You will be picked up from your lodging in Marrakech, hotel, or Riad in the medina, transported via the famous High Atlas Mountains chain, and cross the Tizi N Tichka pass 2260m, the highest of Morocco.

You will be amazed by the wonderful views of the surrounding landscapes and Berber villages, arriving at the UNESCO World Heritage of the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah where you will be taken on a walking tour to get a hold of its background as well as its history of being one of the most targeted places of shooting many glorious movies such as the “Lawrence of Arabia (1962)”, “The Jewel of the Nile (1985)”, “Queen Of The Desert”, “Gladiator (2000), and “Game of Thrones (2013).

The next stop will be Ouarzazate; A city called Hollywood of Africa; where you will be spending the first night of your 5 days Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert.

Day 2: Ouarzazate » Draa Valley » Rissani » Erg Chebbi Dunes (Merzouga)

After breakfast, you will continue your 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to the Sahara desert of Merzouga, via Draa valley crossing the volcanic rock formations of the Anti-Atlas Mountains to Agdez and Tamnougalt. You will then drive through Nkob, a small Berber town known for its numerous Kasbahs and as the access point to trek through the Jabel Saghro (Saghro Mountain) to Dades.

On the way to Rissani, a Saharan town that is considered the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty, popular for its traditional big market in the area, if not the most important and the largest in the southeast of the country from decades, where many nomads come either for shopping or selling. Rissani market is the closest (35 km) in that large to the Merzouga desert as well as all the Erg Chebbi surrounding villages.

Heading moreover to one of the main desert destinations, Erg Chebbi Sahara desert, where you will take a camel trek to head to the camp assisting the sunset on the way over the sand dunes, you will enjoy your dinner followed by a music party (Berber drums) around the campfire and spend the night in a well equipped tented camp.

Day 3: Explore the Merzouga area & Visit nomad families

Today, you live a special morning in the middle of the Sahara, it is worth waking up to enjoy the spectacular views of the sunrise over the sand dunes, before you take your breakfast and freshen up, ride the camels back to the departure point to meet your driver at the dune line.

Then leave for an off-road discovery excursion of the surrounding villages such as Hassi Labied, Khamlia village where a lot of dark-skinned musicians known for their love of the Gnawa music that came originally from Sub-Saharan countries.

Visit Mefes town, an abandoned small town known for its Lead mines, and then a date with a nomad family living on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes.

In the afternoon, you can relax in your accommodation, alternatively, you can visit the dunes and watch the sunset one more time, and why not an hour of ATV Quad biking in the dunes to end up your day (Not included in the tour price). The night is spent at the hotel.

Day 4: Merzouga » Erfoud » Todra Gorges » Dades Valley

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you meet up with your driver and then make your journey back from the desert to Dades Valley with stops in Erfoud; a small city known for the fossilized rocks and their manufacturers.

Continuing our tour to Todra Gorges and its magnificent canyons hidden gem for rock climbers besides Todra. You can do a leisure walk here before you head to your hotel in Dades Valley for the night.

Day 5: Dades Valley » Ouarzazate » Marrakech

Continuing the Marrakech desert tour for 5 days and 4 nights, after breakfast at your hotel in Dades, you will leave for Marrakech, passing through Kelaa Mgouna, the city of roses, and Skoura Palmary before going back to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou.

You will enjoy the spectacular views of the High Atlas mountains and cross the Tichka Pass to end up in Marrakech. Drop you off at your accommodation.

Price Includes

• Pick-up & drop off at/from your accommodation
• Transport by private modern vehicle with A/C
• Experienced English-speaking Driver/Guide
• Car Fuel
• 3 nights at a private room in the hotel (At your preferred room type)
• Camel Trekking (Camel per person)
• Sunset camel ride
• Overnight at a private tent in Camp (At your preferred tent type)
• (Breakfast & Dinner) x 4
• 4×4 transfer from and to the camp (Alternative to Camels)

Price Excludes

• Drinks
• Lunches
• Entrance to monuments (Optional)
• Tipping (Optional)

The post 5 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech appeared first on Make Morocco Tours.

Your private 6-day tour from Marrakech starts with a scene of the Atlas Mountains while we snake through the 2260m high Tizi ’Tichka pass to the Unesco World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, it was added to the UNESCO list in 1987, famous on the big screen for movies like Gladiator (2000) and the famous HBO series Game of Thrones (2013).

We’ll then continue to Ouarzazate known as “The Gate to Desert” to visit Atlas Film Studios and the Taourirt Kasbah located in the city and later towards the Valley of Roses, well-known for its yearly festival of roses. Then, we’ll drive to Dades Gorges and its gorgeous canyons where we spend the first night in a traditional riad or hotel with a complimentary dinner and breakfast.

Day 2: Dades Gorges » Draa Valley » Rissani » Erg Chebbi Dunes (Merzouga) [269 km]

Here, we’ll continue our 6-day tour from Marrakech and visit Todra Gorge, a colorful tight canyon popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Then we’ll drive through The Ziz Valley to reach Erfoud via Tinjdad, an oasis town famous as the gate to the impressive Erg Chebbi dunes and recognized for its unique fossils and their manufacturers.

While there, we can visit a local fossils factory that produces artisans and home furniture fabricated from fossils. Then drive to the Sahara desert to reach Merzouga.

Arriving at the edge of the golden sand dunes you change the vehicle by the Desert ship, camel, to sail into the wavy desert dunes, guided by experienced guides, a date with a stop to admire one of the best sunset sceneries, as daylight decreases the sand changes color, while you enjoy sandboarding.

Arriving at the well-equipped Merzouga Desert Camp where we’ll stay overnight in Berber-style tents.

This spectacular night will be rendered memorable with a unique and traditional starlit Berbere dinner topped off by tribal music (Drums) around a desert campfire.

Day 3: Exploring Merzouga area & Visit nomad families

Today, 3rd day of our 6-day tour from Marrakech will be spent exploring the Merzouga desert. You’ll get a chance to “do your own thing”, with the option of camel trekking, or exploring via the comfort of a 4×4. We’ll also visit the Khamlia village well-known for its traditional Gnawa music.

We will continue our 4×4 excursion to an abandoned small town called Mefes and its lead mines, this town was and still is a source of different minerals since the French colonizer.

We simply can’t miss the opportunity of appreciating a visit to a generous nomad family living behind the dunes of the Merzouga Sahara desert. Our night will be topped off at Riad/Hotel in the Merzouga area.

Day 4: Merzouga » Ziz Valley » Azrou Cedar forest » Fes

After breakfast, at the hotel, we’ll drive through Rissani, and its local souk, the biggest market in the region, until we reach Midelt in the Atlas Mountains via Ziz Valley and palm groves.

There, we can stop for lunch in a local restaurant before driving to Azrou cedar forest and its Barbary Apes, before continuing to Fes where we’ll stay overnight in a local hotel.

We will visit Ifrane city, the stunning architecture, green gardens, very clean town, and the perfect destination for Ski lovers due to its big Ski resort of Mishlifen. Because of its magnificent characteristics and location, Ifrane knows “Switzerland of Morocco”.

Day 5: Fes (Visit the city with a local guide) » Casablanca

Fes is known as a Scientific city, and home to the oldest university in the world and consists of three distinct parts; Fes el Bali (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981).

Fes-Jdid “new Fez” is the oldest of the three with more than 8500 narrow alleys and streets supported by a high wall (home of the Jewish quarter), and the “Ville Nouvelle”, the most modern quarter of Fez built during the French occupation.

The guided sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Tanneries, the Attarine Museum, and the Moulay Idriss mausoleum. You’ll visit many different cooperatives and then, experience an enjoyable picturesque scene over the entire Medina of Fes.

