12 Days Desert Tour from Casablanca

Highlights

• Explore the Hassan II Mosque: the largest Mosque in Africa that receives the largest number of prayers. It’s situated in the marginality of Casablanca which makes it one of the most gorgeous attractions in the world with Moroccan Islamic architecture influenced by the Moorish.
• Visit the Hassan Tower: it’s an uncompleted mosque by the Caliphate Yakoub el-Mansour. Its minaret was supposed to be the largest in the world.
• Enjoy the beauty of the pearl of North and the Blue City of Chefchaouen and its marvelous Rif Mountains.
• Experience different Moroccan traditional dishes including Tajin, mint-tea, and Couscous.
• Get back in time by exploring the oldest city in Morocco, Fes. It’s the intellectual capital city of Morocco where the oldest university in the world is found.
• Travel via the beautiful Atlas Mountains.
• Stop at the largest Cedar Forest in Africa in Azrou and feed the Barbarian Monkeys.
• Deep into the Sahara Desert of Merzouga and learn different unique cultures.
• Experience camel trekking desert activity and admire the breathtaking views of sunset and sunrise over the high dunes of Erg Chebbi.
• Stroll over the wonderful Todgha Gorges.
• Discover the Studio of Ouarzazate, “ Hollywood of Africa “. And the UNESCO World site Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah.
• Drive through the impressive Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2.212m above sea level) in the high Atlas Mountains.
• A city tour of Marrakech to visit its sightseeing
• The end of your tour in Casablanca.

Services

Itinerary

• Day 1: Casablanca Airport– Casablanca ( about 45 minutesdrive)

  Your first day in Morocco will be in Casablanca, the largest city in North Africa. Our driver will be waiting for you outside the airport and will pick you up to Casablanca to your hotel, after resting at the hotel, you will start your discovery adventure. You will visit The majestic Hassan II Mosque towering over the Atlantic coast, covers an area of ten hectares, two-thirds of which is reclaimed land. The main body of the mosque is located on the sea, and the building uses a lot of modern technology, known as a miracle in the architectural world of the 20th century. And the entire mosque accommodates 100,000 people praying at the same time. It is the largest mosque in Africa and the third largest in the world after Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. It's the only Mosque that allows non-Muslims to enter and explore its gorgeous architecture.

  At sunset, you can go for a walk and enjoy the beautiful sunset at “ Casablanca Promenade ''. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

  Moroccan cuisine is one of the top cuisines in the world. During your tour in Morocco, you will test several delicious traditional dishes including Tajine, couscous, and pastille.

  EXTRA: Visit Mohammed V Square, commonly known as Pigeon Square. There is a large fountain in the middle, where you can enjoy the view of pigeons fluttering around you. The square is surrounded by magnificent government administrative buildings left over from the colonial era.
• Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen

  You will wake up in the morning, after your breakfast, to head via the coast road to Rabat Morocco’s capital. Rabat has wide streets, and a clean city appearance. and it is the fourth imperial city of Morocco. Rabat's must-see attractions include the Oudaya Kasbah, a lovely old Kasbah surrounded with high walls, from where you can enter into the old Medina to take a stroll and enjoy the architecture there. Also take a look at the Bou Regreg River.

  After lunch, we will visit the most important minaret Hassan Tower in the center of Medina. The noisy tower of the Hassan Grand Mosque that was built in the twelfth century AD but was not completed ” was originally planned to be the largest islamic building in North Africa at that time. The Lisbon earthquake in 1755 destroyed the completed building. Except for the ruins of the wall, the Hassan Tower is 44-meter high only. And still more than 300 broken columns are still standing.

  Later, you will travel via the Rif Mountains To the blue city of Chefchaouen. One of the most gorgeous cities in the world, Chefchaouen is situated at the top of the Rif Mountains, about 600 meters above sea level. and it is famous for its breathtaking views. Dinner and accommodation in the Riad inside the medina of Chefchaouen.

• Day 3: Chefchaouen – Fes ( about 3 hr 40 min drive )

  After breakfast. During a guided tour of Medina this morning, you will find Chefchaouen beneath the blue. Explore the town to discover what makes it so alluring .You can freely stroll around the old town, the winding paths, blue doors, and white walls are full of surprises everywhere. “ Uta el Hammam Square ” is the main square of Chefchaouen, surrounded by shops, and tourists are rushing through it. After lunch leave Chefchaouen to Fes, the spiritual and cultural center of Morocco. Reach Fes in the evening. Dinner and accommodation at a Moroccan traditional Riad.

