Marrakech ~ Boumalne Dades ~ Merzouga ~ Fes ~ Chefchaouen ~ Tangier ~
Asilah ~ Casablanca ~ Essaouira ~ Marrakech
Day 1: Marrakech – Boumalne Dades
On the first day of the tour, pick up will take place at your Riad or Hotel. You will meet your guide and driver, they have been waiting for you to arrive and excited to meet you. Leaving Marrakech, 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 is situated in the hills along the Ounila River. Ait Ben Haddou has been an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Many films have been produced in the Kasbah including: The Message, The Mummy, Alexander and Babel. After the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah tour, you will have lunch in a lovely restaurant with a panoramic backdrop. From here you will head to the city of Ouarzazate which is known as the Hollywood of Morocco because of the Cinema Studios. Many famous movies where filmed here such as Cleopatra, Kingdom of Heaven, Gladiator, Kundun & Game of Thrones. Continue to the extraordinary Kasbah of Telouet. Continuing to SKOUR’S Oasis of Palm Groves, then to the valley of Roses. This is clearly a place to stop and smell the roses. Many little shops to purchase all kinds of rose infused beauty items. You will carry on to the town of Boumalne Dades where you will stay for your first night.
Day 2: Boumalne Dades – Merzouga
After breakfast, uncovering today’s mysteries will begin by 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 barriers 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 3: 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 heart 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 on a warm 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 faces 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, followed by breakfast the following morning.
Day 4: Merzouga – Fes
After breakfast and leaving Merzouga behind you will travel to Fes. Crossing the Small Atlas Mountains, you will reach 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 feeding the monkey’s you will travel to Ifrane which is considered the coldest place in Morocco. Ifrane is also known as the Switzerland of Morocco because of the housing architecture and snow fall. Ifrane is a wonderful place for skiing. Continue onward enjoying the picturesque scenery as you make your way to Fez.
Day 5: Exploring Fes
Today you will explore Fes, 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 Fes
Day 6: Fes – 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.
Day 7: 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 wash clothing and blankets. This is my personal favorite city to photograph. 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 8: Chefchaouen – Tangier
After breakfast, you will travel to Tangier crossing the rugged Rif Mountains. Relax and enjoy the wonderful landscapes along the way. When you reach Tangier, you will stop to tour the Hercules’ cave. After the tour of the cave you have plenty of free time to explore the old city of Tangier. Here you will rest for the evening in your Riad or Hotel.
Day 9: Tangier – Exploring Asilah
After breakfast you will drive the Atlantic Ocean coastline to the city of Asilah. The town of Asilah was taken by the Moroccans in 1692 after the economic collapse in 1549, by the Portuguese. Asilah served as a pirate’s base in the 19th and & 20th century. From 1912 – 1956 it became part of Spanish Morocco. In 1978 a major renovation took place and is now a popular, modern seaport for tourist. Asilah has a wonderful small Medina in the heart of town.
Day 10: Asilah - Casablanca
After breakfast, you will drive to the city of Casablanca. You will visit the Hassan II Mosque. This magnificent structure took 7 years to be build. It holds 25,000 for prayer inside and 80,000 outside. Its minaret reaches to 210 miters high. The Hassan II Mosque is built out onto the Atlantic Coast. After touring and learning about Hassan II Mosque you will have the opportunity to stop by Ricks Cafe in where the movie Casablanca was said to be filmed. After Ricks you will go to your Riad or Hotel to relax for the night.
Day 11: Casablanca - Essaouira
After breakfast, you will drive to Essaouira on the Atlantic Coastline passing enjoying the beauty of the Moroccan beaches along the way to Essaouira passing by El Jadida, Safi then Essaouira. When arriving in Essaouira you will check into your Riad or Hotel.
Day 12: Exploring Essaouira
The adventure begins today in the city of Essaouira, 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 uncover 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 13: Essaouira - Marrakech After breakfast you will have a free morning in Essaouira to explore the port and to enjoy a seafood lunch. A short route will lead you to the imperial city of the South, Marrakech. Here you will find amazing architecture and an extraordinary street life that makes it a fascinating stop. You will have time to stroll the many shops and the narrow alleys around the city. In the evening, the center of life is in the Djemâa El-Fna Square, where a swarm of fanciful snake charmers, narrators, minstrels, fortune-tellers entertain amid the stalls of foods and fresh orange juice. It is an enjoyable way to close your Moroccan journey. Rest well, see you in the morning.
Spend the night in a Riad or Hotel
Day 14: Marrakech
Transfer to the airport depending the flight timing. We hope you enjoyed your trip with our travel agency. Your personalized vacation packages were tailored for your needs with great detail. We look forward to sharing your next journey through this exotic country of Morocco. Cheers!