Classic Morocco Tours 2018
Discover all that exotic Morocco has to offer on this private small group and. Traveling from the historic cities in the north to the mysterious desert we’ll experience its mix of Arabic and European cultures as we explore the ancient cities of Rabat, Fes, Meknes, Casablanca and Marrakech and spend a night under the desert sky in a Berber tent. Accommodations 4 & 5-star Riads or boutique hotels, including Berber tent
DAY 1 CASABLANCA: Upon arrival in Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco, we’ll be met and transferred to our Casablanca hotel, for check in with time to relax. Later we will driver to Hassan II, one of the largest mosques in the world. Loaded with religious and historical significance, it will awe you with its sheer size and incredible architecture. Smell the salty ocean air as you marvel at the exquisite minaret! Dinner is served at a local restaurant this evening.
DAY 2: Depart by van towards Fes. On route, we stop at Rabat, the capital city and residence of the King, for lunch and time to enjoy the beautiful coastal city. In the afternoon we explore the 2000-year old ruins of Volubilis getting a picture of life during the Roman Empire. Take a driving tour of Meknes including a visit to the horse stable from the previous dynasty before traveling on to Fes, the spiritual capital of Morocco. Dinner will be served at the riad.
DAY 3 FES: The entire day is devoted to exploring the walled in city, or medina, of Fes! We’ll see donkeys carrying Coca-Cola into the old city, shops with piles of vibrant spices, and storehouses heaped high with hand-woven carpets in every color and design possible. Hear the call to prayer, reminding the city to carry out their religious duties. This is the chance to see the real Fes with our guide offering commentary along the way. We also visit the tanneries, the King’s Palace, and the potters. After winding our way deep into the medina, we enjoy lunch at one of the best restaurants in Fes (not included). Dinner will be served in a local restaurant this evening.
DAY 4 Exploring FES: After breakfast we have a free day. Today will be available for all transportation needs as we explore Fes and the surrounding area as you choose. The day includes a cooking class, and perhaps time to enjoy spa/hammam service in the afternoon.
DAY 5 ERFOUD: After breakfast, we begin our ascent across the Middle Atlas Mountains, winding our way through the beautiful forests, jagged rock faces, and Berber villages as we cross the mountains and descend towards the Sahara Desert. Half way, we stop for lunch in the town of Midelt, famous for its fossils and rocks. On arrival at the Kasbah Tizimi in Erfoud, a hot shower or dip in the swimming pool (depending on the weather) will be a treat after the drive. Dinner will be served in the Kasbah or hettel
DAY 6 SAHARA DESERT: We spend most of the day relaxing at the hotel or exploring the small, but interesting desert town. In the afternoon, we head off in 4-wheel drive vehicles across the barren land to the majestic Sahara sand dunes. You may choose to set off by camel for 30 minute trek or to travel by 4x4s out to the oasis where we spend the night in Berber tents. Our Authentic Superior tent is located on the edge of dunes with its own bathroom and shower with running water. Enjoy dinner served Berber-style with musical entertainment.
DAY 7 TODRA GORGES/DADES GORGES: After breakfast, we return by 4x4s back to Erfoud where we set out behind the High Atlas Mountains on route to the Todra Gorges. In the afternoon, we’ll take a walk in the towering Todra Gorges (600 feet high). The picturesque river valleys make for a beautiful journey towards the southeast of Morocco. We spend the night in Boulemane near Dades Gorges before crossing the High Atlas Mountains. Dinner will be served at the Kasbah
DAY 8 MARRAKECH: After breakfast, set off to Marrakech via Ouarzazate. Tucked away in the High Atlas Mountains, it is one of the jewels of Morocco. In typical Moroccan fashion, the true treasures must be searched out and discovered…usually off the beaten path. In actuality, this setting has been used for more films than any other location in Morocco, including, Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and The Gladiator. After lunch, we head over the mountains to Marrakech to check into our hotel before heading off to the Jemaa el-Fna, the center square of the medina and one of the main attractions of Marrakech. Coming alive at night with the local storytellers, entertainers, and mouth-watering barbeque pits, the square is well worth a visit. A quiet cup of tea on the terrace of an adjacent café provides a spectacular aerial view of the bustling square.
DAY 9 Explore MARRAKECH: After breakfast, we take a guided tour of Marrakech, the southern pearl of Morocco and a must on every traveler’s bucket list. We will discover the Palace of the Bahia (see right), the Saadian Tombs, and many other hidden treasures. After lunch, we continue with the tour on to the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque and return to Jemaa el-Fna. The tour concludes with an exploration of the souk (market) of Marrakech.
DAY 10 MARRAKESCH AND THE AREA : Starting travelling to Ourika Valley via the villages of Asni and Tahnaout, this tour will take you through the three valleys including Tahnaout Valley, the Mulay Brahim Gorge and the Berber village of Asni, you will also have the opportunity to visit a Berber family and experience our culture, after a 30 minutes drive via the fertile Haouz Planes, you will reach Tnin Ouika center, where you will stop for lunch in open air Berber local restaurant, next you have the option to take 2 hours hiking, you will walk through the Berber village of Setti Fatma, and within the fields where you may well see monkeys in the wild, and experience great views of the waterfall. Afterwards, you will head back to Marrakech.
DAY 11 Casablanca: After breakfast we transfer to the airport for your flight home.