Itinerary
Upon arrival at the port or airport of Tangier, a member of our team will greet you, If time permits, we will have a short tour around the city of Tangier and then head to Chefchaouen through the scenic landscape of the Rif Mountains.
You will arrive in Chefchouen after a two-hour drive and check into your accommodations.
Dar Echchaouen or similar
After an early breakfast in your riad we’ll start driving to Fes via Volubilis and Meknes.
The first stop will be Volubilis, to explore a large Roman ruin where your local guide will lead you through the history of the n ruins and the mosaics that date back to the 2nd century B.C.
Then it’s on to Meknes, which was the capital during the 17th century and one of the Imperial cities of Morocco. You’ll see the famous gate of Bab Mansour, the Sahrij, the Souani basin used for irrigation and the Mouly Ismail mausoleum.
After lunch overlooking the medina, we’ll head to Fes and overnight at Riad Ahlam in the heart of the medina.
After breakfast in your riad, our local guide will pick you up to start an explorative journey of the oldest medina in Morocco that dates back to the 9th century.
You’ll explore the narrow winding cobblestone streets of the medina, where donkeys are the main mode of transportation.
Your tour will include historical sites of the medina, including the University of Al Karaouine, the oldest university in the world started in 851 by a woman (Fatima Fhriya), the Moulay Idriss mausoleum, the Nejjarine fountains, the famous (and odiferous) tanneries, as well as the King’s Palace and the Jewish quarter where, if you like, you can visit a synagogue in the mellah.
Lunch will be in the medina. The tour ends around 3-4 p.m. at your riad.
In the morning we’ll drive toward the Sahara desert, stopping first in Ifran, known as Little Switzerland.
Then we’ll continue through the Cedar Forest where, with luck you’ll see Barbary apes. Most of the drive will be through the scenic Atlas Mountains and the Ziz Valley.
After lunch in Midelt, we continue the drive through the scenic Ziz Valley, stopping at scenic views along the way.
We’ll arrive in the village of Merzouga on the edge of the desert by the afternoon and check into your riad, Riad Azawad or similar
After breakfast you can explore Merzouga and see how the villagers irrigate their crops in an oasis.
Then it’s on to the village of Khamila, home to the black people who were brought to Morocco as slaves decades ago.
You’ll be treated to a performance of their unique Gnawa music and have lunch in the village.
Return to your riad for a rest before heading out on camels into the Sahara Desert where you will become more than just a tourist. You’ll spend the night in tents in our comfortable desert camp, equipped with flush toilets and showers. Dinner will be served under the stars, Sit around the fire enjoy traditional sahara music. free time and overnight stay at your private tent.
Desert Camp : Tiziri Camp or similar.
In the morning, your camel guide will awaken you to enjoy the beauty of the sunrise over the sand dunes. This experience is considered one of the trip’s highlights.
After your breakfast in the middle of the Erg Chebbi dunes, you’ll ride your camels back to the village of Merzouga.
Our next stop will be at the city of Erfoud, known as the Paradise of Geology. If you are interested, a tour can be arranged to one of the fossil factories and showrooms before heading out to the Todra Gorges and Todra Valley
Once in the Gorges, you can hike around old kasbahs and then enjoy lunch by the Gorges, considered the highest and narrowest gorges in the country where rock climbers from all over the world come here to test their skills.
You’ll spend the nigt at Dar bleus Dades.
After breakfast, our local guide will take you through some of the historical sites of “The Red City,” including the Bahia Palace, the Saadienne tombs, Jamaa Lafna Square and Ben Youssef Medrasa. Walking through the souks, you’ll enjoy the sights, sounds and bright colors of the market. The city tour ends around 3 p.m.
Then on to the new part of Marrakech and the beautiful Majorelle Gardens, created by Yves St. Laurent, before heading back to your accommodations.
After sundown, we suggest you walk to Jamaa el Fna, the main square in the old city that comes alive at night with snake charmers, storytellers, merchants and tourists enjoying the sights and sounds of Marrakech
After breakfast at your riad, you’ll leave for Essaouira and Mogador, the City of Wind where surfers from all over the world come to enjoy their favorite sport.
Along the way we’ll drive through the Land of Argan, the only place in the world where argan trees grow. You can visit one of the women’s cooperatives to see how the argan oil is made, by hand, the old fashioned way.
When we arrive in Essaouira you’ll have time to explore this blue and white city on the Atlantic Ocean, where, for centuries, many different cultures lived side-by- side.
Enjoy lunch in one of the local restaurants before we head back to your accommodations in Marrakech
Transfer to Marrakech or Casablanca where your trip ends.
The tour can be adjusted to your preferences.
Best wishes
Cultural Morocco tours
What's Included
Hotel in Chechaouen : Dar Echchaouen or similar
Hotel in Fes : Riad Ahlam or similar
Hotel in Midelt : Riad Villa Midelt or similar
Luxury Camp in Merzouga : Tiziri Camp or similar
Hotel in Dades Gorge : Dar blues or similar
Hotel in Ouarzazate : Yu Palace or similar
Hotel in Essaouira: Cote Ocean Mogador or similar
Hotel in Marrakesh: Riad Palais Des Princesses or similar
Professional English speaking driver.
Local guide in Fes and Marrakech
Dinners in Desert camp , Dades Gorge and Ouarzazate
Breakfasts at the accommodations
This tour offers Jain, Vegetarian, Vegan and Halal food options on request. Simply let Cultural Morocco Tours know the food option that you prefer.