SPLENDORS
of MOROCCO
Legendary cities and the sahara
Sample Itinerary:
DAY 1: CASABLANCA AIRPORT PICKUP
Welcome to Morocco! A country known for its mouth watering Mediterranean food, instagrammable riads, desert heat, and of course - sunset views on camels.
Our driver will meet you at the airport according to your arrival time and bring you to Casablanca city. We will begin with a tour of the magnificent Hassan II Mosque; the largest in Morocco and fifth largest in the world. On this tour, we will discover the most ambitious project of late King Hassan II. Completed in 1993, it was partially built into the Atlantic and possesses the world’s tallest minaret (210m) and can hold up to 25,000 worshippers inside the mosque hall. It’s also the tallest structure in Morocco. Part of the mosque floor is glass, allowing worshippers to kneel and pray directly over the sea. Minarets are vantage points from which the resonating calls to prayer are made five times a day. When night falls, lasers shine a hopeful beam from the minaret toward Mecca. This beam ensures that everyone knows the direction of Islam’s holiest city and the direct path to God.
After the mosque tour, we will drive to the hotel to check in and the rest of the day will be at your leisure
Drive time: approx. 45 minutes
DAY 2: CASABLANCA TO CHEFCHAOUEN
In the morning, after breakfast, you will meet with your guide and drive to Chefchaouen. The tour also includes a stop in the city of Rabat for a few city highlights such as the Oudaya Kasbah, Hassan Tower and Kings museums.
From there we will continue the trip to explore Chefchaouen, located in the humming centre of the Rif Mountain’s agricultural region, reachable in less than five scenic hours.
Upon arrival, you will be directed to your hotel and will have the rest of the day to immerse yourself in the otherworldly blue palette.
Drive time: approx. 5 hours
Meals: breakfast
DAY 3: CHEFCHAOUEN TOUR
In the morning we will pick you up from the hotel and drive north of Chefchaouen for a beautiful 2 hour hike in Akchour to explore the stunning waterfalls of the Rif mountains.
After lunch, in Akchour, we head back to Chefchaouen where you will have the entire afternoon to take in the wonders of this unique town on your own. You can walk and explore the white and blue washed walls of the medina; a photographers delight. Its local markets also offer some unique and interesting handicrafts.
Drive time: approx. 2 hours
Meals: breakfast
DAY 4: CHEFCHAOUEN TO VOLUBILIS TO FES
After breakfast we embark on a historical quest and leave Chefchaouen to travel through the Rif Mountains to Volubilus.
On arrival, immerse yourself in Roman history and dive into the ancient ruins; the Roman settlement city famous for its mosaic floors, authentic bathhouses, hustling marketplace, and towering palaces.
After our morning contemplating the mysteries of the past, we have some time to explore and enjoy lunch in the holiest city of Morocco; Moulay Idriss.
Following our break for lunch, we are off to the magnificent imperial city of Fes; one of the four historical capital cities! Once we arrive, you have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, to relax at the Riad.
Drive time: approx. 5 hours
Meals: breakfast
DAY 5: FES TOUR
Our adventures begin with a visit to the highly decorated and exuberant, golden Royal Palace Gate; the Jewish headquarter and the first Mellah ever built in Morocco during the 16th century.
From there we drive to visit the tiles cooperative to see and understand the craft behind Morocco's detailed and renowned architecture and then upwards to experience a wonderful panoramic view over the whole Medina. We ensure your visit encompasses all the sites of cultural and historical interest, including the Tanneries, Mulay Idriss mausoleum and the famous Al Karaouine University which is the oldest in the region.
Meals: breakfast
DAY 6: FES TO THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS TO MIDELT
In the morning we will pick you up from the Riad at the appointed time.
Our journey to Midelt will take us through the scenic slopes of the Middle Atlas Mountain Range.
First we stop in Ifrane; a charming town nicknamed ‘Little Switzerland.’ Although unusual in Morocco, the architecture of the Middle Atlas Mountains, being in the alpine style, gives this place the charm and magnetism of a European ski resort and is certainly a popular destination for skiers.
Next we take in the beauty of the cedar forests in the Middle Atlas and look out for the abundant Barbary Macaques as we drive through. We'll have the opportunity to meet with them in the forest, an experience you will remember for ever. They like to travel in troops of 10 to 30 and are the only macaque species found outside of Asia. Indeed, they the only primate found north of the Sahara!
As we continue through this glorious area to Midelt, between North and South Morocco, we pass many of the mountain villages.
We end the day in Midelt, nestled in between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains and was originally a base for the active mining in the area. However now it has been transformed into a thriving pastoral area surrounded by orchards. We will spend the night here and enjoy the unique backdrop of this town.
