Discovery of Morocco Tour

Immerse yourself with discovery of Morocco tour to embrace a variety of compelling natural landscapes from the Royal cities of the North to the exotic South of mud castles, charming sand dunes, majestic gorges to the beauty of the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, you will learn and discover how to find oneself and keep forever in the memory an idea of eternity. It is ideal tour to appreciate the legendary hospitality of the Moroccans, their culture, their life mode, and their traditions, strong images of imposing landscapes and historic sites which make the richness of the country.

ITINERARY

Day 1 :  CASABLANCA – RABAT

The discovery of Morocco tour will begin by meeting your driver at Mohamed V Airport in Casablanca The largest city in Northern Africa and the economic capital of the kingdom after the sightseeing which will include the United Nations place, Mohammed V square, the residential area of Anfa, external visit of the famous Hassan II Mosque one of the largest in the world, and one of the few Mosques open to non-Muslims in the country, and the beautiful Ain Diab corniche the nightlife of the city lined up with restaurants and swimming pools. Then we proceed to Rabat the capital of Morocco, our sightseeing begins with the Kasbah of the Oudayas, the exquisite Mohamed V Mausoleum tomb of the present king's father and grandfather, the imposing Hassan Tower built in 1196, the 14 century Necropolis of Chellah and the ramparts and walls of the Mechouar surrounding the Royal Palace.

Overnight

Day 2 :  RABAT – MEKNES – VOLUBILIS – FEZ

In the morning we depart for Meknes the former imperial city built at the end of the 17th century by King Moulay Ismail. The Meknes city tour includes the old ramparts, the Moulay Ismail stables, and granaries. Also visit the gate of Bab el Mansour, one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco, the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum and Lahdim square. After lunch we will then continue to Moulay Idriss the holiest city in Morocco in the creation of the country's first Arab dynasty and where the founder of Islam in Morocco is buried, then Volubilis the settlement of the great Roman empire, Morocco's largest and best preserved Roman ruins. Continue to Fez.

Overnight

Day 3 :  FEZ

After breakfast, full-day tour of the city of Fez, the jewel of Spanish-Arabic civilization. The first imperial city of Morocco is a leading intellectual, religious, cultural center and the kingdom's spiritual capital founded in 790 B.C by Moulay Idriss II. The highlights will include the Medersas (an Islamic teaching university) to attest the importance of its thousand years of history, the great El Qaraouiyin Mosque the first university in the world and the sumptuous Nejjarine fountain. Independent lunch followed by a visit to the Medieval Medina of Fez has a world of its own, a UNESCO world heritage, encircled by an unbroken line of ramparts and gates a labyrinth of sloping, winding alleyways are crammed full of artisans and merchants, each district has its own specialty; cobalt blue enameled pottery, carpets, wrought iron, and then visit Boujeloud gate with its decoration of green and blue faiences..

Overnight

Day 4 :   FEZ – IFRAN – MIDELT – ERFOUD – MERZOUGA

After breakfast we leave for Erfoud via the mountains and the cedar woods of the middle Atlas through the berber villages and towns of Imouzzer, Azrou and Ifran a charming ski resort well known for its wood carving, we stop in the small town of Midelt for lunch. Continuing on to Erfoud via Errachidia and the Ziz valley dotted with palm trees, which are the source for the yearly date festival in Erfoud, you come across a totally different face of this country. Here you will find the huge sand dunes in Merzouga, the Saharan dune field closest to Europe where you can sit and gaze at this barren beauty, walk up one of the dunes . Nearby Erfoud is the point of departure for your Sahara desert immersion we set out on a sunset excursion to the breathtakingly beautiful sand dunes at Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara in the enormous silence we watch the sun set over the desert as we take a camel ride along the dunes to experience an unforgettable ride according to the Bedouine way of life. The «desert ship» would carry you through sand dunes and spectacular scenery. It will be followed by a magical guided-tour and the admiration of a star studded sky. Then a bivouac would be set up around a wood fire. You would appreciate the Bedouin traditional dinner. Accommodation will be provided under a nomadic tent to beneath the innumerable stars of the clear desert sky and awake with the sunrise to watch the colors of the desert changing in front of your eyes.

(You have the choice of spending the night in a hotel in Erfoud after exploring the sunset with camel ride in Merzouga dunes or spending the night there in Merzouga under a nomad tent).

Overnight

Day 5 :  ERFOUD – RISSANI – TINGHIR – OUARZAZATE

In the morning we visit the city of Rissani, the holy city where Moulay Ali Cherif, ancestor of the Alaouite dynasty is buried, with its 18th-century Ksar, a virtually impenetrable warren of alleys; then continue on to the ruins of 17th-century Ksar Abbar fortress. Continuing South to the "Land of a Thousand Kasbahs" where many Kasbahs, once the fortified houses of Berber warlords, are still seen, some crumbling and some still inhabited by Berber families, the day features one beautiful scene after another, including the village of Tinghir, a stunning mountain oasis rising on a series of river-side terraces lush with palm trees; and the spectacular Todra Gorge from its plunging depths to its 1000 foot high cliffs. Following lunch, then we visit Kelaa Magouna, known for its roses, then continue to Ouarzazate a desert outpost in the Southern Kasbah region used as a location backdrop by many epic films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Alexander the Great and Jesus of Nazareth. offering an old town with its maze of narrow streets and a new town, we reach the city in late afternoon.

