Day 1 Casablanca

Upon arrival in Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco, you will be met and transferred by van to your Casablanca hotel, where you will check in and relax for the afternoon. Depending on time, you will have a guided tour of the Hassan II mosque.

 

Day 2 Rabat / Fes

After breakfast, you will leave by van towards Fes. On route, you will stop at Rabat, the capital city and residence of the King, for lunch and a time to enjoy the beautiful coastal city. After lunch you can have an optional visit of Volubilis, exploring the 2000-year-old ruins and getting a picture of life during the Roman Empire. You will continue on to Fes, the spiritual capital of Morocco.

 

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 fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco. A visit to the Kings Palace, the tanneries, and potters are just a few places you will experience. For lunch you will eat in traditional restaurant in the heart of the medina. After lunch you will complete the tour and return to your hotel for the evening.

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Day 4 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 the beautiful 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. On arrival, a hot shower or dip in the swimming pool (depending on the weather) will be a treat after the drive.

 

Day 5 Sahara Desert

Most of the day will be spent relaxing at the hotel or exploring the small but interesting desert town. In the afternoon, you will head off in some 4-wheel drive vehicles across the barren land to the majestic Sahara sand dunes. You will set off by camel for a 2-hour trek out to the oasis where you will spend the night in Berber tents (Dinner is included). **this could be optional if you would prefer to return to the hotel to sleep**

 

Day 6 Todra Gorges

After breakfast, you will return by camel to the 4x4s and head 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 Gorges (600 feet high). The picturesque river valleys make for a beautiful journey towards the southeast of Morocco. You will stay the night near the Gorges or Ouarzazate before you cross the High Atlas Mountains.

 

Day 7 Ouarzazate / Ait Benhaddou / Marrakech

After an early breakfast you set off to Marrakech via Ouarzazate. Tucked away in the High Atlas Mountains, it is one of the jewels of Morocco. 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 The Gladiator. Lunch can be taken at Ait Ben Haddou.

After lunch, you will head over the mountains to Marrakech. Once in Marrakech, you will check into your hotel and then head off to the Jemaa el-Fna, the center square of the medina. Coming alive at night with the local storytellers, entertainers, and mouth-watering barbeque pits, the square is well worth a visit. A quiet cup of tea on the terrace of an adjacent café provides a spectacular aerial view of the bustling square.

 

Day 8 Marrakech

After breakfast, the group will have a guided tour of Marrakech, the southern pearl of Morocco. You will discover the Palace of the Bahia, the Saadian Tombs, and many other hidden treasures. After lunch, you will continue with the tour on to the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque and the famous Jemaa el-Fna, one of the center attractions of Marrakech. The tour will conclude with an exploration of the souk (market).

 

Day 9 Marrakech/Depart

Depart from Marrakech