The Magic of Morocco – From Imperial Cities to the Sahara
The Magic of Morocco – From Imperial Cities to the Sahara
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- Day 1
Casablanca - Rabat - Chefchaouen
Our Moroccan adventure begins in Casablanca with a visit to the impressive Hassan II Mosque, located right on the Atlantic Ocean. From there, we head to Rabat, where we’ll explore the city’s historic sights—including the Chellah, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas. After lunch, the journey continues to Chefchaouen. In the afternoon, there will be time to explore the famous blue alleys, stroll through the medina, and enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere. In the evening, we’ll check into our accommodations and wind down the day in a relaxed manner.
Night Hotel & Riad chefchaouen - Day 2
Chefchaouen - Volubilis - Fes
Start your morning slowly in Chefchaouen, taking your time to wander through the town’s famous blue-painted medina. Explore its winding lanes and charming corners before visiting the historic 15th-century Kasbah and the Great Mosque. Later, leave Chefchaouen behind and drive toward Volubilis, one of Morocco’s most impressive Roman archaeological sites. Spend time exploring the ancient ruins, admiring intricate mosaics, weathered archways, and towering columns that offer a glimpse into the region’s Roman past. Continue your journey to Fes, arriving in the evening. Check into a traditional riad and settle into the peaceful atmosphere of this historic city. The rest of the evening is yours to relax and recharge after the day’s travels, with a full day of exploring Fes ahead tomorrow.
NightHotel (Riad Jnane Medina Or Similar) - Day 3
Fes
A local guide will accompany you for a full day of exploring Fes, beginning at the Blue Gate near the Royal Palace, where you’ll enter the historic medieval Medina. As you wander through its atmospheric streets, you’ll visit highlights including the Medrasa Bouanania and the beautiful Najjarine Fountain. Your guide will introduce you to the traditional leather-tanning process, one of Fes’s most distinctive crafts, before continuing to the Quaraouin Mosque and University, one of the city’s most important historic landmarks. Later, you’ll explore the Jewish Quarter, known as the Mellah, and climb to a panoramic viewpoint offering spectacular views across the entire Medina. After taking in the scenery, you’ll make your way back to your riad, concluding a fascinating day immersed in the history, culture, and craftsmanship of Fes.
NightHotel (Riad Jnane Medina Or Similar) - Day 4
Fes - Ifrane - Cedar Forest - Midelt - Ziz Valley - Merzouga
After breakfast, you’ll drive south via Imouzzer to Ifrane. The town is known for its Alpine architecture, which has a surprisingly European feel and creates an unusual contrast to the Moroccan landscape. Next, you’ll stop at the cedar forest, where, with a little luck, you can spot Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. Afterward, the journey continues to Midelt, where you’ll have lunch and some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll continue your journey over the Tizi-n-Tilghmt Pass and along the Ziz Valley. Finally, you’ll reach Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara. Here, you’ll switch from the vehicle to camels and embark on an impressive ride through the golden sand dunes. From a vantage point, you’ll enjoy the sunset over the desert before reaching your desert camp. In the evening, you’ll be treated to traditional Berber music and a typical local dinner under the starry sky. You’ll then spend the night at the desert camp.
NightMerzouga – Camp in the Sahara - Day 5
Merzouga - Rissani - Erfoud - Todra Gorges - Dades Valley
Wake early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast at camp before setting off. Travel to Rissani, the former capital of the region, where you can explore its lively souk, held three days a week, and browse local goods and traditional crafts. Continue to Erfoud, known for its fossilized marble workshops, before driving through scenic palm groves toward the spectacular Todra Gorges. Towering red cliffs surround the gorge, making it a popular destination for rock climbing if you’d like to try it. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Dades Valley. Along the way, admire the distinctive “Monkey Fingers” rock formations and sweeping views of the valley before arriving at your hotel. Enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening at the hotel.
NightHotel (Riad palam Dadas Or Similar) - Day 6
Dades Valley - Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - High Atlas Mountains - Marrakech
After breakfast at your riad, you’ll drive to Kalaa Magouna to explore the famous Valley of Roses and learn more about the production of rose-based products. If you’re traveling in May, with a little luck you might even get to experience the annual Rose Festival. The route then continues through the picturesque palm groves near Skoura to Ouarzazate. There, you’ll have the opportunity to visit well-known film studios where numerous major film productions have been shot. Afterward, you’ll spend time in Ait Ben Haddou, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mud-brick buildings and historic architecture have served as the backdrop for well-known blockbuster films on multiple occasions. Afterward, you’ll drive over the spectacular Tizi-n-Tichka Pass toward Marrakesh. Along the way, you’ll take breaks for lunch and photo stops, during which you can enjoy the impressive landscape of the High Atlas Mountains.
- Day 7
Marrakech - Casablanca
After breakfast, your last day begins with an exploration of Marrakech. In the morning, you’ll visit the famous Majorelle Garden and then discover the impressive Koutoubia Minaret, the historic Saadian Tombs, and the magnificent Bahia Palace. You can spend the afternoon however you like. If your return flight isn’t until later in the day, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Marrakech on your own, stroll through the medina, or pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Depending on your departure time, you also have the option of traveling directly to Casablanca. Take the highway to reach the airport or your destination in Casablanca, where your eventful journey through Morocco comes to an end.
NightRiad Maialou
Included
- 5 nights in select riads and a desert camp
- Tour Guide: English- or French-Speaking Driver
- Touristique Tansport insurance
- Daily Breakfast
- Desert Camp in Merzouga (Dinner & Breakfast)
- Dinner & Breakfast in Boumalne Dades
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Camel trekking experience in the Sahara Desert
- Local guides in some cities
Not included
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Drinks and beverages
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the itinerary