12 Days 11 Nights The best of Morocco (starts and end in Marrakesh)

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Marrakech Arrival
1 stop
1
Marrakech
Our driver will pick you up from the airport up to your arrival time and transfer you to your hotel/riad where is in the medina. You'll have the day to relax while exploring the main square Jemaa el Fnaa and the souks. if you are already in your hotel in Marrakech you will start the next day (day2).
Admission ticket free
Day 2
Marrakech Sightseeing
6 stops
2
Koutoubia Mosque
After breakfast in the hotel, you will have a private guided tour of Marrakech Medina with an official guide from Marrakech. You will see the famous Mosque of Koutoubia
15 minutes • Admission ticket not included
3
Bahia Palace
This 150-room palace was home to slave-turned-vizier Abu ‘Bou’ Ahmed, who spared no expense in its gorgeous decoration. The painted, gilded ceilings, polychrome zellige tiling and carved stucco still have the intended effect – which is just ‘wow’
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
4
The epic ruins of Sultan Ahmed el-Mansour’s once-magnificent palace, set within sunken gardens and surrounded by epic ramparts whose decrepit towers boast panoramic views over the medina.
15 minutes • Admission ticket not included
5
Jemaa el-Fnaa
The vast open square at the heart of the medina is one of Marrakech’s biggest attractions and is a Unesco world heritage site. Expect snake charmers, street entertainers and over-enthusiastic henna artists at every turn.
Admission ticket free
6
Jardin Majorelle
Created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, this botanical garden is home to more types of cacti than you can shake a terrarium at, and has a stunning indigo blue art deco house as its centrepiece.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
7
Musee Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech
The French designer loved spending time in Marrakech so much he actually bought Jardin Majorelle in 1980. Opened next door to the gardens in 2017, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent is dedicated to Yves’s couture legacy and has a permanent display of hundreds of garments spanning his 40-year career.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Day 3
Marrakech - High Atlas Mountains - Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah - Ouarzazate -Boumalne Dades
5 stops
8
High Atlas Mountains
Pick up from your accommodation in Marrakech at 8 o´clock in the morning, and depart to the High Atlas, subrange of Moroccan Atlas Mountains, going through Tizi N´Tichka pass with stops for panoramic views and taking pictures of the Berber small villages that camouflage in the landscape.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
9
Ait Ben Haddou
Then we continue south to the ksar (fortified village) of Aït Ben Haddou where we will visit the famous Kasbah (declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986). Famous films have been shot in this spectacular stage, including Gladiator, Obelix, The Mummy, The Jewel of the Nile, and Sahara with Penélope Cruz…etc. Free time for lunch in town.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
10
Then we continue to Ouarzazate also known as “The gate of the desert” that in berber language means “noiseless or without confusion”. Here we´ll see the Taourirt kasbah, one of the most spectacular ksars in Morocco
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
11
Vallee Des Roses
. The next site to visit is the Rose Valley going through the big Skoura palm grove, a beautiful place to contemplate more than 700.000 palms and numerous kasbahs that are built in the surrounding area. In this Valley damascenes roses are raised for cosmetic use such as the valued rosewater. The Rose Festival is held here annually in May, it is an important moussem for Moroccan culture.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
12
Finally, we reach the Dades valley where we´ll spend the night.
