Casablanca 16 Day Guided Tour Experience

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca, Airport Pick-up; Drive to Rabat; Explore Rabat

1. Rabat
   1h
   When your flight lands in the Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, the driver guide will pick you up and transfer you to Rabat, the capital city. Upon arrival, he/she will help you check-in at the hotel.
2. Mausoleum of Mohammad V
   1h
   Your driver guide will lead you to explore this ancient imperial city. First, we will visit Mausoleum of Mohammed V.
3. Hassan Tower
   30m
   Then, we will pay a visit to the Hassan Tower, which is adjacent to the mausoleum.
4. 1h
   Finally, we will explore Kasbah of the Udayas, to appreciate the ancient fortresses in white and blue.

Day 2: Rabat to Tangier via Asilah; Visit Spartel Cape, Hercules Cave & Tomb of Ibn Battouta

1. Asilah
   2h 30m
   This morning, we'll head to Asilah, a tranquil coastal town on the Atlantic Coast. It will take about 2.5 hours by car. This beautiful town is known for its tall ochre walls, white houses, and the cleanest Medina in Morocco. In summer, there are also Art and Cultural Festivals, on which you would feel the enthusiasm and vitality of the town. For lunch, the Spanish seafood paella here is worth a try. The meal is at your own expense.
2. Cap Spartel
   30m · Admission ticket included
   After lunch, we will continue a 40-minute drive to Tangier, the northernmost city in this country. Upon arrival, we will pay a visit to the Spartel Cape. As the northwest corner of the African continent, it offers a splendid view of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.
3. Caves of Hercules
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Later, we’re going to tour the Hercules Cave, whose shape resembles the map of Africa. Behold, the nature, a great artist, has not forgotten to mark Madagascar Island on this map!
4. 1h · Admission ticket included
   Thereafter, we’ll proceed to the Old Medina of Tangier and Kasbah Museum to observe the local life.
5. Tomb of Ibn Battouta
   1h
   Then, you’ll be escorted to the Tomb of Ibn Battouta.
6. 30m · Admission ticket included
   Finally, today's Morocco desert trips at the Grand Socco, a bustling market, where you may get some handcrafts as your souvenirs.

Day 3: Tangier to Chefchaouen; Visit Tetouan En route; Explore Chefchaouen

1. Tetouan
   1h
   After breakfast, we’ll drive to Tetouan in about one hour. It is one of the nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Morocco, offering a unique blend of Arabic and Spanish cultures.
2. Chefchaouen
   1h
   Then, we will go to Chefchaouen, a fairytale mountain city with blue dwellings in every corner. There have been many versions as to why Chefchaouen was painted blue. Some say it is because the blue Ras El Maa Spring is the main water source for the town, and people paint their houses blue to symbolize the water of life being filled the town. Upon arrival, you will check in your hotel and have lunch on your own.
3. 1h
   In the afternoon, you will firstly visit the Outa-el-Hamman.
4. Kasbah Museum
   1h
   Then, we’ll continue our tour to Kasbah Museum and the cobblestone medina, which is home to Jewish settlers.
5. Grand Mosque
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Next is the Grand Mosque, whose octagonal minaret is well known.
6. 1h
   The last stop is the Spanish Mosque on a hill, which offer the perfect place to overlook Chefchaouen. After the guided tour, the rest of the day is free for you to visit this touristic area at leisure and take some pictures.

Day 4: Chefchaouen to Fez; Visit Ruins of Volubilis, Moulay Idriss & Meknes on the Way

1. Volubilis
   2h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, we will transfer to Fez. The whole journey is 211 kilometers (131 miles), taking about 4 hours by car. En route, we will visit the ruins of the Volubilis, an ancient Roman city from where grain and olive oil were exported to Roman Empire. To give you a clearer perception of the best-preserved Roman site in Morocco, we will arrange a professional guide for you on this fully explained trip. The whole visit will take about 2 hours.
2. Moulay Idriss
   Pass by
   Afterward, we will continue to the holy town of Moulay Idriss, which occupies a special place in the hearts of Moroccans.
3. Meknes
   2h
   Then we’ll drive to Meknes, once served as the capital city of Morocco and dubbed as one of the four imperial cities. A 2-hour walking tour in Meknes will take you to the Bab Mansour Gate, El Hedim Square, Dar Jamai Museum, Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail and the Royal Stables, which also has huge granary to store grain and grass used for royal horses.
4. Fez
   1h
   Then, we will go on to Fez. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and have a good rest overnight.