After finishing the tour and having lunch, we’ll drive to Casablanca. Dinner and overnight in the biggest city in Morocco in terms of population, recognized as the economical city.

Day 6: Casablanca » Marrakesh

Today, we visit the main attraction and monuments of Casablanca, including the Hassan II Mosque, before driving toward the red city of Marrakech where our 6-day tour from Marrakech ends by dropping you at your accommodation or airport.

Price Includes

• Pick-up & drop off at/from your accommodation
• Transport by private modern vehicle with A/C
• Experienced English-speaking Driver/Guide
• Car Fuel
• 4 nights in a private room in the hotel (Dinner & Breakfast)
• Camel Trekking (Camel per person)
• Sunset camel ride
• Hearty dinner and party around the campfire (Berber Drums)
• Overnight at a private tent in Camp (Breakfast & dinner)
• 4×4 transfer from and to the camp (Alternative to Camels)
• Local guide in Fes

Price Excludes

• Drinks
• Lunches
• Entrance to monuments (Optional)
• Tips

The post 6 day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga via Fes appeared first on Make Morocco Tours.

All of this is included in this trip: an hour’s camel ride, driving off-road, going for a hike in the rocky hills, visit the dam of Lalla Takerkoust. And for the mechanical sports enthusiast, it is possible to rent a quad-bike or buggies to explore this magical setting at a faster pace.

Agafay Desert and Atlas Mountains day trip – Highlights:

• Enjoying a wonderful drive from Marrakech to Agafay Desert
• Having the thrill of  a full-hour camel ride in the Agafay desert
• Dressing like nomads in a blue turban
• Climbing to a good vantage point to view the snow-capped mountains on the horizon
• Drinking a relaxing glass of mint tea served with Moroccan biscuits
• Having lunch in a nomad tent or in a local family house
• Take amazing photos of your camels with the sunset as a backdrop
• Visiting Berber villages
• Driving in the High Atlas Mountains

A short trip to Morocco will not allow for the highlight of visiting the Sahara. But the feeling of life there is replicated a little in the Agafay desert, very close to Marrakech.  This day trip to the Agafay desert offers you a relaxing day in the rocky desert with wonderful views of the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains. And even better you can gain an insight into local Berber life  in Berber villages.

All of this is included in this trip: an hour’s camel ride, driving off-road, going for a hike in the rocky hills, visit the dam of Lalla Takerkoust. And for the mechanical sports enthusiast, it is possible to rent a quad-bike or buggies to explore this magical setting at a faster pace.

Agafay Desert and Atlas Mountains day trip – Highlights:

• Enjoying a wonderful drive from Marrakech to Agafay Desert
• Having the thrill of  a full-hour camel ride in the Agafay desert
• Dressing like nomads in a blue turban
• Climbing to a good vantage point to view the snow-capped mountains on the horizon
• Drinking a relaxing glass of mint tea served with Moroccan biscuits
• Having lunch in a nomad tent or in a local family house
• Take amazing photos of your camels with the sunset as a backdrop
• Visiting Berber villages
• Driving in the High Atlas Mountains

What is included in this Agafay Desert day trip:

• Transport in a private air-conditioned 4×4 Toyota Prado Tx or Deluxe Van and fuel
• Pick up from and drop off at your hotel in Marrakech
• English/ French/ Spanish/ Italian speaking driver/guide
• A camel ride for an hour to an hour and a half
• Mint tea and biscuits in the desert of Agafay
• Lunch
• Free time to explore sites such as valleys, Lalla Takerkoust dam and Berber villages for walks
• The opportunity to ask the driver to stop for breaks or visits whenever you wish

What is not included:

• Drinks
• Tips
• Extras

The post Agafay Desert Day Trip from Marrakech appeared first on Make Morocco Tours.

On the way we will cross immense Argan forests, where the precious Argan oil is extracted. We can stop at one of the cooperatives that exist in the area and see its traditional production, which is currently focused not only on food but also on cosmetics and alternative medicine. The estimated time for this trip is 2 hours and a half when no stops are made. But since we will make this short stop on the way, the duration of the trip will be approximately 3 hours.

Therefore, the outward journey of this excursion to Essaouira arrives in this city at approximately 10:00 am. Behind the walls of this town, which was a former Portuguese citadel and was once called Mogador, there are many picturesque corners steeped in history. You will be able to discover them for yourself as soon as you set foot on the ground and by taking part in one of the activities organized and mentioned below.

At approximately 15:30h or at the agreed time we will meet again to return to Marrakech, on a return trip without stops: about 2 hours and a half to arrive in the Red City at about 18:00h.

TOURIST PACKAGE INCLUDED

• Private transportation to and from Marrakech.
• Driver’s per diem.
• Vehicle fuel.
• Hotel pick up.
• Driver / Chauffeur in English.

TOURIST PACKAGE EXCLUSIONS

•    Plane tickets
•    Drinks
•    Lunches
•    Tickets

The post Excursion to Essaouira from Marrakech appeared first on Make Morocco Tours.

Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat

For those arriving in Casablanca from another country, our services will start at the airport terminal of this city: our driver will be waiting for you there with a private vehicle for the transfer to the city center. And if you are already in Casablanca, we will arrange any other meeting point that is convenient for you, such as the hotel.

In any case, the first place to visit will be the impressive Hassan II Mosque, located on an artificial peninsula reclaimed from the sea. It has the honor of being one of the tallest temples in the Islamic world: its minaret reaches not inconsiderable figure of 200 meters, approximately. And luckily, we will have the opportunity to visit it inside, since it is one of the few mosques that opens its doors to non-believers.

After visiting the mosque, we will leave for Rabat, located about an hour’s drive from Casablanca. It is the capital of the country and one of the Imperial Cities of Morocco. Its historic center has been declared a World Heritage Site, for such outstanding monuments as the Hassan Tower, from the 12th century, in Almohad style, or the Kasbah of the Oudayas, from the same period. From the latter fortress, you will enjoy spectacular views of the city and the neighboring Salé, located across the river Bu Regreg.

The visit of this interesting city is free, so you will have the opportunity to organize the tour as you wish and with our advice. Other interesting places you can add are the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, the souk of the Medina or the Mohamed VI Museum of Modern Art. All of them will be close to the riad where you will spend your first night, as it is located in the center of the city.

Day 2: Rabat – Chaouen

After breakfast at the riad in Rabat, our driver will pick you up to head north. Specifically, to the Rif Mountains, among which Chaouen is located. This town, often called “the blue city”, lives on in the minds of those who visit it because its historic medina is dyed in this characteristic color.

During your stay in Chaouen, you can plan your day at your own pace, as it is free. Among the main suggestions are the kasbah (now the Ethnographic Museum) and the viewpoints with panoramic views of the medina and its surroundings. It will also be worthwhile to get lost in its charming alleys, decorated with flowers, full of craft stores, and dotted with galleries of local artists.

In the evening, you will rest in a riad in the medina and therefore not far from the main square of the city: the square of Uta el-Hammam, around which there are numerous charming stores and stores.

Day 3: Chaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez

The third day of this trip is full of places of great cultural interest. Therefore, after breakfast at the riad of Chaouen, we will return to our vehicle to go to the first of them: Volubilis, the best preserved archaeological site of Roman times in Morocco. The remains that are still standing show the importance that this city acquired in times of emperors such as Mark Antony or Caracalla: columns of temples, decorative mosaics on pavements, commemorative arches and an urban fabric still visible on the ground. It is no coincidence, therefore, that this great site is also considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After this chronological journey to the times of the Roman Empire, we will continue our route by road to Meknes. This is another Imperial City with the consideration of World Heritage by Unesco since its historic medina retains much of the appearance that gave the Sultan Moulay Ismail in the late seventeenth century. Walking through its streets it is possible to come across his mausoleum and elements that remind us of its glorious past, such as the gates of the wall, highlighting Bab Mansour.

