Day 1 – Tangier to Chefchaouen

We meet in Tangier for a three-hour drive to Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains with its panoramic views of the valley and villages.  Chefchauoen is famous for its bright, blue-washed, photogenic buildings.  Strolling through the narrow, cobbled streets and azure walls of the medina, you will see men wearing wool djellabas and women with colorful straw hats.  Lunch will be in a local restaurant.  Then we will have time to shop for local handicrafts – including wool garments and woven blankets – in the medina’s main square.  Lodging will be in a riad.*

*A riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an inside garden or courtyard. 

Day 2 – Chefchaouen – Meknes – Volubilis – Fez (3 hours, total driving)

After breakfast we travel to Meknes, the third Imperial city of Morocco, known for its elaborately decorated gateways, such as the Bab El Khamis and Bab El Mansour.  Following a visit to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, we go to the village of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, a place of pilgrimage for Moroccans, stopping here for lunch.  Next we explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The city dates from the third century BC and is quite well-preserved, including numerous mosaics.  We continue toward Fez, staying overnight in a riad.

Day 3 – Fez City Tour

Following breakfast, a local guide leads us to the Medina, the old city with its ramparts and alleys, and the famous medieval tanneries.  We will also explore the Karaouine Mosque, founded in 859 by Fatima Al-Fihri and considered the most impressive and historic religious attraction in the city.  After a break for lunch, we discover the architecture of the Merenid Tomb, the Madrasa Bou Inania, the Al-Attarin Madrasa and the Neijarin Fountain.  We will also visit a donkey fondouk and a souk known for handcrafts, copperware,  pottery, and edible goods.  We then head for our riad.

Day 4 – Fez – Azrou – Midelt – Erfoud – Merzouga (5 hours, total driving)

After breakfast we leave Fez, passing through Ifran, known as the Switzerland of Morocco for its architecture and climate. Next are the Azrou cedar forests with its friendly monkeys.  We stop for lunch at Midelt, continuing through the Middle Atlas Mountains, past the nomads that live there.   The views are both scenic and varied:  thick forests, volcanic rock, soaring cliffs, and valleys of palm trees. In Erfoud we visit a fossil factory.  Four million years ago the Sahara was a shallow sea.  Prehistoric sea creatures such as trilobites, orthceras and ammonites flourished, and as they died, accumulated on the sea floor.  We will see how this factory reclaims these fossils to turn them into artistic creations. Then it’s on to Merzouga and the Dunes Camp at the foot of the Sahara Desert dunes.  Each very large tent is well-appointed, including its own bathroom and shower, and the entire camp is upscale.  Dinner will be Amazigh** food, followed by Amazigh drumming and singing under a starry night sky. Peace and tranquility abound.

**Amazigh, the name most former Berbers now prefer

Day 5 – Sand Dunes –Volcanic Rock – Camel Trekking – Nomads (2 hours, total driving)

Following breakfast our excursion leads us through the sand “sea” dunes near the Algerian border where we have an opportunity to take photos and see black volcanic rocks.  We will also meet a nomad family to learn about their lifestyle.  We pass close to Amazigh villages before reaching the tiny desert village of Khamlia, where we will be treated to a performance of Gnawa music, a spiritual and hypnotic form of music that has been played for centuries by the people who live here.  Gnawa music is internationally recognized and is said to have healing properties.  Along our short drive today is a view of the lake at Ait Sareji, which attracts flamingos and many other birds, especially in the springtime.  We return to our camp for the next adventure: camel trekking.  These ships of the desert take us into the heart of the Sahara, witnessing a sunset over the dunes.  Back at the camp we will have another Amazigh meal and view countless stars.

