Table of Contents
Nowadays, everybody is busy to such a point where they don’t have the time for family exercise, week-long excursions, gathering for family lunch or supper, or short visits to family. In this growing busy schedule what we fail to notice, is that the bonds between members of our family grow weak. We provide a flexible service to our customers from the first meeting at the airport to arranging extensive tailor-made Morocco programs, Our Morocco trips, are adequate for couples, friends, small group tours, solo travelers, women traveling alone, and families with children.
Classic Morocco Tour 8 Days
Day 1: Casablanca Med V airport – Transfer to Rabat
Upon arrival to Casablanca; the biggest city in the Kingdom; you will have a driver waiting for you in front of the airport, depending on your flight timing you will make a stop at Hassan II Mosque where you will meet a fascinating example of the Moroccan architecture, then you will continue to Rabat for a visit of the Moroccan Capital’s Landmarks. Overnight in a Riad/Hotel in Rabat.
Day 2: Rabat – Meknes – Moulay Driss – Volubilis – Fes
After breakfast, you will make a 1h30 journey to Meknes, one of the imperial cities of Morocco, the former capital, and the site of Sultan Moulay Ismail’s granaries. You will make several stops by the Bab Mansour, Lahdim Square, Bab Lakhmis, Habs Qara, and the Jewish cemetery before heading to Moulay Driss to enjoy the panoramic views over the lush plains, agave plants, and olive trees. A visit to Volubilis; Walili in Arabic language, here we go for an hour guided walking tour through this attractive roman city or what we call the ruins of Volubilis, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Overnight in Fes with breakfast in a Riad in the medina.
Day 3: Fes – Exploring the city with a local guide
A full-day guided tour is scheduled here in Fez, you will meet a local guide at your riad and go on combined historical & new town exploration. The Medina is the intellectual capital of the kingdom and was considered Mecca of the west and Athena of Africa. It is the 3rd biggest city in the country after Casablanca & Rabat with a population of approximately 1 million. This city is a former capital and one of the country’s four imperial cities. Fez comprises three distinct parts, Fes el Bali is the oldest part surrounded by a big wall, where are more than 9000 narrow streets and allies. Fes-Jdid or the new Fez, home of the Mellah the Jewish quarter, and the Ville Nouvelle the newest section of Fez created during the French occupation. Fes el Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medina of Fes is the largest in the world. Among its narrow streets and allies, the oldest university in the world is located; The University of Al-Karaouine, founded in AD 859. This University is still operating nowadays.
Day 4: Fes – Midelt – Erfoud – Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)
After breakfast, you will be collected by your driver and head to the desert. Your first drive towards the south via the Berber town of Ifran which means caves and it is nicknamed in Morocco as a little Switzerland since it is a very green town and a ski resort in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco because of its high altitude at 1665 meters. Ifrane is very known as well by The Brotherhood private university, established in 1997 by the king of Morocco Hassan II and the king of Saudi Arabia Fahd. Where all classes are taught in English, it is an international university. Lunch could be scheduled in a Berber village called Midelt that is situated on the foothills of the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains. From a vast plateau, you start crossing up those tough mountains, which are still settled by a big Berber community. The landscapes here include palm tree oases at Jbel Ayachi (at 3747 m) before driving down the curves and joining the pre-Saharan zone passing first by Errachidia and Erfoud are famous for their pottery and the interesting fossil quarries. Fossils are a major industry in Erfoud, some 350 million years ago the region around Erfoud was a part of the huge ocean. Heading up to the red-colored sand dunes of Merzouga via Rissani, the hometown of the Alaouite dynasty where Moulay Ali Cherif started to unify Morocco under his red flag at the beginning of the 17th century. You will be impressed by the huge sand dunes of Merzouga appearing from the horizon. Where you will spend the night in a Berber camp and enjoy a wonderful stars view on the edge of the Erg Chebbi, the tallest sand dunes in Morocco.
