10 Days Imperial Cities of Morocco & Desert and Kasbah
From Markesh
📝 Tour Description: What to Expect on Your Journey
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Morocco with our Imperial Cities of Morocco + Desert and Kasbah 10 Days tour. This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you from vibrant cities to the serene desert, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Tour Highlights:
- Explore Marrakech: Start your adventure in Marrakech, where you’ll wander through the historic Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Immerse yourself in the bustling souks, marvel at the stunning architecture, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this iconic city.
- Discover the High Atlas Mountains: Travel through the breathtaking landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains. Experience the dramatic scenery as you pass traditional Berber villages and enjoy panoramic views that showcase the region’s natural beauty.
- Visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou: Explore the legendary Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a stunning example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture. This ancient fortress has been the backdrop for many famous films and provides a glimpse into Morocco’s rich history.
- Journey to Ouarzazate and Skoura: Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Visit the film studios and discover the beauty of the nearby Skoura Oasis, famous for its lush palm groves and historic kasbahs.
- Experience the Roses Valley and Todra Gorge: Enjoy a scenic drive through the Roses Valley, known for its fragrant blooms and picturesque landscapes. Then, venture to the stunning Todra Gorge, where towering cliffs create a dramatic backdrop for breathtaking hikes.
- Camel Trekking in Merzouga: Experience the magic of the Sahara Desert with a camel trek in Merzouga. Ride through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, watch the sunset over the horizon, and spend the night under the stars in a traditional desert camp.
- Explore Ziz Valley, Midelt, Azrou, and Ifrane: On your return journey, discover the beauty of Ziz Valley, known for its palm trees and impressive landscapes. Visit the charming town of Midelt, the cedar forests of Azrou, and the alpine-style town of Ifrane, often referred to as “Little Switzerland.”
This tour offers the perfect combination of cultural exploration and adventure, allowing you to experience the diverse landscapes and rich heritage of Morocco. Whether you’re wandering through ancient cities or trekking across the Sahara, this journey promises memories that will last a lifetime.
What’s Included / What’s Excluded
- Pick-up from /Aeroport in Marrakech Casablanca fes tanger
- Air-conditioned modern vehicle driven by an English-italian-spanish speaking guide driver
- Private room with dinner and breakfast
- Camel trekking in Erg Chebbi
- Overnight at a nomads’ luxury desert camp in Erg Chebbi
- Private luxury tent with dinner and breakfast
- Berbere music+ dance…
- Drop off at your Marrakech/Fez/Casablanca Hotel/Riad
- Lunches on the way
- Beverages
- Drink
- Personal expenses
🌟 Explore the Full Itinerary of Your Journey👇
Begin your adventure with a pick-up from your Marrakech airport at 8:00 a.m. by your driver. Depart for Merzouga, home to the breathtaking Erg Chebbi sand dunes.
This 8-hour journey will take you across the stunning Atlas Mountains and into southern Morocco’s largest oasis, Tafilalet. This region is rich in culture and history, featuring numerous villages, lush palm groves, and the two main Saharan towns of Erfoud and Rissani.
Along the route, we will make several fascinating stops:
- Ifrane: Known as “Little Switzerland,” this picturesque alpine town boasts charming architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, providing a peaceful break in your travels.
- Azrou Cedar Forest: Discover the serenity of this lush forest, home to playful Barbary macaques. Watch as these curious creatures roam the trees, offering a delightful glimpse into Morocco's wildlife.
- Midelt: Pause for a delicious lunch in this friendly town, nestled between the magnificent Atlas Mountains, where you can enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine.
- Ziz Valley: Continue to Ziz Valley, where you can marvel at panoramic views of the stunning landscape filled with palm trees, showcasing the vibrant greenery amid the desert backdrop.
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you have a variety of exciting options to explore the beautiful surroundings of Merzouga:
Explore Local Villages: Venture out to discover the charming neighboring villages of Hassi Labied and Khamlia, famous for its talented black musicians. Immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy traditional music that reflects the rich heritage of the region.
Off-Road Adventure: For the thrill-seekers, enjoy an exhilarating off-road drive around the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes. Experience the thrill of navigating the sandy terrain while taking in the breathtaking desert scenery. You may also encounter nomadic families living in tents, giving you a unique glimpse into their way of life.