In the last part of the day, we will continue the route to Fez. Its large medina and its lively popular atmosphere will be the protagonists of the guided tour that will take place the next day, although you can make first contact with them in the last hours of this second day. The location of the riad where you will spend the night is right in the center so that it will be a help for this purpose.

Day 4: Fez

World Heritage Site, Imperial City, and one of the spiritual and cultural centers of the Islamic world. With this letter of introduction, it is easy to understand that Fez deserves to be discovered in depth through a guided tour. Therefore, after breakfast at the riad, you will meet our official local guide and you will visit together the most interesting places in the center.

The route that our guide will have prepared will cover the main attractions of the medina, including the Karaouine Mosque and the University it houses, considered one of the oldest in the world. Or the madrasas, dedicated to studies based on the Koran, such as Bou Inania or Attarine. Or popular places like Nejjarine Square and the homonymous fountain, the famous Tanners’ quarter, or the always lively souks and markets.

The historic center of Fez is so large that it will force you to leave some places of interest for the afternoon, at your leisure. Some attractions that can be scheduled for this time are the Golden Gates of the Royal Palace, the Mellah (Jewish quarter) or museums such as the Borj Nord. And of course, this will also be the ideal time for shopping in the prestigious craft stores of Fez, where they sell objects of great value, such as leather goods, wood, ceramics or metal. Undoubtedly, a day that deserves to be enjoyed until the last moment, before resting again in your riad in the center.

Day 5: Fez – Ifrane – Monkey Forest – Erfoud – Desert of Merzouga

The fifth day is one of the longest: After breakfast at the riad in the center of Fez we will head south on a road trip that will reach the heart of the desert. We will leave early and, shortly after starting the route, we will begin to climb the slopes of the Middle Atlas.

Here is precisely Ifrane, known by all as ‘the Moroccan Switzerland’. The reason is none other than its surprising architecture, more typical of the Alps than of these latitudes, with gable roofs. However, its altitude (over 1,700 meters above sea level) and its location between mountains result in a really humid climate, with abundant snowfall in the cold season and an environment where white predominates in winter and green the rest of the year.

Green is also the predominant color in our next stop: Ifrane National Park, next to neighboring Azrou, full of cedars. Many know it as the Monkey Forest because it is home to a large population of Barbary macaques, an endangered species and the only primate naturally present north of the Sahara.

After getting to know this unique habitat, we will continue the route by road through the Middle Atlas. The descent that we will start at this point will take us through the Ziz Valley, in whose lands survive palm groves and farmland, defying the aridity that prevails in the place.

In this way we will arrive at Erfoud, a small town but very famous in the world of paleontology, as important fossils have been discovered here, some of them of dinosaurs. And shortly after we will reach the southernmost town of the route: Merzouga, located more than 650 km from Casablanca, where the trip began.

In Merzouga we will just change means of transport: our vehicle will be parked and we will take a dromedary per person to advance through the magical sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, of an incomparable texture and color. After a quiet ride of a couple of hours, we will arrive at our tent camp, located in the desert. There they will be waiting for us with a Berber tea, as the local tradition dictates, and dinner will also be served. One of the tents, with the classic design used by the nomads of the desert, will be your accommodation, with all the comforts inside. Outside, on the other hand, there will be a spectacular sky full of stars, which shine with strength and cleanliness without equivalent in the rest of the world.

Day 6: Merzouga Desert – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley – Ouarzazate

On this sixth day we leave the desert of Merzouga, but not before enjoying a magical and unique experience: watching the sunrise in the dunes of Erg Chebbi, where the lights of dawn bring unique tones and shades in the vast territory of sand dunes that will open in front of our eyes.

After that, breakfast will be taken in the tents camp and we will take our camels to return to Merzouga. Before or after this time there will be time for a shower, either in a hotel in Merzouga or in the camp, depending on the package contracted.

The road here becomes winding, as we will see during the route, but later it will give way to wider spaces typical of the Dades Valley and the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs, named after the endless number of Berber fortresses that will come our way during this section. We will also visit the Valley of the Roses, the name given to this flower cultivated for the economic benefit of the local population, who use it to make cosmetic products, organize traditional festivals, and much more.

The goal of this day is Ouarzazate. In this city is the hotel where you will have dinner and spend the night. But before that, if the schedule allows it, we will visit the Taourirt kasbah, located on the outskirts of the city: this Berber fortress was the residence of the Lord of Altas and Pasha of Marrakech, Thami El Glaoui. And for this reason, inside there are spaces with exotic and colorful decorations, in contrast to the adobe exterior. Another possible visit to make depending on the schedule is its famous film studios, which are used in large productions of the seventh art and which have earned it the nickname of ‘Hollywood of Morocco’.

Day 7: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Telouet – Marrakech

The seventh day of this circuit will take us through absolutely contrasting landscapes: from the desert to the high mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. We will start the day with breakfast at the hotel in Ouarzazate and then visit the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, declared a World Heritage Site because it is a fortified complex of great value. The adobe architecture of its buildings and walls are a magnificent example of the expertise of the Berber people when building in perfect harmony with the environment. And its good state of preservation has favored its use as a film set in blockbusters such as Game of Thrones or Lawrence of Arabia, to name a few examples.

After the visit, we will resume the route by road, which shortly after will begin its ascent through the High Atlas Mountains. We will stop at the Kasbah of Telouet, another of the residential fortresses of Thami El Glaoui, Pasha of Marrakech. Therefore, the resemblance with Taourirt will be evident, although with its own peculiarities.

Arriving at the port of Tizi n’Tichka, the panoramic views will be breathtaking: the peaks of the High Atlas stand here as an impassable natural barrier, with snow on its highest peaks for much of the year and small villages scattered on its slopes. From here, the road begins its descent towards Marrakech.

You will reach the Red City in the afternoon, with enough time for a free walk around it. In this first contact, you will appreciate the frenetic pace and the popular atmosphere that reigns in the medina, where your riad will be located.

Day 8: Marrakech

The city of Marrakech was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco and is the most visited city in Morocco. For this and many other reasons, it is worth discovering it calmly and with the help of a local guide. This is what you will do after having breakfast at the riad and entering the medina.

During the morning guided tour, some of the places of interest to explore may be the Kutubia Mosque, the Saadian tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrasa or the Bahia Palace. The Jemaa El-Fna Square is also a must-see, as it was itself declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco.

In the afternoon, however, you will have free time to spend at your leisure. Some travelers decide to visit more places of interest, such as its museums or the Majorelle Gardens. Others, on the other hand, set their sights on the souks and local craft stores, always full of quality items. And in the evening, the same charming riad will provide you with a well-deserved rest.

Day 9: Marrakech – Airport

9 days after landing in Casablanca, the trip comes to an end. After breakfast at the accommodation and check-out, it will be assessed if the flight schedule allows a final walk into Marrakech for last-minute shopping. In any case, our driver will pick you up punctually at the agreed time for the transfer to the airport. At the terminal, we will say goodbye with gratitude for the trust placed in us and with the hope of a new meeting to continue exploring other regions of interest in Morocco.

TOURIST PACKAGE INCLUDED

•   Pick up and drop off at the airport
•    Comfortable private transportation with air conditioning
•    English speaking driver/tour guide
•    Sandboarding in the desert
•    Camel ride

TOURIST PACKAGE EXCLUSIONS

•    Plane tickets
•    Drinks
•    Lunches
•    Tickets

The post 9-day tour: Casablanca, imperial cities and desert appeared first on Make Morocco Tours.

