Morocco
Overview:
Steeped in history and saturated in color, Morocco is a land of ancient cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and mouth-watering cuisine. This private guided journey connects iconic cities to the Atlas Mountains and Erg Chegage Desert, moving from Marrakesh to Casablanca. With a private guide throughout, wander the medinas, learn the ancient trades of woodworking and metalsmith, take tea with Berber villagers, ride camels through the remote desert, experience colorful coastal cities, and discover the academic history of the Athens of Africa, all while savoring incredible cuisine and staying in high end boutique riads and kasbahs.
Itinerary Summary:
Days 1-2 – Marrakesh
Days 2-3 – Imlil Valley
Day 4 – Taroudant
Day 5-6 – Erg Chegaga Desert
Day 7 – Zagora & the Draa Valley
Day 8-9 – Ouarzazate
Day 10 – Erfoud
Day 11-12 – Fez
Day 13-14 – Chefchaouen
Day 15 – Rabat
Day 16 – Casablanca
Day 17 – Depart
The Essentials:
Guided touring through historic cities
Berber hospitality
Camel trekking through the desert
Traditional riad accommodations
Fabulous food and cooking classes
Varied landscapes from cities to desert to mountains and valleys
Itinerary:
Marrakesh – 2 Nights
Morocco is a city embellished by centuries as the imperial capital with impressive architecture including monuments, palaces, and the UNESCO World Heritage medina. Marrakesh also boasts Morocco's largest traditional market, aka "souk" where traditional arts and crafts, spices, and specialty stores can be found in a dazzling labyrinth of stalls. On a private full day tour, explore the sights, sounds, and smells of the "Red City" of Marrakech with a local expert.
Imlil Valley – 2 Nights
The Imlil Valley sits at the foot of Mount Toubkal, the second tallest peak in Africa, and is the gateway to the Atlas Mountains. Travelers here are greeted with traditional Berber hospitality and breathtaking vistas. Enjoy some mint tea before an easy hike to the Berber village of Armed, learning traditional farming techniques and lunch with a Berber family. Accommodation is in a four star kasbah with magnificent views.
Taroudant – 1 Night
Known as the "Grandmother of Marrakech," Taroudant boasts surrounding ramparts and historic, bustling Medina. Walk or rent a bike to explore the fortress architecture. From the souks (markets), a variety of crafts are on display, especially metal goods made with silver and copper. Enjoy perusing the artisan shops featuring ceramics, jewelry, leather goods, weaved baskets and rugs, clothing, and more. You'll also find tanneries similar to those in Fes and Marrakech. Stop for a bite to eat at one of the restaurants or cafes, or sip on a glass of mint tea in one of the hotel gardens.
Erg Chegaga Desert – 2 Nights
Truly off the beaten path, authentic Morocco awaits in the Erg Chegaga Desert. Travel along the ancient caravan paths to nomadic souks and across majestic dunes to reach the largest erg in Morocco, the term derived from the Arabic word for dune field. Because it is relatively difficult to access, requiring 4x4 vehicle, this is significantly less visited than other desert regions in the country. For those travelers who venture into this remote region of Morocco, a vast, empty, romantic, and exclusive experience awaits. Méharée, meaning expedition by camel, is an important pastime that you will have the opportunity to experience, accompanied by the nomads in their daily mission to search for grazing lands, water, and food preparation. Take shelter beneath wooden tents in the heart of the desert, feed the camels, learn to weave a wool carpet, and learn the traditional cooking techniques. Afterwards, you will return by camel back to your camp as the sun sets across the dunes in time for dinner and overnight.
Zagora – 1 Night
After Breakfast, its time to hit the road to Zagora. On the way, explore the Desert village Of Mhamid El Ghizlane and its surrounding Oasis. Before Zagora, you can visit the the Small Town of Tamegroute and its Famous Coranic School of Ezzaouia Ennaciria and admire the traditional manufacturing of the green pottery. Reach Zagora in the afternoon with time for some sightseeing before continuing to your accommodation for the evening.
Ouarzazate– 2 Nights
Ouarzazate is known as the "Gateway to the Sahara." Here, you can explore the town's 19th-century Taourirt Kasbah with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, your eye can stretch as far as the red mud city of Aït Benhaddou, the green Draa Valley, and the ochre-colored Todra Gorge. Enjoy a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Aït Benhaddou Kasbah, exploring the alleys and enjoying a cup of traditional mint tea as you learn the history of this important trade port.
Todra Gorge– 1 Night
The Todra (Todgha) Gorges are a series of limestone river canyons that over the millennia have carved out deep, sheer canyon walls—a desert oasis for hikers, rock climbers, and a mule or two. Continue to the the bustling market town of Erfoud, known for its annual Date Festival, fossil mining, and artisan factories where fossils become functional art. In the village of Rissani, spend some time observing the donkey "parking lot" and walking around the town's popular market.
Fes– 2 Nights
The second largest city in Morocco, Fes has been an important trading hub since the 8th Century with a legacy of religious scholarship that has earned it the nickname, the Athens of Africa. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage medina quarters with a private guide who will escort you through the maze of cobbled streets passing markets, shops, mosques, and more. Explore lively souks, learn about medieval Marinid architecture, and visit historical monuments, immersed in the charm of Morocco's oldest imperial city. Experience the Moroccan culture first-hand as you discover the secrets behind famous recipes as you enjoy dinner with a local family.
Chefchaouen– 2 Nights
Beautifully perched beneath the raw peaks of the Rif, Chefchaouen is one of the prettiest towns in Morocco. Enjoy guided sightseeing in this artsy, blue-washed mountain village. Founded in 1471 by descendants of the Prophet Mohammed as a stronghold for Riffian Berber tribes to launch attacks on the Portuguese in Ceuta, Chefchaouen is esteemed as a holy town with eight mosques and several zaouias and marabouts. The town expanded with the arrival of Muslim and Jewish refugees from Granada in 1494, who built the whitewashed houses, with tiny balconies, tiled roofs, and patios (often with a citrus tree in the center). This history gives the town its distinctive Spanish flavor.
Rabat– 1 Night
After departing Chefchaouen, stop at the Akchour Waterfall on an easy hike through dense forests filled with Barbary macaques. After photos and a swim, continue on your journey to Rabat, the oceanfront capital of Morocco. Rabat offers a great deal to explore including the UNESCO World Heritage Site medina, the Royal Palace, the Roman-Islamic medieval fortress of Chellah Necropolis, Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohamed V.
Casablanca– 1 Night
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing between Rabat and Casablanca, which are only about an hour apart, including a guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque. Settle into your hotel for your final evening.
Please call us on +1 720 494 1530 or email us at the link below to discuss this trip further with a travel expert. We would be happy to discuss ways to tailor this itinerary to your personal preferences.
