14 Day Tour - Popular Morocco

Casablanca – Rabat

Welcome to Morocco. After greeting at the airport transfer to the city for quick visit.. Casablanca is now Morocco's largest city and commercial capital, Africa's fourth larges port. Visit the residential area of Ana district, Ain Diab to stroll the famous Boulevard de la Corniche, Atlantic boardwalk lined by restaurants. Continue with a visit of United Nations Place, Mohammed V Square with its central fountain. Of course, visit the gorgeous mosque of Hassan II, which is the largest religious monument in the Muslim world outside of Mecca. Then we transfer to Rabat.

Accommodations: Overnight stay in Rabat

Rabat - Chefchaouen

In the morning we visit Rabat. Rabat a pristine city, with many gardens and monuments worth seeing. On the outskirts of the city visit Kasbah Chellah near Oudaya Gardens, the never completed Hassan Tower started in 1195, the Mausoleum of Mohommed V. Then in the afternoon we make our way across the Riff Mountains to the stunning town of Chefchaouen.

Accommodations:Overnight stay at Chefchaouen with breakfast included

Chefchaouen

With its distinctive pale blue and whitewashed buildings and winding alleyways, Chefchaouen is a charming place with strong Andalusian connections. It was here that many Jews and Moors fled during the Spanish Inquisition. Highlights of our day include a short hike to the ruin of the "Spanish" mosque with its fantastic panoramic view; a visit to the Ras el-Ma, where city's fresh water springs from the mountain; and a stroll through the wonderfully restored kasbah and gardens. Have most of this day to wander on your own through the medina shopping for handicrafts or lounging in one of the many outdoor cafés.

Accomoodations: Overnight stay Chefchaouen with breakfast included

Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes - Fes

After breakfast, make your way to the ruins of the former Roman outpost that is Volubilis. Once home to nearly 20,000 people during Roman occupation, many of its structures and mosaics are still intact for us to behold. From Volubilis, it’s only a short jaunt to Meknes, which was the first capital of the Alouite Dynasty, under the bloody rule of Moulay Idriss I. Spend some time relaxing in this charming, quintessentially Moroccan city, before journeying to Fes to spend the night.

Accommodations: Overnight stay in Fes with breakfast included

Fes – Volubilis - Meknes

Fez, the cultural capital, is one of the most complete medieval Islamic cities in the world. Passing through the gates and walls into the alleyways beyond transports you back in time. The streets are just as they were when they were built in the 8th century, with high walls that protect the courtyards inside from the heat of the midday sun. Enormous theosophical colleges, beautiful mosques and fascinating souks spilling their goods onto the pavement are all part of the scene. You will have a walking tour to some of the major points of interest as well as some free time to wander. You’ll visit the Place an-Nejjarine, where an ancient caravanserai overlooks a fountain; wander outside the great Qayrawan mosque, passing 14th century merchant's shops; or head to the tanneries - where leather is stained in vats of strikingly colored dyes. In the souk al- Attarine the scent of exotic spices fills the air and close by a hammam, or traditional bathhouse, steams away the stresses of life

Accommodations: Overnight stay in Meknes with breakfast included

Meknes – Azrou – Midelt – Merzouga

A change of scenery today as you leave the crowded streets of old Fez behind and set out across the mountains of the Middle Atlas. The wilderness you cross is incredibly diverse and can vary from rocky, sun-baked plains, to cedar- clad mountains and deep canyons. In the hills south of Azrou you may spot a troop of Barbary apes - in fact not a true ape but a species of macaque. Then we reach the city of Midelt from we start descending into the picturesque Ziz Valley oasis. Then later the scenery will change yet again as we start seeing the first sand dunes from the road. Here we reach our hotel built on the outskirt of the desert. Watch the sun setting over the vast expanse of rolling desert dunes from your very comfortable accommodation at Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara

Accommodations: Overnight stay in Merzouga with dinner and breakfast included

Merzouga Sand Sea

The great ‘sand sea’ of Merzouga, a beautiful area of fine, apricot-colored sand stretches as far as the eye can see. The best time to experience its beauty is at dawn when sunrise over this incredible landscape is breathtaking. Rising before dawn you will head off into the vastness of the dunes on a camel caravan accompanied by camelteers. The sturdy camel has been a mainstay of desert life over the centuries, being used to ship the precious cargoes from sub-Saharan Africa to the trading ports of the Mediterranean coast. You can ride your camel or walk alongside as you slip into the pace of the caravan led by Berber guides and marvel at the awesome spectacle of the desert and the solitude and silence that comes with it.

Accommodations: Overnight stay in desert luxury camp with dinner and breakfast included

Dades Valley

Leaving the desert behind you’ll head up into the Atlas Mountains to the Todra Gorge, a spectacular gash in the hills that surround Tinerhir. The region is dotted with deserted kasbahs, palmeries and mud- brick villages, creating a photographer’s paradise. The cliffs loom above as you approach the mouth of Todra Gorge. Rising to 300m, the honey-colored hues of the sheer face change constantly as the sun moves across the sky. Local Berber people can often be seen moving their herds through the gorge. Heading into the gorge you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs on a walk to fully appreciate the beauty of the area. Rejoining the vehicle you’ll retrace your steps out of the gorge and follow the remainder of the Route des Kasbahs to Kelaat Mgouna in the Dades Valley.

Accommodations: Overnight stay in the Dades Valley with dinner and breakfast included

Dades Gorge - Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

In the morning enjoy the views of the Dades Gorge, carved by centuries by the Dades River. The sticking colors of the red and mauve rock that towers above the road. After our visit we will be passing the Rose Valley known for the growth of roses. The whole valley in the spring smells of roses. The products made of the rose petals are priced throughout the world. The road will then takes us to the palm oasis of Skoura where we visit an important Kasbah Amerhidil, featured on the Moroccan bank notes. Then it is a short drive to Ouarzazate, and Ait Ben Haddou, the best-preserved Kasbah. With its dramatic walls of red earth, slit windows and crumbling towers, it is a magnificent example of a traditional stronghold. Chosen as location for Hollywood films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Jewel of Nile and more recently Gladiator, AIt Ben Haddou sits upon a lofty pinnacle of rock overlooking a river. Dating from the 15th century, its importance as a trading post gradually waned, and today's inhabitants eke a living from farming. Then it will be time to cross on a dramatic drive the High Atlas Mountains, the views get more and more impressive. Then arrival to Marrakech.

Accommodations: Overnight stay in Marrakech with breakfast included

Marrakech

Join your guide this morning to explore Marrakech and the delights it has to offer. The tanneries around Bab Debbagh normally work in the morning and still cure leather in a way that has not changed for hundreds of years. There are plenty of other places for you to visit too. You could take in the Palais de la Bahia, built at the end of the 19th century for Si’ Ahmed ben Musa, the Grand Vizier of Soultan Moulay al Hassan. Only part of the palace is open, as the royal family still makes use of a fair proportion of the building. The beautiful courtyards and splendid living quarters provide a picture of a grand bygone lifestyle. Another possibility is the Dar Si Said, housing the Museum of Moroccan Arts. This former royal townhouse now contains beautiful art and craftwork from all corners of the country. Free afternoon to return to the souk and search for bargains, or sit at one of the cafés on the Djemaa el Fna, and watch Marrakech life go by.

Accommodations: Overnight stay in Marrakech with breakfast included

Essaouira

From Marrakech you’ll drive west to the Atlantic coast and the former pirate’s lair of Essaouira, one of Morocco’s most attractive coastal cities. The maze of narrow lanes with tiny cafes looking out onto small squares is encircled by Portuguese, Berber and French battlements. Two fortresses look out over the ocean, and on an offshore island stands another, even larger castle. As befits a seaport, the pace of life is more relaxed here, and the whitewashed streets lend a truly Mediterranean air to the city. Free afternoon.

Accommodations: Overnight stay in Essaouira with breakfast included

Essaouira

Free day. We recommend a stroll around the lively old port that is full of colour and interest. The early morning is the best time - when fishermen can be seen bringing in their catch or mending their nets. The harbor was once the lair of pirates who sailed out to plunder richly laden ships that passed along the coast; after all, this was the main trade route round the Cape of Good Hope to Western Europe. It later became a free port, when it had a small international community of merchants. The cosmopolitan mixture of different influences makes it a wonderful place to explore - and it is full of visual surprises. Take a leisurely stroll along the ramparts; visit the little workshops that specialize in ornate inlaid work using thuya wood - a local conifer, although it should be pointed out that the thuya tree is fast becoming endangered from over exploitation. The low-key markets and twisting backstreets of the medina are fantastic and for those wanting a bit more space, there is a long sweeping beach on which to stretch your legs.

Accommodations: Overnight stay in Essaouira with breakfast included

El Jadida

After breakfast you will drive from Essaouira to Casablanca via Safi and El Jadida, road offering stunning views of the Atlantic. Lunch stop at Oualidia, picturesque town known for its oysters.

Accommodations: Overnight stay in El Jadida with breakfast included

Casablanca

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Accommodations: Breakfast included prior to trip back to airport