itinerary. We will pass by the iconic Bab Boujloud gate with its distinctive green and blue ceramics, explore the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) and the 17th-century Ibn Danan synagogue, and view the exterior of the Royal Palace. In the afternoon, we will ascend to Borj North or South for panoramic vistas of the old medina, particularly stunning at sunset. Overnight in Fez.

Day 4 - Fez - Midelt - Erfoud - Merzouga

Following an early breakfast, our adventure takes us southeast towards the Sahara Desert. Our journey begins with a scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Ifrane, a charming winter ski resort established by the French in the 1930s, known for its unique European-style architecture. As we continue, the landscape will transform, revealing beautiful forests, rugged rock faces, and traditional Berber villages. We will stop for lunch in Midelt, a town famous for its mineral wealth and fossil discoveries. Our route then descends towards the Sahara, passing through the dramatic Ziz Valley, with its towering gorges and lush palm groves. We will reach Merzouga in the afternoon. Upon arrival at a traditional Kasbah at the foot of the impressive Erg Chebbi dunes, you will have the opportunity to rest and enjoy a welcoming mint tea. In the afternoon, your guide and camels will be ready to lead you across the mesmerizing sandy dunes of Erg Chebbi. You will be enchanted by the spectacle of the sunset painting the desert sky in vibrant hues during your 1 hour camel trek to a traditional Berber desert camp nestled amidst the dunes, where you will enjoy a wonderful dinner under a starlit sky and spend a night in a comfortable Berber tent.

Day 5 - Merzouga - Rissani - Tinghir - Ouarzazate

After a special Berber breakfast at your desert camp, we will begin our journey towards Ouarzazate. Our first stop is Rissani, historically the first capital of the Alaouite dynasty and the ruling family of Morocco. We then continue along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs," a fascinating route lined with ancient fortified villages resembling turreted sand castles, once vital stops along caravan trading routes. This region has also served as a captivating backdrop for numerous Hollywood films. The central region is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, with rich river valleys, lush palmeries, and sun-baked mud-brick homes ablaze in vibrant colors. At the Todra Gorge, we will stop for lunch and a refreshing walk in this impressive canyon with its towering walls. Our journey continues through the dramatic Dadès Valley, eventually reaching Ouarzazate in the afternoon. Here, you will enjoy a brief tour, including a visit to the Kasbah of Taourirt and the renowned Atlas movie studios, one of the largest and most famous in Africa. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be in Ouarzazate.

Day 6 - Ouarzazate - Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou - Marrakech

Following breakfast, we will further explore Ouarzazate with visits to the Kasbah of Taourirt and the Atlas Studios. From here, our route takes us to the tranquil Fint Oasis, a verdant escape near Ouarzazate. Our next significant stop is the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will arrive here in time for lunch. You will have the opportunity to explore this famous Kasbah, which has served as a stunning location for numerous films, including "The Gladiator". Our journey then continues, traversing the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka pass. This scenic road climbs from the plains up to an elevation of 2260 meters, offering continuously changing landscapes of small Berber villages and cascading waterfalls. We will reach Marrakech in the afternoon, where dinner and overnight accommodation will be provided.

Day 7 - Marrakech - Guided Tour

After breakfast, you will embark on a comprehensive full-day guided tour of Marrakech. Your exploration will include the serene Menara Gardens, with its iconic reflecting pool; the towering Koutoubia Minaret; the historical Saadian Tombs; the Dar Si Said Museum, showcasing exquisite Moroccan arts and crafts; and the opulent Bahia Palace. Lunch will be enjoyed at a traditional local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the colorful Souks of Marrakech, a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and smells. The day will conclude with a relaxing sunset drink overlooking the legendary Djemaa El Fna square, allowing you to soak in its unique energy. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be in Marrakech.

Day 8 - Marrakech - Depart Morocco

After a final breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Marrakech Menara Airport according to your departure schedule, marking the end of your captivating tour.

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