Drive time: approx. 4 hours
Meals: breakfast, dinner
DAY 7: MIDELT TO ZIZ VALLEY TO ERG CHEBBI
After breakfast at the hotel, We continue our journey towards the desert via the Ziz valley. Errachidia is the capital of the Ziz Valley and not only one of the largest Oasis in Africa but also one of the largest date producers.
We continue to travel through the town of Erfoud. The area used to be under water many millions of years ago. Thanks to that, a huge variety of fossils can be found here. It is also sometimes known as ‘The Gate to the Sahara’ and it’s one of the last stops before the Sahara.
Our next stop will be Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Here we will spend the night at the luxurious desert camp, before venturing into the desert the next morning. With comfortable beds, delicious home-cooked Berber dinner and an astonishing display of stars, you’ll feel settled and at home in no time.
Drive time: approx. 4 hours
Meals: breakfast, dinner
DAY 8: ERG CHEBBI TOUR
The day is dedicated to discovering the oriental Sahara desert. We will drive through the area in a 4×4 vehicle. The nomad families we are going to visit will welcome us with a cup of tea and maybe even get to taste some bread baked in their make-shift oven and show us their way of life. We will also go to the village of the dark-skinned people, named Khamlia and enjoy their original Gnawa music and folk songs.
From there we will drive to visit Rissani market. From the 8th to the 14th century it was a separate kingdom, known as Sijilmassa. A rich market was established there, thanks to the prosperous caravan routes originating in Mali's capital Tombouctou and leading to different Moroccan cities like Marrakech and Fes. The market surives to this day. It is interesting in that it is not tourist souk, but serves the people living there. 3 times a week (Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday) it grows to double its size, due to the farmers and nomads meeting to sell their animals, vegetables, dates and other produce.
After having your traditional lunch in one of the small restaurants in the village, we will start the camel trek across the beautiful Erg Chebbi dunes. As the sun begins to set at the horizon, we ride our camels through the desert for another magical evening. As we settle into the camp and relax under a million stars, our guides will prepare a fresh and delicious Berber dinner. Weather permitting, a camp fire will be lit and music can be enjoined outside.
Drive time: approx. 3 hour
Meals: breakfast, dinner
DAY 9: MERZOUGA TO TODRA GORGE TO DADES VALLEY
Better get your camera ready this morning! We are watching the full Moroccan sun rise over the dunes, for some of the most spectacular colors as the sun wakes up the desert.
After breakfast, try some sand boarding right there at our camp before our camels take us back to town. We then depart for Dades valley.
As we make our way through the palm tree groves we stop to visit an ancient underground system of irrigation called Kheterra. It was used many years ago to provide the local farmers with fresh water. Whilst the water has dried up long ago, it is still possible to visit the tunnel systems.
We continue our journey to stop for lunch at a restaurant in one of the Berber towns along the way.
Later we will reach the Todra Gorge, a magnificent canyon in the High Atlas Mountains, the highlight of the second day. There will be time for a walk on the canyon floor with the spectacular cliffs surrounding you on either side. We end the day in the Dades valley. It is a wonderful destination overlooking a fertile valley with the panorama of the mountains beyond.
Drive time: approx. 5 hours
Meals: breakfast, dinner
DAY 10: DADES VALLEY TO SKOURA TO OUARZAZATE
After breakfast in the hotel, we will travel through the Dades Valley to get into the High Atlas, where we start our 2 hours hike to explore Dades Gorge in the mountains and explore the incredible rock formations called ‘Monkey’s Fingers.’
Following our exhilarating hike, we continue on the road and enter into the Rose Valley, where the local residents make creams, soaps and the famous rose-water from all natural crops of Moroccan roses. Lunch will be taken in a typical local restaurant in one of the Berber villages along the way.
From there we continue and to pick up the road of a thousand Kasbahs, which cuts through the oasis of Skoura. Before we reach Skoura We will see nomad caves and observe a change of life from how the desert nomads differ between the Berbers of the mountains.
In Skoura we will stop to visit Kasbah Amridil, offering an interesting experience and vision into the history of how the Berber people have lived in this splendid ‘living museum.’ After your dip into the Berber world, we continue the journey to spend the night in Ouarzazate where we have dinner at the riad.
Drive time: approx. 4 hours
Meals: breakfast, dinner
DAY 11: OUARZAZATE TO AIT BEN HADDOU TO MARRAKECH
After breakfast at the riad, we will spend some time in Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Morocco, where you can visit a film studio. The studio is renowned for its sets and production of some big films such as The Mummy, Asterix & Obelix amongst others.
