Morocco Desert Tours 12 Days
Highlights
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Description
Embark on an extraordinary 12-day, 11-night journey through the heart of Morocco, commencing in the vibrant city of Casablanca. This meticulously crafted itinerary invites you to explore the country's rich history, diverse landscapes, and captivating culture. From the azure streets of Chefchaouen nestled in the Rif Mountains to the ancient medinas of Fez and the majestic dunes of the Sahara Desert, each day promises unique discoveries. Conclude your adventure in the bustling imperial city of Marrakech, where the fusion of sights, sounds, and aromatic spices creates an unforgettable finale.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Casablanca – Arrival Morocco
Upon your arrival at Casablanca, Morocco's economic hub, you will be warmly greeted by your dedicated driver/guide. Depending on your arrival time, your city orientation tour will commence, guiding you through Casablanca's grand avenues. Explore the intricate labyrinth of the medina's narrow streets, experience the grandeur of United Nations Square and Place Mohammed V, and witness the bustling Central Market. Discover the elegant residential district of Anfa and the scenic Boulevard de la Corniche, adorned with pools and restaurants. A highlight of your day will be a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, a magnificent architectural marvel and one of the rare mosques accessible to non-Muslims. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be at your hotel.
Day 2 - Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen
Following breakfast, depart for Chefchaouen. En route, a significant stop will be made in Rabat, the political capital of Morocco. Here, admire the impressive crenellated red ocher walls, extending over 5 km, that impart a distinctive character to the city, originally built during the reign of Sultan Yacoub el-Mansour. Explore the historic Kasbah of the Udayas, established by a tribe in the twelfth century. Continue to the Hassan Tower, remnants of an ancient mosque, and the splendid Mohamed V Mausoleum, a testament to traditional Moroccan architecture. Return to the new town to view the Royal Palace, the current residence of the King. Your journey then proceeds to Chefchaouen, Morocco's renowned "blue city" nestled within the picturesque Rif Mountains. Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of this unique mountain town. Dinner and overnight accommodation at your hotel.
Day 3 - Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez
After breakfast and a final stroll through Chefchaouen, depart for Fez. The journey includes a stop at Volubilis, the ancient Roman ruins, where you will explore the 2000-year-old remnants of this historic site and a brief visit to Moulay Idriss. Proceed to Meknes for a comprehensive tour of the city, encompassing the impressive Berdaïne Bab and Bab Khemis gates. Further exploration of Meknes includes the vast stables. and a notable visit to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, historically the only mosque in Morocco accessible to non-Muslims. Conclude your Meknes exploration by exiting through the iconic Bab El Mansour, leading to the expansive Hedim Square. On the opposite side of the square, visit the Museum of Moroccan Art "Dar Jamai" and continue your journey to Fez for dinner and accommodation at your Riad.
Day 4 - Fes – Guided Tour
Begin your day after breakfast with a guided tour of the Fez medina, recognized as one of the world's largest walled cities. Navigate its narrow, winding streets, bustling with vibrant souks offering fresh produce, aromatic spices, intricate Berber carpets, and various Moroccan artisanal creations. Your tour includes visits to significant mosques such as the Quaraouiyine Mosque (founded in 859 by Fatima el Fihri) and the Andalusian Mosque (dating back to 860). Admire the Nejjarine Fountain and explore historic Medersas (Koranic schools) established as early as the 13th century. Discover the Batha Palace, now a museum of arts and traditions, and witness the traditional Chouwara Tanneries. Explore lively souks, including Souk Attarine, one of the city's most vibrant. Marvel at Bab Boujloud with its distinctive ceramics. Visit the Mellah, the 17th-century Ibn Danan synagogue, and the exterior of the King's Palace. In the afternoon, ascend to either Borj Nord or Borj Sud for panoramic views of the ancient medina and a breathtaking sunset. Overnight accommodation at your Riad.
Day 5 - Fes – Ifran – Medilt – Merzouga
Commence an early departure from Fez, beginning your ascent through varied landscapes. Pass through Ifrane, a unique winter ski resort resembling European architecture. Visit the cedar forest in Azrou, where you can observe Barbary macaques. Continue your journey across the Middle Atlas Mountains, traversing through beautiful forests, natural springs, rugged rock formations, and traditional Berber villages. As we descend towards the Sahara Desert, we'll stop for lunch in the town of Midelt, a town renowned for its fossils and rocks. The journey progresses towards Merzouga, with stops at panoramic viewpoints and to admire vast palm oases. Arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon, where you will enjoy dinner accompanied by traditional Saharan music and overnight accommodation in a traditional Kasbah.
