10-Day Sahara Desert & Imperial Cities Adventure

ARRIVAL AT MARRAKECH AIRPORT (RAK)

Arrival and meet at the airport and transfer to your riad/hotel in Marrakech.

MARRAKECH GUIDED TOUR WITH A LICENSED LOCAL GUIDE

Description of Marrakesh day tour starts with the morning pickup at your hotel by our local guide for the visit to the historical sites: the Saadian Tombs - mausoleums containing remains of significant people of the Saadian Dynasty. Visit Ibn Youssef School, one of the most well-known schools in Morocco, dedicated to Almoravid Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf.

Visit Bahia Palace, which was constructed in the 19th century. See these historic buildings and enjoy a stroll through the narrow alleys of the medina. Then move to Jemaa El-Fna Square, which is an open square in the medina, used by local people as the place for selling their goods.

The next site to see is the Majorelle Garden, which is created by the French artist Jacques Majorelle in 1923. Also, you have the opportunity to visit Gueliz, which is the modern part of Marrakesh (optional).

Accommodation overnight in your riad/hotel in Marrakesh.

MARRAKESH ⤍ HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS ⤍ AÏT BENHADDOU KASBAH ⤍ ROSES VALLEY ⤍ DADES VALLEY

Today, we'll be leaving Marrakech and heading towards the south-east of Morocco through the Tizi n'Tichka Mountain Pass, at an altitude of 2,260 m. We'll make a brief stop for some local morning refreshments.

After about two hours of driving along a beautiful rural road through the picturesque Tizi n'Tichka Pass, you will arrive at Aït Benhaddou, the famous historical site in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Aït Benhaddou features a fortified kasbah and is famous for being used as a filming location for many movies. Lunch will be at a nice restaurant in Aït Benhaddou.

The last stop of the day is Kalaat M'Gouna, also known as the Valley of Roses, which provides insights into the local Berber culture and way of life. The town is famous for its rose cultivation and production. Every May, Kalaat M'Gouna hosts the Rose Festival, a vibrant celebration of the local rose harvest.

Overnight stay at your riad/hotel in Dades Valley.

DADES VALLEY ⤍ TODRA GORGES ⤍ ERFOUD ⤍ MERZOUGA DESERT

The beginning of your memorable trip will start with the Atlas Mountains. In the morning, right after breakfast, we drive along a stunning winding road through the Dades Gorge. Enjoy a beautiful morning view of the Dades Valley surrounded by the mountain peaks. On the way back to the main road, we'll stop to see the volcanic rocks known as "Monkey Fingers" among the locals.

Next, we drive to the Todra River, a famous site featuring rock walls up to 160 metres high on each side. Enjoy a walk near the river and take in the wonderful views before we leave towards a small village named Touroug.

The last stop of the day is Merzouga, where you'll have the opportunity to see a fascinating panoramic view of the high sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Once we arrive, you will meet your camel driver, who will take you to the desert camp to spend the night in this traditional Berber camp in Erg Chebbi.

Enjoy a wonderful view of the sunset over the sand dunes, followed by a traditional dinner under the stars, accompanied by the beats of local traditional folk songs and dancing around the campfire.

MERZOUGA DESERT ⤍ ZIZ VALLEY ⤍ MIDELT ⤍ CEDAR FOREST ⤍ IFRANE ⤍ FEZ

In the morning, you will enjoy a memorable experience as you climb the dunes to watch the sunrise. Then, you will return to the camp to enjoy a warm, traditional breakfast. Next, you will depart north towards Fez, one of the famous imperial cities of Morocco.

Later, after a drive along the foothills of the Ziz Valley Mountains, you will enjoy the mesmerizing landscapes of the valley. We’ll stop for a cup of coffee at the peak of the mountain, where you can admire a wonderful panoramic view of the Ziz Valley.

Next, we will continue our journey to the town of Midelt, known as the Moroccan capital of apples. It’s time for lunch before heading to Ifrane, also known as the “Switzerland of Morocco.” This small town is unique and charming, offering a wonderful atmosphere to discover. You’ll have plenty of time to walk around and explore this beautiful town.

Overnight stay in your riad/hotel in Fez.

FEZ GUIDED TOUR WITH A LICENSED LOCAL GUIDE

Day tour for the exploration of one of Morocco's most known imperial cities. Starting in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel by our guide and will go to the Royal Palace built in 1276 by Abu Yusuf Yaqub. Afterwards, we will go to the Panorama of Fez, where you will have a splendid panoramic view of the Medina. Further, we will go to the Pottery, Bab Bou Jeloud, and Chouara Tannery.

Further, your guide will show you around the Medina and you will have a walk to see many historical monuments there. The Medina was founded in the 9th century and included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1981. It is notable for being the site of the world's oldest university, Al-Qarawiyyin. Enjoy the magnificent historical architecture and traditional Moroccan houses as well as the history of the Medina.

Overnight stay at your riad/hotel.

FEZ ⤍ VOLUBILIS ⤍ CHEFCHAOUEN

Today, you’ll leave Fez for Chefchaouen. Our first stop of the day will be Meknes, which was once the capital of Morocco during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who left a lasting mark on the city’s architecture and development.

Next, we’ll visit Volubilis, the impressive ruins of the ancient Roman Empire. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its origins dating back to the 3rd century BC. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the ruins of this fascinating historical site.

The next stop will be Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, a town situated in the hills, surrounded by the mountains. We’ll go up to the mountain above the town, where you’ll enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding area. The tour continues through the Rif Mountains until we reach the city of Chefchaouen. Lunch will be at a local restaurant in Chefchaouen.

Overnight at your riad/hotel in Chefchaouen.

CHEFCHAOUEN ⤍ TANGIER

Today, you’ll spend a half-day exploring the most important landmarks of Chefchaouen, including the museum and art gallery, where you’ll learn about the fascinating culture and history of the city.

Enjoy the magnificent waterfalls near the city’s hills. Next, wander through the alleys of the Medina, a fantastic destination for photography, with its wonderful views of the blue-painted buildings. After that, it will be time to travel to Tangier. Once you arrive, you’ll head to the famous Hercules Caves, located on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Next, we’ll head towards Cape Spartel, near the Hercules Caves.

Overnight in your riad/hotel in Tangier.

TANGIER ⤍ ASILAH ⤍ RABAT

In the morning, you’ll head to the town of Asilah via National Route N1. After a 40-minute drive, you’ll arrive in Asilah, a charming town situated on the Atlantic coast. This fortified town is one of the favorite destinations for tourists. Later, you’ll head to Rabat via the highway. Upon arrival, it will be time for lunch before embarking on a tour to discover the Medina.

Next, we’ll visit many historical monuments, including the magnificent Mausoleum of Mohammed V and Hassan II, the Hassan Tower, one of the tallest minarets in the world, the Kasbah of the Udayas, and the Royal Palace.

Overnight in your riad/hotel in Rabat.

RABAT ⤍ CASABLANCA ⤍ AIRPORT (CMN)

After breakfast and check-out, we’ll make our way to Casablanca, following the highway along Morocco’s Atlantic coast.

Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and its main economic and financial center. Once we arrive, we’ll visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, beautifully situated on the Atlantic Ocean. Its spectacular location and architecture make it one of the highlights of Casablanca.

After the visit, we’ll transfer you to Casablanca Airport for your flight. This marks the end of your Morocco journey, with wonderful memories to take home.