This 9 day expedition tour includes the highlights of Morocco. The guided tour starts and ends in Casablanca. It includes the Moroccan imperial cities of Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Meknes, Marrakech and Essaouira. You will visit the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara desert, the valleys and the gorges, the ocean and the countryside. You will learn about Moroccan culture and its breathtaking landscape and enjoy the diversity of Morocco.
Day 1 | Casablanca
Upon arrival your to Casablanca you will be met by our friendly driver who will transport you to your hotel. Time permitting, you may either elect to take an optional tour of the Hassan II mosque and/or wander through the medina and Mohammed V Square.
Day 2 | Casablanca/Rabat/Meknes/Fes
After breakfast, you will leave towards Fes. On route, you will stop at Rabat, the capital city and residence of the King, for lunch and some time to enjoy the beautiful coastal city. After lunch, you will continue on to Fes, the spiritual capital of Morocco. Overnight in hotel/Riad.
Day 3 | Fes
After breakfast, you will begin your guided tour of the medina, one of the world’s largest walled-in cities. You will explore the narrow streets lined with fresh fruits, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco. A visit to the King’s Palace, the tanneries, and potters are just a few places you will experience. For lunch, you will eat in a traditional restaurant in the heart of the medina. After lunch, you will complete the tour and return to your hotel/Riad
Day 4 | Fes/ Midelt/ Erfoud/Merzouga
After an early breakfast, you will begin your ascent across the Middle Atlas Mountains. Most of the day will be spent winding your way through beautiful lush forests, jagged rock faces, and Berber villages as you cross the Atlas Mountains and begin to descend towards the Sahara Desert. Half way, you will stop for lunch in the town of Midelt, famous for its fossils and rocks. We continue on mountain roads overlooking the wide flowing Oued Ziz. Passing through Kasbahs and palm groves we head towards the adobe colored city of Er-Rachidia before arriving in the late afternoon at Merzouga, a city on the outskirts of the Sahara Desert. Then later in the afternoon, saddle on your camels for your journey across the desert during a beautiful sunset for about 2 hours, to reach your camp for the night by the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Overnight in the Nomad tent, under a night sky full of stars, Berber music and delicious food prepared for you by your guide. A night you will not forget.
Day 5 | Merzouga /Todra Gorges/Dades Gorge
After breakfast, you will return by camel to the 4x4s and head back to Erfoud. From Erfoud, you set out behind the High Atlas Mountains on route to the Todra Gorges. In the afternoon, you will take a walk up in the towering Todra Gorge, with sheer cliffs of 985 feet high. The picturesque river valleys make for a beautiful journey towards the southeast of Morocco. Then continue your journey towards another impressive gorge Dades, passing by the strange rock creation of Tamnalt Hills. Overnight right in the heart of Dades Gorge lined by the red and mauve rocks. Overnight in hotel.
Day 6 | Dades Gorge/ Ouarzazate/Marrakech
After an early breakfast, you will set off towards the High Atlas Mountains via Ouarzazate in Authentic morocco. Tucked away in the High Atlas Mountains, one of the jewels of Morocco is Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. In typical Moroccan fashion, the true treasures must be searched out and discovered… usually off the beaten path. In actuality, this setting has been used for more films than any other location in Morocco; films including, Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and recently The Gladiator. Lunch can be taken at Ait Benhaddou. In the afternoon, you will head over the Atlas Mountains via Tizi-n-Tichka pass (2,260m) towards Marrakech.
Day 7 | Marrakech
Following breakfast, you will have a guided tour in Marrekech where you will visit the Palace of Bahia, the Saadian Tombs,and other points of interest. After lunch, you will proceed to the spectacular Koutoubia Mosque and then visit the world famous Djemaa el-Fna square, where you will be enchanted by the snake charmers or can have the tastiest fresh squeezed orange juice. On the last stop on the tour we will explore the souk (market) and have an opportunity to take in the rich sights and scents of all of spices, local artisan lamps, authentic Berber carpets, hand-crafted leather goods as well as numerous aromatic food stalls.
Day 8 | Marrakech/Essaouira
You will travel today to the seaside gem of Morocco. Situated along the Atlantic Coast, the Medina of Gnaoua (formerly “Mogador”), is a UNESCO World Heritage city and one of the most enchanting places in Morocco. Explore Essaouira’s old medina and surroundings which boasts impressive examples of Moorish and European architecture, or take the opportunity to relax by the beach.
Day 9 | Essaouira/Casablanca
Depart to Casablanca or Marrakech Airport.
What is included in this tour?
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
- Driver/guide
- 8 night accommodation with breakfast
- Dinner in Dades and at the desert Camp
- Camel trekking
- Sand Boarding
- Private car/driver guide
- Vegetarian meal option available
What is not included in this tour?
- Entrance fees
- Gratuities (optional)
- Food and drinks, unless specified
Accommodations
- Accommodation in a Hotel/ Riad in Fes
- Accommodation in a Bivouac Camp in the desert of Erg-chebbi
- Accommodation in Dades Gorge in a Hotel/Riad Kasbah
- Accommodation in Marrakech in Hotel/ Riad
- Accommodation in Essaouira in a Hotel
