Day 1 - Marrakech
Your journey begins when you will be greeted at Marrakech airport and taken to your hotel located in the heart of the city. You will have the rest of the day to explore Marrakech, and we suggest visiting the medina, particularly Djemaa el Fna, a vibrant marketplace that is bustling with activity and sensory experiences day and night. At 7:30 PM, there will be a welcome meeting at the hotel.
Meals Day 2 - Majorelle Gardens & Marrakech City Tour
We went to the Majorelle Gardens, which are situated a short distance from the hotel, after having breakfast. These gardens were designed by Jacques Majorelle, a French artist, in the 1920s and 1930s. The majority of the garden is painted in a unique shade of cobalt blue, which is Majorelle's signature color. Although his other works are mostly forgotten, these gardens are considered his greatest masterpiece. Yves Saint Laurent purchased the garden in 1980, and his ashes were scattered here after his passing in 2008. The garden is home to 15 bird species and an extensive collection of exotic plants and trees. Furthermore, there is a Berber Museum showcasing over 600 artifacts representing the different indigenous tribes of Morocco. The recently opened Yves Saint Laurent museum, which is dedicated to his life and works, is also worth a visit and is located nearby. It should be noted that the entrance fee for the YSL museum is not included in the tour package and costs 100 MAD per person for admission. Later in the day, you will rendezvous with the other members of your group who are arriving from Casablanca, and together, you will embark on a guided tour of Marrakech. The medina, which is enclosed by rose-colored walls, is a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleys that lead to lush gardens and vibrant markets. The center of the medina is home to Djemaa El Fna, the lively marketplace of the city, and standing tall above it is the renowned Koutoubia Mosque, which is the tallest edifice in Marrakech.
Meals Day 3 - Benhaddou & Ouarzazate
Today we depart from Marrakech and journey across the plains of Haouz to reach the High Atlas mountains. After crossing the pass of Tizi n Tichka and having lunch, we continue our journey with breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys until we reach Ait Benhaddou. This well-preserved medieval city, perched high on a hill, was built for defensive purposes and is famous for its appearance in blockbuster movies such as Gladiator and Laurence of Arabia. Our journey then takes us further south to Ouarzazate, also known as the Hollywood of North Africa, as it has been a popular filming location for Hollywood movies and TV shows including James Bond, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones.
Meals Day 4 - Camel trek in the Sahara
Our journey to the Sahara begins in Ouarzazate, taking us through palm trees, rose fields, and stunning gorges, with the possibility of visiting kasbah Amherdhil in Skoura on the way. The tour continues towards the Todra Gorge, a picturesque site with towering limestone cliffs that change color with the movement of the sun. After exploring Todra, we make our way to Merzouga, our base before venturing into the Sahara. Depending on the season, we can relax and swim before riding camels into the desert for a breathtaking sunset view and an overnight stay at a remote Berber Camp in Erg Chebbi. Your guide can arrange for a Jeep ride to the Berber camp at no extra charge if you prefer. During your stay, you can experience local cuisine, and music, and spend a wonderful night camping under the stars in the Sahara. Alternatively, if you'd like more comfort and privacy, you can choose our Sahara hotel option which also won't cost you anything extra. Just let us know your preference when booking.
Meals Day 5 - Fes
We depart early from Merzouga in Sahara and ride camels to witness a beautiful sunrise. After breakfast, we continue our journey towards Fes with a lot of sightseeing on the way. On our route through the Moyen Atlas mountains, we pass through cedar forests where we can spot Barbary Macaque monkeys. Our next stop is Ifrane, a picturesque town known for its resemblance to a Swiss Alpine resort. During our journey, we also encounter the nomadic Berbers of Morocco who travel across the mountains and stay in makeshift tents. We reach Fes in the early evening after a long drive.
Meals Day 6 - Fes
Fes, which is the biggest and oldest medieval city globally, has a medina that is a mixture of various scents, sights, and sounds. In the morning, we will have a guided tour of Fes el Bali, the ancient walled city. This intriguing medina has 9400 alleys, and some of them lead to dead-ends, so it's crucial to remain close to the group. We will also explore the dye pits and tanneries before lunch in the medina. The rest of the day is free, so you may want to participate in a Tagine Making Class or have a Moroccan entertainment and food night at a local restaurant (both require payment on the spot).
Meals Day 7 - Todra Gorge
Today, we leave Fes and embark on a journey to explore some exciting Moroccan cities. Our first destination is the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site that originated in AD40. We then proceed to Meknes, known as the Versailles of Morocco, for its magnificent structures and monuments. After some leisure time and lunch, we head to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, where we will spend the night.
Meals Day 8 - Ait Benhaddou
We will be touring three Moroccan cities - Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech. Starting with Rabat, a guided tour will take us to the city's famous sights such as the ancient Chellah ruins, the Royal Palace, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. After lunch, we will head to Casablanca to visit the Hassan II Mosque, which is one of the world's largest and can host up to 25,000 worshippers at once. Following the mosque visit, we will bid farewell to our co-travelers and proceed to Marrakech for an overnight stay.
Meals Day 9 - Marrakech
We will be traveling from Marrakech to Essaouira on Morocco's Atlantic Coast today via a private transfer. The morning will be free for leisure activities before we depart. Once we arrive in Essaouira, we will have the rest of the evening to ourselves. It is recommended to explore the charming old town and sample the local cuisine from one of the many restaurants available.
Meals Day 10 - Essaouira
Take the opportunity to discover Essaouira's attractions and delights over the. Located on the rugged Atlantic Coast, this charming coastal city provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.
Meals Day 11 - Essaouira
We will have a relaxed morning at Essaouira Spend your time wandering through its narrow streets lined with white houses, exploring shops in the ancient medina, or enjoying a cup of coffee at a seaside restaurant.
Meals Day 12 - Essaouira
The morning will be free for leisure activities before we depart. When the weather is warm, take advantage of the windy shores and try water sports like wind and kite surfing. On the evening of the twelfth day, we will return to Marrakech for the night.
Meals Day 13 - Marrakech
Today marks the conclusion of our fantastic journey across Morocco. As we check out of the hotel, we can look forward to a complimentary transportation service to Marrakech airport for our onward departure.
Meals