From there we carry on to Ait Benhadou Kasbah, the highlight of the day. The Kasbah is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for being the open-air location of film sets like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia and many more. You can climb up through the village, via a winding stepped pathway to the top of the hill where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views.
From there we continue our journey to Marrakech via theTichka Pass, to explore the stunning High Atlas Mountains. This impressive pass reaches heights of 2260m and lies above the great Marrakech plains.
Drive time: approx. 5 hours
Meals: breakfast
DAY 12: MARRAKECH TOUR
Enjoy a slower pace this morning with a home cooked breakfast before starting your exciting day. Our local guide will come to meet you for your tour of the cultural and historic highlights in the Medina: Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs and Jemaa El Fna; the thriving centre at the heart of Marrakech. Having had lunch, at a restaurant near the square, we’ll take a walk through the bustling souks then drive to visit the tranquil and inspirational Jardin Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent Mansion. The rest of the day will then be at your leisure.
Meals: breakfast
DAY 13TH: MARRAKECH TO ESSAOUIRA
In the morning we will pick you up from the riad and drive to Essaouira through the forest of the Argan trees. These trees are unique to the region and produce nuts which are the key element for one of Morocco’s greatest products; Argan oil. You may see the goats in the trees, eating the Argan nuts. All will be revealed about the importance of the goat to the Argan industry!
In Essaouira you will have your own time to explore its small and relaxed medina and beautiful sweeping beach. Essaouira is the ‘chilled’ coastal town renowned for its history as an artist’s destination and inspiration to the late Jimi Hendrix. This beautiful Atlantic seaside town was once home to a large British and Jewish population. As a thriving artists town, it continues to be a hub for both home-grown Moroccan artists and international contemporary artists alike – all seeking their muse. Essaouira is also a major fishing port with a bustling harbour well-worth a visit.
Drive time: approx. 3 hours
Meals: breakfast
DAY 14: FREE FULL DAY IN ESSAOUIRA
Today, you will have your own time to explore more of the 18th century fortified town and medina with adjacent harbour and beach. Essaouira’s medina was added as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. This international trading seaport links Morocco and the Sahara to Europe and the rest of the world. The crescent shaped beach here is a nirvana for surfers, kite surfers, and windsurfers, owing to the signature ‘Alizee’ trade winds and placing this firmly on the world map as a top surfing destination.
Although the town is quite small, there are plenty of places to visit. The medina is full of little shops selling the local speciality of Thuya wood carvings. The European sailors in the past used to call the place Mogador and the style of boat building in the harbour is Portuguese in style and the masses of blue fishing boats make for great photography. Foodwise, you’ll find everything you didn’t know you were craving, from handmade tagliatelle and pumpkin tagine to veggie burgers and lobster. It's worth taking some time to explore the harbour, where you can select your freshly caught fish and shellfish and watch it being cooked on a BBQ in front of you. There are also food huts with seating areas with divine menus listing the catch of the day.
Meals: breakfast
DAY 15: ESSAOUIRA TO CASABLANCA
After breakfast at the Riad, we leave Essaouira for Casablanca, all the way by coast road and full of beautiful views, wonderful sea and different beaches.
We will stop in Oualidia, a serene fishing village spread along the southern shores of a natural seawater lagoon, flanked by a kasbah built in 1634 by Sultan el Oualidia. Enjoy lunch while watching the constantly changing coastal views.
After lunch in El Oualidia we continue to El Jadida, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a former Portuguese colony with its fortified and moated medina lying adjacent to the harbour. Traces of its Portuguese past remain in its lanes and ramparts, and most notably its underground cisterns, pillared and vaulted like a church crypt and illuminated by eerie shafts of sunlight. With a stylish boulevard sprinkled with cafes, the beach stretches out towards the horizon. El Jadida also shows off what is considered to be Morocco’s most beautiful 18 hole golf course.
From there we will drive to spend the night in Casablanca
Drive time: approx. 6 hours
Meals: breakfast
DAY 16: TRANSFER TO CASABLANCA MOHAMED V AIRPORT
Drive time: approx. 45 minutes
Meals: breakfast
The cost: Please inquire
We provide standard, upgraded and luxury accommodation, enabling a budget for different travellers. Please let us know which type of accommodation you would like.
WHY CHOOSE A PRIVATE TOUR?
To save your planning time; will customize your private Morocco tour!
Enjoy more flexibility
We prioritize your needs; solo / female traveler, hiking, traveling with kids
Travel at your own pace
Relax and travel comfortably and safely
Get to know the real and increadible Morocco.
This expedition is best in March-May and September and October.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Airfare is not included in the price.
Rest assured, this itinerary is designed to be flexible, subject to change at any time without notice to best suit your needs.