DAY 1: Arrival in Casablanca, Transfer to Rabat
Casablanca → Rabat
We will meet you upon your arrival in Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco, after which we will take a short tour of the city. We will visit the grounds of the immense Hassan II Mosque, which has the world's tallest minarets and towers out over the Atlantic coastline. After our tour we will depart to Rabat, Morocco's diplomatic and administrative capital.
We will briefly introduce you to some of the city's most important sights, including the Royal Palace and the Mohammed V Mausoleum, before taking you to your riad or hotel and letting you settle in. We will spend the night in Rabat.
DAY 2: Rabat to the blue pearl Chefchaouen via Rif Mountains
Rabat → Asilah → Rif Mountains → Chefchaouen
On the way we will make a stop in Asilah. Fortified town of Asilah, this well-preserved 15th-century ramparts and gates, built by colonial Portuguese; Asilah provides a taste of Spain mixed with Moroccan traditions, adorned with inspiring artwork. After a walk around and lunch we will continue our journey to Chefchaouen, our road ascending into the valleys of the Rif Mountains. The valley forms a dramatic entrance to the vividly blue-colored town of Chefchaouen, which is set like a sapphire among the jagged mountain peaks.
DAY 3: Chefchaouen → Volubilis → Moulay Idriss → Meknes → Fes
After breakfast, you will set out for the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. This important Roman town still features detailed and gorgeous mosaics that will give you a unique perspective on Morocco's ancient history. Afterwards we will continue our journey to Meknes, one of Morocco's greatest imperial cities, often called the "Versailles of Morocco" due to the grandeur and intricacy of its buildings and monuments.
We will take some time to explore the highlights of Meknes, including the Bab Mansour, Sahrij Souani, and the old Medina, before making our way to Fes, the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. In Fes we will check into your hotel before having dinner and settling in for the night.
DAY 4: Fes Sightseeing escorted by an official local guide
After breakfast a local guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you on a tour of the famous medina of Fes. Wandering through the labyrinth of twisting alleyways, you will feel like you have stepped back in time. Donkeys and mules are still popular forms of transportation in the medina's steep, narrow streets. As you enter the shady souks, you will encounter aromas from the market stalls where countless spices and perfumes are traded.
In stark contrast, you'll brave the stink emanating from the leather tanneries where men often stand up to their waists treating leather in noxious baths in the same way that it has been done for centuries. Don't let the smell put you off though - the ethnic leather products produced by these craftsmen are world-class and make great souvenirs. In the evening you can have dinner in one of the local restaurants of the medina and spend the night at your hotel.
DAY 5: Fes → Ifran → Azrou → Midelt → Ziz Gorges → Erfoud → Merzouga → Erg Chebbi → Camel trek in the Sahara and overnight in the golden dunes in a Berber camp.
Leaving Fez with its fantastic history, head to a totally different part of Morocco. On the way to Erfoud pass through many Berber cities and villages, the first of which are the cities of Ifrane and Azrou. Ifrane, nicknamed Morocco’s Switzerland, is a very beautiful little town with very charming European style homes and Azrou, a Berber village known for its handicraft cooperatives. Continue via Midelt, the Ziz River and a series of fortified villages’ en route to Erfoud.
From Erfoud, it’s another 40 minutes across an immense palm oasis and a vast area of stony desert to get Merzouga, where we’ve selected a charming kasbah hotel on the outskirts of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Then at 4 pm we will ride our camels, trekking across the desert, will take us to a Berber camp in the middle of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes,( some rising of 820 feet), the highest in North Africa.
What is Included:
Transportation/Fuel: 10 days air-conditioned 4WD vehicle or minivan.
Services of a qualified multilingual local guide / driver.
Comprehensive sightseeing with guidance.
8 nights in well-recommended hotels/kasbahs/riads.
1 night in a Berber desert Nomadic luxury camp (private tent).
Camel ride (one camel per individual).
Meals as stated - Dinner & breakfast daily (HB)
Sand-boarding (free and optional -this activity is undertaken at your own risk-).
Traditional Music live show in desert
Travel Insurance: Passenger travel insurance per pax per 5 days (within the vehicle only).
What is not included:
Flights
Lunch
Tips, entrance fees,drinks & personal items