Highlights of Morocco Tour

This 13 Days Morocco tour, starting from Marrakech and finishing in Marrakech provides a fantastic introduction to Morocco. Discover Morocco in style on this adventure tour from Marrakech.

Day 1: Arrive into Marrakech

Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Marrakech. You will check into your hotel and then head off to the Djemaa el-Fna, the center square of the medina. The famous Djemaa el-Fna, is one of the center attractions of Marrakech. Coming alive at night with local storytellers, entertainers, and mouth-watering barbeque pits, the square is well worth the visit. A quiet cup of tea on the terrace of an adjacent cafe provides a spectacular aerial view of the bustling square.

Day 2: Marrakech City Tour

Today’s tour of Marrakech begins with a trip to the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, home to the minaret which has become a symbol of the city. We then visit the Saadian Tombs and the Bahia Palace which hosts intricate and beautiful Arabic craftsmanship in the lively souks around Jemaa El Fna square. Home to many different types of traders these bustling and aromatic streets are uniquely Moroccan. After lunch break, we head to Majorelle Gardens, where the morning light illuminates the vibrant colours of the architecture, set vividly against the lush green vegetation. Continue to Menara Garden for a stroll through the peaceful site.

Day 3: Marrakech to Casablanca

After breakfast we leave Marrakech behind and head to the coastal city of Casablanca. We’ll have a day of sightseeing. Walk around the Habous district, where the small squares and narrow arcade streets provide a fine example of contemporary city planning mixed with the maze-like streets of the traditional medina. Continue towards United Nations Place and the majestic Mohammed V Square. Then, go to the lively Central Market and the surrounding Royal Palace. Explore the colorful Habous Quarter and the Mehkma (Tribunal). Visit the Notre Dame de Lourdes cathedral and the famous Hassan II Mosque to experience 2 religious epicentres of the city. End with a pleasant stroll through the residential area of Anfa and shop in the newly built Morocco Mall on the seafront.

Day 4: Casablanca to Tangier by TGV (High Speed Train)

Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Casablanca and take you the train station to board the high speed train to Tangier (2h10).  On your arrival, our local guide and driver in Tangier will be waiting for you outside the train station with a sign bearing your full name. Then you will start touring around Tangier and its surroundings as well as visit Spartel Cape and the Hercules caves. From this point you will get an exceptional view of the strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean.  You will then visit the Kasbah district, next to the port, the old Medina, with its craftsmanship shops and the magnificent Minaret, looking over the sea. You will have the opportunity to pass by the Grand Socco, where multiple small hotels have previously accommodated famous artists and writers such as Matisse, Camille Saint Saens and Paul Bowles. Overnight stay in Tangier

Day 5: Tangier to Chefchaouen

After breakfast, we travel to Chaouen or Chefchaouen in Berber, one of the most beautiful towns of the Rif mountains which are the last rampart before the Mediterranean and the Iberian peninsula. It’s famous for its shady valleys Medina, its white coloured houses, blue doors and tiles roof. The local market of Chaouen are animated with traditionally dressed locals and a variety of beautifully displayed. Chaouen offers to its visitors the charm of a city which has preserved Arab Andalusian arts and traditions. in late afternoon, we head back to Tangier train station to catch the High speed train back to Rabat. Overnight stay in Rabat

Day 6: Rabat to Fes Via Meknes & Volubilis

This morning we journey to the capital Rabat. Strategically located on the Atlantic coastline, Rabat began as a settlement in the third century BC. We will enjoy a full day tour of the old city including visits to the Royal Palace, Ouadaya Gardens Kasbah and the Hassan Tower Mosque. After lunch, your driver will take you on a drive through a tour of the imperial city of Meknes and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.  Then you will head to Fes in the evening. Overnight stay in Fez.

Day 7: Fes City Tour

After breakfast you will begin our guided tour of the Fes 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 King’s Palace, the tanneries, and potters are just a few places you will experience. For lunch you may choose to eat in a traditional restaurant in the heart of the medina. After lunch you will continue the tour and return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Fez.

Day 8: Fes to Marrakech Via Ouzoud Waterfalls

After an early breakfast, you will depart for Marrakech. The beautiful drive will take you up into the MIddle Atlas Mountains and along the base of the High Atlas Mountains and visit Ouzoud waterfall. Once in Marrakech, you will check into your hotel and then head off to the Djemaa el-Fna, the center square of the medina. The famous Djemaa el-Fna, is one of the center attractions of Marrakech. Coming alive at night with local storytellers, entertainers, and mouth-watering barbeque pits, the square is well worth the visit. A quiet cup of tea on the terrace of an adjacent cafe provides a spectacular aerial view of the bustling square. Overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 9: Trip to Essaouira

After breakfast, you will have the chance to discover the relaxed, bohemian seaside resort of Essaouira on a full-day tour from Marrakech. Following a pick-up from your hotel in Marrakech, cross Morocco by air-conditioned vehicle en route to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy views of the arid landscape, stopping at an argan oil co-operative to learn how this healthful oil is produced from the nuts of the argan trees. Upon arrival at Essaouira, UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the 16th-century ramparts of Essaouria, with astonishing views of the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Tour Essaouira’s most important monuments, such as the old fish market and seaport. Watch silver craftsmen and wood carvers at work in the old medina, where the labyrinth of streets is lined with heavy wooden doors and whitewashed houses. Overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 10: Kasbah Ait Benhaddou & Dades Valley

This morning journey along mountain roads and over Morocco’s highest pass, Tizi n’Tichka (2,260 metres), to Ait Benhaddou on the edges of the Sahara (approximately 6 hours). Perched on a hilltop and almost unchanged since the 11th century, Ait Benhaddou is one of Morocco’s most iconic site. It was once an important stop for caravans passing through as they carried salt across the Sahara, returning with gold, ivory and slaves. Today its grand kasbah has been listed as a World Heritage site, with its fortified village being a fine example of clay architecture.

Day 11: Merzouga Sahara Desert

After breakfast at the hotel, youwill take the road to the Toudra Gorge, which consists of high limestone cliffsthat have been hollowed out for millennia. This wonderful site is also the delight of climbing enthusiasts. The journey will continue to the fascinating dunes of Merzouga. It is a village that marks the beginning of the Sahara. At This stage, vehicles will be replaced by camels to enjoy a traditional camel ride o the camp. You will cross the dunes and admire the sunset and the colors in perpetual evolution. After a traditional dinner with Berber rhythms, you will spend the night under the stars in a nomad tent in the middle of the desert.

Day 12: Marrakech via Ouarzazate

Wake early to watch the sunrise before breakfast (optional). Then, ride your camel back to the main road then head back to Marrakech. Stop half-way for lunch in Ouarzazate and visit the famous Taourirt kasbah in Morocco and tour the Atlas Film studios before heading back to Marrakech while enjoying the spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’Tichka pass, which at 7,415 feet is the highest pass in northern Africa. Overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 13: Marrakech – End of our services

Your day is free today to explore Marrakech further, and perhaps do some final souvenir shopping and sightseeing before we transfer you to Marrakech airport for your departure flight.

START

• Marrakech

FINISH

• Marrakech

INCLUSIONS

• 4* Hotel Accommodation on Bed & Breakfast Basis
• Kasbah Stay in Boulmane Dades (Dinner & Breakfast)
• Merzouga Desert Private Tent on HB basis (Dinner & Breakfast)
• Professional Local Guides
• Transportation in a comfortable A/C Minibus
• Guaranteed Departures

EXCLUSIONS

• Monuments Entrance fee
• Lunch and Dinner