This tour starts in Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco. At the airport terminal or other agreed place, our agency staff will be waiting for you: an English-speaking driver with a private vehicle to transfer you to the center of this great city.

In Casablanca, we will mainly visit the great mosque of Hassan II, considered one of the largest in the world. And, fortunately for those who take this tour, it admits the visit of non-believers, something unusual in Morocco. Therefore, we will enter to discover its majestic architecture, with first-class materials such as marble, granite, ceramics, etc.. And we will enjoy its pleasant surroundings, on an artificial peninsula overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

After admiring the whole, we will head for Rabat, the capital of the country, which has been considered the capital of the country since 1912. This has given it the right to be part of this tour of the Imperial Cities of Morocco, but also its important historical and artistic monuments. For example, the Hassan Tower, a masterpiece of the Almohad period, which, therefore, bears a strong resemblance to the Giralda of Seville. Or the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a large walled enclosure from which you have a magnificent view of the mouth of the Bu Regreg river, the neighboring Salé and the populous beaches located here.

The visit of Rabat, whose historic medina was declared World Heritage by Unesco, will be free. You will be able to enjoy in a more personalized way such interesting places as its lively souk or the prestigious museums of the capital. At the end of the day, you will spend the night in a charming riad in the city center.

Day 2: Rabat – Meknes – Volubilis – Fez

The second day of this tour of the Imperial Cities of Morocco is one of the most culturally rich and will take us through different attractions close to each other. Therefore, after breakfast at the riad in Rabat, our driver will pick you up to start the route by road.

The first stop will be Meknes, which is also part of this circuit through the Imperial Cities of Morocco thanks to its glorious past as a capital. It was in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries that it enjoyed this honor, bestowed by Sultan Moulay Ismail. Therefore, some of the places to visit are related to him, as his own mausoleum. In addition, we will contemplate other remarkable monuments, such as the different gates of the wall of the historic medina, an area recognized as a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

After strolling and discovering the attractiveness of Meknes, we will travel in space and time to visit a surprising place: Volubilis, an archaeological site from Roman times in which there are still important vestiges of what was that city, one of the most important in North Africa at the time. We will walk among columns of ancient temples, mosaics of stately buildings and monumental arches ordered to be built by emperors such as Marcus Aurelius or Caracalla. For all these reasons, this archaeological site was also declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

After these two visits, we will return to the vehicle to move to Fez, a key stop on this circuit of the Imperial Cities of Morocco. For this reason, we will leave for the next day its visit in depth. In the meantime, you can take the opportunity to get in touch with the city or to go shopping in its lively souks and its prestigious traditional handicraft stores.

Day 3: Fez

Fez occupies a prominent place in this circuit of the Imperial Cities of Morocco, as it is not only one of them but also one of the most important cultural and intellectual centers of the country and the entire Islamic world. Therefore, after breakfast at the riad, you will meet our official local guide to visit together the most interesting places of its historic center, declared World Heritage by Unesco.

The walking tour will take you to such emblematic monuments and buildings as the Karaouine Mosque and the university it houses, considered one of the oldest in the world. Or the Bou Inania or Attarine madrasahs, magnificent examples of Islamic art in the city. Squares such as Nejjarine or neighborhoods such as the tanners can also be places to visit on this tailored route through the medina.

The afternoon, however, may be a good time to visit places that have been left in the chamber during the morning, as perhaps the Jewish quarter (Mellah) or the area around the Royal Palace, where you can admire its Golden Gates. Another option is to go inside one of its museums to discover its collection, such as the Borj Nord. And of course, continue discovering the local crafts and gastronomy. In the evening, after an intense day of sightseeing, you will return to rest in your riad in the medina.

Day 4: Fez – Marrakech

In this tour of the Imperial Cities of Morocco, the fourth day will take us to another day that has this consideration: we will travel from Fez to Marrakech, the most visited and admired city in the whole country. Therefore, after breakfast, we will leave directly to the so-called ‘Red City’, in a journey that will take us the whole morning.

Upon arrival in Marrakech, you will have free time to take a first walk around this city, full of attractions that would be impossible to visit in a single day. Therefore, you can take the opportunity to visit places and monuments that are not part of the guided tour of the next day: the modern district of Gueliz, the Majorelle Gardens, the Marrakech Museum, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum… and many other options.

You can also choose to stroll through the medina with an eye on the traditional handicraft stores or gastronomic places where you can taste local food. In fact, we will help you to find places adapted to your tastes and preferences, if you need it. At night, you will sleep in a centrally located riad, which will allow you to move around more freely.

Day 5: Marrakech

Marrakech is a city recognized by Unesco. Specifically, its historic medina, which is a World Heritage Site, and its Jemaa el-Fna Square, which is an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Therefore, there is a lot to see and visit on this day, so after breakfast at the riad, you will meet our official local guide to start a tailor-made tour.

The places that can be part of this itinerary are very varied. For example, the exteriors of the Kutubia Mosque, one of the most famous and beautiful mosques in Morocco. Or the Ben Youssef Madrasa, which fascinates visitors with its decoration in tiles, stucco and cedar wood. Or the Bahia Palace, a good example of the refinement and wealth of the ruling class of Marrakech. Or the Saadian Tombs, one of the most representative funerary monuments of the country.

The afternoon will be free and therefore a good time to continue exploring the city and add new visits or experiences to the program. In the evening, which will be the last of this tour of the Imperial Cities of Morocco, you will rest again in the riad of the medina.

Day 6: Marrakech – Airport

The sixth day will be the farewell to Marrakech and this tour of the Imperial Cities of Morocco. Depending on the time of the flight out of the country, a last free time after breakfast and check out will be considered. In any case, our driver will pick you up punctually at the agreed place to take you in a private vehicle to the airport of the city. Our services will end at the terminal, with the hope of having satisfied your cultural concerns and the expectations of a high quality service.

TOURIST PACKAGE INCLUDED

•   Pick up and drop off at the airport
•    Comfortable private transportation with air conditioning
•    English speaking driver / tour guide
•    Sandboarding in the desert
•    Camel ride

TOURIST PACKAGE EXCLUSIONS

•    Plane tickets
•    Drinks
•    Lunches
•    Tickets

The post Travel to Morocco in 6 days: Morocco’s Imperial Cities appeared first on Make Morocco Tours.

In this 10-day ‘Wonders of Morocco’ tour, our services start at the port or airport of Tangier: there, our Spanish-speaking driver will be waiting for you with a private vehicle for the whole tour. After the meeting, we will leave this city nestled in the Strait of Gibraltar to head south.

Flight or ferry schedule permitting, the first visit of the day will be Tetouan: this amazing city has a medina declared a World Heritage Site for its beauty and was the capital of the Spanish Protectorate of Morocco, so the influence of its northern neighbor is still palpable in the city. In addition, those who have seen or read El tiempo entre costuras will know how to recognize the places where the protagonist Sira Quiroga moved during the plot.

Regardless of the eventual visit to Tetouan, the afternoon of this first day will be spent visiting Chaouen, also called Chefchaouen and known as the ‘blue city’ for the original color of its houses. Nestled in the Rif Mountains, a stroll through its winding and steep streets will be most pleasant. Its kasbah and its panoramic viewpoints will also be other attractions of the free visit before the night’s rest in a charming riad.

Day 2: Chaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez

After breakfast at the riad in Chaouen, we return to the road. We will leave the Rif Mountains and, among cultivated fields, we will reach Volubilis: in this archaeological site, declared a World Heritage Site, the remains of that great Roman city are preserved, which testify to the importance of the province of Mauritania Tingitana in antiquity. Monumental arches, religious temples and mosaics of stately villas are some spectacular vestiges that are still preserved today, for the visitor’s enjoyment.

