10 days - Morocco Experience Tour
10 Days/9 Nights: Morocco Experience Tour
Tour
Dates and tour are flexible. Join only some parts or extend it with more days.
Day 1 : Casablanca - Rabat. 90 km - 1 hour (or pick up in Marrakech)
We meet and greet you at the airport in Casablanca, where you will be welcomed to Morocco. Then we visit the outside of the Great Mosque of Hassan II, where you can also view the el Hank Lighthouse in the distance. This mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world, outside of Mecca. We will also view the residential area of Anfa district, Ain Diab to stroll the famous Boulevard de la Corniche, the Atlantic boardwalk lined by restaurants. Continue with a visit of United Nations Place, and Mohammed V Square with its central fountain. We then transfer to Rabat, which is 1 hour away.
Day 2 : Rabat - Meknes - Volubis - Fes
In the morning we depart for Meknes, a city full of history and intrigue. The focal point of the old medina is Bab Mansour, the gate that leads to Moulay Ismail's old imperial city and the mosques, souks and palaces beyond. It took over fifty years to build the palace and massive ramparts but not much remains today. Follow the walls of Ag Dal Basin, once use to water the royal gardens and the Sultan’s immense stable of 12,000 horses.
Within the city, visit the Mosque and Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, one of the most impressive buildings in the city and its decorative tombs. ´We then depart for the Roman ruins. Volubis was populated into the 17th century when it was ruined by an earthquake. Walk around the ruins and discover the intricate floor mosaics still intact. Then transfer to Fes. Night in Fes, breakfast & dinner.
Day 3 : Fes - Fully Guided Tour
Fes, the cultural capital, is one of the most medieval Islamic cities in the world. Passing through the gates and walls in the alleyways beyond, transports you back in time. The streets are just as they were when they were built in the 8th century, with high walls that protect the courtyards inside from the heat of the midday sun. Enormous theosophical colleges, beautiful mosques and fascinating souks spilling their goods onto the pavement are all part of the scene.
You will enjoy a walking tour to some of the major points of interest, including the Place Nejjarine, where the ancient caravanserai overlooks a fountain; the great Qayawan mosque, 14th century merchant's shops; and the tanneries - where leather is stained in an array of striking colours. Night and breakfast at Riad Tafilalet, Fes.
Day 4 : Fes – Azrou – Midelt –Merzouga - 470km
This morning we travel into the mountains to a region known as Imouzzer, which is blanketed by forests of cedar, juniper and cork oak. The area is well known for having abundant wildlife and we may see many types of birds, wild boar and Barbary apes on our scenic drive. We will stop in Azrou, where you can spend some time. Then the road will start to climb into the Middle Atlas Mountains. We may see the slopes dotted by the tents and goat herds of the nomadic Berbers, who call this rugged region home. After a late lunch in Midelt, we continue on mountain roads overlooking the wide flowing Oued Ziz. Passing Kasbahs and palm groves we pass through the colored city of Er-Rachidia and arrive in the late afternoon to Merzouga, city on the outskirts of the Sahara Desert.
Arrive in Merzouga where you exchange our vehicle for the saddle of your camels. Trek the sand dunes of Sahara desert during a beautiful sunset for about 1 hour to reach your camp for the night by the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. We spend a starry night in a nomad tent with Berber music and good food prepared for you by your guide. A night that you will not forget.
Overnight in tent, breakfast and dinner.
Day 5 : Merzouga –Rissani - Todra Gorge - 200km
After breakfast and a stunning sunrise over the sand dunes, we return to Merzouga on your camels for a shower before departure. We will visit the fossils centre and the ancient city of Rissani that thrived from the 8th to the 14th centuries thanks to the caravan routes of the kingdom of Sijilmassa. It was also the home of the Alouite peoples – the early conquerors of all of Morocco. We see men wearing the indigo blue robes distinctive of the Saharan people.
