Day 1:
We will begin by picking you up at Casablanca airport when you arrive and start our trip to Fes. We will drive 4.5 hours on our way to Fes and staying our first night in a Riad.
Day 2:
Fes Sightseeing
After breakfast in your Riad, we will start exploring the oldest city in Morocco, walking in its alleys and along the streets. Our visit starts by visiting the Royal Palace gate, the historic Jewish headquarter where we will see the first Mellah ever built in Morocco. It was built during the 16th century.
We will ensure that you visit all sites with cultural and historical interest including the famous Al Qaraouine University (the oldest in the region), the Tanneries, the Attarine Museum and Mulay Idriss Mausoleum. After lunch, we will visit the tiles cooperative and then experience a wonderful panoramic view over the whole Medina of Fes. The city is packed with history and memorable experiences. Please let me know if there is anything special you'd like to add to the list! We will conclude our first day with a stay in a local Riad.
Day 3:
Fes to Merzouga.
Beginning our day with sunrise and after breakfast, we will start our day traveling from the Riad in Fes then drive South to Ifrane and Azrou by the Middle Atlas mountains. On the way we will stop at the cedar forest to see the Barbary Apes in their natural habitat. Traveling through the Tizi Ntalghamt pass to Midelt and along the magnificent Ziz Gorges carved through volcanic rock, you’ll see views of the Middle-Atlas plateau. You will be amazed at how the scenery changes to reveal hints of the desert as you approach the city of Errachidia. After stopping for lunch, we’ll continue our journey through the Ziz Valley Erfoud, Rissani and Merzouga. We will stop to enjoy some authentic Moroccan mint tea before leaving our luggage in a safe place to embark on camels to a Berber camp in the middle of Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes. The wind blown dunes are 20 km long and 5 km wide it is also reputed as the highest sand dunes in North Africa.
The camel trek takes about 1hr 30 min from the hotel to the camp where we continue the spirit of the nomadic Berber lifestyle. There we setup 3 Berber tents with additional restaurant and kitchen with the dunes naturally providing basic facilities. The tents are well equipped and we provide mattresses, blankets, and cushions. After dinner we gather around the fire and enjoy the desert night and we can play traditional Berber drums.
Day 4:
Merzouga - Toudgha Gorges - Dades Valley
The camel guide will wake us early in the morning to watch what may be the best sunrise of your life. Afterwards, he will lead us camel back to your hotel. You will have a peaceful trek back to fully appreciate the beauty of the desert. After breakfast and getting ready for the day, we leave for Tinghir and Todra gorges – the highest, narrowest gorges in Morocco. We will arrive at Dades Valley for dinner and hotel accommodations.
Day 5:
Dades Valley - Ait ben Haddou Kasbah - Marrakech
After breakfast at the hotel we’ll drive through the Dades Valley towards Kalaat Mgouna and Ouarzazate. The route through Dades Valley is the way of the thousand Kasbahs – providing countless opportunities to take photos.
Continuing onto the Roses Valley, Skoura Village and to Ouarzazat, “the Hollywood of Africa”. Midday we will have lunch at the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the largest Kasbah in Morocco. After touring this UNESCO historical site, our journey will continue through the majestic Tizi ‘n’ Tichka pass (2260 meters) over the High Atlas Mountains. We will have time to stop and enjoy impressive views and visit the argan oil cooperative. We will arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon and stay in a Riad overnight.
Day 6:
Marrakech Sightseeing
After breakfast in the Riad, you can start exploring Marrakech, which is often called “the red city of Morocco”. We will ensure that you see the most important sites of historical and cultural interest, including the Majorelle Gardens, Koutoubia Tower, Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace. Midday we will have lunch at a restaurant near the square, then we will will walk through the souks and tour the handicrafts market. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to wonder by yourself the other parts of the city if you choose. I am happy to give you ideas for places to visit. Night six will be spent in a Riad in the city before we part ways at the end of your trip.
Day 7:
Final Day
I will pick you up and take you to the airport or wherever you will be staying for the duration of your time in Morocco. I will be sure to get you in time for your departure.
