DISCOVER MOROCCO
Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat.
On arrival in Casablanca, you will be met by our tour guide at the exit gate of the terminal (1 or 2 depending on the airline) and transfer to Rabat
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Dinner & Accommodation at Lepieti
Day 2: Rabat Incl. 1/2 Day City Tour – Meknes – Fes.
A local guide will pick you up at the Riad for a promenade through the souks of the medina, admire the monumental gate in the Kasbah, an example of magnificent Almohad architecture. Rabat’s landmark, the Almohad Hassan Tower (the unfinished Hassan Minaret, 44m high. You will discover the mausoleum of Mohammed V (considered an excellent example of modern Islamic architecture), the royal palace, the Kasbah of the Oudayas (with a beautiful view over the Atlantic coast). Also worth seeing is the necropolis of Chellah, a 14th century necropolis built on Roman foundations in a beautiful park.
In the afternoon, drive to Meknes and explore the city of Moulay Ismael. Here you will find one of the most beautiful city gates in Morocco. Bab el Mansour, decorated with reliefs and ceramic tiles, discover the famous horse stables and granaries, the Moulay Idriss Mausoleum and the Bab Khemis. Fes is an intellectual Centre of the Arab world and offers the intact image of a medieval city.
Dinner & Overnight in Riad Kettani
Day 3: Fes, With 1/2 Day City Tour.
At 09:00 a local guide will pick you up at the riad. Fes consists of three districts in total. Fes-el-Bali is the old part of the city dating back to the 9th century surrounded with narrow alleys. It’s where all the historical and cultural sights of the city are located. Fes-el-Jedid is the “New Fes” and last la Ville Nouvelle, the actual new town. From the Borj Sud, enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Take a guided walk through the medina (old town) of Fes, visiting the Andalusian Quarter, the Koranic schools of Medersa Attarine and Bou Inania (14th century), Nejjarine Square with its remarkable fountain and the Karaouin Mosque. In the puzzled souks, you can watch the traders haggling and the craftsmen working in their workshops. Stop at the Royal Palace and visit the Jewish quarter “Mellah”, the beautiful city gate Bab Boujloud and the pottery quarter, the rest of the day is to explore.
Dinner & Overnight in RIAD
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Today we set off from Fes to Midelt, via the Kandar Pass road, Continue to Ifrane across the Middle Atlas. Situated at 1,650m, this small town is often called the Switzerland of Morocco, but is best known for its elite Al Akhawein University. From a hill on the edge of the famous cedar forests, you may be lucky enough to meet the cheeky Barbary macaques. Continue to Midelt (1,488m), small mining town, set in an impressive landscape at the foot of Jebel Ayachi (3,737m).
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Dinner & Accommodation in http://www.riadkettanifes.com/
Day 4: Fes – Midelt.
Day 5: Midelt – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga.
A nomadic proverb says: “You can’t describe the desert, you have to experience it”. Leaving the quiet town of Midelt, you first travel east over the “hump of a camel” Talghomt to the Hassan Dam, the town of Errachidia and the desert landscapes of Wadi Ziz. From Erfoud, the pink oasis town with 300,000 date palms, you will reach the sand dunes of Merzouga via Rissani (cradle of the ruling Alaouite dynasty, mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, founder of the dynasty and ancestor of today’s King Mohamed VI).
Dinner & Overnight in SAHARA SUNNY LUXURY CAMP
Day 6: Merzouga – Tinjdad – Tinghir.
Early birds are optional to watch the sunrise shadow play on the desert and the dunes. After breakfast, depart for the vast palm grove of the Tafilalet area. First possible stop in Rissani (cradle of the ruling Alaouite dynasty, mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, founder of the dynasty and ancestor of today’s King Mohamed VI). Another stopover in Tinjdad to visit its ancient Ksar and the El Khorbat Museum (about the culture of the inhabitants of southern Morocco). Arrival in Tinghir, where you can admire the famous palm grove and the Todra Gorge. If there is still time, you can reach your accommodation on foot or after a short walk through the palm gardens, visit the small old mosque and Koranic school of Ikelane, a witness of the last century, which is being renovated.
