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Itineraries
Day 1
Marrakech – Casablanca – Rabat
Pick up in Marrakech and transfer to Casablanca. We will visit Casablanca, now Morocco's largest
city and commercial capital, Africa's fourth largest port. Visit the residential area of Anfa district,
Ain Diab to stroll the famous Boulevard de la Cornich, Casablanca's Atlantic boardwalk, Mohammed
V Square and the gorgeous mosque of Hassan II. Then transfer to Rabat, which is about 1 hour
away. In Rabat we visit Kasbah Chellah near Oudaya Gardens, the never completed Hassan Tower
started in 1195, the Mausoleum of Mohommed V.
Overnight in Rabat, breakfast
Day 2
Rabat – Meknes – Volubis - Fes
Morning departure to the Roman ruins. Volubis was populated into the 17th century when it was
ruined by earthquake. Walk around the ruins and discover the intricate floor mosaics still intact.
Your journey continues to Meknes, enter the city through the large monumental gate "Bab
Mansour". It took fifty years for 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 the
Sultans immense stable of 12, 000 horses. Within the city visit the Mosque and Mausoleum of the
Moulay Ismail, one of the most impressive buildings in the city, and its decorative tombs. Then late
afternoon arrival to Fes.
Day 3
Fes
Fes, the cultural capital, is one of the most medieval Islamic cities in the world. Passing through
the gates and walls in 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
walking tour to some of the major points of interest. You'll visit the Place Nejjarine, where the
ancient caravanserai overlooks a fountain; wander outside the great Qayawan mosque, passing the
14th century merchant's shops; head to the tanneries - where leather is stained in vast of striking
colored dyes.
Overnight in Fes, breakfast
Day 4
Fes – Azrou – Midelt – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi
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. The great "sand sea" of Merzouga, a beautiful area of fine, apricot -
colored sand that stretches as far as the eye can see.
Then late afternoon before the sunset we head off into the vastness of the dunes on a camel
caravan accompanied by camelteers. The sturdy camel has been a mainstay of desert life over the
centuries, being used to ship the precious cargoes from Sub Saharan African to the trading ports of
the Mediterranean coast. You can ride or walk alongside as you slip into the pace of the caravan led
by Berber guides and marvel at the awesome spectacle of the desert and the solitude a silence that
comes with it. We arrive into our “oasis” of the desert where we spend the night in the Nomad
tent, breakfast & dinner
Day 5
Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
Rise early and return on your camels back to the auberge in Merzouga. There breakfast will be
prepared for you and you have the chance to take shower before our departure. Leaving the desert
behind we will head up to the Atlas Mountains to the Todra Gorge, a spectacular gash in the hills
that surround Tinerhir. The region is dotted with deserted Kasbahs, palmeries and mud-brick
villages, creating photographer's paradise. The cliffs loom above as you approach the mouth of the
Todra Gorge. Rising a 300 m, the honey colored hues of the sheer face change constantly as he
sun moves across the sky. Local Berber people can often be seen moving their herds through the
gorge. Heading into the gorge you'll have the chance to stretch your legs on a walk to fully
appreciate the beauty of the region. Rejoining the vehicle retrace your steps out of the gorge and
follow the remainder of the route des Kasbahs to Dades Gorge.
Overnight in Dades Gorge, breakfast & dinner
Day 6
Dades Gorge – Ouarzazate – AitBenHaddou – Marrakech
In the morning enjoy the views of the Dades Gorge, carved by centuries by the Dades River. The
stricking colors of the red and mauve rock that towers above the road. After our visit we will be
passing the Rose Valley known for the growth of roses. The whole valley in the spring smells of
roses. The products made of the rose petals are priced throughout the world. The road will then
takes us to the palm oasis of Skoura where we visit an important Kasbah Amerhidil, featured on
the Moroccan bank notes. Then it is a short drive to Ouarzazate, and Ait Ben Haddou, the best-
preserved Kasbah. With its dramatic walls of red earth, slit windows and crumbling towers, it is a
magnificent example of a traditional stronghold. Chosen as location for Hollywood films such as
Lawrence of Arabia, Jewel of Nile and more recently Gladiator, AIt Ben Haddou sits upon a lofty
pinnacle of rock overlooking a river. Dating from the 15th century, its importance as a trading post
gradually waned, and today's inhabitants eke a living from farming. Then it will be time to cross on
a dramatic drive the High Atlas Mountains, the views get more and more impressive. Then arrival
to Marrakech.
Transport
Accommodations
Breakfast
Tips
Drinks
Souvenirs