Very close to Volubilis is our next stop: Meknes. Many of its monuments date back to its period of splendor, during the reign of Sultan Mulay Ismail in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, who named it the capital. Its medina, also named a World Heritage Site by Unesco, retains its charm thanks to its souk and imposing gates of the wall as Bab Mansur.

In the final stretch of the day we will arrive in Fez, although we will leave the visit of this other Imperial City for the following day. In the meantime, the night’s rest will be in a charming riad in the medina.

Day 3: Fez

In this circuit of Morocco in 10 days, one of the most monumental and interesting places is Fez. As it could not be otherwise, its medina is declared a World Heritage Site. Therefore, it is worth spending a full day to visit it, something you will do with our official guide after breakfast at the riad.

Among the places that can be visited on foot during the tour are the Karaouine Mosque, which also houses one of the oldest universities in the Islamic world. Its medersas are also of great prestige, such as Bou Inania, and the medina’s squares are home to elements of great history and beauty, such as Nejjarine Square and the fountain of the same name. Its neighborhoods maintain a special charm, largely because they retain traditional activities, such as the famous tannery Chouwara. The Mellah or Jewish quarter does not disappoint those who come to visit it, and the same goes for the golden gates of the Royal Palace.

These visits can be extended in the afternoon, which is free. This time of the day can also be used for shopping in the local handicraft stores, which are among the most valued in the country. And in the evening, the riad will welcome you back for a well-deserved rest.

Day 4: Fez – Ifrane – Monkey Forest – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert Dunes

Our circuit ‘Wonders of Morocco’ in 10 days takes us finally, on this fourth day, to the Sahara Desert. But until that moment arrives, the route will bring us many other surprises. The first of them are in the Middle Atlas Mountains. For example, Ifrane, a small town called the ‘Moroccan Switzerland’ for its original gabled buildings that remind us of the abundant snow that falls here in winter

Between Ifrane and Azrou stretches the Cedar National Park, popularly known as the Monkey Forest: this nature reserve is the perfect habitat for Barbary macaques, an endangered primate species that still retains a very large population in this place.

Once we pass the natural barrier of the Middle Atlas, our route will cross the Ziz Valley until we enter the desert terrain. We will pass through Erfoud, known worldwide for the importance of its fossils, some of them of great dinosaurs, and also for its prestigious marble production. And soon after we will arrive at Merzouga, the town that gives its name to one of the most beautiful and unique portions of the Sahara Desert.

In Merzouga we will make an original transfer: we will leave our modern vehicle to get on the traditional dromedaries (replaceable by 4×4), used by the nomads of the desert since ancient times. In fact, they represent an unbeatable way to cross the golden dunes of fine sand of Erg Chebbi. In this way, we will arrive at the tents camp, where we will be welcomed with a Berber tea and where dinner will be served. As we will see, these tents are the ideal accommodation to rest in the middle of the desert and, above all, to enjoy a sky sparkling with stars.

Day 5: Merzouga Desert – Black nomad village – Merzouga Desert Dunes

One of the great advantages of this 10-day Morocco tour is that we can dedicate two days to the exploration of the Merzouga desert. Therefore, after breakfast in the tents and a refreshing shower (in the camp or in a hotel in Merzouga, depending on the package contracted), we will move to Khamila.

In this small village we will know first hand its inhabitants, mostly black because they are descendants of former slaves from Sudan. Their way of life is based on art and music and we will have the opportunity to enjoy a ‘gnawa’ performance, the percussion genre that distinguishes them and has a strong sub-Saharan rhythm. Its uniqueness and value have been recognized by UNESCO, with the declaration of Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

After this cultural and ethnographic experience, it will be the turn of adventure and adrenaline, as we will travel by 4×4 on a track very used during the Paris-Dakar. In the itinerary we will pass by the mines of Khol and the remains of a Berber and French village. And we will find the ideal place to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the sea of sand that form the dunes of Erg Chebbi. In addition, we will make contact with a group of desert nomads in the process of sedentarism, but still retain much of their ancestral customs.

After tea with them, we will return to Merzouga, where the hotel will serve dinner and rest for the night.

Day 6: Merzouga Desert – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley – Ouarzazate

As on the previous day, on this sixth day you will have the opportunity to wake up in a unique environment, where the lights of dawn acquire colors unimaginable anywhere. In this environment you will enjoy breakfast and, shortly after, we will take our camels to return to Merzouga. Again, there will be time for a good shower (at the camp or in a hotel, as agreed).

The road will take us back to our route and will lead us first to Rissani: this small desert town surprises with its historic medina, its traditional market and its donkey parking. After them, we will go to the Dades Valley and in its surroundings we will discover landscapes of enormous value, such as the Todra Gorges: this rocky canyon has natural walls of about 200 meters, carved by erosion.

After that, we will enter the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs and the Valley of the Roses, where palm groves and ancient Berber fortresses coexist in perfect harmony. Precisely, at the end of the day we will have time to visit one: the Kasbah of Taourirt, on the outskirts of the city of Ouarzazate: it is a kasbah that served as a residence for the ‘Pasha’ of Marrakech in the past and still retains much of its original construction and decorative elements.

In addition, if the schedule allows, we can plan a visit to the film studios: Ouarzazate is known as the ‘Moroccan Hollywood’ because in these facilities have been filmed real blockbusters, such as Lawrence of Arabia or Gladiator. Accommodation for this day will be in a hotel in Ouarzazate, where dinner will also be served.

Day 7: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Telouet – Marrakech

At the hotel in Ouarzazate you will have breakfast and then we will go to the first visit of the day: the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. Located just over 20 km from the city, it is a fortified village built by the Berbers of the desert centuries ago. Its adobe architecture is impressive, as well as its humble interior where families still live. For its uniqueness, this ksar was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco and is regularly chosen for the filming of series and movies, such as Game of Thrones.

After admiring inside and out this unique construction, we will resume our route by road towards Marrakech. But on the way, we will stop to visit another interesting kasbah: Telouet. Nestled in the High Atlas Mountains, its external appearance shows its long history, but inside it preserves spaces of extraordinary beauty and exoticism, with courtyards and rooms of refined decoration based on local tiles on floors and walls, and wooden coffered ceilings. Like the kasbah of Taourirt, it served as a residence for the El Glaoui family, that of the ‘Pasha’ of Marrakech and Lord of the Atlas. Therefore, you will notice similarities and affinities between the two residential fortresses.

After visiting the Kasbah, we will continue our ascent through the High Atlas until we cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass: here and in the following kilometers of descent you will enjoy beautiful views of this Moroccan mountain range, the highest in the country. And we will pass by picturesque villages, which also deserve a photo en route.

In the afternoon we will arrive in Marrakech, known as the Red City, with two sites protected under the UNESCO World Heritage designation: the historic medina and the Jemaa el-Fna Square. Therefore, we will devote the necessary time to its discovery the next day, while at this time you will be free for a first contact with the city. And at the end of the day, you will spend the night in a charming riad.

Day 8: Marrakech

With breakfast at the riad you will start this day and will give you strength to visit one of the most attractive places of this tour of Morocco in 10 days: Marrakech. Considered Imperial City for its past as the capital of the kingdom, it has spectacular monuments and charming corners. Therefore, our official guide will be in charge of accompanying you and explaining every detail during a guided tour in the morning.

This route can include a wide variety of places of great interest: the Kutubia Mosque (exterior), the Saadian tombs, the Ben Youssef Medersa, the Bahia Palace or the El Badi Palace. You will also visit populous neighborhoods that exude customs, with souks of artisans.

The afternoon, which will be free, can be spent shopping in these establishments, or you can visit other places of interest that will give you a deeper understanding of the city. The Majorelle Gardens or the Marrakech Museum are some interesting proposals. And after such an intense day, you will return to spend the night in a historic riad.

