Casablanca and Rabat

Arrival at Casablanca airport where our guide will be waiting for you punctually and properly identified.

In Casablanca, visit the Hassan II Mosque, the only one in Morocco that can be visited by non-Muslims and a monument not to be missed.

We will take a short walk along the “Corniche”, a long avenue by the sea that stretches for kilometers, lined with palm trees.

We will then head to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, (a 1-hour drive) where you will have the opportunity to enjoy its beautiful domes, minarets, wide avenues, and green spaces.

Lunch at a traditional restaurant, on a rooftop facing Bab El Dad, one of the gates of the Medina’s wall.

In the late afternoon, we will arrive in Fez.

Fez

Paul Bowles described Fez as a “enchanted labyrinth sheltered from time.” Thus, this day is dedicated to visiting this mysterious city. Explore Fes with the support of a guide dedicated solely to this city, allowing you to get to know it in depth: its corners, traditions, tales, and stories.

The Medina of Fez is the most imposing of the historical medinas in North Africa, with its labyrinthine and secret streets, where traditional commerce and tanneries can be found, with leather still worked using ancient techniques. You will visit the famous “Chouara” leather tanneries.

You will also be able to visit the city’s most significant cultural and historical landmarks, including the Al Quaraouiyine University, the oldest educational institution in the world capable of issuing diplomas, according to UNESCO.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to visit several Koranic schools, where you can see some of the finest examples of delicate Moroccan decoration.

Middle Atlas and Sahara Dunes

We will depart in the morning to visit the magical cedar forests of Azrou and Ifrane, where you will be amazed by their spectacular native nature. The atmosphere is calm, clear, and filled with the scents of nature.

On the way, we will make a brief stop in Ifrane, a village located between the High Atlas and Middle Atlas, offering an exceptional location to contemplate the lush mountain landscape. Along the way, it will sometimes be possible to spot monkeys and other animals typical of these cedar forests.

You will pass through Erfoud, where nearby fossil excavations have uncovered various trilobite fossils, among other primitive species. This suggests that the Sahara Desert’s land was once the bottom of an ocean. You will also have the opportunity to purchase original fossils at very affordable prices.

In the afternoon, embark on a camel ride through the dunes of Erg Chebbi (Sahara Desert) for about an hour, before reaching a Berber tent where you will spend the night under a clear sky filled with stars. The colors of the sunset over the dunes are a photographer’s delight.

There, dinner will be served, followed by live traditional music around a campfire. The music, based on drums and guitars, is captivating and irresistible.

The absolute silence of the desert is impressive and invites introspection. It will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience!

Todra Gorges and Skoura Oasis

After breakfast and witnessing the breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, we will head towards the “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs“.

We will visit the Todra Gorges, where the cliffs rise to 300 meters in height, separated by just 15 meters. There will be time to enjoy a walk along the river, surrounded by the splendor of this unique and rocky landscape.

Next, we will visit the Skoura Oasis, filled with palm trees, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk.

Our journey continues as we pass through the high mountain roads of the High Atlas, where you can take some photos and enjoy the fresh air and tranquility of the mountains.

We will continue our journey and stop at Ait Benhaddou, the most important location along the “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs,” a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is well-known for being a backdrop for many Hollywood films such as The Mummy, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones.

On the way to Marrakech

We will make several stops: we may visit craft cooperatives to see how traditional Moroccan rugs are made, how argan oil is produced, and more.

Finally, we will reach Marrakesh, where surprises await at every corner, from artists playing traditional or original instruments to a variety of products and performances, secluded gardens, and colorful, aromatic markets.

In the morning, you will visit the most iconic landmarks of the red city of Morocco, Marrakesh:

Madrassa Ben Youssef: This 12th-century Islamic college in Marrakesh was commissioned by Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf of Morocco. Today, it serves as a museum. The interiors are stunning, fully decorated, and its architecture is remarkable.

Koutoubia Mosque: Undoubtedly the most famous and photographed monument in Marrakesh. The Koutoubia Mosque was built in the 12th century and served as the model for the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat.

Bahia Palace: This beautiful 19th-century extravagant palace was built to be the best in Marrakesh. The palace features a large garden, a central courtyard, and several rooms decorated with incredible craftsmanship by artisans who came specifically from the city of Fez.

Saadian Tombs: These 16th-century tombs were ordered to be built by Ahmad al-Mansur and house the remains of about 60 members of the Saadian Dynasty from the Draa River valley in the south of the country. Interestingly, the tombs were only discovered in 1917. These tombs are among the most visited monuments in Marrakesh.

After lunch, we will depart for Essaouira.

A day dedicated to the artistic Essaouira.

This coastal city is full of surprises, novelties, and boasts a unique gastronomy, with an emphasis on fresh fish and argan oil, a rich oil similar to olive oil but with a more roasted color and a nutty flavor that makes the food delicious.

Essaouira is one of the most charming cities on the Moroccan coast and a multicultural artistic hub, having captivated figures like Jimi Hendrix, Orson Welles, and Bob Marley. With a maritime scent that constantly fills the corners of its medina, Essaouira stands out for its urban life, culture, and gastronomy.

This coastal area, since the time of the Carthaginian Empire, has always been considered one of the best anchorage sites in North Africa’s Atlantic. Its Medina was built in the 18th century and is one of the few in the world that actually had architectural planning. It was at that time the city was named Essaouira, which literally means “the beautifully designed.” The city is also home to the famous Gnaoua Music Festival, an ancient spiritual art of North African Islam.

We will return to Marrakesh at the end of the day.

We will visit the sights of Marrakesh outside the Medina with our guide, such as:

Majorelle Gardens: This is the only botanical garden in Marrakesh. It was designed by artist Jacques Majorelle and has been owned by Yves Saint Laurent and Bergé Pierre since 1980. You can enjoy a wonderful garden with exotic flowers from various parts of the world.

Yves Saint Laurent Museum: Which has a permanent exhibition as well as temporary exhibits showcasing masterpieces by this famous designer. The building itself has charming modern architecture with traditional touches.

Palais Dar Bacha, or Musée de Confluences: a wonderful example of Arab architecture. It also has a very special café where you can enjoy coffees from around the world in a charming setting.

Transfer to the departure airport.

Safe travels back with your memory filled with wonderful recollections and your heart enchanted by this magical country!