DAY 1 : CASABLANCA – RABAT
Meeting you in the airport of Casablanca, you will start Casablanca Desert Tours via Essaouira. Having a short tour to the highlights of the city. First, you will visit the 3rd largest Mosque in the world, Hassan II, overlooking the seafront. After that, we will leave Casablanca to Rabat. In the first place, Rabat is the kingdom capital of Morocco, and you will visit Hassan tower, which is an unfinished mosque that is surrounded by beautiful pillars. On the other side of the tower, you will find the mausoleum of Mohhamed V. Then, you will visit Oudaya Kasbah, a beautiful medieval fortified dwelling. Finally, your driver will drive you to your accommodation in Rabat.
DAY 2 : RABAT – ASSILAH – CHEFCHAOUEN :
In the next morning, we will travel to Chefchaouen via Assilah city, this drive is going to be by the coast. First, we will stop in Assilah to explore it. The city is famous for the annual festival, and its Medina walls painted by famous artists. In the first place, you will visit the Skalla fortress, the wonderful place where to experience the view of the ocean and Medina. Depends on the time we have, we might visit Tangier. Afterwards, we will continue to Chefchaouen through the foothills of Rif Mountains. Finally, we will arrive to Chefchaouen, for an overnight in a traditional riad. Hence end of Casablanca Desert Tours via Essaouira, for that day.
DAY 3 : EXPLORING CHEFCHAOUEN :
After breakfast, we will explore Chefchaouen. The city is located between two high mountains, and it is easy to explore. Chefchaouen was colonized by Spain, that’s why you will find lots of Spanish influence. Furthermore, its Medina’s blue white washed walls and doors are made by the Jewish refugees since a long time ago. In the afternoon, free time to explore the city by yourself, this means, you will not have a guided tour, the city is a small one, so you will not find any difficulties in exploring it. Finally, another night will be spent in Chefchaouen.
DAY 4 : CHEFCHAOUEN – VOLUBILIS – MEKNES – FES
In the next morning, we will travel to Fes, passing by Ouazzan. Your first stop will be in Volubilis ﹙UNESCO World Heritage Site﹚, you will glimpse the most wonderful Mosaic pillars and walls developed in the 3rd century BC. After an escorted tour with your local guide to learn more about the history of the roman empire, we will head to Meknes. In Meknes, which is another imperial city of Morocco, and the Ismaili metropolis in Morocco, You will visit in meknes the magnificent Bab Mansour gate, and Sahrij Souani granary which is used for plantation and irrigation. Also, you will visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Finally, we will go to Fes, where your driver will drop you to your riad in Fes, where you will spend the night.
DAY 5 : EXPLORING FES
After breakfast, we will explore the spiritual city, Fes. Start your historical and cultural tour by exploring the Ancient Medina, as you will get lost in its labyrinthine alleys. Visit the famous University of Al-Quarraouine, which is the oldest school in the world. there is also Bouanania Madrassa, which plays a significant role in teaching the quran. During your discovery tour you will explore the magnificent chaouara tannery, and Nejjarine fountain. In addition to the local souks and the artisans area. After lunch, you will have a walk outside the Old Medina to visit the seven Royal Palace gates, and Mellah “The Jewish Quarter”. Finally, we will go to the fortress upon the hill to see the panoramic view of the Medina. In the late afternoon, we will drive back to the accommodation to spend the night.
DAY 6 : FES – AZROU – MIDLET – ZIZ VALLEY – MERZOUGA
In the morning, we will leave Fes to Merzouga. In the first place, you will pass through the Middle Atlas Mountains, discovering its berber villages. Your first stop will be in Ifrane, the charming ski resort in Morocco, referred to as “The Little Switzerland”. Next, we will across the magnificent cedar forest, to see the macaque monkeys species leaping upon the trees. Moving forward to the south, we will stop at Midelt to have lunch. Then we will continue our Casablanca Desert Tours via Essaouira, to the dramatic Ziz Valley, and Tafilalet date palm orchard, for an opportunity to glimpse the beautiful panoramic views of the landscapes, and take some incredible pictures. Passing through Errachidia, Erfoud and Rissani, we will finally arrive to Merzouga village, In the late afternoon,where you will be welcomed with a glass of mint tea, and checking your accommodation.
DAY 7 : MERZOUGA AREA AND THE CAMEL TREK
The next day, you will start your journey by visiting Khamlia village, its people are originated from Sudan. In the first place, you will discover their way of life, and their unique Gnawa music. Then, we will go to the desert, in which you will discover the traditional way of life in the desert. People who live in nomadic berber tents. You will enjoy with them a special berber pizza meal called Medfouna. Later on this Casablanca Desert Tours via Essaouira, you will visit Rissani, a fortified place surrounded by 360 castles. They also have a traditional open market for selling clothes, vegetables and spices, if you like we can help you to buy some of the products, so as, to save them as souvenirs. In the afternoon, we will drive back to Merzouga, we will ride our camels for an 1h to the heart of the desert, reaching the high dunes to watch the spectacular sunset. Finally, we will ride back the camels with our experienced camel man. Dinner will be in berber tents in the desert, in addition you will spend the night there under the magical sky.
DAY 8 : MERZOUGA – TODRA GORGES – DADES GORGES
Wake up in the early morning to watch the exquisite sunrise over the high dunes, then, trek back to Merzouga appreciating the views of the sandy Erg Chebbi dunes . Upon arrival to merzouga, you will take a shower and breakfast in the riad. After that, we will drive to Tinghir and explore Todra gorges, which are the narrowest and the highest gorges in Morocco. In the first place, you will hike in the valley, while discovering the narrow canyons, plus lunch will be there. Then, we will go to the Dades valley, craved out the cliff, and named as “monkey toes”. During the ride you will pass by the amazing castle sands, where you can stop and picture them. Overnight will be in the Dades Gorges, in a wonderful riad overlooks the gorges.
DAY 9 : DADES GORGE –NOMAD CAVES – ROSE VALLEY – OUARZAZATE
In the next day, after breakfast we will leave the Dades gorges and depart to Kalaat M’gouna. This particularly way to the rose valley is named the path of thousand Kasbahs, giving the best opportunities for photography shots. Then, we will arrive to the rose valley through the birds valley and Skoura, which is only place in Morocco that extract the natural rose water, which is used in cosmetics and Anti-wrinkle. After that, we will explore Ameridil kasbah a preserved one, then, we will hike and have lunch in the valley. The view of the valley is really beautiful, you will enjoy in this place. Today we will meet nomadic families who live in caves, for an opportunity to explore their life. Finally, you will continue to Ouarzazate known as the Moroccan Hollywood. Your overnight will be in a beautiful traditional riad in Ouarzazate.
DAY 10 : OUARZAZATE – AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH- MARRAKECH
Next morning, we will travel to Marrakech from Ouarzazate. Today on this Casablanca Desert Tours via Essaouira, we will visit the famous kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. In the first place, it is Accredited as the UNESCO patrimony since 1987, and the backdrop for Hollywood movies like﹕ ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Lawrence of Arabia’… Finally, we will pass through Tizi Ntichka, the highest pass in the atlas mountains of 2,260 m. In addition, we can stop to see the process of making Argan oil. Arriving to Marrakech in the afternoon, where your driver will drop you to your accommodation in Marrakech.
DAY 8 : EXPLORING MARRAKECH
This day of Casablanca Desert Tours via Essaouira, you will discover Marrakech. One of the imperial cities in Morocco. You will explore the most unavoidable visits, including The Coranic School of Ben Youssef, Koutoubia Mosque. In addition to the Saadian tombs, next to the Kasbah Mosque, where you will find the tomb of the Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour ﹙the ruler of Marrakech﹚. Then, you will discover the grandeur Bahia palace, with the intricate and fancy decoration, it will fascinate you more when you will hear the stories about the Sultan and his concubines. Next, visit the french botanical orchard, The Majorelle Garden, a beautiful garden of all the exotic plants, Majorelle garden is a great place to relax. After lunch, continue your tour in the Ancient Medina, where you will find the handicrafts masterpieces. Finally, finish your city tour by discovering the beguiling ” Jemaa El Fna “, the bustle part in Marrakech, where snake charmers, jugglers , artisans, dancers and storytellers meet. Overnight will be in Marrakech.
DAY 12 : MARRAKECH – ESSAOUIRA
Today on this Casablanca Desert Tours via Essaouira, we will travel to the seaside resort of Morocco, Essaouira. It is a day full of fun, getting away from the bustling Marrakech. Just couple of hours away from Marrakech, you will find yourself in Essaouira. Upon arrival to Essaouira, you will discover why travelers come here to this charming city in order to enjoy its special weather, and experience the diversity and richness of its unique history. Our trip will be through the lush valleys of orange groves, and olive trees. Our first stop will be in Chichaoua, we will take a break to eat or drink something. Then, we will continue our trip, on road you will glimpse the special argan trees which are important for their cosmetic and nutritive medicinal properties. The trees now are under the safeguard of UNESCO. Finally, you will arrive to Essaouira, you will wander in its ancient streets which are genuinely Portuguese. Your overnight will be in an authentic riad.
DAY 13 : EXPLORING ESSAOUIRA
After breakfast in the riad, you will start your day tour by visiting the medieval town ﹙Skala Fortress﹚. Overlooking the harbor, this seafront Portuguese ramparts, offers a wonderful view of the wooden boats painted with the blue color. Then, you will discover the highlights of the city, such as, the Old Town, Thuya wood the place of artisans, the Jewish Synagogue. After lunch with a delicious dish of fish-grill in the fish souk, stroll in the sandy Atlantic Ocean, where you can find camels lying on the sand, and see the kitesurfing and windsurfing surfers playing their favourite hobby in the windy beaches. Finally, in the afternoon, we will go back to Marrakech, where you will spend the night.
DAY 14 : ESSAOUIRA CASABLANCA AIRPORT
This Casablanca Desert Tours via Essaouira day, depends on your flight time. Your driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Essaouira and transfer you to the airport of Casablanca.