13 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Boumalne Dades - Todra Gorges - Jorf - Erfoud - Merzouga (overnight in a Camp in the dunes of Sahara Desert)
3 stops
13
Todra River
After breakfast in the hotel, drive back through the valley to see the amazing rock formation “the monkey toes”, and the still standing 19thcentury Kasbah of Ait Yul. Leaving the Dades valley towards Tinrghir and after some stops on the way we´ll reach the Todra Gorges. The scenery is spectacular. At the Gorge you’ll walk under the 300m high red cliff, where many rock-climbers come to enjoy their preferred sport. Local people live in the area and can be seen in their adobe villages.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
14
After a short walk in the Todra gorges continuing our trip to Erfoud and Rissani where we’ll have lunch and afterwards we’ll leave for the village of Merzouga. On the afternoon you will have a camel ride
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
15
Merzouga Desert
guided by an experienced Camel man, to explore inside the mysterious sand-sea of the Erg-Chebbi. Here you’ll spend your first night under the stars, or if you prefer, in a traditional Berber nomad tent. Dinner will be served in the tent where you will spend the night.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 5
: Merzouga - Rissani - Ziz Valley - Azrou - Ifrane - Fez
5 stops
16
Errachidia
Very early in the morning we have a “Date with the sunrise”. In the middle of the desert, waking up early is a “must do” to contemplate the most spectacular sunrise you´ve ever seen at the top of a dune close to the camp. After having breakfast, we return to Merzouga on the camels and we start our trip to the north, through the Tafilalet palm grove, the biggest in the world. You´ll see thousands of palm trees along the 20km of road. This way leads us to the Ziz valley, which river comes down from the high Atlas and feeds the palm grove. Here we make a stop and from this high viewpoint, enjoy a magnificent view of the valley and the town of Aoufous
Admission ticket free
17
Midelt
We make another stop in Midelt, just in the heart of the Atlas where you´ll have free time for lunch and rest for a while
1 hour • Admission ticket free
18
Azrou Cedar Forest
In the afternoon we continue our way through the Cedar forest where, if we are lucky, we´ll see some monkeys.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
19
Ifrane
The next place we´ll visit is the city of Ifrane, situated in the northwestern slope of the Middle Atlas at 1630 meters above the water level. Its broad avenues, its urban development with perfect cleanness, the gardens, the green areas and its architecture make this city look like a Swiss town. Ifrane feels misplaced in Morocco. That's why it´s named the Moroccan Switzerland, and if that´s not enough it has an important ski resort, Michlifen.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
20
Fes el-Bali
About 6 pm we arrive at Fez and check in the hotel/riad.
14 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Fez sightseeing
7 stops
21
Medina of Fez
After breakfast you will meet with a local tourist guide to explore Fez, the most ancient and holy of the Imperial cities. Your cultural and historic tour will take you through the 2000 year old living medina. A labyrinth of narrow streets, alive with markets and souks, craftsmen, donkeys and mules transporting their loads. Visit the Attarine and Bou Anania Medersas (Islamic universities), the Nejjarine fountain, the Moulay Idriss Mausoleum, and the Karaouine Mosque. Finish your tour with a visit to Fes Jdid, and the revered Merenid Tombs for a spectacular panoramic view of Fes
Admission ticket free
22
Al Quaraouiyine, built in 859BCE by Fatima al-Fihri, is believed to be one of the oldest universities in the world. It now operates as a mosque and cannot be entered by non-Muslims. However, its library, renovated in 2016, is open to the public, and you can get a glimpse of the impressive, handmade tilework dating back to the 9th century. You can also get a perfect view of the mosque courtyard from the rooftops of nearby restaurants in the medina.
Admission ticket free
23
his is the most iconic place in Fez, and the oldest tannery in the world, where they still operate as they did in medieval times. Here, men make leather in a massive tannery surrounded by houses and shops. The smell of the dyeing process can get rather intense, so take a scarf to cover your nose (or they will give you mint leaves to rub under it). This is a great place to buy your leather souvenirs.
30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
24
Right at the entrance of the old medina lies the former theological college for Muslim intellectuals. Built by Sultan Bou Inan in the 14th century, it has been beautifully restored, featuring incredible mosaics, carved plaster, cedar mashrabiyas (lattice screens) and impressively large doors. The inside is splendid, with a fountain in the courtyard and endless, handcarved walls and zellij(mosaic) tilework. It also has rooms on two floors, where classes used to be taught.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
25
These tombs house the skeletal remains of sultans and other royals of the Merenid dynasty. Although not intact, and most of the decorations and engravings have faded throughout the years, you can still see the authenticity of the architecture. The climb up the hill is definitely worth it for the view over the 1,200-year-old medina, especially at sunset. Just don’t stay too long after nightfall, as the descent can get difficult in the dark
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
26
Mellah became a Jewish quarter in the 14th century and Fes el-Jdid became a refuge for the Jewish community and was originally home to 250,000 Jews. Since the creation of the state of Israel, however, only a handful now remain – and they are in the Ville Nouvelle. Mellah is full of history and Jewish-style architecture, such as the Ibn Danan synagogue located in the heart of the Mellah, where some buildings housed people up until the late 20th century.
