Across Morocco in 11 Days: Coast to Kasbahs to Campfires

A driver will pick you up from Marrakech Menara Airport and transfer you to your hotel or riad in Marrakech city center.
We provide a transportation service from Marrakech airport to your accommodation in the city. Upon your arrival, our representative will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name and will escort you to the vehicle. The transfer will take approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
You will be taken directly and promptly to the entrance of the hotel or riad, wherein our driver will assist you with your luggage and confirm your arrival.
The transportation service includes your pick up from the airport and drop off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech, ensuring a smooth and comfortable start to your stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have a private guided tour of the Marrakech Medina with an official guide from the city. You will see the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the medina and its souks, and explore more of Marrakech's secrets: the Ali Ben Youssef Koranic school, the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace and Majorelle Gardens. In the afternoon, the best option is to explore the medina on your own, approaching the square that in the evening is full of storytellers, jugglers, diviners, snake charmers and music. Overnight in standard accommodation.

Pick up from your accommodation in Marrakech at 8am, and depart to the High Atlas Mountains, a subrange of the Moroccan Atlas Mountains, passing through Tizi N’Tichka pass with stops for panoramic views and photos of the camouflaged Berber villages. We continue south to the fortified village (ksar) of Aït Ben Haddou where we'll visit the famous Kasbah (declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986). Famous films like Gladiator, Obelix, The Mummy of the Nile, The Jewel and Sahara with Penélope Cruz have been filmed in this spectacular location. Free time for lunch in town. We continue to Ouarzazate, also known as "The gate of the desert", which in Berber means "without noise or confusion". Here we'll see the Taourirt kasbah, one of Morocco's most spectacular ksars. Next is the Rose Valley, passing through the large Skoura palm grove with over 700,000 palms and many kasbahs. Damask roses are raised here for products like rosewater. The annual Rose Festival held here each May is an important cultural event for Morocco. Finally, we reach the Dades valley where we will spend the night.

We will depart from your hotel in Dades Gorges after a typical Moroccan breakfast. We will take the 'Road of 1000 Kasbahs', driving through the colorful Berber villages of the Dades Valley. Around 45 kilometers further, we will arrive in Tineghir. It is famous for its beautiful palm groves and Jewish quarter.
Upon arriving at the Todra Gorges (Todgha), you will have free time to go trekking along the canyons which are about 300 meters high. It is a favourite place for mountain climbers.
Afterwards, we will go to the Erg Chebbi dunes in the Merzouga Sahara Desert. You will have free time for lunch along the way before arriving in Erfoud.
Once you arrive at the Erg Chebbi dunes, you will take a 1.5 hour camel ride at sunset to reach the oasis where the camp is located. You will spend the night in a bivouac in the Merzouga Sahara dunes either under the nomadic tents or outside under the stars. You can play drums with the camel drivers. Dinner and overnight stay will be in the Camp in Merzouga Sahara.

Very early in the morning we have a "Date with the sunrise". In the middle of the desert, waking up early is a "must do" to witness the most spectacular Sahara Desert sunrise you've ever seen from the top of a dune near the camp.
After having breakfast, we return to Merzouga on the camels and we start our trip northwards, through the Tafilalet palm grove, the largest in the world. You'll see thousands of palm trees along the 20 km stretch of road.
This leads us to the Ziz valley, fed by the river coming down from the High Atlas Mountains. We make a stop here and from this high viewpoint, enjoy a magnificent view of the valley and the town of Aoufous.
We make another stop in Midelt, right in the heart of the Atlas Mountains where you'll have free time for lunch and rest for a while. In the afternoon we continue through the Cedar Forest where, if lucky, we'll see some monkeys.
The next place we visit is the city of Ifrane, situated at 1630 meters above sea level in the northwestern slope of the Middle Atlas. Its broad avenues, clean development, gardens and architecture make this city look like a Swiss town. That's why it's called the Moroccan Switzerland, and it has an important ski resort too.
About 6 pm we arrive at Fes. Overnight stay will be in Riad.

Key highlights:
• Witnessing the stunning Sahara Desert sunrise
• Crossing the Tafilalet palm grove
• Passing through the Ziz Valley and Aoufous town
• Lunch stop in Midelt
• Driving through the Cedar Forest
• Arrival in Ifrane, the "Moroccan Switzerland"
• Arrival in the Imperial City of Fes in the early evening

After breakfast you will meet with a local tour guide to explore Fes, one of the oldest and holiest of the Imperial cities. Your cultural and historical walking tour will take you through the 2000-year-old living medina. A maze of narrow streets filled with markets and souks, craftsmen, donkeys and mules carrying loads.
You will visit Attarine and Bou Anania Medersas (Islamic universities), the Nejjarine fountain, the Moulay Idriss Mausoleum, the Karaouine Mosque, Fes Jdid and the revered Merenid Tombs for a spectacular panoramic view of Fes. Overnight stay will be in Riad.

