This eclectic itinerary is your best chance to see everything you can in twelve days, while maintaining a leisurely pace. From imperial cities to arid Sahara valleys, Morocco is an unforgettable travel destination.
From the Sahara Desert to the winding souqs of Marrakesh, Morocco is a slide show of constantly shifting panoramas, landscapes, and people. This country has played host to foreign conquerors and rulers from ancient Roman to modern French origins, and has emerged as a traditional Muslim center of culture and commerce unlike anywhere else.
In the afternoon, you will be picked up at the airport in 4:00PM and transferred to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)
Casablanca is Morocco's most forward-minded city. It is where modern industry is churning most noticeably, and where Morocco's economy shows the most activity. Commonly used as Morocco's gateway, most international flights arrive and depart from here. Despite most travelers wanting to reach the Sahara or walk in Marrakesh's medina, Casablanca deserves a little more attention. It is where a culture as old as Morocco's gazes onto a modern world, and interprets modern fashions as its own. Much can be learned about Morocco's culture by walking its streets and meeting its people.
You'll take off this morning following breakfast with your private driver for the "Blue Town" of Chefchaouen. In "Chaouen," you'll have the afternoon free to explore and relax.
Total travel time: 5 hours (This service is on a private basis.)
Chefchaouen is one of the most iconic towns in Morocco, thanks to its sea of enchanting shades of blue. Taking a stroll through the winding streets of blue washed buildings, offers an experience that truly feels like a fairy tale. Chefchaouen is traditional enough to promise an authentic Moroccan experience, yet modernized enough to make travel here seamless and comfortable. With the recent renovation of the town's medina, what was once just a backpacker's destination, is now an irresistible retreat for all.
Today, you'll depart Chefchaouen following breakfast and head south to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Volubilis is the most important and extensive remains of a Roman city in Morocco, and one of the most distant of the Empire’s domain, thanks to the powerful Berber tribes who showed themselves to be more than a match for the conquering legionnaires. Once one of the most important regions producing grain to feed the voracious Roman appetite, and wild animals to keep the crowds entertained as they tried to devour gladiators in the arena, this prosperous provincial city was home to some 200,000 residents at the height of its glory.
The fascinating sights here are overseen by the nearby village of Moulay Idriss, which looks like a camel sitting from a distance. The oldest town in Morocco, it was founded by Moulay Idriss I in 789, having fled Mecca because of religious and tribal conflicts. It was here that the Idrisid dynasty was founded, and the town has the only round minaret in Morocco. Then, you'll head to the Imperial City of Fez to prepare for tomorrow's full day.
(Total travel time: 4-5 hours) (This service is on a private basis.)
In Fez, you will be able to explore the UNESCO protected Fez Medina with a private guided half day tour. Since this can be confusing due to well over 9,000 streets and alleyways, your guide will take you to the most worthwhile parts, including the Fondouk Nejjarine, the tanneries and the various craft souks. Lunch is included today on the tour. (This service is on a private basis.)
An old and noble city, Fez truly is the center of culture and intellectualism in Morocco. Many of the country's most important historical movements began in Fez, and although the city has seen ruler after ruler come and go, it has stood strong for over 1,200 years. The rich history is apparent everywhere you look, as you navigate through the medina's narrow passages. Wind your way through the city and wake up your senses with the flavors and aromas behind every street corner. Money from tourism has poured into Fez in the past couple of decades, influencing the construction of more modern riads, to compliment an ancient lifestyle.
You will depart around 9am and head for Ifrane before continuing onward through Midelt and onto Erfoud for the night. After a relaxing night in the hotel, you'll be fully rested for the next day's Sahara adventure. Travelers have the option of stopping in Midelt (4hrs away) where a walk can be arranged in the Azrou/Ifrane area (April through September).
(Total travel time: 7 hours) (This service is on a private basis.)
