13 Days From Marrakesh Fairytale Trek to the Desert and Its History

Dates, teapot, cup with tea near the fire in the desert with a beautiful background. Ramadan Kareem

lighting shop in the souk of marrakech, Morocco

Beautiful girl at traditional carpet shop in Goreme city, Cappadocia in Turkey.

Fes, Morocco. October 10, 2021. Man cutting leather with knife at tannery next to brims of old stone water baths

extreme-long-shot-two-people-sitting-top-dune

Day 1: Marrakesh, Traditional Riad Hotel

Welcome to Morocco! Your adventure begins in Marrakesh. Check into a traditional riad hotel in the old city center. These Moroccan houses feature windows facing an internal garden with a fountain, tables, and benches. Enjoy breakfast or traditional Moroccan mint tea here, away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

After a short rest, explore the Al-Koutoubia Mosque, known as the “Mosque of Book Sellers.” This 12th-century mosque, famous for its 77-meter minaret, once surrounded by bookshops, towers over the old city center. Next, visit the Saadien’s Tombs, the resting place of rulers and their families from the 16-17th centuries, showcasing exquisite Italian marble and wooden carvings. In the evening, experience the lively Jemaa el-Fna square, known for its shops, traditional musicians, circus performers, and acrobats.

Day 2: The Highest Pass in North Africa

After breakfast, head to the Sahara Desert. Stop at the Tizi-N-Tichka pass, the highest in North Africa, offering breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains from an altitude of 2260 meters. Descend to Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified city where Hollywood films like “The Mummy” and “Gladiator” were shot. Explore the abandoned houses made of red clay and feel like an Arabian tales explorer. Continue to the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, famous for its ancient Berber fortresses, and stay at a traditional riad hotel.

Day 3: Todgha Gorges, Berber Camp, Erg Chebbi Dunes

Continue your journey to the Sahara Desert. Drive through the Todgha Gorges, marveling at the red cliffs of the Atlas Mountains and the canyons. Arrive in Merzouga and settle into a Berber camp in the middle of the desert, surrounded by the towering Erg Chebbi dunes. Enjoy a traditional tajine dinner and spend the evening by the fire under the starry sky.

Day 4: Sunrise in the Desert - Camel Ride

Wake up early to witness a magical sunrise in the desert. After breakfast, take a camel ride along the dunes. Try sandboarding if you’re adventurous. After some rest, return to Marrakesh, stopping for lunch and arriving in the evening to check into a traditional riad hotel.

Day 5: Marrakesh - Majorelle Garden - Bahia Palace

After breakfast, visit the Majorelle Garden, created by French artist Jacques Majorelle and now owned by designer Yves Saint Laurent. Explore the Bahia Palace, built in 1867 for the Sultan’s vizier and restored by the French colonial governor. End the day with a walk along Jemaa el-Fna Square.

Day 6: Casablanca - The Largest Mosque in Africa

Travel to Casablanca, famous for the 1942 film. Check into a hotel and visit the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa, accommodating over 100,000 visitors.

Day 7: Old Capital Meknes - Roman Ruins of Volubilis

Take a train to Meknes, known as the Moroccan Versailles for its elegant 17-18th-century buildings. Explore the old district before heading to Volubilis, an ancient Roman city with well-preserved ruins. Continue to Fes, check into a hotel, and visit the famous Choura tanneries.

Day 8: Old Medina of Fes - Chefchaouen

Explore the old medina of Fes, home to many madrassahs and the University of Al-Karaouine, the oldest continuously operating university. Travel to Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City, and check into a hotel for a walk through its picturesque streets.

Day 9: Akchur Waterfalls

Visit the Akchur waterfalls in the Reef Mountains, enjoying the red rock views and stopping at an observation deck for sunset.

Day 10: Town of Asilah, Beaches

Travel to Asilah, a coastal town on the Atlantic Ocean, and check into a hotel. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the old part of town.

Day 11: Tangier Sightseeing

Explore Tangier, starting with the Hercules Caves. Visit the Kasbah region, historic Medina, and a stunning minaret overlooking the Mediterranean. Relax at your accommodation and enjoy the beach in the afternoon.

Day 12: Marrakesh, Jemaa el-Fna Square

Take a train to Marrakesh, stopping in Casablanca for lunch. Arrive in Marrakesh in the evening and visit Jemaa el-Fna Square for its vibrant evening shows.

Day 13: Marrakesh Souvenirs

Don’t forget to buy souvenirs such as ceramic dishes, argan oil, spices, lamps, Berber rugs, and babouches (traditional leather shoes) before flying home the next day.