12 Days – Splendor and Natural Beauty

Published by Lahcen on January 18, 2023January 18, 2023

Day 1 Arrival – Casablanca

We welcome you at the airport. A walk on the corniche and visit to the Hassan II Mosque, a real architectural treasure,* round out the day.
Night in Casablanca.
*Entrance fee not included

Morning, finds us heading up the Atlantic coast to Rabat, an Imperial City and the political capital of Morocco. Rabat was founded in the 12th century by the Almohads. Our city tour includes the Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohamed V, Kabash of the Udaïa and the Necropolis of Chellah.
Later we navigate twisty mountain roads in the ancient Rif mountains on our journey to the white and blue walled city of Chefchaouen which literally means “Peaks”. Enjoy the views from the town square and try your bargaining skills in the bustling medina.

Founded in the 3rd century BC, Volubilis is the best preserved Roman ruins in Morocco.
A local guide will introduce you to the Imperial City of Meknes with its massive walls and monumental gates including Bab Mansour. Other sites such as the royal stables, the grain mills and the Jewish quarter (Mellah).
We spend the evening in Fez

Founded in the 8th century BC, Fez is both a living museum and a colourful modern city. With the local guide to discover the history of Fez, you will see the tombs of the Merinides, the Royal Palace with its panoramic view of the city and its ramparts. Visit of authentic tanneries and artisans of copper and pottery. Discover the Medersa El-Attarine, a dazzling example of complex Islamic architecture.
Night in Fez

Today we go in search of the desert. We will tour through the Middle Atlas Mountains featuring Ifrane, the little Switzerland of Morocco, cedar forests and Barbary Macaques
Panoramic view of the Ziz valley and magnificent palm groves. There will be a short stop at Erfoud, capital of dates, also known for its fossils dating back 360 million years.
On to Merzouga located in the majestic dunes of erg Chebbi, the Sahara desert. Night in Merzouga.

In the morning, visit of the oasis of Merzouga and 4×4 tour in the desert. We may have the opportunity to meet Nomads there.
In the late afternoon, departure on the back of a dromedary to spend the night in a Berber camp (luxury tent) under the stars.

Today we will pass through the small Berber village of Aït Atta, the Todra gorges with walls up to 300 m high. Dades valley. Spectacular landscapes crossing the adobe villages of the M’Goun valley and the Roses valley.
Ouarzazate, nicknamed «the Gate of the Desert», is a former garrison of the Foreign Legion. In the movie studios «Hollywood Africa» hundreds of films were shot there such as the Jewels of the Nile, Gladiator, Babel. Small stop in front of the Taourirt Kasbah, national heritage. Night in Aït Ben Haddou.

Aït Ben Haddou, visit of the Ksar dating from the 16th century, classified as a UNESCO heritage site. Aït Ben Haddou gathers an impressive number of ochre adobe kasbahs, some have been restored.
To reach Marrakech we will take the Atlas road through Telouet, the Ounila valley and the Tizi n Tichka pass, 2260 m above sea level. Night in Marrakech.

Today, with a local guide, you will visit Marrakech, the red city. 1,000 years of history to discover!
Important sites to see: the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Minaret of the Koutoubia, the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square, not to mention the Souks. Night in Marrakech.

Ourika Valley: South of Marrakech, admire this beautiful and lush green valley of the High Atlas with its Berber villages. Possibility of hiking. Tea with a Berber family. Night in Marrakech.

On the way to Essaouira, we will visit an argan oil cooperative. We will see the famous goats that climb on the argan trees to feed on the fruits.
Essaouira, originally the ancient city of Mogador, home to an The Sqala, a waterfront fortification built in 18th century. This bustling port town boasts a colorful, old medina souks and the Mellah (Jewish quarter). Night in Essaouira