A 14-Day Journey through Culture and Adventure

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: Casablanca

Upon your arrival in Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel in the city. You’ll have the opportunity to explore Casablanca, with an optional visit to the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques globally outside of Mecca.

Day 2: Casablanca to Chefchaouen via Rabat

Following breakfast, your journey commences towards Chefchaouen, renowned as the blue city of Morocco nestled in the Rif Mountains. En route, a halt is scheduled at Rabat, the nation’s capital and the residence of the King, for a delightful lunch break and an opportunity to relish the scenic coastal views. Following lunch, your voyage proceeds to Chefchaouen for an overnight stay. Dinner arrangements will be made at the hotel.

Day 3: Chefchaouen Tour

Following breakfast, you’ll commence a tour of this charming azure-hued town nestled amidst the mountains. Experience the tranquil ambiance of the Rif Mountains as you explore. Dinner will be provided at the hotel later in the day.

Day 4: Explore Chefchaouen, then visit Volubilis, Moulay Idriss, Meknes, and finally Fes.

Following breakfast, you’ll commence your journey in the morning towards the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Spend your morning delving into the 2000-year-old remnants, gaining insight into life during the Roman Empire. Next, venture to the revered city of Moulay Idriss. Enjoy lunch in Meknes, one of Morocco’s Imperial cities, followed by a guided tour of the city. Subsequently, proceed to Fes, renowned as the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco. Conclude the day with dinner served at the hotel.

Day 5: Fes – Guided tour of the Medina

Following breakfast, you’ll commence our guided exploration of the Fes medina, renowned as one of the globe’s most expansive enclosed cities. Here, you’ll meander through the labyrinthine alleyways adorned with vibrant displays of fresh produce, heaps of aromatic spices, exquisitely crafted Berber rugs, and an array of other Moroccan artisanal treasures. Your itinerary will include visits to notable sites such as the King’s Palace, the tanneries, and pottery workshops, providing you with a comprehensive glimpse into the city’s rich cultural tapestry. For lunch, you’ll have the option to dine at a traditional restaurant nestled in the heart of the medina. Following lunch, the exploration will continue, concluding with your return to the riad for the evening.

Day 6: Fes – Atlas Mountains – Midelt – Erfoud

Leave Fes after breakfast and begin your journey towards the renowned southern region of Morocco. Your first stop will be the picturesque hillside city of Ifrane, constructed in the 1930s with a charming Swiss village aesthetic and now a bustling ski resort destination. Following this, proceed to Azrou, renowned for its exquisite woodwork. In the vicinity of Azrou, you’ll encounter numerous groups of Barbary apes within the cedar forests, providing delightful entertainment. Continuing onwards to Midelt, you’ll traverse the breathtaking Ziz Valley, passing through lush palm groves and verdant valleys. As you venture further south, the landscape gradually transforms into a rugged, desert-like terrain.

Day 7: Erfoud - Sahara Desert Exploration - Camel Excursion

Following breakfast at your Kasbah Hotel, you’ll commence a journey of exploration in the area. Your first stop will be a visit to the nomads residing in their traditional goat hair tents, providing you with insights into desert life. Next, you’ll engage with the Gnaoua people, descendants of slaves from Sudan, who will share their culture and mesmerize you with their music. Later in the day, you’ll venture across the rugged terrain in 4-wheel drive vehicles towards the magnificent Sahara sand dunes. From there, you’ll embark on a camel trek lasting approximately 2 hours, leading you to an oasis where you can opt to spend the night in Berber tents or return to the hotel for accommodation.

Day 8: Sahara Desert – Tinerhir – Todra Gorges – Dades Oasis

Rise with the sun and ascend a sand dune to either enjoy the view or capture some stunning photographs. Following a refreshing shower and breakfast, proceed towards Dades Gorge, making a stop at Tinerhir renowned for its picturesque palm grove and Jewish quarter. Explore Todra Gorge, boasting towering cliffs reaching up to 300 meters high and a narrow mouth spanning just 20 meters wide. Next, venture to Dades Gorge, known for its strikingly colored rock formations, offering excellent opportunities for trekking and climbing enthusiasts. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner and overnight stay at a charming Kasbah Hotel nestled within the Dades oasis.

Day 9: Dades Oasis – Roses Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

Following an early breakfast, your journey to Marrakech via Ouarzazate begins. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore one of Morocco’s prized gems – Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. In the traditional Moroccan style, the most authentic treasures often lie hidden, awaiting discovery away from the usual routes. Following a leisurely lunch, your path winds through the mountains toward Marrakech.

Day 10: Marrakech – Marrakech Guided City Tour

Following breakfast, you’ll partake in a guided exploration of Marrakech, renowned as the southern jewel of Morocco. During this excursion, you’ll uncover the wonders of the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and various other concealed marvels. Post-lunch, the journey will progress towards the grand Koutoubia Mosque and the renowned Djemaa el-Fna, a pivotal hub of activity in Marrakech. Culminating the tour will be an immersive venture into the vibrant souk, brimming with an array of goods and bustling activity.

Day 11: Marrakech – Essaouira

After breakfast, you will set off to the coastal city of Essaouira, a picturesque fishing town, lying on the southwest coast of Morocco. With an exquisite beach to the south, Essaouira has become one of Morocco’s most popular coastal towns. Many of the country’s wood carvers and artists make Essaouira their home. Dinner will be served in the hotel.

Day 12: Essaouira

This will be a free day in Essaouira. Dinner will be served in the hotel.

Day 13: Essaouira – El Oualidya – El Jadida – Casablanca

On your final day of travel, the journey will lead you back to Casablanca. Departing from Essaouira, we’ll make a stop at El Oualidia along the route. As we traverse the coastline, we’ll pause at El Jadida to explore its citadel and marvel at the underground cistern. Our expedition will then proceed towards Casablanca, where we’ll conclude our stay in the country with a restful night at the hotel. Dinner will be provided at the hotel to cap off our memorable journey.