Highlights will include:
• A walking tour of the ancient medina of Fes
• Visiting Islamic institutions like the medersas and mosques
• Seeing historic sites like the Moulay Idriss Mausoleum
• Spectacular views from the Merenid Tombs
• Overnight stay in a Riad in the heart of Fes
Overall, this day will give you a taste of Fes' rich history, culture and Islamic heritage through an in-depth guided walking tour of its medina.

After breakfast at your riad in Fes, we will travel to the amazing Blue City of Chefchaouen. The drive from Fes to Chefchaouen will take around 3 hours.
Upon arriving in Chefchaouen, you will be treated to stunning views of the blue-washed medina from above before being taken to your accommodation to check-in.
The rest of the day will be free for you to explore Chefchaouen at your leisure. Chefchaouen is known for its small, charming blue-washed medina and is a popular place to unwind.
Overnight stay will be at your selected hotel in Chefchaouen.

Highlights of the day will include:
• The scenic 3 hour drive from Fes to Chefchaouen
• Arrival in Chefchaouen and check-in at your hotel
• Spectacular first views of the blue medina from above
• Free time to wander the blue-washed alleys and admire the architecture
• Overnight stay in Chefchaouen, the 'Blue Pearl of Morocco'
This day will take you from the bustling city of Fes to the laid-back mountain retreat of Chefchaouen for a change of pace and a burst of color, as you explore the blue medina at your leisure.

After breakfast in Chefchaouen we will drive to the capital city of Rabat. The drive will take a couple of hours.
Upon arriving in Rabat you will visit the Hassan II Tower. This imposing minaret overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
Then we will continue driving to Casablanca where you can visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world.
Overnight stay will be at a hotel in Casablanca.

Highlights of the day will include:
• The drive from Chefchaouen to Rabat
• Visiting the Hassan II Tower in Rabat, an impressive modern minaret
• Continuing the drive from Rabat to cosmopolitan Casablanca
• Visiting the stunning Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of the world's largest mosques
• Overnight stay in Casablanca, Morocco's largest city
This day will take you from the scenic mountain retreat of Chefchaouen to Morocco's political capital Rabat, and then on to Casablanca, experiencing impressive monuments along the way.

After breakfast at your hotel, we will continue our journey up the Atlantic coast. We will pass through El Jadida, a small port city formerly controlled by the Portuguese and now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Next, we will reach the seaside town of Essaouira, this UNESCO World Heritage listed city. The windswept fishing port with its broad beaches and ancient walled medina built into the cliffs has long been a popular destination. With its relaxed atmosphere, you can explore the small but lively medina, stroll along the ramparts or beach, or visit the port to see the daily fish catch. Overnight stay will be in Riad in Essaouira.

Highlights of the day will include:
• Driving up the Atlantic coast
• Passing through Portuguese-influenced El Jadida
• Arrival in resort town of Essaouira
• Free time to explore the UNESCO medina, stroll the beaches or visit the port
• Overnight stay in a Riad in coastal Essaouira
This day will take you along the coast from Casablanca, passing through El Jadida en route to the laid-back beachside town of Essaouira with its historic Medina and coastal scenery.

You will have a free day to relax and unwind in the coastal city of Essaouira. Use this day to explore the city at your own pace and according to your interests.

• Spend time walking through the medina. Wander the labyrinth of atmospheric narrow alleyways, shop for spices, artisanal goods and souvenirs in the local souks and stalls.
• Stroll along the city ramparts overlooking the ocean. Take in views of the port, beach and medina from high up on these fortifications built into the cliffs.
• Relax on one of the broad beaches. Essaouira has wide, white sandy beaches fronting the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Lay back, swim or enjoy water sports.
• Visit the working fishing port. Watch as the daily fish catch is unloaded and sold at the port. Interact with the local fishermen.
• See further sights independently. Explore more of Essaouira's cultural attractions at your own pace such as the wood craft center, thuya tree alleys and cultural museum.
• Chill out in a café. Enjoy people watching from one of the many cafés and restaurants lining the main squares and alleyways.
This free day in Essaouira offers you the chance to experience the laid-back coastal atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site at leisure, according to your own interests. Explore the medina, port, beaches and other attractions independently and recharge your batteries.

Our driver will collect you from your hotel or riad in Essaouira as per your selected departure time and transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport. This will mark the end of our services.