Welcome to Morocco!

Upon your arrival at the airport, your representative will assist you with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel for a well-needed rest.  

After breakfast, immerse yourself in Moroccan architectural marvels at the breathtaking Hassan II mosque. Prepare to be captivated by one of the most intriguing and impressive architectural achievements in modern Morocco. The grandeur and intricate details of this stunning mosque will leave you in awe.

Following this mesmerizing experience, stroll through the vibrant streets of downtown Casablanca, where history intertwines with the present. These bustling streets, dating back to the French protectorate era, hold a special charm as they showcase the remarkable art-deco-style buildings that were built and designed in the 1920s. Marvel at the fusion of Moroccan and European influences, which have shaped the city's unique character.

In the afternoon, transfer to Tangier via Highway.

Today, explore the vibrant city of Tangier starting right from your hotel. A panoramic drive showcases the diverse quarters that define the character of this enchanting Moroccan gem.

Begin by traversing the main street, where you'll find the charm of the French Quarter, with its alluring blend of European and Moroccan influences. The Spanish Quarter awaits, ready to unveil its rich heritage and intriguing architectural wonders. And don't miss the American Quarter, fondly known as small California, where a unique fusion of cultures can be experienced.

Our route leads past fascinating landmarks, each with its own story to tell. Catch a glimpse of the horse riding school, a testament to Tangier's equestrian traditions. Marvel at the oldest Golf course in Africa, a testament to the city's enduring love affair with the sport.

Relish the astonishing contrasts as we encounter the Christian cemetery and a place where the beloved game of cricket is played. A visit to the cats & dogs cemetery will evoke a sense of reverence for our four-legged companions.

Prepare for a breathtaking ascent up the mountain, where seven majestic palaces await. Behold the grandeur of the Government Palace, the Palace of the King of Morocco, and the Palace of the King of Saudi Arabia. These architectural marvels pay homage to the city's regal history.

Our next stop, Cap Spartel lighthouse, beckons with its awe-inspiring location where the vast Atlantic Ocean merges with the tranquil Mediterranean Sea. It's a sight that will leave you spellbound, capturing the essence of Tangier's natural beauty.

Continuing our journey along the Atlantic coast, we invite you to partake in a camel ride, an experience that evokes the spirit of the desert and offers a unique perspective of the city's picturesque surroundings.

Returning to the historical heart of Tangier, the Kasbah, Medina, and Markets await your exploration. Allow our knowledgeable local guide to lead you on a fascinating walking tour, unfolding the cultural tapestry of Tangier's past and present.

Perched atop the highest point in the city, the old Medina, known as the famous Kasbah, reveals its timeless allure. Within its 17th-century stone walls, the former Sultan's Palace, Dar el-Makhzen, reigns supreme, offering panoramic views of Tangier's bustling Medina. Take a leisurely stroll through the palace gardens and indulge in the museums of Antiquities and Moroccan Art, where treasures from the past await your discovery (Time permitting opening hours: 09:00 to 16:00).
Delve deeper into the Medina, where the pulse of Tangier beats strongest. Wander through its labyrinthine streets, gaining insight into the captivating blend of history and modern life. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Grand Socco and Mendoubia Park, where the city's vibrancy comes to life. And as you pass by the petit Socco, imagine the famous artists and writers such as Matisse, Camille Saint Saens, and Paul Bowles who once sought inspiration in the embrace of its charming small hotels.

After an enriching day of exploration, allow yourself a moment of tranquility and savor the delights of a refreshing mint tea in a local café. Let the flavors and aromas linger, as you reflect on the wonders of Tangier, a city that effortlessly intertwines the past and the present.

After breakfast, depart Tangier for the town of Tetouan, which was once the capital of Spain's colony in Northern Morocco. Tetouan was founded in 1305 and later served as a haven for Jews and Moors who fled the Spanish Inquisition. As a result, Moroccan, Islamic, and Spanish (Andalusian) architectural styles have harmoniously merged in this city.

The Hispano-Moresque style of architecture is seen in the old Royal Palace, a 17th-century structure. Place Hassan II, where the old and new towns meet, is the dynamic heart of the city. Tetouan has retained its old medina, a fascinating UNESCO world heritage site. You will have the chance to visit the Archeology Museum with its beautiful relics, artifacts, and mosaics, making it a contemporary memory of the Roman ruins of Lixus and Sephardic Jewish heritage. You will also see the old fort, the walls, and the well-preserved fences. Then, continue on a spectacular drive across the Rif Mountains to the picturesque town of Chefchaouen.

Chefchaouen is a city with infamous blue and white limewashed houses. In the medina's cobblestone square, Outa-el-Hammam, there is a strong allure that you can actually feel. You can take in the lovely view of the grand Tarik-Ben-Ziad mosque from the terrace of a cafe. The mosque's octagonal minaret was modeled after Seville's Torre de Oro. The Kasbah and its gardens in the middle of the medina are examples of this Andalusian architecture. Its walls and its 11 crenulated towers, of which one used to be a dungeon, house an interesting ethnographic museum.

One can find collections of embroideries and vibrant, varied clothing items like those worn by the women of the area in the small museum in the Kasbah. Here, the long, roomy garment known as the djellaba, which is worn by both men and women in North Africa, was developed. A visit to one of the more than 1500 traditional oil mills or a craftsman's workshop will allow you to experience the warm welcome and excellent hospitality of its residents. Chefchaouen is renowned for its weaving in addition to its basket and pottery industries.