Day 9: Marrakech – Essaouira

The circuit ‘Wonders of Morocco’, in 10 days, will have given us many surprises by then, but we will add one more: the sea. Therefore, on this ninth day we will head for the coastal city of Essaouira, bathed by the Atlantic Ocean. We will arrive there in the morning, after breakfast at the riad in Marrakech and a road route of about 190 km. On this route, by the way, we will cross immense argan forests and we can stop at a local cooperative to learn how they produce their precious oil, world famous.

Once in Essaouira, you will enjoy your visit at your leisure, but with enough time to discover its main monuments and corners. This city, also declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, was built in the sixteenth century by the Portuguese, leaving an important mark on its architecture. This can be seen in its citadel and its sea walls, which were also chosen for the filming of chapters of Game of Thrones.

But its historic medina is also full of life and typical Moroccan constructions, such as its monumental gates, souks and mosques. Another option to spend the day is to take a swim in one of its beaches or do some water or coastal activity. Some of the most popular are the dromedary rides and the practice of sports such as surfing and its variants (kite surfing, windsurfing).

In addition, Essaouira is an unbeatable place to taste the maritime gastronomy of Morocco, since it is a country where fishing has an important weight. In fact, many fishermen work off the coast of the city and supply fish to local restaurants. And at the end of the day, a well-deserved rest awaits you in a riad in the medina, which will also be the last night of this 10-day Morocco tour.

Day 10: Essaouira – Airport Marrakech

After breakfast at the riad in Essaouira, this day will be conditioned by the flight schedule back home. If the program allows it, you will enjoy a last free time in Essaouira for shopping or a farewell walk. Afterwards, our driver will transfer you directly by road to Marrakech airport. There our services will end and we will say goodbye with gratitude and wish for a future reunion for a new tour in Morocco, of 10 days or any other duration.

TOURIST PACKAGE INCLUDED

• Transfers from and to the airport or port (in Tangier)
• Private vehicle with English-speaking chauffeur
• One night in a riad in Chaouen, breakfast only
• Two nights in riad in Fez, on breakfast only basis
• Two nights in tents camp in the middle of the desert, half board (dinner and breakfast)
• One night in a hotel in Ouarzazate, half board (dinner and breakfast)
• Two nights in riad in Marrakech, breakfast only
• Overnight in riad in Essaouira, breakfast only
• Excursions in the desert, in dromedary (one per person) and 4×4
• Local guide for visits in Fez and Marrakech
• Travel insurance

TOURIST PACKAGE EXCLUSIONS

•    Plane tickets
•    Drinks
•    Lunches
•    Tickets

The post 10-day tour from tangier “Wonders of Morocco”. appeared first on Make Morocco Tours.

This trip through Morocco from north to south starts in Tangier, located in the Strait of Gibraltar, next to Cape Espartel. Whether you arrive in the city by air or by sea, our Spanish-speaking driver will be waiting for you at the airport or at the port, at the agreed time.

Depending on the arrival time of your flight or ferry, our first stop could be Tetouan. Its historic medina, recognized as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, is home to places of great charm, wrapped in an all-pervading white color. In addition, some places of interest outside the old town have a strong Spanish character: this is because it was the capital of the Spanish Protectorate of Morocco in the twentieth century.

Whether we visit Tetouan or not, what is certain is that the second part of the day will take us to Chaouen, also called Chefchaouen. This picturesque town, tinged with blue and lying on the slopes of the Rif Mountains, has a network of streets full of charm, viewpoints with panoramic views and a kasbah that takes us back to past times, almost novel. After a free visit to the oldest part of the city, you will rest in a charming riad in the heart of the medina.

Day 2: Chaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez

The second day of this route begins with breakfast in the riad of Chaouen, then continue the route south, leaving behind the green mountains of the Rif. And thanks to the fact that this circuit ‘Morocco from north to south’ has a duration of 8 days, we can add a day to discover the attractions between Chaouen and Fez.

The first and interesting stop will be at the archaeological site of Volubilis, a city built by the Romans when this territory was part of the Mauritania Tingitana province. In this World Heritage Site are preserved remains of enormous value, some of them imposing as the temple of Jupiter, the arch of Caracalla or the mosaics of the most stately homes. The visit will be free or guided, according to the preferences of the group.

Very close to Volubilis is another UNESCO World Heritage Site: Meknes. Its historic medina still preserves interesting buildings of its golden age, in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, when Sultan Moulay Ismail established the capital here. The Bab Mansur gate or the mausoleum of Ismail are places that will attract the eyes of any visitor.

And after Meknes, we will follow the route to Fez. This Imperial City, whose medina also has the highest recognition by Unesco, well deserves a full day for its discovery. So this day will allow time for a free walk, before resting and spending the night in your riad in the medina.

Day 3: Fez

After recharging your batteries with breakfast at the riad, you will be ready to explore Fez, considered the ‘cultural and religious capital’ of the country. This and much more will be discussed by the official local guide with whom you will take your guided tour of the city.

Some of the monuments that can be part of the itinerary are the prestigious medersas or Koranic schools, such as Bou Inania, the Karaouine Mosque, or the Nejjarine Fountain. In addition, you will visit the populous neighborhoods of the medina, including the tanners’ quarter. And if time allows, you will stroll through the Mellah and around the Royal Palace, with its spectacular gilded gates.

In any case, you will have the afternoon free to extend or complete these visits, or to shop in detail, since the craftsmanship of Fez enjoys enormous recognition throughout the country. And in the evening, you will rest again in the riad located in the medina.

Day 4: Fez – Ifrane – Monkey Forest – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert Dunes

We are approaching the halfway point of this route through Morocco, from north to south, which begins with breakfast at the riad in Fez. In the morning we will reach the Middle Atlas, whose mountains hide surprising corners. This is the case of Ifrane, the first stop, where the buildings with gable roofs evoke cities of other latitudes. Not in vain, it is known as the ‘Moroccan Switzerland’, as snow is common in winter season.

Between Ifrane and Azrou is another pleasant surprise, especially for nature lovers: the Cedar National Park, also called Monkey Forest. The cedars form a landscape of intense greenery and are also the perfect home for Barbary monkeys, endangered primates that have one of their largest populations here.

Shortly after we will cross the Medio Altas Mountains to travel south through the Ziz Valley. On the horizon is the Sahara desert, which is already palpable in the town of Erfoud, although this is famous for its fossils and marbles, as we shall see. And just 50 km later, we will reach the southernmost point of the route: Merzouga.

In this town, which gives its name to a portion of the Sahara desert, we will leave the car to get on the back of camels (replaceable by 4×4). In this way, we will make an excursion that will take us through a sea of golden dunes of fine sand: Erg Chebbi. In the heart of this incomparable landscape is our Berber tent camp, where you will have dinner and rest for the night. In the sky, thousands of shining stars will accompany your dreams.

Day 5: Merzouga Desert – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

On this fifth day of the circuit ‘Morocco from north to south’, waking up is an experience in itself: getting up early to see the first light of dawn in the dunes of Erg Chebbi has a special charm that we will not miss. And after breakfast in the tents, we will head back to Merzouga by camel. We will reserve time for a refreshing shower, in the camp or in a hotel according to the package contracted.

Our private vehicle will take us again by road to amazing places. The first of them, Rissani, a small desert town, which still retains a very interesting historical medina and corners difficult to see in the XXI century, as its donkey parking. Also by road we will arrive later to Tinghir or Tinerhir, which in Tamazight language means “city of the mountain” in reference to the rocky elevations of its surroundings.

In fact, the next stop on the itinerary is the Todra Gorges, very close to here: a spectacular canyon carved into the rock by erosion. The result is vertical walls of 200 meters in some cases and unforgettable views from the road or on foot.

