Imperial Cities and Sahara
1350€ 1250€
per personIs where ancient medinas, vibrant markets, and historic sites in cities like Marrakech and Ouarzazate blend seamlessly with the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Sahara Desert. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Moroccan culture, from bustling souks to serene desert dunes, creating memories that span the vibrant urban life and the tranquility of the vast Sahara.
Tour Plan
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Day 01: Arrival to Casablanca and drive to Rabat
Our driver will be waiting for you at Casablanca International airport to start your trip. In Casablanca we’ll visit Hassan II Mosque, the biggest mosque in the country and the only one the non-Muslims can enter. Experience the Cornish coast before departing for Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Overnight will be in a Riad/Hotel. (bed and breakfast)
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Day 02: Rabat – Assillah- Chefchaouen
After Breakfast in your Hotel, You will visit the Mausoleum, the Hassan tower and the Oudaya Kasbah, lunch may be there before heading to Chefchaouen via the city of Ouazzan. Few stop on the way and get to Chefchaouen late afternoon. Night in a Riad. (Bed and Breakfast)
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Day 03:Explore Chefchaouen
After the breakfast in your hotel you will start exploring Medina. Chefchaouen is a beautiful unique city with its white washed walls and its blue doors, and windows. Unlike many parts of Morocco, Chefchaouen was occupied by Spain; therefore there is much influence of Spanish civilization and architecture. You have the opportunity to meet locals and walk in this beautiful Medina. Overnight in the same Riad. Bed and breakfast
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Day 04: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
After breakfast in the hotel, you will leave the city of Chefchaouen and travel south via Ouazzan towards Volubilis. The well preserved Roman ruins dating to 225 BC, where some mosaics as still in very good shape. After that You travel to Meknes ,the Ismaili capital of Morocco. In Meknes we see the fascinating gate Bab Mansour built by the sultan My Ismail, the granary and the Sahrij Souani used for irrigation and plantation. Then you continue to Fes. Night in a Riad. Bed and Breakfast
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Day 05 : Explore Fes
After breakfast in your riad , you will start exploring the oldest city in Morocco. Walking in its alleys and small streets. Our visit starts by visiting the Royal Palace gate, the Jewish headquarter, the first Mellah ever built in Morocco, built during the 16th century. We will ensure that you visit all sites with cultural and historical interest including the famous Al Qaraouine University, the oldest in the region, the Tanneries, the Attarine museum and Mulay Idriss mausoleum. After lunch, you will visit the tiles cooperative and then experience a wonderful panoramic view over the whole Medina of Fes. Overnight accommodation in the same riad . Bed and Breakfast.
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Day 06 : Fes to Merzouga via Ifrane Midelt and Atlas mountains
After breakfast in your riad, you will leave Fes travelling towards Ifran. A beautiful mountain village, referred to “the Switzerland of Morocco” and then on to Midelt. During this journey you’ll experience glimpses of the Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountains. Stopping at Azrou famous cedar forest – the largest in Morocco – where you may well sight Barbary apes. After sometime within the forest, your journey continues to Midelt along the magnificent hills and mountains of the Atlas. After Midelt town you will be travelling through the fascinating Tiz Ntalghamt pass and the Ziz Gorge, taking in views of the High Atlas plateau. You’ll notice how the scenery changes to reveal hints of the desert as you approach the city of Errachidia. Then you will travel along the luxuriant Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views along the way to Erfoud before arriving to Merzouga. Your first night will be in a hotel/riad. (dinner bed and breakfast)
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Day 07 : Explore Merzouga area and Camel trek
After breakfast in your riad. You will start an explorative journey of the area before you camel trek and spend the night at the desert camp. Today, you’ll visit the Gnawa people, originally slaves brought from Sudan and other sub-Saharan countries , to experience their music and lifestyle. Not far away there’s the lake of Merzouga, with its bird populations (it dries out sometimes). You may also visit the nomad families living between the sand dunes the Algerian border, the abandonned mines… In the afternoon you will ride your camels, guided by an experienced camel man to explore within the golden sand sea of Merzouga. Dinner in the camp where you will spend the night. (dinner bed and breakfast)
