Travel Experience of Casablanca

A guided exploration of the Red City of Marrakech awaits you today. The lovely Menara Gardens, majestic Koutoubia Mosque, royal Saâdien tombs, and historic Bahia Palace are among the notable destinations. Wander the amazing medina and stroll the Jemaa El-Fna square full of lively entertainment and lovely souks.

Heading south today, we cross the high Atlas Mountains through the Tizin Tichka Pass at 2,260m altitude. Your first stop is Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa. Its rugged landscape has been featured in many films such as Gladiator and Prison Break. Next on the list is Ait Benhaddou ksar, a historic fortified villlage and a World Heritage Site. There is free time to explore this beautiful architecture and climb to the top to admire the stunning views of the valley.

On the way to our dinner and overnight destination of Dades Gorges, we pass through the Valley of Roses, famous for this exquisitely-scented flower and the numerous beauty products it creates.

After breakfast, our first destination is Todra Gorge, where you will find the Todra Palm Groves, a “Garden of Eden” filled with palm and fruit trees irrigated by seguias, a network of pipes carrying water from Todra River. We will also pass through Erfoud, Morocco’s fossil capital.

In the afternoon we arrive in Merzouga, where we leave our vehicle for the backs of camels. There is plenty of time to admire the vast expanse of the desert as we spend about two hours to cross the great dunes to reach our campsite.

Spend a starry night in the heart of the desert enjoying dinner and a stunning landscape. Overnight in nomad tents.

Heading back to Merzouga by camel, we have the opportunity to freshen up with a shower and breakfast. Our first stop today is Rissani, the first imperial city of Morocco. Here, we can admire its unique market, the largest in this region and a place where the nomadic desert tribes come to trade and restock. Don’t miss the donkey parking area!

On the road to Erfoud, we will have a panoramic view of the valley of Ziz with its palm trees and gorges. Once past the Tizi n Talbott Pass, we will stop in Midelt for lunch. We will continue on to the great cedar forest where we must stop to see the indigenous Barbary monkeys in the wild. Before arriving in Fes, Morocco’s cultural capital, we pass through Ifrane known as Little Switzerland.

Overnight in a local riad or hotel.

After breakfast, we will begin our full-day sightseeing of Fez, the most ancient city of the Imperials, founded by Idris I (789) and his son Moulay Idris II (810). We will visit the medieval Medina with its Medersas (religious Islamic universities) Attarine and Bou Anania, the Nejjarine fountain, the Moulay Idriss mausoleum, and the Karaouine Mosque. After our (optional) local lunch we will continue to Fez Jdid (new Fez).

Overnight at a local riad or hotel.

After breakfast, we head to the archeological ruins of Volubilis, a Mauritanian capital founded in the 3rd century which later became an important outpost of the Roman Empire. We will also have a chance to explore the thermal baths of Gallien, the forum, and Meknes, another imperial city founded in the 10th century.

After lunch, we will depart for Chefchaouen, famous for its charming blue-rinsed architecture, winding alleys and sensory artisanal shops all delightfully nestled on a mountainside.

Dinner and overnight in a hotel.

Heading back to Casablanca today, passing through Rabat. We will drop you off at your Casablanca hotel to conclude your 8-day Morocco experience.