Overnight

Day 6 :   OUARZAZATE – TALIOUINE – TAROUDANT

Morning departure for the beautiful oasis town of Taliouine known as Morocco’s Saffron capital. Continue to Taroudant once a former regional capital and the first capital city of the Saadiens dynasty located at the intersection of Souss valley and mountains of the High Atlas, the "little Marrakech" gives an excellent overview of southern Morocco. Taroudant offer a pleasant setting and a unique product to researchers rest in the shade of ochre walls and the sweetness of life and Berber hospitality of Moroccans in a temperate climate throughout the year. Visit the remarkably picturesque souks known for leather, iron, wood, painted wood, ceramics and jewellery Berber money. Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight

Day 7 :   TAROUDANT – AGADIR – ESSAOUIRA

After Breakfast departure for Agadir. Afternoon panoramic tour of Agadir and its beautiful beaches, souks and the historical Kasbah dating to 16th century. Set on a crescent of sand, the wide shallow beach of Agadir stretches as far as the eye can see. Our journey continue to the North towards Essaouira. Tour of the city, a place with a strong feeling where you explore Phoenician, Berber, Portuguese, Jewish, and French past in the well-preserved architecture, with its small alleyways and whitewashed buildings with blue paintwork and enchanting fishing harbour reflecting the Portuguese character of settlers from the 16th century.

Overnight

Day 8 :   ESSAOUIRA – MARRAKECH

After breakfast. Departure for Marrakech via the scenic inland road, the landscape changes as we drive into a throwback from the Terrasic Era, the forest of the Argan trees which only exist in this region of the world, we stop to take pictures with goats ‘harvesting’ Argan fruits, then visit an Argan oil cooperative run by local women… you can take a tour to learn how argan oil is made, chat with the women, and pick up treats like homemade soap or 'Amlou’ a traditional Moroccan jam to bring home. Then we continue to Marrakech.

Overnight

Day 9 :   MARRAKECH

Your long-day tour will be devoted to the sightseeing of Marrakesh, the second oldest imperial city known as the "Pearl of the South" to discover the fascinating history and rich cultural heritage of this ancient city, you will visit the Saadian tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque the tallest building in the city, the Bahia Palace and the Menara Garden. You will explore the souks and the world's famous Djemaa El Fna place which offers various entertainments (story tellers, water sellers, acrobats, snake-charmers, magicians, musicians and henna artists, orange-juice sellers, open-air barbecue food-stalls etc. etc...)
Optional: a Fantasia dinner will be provided under caidal tents at the famed "Chez Ali" restaurant. Enjoy the fantasia spectacle that includes horses shows, folkloric troops from different Moroccan regions and belly dancer.

Overnight

Day 10 :   MARRAKECH

Morning at leisure for browsing or shopping. Optional half-day excursion to nearby Ourika valley Southwards of Marrakech to experience the authentic traditional Berber life.

Day 11 :   MARRAKECH – AIRPORT

After breakfast, a private transfer to the Airport.

End of our services.

Accommodations on this Morocco Discovery Tour

Rabat	Hotel Sofitel Diwan – Hotel Jardin des Roses – Riad Kalaa
Fez	Riad Yacout – Riad Damia – Riad Mabrouka
Taroudant	Riad Dar Zitoune –  Riad Taroudant – Riad Palais Salam
Essaouira	Riad Mimouna – Riad Maison du Sud – Riad Villa Maroc
Marrakech	Riad Amina – Riad Darna – Riad Carina
Ouarzazate	Riad Dar Kamar – Riad Dar Daif – Riad Les Tourmalines
Merzouga	Nomad tent (see below Bivouac description)

- Accommodations listed are an example, you will stay there or somewhere of similar quality

- Upgrade to Deluxe accommodation is available

Included Services:

• Luxury private A/C car at disposal
• Private English speaking driver/guide
• Ten nights of best-available 4* accommodations
• Daily breakfast at your hotel
• Government-certified tour guides in Rabat, Volubilis, Fez, Marrakech
• Four wheels drive to Merzouga dunes
• Camel ride and desert guide
• Monuments / Museums entrance fees
• Airport transfers

Excluded Services:

• Air fare
• Travel insurance
• Lunches & some dinners
• Drinks during meals
• Tips to local personals

Bivouac description in Merzouga:

- Upon arrival at the Camp, you would be welcomed in a big nomadic tent (made with camel hair)

• On the ground: Carpets, comfortable mattresses, pillows, tables and stools
• Hygiene: Chemical WC portable toilets, toilet paper, solar shower and soap
• Light: Burning wood fire and storm lanterns
• Food: Dishes are served on round tables
• From 8 to 10 people. And you would be present to experience the local traditional music
• Mattresses, white sheets, pillows, pillowcases are provided
• Accommodation: individual tents (2 people or more per tent)

We can customize your trip based on your budget and interest, also group discounts available

Please contact us for further information .