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Day 08 : Merzouga to Dades via Todgha gorges and Tinghir
Your camelman will wake you up early in the morning to watch and take pictures of the sunrise. Then You’ll have your breakfast and peacefully camel-trek back to the village of Merzouga. Enroute you couldn’t fail to appreciate the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi sand dunes – changing with the light as the day progresses. Meet your driver and leave for Rissani, Tinghir, and Todra gorges – the highest, narrowest gorges in Morocco. Lunch will be wherever you want it, then drive to the Dades Valley, where you’ll see the majestic sand castles and the amazing rock formations known as “monkey toes”. Overnight in a Hotel. (Dinner and breakfast)
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Day 09: Dades to Marrakech via Ouarzazate Ait benhaddou Kasbah and high Atlas Mountain
After your breakfast in the hotel, You will start your day in our trip driving via the thousand kasbah route, the rose valley, a visit to Taourirt kasbah (the former residence of the Glaoui) in Ourzazate. Then to Ait Benhaddou an ancient Kasbah (fortified village) listed as UNESCO’s heritage site. Many famous movies were filmed there then another 4 hours drive across teh high Atlas mountains via the tizi ntichka pass with stops along. Get to Marrakech late afternoon where you night will be in a riad with bed and breakfast.
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Day 10 : Explore Marrakech
After breakfast, You will enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech, the southern pearl of Morocco. You will visit the Bahia and Badi Palaces, Saadian Tombs and many other hidden treasures. Lunch will be at one of the finest traditional restaurants in Marrakech. After lunch, tour to the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque and the famous market square Djemaa el Fna. Well worth a visit, as one of the famous attractions of Marrakech, which comes alive at night with local story tellers, snake enchanters, entertainers… and mouth-watering barbecues. Night in teh same riad with Bed and Breakfast
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Day 11 : Transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca Airport depend on your flight time
The end of the trip
Info
- DepartureCasablanca - Marrakech
- Departure TimeWhenever your flight arrives
- Return TimeAt approximately 7:00 p.m
- IncludeHotel bed and breakfastConfortable vehicle ACEnglish speaking driverCamel rideNight in the tent
- Not IncludedDinnerLunchesDrinksTipsEntrances tickets
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Imperial Cities and Sahara
Imperial cities and Sahara tour is an 11 exlorations day where ancient medinas, vibrant markets, and historic sites in cities like Marrakech and Ouarzazate blend seamlessly with the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Sahara Desert.
Here are some highlights of the Imperial Cities and Sahara tour:
- Casablanca:
- Marvel at the grandeur of the Hassan II Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
- Explore the lively markets and cafes along the Corniche.
- Rabat:
- Discover the historical landmarks, including the Kasbah of the Udayas and Hassan Tower.
- Stroll through the picturesque Andalusian Gardens.
- Chefchaouen:
- Immerse yourself in the blue-hued beauty of Chefchaouen’s Medina.
- Take in the serene atmosphere and explore local crafts in the charming mountain town.
- Volubilis:
- Step back in time at the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 250 BC.
- Meknes:
- Admire the impressive architecture of Bab Mansour and explore the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
- Wander through the bustling souks and historic districts.
- Fez:
- Traverse the labyrinthine streets of the UNESCO-listed Medina.
- Visit renowned landmarks such as the Al Quaraouiyine University and Bou Inania Madrasa.
- Merzouga:
- Experience a camel trek into the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Spend a night in a traditional Berber desert camp and witness the sunrise or sunset.
- Todra Gorges:
- Hike through the dramatic Todra Gorges, surrounded by towering cliffs.
- Ouarzazate:
- Explore the “Hollywood of Morocco” and tour the Atlas Film Studios.
- Discover ancient kasbahs and forts in the scenic Draa Valley.
- Ait Benhaddou:
- Explore the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Benhaddou, known for its mud-brick architecture.
- Discover the history of this well-preserved fortress.
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fnaa square and the medina.
- Explore historic landmarks like Koutoubia Mosque and Bahia Palace.
- Find tranquility in the Majorelle Garden and indulge in Moroccan cuisine at local eateries.