Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Fez, Sahara, Gorges, Kasbahs, HighAtlas, Essaouira, and Marrakech make up the Big Tour of Morocco.

From Marrakech to the Sahara with Morocco Mon Travels

OVERVIEW:

We will be able to travel to some of the most well-known tourist destinations in the country during this vacation. We will journey from Marrakech to Casablanca, passing through the snow-capped Atlas mountains, the boundless Sahara sands, the mediaeval old town of Fez, and the spice markets of Marrakech, where Morocco's rich history and scenic landscapes await. 

We'll see nomadic tribes, learn about historic fallen towns, and experience the striking contrast between the old and present day through a variety of architectural styles and works of art. This enchanting, ever-evolving nation's numerous mysteries and stories will be made known.

Day 1: Arrival / Marrakech

Airport pick up and transfer

 Accommodation: Riad Dar Alamane or similar

Meals: breakfast

Day 2: Marrakech guided visit

Following breakfast, we'll head to the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace, and several more hidden treasures. The journey continues to the imposing Koutoubia Mosque and the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square after lunch. Le Jardin Majorelle (tickets included) is scheduled to be visited too. We'll head to the souk (market) at the latter part of the day. Transfer via: Private, air conditioned minibus or 4WD air conditioned vehicle

Accommodation: Riad Dar Alamane or similar

Meals: breakfast

Day 3: Marrakech / Rabat with a short stop in Casablanca(approx. 320km)

You are going to start your adventure journey after breakfast by heading North to the city of Rabat, the Moroccan capital, We stop in Casablanca to see the renowned Hassan II Mosque and visit Rick’s Cafe. Your tour of Rabat includes  the Royal Palace also known as Mechouar, Hassan Tower, Kasbah Oudday as well as the Mausoleum of Mohamed V. There will be  free time for a stroll through Rabat's historical medina's souks and bazaars.

Transfer via: Private, air conditioned minibus or 4WD air conditioned vehicle

Accommodation: Riad Dar Soufa or similar

Meals: breakfast

Day 4: Rabat / Chefchaouen (approx 253km)

After breakfast we head to Chefchaouen famous for its blue lime-washed houses, busy squares and steep alleyways. The best way to discover this old town is to wander through it. Your afternoon tour here includes the Outa-el-Hammam Square, the cobblestone medina and the Tarik-Ben-Ziad Mosque whose octagonal minaret was inspired by that of the Torre de Oro in Seville. The architecture of Andalusia can be seen in the Kasbah and its gardens in the center of the medina. You spend the rest of the day to independently discover Chefchaouen's charm
Transfer via:  private, air conditioned minibus or 4WD vehicle

Accommodation: Hotel Ziryab

Meals: breakfast

Day 5: Chefchaouen 

Today is yours to further explore the captivating blue city of Chefchaouen. Around every corner is a photo op and there are no lack of things to do in and around the city. You can spend the day walking through the maze of blue homes and shops, stopping along the way to pick up some souvenirs. You may prefer to hike up to the Spanish mosque to admire the panoramic view of the city and the surrounding area. If you wish to relax, there is no better way than a hammam for a scrub and/or a massage.  The choice is yours and our guide is on hand to assist and to point you in the right direction!
Transfer via: private, air conditioned minibus or 4WD vehicle or similar.

Accommodation: Hotel Ziryab

Meals: breakfast

Day 6: Chefchaouen / Fez (approx. 220km)

This morning, after breakfast, we will head to Fez and visit the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, which according to the UNESCO World Heritage listing, is “an exceptionally well preserved example of a large Roman colonial town on the fringes of the Empire”, there will be much to enchant and inspire you today with history and culture being at the forefront of our agenda!  From Volubillis we travel on to Fez to arrive late afternoon. After settling into your Riad you will have time to rest.

Transfer via: private, air conditioned minibus or 4WD vehicle or similar.
Accommodation: Riad Zamane or similar

Meals: breakfast

Day 7: Fez

Your guide is going to meet up with you this morning for a private walking tour of the Medina. You'll visit a well-known tannery as part of the walking tour to see how animal skins are processed to create the leather goods that Fez is famous for. There is a very strong scent coming from the tannery, but you will be given fresh mint to mask it. We all eat lunch together after the tour and then you'll have some time to yourself. Visit the serene Jardin Jnan Sbil to get away from the crowds, learn about history at the Madrasa Bou Inania, or just meander about and get lost in the Medina.
Transfer via: private, air conditioned minibus or 4WD vehicle or similar.