After that, we will follow the route through the Dades Valley and start the so-called Route of the Thousand Kasbahs. In one of the picturesque villages of the area you will find our riad, where you will have dinner and spend the night.

Day 6: Dades Valley – Valley of the Roses – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast at the riad in the Dades Valley, we will return to our vehicle to drive for miles through this natural landscape and the nearby Valley of Roses. The first big stop will be in Ouarzazate, and more specifically in the kasbah of Taourirt: this Berber fortress was also the residence of the ‘Pasha’ of Marrakech and still retains elements that allow us to imagine the grandeur and importance of the building in the past.

Shortly after we will arrive at another fortified enclosure, even more famous: the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. Listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, it is also a regular filming location for movies and series, such as Lawrence of Arabia and Game of Thrones. Before us will be shown as an extraordinary walled village that fascinates any visitor by the panoramic views from the outside and the humble houses and stalls that still survive inside.

After delighting us with this unique set of its kind, we will return to the road to cross the High Atlas Mountains through the port of Tizi n’ Tichka to more than 2,200 meters above sea level. On the ascent and descent, local villages and panoramic views will appear before our eyes, with snow-capped peaks in the coldest time of the year.

In the afternoon, we will arrive in Marrakech, a spectacular Imperial City that we will discover at our leisure the following day. For the time being, you will have free time for a first contact with its streets and its people, and after that you will enjoy your accommodation in a charming riad in the medina.

Day 7: Marrakech

The seventh day of this great route through Morocco from north to south is devoted to discover Marrakech, always full of monumental and popular attractions. Breakfast in the morning, at the riad, will give you strength for the intense day ahead. And with our official guide you will visit the most emblematic places of the ‘red city’, so called because of the predominant reddish tone of its buildings.

The guided tour may include monuments such as the Kutubia Mosque (exterior), the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs or the Ben Youssef Medersa, among other options. The neighborhoods of artisans will show their customs during the route and you will discover that the Jemaa el-Fna Square is the real nerve center of Marrakech.

In the afternoon you will have free time to shop in the stalls of this square or any other souk, or to visit other more modern areas of the city. You can also take the opportunity to visit a museum, such as the Museum of Marrakech, or discover gardens such as Majorelle. And to sleep in this last day of circuit, you will spend another night in the riad of the medina.

Day 8: Marrakech – airport

In the morning of this eighth day, you will have breakfast at the riad in the medina. Depending on the time of your flight, you will have some free time for shopping or sightseeing. And at the agreed time, our driver will pick you up in a private vehicle to transfer you to Marrakech airport. Here the services will end, with gratitude for having chosen us and with the hope of a future reunion to explore other areas of the country.

TOURIST PACKAGE INCLUDED

• Transfers to and from the airport (or port) in Tangier and Marrakech.
• Private vehicle with chauffeur throughout the tour
• Night in riad in Chaouen, on breakfast only basis
• Two nights in riad in Fez, on breakfast only basis
• Night in tents camp in the desert of Merzouga, half board (dinner and breakfast)
• Night in riad in the Dades Valley, half board (dinner and breakfast)
• Two nights in riad in Marrakech, breakfast only.
• Dromedary excursions in the dunes of Erg Chebbi in the desert of Merzouga (one dromedary per person).
• Guided tour with official guide in Fez
• Guided tour with official guide in Marrakech
• Travel insurance

TOURIST PACKAGE EXCLUSIONS

•    Plane tickets
•    Drinks
•    Lunches
•    Tickets

The post Morocco tour in 8 days from north to south appeared first on Make Morocco Tours.

The first day of the program starts with the arrival in Marrakech and aims at getting in touch with the country. Our staff will pick you up at the airport of the city with a private vehicle to transfer you to your accommodation. Depending on the arrival time of your flight, you will enjoy free time or a guided tour with a local guide. In the evening you will rest in a charming riad, located in the medina.

Day 2: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ksar Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Valley of the Roses – Dades Valley

The second day of the tour of the Imperial Cities of Morocco is the start of the route by road. After a delicious breakfast at the riad in Marrakech, we get into our private vehicle for the driver to head south. We will cross the High Atlas through the Tizi n’Tichka pass, at 2,260 meters above sea level, and on the ascent we will pass by beautiful Berber settlements, with spectacular panoramic views.

Overcoming this huge natural barrier, we will continue to the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. We will spend time visiting this mythical Berber fortress, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Here, we will discover its historical and artistic secrets and recall the scenes of great film productions shot here, such as Game of Thrones. Just a handful of kilometers away, on the outskirts of Ouarzazate, we will also visit the kasbah of Taourirt.

Both fortresses are a good preview of what awaits us in the rest of the day and the beginning of the next: the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs, which in turn runs through the palm grove of Skoura, the Valley of the Roses and the Dades Valley, all of great scenic beauty. In the latter environment is located our riad, where you will have dinner and sleep.

Day 3: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Tinjdad – Touroug – Erfoud – Merzouga

After charging the batteries with a good breakfast at the riad, we will follow the route through the Dades Valley to the Todra Gorges. Here we will discover one of the most spectacular rocky canyons of the country, with natural walls of about 200 meters. Later, our route will pass through beautiful palm groves: those of Tinghir (or Tinerhir), Tinjdad (or Tinejdad) and Touroug, which provide an explosion of greenery in an increasingly arid landscape.

In this way we arrive at Erfoud, famous for its countless fossils discovered and for its tradition in the production of marble, as we will know in one of its workshops.

And in the last part of the day we will reach the southernmost point of this circuit through the Imperial Cities of Morocco and the desert: Merzouga. Here we will change ‘vehicle’, leaving the 4×4 for the 8×8, that is, the dromedaries that will take us into the desert to the breathtaking dunes of Erg Chebbi. In the middle of this sea of fine golden sand we will witness the spectacle of the sunset. And in a tent camp we will enjoy dinner and night’s rest under a shining starry sky.

Day 4: Desert – Rissani – Ifrane – Fez

With the sunset and the brightness of the stars still in the retina, it’s time to wake up and enjoy an equally special sunrise. And also to have breakfast and take another camel ride, this time back to Merzouga. During the morning, there will also be time for a comforting shower (at the camp or in a hotel, depending on the package contracted). Ahead of us lies a new route by road in our private vehicle. We will leave behind the small town of Rissani, drive through the Ziz Valley, cross the Middle Atlas and drive through the beautiful Cedar National Park, also called the Monkey National Park because of the large population of Barbary monkeys that live there. Ifrane, known as the ‘Moroccan Switzerland’ for its unique gabled buildings, will be our prelude to Fez, a key stop on this tour of Morocco’s Imperial Cities. Upon arrival, a charming riad in the historic center will be waiting for you to spend the night.

Day 5: Fez

For its enormous attraction, Fez is worth a full day’s visit. Specifically, the fifth of this tour of the Imperial Cities of Morocco. After a good breakfast at the riad, we will meet with an official guide to discover the monumental sites of its historic center. The main landmarks of this guided tour are concentrated in the medina, such as the medersa of Bou Anania, the fountain of Nejjarine, the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss or the Karaouine mosque. The latter is one of the great cultural centers of Islam, home to the University of Fez, one of the oldest in the world. The craftsmen’s quarters of the medina, organized by guilds, will also be visited, especially that of the tanners. There will also be time to visit the Royal Palace and its gilded bronze doors. At the end of the day, accommodation will again be in the charming riad of the previous night, located in the medina. Summary of the day Breakfast in riad Visit of Fez with local guide Night in riad

Day 6: Fez – Meknes – Rabat

After another breakfast at the riad in Fez, we will head to the second historical capital of this tour of the Imperial Cities of Morocco. We are talking about Meknes, located just 60 km away by road, a distance that we will travel mainly between olive trees and fertile fields. In Meknes we will find a small but surprising city, with a rich monumental heritage. This is largely a legacy dating back to the time of Mulay Ismail, the sultan who made Meknes his capital and his eternal resting place: his mausoleum still fascinates today with its rich materials, such as fine porcelain, stone of different colors and the most detailed stucco. Our visit will also include the gates of the wall, such as Bab Mansur, or the Aghal al pond. Back in the car, we will continue our route west to Rabat, the third historical capital (and current capital since 1912) of our tour of the Imperial Cities of Morocco. We will spend the whole afternoon there, as it is home to important monuments such as the Dar el Makhzen Royal Palace, the Kasbah of the Oudaias and the mausoleum of Mohammed V, among other places. And at the end of the day, you will rest in a new charming riad.

