8 Days Casablanca To Marrakesh Via Merzouga Desert
Day 1: Casablanca –Rabat – Meknes – Fez :
We will meet you at the airport ,and whisk you around the largest city in Morocco, Casablanca, the heart of Morocco’s commerce and industry.You will see the Hassan II mosque, built on the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean.Later we will continue our drive toward Fez.
Day 2: Exploring Fez :
Today after breakfast, you will have the entire day to explore Fez, the second largest city in Morocco, to see all the historical monuments. The Fez el Bali walled Medina, the vibrant souks and old-world atmosphere , Bou Inania, a school from the 14th century with it’s amazing architecture, and the Al Attarine and Karaouine schools. We’ll break for lunch and then visit the Merenid Tombs, and the ceramic (ZELLIJ) factory to watch artisans use clay for a variety of decorative work. Then back to the riad at the end of the day.
Day 3: Fez – Azrou – Midalet – Errachidia – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga :
After breakfast we will leave Fez, and head toward Merzouga, passing and stopping in Ifrane , then Azrou, known for its green tiled roofs and a beautiful cedar forest. Next, on to Midelt, where we will stop for lunch. Continuing up the road through the Middle Atlas Mountains, we observe a different way of life in Morocco. This is where we will see nomads who live in the Sahara. You will be mesmerized by the spectacular views of volcanic rock near Errachidia, where you’ll see all cliffs and beauty all around. The Ziz Valley is surrounded by beautiful palm trees. At the next stop, we will visit Erfoud , to give you the opportunity to visit a marble factory ,where the artisans make a variety of home décor, available for purchase. Later, we head to the final stop today, Merzouga.
Day 4: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi Dunes – Tamrdanite – Khamlia – Hassi El-Bied :
after breakfast, your excursion begins from the hotel. We will ride off road through the sand dunes, near the Algerian border. You’ll have the chance to take pictures and to see the black volcanic rock, visit nomad families and learn about their culture and lifestyle. Next, we will pass by a tiny Berbere village, Tamrdanite, and then Khamlia, a remote village, home for merely 32 families. Khamlia is famous for Gnawa music. We listen as they play their ancient music and learn about yet another culture, that of the nomadic Khamlia people. On our way to the hotel, we can see a lake, Ait Sareji and, especially In springtime, see pink flamingos grazing there. Then back to the hotel for rest and relaxation time ,and to get ready for a famous Moroccan adventure (camel trekking) in the heart of the desert ,and stay the night at the camp.
Day 5: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Tinjdad – Todra Gorges – Boumalene Dades :
The camel man (trekker) will wake you up before sunrise ,so you can watch the sunrise over the desert. Later, you will return to the camp for breakfast. Then, the camel man will take you back to your tent for a shower and breakfast. We’ll drive to Rissani ,seeing the Ksours and kasbahs of Tafilalet. We’ll visit the Zaouia of Moulay Ali El-Charif, the mausoleum of the dynasty Alaouit founder, and take a walk through their local market and traditional souk. Next, we pass Arfoud and Tinjdad, where we’ll stop for lunch. We continue toward Tinghir where you can stroll through a gorgeous oasis of palm trees. You will spend the night in a Kasbah, which will include dinner and breakfast.
Day 6: Boumalne Du Dades – Kelaa M’gouna – Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou -Tizi N’tichka Pass – Marrakesh :
This morning after breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Ouarzazate via Skoura. Stopping for a panoramic view of the kasbah of Taourirt ,and then another for another photo stop at the Atlas Film Studios. After that ,we will visit the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou ,and then have dine for lunch in a local restaurant in the village. In the afternoon, we will drive to Marrakech over the High Atlas Mountains, passing over the Tizi N’tichka pass (2260M in altitude). We will drop you off when we reach Marrakech.
Day 7: Marrakesh
Today after breakfast, you will have the entire day to discover Marrakech with your guide. You will immerse yourself in our red city. You’ll dine in the Medina, and visit the most beautiful palaces and monuments of Marrakech, such as the 19th century Bahia Palace, the 16th century Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque ,the Majorelle Garden. You will also visit Marrakech’s famous Souks, where the merchants sell everything from leather, carpets, clots, spices, and kaftans.
Day 8: Marrakech :
After breakfast ,we will take you to the airport, just in time for your flight back home.