Accommodation: Riad Zamane or similar

Meals: breakfast

Day 8: Fez/ Merzouga (463km)

After an early breakfast, we will depart Fez to the lunar landscapes of Merzouga, a small village close to the desert of Erg Chebbi . As we travel today, we pass through the Middle Atlas Mountains and the Ziz Valley on our way to the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes for a camel trek and overnight stay in a luxury desert camp in the Sahara. You can explore the dunes as well as enjoy the beautiful surroundings before dinner. At night, we'll sit around the campfire with Berber drum music performance while gazing at the infinite number of stars.
Transfer via: private, air conditioned minibus or 4WD vehicle or similar.

Accommodation: Luxury desert camp
Meals: Dinner and breakfast

 
Day 9: Merzouga / Dades Gorges (approx 290km)
After a magical night in the desert, we will get back to civilization as we make our way to Boumalne Dades via one of the most spectacular mountain passes of Jebel Saghro : the Tizi N'Tifarkhine Pass, with far reaching views, stunning rock formations, Berber settlements and fertile valleys. We will continue by road to the breathtaking Dades Gorge, which was  millions of years ago  below sea level but it’s increasingly renowned for its bright green palm trees that line the banks of the Dades River at the bed of the Gorge.  Our hotel is nestled within the natural walls of the Gorge.  We highly recommend you to walk through the Gorge as the sun sets.
 
Transfer via: private, air conditioned minibus or 4WD vehicle or similar.  
Accommodation: Auberge Dar Blues
Meals: Dinner and breakfast

Day 10: Dades gorges /Ait Benhaddou (approx 180km)

Today we head to Ait Ben Haddou, a World Heritage Site and location of a Ksar (fortified village) that once stood on the route of the trans-Saharan caravans. It is also the best preserved kasbah (citadel) in the Atlas Mountain region. In the afternoon, we will settle into our hotel, which offers spectacular views of the earthen clay architecture associated with Morocco.  In the evening you may wish to walk around the famous kasbah.
 
Transfer via: private, air conditioned minibus or 4WD vehicle or similar.

Accommodation:  Kasbah Dar Mounna or similar

Meals: Dinner and Breakfast

Day 11: Ait Benhaddou / Taroudant (approx 263km)

After breakfast departure to Taroudant passing through Taznakhte, known for its carpets using pure Amazigh designs with the dominant orange colour from Saffran. We continue to Taliouine located on a fertile plateau of Argan trees. We stop at the small village of Ouled Barhil for lunch, then continue to Taroudant.We will visit this city, which was a former capital of Morocco, surrounded by the original city walls, which are almost completely intact, built in 1528.  They reflect the glow of the setting sun, making them a favourite location for locals to hang out and promenade on summer evenings.

Transfer via: private, air conditioned minibus or 4WD vehicle or similar.

Accommodation: Dar Turkia (guest house).
Meals: Breakfast


Day 12: Taroudant / Essaouira (approx 257km)

We depart early to drive to Essaouira, a small old city on the Atlantic coast, also known as Mogador. It is located 257 km from Taroudant and en route will visit Agadir. Agadir has a long history of serving as a luxury vacation spot for well-to-do Europeans. where we'll take a break for lunch. We will follow the coastline until the castle of Jimi Hendrix southeast of Essaouira where the spirit of Jimi Hendrix can be said to live on.
 
Transfer via: private, air conditioned minibus or 4WD vehicle or similar. Accommodation: Riad Zahra
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13: free day in Essaouira to explore the town

Enjoy a free day at Essaouira's expansive, sand-covered beaches, where you can rent camels, go for lengthy walks, or even try kiteboarding. Eat at a stall on the quayside or explore the town's excellent fish eateries and bazaars.

Alternative options:

* Explore the town with a local  guide
* Camel ride along the beach
* Kite surfing lesson

Transfer via: private, air conditioned minibus or 4WD vehicle or similar.
Accommodation: Riad Zahra or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Essaouira via Marrakech (approx 200km)

Enjoy the morning at your leisure in Essaouira then after lunch we drive back towards Marrakech allowing time to take a stroll around its celebrated Djemaa El Fna Square. A feast for the senses, the square is a wonderful combination of noise and color, where you will find the streets alive with storytellers, musicians, jugglers and water-sellers: the perfect place to haggle for some last minute presents, or just relax at a cafe.

Transfer via: private, air conditioned minibus or 4WD vehicle or similar.
Accommodation: Dar El Amane or similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15:

Breakfast and transfer to the airport