8 days Morocco itinerary:
DAY 1 : CASABLANCA – RABAT
8 days Morocco Imperial cities and desert departure: Welcome to Morocco! Your guide will be waiting on arrival for first introductions and to assist with luggage. Depending on arrival time, after leaving the airport we can visit Casablanca’s magnificent Mosque of Hassan II (one of the largest mosques in the world and a splendid example of modern Islamic architecture). We then continue to Rabat, Morocco’s capital city, where dinner and accommodation are arranged.
DAY 2 : RABAT – MEKNES
Today we explore Rabat, the first of Morocco’s four imperial cities on our tour. After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the Hassan Tower and the mausoleum of Mohammed V – the final resting place of Morocco’s late king. Other popular sites in Rabat include the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Mechouar of the Royal Palace, and the ruins of Chellah. After exploring the attractions, we will take lunch in the ancient medina before departure. The journey continues towards Meknes, another Imperial city that boasts some of the finest examples of typical Moroccan architecture including the Bab El Mansour and the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Dinner and comfortable overnight accommodation is provided.
DAY 3: MEKNES – VOLUBILIS – FEZ
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart towards the Roman ruins of Volubilis a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills. From here we visit the nearby holy city of Moulay Idriss, famous for being the site of the tomb of Idris I (the first ruler of Morocco) after whom the town is named. After lunch, we continue our journey to Fez where we can dine and rest in preparation for another exciting day.
DAY 4 : FEZ (CITY TOUR WITH LOCAL GUIDE)
It is time to explore the famous city of Fez – the ‘Athens of Africa’. Rich in architectural beauty and of great historic importance, there is lots to see and do in the city. We will guide you on a tour through the most popular sites including the Mosque of the Andalusians, the tanneries and the pottery district before stopping for lunch at a palace in the famous medina (a World Heritage Site). In the afternoon we continue our visit, taking in the Spanish-Moorish buildings, the Madrasas and the Fondouk el-Najjarine. Alternatively to the guided tour, you may wish to spend the day shopping or relaxing at your own leisure.
DAY 5 : FEZ – IFRANE – ZIZ GORGES – ERFOUD – MERZOUGA
Another action-packed day! We collect you from your accommodation after breakfast before heading south to Ifrane, a snowy alpine-style town in the Middle Atlas mountains. On the way it is possible to see Barbarian Apes in their natural habitat of the cedar forests. We cross the mountains at the scenic Tizi n’Talghamt pass, taking in the natural beauty of the Ziz Gorges before continuing to the Berber village of Midelt. After lunch we continue our journey through the Ziz Valley to the oasis city of Erfoud (famous for its date palms and fossils) and the famous sand dunes of Merzouga. Here we enjoy the traditional welcome of mint tea before swapping four wheels for four legs as we camel-trek to Erg Chebbi – the highest sand dunes in North Africa. Arriving in time for an unforgettable sunset, a traditional tajine dinner and evening entertainment is provided by your nomadic hosts. You are invited to enjoy the sound of typical Berber drumming around the fire or simply to gaze at the ceiling of stars in the pristine desert sky before bedding-down in your traditional Bedouin encampment.
DAY 6: MERZOUGA – TODRA GORGE – DADES VALLEY.
After watching the sunrise over the dunes and enjoying a nourishing breakfast, we leave the desert camp and trek back to the Merzouga hotel where we can shower and refresh. We depart Merzouga heading first to the Tinghir oasis and on to the beautiful scenery of the Todra Gorge before finally arriving by twisting, dramatic roads to the Dades Valley where dinner and accommodation will be provided.
DAY 7 : DADES VALLEY – SKOURA – OUARZAZATE – AIT BEN HADDOU – MARRAKECH.
After breakfast, we navigate through the Dades Valley, along the infamous ‘Route of a Thousand Kasbahs’, and onwards to Kalaat M’Gouna (a town known for its annual Rose festival). There are numerous photo opportunities along the way. We will visit the Valley of the Roses and Skoura village and then continue to Ouarzazate, known as ‘the Hollywood of Morocco’. Lunch is at the famous Ait Ben-Haddou Kasbah (the largest Kasbah in Morocco). After touring this UNESCO World Heritage site, it is time to cross the High Atlas mountains via the stunning Tizi N Tichka pass (at an altitude of 2260m). We can stop en route to enjoy the impressive views and browse the local Argan Oil Cooperative before finally arriving at our fourth and final Imperial City – Marrakech. A delicious meal and comfortable accommodation are arranged in the Kasbah area of the city.
DAY 8: MARRAKECH (CITY TOUR WITH LOCAL GUIDE)
After breakfast in the guesthouse, our knowledgeable local guide leads you on a journey of discovery through Morocco’s famous ‘Red City’. You will visit sites of historical and cultural interest including the Majorelle Gardens (famously designed by Yves Saint Laurent), the landmark Koutoubia Tower, the Saadian tombs and the Bahia Palace. After lunch at one of the many fantastic restaurants, you can stroll through the bustling souks which teem with spices, souvenirs and artisan handicrafts. In the afternoon, you have free time to explore other parts of the city or to enjoy the beguiling atmosphere of the famous Jemma El-Fnaa square – no visit to Marrakech will be complete without it! Depending on your requirements, we can arrange accommodation or transfers to Marrakech Menara Airport.
8 days Morocco Imperial cities and desert gallery:
SERVICES INCLUDED:
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN 8 DAY CITY & DESERT TOUR:
• Airport transfers from Casablanca (or any other Moroccan airport)
• 7 nights hotel accommodation (breakfast and dinner included)
• Private transport in air-conditioned vehicles
• Fuel cost for the entire trip
• Experienced multilingual guide/driver
• Camel excursion in the Merzouga desert
• City guides in Fez and Marrakech
• Camping in Merzouga desert encampment (breakfast and dinner included)
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN 8 DAYS CITY & DESERT TOUR:
• Air travel to and from Morocco
• Lunches and drinks
• Entry fees to monuments/museums
The above itinerary is intended as a guideline only. We are happy to amend the schedule to suit your interests, budget, or travel dates. Please do not hesitate to contact us for free quotations and to discuss your requirements.