CASABLANCA
1 Hour Before Event Time
Casablanca is not only the most populous city in Morocco but also the most modern and economically advanced. As such, it features impressive landmarks and a busy airport, which we will use to begin the journey.
Upon arrival at the airport, we will greet you and transport you in our private vehicle. If time permits, we will visit the majestic Hassan II Mosque, one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims in Morocco and the world.
We will then head to Rabat, located just an hour and a half from Casablanca. While not as large, Rabat is rich in symbolism as the capital of the Kingdom. We will explore places like the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and other historical monuments such as the Hassan Tower, which is from the Almohad period and shares similarities with the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech and the Giralda in Seville.
Both Casablanca and Rabat are coastal cities, and we will experience the influence of the Atlantic Ocean on this day, ending with an overnight stay in a charming riad in the capital.
Summary of the Day:
The second day takes us back in time as we visit former capitals of Morocco. After breakfast at the riad in Rabat, we will hit the road.
The first stop is Meknes, a surprising city that reached its peak in the late 17th and early 18th centuries under the famous Moulay Ismail, who built the city in his honor. References to this Sultan who ruled with an iron fist are everywhere in the city.
Just 30 km outside Meknes are the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the most spectacular archaeological site from that period in Morocco. It was once part of the province of Mauritania Tingitana before the Arab conquest, and the mosaics and buildings preserved here are the best way to explore this era.
In the afternoon, we will reach Fez, which retains the largest historical medina in the country. We will leave time for free exploration upon arrival, with a guided tour scheduled for the following day. All the places visited today are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Overnight at a charming riad in the city center.
Summary of the Day:
Fez is the spiritual center of the country, the former political capital, and the most important city in terms of crafts and culture. A guided tour of Fez is essential. With an authorized guide, you will explore the most interesting and picturesque corners of the medina, including the Bou Inania Madrasa, the exterior of the Karaouine Mosque, Nejjarine Square, and many other significant places.
After breakfast at your riad, the rest of the day is free to explore according to your interests: the city’s souks, traditional arts museums, leisure activities, and more.
Summary of the Day:
From refined culture to pure and wild nature: that’s what awaits us on day four. After breakfast at the riad in Fez, we head south, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains.
The first stop is Ifrane, a mountain town often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its alpine atmosphere. Then, we will visit Ifrane National Park, also known as the Monkey Forest, home to numerous Barbary macaques and filled with cedars.
Next, we cross the Middle Atlas to the southern slopes of the mountains, which are much drier than the northern side. As we descend, we pass through the Ziz Valley.
Overnight in a Berber rural house in the heart of the palm grove.
Summary of the Day:
The sunset and starry night of the previous day, along with the harmonious sounds of the desert rhythms, are only rivaled by the lights of the sunrise and the silence that fills the Erg Chebbi dunes at dawn. It’s highly recommended to enjoy this magical moment before having breakfast at the camp in the dunes.
We will leave the Ziz Valley and cross it, passing through Berber villages until we reach Erfoud, known for its rich mineral and fossil resources, some of which are from dinosaurs.
Then, we will continue to Merzouga, a small village in the desert from where camel rides to the Erg Chebbi dunes begin. We will embark on a camel ride to cross this magical sea of sand and reach the Berber camp, where we will spend the night with all the comforts.
Before resting, enjoy a welcoming tea, a traditional dinner, and the enchanting desert rhythms, while gazing at the starry sky above.
Summary of the Day:
After breakfast in the Berber camp, we will return to civilization, passing through Rissani, a small town with a charming market and historic monuments, including the mausoleum dedicated to the first Alaouite rulers (the current royal dynasty).
Next, we’ll drive to the Todra Gorge, a stunning canyon with steep walls, a paradise for climbers and curious travelers.
The Dades Valley will lead us to Ouarzazate, known as the “Gate of the Desert,” surrounded by palm trees, small mountains, and ancient fortresses. We will understand why this route is also called the “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs.”
Once in Ouarzazate, depending on the time, you may have some free time to explore the city or visit Atlas Studios, one of the largest film studios in Africa. Overnight at a hotel in Ouarzazate.
Summary of the Day:
After breakfast at the hotel, we will feel like Berber warriors, visiting several adobe fortresses built by the Berbers in different historical periods. For example, the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate, which was also a palace of the Pasha of Marrakech.
A little over 20 km outside the city is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village with a unique location and almost unchanged appearance. It has also been used as a filming location for productions such as Game of Thrones.
After the visit, we will continue to the Tizi n’Tichka pass to cross the High Atlas Mountains. Before reaching the pass, we will visit the Telouet Kasbah, which also belonged to the network of castles and residences of the Pasha of Marrakech.
Finally, we will descend into Marrakech, where you will have free time for a first look at the city. Overnight in a charming riad in Marrakech.
Summary of the Day:
Marrakech, like other cities on this circuit, is an Imperial City and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known as the “Red City” due to the predominant color of its brick buildings, it is a unique place both in Morocco and the world.
After breakfast at the riad, we will take a guided tour with an authorized guide, visiting iconic places such as Jemaa el-Fna Square, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, and the Bahia Palace, among other monuments worthy of admiration.
In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore museums, do some last-minute shopping, or simply wander through the fascinating medina of the city.
Overnight at the riad in Marrakech.
Summary of the Day:
The circuit ends on day nine. After breakfast and at the agreed time, we will transfer you to Marrakech Menara International Airport, where we will bid farewell with gratitude and the hope of a future reunion in Morocco.
Summary of the Day:
