14 Days Mystical Morocco
Mystical Morocco! This tour will take you slightly off the beaten path, along scenic coastal routes and into the main cities too. Beginning in Marrakech, we will explore Morocco while giving you time to soak in the magical vibes of this country.
Day 1 : Marhaba Marrakech! – Arrive in Marrakech
Day 2 : Marrakech
A historical tour of Marrakech: the Menara Garden, the Saadian tombs, the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Minaret and the Majorelle Gardens named after the famous French painter, who constructed here his art deco villa and started the botanical gardens. In 1980 it became the residence of Yves Saint Laurent. In the afternoon, visit the famous Djemaa El Fna square with its surrounding souks and handicraft quarters. Enjoy a spot of shopping and haggling at the square while you secure your bargain. We suggest you try the wares of the square tonite.
Day 3 : Marrakech-Safi – Oulidia
Safi, is now the port city for Morocco. Its status as port city has brought much development and wealth to this little once portugese town. Its old city is dotted with stalls selling the Safi pottery, food and craft. This city is marked by its Portugese forts, which now house the ceramic factories and museum. Enjoy a day by the sea, and the fresh seafood available to tempt your gastronomic taste.
Day 4: Oualidia – Casablanca-Rabat
After breakfast, we will leave towards Casablanca. Here your first stop will be the Hassan II Mosque, the 7th largest mosque in the world and an architectural wonder. We also stop to visit the Eglise Notre Dame de Lourdes.
After visiting the economic capital of Morocco, we will travel to the administrative capital of Rabat to see the Hassan II Tower, and the Mausoleum of the Kings. We will then check into your hotel for the night. Overnight in Rabat.
Day 5: Rabat – Chefchaouen
This morning we will depart to the Blue Pearl, the city of Chefchaouen. High in the Rif Mountains, the once Jewish city sits between the horns of the Mountains. This lazy gypsy town will make you want to kick back and relax. You will be at leisure to explore this small Medina and its charms.
Day 6: Chefchaouen – Fes
We leave Chefchaouen at approximately 10am this morning, departing toward Fes, with a stop at Volubilis, one of the still well preserved Roman ruins standing, and the holy village of Moulay Idriss (non accessible to non muslims).
Day 7: Fes
The whole day is devoted to tour this UNESCO World Heritage City. Sightseeing of Fez includes the medieval medina with its Attarine and Bou Anania Medersas, the Nejjarine fountain, the Moulay Idriss mausoleum, and the Karaouine mosque. We will also visit the Palace gates, and the panoramic views from the East tower of the city.
Day 8: Fes – Azrou – Ifrane – Midelt – Erfoud – Merzouga
We leave Fes and enjoy a scenic drive through cedar forests to Ifrane, the Swiss of Morocco. A little Alpine village that is a popular ski resort in winter. We then carry on through Azrou, a mountainous area and home to the Barbary macaques. Want to feed some? After late lunch in Midelt, we continue on mountain roads overlooking the wide flowing Oued Ziz. Passing Kasbahs and palm groves we pass through the adobe colored city of Er-Rachidia and arrive in the late afternoon to Merzouga, city on the outskirts of the Sahara Desert.
Day 9: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi
Today we will be exploring this beautiful region of the Sahara desert. We visit the fossils center and the ancient city of Rissani that thrived from the 8th to the 14th centuries thanks to the caravan routes of the kingdom of Sijilmassa. It was also the home of the Alouite peoples – the early conquerors of all Morocco. We see men wearing the indigo blue robes distinctive of the Saharan people. Here you can see some exemplary works of carpet making by the Berbers and the different styles of work from across Morocco. We will also include visit of Khamlia village where you have the opportunity to listen the Gnaoua music. Then later in the afternoon saddle your camels your journey to take us across the desert during a beautiful sunset for about 30 minutes to reach you camp for the night by the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Overnight in the beautiful luxurious Nomad tent, night full of stars, Berber music and delicious food prepared for you by your hosts. A night that you will not forget.
Day 10: Merzouga – Boulmalne Dades – Ouarzazate
After breakfast and stunning sunrise over the sand dunes, we depart towards Ouarzazate. We carry on through Boumalne Dades,in the Tinehir province. This valley is known for its cultivated agriculture as well as being home to the Dades Gorge. Take a walk under these impressive divide before we proceed to reach Ouarzazate in the late afternoon. Ouarzazate, the now Hollywood of Africa is home to several film studios and have produced magnificent films such as Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, Obelix, Lawrence of Arabia, Tutankhamen, Gladiator, Jewel of the Nile and many more.
Day 11: Ouarzazate – Agadir
After breakfast, you will pack up to head towards the red city of Marrakech. On the way, we will stop to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ksar Ait Benhaddou. Visit of this old Berber village, where many movies filmed such as: Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, Obelix, Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Prince of Persia and others. This is probably the best-preserved fortified Kasbah in the country. With its dramatic walls of red earth, slit windows and crumbling towers, it is a magnificent example of a traditional stronghold. Chosen as a location for Hollywood films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Jewel in the Nile, and more recently Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones, Ait Ben Haddou sits upon a lofty pinnacle of rock overlooking a river. Dating from around the 15th century, its importance as a trading post gradually waned, and today’s inhabitants eke a living from farming… and as film extras!
Day 12: Agadir – Essaouira
This City of Winds lies along the Atlantic Coast and is known as an artisanal capital. Its Medina is now full of craftsmen and artisans who ply thieir wares directly. Sit by one of the restaurants by the sea and enjoy the Atlantic Ocean and its offerings, shop direct from artists in a pretty Medina. We will also stop to visit the Argan Cooperative organization. Run by women to support the women of Morocco. See how argan oil is being made from scratch. Lets sit and stare at the Atlantic coast over our lunch. The rest of your day at leisure for you to enjoy.
Day 13: Essaouira – Marrakech
At your leisure, in the afternoon we will leave this town and head back to Marrakech. We visit the local cooperatives to see the argan making art.
Day 14: Marrakech Departure
Today we will transfer you to Marrakech airport for your departure.
