Enchanted Morocco Tour
13 Day Tour
Day 1: Marrakech – Ouzoud Waterfalls
Upon arrival in Marrakech you will take lunch and head out to explore the Ouzoud Waterfalls. Ouzoud Waterfalls is where you will find beautiful pathways lined in olive trees that leads to the base of the waterfall or you can take the more adventurous view from the summit which is lined by many old mills that are still operational. The Ouzoud Waterfalls is one of the main attractions for tourists and locals alike. Fortunately, the site is being protected/preserved by many local and national associations. Following the beautiful waterfalls, you will return to Marrakech for the evening to relax in your hotel or explore the nightlife in the square. Prepare for tomorrows excursion.
Day 2: Essouira
Good morning! Today we will drive forward to the beach town of Essouira. Essouira, also known as the “Wind City of Africa”, excellent for wind surfing and sailing. You will visit many fascinating sites, including the sea port where the seamen reel in the catch of the day. Stroll the sandy beach that stretches way to the south. Essaouira is a laid-back atmosphere. The dramatic ramparts and the sandy beach have together created an attraction for artisans and hippies for years. Essaouira has a bohemian feel quite different from the rest of the country. Back in the 1950’s Orson Wells stayed at the Hotel des lles during the filming of “Othello”. This hippie town was the home of many other film productions. Jimmy Hendrix’s song “Castles Made of Sand” was written two years prior to his visit to Essaouira. Again, this is a wonderful place to stroll, shop, sip tea and just watch the people pass by. Enjoy the day!
Relax in your Riad or Hotel for the evening.
Day 3: Ouazazat
Leaving Essouira, you will be crossing the High Atlas Mountains with an altitude of 2260 M in the Tichka Pass. This is a wonderful way to start your journey. Tichka has the most breathtaking views of the Atlas. Have that camera ready. From here you will drive to the most famous Kasbah in Morocco, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. The fortified village and Kasbah rests in the hills along the Ounila River. Ait Ben Haddou has been an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Upon arrival you will rest in your Riad/Kasbah or hotel for the evening.
Day 4: Boumaln Dades – Todra Gorges – Merzouga (Berber Camp)
After breakfast, you will visit the most famous Kasbah in Morocco, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. The fortified village and Kasbah rests in the hills along the Ounila River. Many films have been produced in the Kasbah including: The Message, The Mummy, Alexander and Babel. After touring the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah.
We will then be following the road of a thousand Kasbahs, heading to Merzouga dunes. You will be passing Tinghir, visiting Todra Valley groves and stroll the Todra Gorge. The limestone cliffs carved an opening through the Todra Assif (River), its spectacular peaks seem to dive to the bed of the river. The peaks rise to 300 M above Todra. Stroll the gorge, taking in its wondrous glory, fresh air, and plenty of photo opportunity. After a stop for lunch you will continue to the palm groves of Tinhdad, Touroug and Erfoud. The excursion will continue to Merzouga where you will enjoy a camel ride through the fascinating dunes of Erg Chebbi, taking in the breathtaking sunset of the desert. The dunes are ever changing, whose colors vary according to the sun’s light. The dunes stand as fortresses beside the desert, with the highest elevation of 150M. The night will be spent in the nomadic tents. Look up…..the night Moroccan sky is one you will not soon forget.
Day 5: Exploring Merzouga
This morning after breakfast you will go off-roading to discover Merzouga, the same road used in the famous Paris-Dakar Rally, reaching the Quarry area where you will learn how the locals extract fossils from the depths of the earth. You will visit the nomads who still live in tents made from camel wool. Here you will learn about the life of the nomads while sipping a cup of mint tea. Visiting with the Nomads at times is a life changing experience. The peace and love that these wonderful people share will be a highlight of your Moroccan journey. You will continue crossing the desert capturing the different designs of the dunes and black volcanic rocks. You will pass through small villages to Khamlia Village, where the locals from Africa still practice their musical traditions, Gnawa Music. After the village you will stop for lunch, having Berber Pizza. After lunch you will return to your hotel to relax and have dinner.