Then we continue to visit Khamlia village, where you have the opportunity to listen the Gnaoua music so typical of the region. Then it will be time to depart to Todra Gorge the highest oasis in Morocco, its walls are 300 meters high and at the most narrow part are mere 20 meters apart. Local Berber people can often be seen moving their herds through the gorge. This region is dotted by deserted kasbahs, palmeries and mud brick villages creating a photographer’s paradise.
Overnight in Todra Gorge, breakfast & dinner
Day 6 : Todra Gorge - Dades Gorge – Rose Valley- Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou
This morning we leave Todra Gorge and travel to another impressive gorge: Dades. On our way we will be passing the strange rock creation of Tamnalt Hills. Then we reach the Dades Gorge and travel the zig zagging road on top of the gorge, the red and mauve rock towering above the road. From Dades Gorge we take on an offroad route through a barren region, where we have the opportunity to view the life of local Berbers living in caves. The route will take us across small towns to the middle of the Rose Valley, Kella Mgouna, known for the production of Moroccan roses and many beauty products made out of it. We then continue via the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs passing the Skoura Oasis to Ouarzazate and Ait Ben haddou.
Overnight in Ait BenHaddou, breakfast & dinner
Day 7 : Ait Ben Haddou - Imlil (Atlas Mountains)
On this day we visit the UNESCO protected 16th century site of Ait Ben Haddou. The most impressive Kasbah and well preserved fortress in Morocco. Many movies were filmed here such as Gladiator or Lawrence of Arrabia. This Kasbah was once the most important fortress on the Salt Road caravan routes, where slaves, gold, ivory and silk were carried from the Saharan Africa to Marrakech and beyond.
We continue our trip offroad via Ounila Valley; this route offers unparalleled views of green valleys, rivers and remarkable colored slopes and hillsides. We visit the Kasbah Telouet – offering an extraordinary view of the Atlas – a palatial residense and headquarters of the powerful Glaoui tribe. This crumbling Kasbah is remembered as the home of the “vulture” sultan and his son, who lived there until the 1950s. We then cross the Atlas Mountains via the highest road pass in Morocco TIzi Tichka (2260m) offering stunning views of the mountains, valleys and Berber villages.
We will spend the night in Imlil that is a trekker’s paradise as treks to the second highest mountain of Morocco originates from here.
Night in Imlil, breakfast and dinner.
Day 8 : Imlil
The High Atlas region is a mix of fertile valleys and soaring snow-capped peaks. Flat-roofed Berber houses built from local materials huddle together to create fortress-like villages that blend almost seamlessly into the mountainside. The best way to explore this stunning region is on foot and there are many trails and tracks available for walkers. Explore the nearby village and surrounding mountains on a half day walk or just relax on the terrace.
Night in Imlil, breakfast and dinner.
Day 9 : Imlil - Essaouira
From Imlil we drive west to the Atlantic coast and the former pirate’s lair of Essaouira, one of Morocco’s most attractive coastal cities. The maze of narrow lanes with tiny cafes looking out onto small squares is encircled by Portuguese, Berber and French battlements. Two fortresses look out over the ocean, and on an offshore island stands another, even larger castle. As befits a seaport, the pace of life is more relaxed here, and the whitewashed streets lend a truly Mediterranean air to the city.
Free afternoon. Night in Essaouira.
Day 10 : Essaouira - Marrakech
We recommend a stroll around the interesting and lively old port that is full of colour. Early morning is the best time when fishermen can be seen bringing in their catch or mending their nets. The harbor was once the lair of pirates, who sailed out to plunder richly laden ships that passed along the coast; after all, this was the main trade route round the Cape of Good Hope to Western Europe.
It later became a free port, when it had a small international community of merchants. The cosmopolitan mixture of different influences makes it a wonderful place to explore – and it is full of visual surprises. Take a leisurely stroll along the ramparts; visit the little workshops that specialize in ornate inlaid work using thuya wood – a local conifer, although it should be pointed out that the thuya tree is fast becoming endangered from over-exploitation. The low key markets and twisting backstreets of the medina are fantastic and for those wanting a bit more space, there is a long sweeping beach on which to stretch your legs.
In the late afternoon, transfer to Marrakech.