Day 5: Fez: Visit Old Medina, Tanneries, University of Al Quaraouiyine & Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II

1. Fez medina guided tours
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Today's tour starts with the Fez Medina, where you may easily get lost in the delightful maze of narrow lanes; thus, a professional local guide will be arranged to show you around Fez Medina.
2. Chouara Tannery
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Of course, the most memorable site should be the Chouara Tannery, the only major tannery in Morocco that still keeps traditional leather dyeing.
3. 1h · Admission ticket included
   Later, you will be guided to the world's oldest existing university, University of Al Quaraouiyine.
4. 1h · Admission ticket included
   Next, move towards the El-Attarine, which is decorated by magnificent zellige and exquisite carved patterns.
5. Bou Inania Medersa
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Later, visit the Bou Inania Medersas, the first college to spread Islam.
6. 1h · Admission ticket included
   Finally, pay a visit to the only one with a mosque in Fez, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II.

Day 6: Fez to Merzouga via Ifrane, Ziz Gorge, Erfoud; Sahara Desert Camp

1. Ifrane
   Pass by
   Today is a long driving day for about 7-hour drive. On the way, we will pass through a clean and green town of Ifrane, well known as its nickname "a Little Switzerland" of the Atlas Mountains.
2. Pass by
   Then, continue our way through the Atlas Mountains, drive along the Ziz Gorge, and enjoy its spectacular view with its palm groves.
3. Erg Chebbi Dunes
   1h · Admission ticket included
   We’ll head up to dunes of Erg Chebbi at Merzouga via a beautiful small town of Erfoud. On arrival in Merzouga, we will meet our camel guide, one-hour camel riding will take you into the desert and watch stunning sunset. You will return to the camp on the camel. Dinner is arranged in the camp and followed by a small bonfire party with drum music.

Day 7: Explore Sahara: Khamlia, Nomad Village and Erg Chebbi

1. 1h
   Early in the morning, your camel guide will take you to see the most memorable sunrise of your life, and then return to the camp for a shower. After breakfast in the camp, you will start your morning adventure of the desert by a 4X4 vehicle. The first stop is an abandoned mine that used to be very busy during the French colonial era.
2. 2h
   Next, visit the Village of Khamlia and listen to their Gnawa music. Although their instruments are only drums and some simple wooden and iron tools, they can play checkered beautiful music. Finally, we’ll drive back and enjoy lunch in the camp. The rest of the day is your leisure time. Dinner will be served in the camp.

Day 8: Merzouga to Dades Valley via Todra Gorge

1. 3h
   You have another chance to see sunrise over the desert this morning. After breakfast, we will drive to Todra, about 200 kilometers (124 miles) and taking a 3-hour drive. Todra Gorge features 300 meters (984 feet) high cliffs on the two sides with a clear creek in the middle. It is the highest and narrowest gorge in Morocco. ★ One-Hour Hiking Tour with Home-cooked Lunch
   Lunch will be arranged at a family-run restaurant, where you will not only taste the most authentic Moroccan food, but also have the opportunity to visit the host’s home and chat with the host. After lunch, there will be a 1-hour hiking in and around Todra Gorge. You will enjoy the stunning scenery, and also encounter the goatherd and his goats, donkeys carrying loads and local farmers working nearby. This is completely a good opportunity to get to know the real life in Morocco.
2. Dades Gorges
   2h
   Next, we will continue our journey to another beautiful gorge, the Dades Gorge with red cliffs and the zigzagging mountain roads, taking about an hour by drive. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to take a walk around the valley.

Day 9: Dades Valley to Quarzazate via Rose Valley and Skoura Oasis

1. 2h
   After breakfast, we will travel through the Dades Valley to Skoura Oasis, a journey of 80 kilometers (50 miles), taking 1.5 hours or so. This stretch is a part of the famous Road of A Thousand Kasbahs, as Kasbahs in various scales are scattered across villages, hillsides, and oases. Some are well preserved, but others are in ruins now. If needed, we will stop at any time for you to take photos. About 20 minutes from Dades Valley, Rose Valley, also known as Kalaa Mgouna, is our first stop. We come here for only one reason – roses.
2. 2h · Admission ticket included
   It is 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Rose Valley to Skoura Oasis which would take about 1 hour by car.
   
   ★ Activities in Skoura Oasis
   1. You will be guided to visit the Kasbah Ameridil, the best preserved Kasbah in the region.
   2. A one-hour hiking or biking tour in Skoura Palmeraie is included. If you want to try a donkey ride, the extra charge could be paid on site.
3. 1h
   Continuing 1 hour drive, we will reach the destination Quarzazate today and check into the local hotel.

