During this cultural, northern, and desert tour from Casablanca you will explore the pearl of the north the blue city of Chefchaoune, visit the 3 of imperial cities of Morocco: Rabat, Marrakech, and Fes. We will travel through the old imperial cities where the authenticity is mixed with the modern architecture, from Rabat and its Royal tombs and Palaces to Fes the oldest imperial city and the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco with its labyrinth markets and the beautiful colorful souks to Sahara desert to experience a camel trek and sleeping in a desert camp under the stars and finally to Marrakech and its beautiful souks, gardens and cultural sights.
You arrive at Casablanca airport, where we will meet you and drive to Casablanca, and then to Rabat. In Casablanca, you will see the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque outside Mecca. Continuing to Rabat – the capital of Morocco – you will see the Hassan Tower and walk the Oudaya Kasbah before you check in to your overnight accommodation in a riad at the heart of the Medina.
After breakfast in your riad, we will drive to Chefchaouen via the city of Asilah. Most of the drive will be by the coast. Our first stop will be in Asilah, where you will have the opportunity to explore the city. Asilah is known for its annual festival for art – 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. If time permits, you will have a drive-through Tanger to get a feel of the city. Afterward, you will continue over the foothills of the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen.
After breakfast in your riad, you will start traveling to Fes you will start exploring Fes the “the Spiritual City of Morocco”. You will spend the whole morning exploring the Medina and its alleys; visiting most of the sites with cultural and historical interest – including the famous Al Karaouine Mosque and University (the oldest in the world), the Madrasa Bouanania, the Tanneries, and the Najjarine fountain. After lunch, we will drive you outside the Medina to see the Royal Palace gate, walk through the Jewish quarter “the Mellah”, and then visit the pottery cooperative. In the afternoon, we will drive you to one of the fortresses to experience an amazing panoramic view of the whole Medina of Fes.
After breakfast in your riad, you’ll start traveling southeast to Merzouga via Midelt and Errachidia. Your first stop will be at Ifran, referred to as “the Switzerland of Morocco”, and then to Merzouga via Midlet and the Ziz Valley. During this journey, you’ll experience glimpses of the Middle Atlas and Higher Atlas mountains. Stopping at the famous cedar forest – the largest in Morocco – where you may well sight Barbarian apes. You’ll notice how the scenery changes to reveal hints of the desert as you approach the city Er Rachidia. After lunch in Midelt, your journey continues along the luxuriant Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views along the way. We will drive through welcoming Berber villages to Erfoud, and then Rissani, the foundation of the Alaouite dynasty – the current ruling royal family in Morocco. Arriving in Merzouga you will start your guided camel ride, led by an experienced camel man to explore within the sand sea of Merzouga. Overnight at our desert camp where you will have your dinner. For your convenience, the camp is equipped with flush toilets.
Early in the morning, your camel guide will wake you up to watch what well may be the best sunrise of your life. Afterward, you will trek back to the village of Merzouga, en route you couldn’t fail to appreciate the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes – changing with the light as the day progresses. After breakfast in your riad, you’ll leave for the Dades Valley, visiting Todra Gorges – the highest, narrowest gorges in Morocco. After lunch within the valley, you will have an optional hour’s hike through the fields where you will enjoy visiting an old mud village, meet locals, and learn about the culture. On through Dades Valley, where you will have the opportunity to see majestic sand castles and the amazing rock formations known as “monkey toes”. Overnight accommodation will be in your hotel overlooking the Dades valley.
After breakfast in the hotel, we’ll drive through the Dades Valley towards Kalaa M’gouna and Ouarzazat. The route through Dades Valley is the way of the thousand kasbahs – providing numerous opportunities to take some of your best photographic shots of the trip. We’ll stop at Kalaa Mgouna, “the rose city”, to purchase the rosewater, which will make your linen smell good a long time after your trip is over. Continue to Skoura and the bird’s valley; visit the Kasbah Ameridil, you will continue your travel to Marrakech and check in to your riad. After dinner, you will have the option to enjoy walking within the famous square of Jemaa El Fna, entertained with magicians, storytellers, musicians, and snake charmers. Overnight at your local riad/ hotel.
After breakfast in the riad, you can start exploring Marrakech “the Red City of Morocco”. Your guide will ensure that you see most of the sites with historical and cultural interest – including the famous Jemaa El Fna square, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian tombs; the Palace of Bahia than in the afternoon visit the Majorelle Gardens, and have a short visit to the new city of Marrakech and the Koutoubia tower. In the evening we will drive you to the airport for your departure flight. Your tour ends at the airport. ( Casablanca airport).