Meet in Casablanca and transfer to Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital.
Dedicate the day to discovering Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities and for centuries the cultural and religious center of the western Islamic world. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its fascinating labyrinthine streets in the old medina are bustling with artisanal activity: from potters to dyers, carpet sellers to wood inlayers. This vibrant craft scene will transport you back in time. 1,200 years after its foundation, Fes continues to astonish with its authentic medieval atmosphere. Don’t miss a visit to the Bou Inania Madrasa, an ancient Quranic school, the Attarine Madrasa, and the colorful souks. Also, explore Fes El-Jadida and the historic Karaouine Mosque. Enjoy lunch in a traditional medina restaurant and have a free evening to explore at your leisure. Overnight stay in a riad.
Depart towards Merzouga, passing through Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco.” We will make a brief stop in Azrou to explore the picturesque cedar forest and meet the friendly monkeys that inhabit it. We will continue through the Atlas Mountains, passing Midelt and the Ziz Valley, where we will stop to admire and photograph the breathtaking views of the river gorges. We’ll then arrive in Erfoud, famous for its fossils. Finally, we will reach Merzouga, at the foot of the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, you will breathe in the peace and serenity of the desert as you prepare to experience the magic of the sunset and an unparalleled starry sky. The night will be spent in Berber tents, immersed in the desert atmosphere, accompanied by the rhythms of drums and Berber dances around a fire. Dinner and overnight in a Berber tent.
Wake up to a traditional Moroccan breakfast with a view of the majestic dunes. Then, we’ll ride our camels back to the riad, where you can enjoy a refreshing shower. Our journey continues to Rissani, a historic imperial city, to visit its vibrant and colorful market, the largest in southern Morocco. We’ll proceed to Tazzarine, passing through Alnif, and admire the spectacular Todra Gorges, the beautiful Dades Valley, the Valley of Roses, and the Skoura Oasis with its captivating palm grove. We’ll end the day in Ouarzazate, where dinner and a night’s stay at a riad await us.
After breakfast, we’ll depart towards Marrakech with a must-see stop at the stunning Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This kasbah, one of the best-preserved in Morocco, is also famous for being the filming location of movies like Gladiator, Obelix, Babel, Cleopatra, and The Sheltering Sky. We’ll then continue through the Atlas Mountains, crossing the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest point of the Atlas at 2,260 meters. Accompanied by spectacular scenery, we’ll reach Marrakech by late evening.
In the morning, we’ll depart for Casablanca, Morocco’s economic capital. During the day, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the Hassan II Mosque, the largest in the Islamic world and the only one open to non-Muslim visitors. In the evening, transfer to our riad for the final night.
