Authentic Morocco Tour

Start in Casablanca and continue to Morocco's famous imperial cities. Their bustling souks and historical sights provide authentic impressions of Morocco's culture and life. Cross the Atlas Mountains, impressive canyons and green oases, and enjoy an unforgettable adventure into the golden dunes of the Sahara with camel trekking, traditional cuisine and entertainment under millions of stars.

Itinerary: Casablanca – Meknes – Fes – Erg Chebbi desert – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights

Pick Up:   in Casablanca

Drop Off:  in Marrakech (optional transfer back to Casablanca)

Day 1: Casablanca

Your trip starts in Casablanca at the Atlantic Coast. Pick up from the airport and transfer to your accommodation for check in. Visit the impressive Mosque of Hassan II, built in 1993. It is the largest mosque in Africa and located on the shores of the city. It is one of the few mosques in Morocco that foreigners are allowed to enter. Spend your evening on your own exploring the medina of Casablanca and overnight with breakfast.

Day 2: Casablanca – Meknes

After breakfast continue to Meknes, one of Morocco's famous imperial cities and known as “the City of A Hundred Minarets”. Meknes has its own authentic flair. It consists of more than 50 palaces, around 40 km of high walls and 20 monumental gates such as the “Great Gate” of Bab el-Mansour. Visit the remnants of the granaries, which were built to store grain and hay for the sultans 12,000 horses. Spend the rest of the day on your own exploring the city and overnight with breakfast.

Day 3: Meknes – Volubilis – Fes

Depart from Meknes towards Fes, another imperial city in Morocco. Stop en route to visit the ruins of the Roman city Volubilis, preserved by the UNESCO since 1997. Move on to your riad in Fes. After a lunch break, enjoy a private city walking tour through the old medina of Fes. It is one of the world’s largest walled in city. You will explore the narrow streets lined with fresh fruits, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and various leather products. The King’s Palace, the tannery and potters are just few sights to experience. Return to your riad, enjoy the evening and overnight with breakfast.

Day 4: Fes

Start another day in Fes to further explore the city on your own pace. You can return to the old medina or explore Fes-el-Jedid, the 'New City', which dates to the 13th century. Or as alternative, visit  the nearby spa town of Moulay Yacoub, a pleasant trip through the picturesque countryside.

Day 5: Fes – Azrou – Midelt – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi desert

After breakfast cross the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop en route on interesting places such as the cedar forests by Azrou and in Midelt, a small town famous for its fossils and rocks. Arrive in the late afternoon in Merzouga at the golden dunes of the Erg Chebbi desert. Your camel guide awaits you to carry you to your desert camp. Enjoy the sunset on one of the high sand dunes. Overnight in Nomad tents with dinner, traditional Berber music around a campfire and a night full of stars.

Day 6: Erg Chebbi desert – Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Ouarzazate

Wake up early to catch the colorful sunrise over the golden dunes of the Erg Chebbi desert, an experience you will never forget. Start your camel trek back to Merzouga, where you enjoy your breakfast and a shower. Move on to visit the impressive Todra Gorge, the highest cliffs of the High Atlas Mountains. Continue towards Ouarzazate along “the Road of One Thousand Kasbahs” passing the Rose Valley and the Skoura Oasis. Drop off at your accommodation and overnight with breakfast.

Day 7: Ouarzazate - Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech

After breakfast, start your day by visiting Ouarzazate's famous kasbahs and buildings, and with a short stop at the cinema studio. Move on to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ait Benhaddou, a famous location of movies like “Gladiator” and “The Games of Thrones”. Take your time to visit the kasbah that is built on a hilltop. It is perhaps the most impressive and well-preserved fortress city in Morocco. Enjoy a lunch break in the old town of Ait Benhaddou before you depart to Marrakech in the afternoon. Cross the Tizi n-Tichka pass (2260m) of the High Atlas Mountains, the highest road pass in Morocco. Drop off at your riad in Marrakech to spend the evening on your own. Overnight with breakfast.

Day 8: Marrakech

Marrakech is well-known for its bustling markets and palm-lined streets. It is almost surrounded by the Atlas Mountains rising in the distance. Explore the souks and alleyways of the old medina by your own. Alternatively, you can go for a guided half-day city walk and visit the 16th century ruins of the El Badi Palace. Spend the afternoon in the botanical Garden Majorelle, a beautiful subtropical oasis. In the evening, return to the famous main square Jemaa el Fna and experience the bustling atmosphere. Overnight in your riad with breakfast.

Day 9: Marrakech

Your trip ends today. Check-out time is usually around noon but you are free to leave at any time. Pick up at your riad and transfer to the airport.

Additional days can be added if you wish to spend more time in Marrakech or at another place from your itinerary.

Included:        

• Airport pick up & drop off services
• Private transport in a comfortable Toyota land cruiser or Mercedes Van
• Private English speaking guide and experienced driver
• Accommodation with breakfast
• A half-day guided city tour through the old medina of Fes
• Overnight stay in the campsite of Erg Chebbi desert with dinner
• Camel trekking (to the campsite and back), sand boarding (optional)