Add on: Recommend dinner at Rick's cafe - iconic restaurant known from the movie Casablanca

 

Tip: Depending on time of arrival, possible to customize to visit Casablanca and spend the night in Rabat instead

Day 2 Casablanca- Meknes - Volubis - Fes

This morning departure from hotel at 8H30am. We travel to view the Hassan II mosque in Casablanca, truly special sight to see. Then our journey of Morocco takes us to another once Imperial City of Moulay Ismail Meknes. Here we will visit the splendid gate of Bab Mansour. It took fifty years for the palace and massive ramparts to be built, but not much remains today. Follow the old walls to the Ag Dal Basin once used to water the royal gardens and the Sultans immense stable of 12, 000 horses. Within the city visit the Mosque and Mausoleum of the Moulay Ismail, one of the most impressive buildings in the city, and its decorative tombs. Then our Morocco tours, takes us to the Roman Ruins of Volubis. Here walk around the Roman Ruins to discover the marvelous mosaic work in some parts still intact. Then at the end of our day we reach Fes. (B)

Day 3 Fes

Fes, the cultural capital, is one of the most complete medieval Islamic cities in the world. Passing through the gates and walls into the alleyways beyond transports you back in time. The streets are just as they were when they were built in the 8th century, with high walls that protect the courtyards inside from the heat of the midday sun. Enormous theosophical colleges, beautiful mosques and fascinating souks spilling their goods onto the pavement are all part of the scene. You will have a walking tour to some major points of interest. You'll visit the Place an - Nejjarine, where the ancient caravanserai overlooks a fountain; wander outside the great Qayrawan mosque, passing the 14th century merchant's shops; or head to the tanneries -where leather is stained in vast of striking colored dyes. (B)

Day 4 Fes - Midelt - Merzouga - Erg Chebbi 

Early morning departure from Fes to start heading towards the Middle Atlas Mountains. Today will be a long drive to the Southern Morocco.  The wilderness you cross the incredible diverse and can vary from rocky, sun baked plains, to cedar - clad mountains to deep canyons. In the hills of Azrou you may spot a troop of Barbary apes. Then we slowly descend into scenic Ziz Valley passing palm groves and green oasis. Yet, again the scenery will be changing into the sandy plains and approaching Merzouga we will see the first sand dunes from the road. Here we settle in hotel built right on the edge of the desert dunes. (B,D)

Day 5 Merzouga - Erg Chebbi

The great "sand sea" of Merzouga, a beautiful area of fine, apricot - colored sand stretches as far as the eye can see.  In the morning explore bit the region. We will visit the ancient city of Rissani that thrived through the 8th to 14th century and the small village of Khamilla where we listen and watch the descendants of black slaves playing the typical music of the region - Gnawa. Then late afternoon before the sunset we head off into the vastness of the dunes on a camel caravan accompanied by camelteers. The sturdy camel has been a mainstay of desert life over the centuries, being used to ship the precious cargoes from Sub Saharan African to the trading ports of the Mediterranean coast. You can ride or walk alongside as you slip into the pace of the caravan led by Berber guides and marvel at the awesome spectacle of the desert and the solitude a silence that comes with it. We arrive into our “oasis” of the desert where we spend the night in the Nomad tent,  (B,D)

 

Tip: Possible upgrade to Luxury Camping in the Sahara desert 

Day 6 Merzouga - Todra Gorge - Skoura Oasis 

After breakfast and stunning sunrise over the sand dunes return to Merzouga on the back of your camels. In Merzouga enjoy your breakfast and have a chance to shower before our departure. Today we will travel to the Todra Gorge. The cliffs loom above as you approach the mouth of the Todra Gorge. Rising 300m, the honey-colored hues of sheer face change instantly as the sun moves across the sky. Often Nomad people can be seen in the gorge. We have chance to stretch our legs before continuing our journey via Rose Valley to Skoura Oasis. The route dotted with deserted kasbahs, palmeries and mud-brick villages, creating photographer's paradise. We spend night in stunning Kasbah in the palm oasis of Skoura surrounded by palm trees.  (B, D)

Day 7 Skoura Oasis  - Ouarzazate - AitBenhaddou - Imlil 

Morning we depart to the city of Ouarzazate, that we pass, and then onto Ksar of AitBenHaddou.  It is one of the most spectacular sight of the High Atlas piled upon low hill above river. No one is really sure how old the Ksar is but there have been buildings here from at least the 16th century.  It is collection of Kasbah that are among the most elaborately decorated and best preserved. Then it will be time to cross the High Atlas Mountains on a dramatic drive of Tizi and Tichka road pass. The views are truly astonishing of Berber villages, mountains and valleys.  We arrive early afternoon to the Berber town of Imlil and we recommend as an option taking short or long trek passing through Berber villages and nature trails through neighboring valleys. We encounter authentic rural Moroccan life in the villages as we meet the famously friendly local people, learning about their traditional culture and marveling at their walnut and fruit orchards that thrive in this steep, rugged terrain.

 

Night in the peaks of the Berber town of Imlil with views onto Toubkal Mountains (B, D)

Day 8 Imlil - Marrakech

Morning tranfer to Marrakech, set just about 1 hour away. Here after we settle in authentic Moroccan riad we meet also with our guide that will take us to explore Marrakech.  Marrakech even today conjures up images of scenes from the Arabian nights: alleyways, souks, stalls and markets. This remarkable city, dating from the 11th century, never fails to satisfy the curiosity of adventurous travelers. It has everything from the graceful architecture of the renowned Koutoubia Minaret, which dominates the skyline, to the wonderfulthrobbing atmosphere of the medieval fair in the great open square, the Djema El Fna, at the heart of the medina.  We will visit: Menara Gardens, Koutoubia Minaret, Saadian tombs and the Bahia Palace. We will tour the walls of the old medina, Agdal Gardens, the new Sueliz district, the markets and famous Djema El Fna square. (B)

 

Day 9 Marrakech

Day at leisure in Marrakech. As additional activities we recommend to go to Moroccan spa to experience hammam (scrubbing) or take cooking class in Marrakech to learn the secrets behind Moroccan tajins. (B)

 

Tip: Or if you like you can possible travel to Essaouira on a day excursion from Marrakech. 

Day 10 Marrakech - Casablanca (or Marrakech airport)

Transfer to the airport depending on your time of departure. If you are departing from Casablanca, please allow 3 hours for the transfer.(B)

Around Morocco tour in 10 days