11 Days Morocco Epic Private Tour - Casablanca to Marrakesh via Chaouen & Desert

Day 1: Morning in Casablanca, afternoon in Rabat

1. Casablanca
   1h
   Welcome to Casablanca! If you only visit one place in Casablanca—the commercial capital of Morocco—make it the Hassan II Mosque. Sitting in a picturesque location on the ocean, its 690 feet (210 m) minaret is the tallest minaret in the world. While the exterior and surrounding area are impressive, what makes this mosque even more unique is it is one of the few mosques in the country where non-Muslims are permitted to enter. Join a morning tour of the mosque and marvel at the fine artisanship: hand-carved stone and wood, intricate marble floor detailing, and gilded ceilings.
2. Rabat
   12h
   Venture north to the imperial city, and present-day capital, of Rabat. Explore the medieval fortification of the Chellah Necropolis and wander the Roman and Islamic ruins. Enter through the grand door of the Kasbah des Oudaias into Rabat's old city center. From there, visit the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens and enjoy the serene space away from the crowds. Discover the Hassan Tower, a minaret of the incomplete mosque and Mausoleum of Mohamed V. A 12th-century project that was abandoned. All that remains are the minaret and some 200 columns—support structures for the mosque.

Day 2: The Blue City of Chefchaouen

1. Chefchaouen
   1 day
   Head north to the striking blue city of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains. This day, unwind in charming Chefchaouen. Mostly untouched since the 15th century, Chefchaouen offers a relaxed atmosphere with some of the friendliest people in the country and is known for its blue-hued buildings in its historic medina (old quarter). Explore its narrow streets and alleyways which cling to the northern hillside of the mountains.
   
   Discover Plaza Outa el-Hammam, the main square named for the number of hammams (public baths) which used to encircle it. Find a restaurant or café for a bite to eat, before browsing the many shops offering traditional wares. Visit the Grand Mosque and kasbah (old fortress or fortification) and tour the kasbah's garden, museum, and even some of its old prison cells. As the evening approaches, ascend the path leading to the abandoned white Spanish Mosque (20 to 30 minutes) to enjoy one last view over Chefchaouen as the sun sets behind the mountains.

Day 3: Roman ruins at Volubilis and imperial cities of Meknes and Fes

1. Volubilis
   45m · Admission ticket not included
   After your breakfast, you will travel south via Ouazzan towards Fes. Before that, you will visit have the chance to travel back to the 3rd century by visiting one of the most important archaeological site in the kingdom. It is Volubulis, Walili in Arabic language, an attractive roman city or what we call the ruins of Volubilis, which was listed as a UNESCO world Heritage site in 1997.
2. Meknes
   1h
   Then onwards to Meknes, where your discovery includes visits to the main historical monuments of Meknes, starting with the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail (1672–1727).Then we go to the granaries, built in 1600. They were ingeniously designed. Tiny windows, massive walls and a system of underflow water channels kept the temperatures cool and air circulating. He didn't store food for humans, but grain and hay to feed his 15.000 horses. You will stop as well to get pictures of the Bab Al Mansour the Great gate, built in the 11th century. Meknes has been greatly impacted by the Moorish style building. It is now the fifth biggest city of the kingdom since it has a good economy, based mainly on agriculture, olives and wine.
3. Fez
   12h
   Continue east to your third imperial city, Fes. With its impressively large (and somewhat confusing) old medina, Fes is a city worth getting lost in. Before venturing into the medina, drive up the hill to take the time to visit the Merenid Tombs located just north of the city and enjoy the all-encompassing view of historic Fes and the surrounding area. Descend the hill and find your way to your riad (a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden) where you can enjoy a delicious meal and relax for the evening.

Day 4: Exploring the medieval medina and Imperial City of Fes

1. Fez
   1 day
   Fes is the oldest of the four Imperial Cities in Morocco and perhaps the most interesting and exciting to explore. It has the most complete medina in the Arab world and is relatively untouched since it was founded over 1000 years ago. Often considered the country's cultural capital, it is made up of three parts, two medina quarters, Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid, and the more modern, French colonial influenced, Ville Nouvelle. Meet your guide and spend a half day learning about the history and culture as you navigate the narrow streets of the medinas.
   
   Start in Fes el Bali at the Bab Boujeloud gate and enter the main thoroughfare of Talâa Kebira. Notice the Spanish and Tunisian influenced architecture as you make your way past shops and souks (markets). Visit the Chouara Tannery and marvel at the many dye-filled stone pots and the men at work still using centuries-old techniques. Next, admire the intricate zellij tilework of the 14th-century Al Attarine Madrasa before heading over to the Mellah (old Jewish quarter and cemetery) in Fes el Jdid. If there's time, visit Ville Nouvelle to discover the dramatic change in architecture.

Day 5: Middle Atlas: Erfoud, Merzouga and the Sahara

1. Merzouga Desert
   12h
   You will begin the day traveling towards the Middle Atlas Mountains. Most of the day will be spent winding your way through the beautiful forests of Cedar, jagged rock faces, and Berber villages as you cross the Atlas Mountains and begin to descend towards the Sahara Desert. Half way, you will stop for lunch in the town of Midelt, famous for its fossils and rocks. Continue on mountain roads overlooking the wide flowing Oued Ziz. Passing Kasbahs and palm groves we pass through the adobe colored city of Er-Rachidia and arrive in the afternoon to Merzouga. Dinner and overnight in a hotel at the foothills of Erg Chebbi sahara dunes.