Day 5: Merzouga – Rissani – Todgha Gorges – Skoura
Early wake-up to enjoy the fascinating sunrise, you ride back the camels to the hotel in the dune line, for a quick shower. 35 km from Merzouga you will stop to visit the traditional market of Errisani and possibly the Mausoleum of the founder of the Alaouite Dynasty of Morocco. This silent town was the ancient capital of Tafilalet and its location as a crossroads between north and south brought the city to an important status of a former major caravan center. 127 km from Errisani the great canyons of Morocco Todgha Gorges are situated beyond the central High Atlas Mountains. Here, the contrasting landscapes remind visitors of Colorado, with its high plateaux, its gorges, and great canyons, and its peaks sometimes splintered by erosion. The area is populated by the Berbers. Also, you can enjoy a hike among those fabulous canyons, you go along the road of 1000 Thousand Kasbahs, since there are enormous kasbahs on both sides of the road, you pass a town called Boumalen situated on the edge of Dades valley which raises in the High Atlas mountains, giving life to a huge Berber community by its rich agriculture. Along this road, another valley called the valley of roses appears with the green color of its Alfalfa plants, olive trees, fig trees, and grapes once you arrive in Skoura Palmary you will spend the night with dinner and breakfast at a Riad/Hotel.
Day 6: Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – the Atlas Mountains – Marrakesh
After breakfast, you will head to Ouarzazate which is mainly inhabited by Berbers, who constructed many of the prominent Kasbahs and buildings for which the area is known. One of those buildings is Taourirt Kasbah, which belongs to the 17th century. Ouarzazate is also named the Hollywood of Africa simply because it has been noted as a film-making location, with Morocco’s biggest studios inviting many international film companies to shoot their movies like Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Living Daylights (1987), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Martin Scorsese’s Kundun (1997) and Babel (2005). 35 km from Ouarzazate there is the fortified village of Aït Benhaddou, built in the 11th century. Once upon a time, this Kasbah was the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. It is situated on a hill along the Ounila River and has some beautiful examples of Kasbahs, which unfortunately sustain damage during each rainstorm and windstorm. Most of the town’s inhabitants now live in a more modern village on the other side of the river; however, eighth families are still living within this Kasbahs. You will cross the high atlas mountains and the Tizi N’tichka pass to reach Marrakech for an overnight with breakfast in a Riad/Hotel.
Day 7: Marrakesh, Full Guided City Tour
A full-day guided tour is scheduled in Marrakesh. Again you will meet with a local tour guide of Marrakech along with your driver to give you an insight into this beautiful city. This Red town was the most important former imperial city in Morocco’s history. Marrakesh is situated near the foothills of the snow-peaks of the High Atlas Mountain. Like all the old cities, Marrakesh comprises both an old fortified city The Medina, and a very modern city called Gueliz built during the French occupation. Marrakech has the largest traditional market (souk) in Morocco and also has one of the busiest squares in Africa and the world, Djemaa el Fna. The square is full of storytellers, water sellers, dancers, snake charmers, and musicians. During the night the square turns into a huge open-air restaurant.
As part of your Marrakech guided tour, you will see The Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 12th century in the reign of the Almoravid Dynasty, the Bahia Palace, and the Madrassa Ben Youssef. You will go among narrow streets and alleys in the ancient city. You pass by “seven saints” during the reign of Moulay Ismail. The tombs of several renowned figures were moved to Marrakech to attract pilgrims. Marrakech was dominated in the first half of the 20th century by T’hami El Glaoui, “Lord of the Atlas”, and Pasha of Marrakech. Still, there is a house called Dar Pacha El Glaoui from where he used to rule the whole southern parts of Morocco.
Day 8: Marrakesh – Casablanca Med V airport
After seeing and discovering all the different colors of the Moroccan Kingdom, you will be transferred to Casablanca or Marrakech airport to attend your flight.
