12 Day Tour

Casablanca to marrakech

Price Includes

Private comfortable vehicle with air conditioning
Pick up and drop off at your accommodations
Fully escorted by guide and driver
Accommodations 10 nights in hotel / riad
One night in a Berber private tent
Turban for camel trip to desert
Sand boarding in the dunes
Berber music at camp
Breakfasts and dinner in desert camp
Local English speaking guides
Water provided in vehicle
Wifi whenever possible in vehicle

Optional Activites

Hiking and Biking in the Desert or Mountains
Moroccan Cooking Class
Hammam/Massage

exclusions

Flights
Meals, beverages not previously indicated

Day 1

Casablanca • Rabat • Chefchaouen

Day 2

Chefchaouen • Volubilis • Meknes

Day 3

Meknes • Fes

Day 4

Fes • Ifrane • Azrou • Midet

Day 5

Midelt • Rissani • Erfoud • Merzouga • Allure of the Desert Camel Trek

Day 6

Merzouga • Rissani • Merzouga Village

Day 7

Merzouga • Erfoud • Todra Gorges • Dades Valley

Day 8

Dades Valley • Kalaat M’Gouna • Ouarzazate • Ait Benhaddou • Marrakech

Day 9

Marrakech Sightseeing Tour

Day 10

Marrakech • Ouzoud Falls

Day 11

Marrakech • Essaouira

Day 12

Marrakech

12
days

Discounts available for groups of 3 or more

Day 1

CASABLANCA • RABAT • CHEFCHAOUEN

Upon picking you up from the airport, we will visit Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco as well as the fifth largest in the world. It’s minaret is the tallest minaret in the world. Next we drive to Rabat, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the capital of Morocco where we will see Hassan II Tower and the Kasbah des Udayas.

Afterwards, we drive to the enchanting mountain village of Chefchaouen which is famous for its vivid blue washed houses. Chefchaouen is popular for both tourists and Moroccans. Explore Chefchaouen, with it’s winding lanes and narrow alleys which are home to numerous souks. Discover offerings of cuisine and artisan works, such as woolen items, intricate embroidery and goats cheese; all native to the North and not found anywhere else in Morocco. Relax in the square, visit a local farm or hike in nearby parks. Enjoy a night in Chefchaouen.

Day 2

CHEFCHAOUEN • VOLUBILIS • MEKNES

After breakfast we will proceed with our tour driving to Volubilis to enjoy the ancient Roman ruins. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, witness the artistic mosaics, marble and bronze statuary that have been unearthed and preserved.

After your private tour of this historical site we will drive towards Meknes where you will have time to enjoy lunch and walk around to discover the historical, Spanish-Moorish style architecture and the great walls surrounding the Old Medina. We will visit the tomb of Moulay Ismail. Enjoy an overnight stay in a beautiful local hotel/riad.

Day 3

MEKNES • FES

A fabulous Moroccan breakfast awaits in your riad as you prepare for another day of discovery. We start with the country’s oldest cultural and spiritual imperial city. Fes was founded in 790 B.C. by Moulay Idriss II.

Highlights will include the Medieval Medina which is one of the world’s largest walled cities and protected as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices and intricately woven Berber carpets, the narrow streets are yours to explore. Other points of interest include the Medersa (an Islamic teaching university) and the Al Qaraouiyyin Mosque which was founded in 859 by Fatima el Fihri. You will have the chance to explore and see the historical heritage of Fes at sites such as the Royal Palace and the Moulay Idriss mausoleum. Enjoy your overnight stay in another of our wonderful hotels/riads.

Day 4

FES • IFRANE • AZROU • MIDELT

After breakfast at your riad, we then continue our journey.

We take our direction south to see the city of Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture. We affectionately refer to this town as the Switzerland of Morocco. As we pass through the Middle Atlas Mountains to Azrou, we will stop at the cedar forest, home to Barbary Macaques. Don’t miss the opportunity to hand feed the monkeys as they playfully tease you with their antics. In Azrou, you will observe the traditional souk and daily mountain Berber life. Midelt is known for its handicraft co-op and its importance as a mining center. Look around and you may see why it is also called the city of the apples. This is where you will spend the night.

Day 5

MIDELT • RISSANI • ERFOUD • MERZOUGA • ALLURE OF THE DESERT CAMEL TREK

Breakfast will be provided in your hotel/riad as we prepare to drive to Merzouga. During our drive through the Ziz Valley, we will pass through numerous villages scattered along the way including Rissani and Erfoud. Don’t worry. We will be visiting these another day. Upon arrival to Merzouga you can enjoy a glass of “Berber whiskey” mint tea as we anticipate the unforgettable camel trek into the pink sands of Morocco’s highest dunes.

Enjoy your time wandering the dunes before the sun sets in a spectacular show of colors. Traditional Moroccan dinner is served, followed by a traditional music show of Berber instruments around a campfire. Enjoy this desert night atmosphere as you take a look up at the sky. The Milky Way will be waiting for you in full glory. Count the shooting stars as you gaze in wonder before a peaceful night in a private nomadic tent. This truly is an oasis in the middle of the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Day 6

MERZOUGA • RISSANI •
MERZOUGA VILLAGE

Be sure to wake up early to see the beauty of the picturesque sunrise over the desert dunes. This may be the most striking sunrise of your life. Then a wonderful breakfast awaits. During the ride back, don’t fail to appreciate the unique beauty of these breathtaking dunes of Erg Chebbi as the changing light of day plays upon the sand.

