Day 1-3: Arrive at Marrakech / Day explore Marrakech / Day trip to Essauoira

Transport from the airport to your riad in the medina where you will stay for three nights. Exploration of the “Red City of Morocco” begins with  the Jemaa al Fna, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, Majorelle Gardens, and  the famous souks of Marrakech. We will also spend some time in new Marrakech. You can explore on your own or even have a hamman if you wish. The square Jemaa al Fna is a delight to visit at night for some entertainment and food. We will take a day trip to Essauoira to see the Skala Fortress, Thula wood carving, walk the alleys of the medina and be tempted by the many hand crafted items. it is likely you will see many surfers and wind surfers.   We will also visit an Argan co-op and maybe see goats in the trees.

Check Hotel  > RIAD MARANA

Day 4: Marrakech – Tizi-N-Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate

Winding roads and wide vistas take us to Ouarzazate through the magnificent High Atlas Mountains via the Tichka Pass. You will see small Berber villages, ever changing landscapes and colors. We will stop at the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the oldest in Morocco. We will lunch before continuing to Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Africa,

Check Hotel  > DAR CHAMAA

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Todra Gorges – Rissani – Merzouga

We head to Merzouga stopping at the Todra Gorge where you will see towering red walls that you may climb or just be mesmerized by their beauty.  Or you can relax and enjoy the serenity of the Gorge. There is also a small Berber village we can visit. We travel on to Erfoud and Rissani where we will have lunch and then continue on to Merzouga where you will overnight.

Check Hotel  > NOMAD PALACE

Day 6: Exploration of the area around Merzouga Desert

We will explore the area around Merzouga before we begin our camel trek. You will visit the Gnawa and experience their music and culture. We will visit the lake and see the abundant wildlife including flamingo if it the right season. We may visit a Berber cooperative where Berber crafts are sold for less than in the big cities. In the late afternoon, you will be introduces to your camel, mount up and trek the amazing Erg Chebbi until you reach camp.  Here you will experience a sunset as you have never seen before, have dinner and spend the night looking at the stars.

Day 7: Merzouga desert – Ziz Valley – Tizi n Talghamt Pass – Midlet-Azrou – Fes

We will awaken you early so that you may see a spectacular desert sunrise. We will trek back to Merzouga enjoying the daylight as it plays on the golden sand waves. You will have breakfast and a shower before we continue our tour to Fes by way of the Ziz Valley where dates are grown and Azrou both know for fascinating landscapes and the gorge carved through the volcanic rock. We will travel through the Tizi n Talghamt Pass on to Midlet, the apple region and the cedar forest with Barbary monkeys. We will arrive late in Fes, a time traveler’s delight, at your riad for two nights. :

Check Hotel  > DAR CORDOBA

Day 8: Explore old and new Fez

The  old Medina, a part of the city from 700 AD is certain to pull you into life from long age.  You will walk the narrow alleys that dissuaded invaders. You will visit the tanneries,Kairaouine mosque and University, the Najjarin Fountain and Attarin Medersa. Shop the souks like a native.  After lunch, we travel by car to the old Jewish Quarter and the Royal Palace Gate where the Jewish history in Morocco is shared. Next stop is a pottery factory to see how all the amazing tile work is completed. After our visit there we will go to the old fortress for a panoramic view of Fez.

Check Hotel  > DAR CORDOBA

Day 9: Fes – Rif Mountains – Meknes – Volubilis – Rabat

We begin our trip to Rabat over the Rif Mountains to Meknes and Volubilis, the remains of a Roman Empire site dating to 25BC. There is much history to be learned here as well as some fabulous mosaics that have survived. In Meknes you will see the gate Bab Mansour, the granary and Sahrij Souani basin, a marvel in irrigation. You will have some free time to wander Lahdim Square before we travel to Rabat for the night.

Check Hotel  > RIAD ZYO

Day 10: Rabat – Casablanca aeroport

We say good bye to our new friends and welcome you to return to our beloved country. We will transport you to Casablanca for your departure flight.