10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
27
ceramic factory
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Fez - Chefchaouen
1 stop
28
Chefchaouen
After breakfast we depart from Fes to Chefchaouen. A scenic drive will take you through fertile agricultural land to high, in the Rif Mountains. Chefchaouen is famous for its vivid blue houses
Admission ticket free
Day 8
Chefchaouen - Asilah
3 stops
29
Tetouan
After breakfast in your hotel/riad, we will drive to the city of Asilah through the beautiful landscape of the Rif mountains we will stop for a coffee on Tetouan
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
30
Tangier
we will continue driving north passing by tangier
Admission ticket free
31
Arriving Asilah, you will have the opportunity to explore the city. Asilah is known for its annual festival for the art as most of the walls of the Medina are painted by various famous artists from all over the world. Your visit includes the Skalla fortress, where you will experience a wonderful view of the Medina and the ocean before we check into your accommodation
16 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 9
Asilah - Rabat - Casablanca
4 stops
32
Rabat
Depart to Casablanca and continue your journey up the Atlantic Coast. Your first stop will be in Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Here, you will see the Hassan Tower and the Oudaya Kasbah
2 hours • Admission ticket free
33
Hassan Tower
At first sight, it appears as though this tower fell and split in half. However it was never actually completed. Started by the Almohads, Hassan Tower was intended to be the minaret for what the ruler, Yacoub al-Mansour, intended to be a majestic mosque. The beautiful and intricate designs on the tower, as well as the open and intriguing surroundings make it a a must-see. Just opposite lies a beautiful tomb of King Mohammad V and his two sons. The tomb is open to even non-Muslims. Visitors will be entranced by the gold-leaf ceiling and captivating carvings that lie inside the plain white building.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
34
Kasbah des Oudaias
Occupying the oldest part of Rabat, Kasbah des Oudaias lies as the original site of the city, complete with stunning river and ocean views. Now a predominantly residential area, it is a peaceful and beautiful place to wander around the narrow, white-washed streets, some painted a refreshing blue. Enter through the original grand door of the city and explore the dainty and characterful streets to get an insight into historical life in Rabat.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
35
Hassan II Mosque
Continuing to Casablanca where you will visit the impressive Mosque of Hassan II, built in 1993 by a team of over 6000 craftsmen. Located on the shores of the city it is an imposing edifice and one of the few mosques in Morocco that foreigners are allowed to ente
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
Day 10
Casablanca - El Jadida - Essaouira
2 stops
36
After breakfast in your hotel, we will depart and continue your journey up the Atlantic Coast. Pass through El Jadida, a small port city, formerly controlled by the Portuguese, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
37
Essaouira
Afterwards we will reach the seaside town of Essaouira, this UNESCO World Heritage listed city. The windswept fishing port, with broad beaches and ancient walled medina with ramparts built into the cliffs has long been a popular destination. With its relaxed feel, take in the small but lively medina, stroll along the ramparts or beach, or visit the port to see the daily catch
16 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 11
Essaouira - Marrakech
2 stops
38
After breakfast in the Riad we depart for Marrakech. A relaxing drive lined with Argan oil cooperatives. Here you will have the opportunity to visit an Argan oil cooperative
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
39
Marrakech
. Later we will reach Marrakech and check into your hotel/Riad
20 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 12
Marrakech transfer to the airport
1 stop
40
Transfer to the airport of Marrakech up to your departure time and this is the end of our services.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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