Day 7: Rabat – Casablanca – Marrakech

After tasting the included breakfast at the riad in Rabat, it’s time to follow the route for 80 km along the Atlantic Ocean to Casablanca. It is the largest city in the country and world famous for the movie of the same name, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Our walk will take us along the Boulevard de la Corniche, a suggestive promenade that leads to the imposing Hassan II Mosque, one of the few visitable mosques in the country. After visiting (optionally) this icon of the twentieth century in Morocco, we will head to the city of Marrakech, where a new charming riad awaits us to spend the night.

Day 8: Marrakech – Airport

After breakfast at the riad and check-out, the following hours will be organized according to the flight schedule. You could take the opportunity to do the last shopping in the center, to visit monuments that were left pending or even to take a guided tour with a local guide, if you did not have time to do it on the first day. The Kutubia Mosque, the Saadian tombs or the Ben Youssef Medersa are places worth visiting during your stay in the city. At the agreed time, our driver will pick you up to transfer you to Marrakech airport. Here our services will end, but the farewell will have a desire to meet again in the future.

TOURIST PACKAGE INCLUDED

•   Pick up and drop off at the airport
•    Comfortable private transportation with air conditioning
•    English speaking driver / tour guide
•    Sandboarding in the desert
•    Camel ride

TOURIST PACKAGE EXCLUSIONS

•    Plane tickets
•    Drinks
•    Lunches
•    Tickets

The post Travel to Morocco 8 days: Monuments, Culture and Desert appeared first on Make Morocco Tours.

Our tour starts with energy from the first day: our driver/guide will pick you up at Marrakech airport or at the agreed place (e.g. the hotel) and we will leave for the Moroccan desert. To do so, we will have to cross the High Atlas, the great mountain range that acts as an imposing backdrop in any panoramic photo of the city. And we will cross it through the beautiful Tizi n’Tichka pass, at about 2,200 meters above sea level, between Berber villages and snow-capped peaks from autumn to spring.

Already on the other side of this mountain range, a vast desert territory with beautiful ‘spots’ of color opens up to us: they are the fertile valleys through which the famous Route of the Thousand Kasbahs (Valley of the Roses and Dades Valley) runs. As we will see, the Berber adobe fortresses are numerous here. In one of them we will stop to visit it in depth: that of Ait Ben Haddou, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco and shooting location for blockbusters such as Game of Thrones.

Our roadtrip will continue during the afternoon until we reach a village in the heart of the Dades Valley. There, a picturesque riad awaits us, where we will also enjoy dinner.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga

Our second day of route will begin with a good breakfast at the riad and then we will hit the road to reach a unique place: the Todra Gorges. It is a set of gorges and rocky walls that exceed 200 meters high in some cases, giving us images that will remain indelible in the memory. We will cross it by road and on foot, to immortalize the experience.

After that, we will continue the route by road, via Erfoud, until we reach Merzouga. This town gives its name to one of the most beautiful corners of the Sahara Desert in Morocco: a sea of golden dunes, also known as Erg Chebbi. To reach them we must climb on the back of camels (one per person), as do the Berber nomads since time immemorial.

The ride will take us to the tents camp where we will have dinner and spend the night. Previously, the desert will have given us a beautiful sunset, as usual. And at the end of the day, a sky full of stars will give us the most special ‘good night’.

Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – N’kob – Ouarzazate

On the third day of this circuit, we have to get up early. But it will be worth it: before our eyes will dawn with the magic that is customary in this part of the desert. After that, we will return on the back of camels to go to the village of Merzouga, where a hotel awaits us for breakfast and a restorative shower.

From here, Marrakech and the beach are far away: about 560 km and 700 km respectively. But the places of interest are so numerous on the way, that we will spend the next four days to discover them. To do so, we will head west to discover another section of the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs. The first stop this day will be Rissani, with a historic and very picturesque medina, probably the most interesting in southern Morocco.

Back on the road, the landscape will be giving us pictures of large palm groves between steep hills, humble villages with farmland and adobe fortresses that tell us of past caravan routes: Alnif, Tazarine, Nkob … and many more. Reached the Draa Valley, it will lead us to Ouarzazate, the main city in the area, where we will have dinner and spend the night.

Day 4 : Ouarzazate – High Atlas – Essaouira

Our fourth day will begin with a delicious breakfast at the riad. After that, we will visit the kasbah of Taourirt, located in this same city and noted for its good state of preservation compared to others nearby.

After this visit, we will cross again the High Atlas towards Marrakech, as usual in our tours in the area. But in this case, we will not stop (for the moment) in Marrakech: the beach awaits us, so we will pass by and head directly to Essaouira, arriving there at the end of the afternoon. A charming riad will be your home in this Atlantic coastal city.

Day 5: Essaouira – Marrakech

After a refreshing rest in the riad and an energetic breakfast, it’s time to go out to discover Essaouira. This historic city is a beautiful blend of Moroccan atmosphere and Portuguese architecture. The traditional medina and fishermen’s boats are the best example of the former, while its waterfront fortress is the best remaining legacy of the old Mogador, the name by which this place was known when it was a Portuguese colony. You can visit it freely or with a guided tour (consult for details), which will make you understand why it was chosen to shoot scenes of the third season of Game of Thrones… as in Ait Ben Haddou, by the way.

Until the time of our meeting (approximately 16.00) you will be able to visit all this, taste the local gastronomy, enjoy a swim in the sea or do water activities. Afterwards, we will return to the road to go to Marrakech and spend the last stages of this circuit. Therefore, the rest that awaits you at the riad in Marrakech upon arrival will serve to recharge your batteries for the next day.

Day 6: Marrakech

You will start the day with a good breakfast at the riad, which will allow you to face your day in Marrakech. Unlike the previous day, the program includes a guided tour of the city during the morning: our official guide will show you the most interesting places, such as the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the surroundings of the Kutubia Mosque and, of course, the Jemaa el-Fna square, declared World Heritage Site.

The afternoon will be free and therefore a perfect time for shopping or to add some additional cultural visits, such as the Majorelle Gardens or the Marrakech Museum, among many other options. Accommodation will again be in your picturesque riad, located in the heart of the city center.

Day 7: Marrakech

The last day, which begins with breakfast at the riad and check-out, can still be used for last shopping or sightseeing during the morning, flight schedule permitting. And once the agreed time arrives, our driver will pick you up to transfer you to the airport. At that moment our services in this complete tour will end: after the farewell, Marrakech, the beach and the Moroccan desert will be part of your memories and, we hope, of your hearts.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

TOURIST PACKAGE INCLUDED

•   Pick up and drop off at the airport
•    Comfortable private transportation with air conditioning
•    English speaking driver / tour guide
•    Sandboarding in the desert
•    Camel ride

TOURIST PACKAGE EXCLUSIONS

•    Plane tickets
•    Drinks
•    Lunches
•    Tickets

The post Marrakech, beach and desert tour in 7 days appeared first on Make Morocco Tours.