Day 6: Sahara Desert Expedition

1. Erg Chebbi
   1 day
   After your breakfast you will be discover this beautiful region of the Sahara desert. We visit the fossils center and the ancient city of Rissani. It was once home to the Alawite dynasty as they took power, as well as Moulay er Rachid. It is a cultural destination in Morocco boasting beautiful examples of early Moroccan architectural styles and noteworthy palaces and temples, such as Ksar Oulad Abdelhalim. We see men wearing the indigo blue robes distinctive of the Saharan people. We will also visit of Khamlia village where you have the opportunity to listen the Gnaoua music. Then later in the afternoon saddle your camels for your journey across the desert during a beautiful sunset to reach your camp for the night by the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Overnight in a tent, night full of stars, Berber music. A night that you will not forget.

Day 7: Desert towns,Todra gorges, lush oases, and Kasbahs

1. Boumalne Dades
   12h
   Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the dunes then take back to Merzouga. Then we begin our start travel to Alnif, heading towards the volcanic Jbel of Saghro of dramatic rock formations and gorges, where you will take a walk up in the towering Todra Gorges (600 feet high). The picturesque river valleys make for a beautiful journey towards the southeast of Morocco. Continue your journey towards another impressive gorge Dades, passing the strange rock creation of Tamnalt Hills. Overnight in the heart of Dades Gorge, with dinner and breakfast.

Day 8: "Thousand Kasbah Road": Film worthy landscapes, Aït Benhaddou, Tizi n'Tichka Pass over the High Atlas to Marrakech

1. Ouarzazate
   30m
   Travel through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Though many are now in disrepair, local families still live in some of them. You may even come across nomads herding their animals. Head west to Kela'a M'gouna. Known for its Festival des Roses, here you can see extensively cultivated farmland bordered with fragrant rose bushes. Continue west to Ouarzazate, a gateway to the Sahara Desert made popular by the film industry. Join a studio tour and discover how the nearby desert landscapes have been featured in many films.
2. Ait Ben Haddou
   1h
   Travel to nearby Aït Benhaddou. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Aït Benhaddou is believed to date from the 11th century during a time when it held an important position along the trans-Saharan trade route between Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and the southern desert. Follow the narrow streets up to the Granary for a view of the surrounding landscapes. From there, ascend the High Atlas mountain range and look out for the highest peak, Mount Toubkal (13,671 feet or 4,167 m). Stop near the top of the Tizi n'Tichka pass (7,415 feet or 2,260 m) to enjoy the views over the mountain range.
3. Marrakech
   12h
   As you descend the High Atlas, you will notice a dramatic change in the climate and landscape. Soon you will be a part of the noise and clamor of your final imperial city, Marrakech. After a long day on the road, settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon as you like. In the early evening, the main square, Jemaa el-Fna, comes alive with musicians, performers, snake charmers, games, and food stalls, a catch-all of entertainment. If you want to enjoy the spectacle from a distance, choose one of the many cafés surrounding the square and enjoy a cup of mint tea and a meal.

Day 9: Marrakesh: Exploring the Red City

1. Marrakech
   1 day
   Nicknamed the "Red City" for its red sandstone walls and buildings, Marrakech was once an important trading capital for Atlas mountain tribes, and remains an exciting former imperial city. Located north of the Atlas mountain foothills, Marrakech is home to Africa's busiest square, Jemaa el-Fna. Begin exploring Marrakech's ancient medina, starting with the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens. Though the mosque cannot be entered by non-muslims, it's worth checking out its 12th-century foundations and 253 feet (77 m) minaret. Visit the fountains and pools in the adjoining garden.
   
   Indulge your senses as you explore the complicated labyrinth of souks, tucked behind ordinary restaurants and shops. Check out Souk el Attarin, Souk Chouari, and Souk Smata for a selection of spices, woodwork, and babouche (traditional Moroccan slippers). Visit Souk des Teinturiers or the dyers’ souk to see how cloth and yarn are dyed using traditional methods. Next, admire the fine example of Moroccan Islamic architecture of the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 16th-century Koranic school, and note the ornate detail of its interior: carved cedar ceilings, sculpted plaster, and zellij tiling.
   
   Explore the kasbah area south of Jemaa el-Fna and check out the Saadian Tombs and discover the 500-year old craftsmanship that went into its construction. Visit the sunken gardens of the 17th-century El Badi Palace as you work your way through the mellah and to the 19th-century Bahia Palace.

Day 10: Discover the Atlantic Coast: Day trip to Essaouira

1. Essaouira
   8h
   After breakfast, we will travel towards a charming small town, Essaouira, an Old Portuguese city of Mogador. It was fortified by a French architect Vauban follower. These influences have given a beautiful and unique result. Today, the city is gradually becoming a city of artists. Essaouira has a very favorable microclimate that ensures a mild winter and cool in summer. Not to mention also, a beautiful beach protected by islands Purpuraires. Artisans of Essaouira are famous for inlay on root growth cedar and offer a wide range of items from the souvenir to parts of furniture and works of art. In the late afternoon, you will return to Marrakech.

Day 11: Marrakesh transfer to the airport

1. Marrakech
   12h
   If there's time, you may wish to check out the Dar Di Said Museum (also known as the Museum of Moroccan Arts) to see exhibits of clothing, antiques, jewelry, and beautifully carved Hispano-Moorish decorations of carved cedar wood. Transfer to the airport.

Pickup details

Free Pick up & Drop off from your hotel/airport/port

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels