Africa
Morocco Tour from Casablanca to the Sahara, 10 Days - From: $4,995
Trip Summary
Even the names of Morocco's celebrated cities immediately call to mind the abundant treasures this storied country has to offer: colorful souks, mouthwatering cuisine, architectural wonders, historic ruins, and the welcoming aroma of mint tea.
After your arrival and a city tour of Casablanca, step back in time and visit the former Imperial City of Meknes before visiting the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a World Heritage Site. In Fes, the oldest of the imperial cities, wander its famed labyrinthine souks, its centuries-old mosques and universities, and its timeless, bustling medinas. Leaving city sights behind you, travel through the magnificent Atlas Mountains to the sand dunes of the Sahara and spend a night Bedouin-style in a comfortable tent. Continue through the Kasbah Valley to Ouarazate: a scenic destination and noted film-making site, before ending your journey amidst the lush gardens, stunning architecture and entertaining markets of Marrakech.
Highlights
- Visit the former Imperial City of Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis
- Explore the famous souks of Fes and Marrakech
- Spend a night Bedouin style at the sand dunes of Merzouga
- Drive over the High Atlas Mountains at Tiz N'Tichka Pass for gorgeous views
Trip Details
Per Person Double Occupancy Price:
| January | $4,995 |
| February - June | $5,185 |
| July - August | $4,995 |
| September - November | $5,185 |
| December | $4,995 |
Based two guests traveling.
(Note that prices may be higher during peak Holiday travel time from mid-December through mid-January.)
Departure Dates:
- Daily
Itinerary
Day 1
Casablanca
Arrive in Casablanca take a city tour of Casablanca.
Lodging: Golden Tulip Farah
Day 2
Fes
Depart after breakfast with your private driver/guide to Meknes, a former Imperial city of Morocco. See the old ramparts; the Agdoul Basin, which was used to water the royal gardens and amuse the favorite concubines; the Moulay Ismail stables, granaries, and House of Water (Dar el Ma), which were built in the 17th and 18th centuries to house, feed, and water the sultan's 12,000 horses. Also visit Bab el Mansour, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, one of the few holy sites in Morocco which may be visited by non-Muslims, and the enjoy intrigue of the Meknes landscape. Continuing your drive another 30 minutes you'll arrive at the ruins of Volubilis. Volubilis was the Roman capital of northwestern Africa and has impressive and well-preserved Roman ruins. The Romans evacuated most of Morocco at the end of the 3rd century, but unlike some other Roman cities Volubilis was not abandoned and survived until the 18th century when it was demolished, and its marble used for construction in nearby Meknes. In 1915, the French began archeological excavations uncovering extensive remains. Continue by road to Fes. Enjoy spectacular views of the Medina and the Atlas Mountains, The Blue Gate, and the winding alleyways leading to the lively stalls of the Medina, nearby.
Lodging: Riad Fes
Day 3
Fes
Your private guide and Mercedes mini-coach will meet you in the hotel reception for a full-day tour of Fes, the religious capital of Morocco. Your tour will include the old and new medinas, the 14th century Medersa Attarine (religious school), and the Arts Museum of Batha. This Hispano-Moorish palace dates from the end of the 19th century houses an admirable collection of traditional art from Fes: sculpted wood, wrought iron, sculpted plaster, and decorative materials that are works of art in their own right. Also embroidery, carpets, jewelry, and coins compete with one another for the visitor's attention. This afternoon, explore the impressive labyrinth of souks in Fes, declared by UNESCO to be one of the world's cultural treasures. The afternoon will also include photo opportunities at the imposing gate of Bab Boujloud, the splendid fountain at Place Nejjarine, the ancient ramparts, and the beautiful façade of the Royal Palace.
Lodging: Riad Fes
Day 4
Erfoud and the Merzouga Dunes
Depart in your private Mercedes mini-coach for the full-day drive to southern Morocco. Travel through the cedar forests and picturesque scenery of the Middle Atlas Mountains to Erfoud, stopping at the alpine village of Ifrane and then at Kasbah Asmaa in Midelt for a typical lunch. The drive from Fes to Midelt is approximately three hours 30 minutes. After lunch, continue on to Erfoud (approximately four hours 30 minutes) and take a camel trek into the desert to see a fantastic sunset over the dunes. Erfoud, situated among the impressive sand dunes of the Sahara Desert, is one of the largest oases in Morocco. A night Bedouin style at the Sand Dunes of Merzouga. Your tent is equipped with mattress, blankets and carpets. A restaurant tent is decorated entirely in desert camp style where your cooks prepare your meals and local musicians will delight you as you sit on cushions and dine Bedouin style. Your campsite has complete personal facilities. Enjoy a specially prepared Berber dinner and overnight under a tent in the desert.
Lodging: Royal Desert Camp
Day 5
Ouarzazate
Depart for Ouarzazate through the beautiful 1,000 Kasbah Valley. Along the way, visit Tinghir, a former military outpost built on terraces above a magnificent palm grove and the route into the awesome Todra Gorge "at the ends of the earth" between 300 meter (900 feet) cliffs. Enjoy free time for lunch in Todra Gorges. (Drive time from Erfoud to Todra Gorges is approximately three hours.) Then continue the drive to Boumalne du Dades, a large town and local administrative center at the foot of the gorge of a dry riverbed followed by a series of kasbahs (huge adobe fortified houses), to El Kelaa de Mgouna and Skoura. After Skoura, the palm trees are replaced by orchards and irrigated gardens. Roses for making perfume are the specialty of El Kelaa de Mgouna. (Drive time from Todra Gorges to Ouarzazate is approximately three hours 30 minutes.) Situated in a valley at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate is a former outpost of the Foreign Legion and has now become an important center for the film industry due to the quality of its light and unpolluted atmosphere. Check in to your hotel, built in the Kasbah style, and with a mix of Berber and traditional crafts.
Lodging: Le Berbere Palace Hotel
Day 6
Marrakech
Your guide and private mini coach will take you to see the ancient Kasbah complex of Ait Ben Haddou, an impressive 11th century structure, declared by UNESCO to be an historical treasure (approximately a one hour drive.) A photographer's wonderland, Ait Ben Haddou is still home to five families. Recent movies made at Ait Ben Haddou include Gladiator and Alexander. After visiting Ait Ben Haddou, drive past scenic views of mountains and semi-desert terrain topped by Kasbahs and adobe homes. Continue up the High Atlas Mountains at Tiz N'Tichka Pass, then through the fertile Haouz Plain to the "pink city" of Marrakech.
Lodging: Hivernage & Spa
Days 7 - 8
Marrakech
Embark on a full-day guided tour to Marrakech. Marrakech dates back as far as the year 1070. First, visit the Koutoubia Mosque, sister tower to Seville's Giralda, the minaret of which has become the symbol of the city. Then visit the more recently built 19th-century Bahia Palace, which is often inhabited by His Majesty's guests Continue to the Museum of Dar Si Said with the country's best display of Berber arts and crafts, and the remains of the Badii Palace.
The following day, take a morning horse-drawn carriage ride along the old city ramparts and through the lush botanical Majorelle Gardens, privately owned by Yves St. Laurent. Enjoy some time in the gardens before heading off to the souks of Marrakech, the most colorful and the liveliest in Africa. The different trades are grouped by services they offer: the dyers, the blacksmiths, the babouche and shoemakers, spices, and fabric sellers. This afternoon ends at the renowned Djemaa El Fna Square, a popular entertainment area where each afternoon storytellers, snake charmers, tooth-drawers, and dancers appear to entertain the crowd in a scene that is pure street theater. Today is yours to enjoy at your leisure to explore the city on your own. A Mini-coach and guide are at your disposal for the whole day.
Lodging: Hivernage & Spa
Day 9
Marrakech
Enjoy your last day in Morocco at leisure. Celebrate tonight with a special farewell dinner.
Lodging: Hivernage & Spa
Day 10
International Flights Home
Transfer to the Marrakech International Airport in time for your international flight home.