After breakfast, you leave Tangier and head inland to the city of Meknes, which served as the capital of Morocco in the 17th century for Sultan Moulay Ismail. This king had a reputation as a ruthless warrior, but he was also a builder during his 55-year reign and developed Meknes from a small town into a majestic capital with gigantic ramparts, monumental gates, palaces, and more than 15 miles of exterior walls. Your tour leader will take you on a comprehensive tour of the city’s highlights, such as the impressive granaries and stables built by the Sultan for his cavalry, the Mausoleum of the King located inside a beautiful mosque, the monumental gate of Bab El Mansour dominating El Hedim Square, and the colorful food market.

Then continue north to the Roman archaeological site of Volubilis. This town served as the western capital of the heavily Romanized yet partially autonomous Berber kingdom of Mauritania, and it is worth visiting to see the splendid mosaics that are still in good condition as well as the capital and triumphal arch. Drive to Fez in the late afternoon and spend the night at Riad Roumana.
 

Fez will stimulate all your senses as you go on a guided tour inside the old town, across food and spice markets, handicraft quarters, auction squares, and colorful stores. Make stops to see medieval theological schools, shrines, and museums. Fes is a world of its own, where time stands still.

In the afternoon, you will move to a different part of the city to explore what used to be the largest Jewish quarter in Morocco, dating back to the time of the migration of the Jews from Spain in the late 15th century. You will visit the 17th-century synagogues before going for some panoramic views over this impressive city.

Today, you will be traveling beyond Fez and through the Middle Atlas Mountains across the cedar forest at 7000 ft. of altitude. In the afternoon, you will reach the pre-desert area, where you will see the tents of nomadic shepherds and their herds of goats and sheep along the way. Before reaching Erfoud, your gateway to the Sahara desert, you will stop for photos along the magnificent gorges of the Ziz valley, the towering palm trees, and the fortified villages made of mud.

Leave the hotel and cross the luxuriant oasis of Tafilalet to Rissani, where you will see, as you enter the town, the remains of the old caravan center in medieval times named Sijilmassa. Ksars are fortified villages where the clan chief frequently resides in a palace and make up a significant portion of the Rissani population. Start the visit with Ksar El Fida and its local museum, Ksar Ouled Abdelhalim, and the remains of the 18th-century palace, which is still inhabited by one of the descendants of the prince, before you go for a stroll in the traditional Souks of Rissani.

Visit the Erfoud factory that produces fossilized marble in the afternoon. These fossils are unique to this region and are about 360 million years old. Take a 4X4 vehicle from Erfoud south across the desert to the stunning Saharan dunes, where a small camel caravan will be waiting to give you a ride across the dunes so you can experience an unforgettable sunset.

Continue your ride to your exclusive desert camp after taking in a stunning sunset from the top of the dune, where our staff will be at your disposal for an unforgettable Saharan night. You will enjoy the local traditional musicians, and it will be a most enjoyable evening.

Dinner and Overnight at the Desert Luxury Camp in Merzouga.

After breakfast, drive across the Saharan plains, where the nomads herd their camels, to the marvelous valley of Todgha, considered one of the most beautiful in the South of Morocco. This lush green oasis stretches along a stunning, deep valley and is continuously inhabited by Berbers who live in Kasbahs and nicely constructed villages.

Take a walk along the spectacular gorges and stop for lunch. Start your journey along the "Route of a Thousand Kasbahs" in the afternoon. This region of Morocco's South is home to fortresses made of earth with ornately decorated facades, making this architectural method and style distinctive to that area. You will travel through El Kelaa M'gouna, known as Morocco's "rose capital" and "The Valley of the Roses." Along this road, you will drive past a large number of villages and Berber Kasbahs before you arrive in Skoura.

This morning you will wake up in the country that played the most important political role in the south of Morocco, the home of the powerful Berber tribe of the Glaoua family. After visiting the Kasbah of Taourirt, which was once the home of the "Lords of the Atlas," you leave Ouarzazate to drive across a spectacular barren plateau with some film sets and studios where a certain number of famous movies have been shot. Make a stop at the UNESCO-protected village of Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most beautiful examples of Berber architecture that UNESCO is trying to preserve. The natural beauty of the whole area and the architecture of this village have attracted many film producers who made this place the background for filming such; as Kingdom of Heaven, Gladiator, and Babel.

Before continuing across the High Atlas mountains and going as high as 7000 ft of altitude at the Tizi N’Tichka pass before you drive down to the plains of Marrakech. Stay overnight at Riad Djemanna in Marrakech.

You will first stand by the city’s landmark, the Koutoubia Mosque and minaret of the late 12th century. You will then enter the Kasbah from Bab Agnaou gate to visit the Saadian Necropolis of the 16th century and walk through the 12th-century Kasbah and its food market, bakeries, and narrow alleyways to the Badii palace built in the 16th century. Admire the marvelous pulpit of the Koutoubia mosque, made in 1137. Continue to visit the Bahia palace and discover this splendid home built by a powerful Vizir for his Harem. Your tour will come to an end with a stroll through the Jewish neighborhood, where you can see the historic synagogue that Sephardic Jews constructed in 1492.

After a break for lunch, take a guided walk through artisan quarters and the colorful Souks to interact with the real life of Marrakech's people. Before sunset, you will be strolling in the square for which the city is so famed, Jemaa El Fna, where hundreds of locals and tourists come to spend the end of the day watching jugglers, dancers, fortune tellers, storytellers, and traditional musicians.

You may wish to stay here for dinner on the square, where you can sample street foods from simple kebabs to the most bizarre recipes, or sit comfortably in one of the good restaurants around for a nice dinner before you return to your hotel.

After breakfast, venture out on your own to discover Marrakesh's vibrant culture, stunning architecture, bustling markets, and lively atmosphere.

After breakfast, transfer to Marrakech Airport for your return flight.

Goodbye, Morocco!