Great Morocco Tour Imperial Cities to Sahara 9D/8N
Price
From €960
Overview
Experience the ultimate Moroccan adventure with this 9-day grand tour. This itinerary perfectly blends the rich history of the Imperial Cities with the breathtaking landscapes of the Sahara desert. Starting from Casablanca, you will journey through Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech, and venture deep into the golden dunes of Merzouga for an unforgettable desert experience.
Highlights
- Visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
- Explore all four Imperial Cities: Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech.
- See the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.
- Ride a camel at sunset and spend a night in a Berber desert camp in Erg Chebbi.
- Journey through the stunning Todra and Dades Gorges.
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass.
- Discover the famous Kasbah Ait Benhaddou.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca Upon your arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we will visit the Hassan II Mosque. Dinner and overnight stay in Casablanca.
Day 2: Casablanca → Rabat → Meknes → Fes After breakfast, we travel to Rabat, the capital, to visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. We then continue to the Imperial City of Meknes to see Bab Mansour gate. Finally, we head to Fes for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Fes Guided City Tour Today is dedicated to exploring Fes, the oldest Imperial City. We'll visit the medieval medina, Bou Inania and Al-Attarine Madrasas, the tanneries, and the Quaraouiyine Mosque. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco.
Day 4: Fes → Ifrane → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Merzouga We leave Fes and travel south, passing through Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou. We'll journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains and the scenic Ziz Valley, arriving at the edge of the Sahara desert in Merzouga. Dinner and overnight in a hotel at the dune line.
Day 5: Merzouga Desert Exploration & Camel Trek Explore the desert region by 4x4, visit Khamlia village to hear Gnawa music, and meet a nomadic family. In the afternoon, you'll ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes to watch the sunset and arrive at your desert camp. Enjoy a traditional dinner and a night under the stars.
Day 6: Merzouga → Todra Gorges → Dades Valley Wake up to a desert sunrise and ride your camel back to Merzouga. After breakfast, we depart for the Dades Valley, stopping to walk through the impressive Todra Gorge. We'll continue along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" to reach the Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 7: Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Benhaddou → Marrakech After breakfast, we drive to Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Morocco." We then visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. Afterward, we cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass to arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon.
Day 8: Marrakech Guided City Tour Enjoy a full-day tour of Marrakech. We will visit the Majorelle Garden, Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, and Bahia Palace. In the afternoon, explore the souks and the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
Day 9: Marrakech → Departure After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, filled with memories of your grand Moroccan tour.
What's Included
- Private A/C vehicle transportation.
- Experienced English-speaking driver/guide.
- 8 nights of accommodation in hotels/riads/camp.
- Daily breakfasts and dinners.
- Guided city tours in Fes and Marrakech.
- Camel trek and 4x4 desert tour.
What's Not Included
- Lunches and drinks.
- Flights.
- Entrance fees to monuments.
- Personal expenses and tips.
Why Choose This Tour?
This tour is the most complete Moroccan experience, combining the must-see Imperial Cities with the adventure of the Sahara. It's perfectly paced to allow for in-depth exploration of each location, offering a rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the accommodation like? You will stay in a mix of comfortable hotels and traditional riads, plus one night in a well-equipped Berber desert camp.
Is this tour suitable for families? Yes, this tour is great for families, offering a wide variety of activities and sights to keep everyone engaged.
How much walking is involved? There are guided walking tours in the cities and opportunities for short hikes in the gorges. The level of activity can be adjusted to your preference.