Moroccan Immersion
Experience the rugged beauty of Morocco with this 8 day tour
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Salam Casablanca!
DAY 2: Casablanca to Fes
DAY 3: Explore Fes
DAY 4: Fes to Merzouga
DAY 5: Merzouga to Boumalne Dades
DAY 6: Boumalne Dades to “Moroccan Hollywood” Ait Ben Haddou
DAY 7: On to Marrakech
DAY 8: A Day in Marrakech
DAY 9: Farewell
DAY 1
Salam Casablanca!
Welcome to Morocco! Your transfer driver will meet you at the airport and ferry you through the bustling streets of Morocco’s largest city where you will catch glimpses of the local architecture that fuses tradition and modernity. If you arrive at an early enough time, you can visit the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa with a minaret that towers over the city. Once you’re checked into your hotel and refreshed from your journey, it’s time to meet your guide. If you wish, we can also go for dinner depending on your arrival time.
DAY 2
Casablanca to Fes
This morning take a short drive one hour north from Casablanca to Rabat. Your city guide will take you to the highlights of this fascinating city including the 12th century Hassan tower, the fortified medieval necropolis known as the Challah, and Kasbah Oudayas also known as the Kasbah by the sea. After a stop in Meknes to explore the Imperial Cities Royal Palace including the famous stable and granary of Moulay Ismail, it’s on to Fes. Check into your Fes hotel and if you fancy relaxing, try the beautiful hotel hammam spa. In the evening, enjoy a group dinner with a local family serving traditional specialities.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3
Explore Fes
Most important to learn before entering the medina is Balak! Balak! – your guide will fill you in. The Fes medina was built in the 900’s and was an epicentre of both Islamic and Jewish education and culture. Wandering the noisy and tight, winding alleys will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time and can be an overwhelming barrage on the senses. Fes is the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco and it’s artistic heritage can be seen everywhere, but particularly in the architecture and decorations on its mosques and medersas. Explore the souks, see the tanneries, visit Merdersa Attarine one of the oldest schools in Morocco, and learn how local artisans make some of Morocco’s most recognisable craft items – like tagine cooking pots.
Included Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
Fes to Merzouga
Our journey into the Sahara begins early today. Driving across the wildly varied landscapes of the Middle Atlas mountain range you will see pine groves, giant cedar forests, and rugged mountain passes before enjoying a brief stop in the ski resort town of Ifrane. We will continue driving through thick cedar forests where perhaps, you will spot the Barbary macaque, a local resident monkey species. We may stop for lunch in Midelt.
Continue driving into the Sahara as the scenic Atlas Mountains flatten out into sand dunes over the five-hour drive. We will take a four-wheel drive from Merzouga out to our Luxury Sahara camp. After taking some time to relax, you can take a camel ride out into the dunes for uninterrupted views of the sunset – an experience you won’t soon forget. When you get back to camp, enjoy dinner and then settle next to the fire and be serenaded into the evening with Bedouin music.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5
Merzouga to Boumalne Dades
We recommend starting this morning early with a walk up the nearest dune for a spectacular Sahara sunrise. After leaving the desert behind, we will drive to our next stop – the 11th-century irrigation system created by the Almoravid dynasty, a technological feat in its day. After, drive to the Ksar of El Khorbat and take a walk inside the ancient fortified ksar (a Berber walled city typically used to keep desert raiders out). We’ll then visit a Berber museum to learn about the history, architecture, and daily life of Berbers in this region.
After Lunch we will then drive to Toudra Gorge for a short walk, where you can take the opportunity to take pictures of the stunning landscape and rock formations and the mud-brick villages perched on the hillsides. Tonight’s hotel is in the Dades Valley, scattered with oases and palm groves against the backdrop of rocks wind-sculpted into stunning formations.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
Boumalne Dades to Moroccan Hollywood & Ait Ben Haddou
Drive through the Gorge of Dades, stop at the famous monkey finger rocks and get some fantastic photographs of these unique rock formations. We will continue our journey stopping in the Rose Valley for natural rose water before continuing along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Visit the Khasbah of Amridil, then pass through Ouarzazate, also known as Moroccan Hollywood. At Ait Ben Haddou climb the winding streets to the top for spectacular views to the High Atlas. TV and movie buffs may recognize the citadel from Game of Thrones and Gladiator. Tonight we relax in a nearby Kasbah where you can unwind by the pool or check into the hotel Hammam.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7
On to Marrakech
Today we will drive for several hours through picturesque Moroccan countryside, winding through the Atlas Mountains and heading to the bustling city Marrakech. The High Atlas Mountain passes are magnificent, and there will several photo opportunity stops along the way. After checking in to your Marrakech hotel, you might like to head to the great square of Jemaa el Fna, one of the largest public spaces in the world to experience the nightlife, which is vastly different to what you will experience during the day.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
A Day in Marakkech
After breakfast, a local guide will take you on a morning tour of the old medina and Djemaa el-Fna square, through the bustling souks. Explore the tranquil courtyards and discover the chambers and salons that make up the Bahia Palace and enjoy the beautiful Le Jardin Secret. There is an option to visit the Majorelle Garden in the afternoon, with its Yves St Laurent and Berber museums. The evening is yours – perhaps spend your last night enjoying a final dinner and relaxing.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9
Departure
After a final Moroccan breakfast, you make your way to your next destination, whether that be the airport or somewhere else for more Moroccan adventuring. If you wish to explore Marrakech and its surrounds further, we can help. Take a look at tour day tours for more options.
Included Meals: Breakfast
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Your MPA guide
- High-quality Riad and Hotel accommodation
- Private transport
- Meals as detailed on the itinerary
- Airport transfers
- Guided tours in Fez and Marrakesh
- Guided hike in the Atlas Mountains
- Luxury Glamping in the Sahara Desert
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- Flights
- Tips for the driver and guide
- Meals not detailed on the itinerary
- Alcohol
- If you would like a single room, there is a supplement charge.
- Additional private excursions or classes
- Insurance
Important information
- Book your flights into Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) and out of Marrakech Menara International Airport (RAK).
- The itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances out of Morocco Premium Adventures control.
GALLERIE
