Imperial Cities, Chefchaouen, Fes, Sahara Desert, Marrakech & Essaouira
A private journey from Casablanca designed around the itinerary and experiences listed below.
Welcome to Morocco. Upon arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, your private driver will meet you and transfer you comfortably to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, dramatically positioned overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The remainder of the day is free to relax after your journey and prepare for the adventure ahead.
After breakfast, depart Casablanca and travel north toward Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital and one of its four Imperial Cities. Discover some of Rabat’s most emblematic landmarks, including the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the picturesque Kasbah of the Oudayas. Continue through the landscapes of northern Morocco and into the Rif Mountains before arriving in Chefchaouen. After checking into your riad, enjoy the evening at leisure among the peaceful blue-and-white streets of this charming mountain town.
Enjoy breakfast followed by free time to discover Chefchaouen. Wander through its blue-painted medina, charming squares, artisan shops and narrow streets before continuing toward Fes. Along the way, visit Volubilis, one of Morocco’s most important Roman archaeological sites. Continue to Meknes, the historic Imperial City associated with Sultan Moulay Ismail, before travelling onward to Fes. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle into your traditional riad.
Today is dedicated to discovering Fes with an official local guide. Enter the fascinating medina of Fes el-Bali, a labyrinth of historic streets, traditional workshops, colorful souks and remarkable Islamic architecture. Discover the Royal Palace gates, the historic Jewish Quarter, traditional madrasas, artisan districts and the famous Chouara Tanneries. Beyond the monuments, your guide will introduce you to the craftsmanship, traditions and everyday life that make Fes one of Morocco’s most culturally fascinating destinations. The remainder of the afternoon is free.
After breakfast, leave Fes and begin a spectacular journey toward the Sahara. Travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains and stop in Ifrane, known for its distinctive alpine architecture. Continue through cedar forests and changing mountain landscapes before travelling south toward the impressive Ziz Valley, characterized by palm groves, traditional villages and dramatic scenery. By afternoon, arrive in Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Meet your camel caravan and cross the golden dunes as the sun sets over the Sahara. Arrive at your luxury desert camp, where dinner and traditional music await beneath the desert sky.
Wake early to admire the sunrise over the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, dedicate the day to discovering the surroundings of Merzouga and experiencing a different side of desert life. Explore the landscapes around Erg Chebbi, visit local desert communities and learn about the traditions of the region. There will also be time to relax and appreciate the tranquility of the Sahara. For those seeking more adventure, a quad or buggy experience among the dunes can be arranged as an optional activity.
After breakfast, leave the Sahara and travel toward Tinghir. Discover the spectacular Todra Gorges, where immense rock walls rise dramatically on either side of the canyon. Enjoy free time for a walk through this extraordinary natural setting. Continue through traditional Berber villages and beautiful valleys before reaching the Dades Valley. The region is known for its impressive rock formations, ancient kasbahs and dramatic mountain scenery.
After breakfast, travel along the legendary Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Pass through the Valley of Roses before reaching Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to southern Morocco and an important center of the country’s film industry. Continue to the extraordinary Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most recognizable fortified villages. After exploring the kasbah, cross the magnificent High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Enjoy panoramic stops along the way before descending toward Marrakech.
Meet your official local guide after breakfast and discover the history, architecture and atmosphere of Marrakech. Explore the old medina and visit some of the city’s most important historical sites. Wander through colorful souks filled with spices, leather goods, lanterns, carpets and traditional handicrafts. Discover the unique atmosphere surrounding Jemaa el-Fna square and learn about the traditions that have shaped the Red City for centuries. After the guided visit, enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
After breakfast, leave Marrakech and travel west toward Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Arrive in Essaouira, a relaxed coastal city known for its whitewashed medina, historic ramparts, fishing port and artistic atmosphere. Enjoy free time to wander through the UNESCO-listed medina, discover local galleries and artisan workshops, stroll along the harbor or simply relax beside the Atlantic Ocean. Essaouira provides a refreshing contrast to Morocco’s imperial cities and desert landscapes.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and some final free time in Essaouira before beginning the journey back toward Casablanca. Travel along Morocco’s Atlantic side, enjoying the changing coastal landscapes along the way. Upon arrival in Casablanca, check into your hotel and enjoy your final evening in Morocco at leisure.
After breakfast, enjoy free time depending on your flight schedule. At the appropriate time, your private driver will transfer you to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport. Your 12-day Moroccan journey comes to an end, taking with you unforgettable memories of ancient cities, mountain landscapes, Sahara sunsets, Berber hospitality and the Atlantic coast. What’s Included Private comfortable air-conditioned vehicle Professional driver throughout the journey Fuel and transportation expenses 11 nights in carefully selected accommodations Daily breakfast Dinners in Merzouga and Dades Private rooms with bathroom Private tent with bathroom in the Sahara Sunset camel trek in Merzouga Luxury desert camp experience Sandboarding in Erg Chebbi Official local guide in Fes Official local guide in Marrakech Selected sightseeing and panoramic stops Airport pick-up in Casablanca Airport drop-off in Casablanca Assistance throughout the journey Not Included Lunches Drinks Monument entrance fees Dinners not specifically mentioned Quad or buggy experiences Flights Travel insurance Personal expenses Gratuities
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