Day 6: Merzouga – Fez
After breakfast and leaving Merzouga behind you will travel to Fez. Crossing the Small Atlas Mountains, you travel through the Ziz Valley of Palms. Following Ziz Valley you will stop for lunch in the town of Midelt. Continue your journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the Cedar forest in Azrou, which is 3940 feet in elevation. Here you will have the opportunity to feed the endangered Barbary (Macaque) Monkeys. Bring some snacks for the monkeys, they like snacks. (who doesn’t) After you are done monkeying around you will travel to Ifrane which is considered the Switzerland of Morocco because of the housing architecture and snow fall, also great for skiing. Ifrane is the coldest village in Morocco. Continue onward enjoying the picturesque scenery as you make your way to Fez where you will spend your evening.
Day 7: Exploring Fez
Today you will explore Fez, the oldest and largest medieval city in the world. A local licensed historical guide will accompany you as you discover each of the two old Medinas. The largest which is Fes El Bali. In 1981 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The second, Fes El Jedid, is the oldest city, which was built by Merinids. You will find many fascinating historical sites such as: Al_Qarawiyyin, which dates back to 859 AD, and is the oldest continuous functioning madrasa (Old School) in the world. The Ancient Tanneries where you can see the tanners incredible labor of making Babouches (Moroccan Slippers) as well as wallets, handbags, and a host of leather goods. This medieval labyrinth has something exciting around every corner. You are sure to enjoy the culture, food, and artisans of Fez
Day 8: Fez – Volubilis – Chefchaouen
After breakfast, you will drive to Chefchaouen stopping along the way to visit Meknes, here you will tour the main attractions such as the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail the founder of the city and Lahdim Square. Moulay Ismail was the most notorious Sultan of all. From here you will continue to the ancient ruins of Volubilis, which is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage site. After the tour of Volubilis you will drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains taking in all the breathtaking scenery and stopping for lunch. After a rest and lunch, you will continue your excursion passing the city of Ouazan and reaching your destination of Chefchaouen, where you will spend your evening.
Day 9: Exploring Chefchaouen
After breakfast, you will explore the city of Chefchaouen (The Blue City), a small city situated in the Rif Mountains. The city dates back to 1471. The cities name derives from a Berber name “Chef Chaouen” which means “look at the horns”. Chefchaouen is a quaint place to hike and relax. You will walk inside the old city of Chefchaouen and visit Rass El Ma (The Head of the water). Rass El Ma is the source of water that is used by the city for irrigation and laundry. This is a public area where local woman washes clothing and blankets. This is my personal favorite city to photograph, the homes are painted with a whitewash with pale blue walls. It’s an amazing site, so much beauty to capture in this city. When you finish your tour, you will settle down in your Riad or Hotel for the night.
Day 10: Chefchaouen – Tangier - Asilah
Rise and Shine, following breakfast you will make our way to Tangier where we will visit Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules. Tangier is the Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar between Africa and Europe. After you are through touring you will head south to Asilah, which is situated on the Atlantic coast. Asilah is known to artisans from around the world. Music and Arts festival is an annual event along with a mural-painting festival and an International jazz and art festival in August. When you arrive in Asilah you will check into your hotel and relax for the rest for the remainder of the day.
Day 11: Asilah
Today you will have a chance to visit the beach, put your feet up and relax or take a stroll through one of my favorite Medina’s. It’s a free day to tour around town or unwind before heading to Marrakech tomorrow.
Day 12: Asilah – Marrakech
Good morning, after you finish breakfast, we will start our dive to Marrakech stopping in Rabat for lunch. Rabat is the capital of Morocco. Time permitting, we will stop to tour the Hassan Tower and or the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. After touring you will begin your drive to Marrakech where you will spend the evening.
Day 13: Departure
Good Day! Today we will you will depart, depending on your flight schedule. I hope you had a wonderful journey with Exotic Nomadic Travel LLC. It is our sincere pleasure to share this wonderful country. Making quality memories for our clients is our goal and our honor. Until we meet again. Cheers!