Day 6 - Merzouga – Rissani – Erg Chebbi
After breakfast and a period of relaxation, embark on a half-day exploration of the desert's diverse facets. Traverse small villages, pausing in El Khamlia to experience captivating Saharan Music. Visit Merzouga Lake and a local oasis. A brief visit to Rissani, the historical first capital of the Alaouite dynasty, includes exploring some of its ancient Kasbahs and the famous local market. You will have the opportunity to sample Medfouna. Afterward, take a 4x4 vehicle towards the heart of the desert. Following mint tea, your guide and camels will be ready to escort you across the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the sunset from camelback. After approximately 1 hour, you will reach your desert camp for an overnight stay in a traditional Berber tent. Upon arrival at the camp, your camels will be hobbled, and mint tea will be served. Enjoy a delightful dinner under the vast, starlit desert sky. Overnight in the Berber Tent.
Day 7 - Merzouga – Gorges Todra – Ouarzazate
Following a special Berber breakfast, depart towards the Dades Gorges, traversing the rugged "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs," where ancient caravan trading routes are dotted with turreted sand castles. This central region, nestled along river valleys, expansive palmeries, and burnished mud-brick homes, radiates vibrant colors under the clear desert sky. Journey through the Ziz Valley, past dramatic escarpments and plunging gorges, via Tinghir. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant after a leisurely walk in the Todra Gorge. Continue to Ouarzazate, passing through the historical Kasbahs of Skoura and the enchanting Rose Valley. Arrive in Ouarzazate for dinner and overnight accommodation at your Riad.
Day 8 - Ouarzazate – Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou – Essaouira
After breakfast, visit Ouarzazate, including the Kasbah of Taourirt and the renowned Atlas movie studios, Africa's largest and most famous. Depart for Essaouira, with a significant stop to visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prominent filming location for movies such as "Gladiator". Continue your journey, ascending through the High Atlas Mountains and over the Tizi-n-Tichka pass. The road winds from the plains to an elevation of 2260 meters above sea level, passing through small villages, mini-waterfalls, and a continuously changing panorama of mountain landscapes and colors, arriving in Essaouira, one of Morocco's most captivating medinas. Dinner and overnight accommodation at your Riad.
Day 9 - Essaouira – Marrakech
Spend the morning exploring the charming coastal town of Essaouira, historically known as Mogador. Essaouira is a bustling hub for artists. In the afternoon, depart for Marrakech. The city is famous for the lively Djemaa el Fna square and the iconic Koutoubia minaret. Dinner and overnight accommodation at your Riad.
Day 10 - Marrakech – Medina Guided Tour
Following breakfast, embark on a full-day guided tour of Marrakech. Your visit will encompass the serene Menara Gardens, featuring a magnificent pool, the majestic Koutoubia Minaret, and the historic Saadian Tombs. Explore the Dar Si Said Museum, showcasing an exceptional collection of Berber arts and crafts, and the Bahia Palace. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Afterward, immerse yourself in the vibrant and colorful Souks of Marrakech, where artisans display their diverse crafts. Conclude your day with a sunset drink overlooking the animated Jamaa El Fna square, absorbing its unique atmosphere. Dinner and overnight accommodation at your Riad.
Day 11 - Marrakech – Ourika – Marrakech
Depart from your hotel for a beautiful drive to the Ourika Valley, situated at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Discover charming mud villages, terraced agricultural plots, and the refreshing Ourika River. Visit a traditional Berber house to gain insight into their simple lifestyle and customs, and participate in the preparation and enjoyment of mint tea. In the afternoon, return to Marrakech. If you have an early flight the following day, you will stay overnight in Casablanca; otherwise, you will stay in Marrakech.
Day 12 - Depart Morocco
Enjoy a private transfer to the airport for the conclusion of your remarkable journey through Morocco.
Included
Excluded
Code: MDT12D1
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