10-Day Morocco Private Tour in Sahara Desert and Imperial Cities

Day 1: CASABLANCA AIRPORT PICKUP

1. Casablanca
   2h
   Our driver will meet you at the airport according to your arrival time and bring you to Casablanca city. We will begin with a tour of the magnificent Hassan II Mosque; the largest in Morocco and fifth largest in the world.
   
   The tour also includes a pause for pictures at at Rick's Cafe, reminiscent of the bar made famous by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in the movie classic "Casablanca."
   
   Your last attraction will be La Corniche, a gateway for the locals especially in summer time, you could walk along the corniche or simply sip a cafe overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
   
   After the tour, we will drive to the hotel to check in and the rest of the day will be at your leisure.

Day 2: CASABLANCA TO RABAT TO CHEFCHAOUEN

1. Rabat
   2h
   In the morning, after breakfast, you will meet with your guide and drive to Chefchaouen. The tour also includes a stop in the city of Rabat for a few city highlights such as the Oudaya Kasbah, Hassan Tower and Kings museums.
2. Chefchaouen
   5h
   We will continue the trip to explore Chefchaouen, located in the humming centre of the Rif Mountain’s agricultural region, reachable in less than five scenic hours.  Upon arrival, you will be directed to your hotel and will have the rest of the day to immerse yourself in the otherworldly blue palette. You can walk and explore the white and blue washed walls of the medina; a photographers delight.  Its local markets also offer some unique and interesting handicrafts.

Day 3: CHEFCHAOUEN TO VOLUBILIS TO FES

1. 5h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast we embark on a historical quest and leave Chefchaouen to travel through the Rif Mountains to Volubilis.
   
   On arrival, immerse yourself in Roman history and dive into the ancient ruins; the Roman settlement city famous for its mosaic floors, authentic bathhouses, hustling marketplace, and towering palaces.
   
   After our morning contemplating the mysteries of the past, we have some time to explore and enjoy lunch in the holiest city of Morocco; Moulay Idriss.
   
   Following our break for lunch, we are off to the magnificent imperial city of Fes; one of the four historical capital cities! Once we arrive, you have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, to relax at the Riad.

Day 4: FES MEDINA TOUR

1. Fez
   6h
   Our adventures begin with a visit to the highly decorated and exuberant, golden Royal Palace Gate; the Jewish headquarter and the first Mellah ever built in Morocco during the 16th century.  From there we drive to visit the tiles cooperative to see and understand the craft behind Morocco's detailed and renowned architecture and then upwards to experience a wonderful panoramic view over the whole Medina. We ensure your visit encompasses all the sites of cultural and historical interest, including the Tanneries, Mulay Idriss mausoleum and the famous Al Karaouine University which is the oldest in the region.

Day 5: FES TO THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS TO ZIZ VALLEY TO ERG CHEBBI

1. Ifrane
   3h
   In the morning we will pick you up from the Riad at the appointed time.
   Our journey to the desert will take us through the scenic slopes of the Middle Atlas Mountain Range.
   
   First we stop in Ifrane; a charming town nicknamed ‘Little Switzerland.’ Although unusual in Morocco, the architecture of the Middle Atlas Mountains, being in the alpine style, gives this place the charm and magnetism of a European ski resort and is certainly a popular destination for skiers.Next we take in the beauty of the cedar forests in the Middle Atlas and look out for the abundant Barbary Macaques as we drive through. We'll have the opportunity to meet with them in the forest, an experience you will remember for ever.  They like to travel in troops of 10 to 30 and are the only macaque species found outside of Asia.  Indeed, they the only primate found north of the Sahara!
2. Middle Atlas Mountains
   4h · Admission ticket included
   As we continue through this glorious area to Midelt, between North and South Morocco, we pass many of the mountain villages.We will lunch in Midelt, nestled in between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains and was originally a base for the active mining in the area.  However now it has been transformed into a thriving pastoral area surrounded by orchards. After lunch, we continue our journey towards the desert via the Ziz valley. Errachidia is the capital of the Ziz Valley and not only one of the largest Oasis in Africa but also one of the largest date producers.   We continue to travel through the town of Erfoud. The area used to be under water many millions of years ago. Thanks to that, a huge variety of fossils can be found here.  It is also sometimes known as ‘The Gate to the Sahara’ and it’s one of the last stops before the Sahara. Our next stop will be Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Here we will spend the night at the luxurious desert camp, before venturing into the desert the next morning