CLASSIC MOROCCO TOUR 7 NIGHTS, WHAT′S INCLUDED
- Transportation in private licensed SUV or Minibus with A/C, fuel throughout the tour
- English speaking driver
- Accommodations in typical Moroccan hotels, Kasbahs, Riads and Inns with Ensuite rooms, air conditioning/heating
- Half Board – 2 meals each day Dinner & Breakfast except where listed B.B, (Vegetarians are welcome)
- Marrakesh & Fes Sightseeing guided tours with local guides
- Possibility to upgrade accommodations category with extra cost
- Swimming stops (April to September), we select hotels that have a swimming pool facility for this period
- Walks & explorations for example in Ait Benhaddou, Desert sand dunes & Gorges
- Night at Erg Chebbi desert dune in a nomad tented camp (possibility to upgrade to Luxury camp)
- Erg Chebbi Camel Trekking tour for sunset
- Local Taxes
The Best Of Morocco Tour 11 Days
Day 1: Casablanca Med V airport – Transfer to Casablanca City Centre (Hotel)
Upon your arrival to Casablanca airport, our Tour leader will assist you to get your bags before taking you to your hotel. After check-in, you will have the time to relax before a tour meeting. It depends on your arrival time, if available we will go sightseeing.
Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes
We will depart at 08:00 for a city sightseeing of Casablanca. It is the economic capital and the biggest city, all over the kingdom, here more than 7 million people. Here we will visit the second biggest mosque in the world after Mecca. It is the Hassan II mosque, one of the best highlights all over the country. Then we continue to Rabat the current capital of Morocco. Where we will have lunch before going on and visit the Oudaya gardens, the Mausoleum of Mohamed V and Hassan II, and Hassan Tower which is the minaret of an incomplete mosque in Rabat begun in 1195 AD. After we finish we drive to Meknes on the express road. On the way, you will get fascinated by the thousands and thousands of olive trees on the two banks of the road. Meknes was one of the imperial cities in Morocco; the former capital and the site of Sultan Moulay Ismail’s granaries. We stay at our hotel in Meknes.
Day 3: Meknes – Moulay Driss – Volubilis – Fez
After breakfast, we will go on our discovering visit to the main historical monuments of Meknes. We will start with the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail (1672–1727). Then we go to the granaries, built in 1600. They were ingeniously designed. Tiny windows, massive walls, and a system of underflow water channels kept the temperatures cool and air circulating. He didn’t store food for humans, but grain and hay to feed his 15.000 horses. We will stop as well to get pictures of the Bab AL Mansour the Great gate, built in the 11thcentury. Meknes has been greatly impacted by the Moorish-style building. It is no the fifth biggest city of the kingdom since it has a good economy, based mainly on agriculture, olives, and wine. We will lunch here in Meknes, where we will try the Moroccan delicacy Camel burger for lunch. After lunch, we will drive towards Fes. On the way, we will travel back to the 3rd century by visiting the most important archeological site in the kingdom. It is Volubilis, Walili in the Arabic language. here we go for an hour guided tour through this attractive roman city or what we call the ruins of Volubilis, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. After we finish visiting Volubilis we drive to our hotel in Fes.
Day 4: Fes, Full Guided City Tour
This is a whole day guided tour to Fes, starts at 9:00 till 5:00. Fes is the fourth biggest city and the former capital of Morocco, it is one of the country’s four “imperial cities,” the others are Rabat, Marrakech, and Meknes. It comprises two distinct parts, the oldest section or the Medina and the Ville Nouvelle which was created by the French between 1912-1956the French-created, newest section of Fes. It is a mosaic city since it is consists of plenty of cultures, Islamic, Andalusia, Jewish, Berber, French…
This oldest section of Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Medina is the largest and the most amazing labyrinth in Africa and the world’s largest contiguous car-free urban area, where no cars are allowed to drive there. Karts and donkeys are the only means of transportation in its narrow and mingled streets and allies, more than 9000 narrow streets. Among that labyrinth of alleys, we will visit the oldest continuously functioning university in the world. The University of Al-Karaouine, founded in AD 859, we return to our hotel more night in Fes. The visit of Fes is really fascinating by knowing and discovering its incredible history along centuries. A lot of amazing and fascinating things about Fes will stick to your mind forever. When we finish visiting Fes we drive back to our hotel.
Day 5: Fez – Midelt – Erfoud – Merzouga (hotel at Dune Line)
This is a bit long day journey since we will drive for more than 400 Km. But still, a wonderful day where we will drive through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains to the peaceful and beautiful town of Ifran home of Brotherhood university, established in 1997 by The King of Morocco Hassan II and the king of Saudi Arabia Fahd. Where all classes are taught in English It is an international university. We stop for lunch in a rural village Midelt which is located on the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. From here we start to drive throughout the High Atlas Mountains and along Ziz valley one of the longest valleys all over the kingdom. Continue past the former French Foreign Legion outpost of Errachidia, one of the largest oases of palm trees in Morocco. Before arriving to the town of Erfoud; which is famous for its pottery and the interesting fossil quarries. Fossils are a major industry in Erfoud, some 350 million years ago the region around Erfoud was a part of the huge ocean. From Erfoud, we drive towards Errisani, a small sleepy town. The Alaouite dynasty founder Moulay Ali Cherif is buried here. From this small town, he started to unify the Moroccan tribes in the 17thcentury. From Erissani, we drive 35 km before we arrive at our hotel, which is located just on the dune line. We stay in our hotel tonight.
Day 6: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi Dunes (Sahara Desert Exploration 4×4 & Camel Trek for sunset)
Here in the Sahara desert of Erg Chebbi, we start at 10:00 or earlier and go on a drive throughout the sand dunes. While driving on these fabulous landscapes we will see plenty of nomadic black tents in the middle of nowhere. We shall stop by a nomadic family to have tea and see what a nonadic life looks like. We go on our drive and let’s discover the nomadic life of Touareg people by visiting Khamlia, a village where nothing has been changed through centuries. Either we lunch here in Khamlia village or we go back to our hotel and lunch there. After a nape, we go on a camel ride to meet one of the most fascinating sights we will ever see, the superb sunset in the middle of the high sand dunes of Merzouga (Erg Chebbi). Tonight we stay in a Berber camp and enjoy a wonderful stars view.
Day 7: Merzouga – Rissani – Todgha Gorges
After breakfast, we drive to Rissani. It is the town where the Alaouit dynasty (The Royal Family) started to unify Morocco in the 17th century. We will visit the Mausoleum of the Alaouit dynasty founder Moulay Ali Cherif. From here we start driving towards Ouarzazate but before we will stop for lunch in Todgha gorges the biggest and the most fascinating canyons all over the country. Here we can enjoy an hour walking around those fabulous canyons and get thousands and thousands of pictures because it is really something.
Day 8: Todgha Gorges – Dades Valley – Ouarzazate
From the great canyons, we drive to Ouarzazate via the valley of roses. Here we find what we call the Damaskina rose which had been brought from Syria by pilgrims who used to go to Mecca on foot. So on their way back they brought this rose and plant it here in this valley. There are many rosewater factories in the area, where they produce different cosmetic products. If time allows, we can stop by one factory to see what the different steps of evaporating and purifying the rose water are and what the different products of this good-smelling rose are. Meanwhile, on the road, we will go for a quick tea with a nomadic family that still living in caves. We will pass by a sleepy small village called Skoura, which is located just in the middle of the palm trees. And now there are a lot of Kasbahs transformed into Riads and guest houses by French owners. We continue to Ouarzazate the night.
Day 9: Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
A visit to Morocco’s film capital, Ouarzazate. Here we will see different old sets for many famous movies like Babel, Hidalgo, Gladiator Lawrence of Arabia, Kingdom of Heaven…and other hundreds of famous movies. After this African Hollywood tour of almost an hour, we drive for 30 Km to get to the ancient fortified city of Ait Benhaddou which was first built in the 11th century and was named by UNESCO in 1992 as a world heritage site. Explore the streets of this clay Kasbah at a relaxed pace and have some tea with the family that still living there looking after the Kasbah. Here more than 300 families, then have lunch there. After lunch, we drive to Marrakesh throughout the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass of the High Atlas Mountains. Where hundreds of superb Berber villages scattered on the mountains. This unexpected and fascinating presence of houses that are made from mud and straw; in the middle of nowhere; with the satellite dishes on roofs. All this makes you feel that nothing has been changed in life here through thousands of years. Meanwhile donkeys and mules still the main means of transportation among these high and tough mountains, since there are no accesses for cars and tracks.