• Day 4: Discover the city of Fes

  After breakfast, visit the eighth-century ancient city of Fes, and it is the second largest city in the Kingdom after Casablanca. It is the country's famous ancient capital. The old city of Fes was selected as a world Cultural Heritage in 1981.

  You will begin your day by visiting the Royal Palace, with a local English speaking guide. Then there are a few neighboring neighborhoods that are worth seeing, like the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) and the Moulay Abdallah Quarter.

  Then Visit “ Bab Boujloud “ known as the Blue Gate, by your guide, a famous attraction in the ancient city of Fes. It is located on the two most important roads in the ancient city. It is the starting point, so most tourists will choose to enter the old Medina of Fes from here. People seem to have gone back a thousand years ago when donkeys were still the main means of transportation for people, visiting the medieval old city that is listed as a world cultural heritage. The next attraction is the Kairaouine Mosque, the world's oldest university, which produces the most illustrious scholars in the kingdom. Karaouine University was founded in 859 AD, as an islamic school and it is recognized by the Guinness Book of World. And this university is also a mosque, and houses precious ancient books in Africa. Then make a stop at Nejjarine Museum, a UNESCO-designated community. And Later you will visit Tannery Chaouar (Leather Dyeing Tanneries), one of the main attractions of Fes. The Dyeing House still uses the ancient dyeing process. In
  order to make the leather show the color of natural pants, it retains the traditional hand-rubbed leather and natural air-drying. The colorful dyeing house is naturally the essence of the ancient city. Later visit (Medersa Bou Inania). And visit world- famous various “. workshops and handicraft “ dyeing workshops, carpets, mosaics etc. Dinner and accommodation as previously.

• Day 5: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Ziz gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga

  After breakfast, You will continue your tour through the High Atlas Mountains today. You will travel to the south through a range of stunning scenery, including rocky, desert areas, cedar and pine forests, and fertile valleys. Our first stop is Ifrane. “The European-style town”. Ifrane is located at an altitude of 1665 meters in the Atlas Mountains, it was built in 1929 and has a population of only about 14000. Then reach the famous cedar forest, located about 26 km from Ifrane. Where you can see the barbary macaque roam the forest. Then drive to the city of Midelt, "The apple city". Cross the Ziz gorges enjoying the panoramic
  view of the palm groves. After a few hours' drive, we arrived at the town of Erfoud, it is known as the “Desert Gate ”. Our destination is the Sahara Desert of Merzouga where we will spend the night at the hotel facing the dunes or at the camp.

• Day 6: Erg Chebbi Desert Exploration

  Today is the highlight of your private Morocco tour. After having your breakfast at your desert camp/hotel, you will start your desert adventure by exploring the area of Erg Chebbi. You will visit the village of Khamlia, a town of black people, some of whom are originally from Mali, to enjoy their music. Then continue our journey around Erg Chebbi to have tea with the nomads and try the local 'pizza'. And visit the old mines, you can also try sand surfing and quad biking. The journey will be by 4x4. Later you get back to Erg Chebbi near the dunes where you will find a camel man waiting for you.You will ride the camel to the famous Erg Chebbi dunes, upon arrival, you will hike and sitting above the dunes for the breathtaking sunset before heading to your desert camp.

  The dunes are beautiful, especially when the evening light reflects off them and brings out the colors. Dinner and accommodation in a luxury camp. You will spend an authentic night, and enjoy the Gnawa music around an open fire.

• Day 7: Merzouga “Erg Chebbi” – Rissani – Todra Gorges –Dades valley

  Today you should wake up early to not miss the panoramic sunrise and also to have pictures for souvenirs. Have breakfast at the camp then jump in the car and continue your journey. Leaving for the big market of Rissani, Rissani is a town located ( about 41 km from Sahara and has a big Market in the area. After exploring the market, we will drive for about 2 hours before arriving at the impressive Todra Gorges where we will stop to walk along the river and admire huge walls changing color to reddish-brown as the day unfolds, forming a wonderful scenery. After lunch, drive to Boumalne Dades Valley, which is the main attraction of this area, so you can enjoy walking over this beautiful valley. overnight at the hotel on the foot of the mountain.