Dinner & Accommodation in HOTEL TOMBOCTOU
Day 7: Tinghir – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou.
Through the Dades valley, you cross over to the Rose Valley, with its clay-covered kasbahs and ksour, to the oasis town of El Kelaa des Mgouna, famous for its rose water. You will drive through the road of the Kasbahs, passing Skoura with the Kasbah Amerhidil, until you reach Ouarzazate. The most famous sight in Ouarzazate is the Taourirt Kasbah. It was once the residence of the powerful Glaoui Berber tribe, who ruled the entire region southeast of Marrakech, Possible stop for a visit. 30Km passed Ouarzazate, we reach the our destination , a particularly beautiful fortified village. Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO World Heritage Site 1987), one of the most beautiful Ksars in southern Morocco. Many famous films were shot here, including “Lawrence of Arabia”, “Babel”, “Gladiator” and “Jesus of Nazareth”, and more recently the series “Game of Thrones”. Here you will gain insights into the construction and way of life of the Moroccan extended families who live in these nested kasbahs made of clay.
Dinner & Overnight in KSAR IGHNDA
Day 8: Ait Ben Haddou – Taroudant.
Take a ride to Taroudant via Tazenakht, the first stop. The town and its surroundings are nationally known for their colorful hand-knotted and hand-woven wool Berber carpets. A short introduction on site. The journey continues to Taliouine. The town is famous for the cultivation of saffron, the most precious spice in the world. After Iran, Morocco is the second largest producer of saffron. The “red gold”, as the Moroccans call it. (Flowering time November).
Late afternoon you reach Taroudant, once an important center of caravans, capital (Saadian period) and important trading post.
Dinner & Accommodation in https://www.darzitoune.com
Day 9: Taroudant – Essaouira.
After breakfast, a short tour of Taroudant, splendid city walls and lovely souks offering a wide range of handicrafts. It is also surrounded by impressive mud walls with square towers…. It is often called Little Marrakech because of its clay walls and red houses at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, A short carriage ride is also delightful.
next is Essaouira, the pearl of the Atlantic. The drive takes you past Agadir and later on along the Atlantic Ocean. The route leads to a huge plateau on which the argan tree grows . You will be introduced to the secrets of the production of this oil. Arrival in Essaouira, the former Portuguese “Mogador”. Enjoy the typical regional dishes in one of the many authentic restaurants.
Dinner & Overnight in Riad Almadina
Day 10: Essaouira – Marrakech.
Essaouira is an exciting place to explore on your own. Besides the beach and the sea, Essaouira has a unique medina with traditional arts and crafts. The most important sights of this quiet town, the harbour bastion, the many painters galleries, the souks, the Sqala of the Kasbah with its bronze cannons (fantastic view of the Atlantic) and its handicraft stalls where the famous inlays made of thuja or lemon wood tree are made.
On the way to Marrakech, you will see thuja forests and the Argan trees. Near Ounara you will find the Val d’Argan winery, known for its excellent wines. Depending on the time, you will have the opportunity to visit the winery and the wine cellar as well as a cooperative for argan oil. You will cross several villages and when the High Atlas is visible on the horizon, you will approach from Marrakech, the lively city.
Dinner & Accommodation inhttps://www.palaissebban.com RIAD PALAIS SEBBANE
Day 11: Marrakech – 1/2 Day Sightseeing With Guide.
Your guide will pick you up at the riad and you will visit with him the “Pearl of the South”: the Badii Palace, the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque (from the outside).
Afternoon at leisure to perhaps see a museum/garden or get lost in the fascinating souks or just experience the everyday atmosphere of the medina (old town) and take photos.
Overnight in https://www.palaissebban.com RIAD PALAIS SEBBANE
Day 12: Marrakech – Departure
Return home with many memories in our minds or in our luggage.
Depending on your departure, you will have some free time. Pick up at your hotel/riad, transfer to the airport and return flight.