Day 10: Marrakesh, Guided City Tour
After breakfast, a sightseeing tour of this beautiful city includes the 16th-century Saadian Tombs, the Museum of Moroccan Arts, the fragrant Menara Gardens, the famous Koutoubia Minaret, and the magnificent Bahia Palace. After lunch at the hotel, we continue to Djmaa-el-Fna Square, the heart of Marrakesh. Tonight, dinner and folklore show at “Fantasia Chez Ali,” serving typical Moroccan cuisine, family-style in lavishly decorated tents amidst music, local entertainment, and an equestrian show. Explore the tantalizing spice market and dine al fresco at a footstall in Djmaa el-Fna, or escape the buzz of the city in the shaded rooms of the Bahia Palace, a superb example of ornate Muslim architecture. After visiting the busy parts of Marrakesh we will head to the most beautiful and well-designed gardens all over the country: The famous Majorelle gardens founded in 1982.
Day 11: Marrakesh – Casablanca Med V airport or Marrakech airport
Transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca according to your flight details or even fly from Marrakech if your flight is scheduled to leave from Marrakech.
THE BEST OF MOROCCO TOUR, WHAT′S INCLUDED
- Transportation in private licensed 4WD or Minibus with A/C, fuel throughout the tour
- English speaking driver
- Accommodations in typical Moroccan hotels, Kasbahs, Riads and Inns with Ensuite rooms, air conditioning/heating
- Half Board – 2 meals each day Dinner & Breakfast except where listed B.B, (Vegetarians are welcome)
- Marrakesh, Volubilis & Fes Sightseeing Tours with Local guides
- Possibility to upgrade accommodations category with extra cost
- Swimming stops (April to September), we select hotels that have a swimming pool facility for this period
- Walks & Explorations for example in Ait Benhaddou, Desert sand dunes & Gorges
- Night at Erg Chebbi desert dune in a nomad tented camp (possibility to upgrade to Luxury camp)
- Erg Chebbi Camel Trekking tour at sunset
- Local Taxes
Morocco Discovery Tour 15 Days
Day 1: Casablanca Med V airport – Transfer to Casablanca City Centre (Hotel)
Upon arrival to Casablanca; the biggest city in the country; you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (It depends on your arrival time,) you would be able to go for a visit to the Great Mosque Hassan II where you will meet a fascinating example of Moroccan architecture. It is the largest mosque in the kingdom and the fifth largest mosque in the world. It stands on a promontory looking out on the Atlantic and has space for 25,000 worshippers. A further 80,000 can be accommodated in the mosque’s adjoining grounds for a total of 105,000 worshippers present at any given time at the Hassan II mosque. Its minaret is the tallest one in the world at 210 m.
Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Fes
Leaving Casablanca the economic capital of Morocco, to the political one Rabat. Where we will see the Oudaya Kasbah and its beautiful gardens, This Kasbah of the Oudaya is located at Abou Regreg river. It was built during the reign of the Almohad dynasty in 1150 AD. The Mausoleum of Mohamed V and Hassan Tower is the minaret of an incomplete mosque in Rabat constructed in 1195 AD. The tower was intended to be the largest minaret in the world with the mosque. After we finish our sightseeing tour in Rabat we head to Fez on the express road. On the way, you will get fascinated by the thousands and thousands of olive trees and farmlands on the two banks. Arrival in Fez, we check into the hotel for the night.
Day 3: Fez (Sightseeing Tour with a local guide, Fez Medina)
After visiting the economic capital Casablanca and the political one Rabat, here we go for another adventure through the intellectual capital of Fez which was considered Mecca of the west, and Athena of Africa. It is the biggest city in the country after Casablanca with a population of approximately 1 million. This city is the former capital and one of the country’s four imperial cities. Fez comprises three distinct parts, Fez el Bali is the oldest part surrounded by a big wall, where are more than 9000 narrow streets and allies. Fez-Jdid or the new Fes, home of the Mellah the Jewish quarter, and the Ville Nouvelle the newest section of Fez created during the French occupation.
Fez el Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its medina is the largest in the world. Among its narrow streets and allies, the oldest university in the world is located; The University of Al-Karaouine, founded in AD 859. This University is still operating nowadays.
Day 4: Fes – Moulay Driss- Volubilis – Meknes
On the way to Meknes, we will go back in time to the 3rd century by visiting the most important archaeological site in Morocco Volubilis, which features the best-preserved Roman ruins in this part of Northern Africa. So it is not by chance this roman ruins in 1997 were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A 45 minutes guided tour is scheduled here.
From Volubilis, we go on our way to Meknes that was named after a Berber tribe which was known as Miknasa in the medieval North African sources. Meknes was the capital of Morocco under the reign of Moulay Ismail (1672–1727). He built in the ingeniously designed granaries, the really fascinating architecture of tiny windows, massive walls where he used to store grain and hay to feed his 15.000 horses not food for humans. We will stop as well to get pictures of the Bab AL Mansour the Great gate built in the 11th century by AL Mansour Adahbi.
Day 5: Meknes – Midelt – Ziz valley – Erfoud – Merzouga (hotel at Dune Line)
This is a long driving day, where we will meet different colors of the kingdom by leaving the old Moroccan city of Meknes. On the way, we will pass through the most modern and clean city in the country Ifrane. This Berber name of Ifran means caves and it is nicknamed in Morocco as a little Switzerland since it is a very green town and is a ski resort in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco because of its high altitude at 1665 meters. Ifran is very known as well by The Brotherhood private university, established in 1997 by The King of Morocco Hassan II and the king of Saudi Arabia Fahd. Where all classes are taught in English, it is an international university. Lunch will be scheduled in a Berber village called Midelt which is situated on the foothills of the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains.
From the vast plateau, we start crossing up those tough mountains which are still settled by a big Berber community. The landscapes here include palm tree oases at Jbel Ayachi (at 3747 m) before driving down the curves and join the pre-Saharan zone passing first by Errachidia and Erfoud, which is famous for its pottery and the interesting fossil quarries. Fossils are a major industry in Erfoud, some 350 million years ago the region around Erfoud was a part of the huge ocean. Heading up to the red-colored sand sea dunes of Erg Chebbi at Merzouga via Rissani, the hometown of the Alaouist dynasty, where Moulay Ali sheriff started to unify Morocco under his red flag at the beginning of the 17th century. From a vast plateau, you will get impressed by the huge sand dune of Merzouga appearing from the horizon. Night and dinner at our hotel.
Day 6: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi Dunes (Sahara Desert Exploration 4×4 & Camel Trek for sunset)
Throughout the sand dunes, we go for a drive on these fabulous landscapes on the edge of the Erg Chebbi, the largest sand dunes in Morocco. We will see plenty of nomadic black tents in the middle of nowhere. We shall stop by a nomadic family to have tea and see what a nonadic life looks like. We go on our drive and let’s discover the nomadic life of Touareg people by visiting Alkhamliya, a village where nothing has been changed through centuries. Either we lunch here in Alkhamliya village or we go back to our hotel and lunch there. After a nape, we go on a camel ride to meet one of the most fascinating sights we will ever see, the superb sunset in the middle of the high sand dunes of Merzouga. Tonight we stay in Berber tented desert camp and enjoy a wonderful stars view.
Day 7: Merzouga – Rissani – Todgha Gorges
Visiting Errisani and the Mausoleum of the founder of the Alaouite Dynasty of Morocco, Moulay Ali Cherif in the 17th century. This silent town was the ancient capital of Tafilalet and its location as a crossroads between north and south brought the city to an important status of a former major caravan center. Up to now, Rissani remains a major commercial center in the region, with a large souk, particularly lively today on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. It was noted for its leather and goatskin trading in ancient ages.
127 km from Errisani the great canyons of Morocco Todgha Gorges are situated beyond the central high Atlas Mountains. Here, the contrasting landscapes remind visitors of Colorado, with its high plateau, its gorges, and great canyons, and its peaks sometimes splintered by erosion. Several peaks in this area exceed 4000 m, with Jbel Saghro 2500 m and Jbel Mgoun at 4068 m being the highest peak in this part of the High Atlas. The area is populated by Berbers. Here you can enjoy a hike among those fabulous canyons.
Day 8: Todgha Gorges – Dades Valley – Ouarzazate
From the great canyons of Todgha, we go along the road of 1000 kasbahs, since there are enormous Kasbahs on both sides of the road. Some of those old fortified houses are restored but unfortunately, a lot of them are ruins. A visit to one of those kasbahs is scheduled by seeing Amrhidil Kasbah. We pass a town called Boumalen situated on the edge of Dades valley which rises in the High Atlas Mountains, giving life to a huge Berber community by its rich agriculture. Along this valley, another valley called the valley of roses appearing with the green colors of its Alfalfa plants, olive trees, fig-trees and grapes. This valley gives birth to a rose from which locals produce different cosmetic products like soap, perfumes and skin creams. Locals here celebrate this rose by organizing a national festival at the end of April. Getting to Ouarzazate (Hollywood of Africa, Noiselessly town, The door of the desert), is a city situated in the middle of a bare plateau, south of the High Atlas Mountains. It is mainly inhabited by Berbers, who constructed many of the prominent kasbahs and buildings for which the area is known. One of those buildings is Taourirt Kasbah diverted in the 17th century.
Why this town is nicknamed Hollywood of Africa? Simply because it has been noted as a film-making location, with Morocco’s biggest studios inviting many international film companies to shoot their movies like Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Living Daylights (1987), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Martin Scorsese’s Kundun (1997) and Babel (2005).
Day 9: Ouarzazate – Ait Benahddou – Taroudant
35 km from Ouarzazate there is the fortified city of Aït Benhaddou, built in the 11th century. Once upon a time, this Kasbah was the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh. It is situated on a hill along the Ounila River and has some beautiful examples of kasbahs, which unfortunately sustain damage during each rainstorm and windstorms. Most of the town’s inhabitants now live in a more modern village at the other side of the river; however, around five families are still living within this Kasbah.
Aït Benhaddou Kasbah has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and several films have been shot there, including Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Time Bandits (1981), The Jewel of the Nile (1985), Kundun (1997), Gladiator (2000) and Alexander (2004). From this beautiful fortified house, we head southwest to the town of Taroudant. It is called the “Grandmother of Marrakesh” because it resembles Marrakesh with its surrounding ramparts. The ramparts of the town are nearly 6 kilometers long. It has the feel of a small fortified market town on some caravan route. It is also known for its local crafts like jewelry and carpets. Taroudant contains almost the whole city within its walls. However, a new area is being developed outside the city walls. Under the Saadi Dynasty Taroudant knew its golden age, especially under the reign of Mohammed ash-Sheikh, who constructed the city walls and built the great mosque and its beautiful minaret in 1528. The town became the capital of the Saadians. Taroudant has rich plain and farms of grapes, corn, grain, and oranges…ETC.
Today the town is a notable marketing town and has a souk near each of its two main squares, Talmoklate. Not that far from Talmaklate square, there is the Arab souk that specializes in handicrafts such as pottery, leather, carpets, rugs, and jewelry.
Day 10: Taroudant – Agadir – Essaouira
Almost 70 km from Taroudant, there is Agadir city. The capital of Berbers since it is the biggest Berber city all over the kingdom. Agadir is also a very modern city that is located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, near the foot of the Atlas Mountains. It has the most important fishing and commercial port of Morocco, moreover it is the first sardine port in the world, (exporting cobalt, manganese, zinc and citrus). It is also a seaside resort with a long sandy beach. Because of its large buildings, wide roads, modern hotels, and European-style cafés, Agadir is not a typical city of traditional Morocco, but it is a modern, busy and dynamic town and very famous for its seafood.
