8 Days From Casablanca To Marrakech Via Desert
Introduction
We will start this tour from Casablanca to Marrakech through the Sahara desert. It will allow you to visit tourist places in Rabat Tour Hassan, Oudaias, Meknes (Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, Sahrij Souani Basin, Porte Bab El Mansour …), and you will have a full day to visit Fez, the ancient imperial city, Ifrane: « Maroccan Switzerland»
Then Azrou where we will stop at the famous cedar forest, the largest in Morocco, to see and have fun with Barbary monkeys. During this trip, you will visit the Sahara desert of Merzouga: Erg Chebbi, camel ride , sunrise and sunset, night in a camp between the dunes of the Sahara, Gnaoua music in Khamlia, Draa valley, Dades valley. Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait benhaddou, Marrakech, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mogador (Essaouira) and visit from Marrakech.
Day 1: Casablanca - Rabat - Fes
Then we meet at the place where we had agreed. We will start our tour via Rabat, we will visit the old Kasbah of the Oudayas and the Hassan tower, Meknes, another important imperial city of Morocco. We will also visit the famous Bab El Mansour gate, the Moulay Ismail mausoleum and the Sahrij Souani, then we will continue to Fez. Night in hotel or riad.
Day 2: Full day to visit the ancient imperial city
Our driver will pick you up from your hotel or riad and you will explore Fez accompanied by a local guide. The trip to Fez includes a visit to the medina of El Bali (old medina classified as World Heritage by UNESCO), a new part, a Koranic school and tanneries in the medina and all the places you want to discover. The night will be in Fez in a Riad or a local hotel.
Day 3: Fes - Ifrane - Merzouga Sahara Desert
After breakfast, we will drive to Ifrane « Moroccan Switzerland » and Azrou through the Middle Atlas mountains « the Tizi n Telghamt pass ». During our trip we will stop at many places to take photos and have lunch in Midelt, then we will continue our tour through the Ziz Valley, the city of Errachidia, Erfoud, and after reaching the heart of the Moroccan Sahara desert Merzouga, you will rest. then ride a camel and walk into the deep desert. During our camel ride, we will capture the sunset among the sand dunes. A delicious dinner in the Sahara desert camp and we will enjoy tonight in desert tents with Berber drum music under the clear sky and stars.
Day 4: Full day in the Sahara Desert - Merzouga - Nomads - Gnawa music
Early in the morning, your camel guide will wake you up to see the sunrise. After breakfast, he will return to the hotel on the back of a camel. Here we will take you on a journey of exploration of the region, visiting the village of Khamlia, originally from the slaves of Sudan … to experience their music and lifestyle. We can also visit the nomadic Berber shops, where many Berber handicrafts are cheaper than in the big cities. Here you will spend the night in your hotel or Riad.
Day 5: Merzouga - Rissani - Todra gorges - Dades Valley
The next morning. You will depart for Rissani, we will visit the Markt in Rissani, a traditional city that was the origin of the reigning family in Morocco and the meeting place of the merchant caravans to Timbuktu in Mali. Here you will see many hooded men and veiled women, continuing to the Todra Gorge, the highest and narrowest gorge in Morocco. After lunch in the heart of the gorge, we will cross the Dades Valley, where you will see the majestic sand castles and the incredible rock formations called « monkey fingers ». Overnight accommodation will be in a luxury hotel overlooking the Dades Valley.
Day 6: Dades Valley - Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou -High Atlas Mountains -Marrakech
After breakfast at the hotel, the day will begin with a visit to the magnificent rock formations of the Dades Gorges. then drive along the Valley of the Roses to reach Kalaa M’gouna and Skoura, arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa, and stop at the atlas film studios. then to the UNESCO world heritage site called « Kasbah Ait Benhaddou » classified since 1986. The Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou is one of the many places that have served as a natural setting for many films such as « Alexender, Gladiator, Babel … » and lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will go to the red city of Marrakech through the Tizi N’tichka pass (2260 m above sea level). Arrive in Marrakech and return to your accommodation.
Day 7: Marrakech to Essaouira ( Mogador )
We continue our Tour to Essaouira or Mogador where we will visit Medina, another UNESCO World Heritage site in Morocco. Essaouira is an exceptional example of a fortified city from the late 18th century, built according to the principles of contemporary European military architecture in a North African context. Since its foundation, it has been an important international commercial port, connecting Morocco and its interior of the Sahara with Europe and the rest of the world. Return to Marrakech.
Day 8: Full day to visit Marrakech with a local guide
After breakfast at the riad, we start our trip by visiting the city of Marrakech « the red city of Morocco », it was founded in the 12th century by the Almoravid dynasty. We will visit the most important historical and cultural heritage. You will have a great opportunity to explore Saadiyin Tomb, Majorelle Gardens, Koutoubia Mosque (tower). In addition, our guide will introduce you to the Bahia square, the city’s souk, then you will go to the famous square in the medina where you will see and discover the fascinating wizard with snakes, « fun seminars » where some professionals or actors tell fabulous and enjoyable jokes. In the afternoon you will have free time to walk around and explore other places in the city on your own.
What is included
Pick up from your riad/hotel.
Transport in a comfortable vehicle.
Pilot / Speak English.
Dinners and breakfasts.
What’s not included
Lunch.
Beverages
Tips.
Personal expenses.