In the morning, our guide will take you to visit his small village in the Ziz (Tafilalet) Valley, Morocco's largest date-producing region. Before lunch at his family's home, you can enjoy a short walk through the date palms and farms. Following, it's off to Merzouga, the Erg Chebbi region of the Sahara Desert. Prepare for a memorable night under the stars and sleeping in a Bedouin-style tent. We have both standard and deluxe camps available.
(Total travel time: 3 hours) (This service is on a private basis.)
The limitless expanses of the Sahara feels like a final frontier. As one of the world's most sparsely populated regions, the Sahara Desert provides unspoiled beauty in the void of life. This dramatic destination showcases some of Morroco's most memorable and iconic experiences. Spend an evening in a Berber-style camp, sleep beneath a blanket of stars, admire epic sunrises & sunsets and explore the endless sea of powder sand dunes by camel back. These unparalleled activities promise an experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.
Today continues the Sahara Desert tour as you exit the dunes, enjoy a shower and breakfast, and continue exploring the dunes with an expert 4x4 driver to see what the local culture has in store. (This service is on a private basis.)
You'll rise with the sun to grab some photos before taking a 4x4 (or your favorite camel) out of the dunes. If you'd like to do a bit of exploring before heading out, you can head to the now touristy village of Khemlia to listen to Gnawa spiritual music.
Once in Tinjedad, you'll be able to make a stop at a local Berber-history museum that also serves excellent lunches. Here, we can arrange a guided walk of this lesser-visited palm oasis if you'd like. En route to Skoura, if you'd like to visit the Dades or Todra Gorge (Todra being a bit more touristy), either one will add at least two hours to your transport time today. We do not recommend this in the cooler months with shorter days.
You'll end today in the scenic Valley of Kasbahs on the edge of Skoura. Once at this kasbah guesthouse, you'll have time to relax and enjoy the garden before dinner is served.
Approximate Driving Time = 6 hrs (This service is on a private basis.)
Although Skoura is not usually considered a major highlight of Morocco, this quaint town is slowly, but surely working its way to become quite the desired destination. Located in the province of Ouarzazate, Skoura is the perfect stopping point between the vast sand dunes of the Sahara Desert and the staggering cliffs of the High Atlas Mountains, en route to Marrakesh. Although it is small, this charming town features beautiful scenery and a seldom experienced glimpse into the lives of local Moroccan people.
After leaving Skoura, you can visit Ouarzazate and the Taorirt Kasbah once owned by the Glaouis family. You will also be stopping at the UNESCO world heritage site at Ait Ben Haddou. A little later in the journey, you will visit the Telouet Kasbah, located along the former caravan route from the Sahara over the Atlas Mountains sitting at an elevation of 5,900 ft. Then, you'll head over the Tiz n Tichka pass, which goes over the High Atlas Mountains and to Marrakesh.
(Total travel time: 5 hours) (This service is on a private basis.)
Today in Marrakesh, your time will be devoted to a private guided visit of the Marrakesh Medina. A local head guide from the region will meet you at your riad at 9:30 am this morning to discuss what you might be most interested in seeing and doing. You can explore the Saadian tombs, Bahia Palace, Ali Ben Youssef Koranic School, and walk through the various souks. Admire the bright colors, and breath in the aromas along the way! Lunch will be included on your excursion today, before you return to your hotel around 3:30 pm. (This service is on a private basis.)
Marrakesh represents the maze of shops, entertaining street performers, exotic foreign spices and hard working street vendors, that Morocco is known for. Marrakesh welcomes the quintessential Moroccan travel experience. Each of the imperial cities have their own medinas, but there is a reason that foreigners know about the Marrakesh Medina best. Where berber tribes once traded their gold and ivory, vendors now sell trinkets to tourists, in a world where the atmosphere has remained the same for centuries. The churning of commerce is thriving more than ever, and the result is quite magical.