Day 6: Erg Chebbi Tour

1. Erg Chebbi
   5h
   We will drive through the area in a 4×4 vehicle. The nomad families we are going to visit will welcome us with a cup of tea and maybe even get to taste some bread baked in their make-shift oven and show us their way of life. We will also go to the village of the dark-skinned people, named Khamlia and enjoy their original Gnawa music and folk songs.
   
   From there we will drive to visit Rissani market. The market surives to this day. It is interesting in that it is not tourist souk, but serves the people living there.
   
   After having your traditional lunch in one of the small restaurants in the village, we will start the camel trek across the beautiful Erg Chebbi dunes. As the sun begins to set at the horizon, we ride our camels through the desert for another magical evening. As we settle into the camp and relax under a million stars, our guides will prepare a fresh and delicious Berber dinner. Weather permitting, a camp fire will be lit and music can be enjoined outside.

Day 7: ERG CHEBBI TO TODRA GORGE TO DADES VALLEY

1. Camino al sahara
   5h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, you can try some sand boarding right there at our camp before our camels take us back to town. We then depart for Dades valley.
   
   As we make our way through the palm tree groves we stop to visit an ancient underground system of irrigation called Kheterra. It was used many years ago to provide the local farmers with fresh water. Whilst the water has dried up long ago, it is still possible to visit the tunnel systems.
   
   We continue our journey to stop for lunch at a restaurant in one of the Berber towns along the way.
   
   Later we will reach the Todra Gorge, a magnificent canyon in the High Atlas Mountains, the highlight of the second day. There will be time for a walk on the canyon floor with the spectacular cliffs surrounding you on either side. We end the day in the Dades valley. It is a wonderful destination overlooking a fertile valley with the panorama of the mountains beyond.

Day 8: DADES VALLEY TO AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH TO MARRAKECH

1. Ait Ben Haddou
   6h
   After breakfast at the hotel we depart for Marrakech. There are still many sites and things to explore on your final day before arriving in Marrakech.
   We will leave the Dades Valley for the Valley of the Roses. From there we follow the road of a thousand Kasbahs, which cuts through the oasis of Skoura. We will stop in Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Morocco, where you can visit a film studio. From there we carry on to Ait Benhadou Kasbah, the highlight of the day. The Kasbah is now a protected UNESCO world heritage site and famous for being the location of film sets like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia and many more. You can climb through the village to the top of the hill where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views. It is in this ancient desert village that we will eat lunch.
   From there we will drive via Tichka Pass to explore the stunning High Atlas Mountains. Many Berber villages can be found along this route.

Day 9: Marakech Medina tour

1. Marrakech
   5h
   Enjoy a slower pace this morning with a home cooked breakfast before starting your exciting day. Our local guide will come to meet you for your tour of the cultural and historic highlights in the Medina: Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs and Jemaa El Fna; the thriving centre at the heart of Marrakech. Having had lunch, at a restaurant near the square, we’ll take a walk through the bustling souks then drive to visit the tranquil and inspirational Jardin Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent Mansion. The rest of the day will then be at your leisure.

Day 10: TRANSFER TO CASABLANCA AIRPORT

1. Casablanca
   3h
   Tranfser to Casablanca airport.

Pickup details

We will meet you outside the airport. We can also collect you
from your hotel/ riad if you are already in Morocco.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The camel ride is not recommended for pregnant travellers