Along the ocean, we drive for almost 200 km towards Essaouira. On the Atlantic ocean this town waves, with its white painted houses and their blue windows and doors, a well-designed picture. Since the 16th century, Essaouira has also been known by its Portuguese name of Mogador. The Berber name means the wall, a reference to the fortress walls that originally enclosed the city.
Day 11: Essaouira (Explore Essaouira at your own pace)
A one day on your pace will be for sure wonderful since there is no way to get bored. Due to the plenty of activities, you will be able to enjoy amazingly as Essaouira is well renowned for its kite surfing and windsurfing, with the powerful trade wind. Horse riding, camel riding along the beach, quad biking are activities that one can enjoy while staying in Essaouira. It is known for the delicious seafood too.
In Essaouira, several small art galleries are found all over the town. Since 1998 Essaouira is getting known for its Gnaoua Festival of World Music, normally it is scheduled for the last week of June. It brings artists from all over the world. Although focused on Gnaoua music, it includes rock, jazz, and reggae. In early 1952 the film director and actor Orson Welles made his movie Othello. Now there is a square named Orson Welles.
Day 12: Essaouira – Marrakech
On the way between Essaouira and Marrakesh, you will see an enormous Argan tree on both sides of the road. These Argan trees are frequently climbed by goats. Several women’s cooperatives produce Argan oil used for gastronomy to prepare couscous, salads, tagines…etc. Moreover, it was traditionally used as a treatment for skin diseases before being founded as good enough for cosmetics by European manufacturers. Still stop by one of these cooperatives is worthy to see how Berber women squeezed the Argan fruits between hands to extract this precious oil. We arrive at our hotel in Marrakesh and if time permit we go out for a walk.
Day 13: Marrakesh, Full Guided City Tour
A full-guided tour will be scheduled to discover Marrakesh which is known as the “Red City”. Marrakesh is the most important former imperial city in Morocco’s history, it is situated near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountain. Like all the old cities, Marrakech comprises both an old fortified city The Medina and a very modern city called Gueliz built during the French occupation. Marrakesh has the largest traditional market (souk) in Morocco and also has one of the busiest squares in Africa and the world, Djemaa el Fna. The square is full of story-tellers, water sellers, dancers, snakes charmers and musicians. During the night the square turns into a huge open-air restaurant.
During our visit, we will see The Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 12th century in the reign of the Almoravid Dynasty. We will go among narrow streets and allies in the ancient city. We pass by “seven saints” during the reign of Moulay Ismail, the festival of the seven saints was founded at the request of the Sultan. The tombs of several renowned figures were moved to Marrakesh to attract pilgrims. Marrakesh was dominated in the first half of the 20th century by T’hami El Glaoui, “Lord of the Atlas”, and Pasha of Marrakesh. Still, there is a house called Dar Pacha El Glaoui from where he used to rule the whole southern part of Morocco.
Day 14: Marrakesh (Explore Marrakesh Markets at your own pace)
After the full guided tour, you will be able to discover more about the Red City of Marrakesh on your own as you become familiarized with the alleyways of the medina. You may go on a shopping tour on your own in a local market and the scattered shops by the Square.
Day 15: Marrakesh – Casablanca Med V or Marrakech Menara airport
A private transfer from Marrakesh to Casablanca Med V airport according to your flight details will be arranged.
MOROCCO DISCOVERY TOUR, WHAT′S INCLUDED
- Transportation in private licensed 4WD or Minibus with A/C, fuel throughout the tour
- English speaking driver
- Accommodations in typical Moroccan hotels, Kasbahs, Riads and Inns with Ensuite rooms, air conditioning/heating
- Half Board – 2 meals each day Dinner & Breakfast except where listed B.B, (Vegetarians are welcome)
- Marrakesh, Volubilis & Fes Sightseeing Tours with Local guides
- Possibility to upgrade accommodations category with extra cost
- Swimming stops (April to September), we select hotels that have a swimming pool facility for this period
- Walks & Explorations for example in Ait Benhaddou, Desert sand dunes & Gorges
- Night at Erg Chebbi desert dune in a nomad tented camp (possibility to upgrade to Luxury camp)
- Erg Chebbi Camel Trekking tour at sunset
- Local Taxes