After breakfast this morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in Marrakesh and transfer to the airport in Casablanca for your international departure flight. We hope you have had an amazing time discovering Morocco and wish you safe travels home! (This service is on a private basis.)
Located in the heart of Casablanca, this old private mansion was built in the 30's by an Italian contractor. The legend tells that is was built as a gift to his wife, whom he met in Morocco. Nestled in the city center, the hotel is shrouded in the peaceful Art Deco district of Casablanca. This jewel of a hotel has witnessed the ups and downs of Casablanca, and remained proud throughout. It was recently renovated to preserve the authenticity and to safeguard the architecture.
A beautiful riad in the heart of the Chefchaouen medina, Riad Casa Perleta offers amazing decor and a friendly staff. The rooms are elegant with custom tadelakt bathrooms, air conditioning, and carved wood doors. The rooftop is amazing with views of the countryside and a cute little kitchen for guests to enjoy tea or breakfast. The center of Casa Perleta is a sunny atrium full of plants and inhabited by the riad’s resident pet dog. Perfect for a quiet, romantic getaway in Chefchaouen.
This Riad was built at the beginning of the last century by Mohammed Chergui, aristocrat of that period. Due to its location, in between the two mains street of the Médina, the Riad Salama is really a small enchanting oasis. It has a beautiful open mosaic courtyard - different from traditional riads, with a small pool and a lovely seated area with lots of natural shade. With two regular rooms, two luxury rooms and two suites it's never going to be crowded and can be a real sun trap in the afternoon. Tasteful stained glass windows provide character, and each of its rooms features a balcony or patio with a view over the garden, traditional Moroccan décor, lots of light, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and amenities.
Kasbah Hotel Xaluca is located in Erfoud, a city known as “the Door to the Desert”. This beautiful Kasbah is especially unique, due to its distinctive characteristics and antique charm. The property was built with adobes, the traditional Moroccan building bricks and invites you into a pleasant space to relax and unwind among the dunes and palms. Xaluca Erfoud features 8 bungalows and 134 spacious rooms decorated with regional materials. The hotel combines tradition with modern amenities, where installations are adapted to the highest standards.
The Desert Camp Bouchedor offers visitors the chance to escape the crowds of the cities and get away from the outside world, to enjoy a magical experience. Located in the desert of Erg Chebbi, it is a unique destination, where you can enjoy tranquility, beauty and the famous Berber hospitality. The camp blends traditional Berber design with modern comforts. There are eight luxurious tents, each one spacious and comfortable. In addition, inside the camp is a large restaurant tent, serving Moroccan culinary specialties and a traditional Berber tent, where you can relax and enjoy your unique surroundings. At night, you can savor an unforgettable evening filled with traditional Berber music under a spectacular star-filled night sky. Dramatic sunrises and sunsets are another unmissable experience to enjoy as part of your desert getaway.
Les Jardins de Skoura is nestled within the wonders of the Skoura palm grove, renowned for its many kasbahs. Surrounded by a magnificent lush garden that houses a number of different trees and fragrances, stand five spacious and air-conditioned bedrooms and three suites. During the beautiful summer time, you are invited to kick back and relax on one of the terraces, lay by the poolside under the olive trees, or take a stroll through the colorful vegetable gardens. On crisp winter nights, the lively dining room is warmed up by the atmosphere of a chimney fire. The restaurant features refined Moroccan and Mediterranean specialties. Les Jardins de Skoura perfectly combines a true Moroccan countryside experience, with all the necessary comforts and luxuries.
The Riad Azoulay is located in the Medina of Marrakech, in the Souk of Mellah, the ancient Jewish neighborhood of the city. It is a few minutes from the Bahia Palace, the Badia palace and the Synagogue, and is about a ten-minute walk from the world famous Jamaa El Fna Square. You will find an elegant, peaceful and relaxing environment, where the charming staff will do their utmost to make you feel comfortable and cared for.
*Pricing is based on two persons traveling together, based on availability, subject to change.
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