Relax by the Pool: If you prefer a more relaxed day, take advantage of the hotel’s swimming pool during the warm summer months. Unwind in the refreshing water while soaking up the sun and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Climb the Dunes: For those looking for a little adventure, take a short trek to climb the dunes right in front of your hotel at the Erg Chebbi dune line. Revel in the stunning views of the desert landscape from the top and capture memorable photos of the picturesque surroundings.
Whatever you choose, this day offers a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation in the enchanting Moroccan desert.
08:30 AM
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, embark on a camel trek back to your hotel at the dune line for a refreshing shower. Once you're ready, we’ll leave the stunning Erg Chebbi sand dunes behind and set off on an off-road adventure across the hamada, also known as the black desert, towards the Sahara town of Rissani.
- Rissani: Here, you’ll have the option to visit the lively local market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps pick up some unique souvenirs.
After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our journey along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, where impressive kasbahs line both sides of the road. Some of these ancient fortified houses have been beautifully restored, while others remain in picturesque ruins, telling the story of Morocco’s rich history.
As we travel through the Dades Valley, we will ascend into the mountainous region via an off-road trail, where you’ll encounter charming Berber villages and the occasional nomadic family living in caves. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of these families and gain insight into their daily life, particularly their primary activity of tending to herds of goats and sheep.
We will be captivated by the stunning landscapes of the colorful Roses Valley, known for its vibrant blooms and fragrant gardens.
Continuing our journey, we will reach Skoura, famous for its lush palm groves, where you can take in the serene beauty of the oasis.
After approximately 45 kilometers, we will return to Ouarzazate for dinner. Enjoy a restful overnight stay at your hotel, reflecting on the day’s breathtaking sights and cultural experiences.
Today is yours to enjoy a relaxing day at leisure in the mesmerizing landscape of Erg Chebbi.
- Sunrise Adventure: If you’re an early riser, consider climbing up to the top of the dunes before dawn. Witness the breathtaking sunrise as it paints the sand in shades of gold and orange, creating a magical atmosphere that is truly unforgettable.
- Leisurely Morning: If you prefer a more leisurely start, enjoy a lie-in at your accommodation. Take in the tranquil beauty of the desert surroundings at your own pace.
- Afternoon Camel Trek: Later in the afternoon, embark on a camel trek across the rolling sand dunes. Feel the rhythm of the camels as you glide over the dunes, experiencing the vastness of the desert landscape firsthand.
Today, we embark on a scenic drive from Merzouga to Fes, traveling north from the desert into the majestic High Atlas Mountains.
- Ziz Valley: As we depart, we'll pass through the stunning Ziz Gorge, known for its dramatic cliffs and panoramic views. The journey continues past Midelt, where the landscape transforms into grassy plains (especially vibrant in winter). Here, you may spot the nomadic Ait Atta Tafoukht tribe, known for pitching their tents and grazing their camels and goats in this serene setting.
- Middle Atlas Mountains: Our route takes us over the Middle Atlas Mountains, revealing yet another beautiful aspect of Morocco. We will drive through ancient cedar forests, where you can keep an eye out for wildlife such as monkeys, wild boar, and deer that inhabit these lush hills.
- Ifrane: Finally, we will descend into Ifrane, a charming town often referred to as "Little Switzerland" due to its alpine architecture and ski resort vibes. Take a moment to explore this unique town before we continue onward to Fes.
Fes is the oldest and largest medieval city in the world, bustling with activity. This morning, take a guided tour around the incredible old medina—a heady mix of aromas, sounds, and sights from the tanneries, spice tubs, pottery, and donkeys!
Afternoon:
Enjoy free time to explore independently.
Overnight:
Fes (Riad)
Depart from Fes to explore Volubilis, the ancient Roman ruins known for their stunning mosaics and historical significance.
Guided Tour:
Enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological site, learning about its history and the ancient Roman civilization.
Afternoon:
Continue your journey to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Once there, take time to visit key sites like the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, and the Kasbah of the Oudaias.
Overnight:
Rabat (Riad)
Depart from Rabat to Casablanca, Morocco's largest city and economic hub.
Morning:
Upon arrival in Casablanca, visit the iconic Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful oceanfront location.
Lunch:
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Moroccan cuisine.
Afternoon:
Continue your journey to Marrakech. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to relax or explore the vibrant streets of this famous city, including the bustling souks and historical sites.
Overnight:
Marrakech (Riad)
08:30 AM
All good things come to an end, and it’s time to head home. Enjoy your final morning in Marrakech.
Transfer:
Transfer to the airport is included.
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