You will have time to visit Khamlia village which is known for their Gnaoua music which is a mix of classical Islamic and African Traditional. Now we head to Rissani city to see the largest market of the region. People from all surrounding areas travel to this city to purchase their necessities. Following lunch we return to Merzouga village where you can opt to ride bikes to take in the local flavor. You will spend a night in a hotel/riad in the village.

Day 7

MERZOUGA • ERFOUD • TODRA GORGES • DADES VALLEY

After breakfast we leave Merzouga for Tinghir and Todra Gorges. Carved out by the Todra and Dades rivers, these cliff-sided canyons are striking as they tower toward the brilliant sky.

In Erfoud we will visit the marine deposit of fossils where they are unearthed and traded or fabricated into products such as jewelry. During the journey numerous Berber villages can be seen scattered along the way. A stop for coffee or tea along the way just might be in order. Have the camera ready if you want to capture the mystery of this incredible land. We arrive in Dades Valley where you will have dinner and spend the night.

Day 8

DADES VALLEY • KALAAT M’GOUNA • OUARZAZATE • AIT BENHADDOU • MARRAKECH

Following breakfast, we start our journey crossing Dades Valley. This route is known as The Way of a Thousand Kasbahs. We arrive in Kalaat M’Gouna most widely known for its Festival des Roses. If you are lucky enough to be here in May, you may witness the grandeur of this festival. Don’t miss the chance to purchase the rosewater for which the city was named.

We continue to Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Africa. We will have lunch at the famous Kasbah Ait Benhaddou - protected by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful monuments in Morocco. This kasbah is a striking example of the architecture of southern Morocco and was used as a backdrop for more than twenty films. After touring this kasbah, our journey will continue via the incredible Tizi N’Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains. Many stops along the way are provided for coffee or tea and to enjoy the breathtaking, picturesque scenery. Upon arrival in Marrakech, a beautiful hotel/riad will be waiting.

Day 9

MARRAKECH SIGHTSEEING

Today will be devoted to sightseeing in Marrakech, the second oldest imperial city known as the “Pearl of the South”. We will be visiting the Koutoubia Mosque with its curved windows, ceramic inlay, decorative arches and splendid gardens. Also of note are the Saadian Tombs, discovered in 1917, known for the beauty of their decoration.

The Bahia Palace, meaning brillance, was intended to be the greatest palace of its time. It indeed captures the essence of the Islamic and Morrocan style. With your private guide you will walk around the Medina, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the souks and see the magic of Jemaa el Fnaa Square, which is packed with fortune tellers, acrobats, dances and more. Enjoy the evening in your hotel/riad.

Day 10

MARRAKECH • OUZOUD FALLS

Today we continue to Ouzoud to visit the most beautiful waterfalls in Morocco, located in the Middle Atlas Mountains. You can take a nature trek, walking around the falls and take boats to cross the river. We will have our lunch here after which you will have free time to explore the heart of this beautiful locale. At the end of the day we return you to your hotel/riad in Marrakech.

Day 11

MARRAKECH • ESSAOUIRA

Today we take a day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira. Of note is its favor with Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix. This famous beach and fishing port was previously known by its old Portuguese name, Mogador.

You will explore the beach area, the Mellah or walled Jewish quarter and the Portuguese fortress built in the sixteenth century. The Medina is worthy of a visit as it protected as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later in the afternoon we return to Marrakech for your final night before your transport to the airport.

Day 1

CASABLANCA • RABAT • CHEFCHAOUEN

Day 2

CHEFCHAOUEN • VOLUBILIS • MEKNES

Day 3

MEKNES • FES

Day 4

FES • IFRANE • AZROU • MIDELT

After breakfast at your riad, we then continue our journey.

Day 5

MIDELT • RISSANI • ERFOUD • MERZOUGA • ALLURE OF THE DESERT CAMEL TREK

Day 6

MERZOUGA • RISSANI •
MERZOUGA VILLAGE

Day 7

MERZOUGA • ERFOUD • TODRA GORGES • DADES VALLEY

After breakfast we leave Merzouga for Tinghir and Todra Gorges. Carved out by the Todra and Dades rivers, these cliff-sided canyons are striking as they tower toward the brilliant sky.

Day 8

DADES VALLEY • KALAAT M’GOUNA • OUARZAZATE • AIT BENHADDOU • MARRAKECH

Day 9

MARRAKECH SIGHTSEEING

Day 10

MARRAKECH • OUZOUD FALLS

Day 11

12 Day Tour

Casablanca to marrakech

Price Includes

Optional Activites

exclusions

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

12 days

Day 1

CASABLANCA • RABAT • CHEFCHAOUEN

Day 1

CASABLANCA • RABAT • CHEFCHAOUEN

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12
days