• Day 8: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate -Ait Ben Haddou

  After breakfast in the hotel, you will travel through the Dades Valley to Kalaa M'gouna. You can get to the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs by traveling outside of the Dades Valley. We'll stop in Kalaat M’Gouna ' Valley Roses', To see some Roses products. To reach Skoura Oasis, you will visit Kasbah Amridil with its mud-brick walls, and it is a historic fortified site at Skoura Oasis. Then stop for lunch at a traditional Moroccan restaurant, after lunch, continue the journey to Ouarzazate, the Moroccan movie scene and production center. Arrive at “Ait Ben Haddou“ a hilltop region largely unchanged since the eleventh century. There's one of Morocco's grandest Kasbahs, and the fortified village is a superb example of clay
  architecture. Among the numerous films and TV series in which the website has appeared are Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia. It was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 1987. Ascending the hill to enjoy some picturesque views, you can stroll through the Old Town's narrow streets. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

• Day 9: Ait ben Haddou – Marrakech through Tizi n’Tichka

  After breakfast, Depart from the hotel to Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains on a lengthy, winding route. Because of the amazing scenery, you are free to take your time and pause to take some pictures if you'd like. You can observe a great series of colorful high Atlas Mountains and cross the impressive Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2.260m above sea level). We will stop for lunch at a traditional restaurant, after lunch descend to Marrakech in the early evening, check in at your Riad inside the medina. Then it's time to rest to save energy for the next day or you can go for a walk in the medina. Dinner at the Riad.

• Day 10: A full Day in Marrakech

  After breakfast today, you will meet our local English speaking guide who will help you discover Marrakech's magic during your morning tour of the old Medina, which takes you through the bustling souks that form the city's center. You start visiting ”Bahia Palace''. Bahia palace is one of the few Royal Palaces in Morocco that is open to the public. and then visit Saadian Tombs, and the ruined Badi Palace, as you could visit Le Jardin Secret, a classic Medina garden with an amazing courtyard, or Jardin Majorele. The Koutoubia Mosque is off-limits to non-Muslims, but it is impressive to see the famous minaret of the
  building. And make some time to experience UNESCO world site JEMAA EL FNA square by night, where you can see the snake dancers, old Moroccan who tell stories and fortune-telling and countless small stalls selling food, drinks, carpets, leather and handicrafts. Dinner on your own and we will be there to recommend the good places. Accomodation as previously at the same Riad.

• Day 11: Marrakech Cooking Classes

  After breakfast, you will begin your day with a traditional guide. Your guide for the day will take you around the Medina of Marrakech, focusing on the vibrant food circuit in the Old Town.

  Explore mechoui lamb ovens, preserved vegetable shops, traditional farnatchi stoves, herb and spice markets, local butchers, and the lively “ Souika “ market where you can engage in negotiating for fresh vegetables and grains.

  Your guide will also point out significant sites and monuments along the way, providing insights into the cultural and historical aspects of Marrakech.

  Move to the shade of a traditional Riyad for a hands-on cooking class led by experienced local chefs.

  Spend the next few hours learning to prepare a Moroccan meal, using traditional ingredients and cooking techniques.

  If cooking isn't your passion, you can opt to enjoy a glass of wine, observe the culinary process, and indulge in a delicious lunch prepared by the chefs.

  After the cooking class, you have the afternoon free to explore Marrakech at your leisure.

  For those who missed activities in the last two days, this is an opportunity to catch up on anything you might have missed.

  Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and return to your accommodation for a restful night, reflecting on the flavors and experiences of the day.

  This day offers a unique and immersive culinary experience, combining a guided food tour with hands-on cooking in the heart of Marrakech. Whether you're a cooking enthusiast or prefer to observe, this day caters to different interests, ensuring a delightful and memorable time in the city.

• Day 12: Marrakech to Casablanca Airport ( 2:30 hours drive)

  After breakfast, and Check out from your accommodation. Leave Marrakech to Casablanca. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes allowing you to enjoy the landscapes of Morocco on your last day of your tour. Arrive at Casablanca Airport with at least two hours before your flight. End of your private Morocco tour.

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