Day 6 – Rissani – Todgha Gorges – Boumalne Dades (3-4 hours, total driving)

Wake up early to watch the sun rise over the dunes.  Afterwards we have breakfast before continuing by car to Rissani, the former capital of the Alawite sultans.  Rissani was once an important market for caravans traveling the sub-Saharan region, and it is still an impressive market to visit today.  We will walk through the local market and traditional souk, see the ruins of Sijilmassa, the Moulay Ali Cherif Gate, and the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, where the father of the founder of the Alawite Dynasty is buried.  The next stop is in Tinjdad for lunch.  We will parallel the river until reaching the Todgha Gorges, where we stop to walk through this natural structure with its rock walls up to 985 feet – a site that has been featured in many films.  Later, we pass through the Boumalne Du Dades with time to explore its rock formations, often compared to human figures and monkeys’ fingers. Lodging will be in a riad in Boumalne Dades.

Day 7 – Dades Valley – El Kelaa M’gouna – Ourzazate (3-4 hours, total driving)

After breakfast we begin our journey through the  Dades Valley, experiencing its vistas.  Next is a drive over the road of 1000 Kasbahs, accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles, passing quaint Amazigh villages.  We will meet some Amazigh nomads who still live in the caves there.  We then continue to El Kelaa M’gouna (the Valley of the Roses), where roses are grown and processed into perfumes, oils and lotions.  Then we break for lunch. Heading to Ourzazate we cross the palm grove oasis in Skoura, where there are many exotic kasbahs.  When we reach Ourzazate, we stay overnight in a riad, dinner included.

Day 8 – Ourzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Tizi N’Tichka Pass – Marrakech (3-4 hours, total driving)

After breakfast we depart for Marrakech.  Our first stop is the exotic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Next, we visit Atlas Studios, the largest movie studio in the world and host to such famous productions as Lawrence of Arabia, The Jewel of the Nile, The Mummy, Gladiator, The Man Who Would Be King, Vikings, Game of Thrones, Aladdin, and several James Bond and Jason Bourne films.  After lunch we drive through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which offers superb views of the High Atlas Mountains and small Amazigh villages.  Upon arriving in Marrakesh, we spend the night at a riad.

Day 9 – Marrakech

Following breakfast we will tour Marrakech, the famous Red City.  A local guide will take us to the 19^th century Bahia Palace, the 16^th century Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque and Majorelle Gardens.  After lunch in the Medina we will visit the famous souks, where merchants sell everything from leather and carpets to spices and jewelry.  Jemaa el-Fnaa is perhaps the most famous town square on earth.  From ancient times until today, tradesmen, snake charmers, acrobats, magicians, mystics, musicians and monkey trainers have populated this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 10 – Marrakech – Essaouira (3 hours, total driving)

We leave the imperial city of Marrakech after breakfast, heading to the coastal city of Essaouira, famous for its fortress, the Gnaoua Music Festival and international windsurfing competitions.  Essaouira is renowned for both kitesurfing and windsurfing, since the powerful trade winds blow almost constantly onto the protected, waveless bay.  Essaouira is also a center of argan oil production.  It has become a tourist attraction because of the tree-climbing goats, unique to the region.  Argon trees are the only type of tree the goats climb.  With its animated port, colorful marketplace, history, and artists seeking inspiration, Essaouira is full of life, light and magic. We will spend the night in a riad in Essaouira.

Day 11 – Essaouira – Chichaoua – Marrakech (2 ½ hours, total driving)

Our destination after breakfast is to one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Morocco, Sidi Kaouki, to enjoy a half day of swimming and relaxing.  We will have a seaside lunch there, later driving back to Marrakech.

Day 12 – Marrakech

After breakfast we will take you to the airport for your flight.

OR

Two-Day Post-Trip Extension

Days 12 & 13 – After breakfast both days, experience two days of hiking in the Atlas Mountains near Marrakech.  

Day 14 – Marrakech

After breakfast we will take you to the airport for your flight.

Included:

• Transport in Air Conditioned 4WD Or Minivan 
• Professional Guide speaking English, French, and spanish
• Professional driver 
• Hotels or Riads  
• Breakfast

Excluded:

• Drinks
• Flights 
• Personal expenses 
• Tips 

NOTE: If the itineraries that we offer does not match what you’re looking for contact us and we will prepare the trip and tour to your needs and requirements.