| Duration: | 8 Day(s) - 7 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Desert Tours |
Meet and greet at the Casablanca International Airport, you will be welcomed. Then after greeting we will continue to visit the commercial capital of Morocco, Casablanca. Stroll the residential area of ANFA district and the famous de la Corniche, Atlantic boardwalk lined by many restaurants. We will also visit the Mohammed V Square and the of course the gorgeous Hassan II mosque. Then transfer to Rabat, Moroccan capital today.
Possible pick up from Marrakech or your hotel in Casablanca can be arranged.
This morning after breakfast, we will visit the never completed Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Then on the outskirts of the city we visit the Necropolis of Kasbah Chellah near Oudaya Gardens. An ancient ruins where the Phoenicians and Carthaginians settled. Then our journey takes us to another Imperial City of Meknes. Here we visit the monumental gate of Bab Mansour. It took over fifty years to the palace and massive ramparts to be built, but not much remains today. Follow the old walls to the Ag Dal Basin once used to water the royal gardens and Sultans immense stable of 12,000 horses. Within the city visit the Mosque and Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, one of the most impressive buildings in the city, and its decorative tombs. Then our tour takes us to the Romaine Ruins of Volubis. Here we walk around the Roman Ruins to discover the marvelous mosaic work in some pars still intact. Then at the end of our day we reach Fes. (B)
Fes, the cultural capital, is one of the most complete medieval Islamic cities in the world. Passing through the gates and walls into the alleyways beyond transports you back in time. The streets are just as they were when they were built in the 8th century, with high walls that protect the courtyards inside from the heat of the midday sun. Enormous theosophical colleges, beautiful mosques and fascinating souks spilling their goods onto the pavement are all part of the scene. You will have a walking tour to some major points of interest. You’ll visit the Place an – Nejjarine, where the ancient caravanserai overlooks a fountain; wander outside the great Qayrawan mosque, passing the 14th century merchant’s shops; head to the tanneries – where leather is stained in vast of striking colored dyes. (B)
Early in the morning departure from Fes heading to the Middle Atlas Mountains. The wilderness you cross is incredible diverse and can vary from rocky, sun baked plains, to cedar – clad mountains to deep canyons. In the hills of Azrou you may spot a troop of Barbary Apes. Then we slowly descend into the scenic Ziz valley passing palm groves and green oasis. Yet, again the scenery will be changing into the sandy plains and approaching Merzouga we will see the first sand dunes from the road. In Merzouga we exchange our vehicles for the saddle of our camels. Let your guide take you during stunning sun set across the desert on your camels for about 2 hours ride till you reach your camp for the night in the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Here we settle under the starry African sky with a freshly prepared dinner and listen to the guide signing and drumming the typical music of the region. (B,D)
** Possible upgrade to stay in a hotel room located on the outskirt of the desert for additional cost
After breakfast and stunning sunrise over the sand dunes return to Merzouga on the back of your camels. In Merzouga, enjoy wealthy breakfast and have a chance to shower before departure. Today we will travel along to the Todra Gorge. The cliffs loom above as you approach the mouth of the Todra Gorge. Rising 300m, the honey-colored hues of sheer face change instantly as the sun moves across the sky. After our visit we follow the route to Dades Gorge. The route dotted with deserted Kasbahs, palmeries and mud-brick villages, creating photographer’s paradise. We will spend the night in the Dades Gorge, the red and mauve rock towering above the road. (B,D)
Today we will travel through the Rose Valley and route of Thousand Kasbahs to Ouarzazate and AIt Ben Haddou. The UNESCO protected Ait Ben Haddou is the best-preserved fortified Kasbah in Morocco. With its dramatic walls of red earth, slit windows and crumbling towers, it is a magnificent example of traditional stronghold. Chosen as a location for Hollywood films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Jewel of Nile and recently Gladiator. Explore the winding streets of the Kasbah for awe inspiring views. Then it will be time to cross the High Atlas Mountains on a dramatic drive. The views are impressive of Berber villages, mountains and valleys. (B)
Marrakech even today conjures up images of scenes from the Arabian nights: alleyways, souks, stalls and markets. This remarkable city, dating from the 11the century, never fails to satisfy the curiosity of adventurous travelers. It has everything from the graceful architecture of the renowned Koutoubia Minaret, which dominates the skyline, to the wonderful throbbing atmosphere of the medieval fair in the great open square, the Djema El Fna, at the heart of the medina. (B)
Transfer to the airport depending on your time of departure. Please allow 3 hours for the transfer. (B)
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