Day 10: Visit Atlas Studio, Ait Ben Haddou & Telouet Kasbah; Transfer to Marrakech

1. 2h · Admission ticket included
   After a big breakfast, you will be guided to visit Atlas Corporation Studio and the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The earthen clay walls and houses make the village unique, because many Hollywood movies have been shot here, making it have become one of the representative complexes of North Africa. On the way, we would have seen a lot of Ksars and Kasbahs, and you may wonder how to tell them apart. In fact, there is no strict difference between them, as both belong to the local defensive fortifications. A Ksar usually refers to a defensive village, while a Kasbah is more likely a fortress to protect a powerful family.
2. Telouet Kasbah
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Thereafter, we’ll proceed to the Telouet Kasbah, famous for the oldest Islamic architecture.
3. Marrakech
   1h
   Then, we will drive to Marrakech over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and the high Atlas Mountains, and stay overnight there.

Day 11: Marrakech: Explore Berber Culture in Imlil Village by Trekking

1. Ourika Valley
   1h · Admission ticket included
   At 9:00 am, you will be escorted to the Ourika Valley at the foot of the Atlas Mountain. It takes about 1 hour by car.
2. Imlil
   2h
   First of all, we will arrange a 1-hour camel ride tour for you to enjoy the wonderful scenery, meanwhile to have a deeper understanding of the real historical development of the Berber villages. Next, we will continue to drive for about 1.5 hours to Imlil village, a small village located at the foot of Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak of Atlas Mountain, attracting visitors from the world with numerous hiking routes.
3. Marrakech
   2h
   After lunch, a 1-2 hours’ trekking tour can be arranged for you depending on your needs. Meanwhile, the mules are await you to embark your trek through the fine views of the mountains. The trek would end at a small waterfall, where you can take a rest by the cool water. At the end of the tour, we’ll drive back to Marrakech.

Day 12: Marrakech: Visit Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs & Jemaa el-Fna Sqaure

1. Medina of Marrakesh
   1h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, a professional local guide will pick you up at the hotel and arrange a carriage ride to the Old Medina, which is about 20 minutes away.
2. Koutoubia Mosque
   1h
   The first stop today is the Koutoubia Mosque, a fragrant mosque in the city center, and the high minaret of this mosque can be seen from anywhere in the old medina of Marrakech.
3. Bahia Palace
   3.8 days · Admission ticket included
   Then, we will proceed to the Bahia Palace built at the end of the 19th century. Exquisite mosaics, high tall arches, rare stones, fountains and gardens can be seen everywhere inside the elegant palace.
4. Saadian Tombs
   3.8 days · Admission ticket included
   Thereafter, we’re to visit the Saadian Tombs to appreciate the valueless artistic form of the buildings.
5. Medersa Ben Youssef
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Next, you’ll be guided to the Koranic School - Ben Yousself Medersa.
6. Jemaa el-Fnaa
   30m
   At the end of the day, spend some free time exploring the fabulous Jemaa el-Fna Square. After that, we will return to the hotel by carriage.

Day 13: Marrakech: Visit Jardin Majorelle & YSL Museum; Transfer to Essaouira

1. Jardin Majorelle
   2h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, we will start the journey to Jardin Majorelle.
2. Musee Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Then, we will visit nearby Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
3. Essaouira
   2h 30m
   Then, transfer to Essaouira in a 2.5 hours' drive. As the famous Wind City in Africa, the seaside city Essaouira is endowed with wind from the Atlantic Ocean all year round, making it an ideal place to go surfing or sailing.

Day 14: Enjoy your Free Time in Essaouira

1. Essaouira
   8h
   Today is free for you to explore this coastal city. If you are eager to witness local people's lifestyle, it's advisable to visit the old medina of Essaouira, where you may see the ancient turrets. Otherwise, you can take a leisurely walk along the seashore to feel the gentle ocean breeze.

Day 15: Essaouira to Casablanca; Visit King Hassan II Mosque & Jewish Historical Museum

1. Casablanca
   4h 30m
   After breakfast, the drive to Casablanca will take about 4.5 hours. On the way, there is also a chance to witness the unique spectacle of Morocco – goats up to the trees.
2. Hassan II Mosque
   1h · Admission ticket included
   When arriving in the seaside city Casablanca, we’ll continue to the King Hassan II Mosque, the 3rd largest mosque in the world. This mosque is not only appreciated for its exquisite exterior appearance, but also known for being built on a promontory over the sea.
3. Museum of Moroccan Judaism
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Thereafter, proceed to the Jewish Historical Museum of Morocco, which offers a good opportunity to learn about the Jewish history and culture.

Day 16: Departure from Casablanca; See off

1. Casablanca
   1h
   After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight, which indicates that your Morocco desert tour has come to the end. We sincerely wish you a pleasant journey with us!

Pickup details

When your flight lands in the Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, the driver guide will pick you up and transfer you to Rabat, the capital city

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels