18 Days Immersion Tour
Day 1: Casablanca – Asilah
Meet and greet at the airport in Casablanca. After welcome we head into the city to visit the gorgeous mosque of Hassan II, which is the largest religious monument in the Muslim world outside of Mecca. Then we travel to Asilah. An elegant old Portuguese port, Asilah. Old square stone ramparts flanked by palms and outstanding beach.
Day 2 : Asilah – Tangier – Chefchaouen
Morning departure to Tangier.
Upon arrival we cross the modern town with its large boulevards and then a nice drive through rich areas of Tangier’s California section where you will see villas, palaces including the Royal summer residence and homes of celebrities. We will continue to stop at Spartel cape, see the lighthouse that marks the convergence of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Here if you are interested possible camel ride along the coast. Then we continue to visit the Hercules caves inhabited since the Neolithic period.
Then after our visit transfer to Chefchaouen. A Dream Destination.
Day 3: Chefchaouen
With its distinctive pale blue and whitewashed buildings and winding alleyways, Chefchaouen is a charming place with strong Andalusian connections. It was here that many Jews and Moors fled during the Spanish Inquisition. Highlights of our day include a short hike to the ruin of the “Spanish” mosque with its fantastic panoramic view; a visit to the Ras el-Ma, where city’s fresh water springs from the mountain; and a stroll through the wonderfully restored kasbah and gardens.
Day 4 : Chefchaouen – Volubis – Meknes – Fes
Depart in the morning to the Roman Ruins of Volubis. Dating from the third century BC, Volubis was aseat of provincial authority for hundred years. The city produce wines, olive oil and exported lumber to Roman world. The site was ruined by earthquake in the 17th century. Walk between the partially restored ruins and discover the intricate floor mosaics still intact.
Then we leave for the old Imperial City of Meknes. Enter the city through the large monumental gate of “Bab Mansour” . It took fifty years for the palace and massive ramparts to be built, but not much remains today. Follow the old walls to explore the Ag Dal Basin once used to water the royal gardens and the Sultans immense stable of 12,000 horses. Within the city visit the Mosque and Mausoleum of Ismail and its decorative tombs.
Day 5: Fes
Today explore Fes, the largest and most authentic medina in the world. The Imperial City of Fes was founded in 789 AD by Moulay Idriss and is still a medieval city to this day. Start your walking tour with an English speaking guide (without a guide you could easily get lost) to explore the maze of narrow alleys, plazas and workshops. Visit many of the historical and religious sights of Fes: Visit La Mederssa Attarine (built between 1323 and 1325), Nejjarine fountain, and the mosques of El Karaouyine (whose University is older then Oxford), Medersa Bou Inania (beautiful example of Merinid architecture), and Baba Jloud (beautiful decorated archway), Jewish quarter with its charming houses.
Continue your visit the discovery of important trades including the tanneries. End your tour with great views of Fes from the Tombs of the Merinid Kings that overlooks the city.
Day 6: Fes
Day at leisure to discover the city on your own.
Day 7: Fes – Azrou – Midelt – Merzouga
This morning we travel into the mountains to a region known as Imouzzer, which is blanketed by forests of cedar, juniper and cork oak. The area is well known for having abundant wildlife and we may see many types of birds, wild boar and Barbary apes on our scenic drive. Then the road will start climb into the Middle Atlas Mountains we may see the slopes dotted by the tents and goat herds of nomadic Berbers who call this rugged region home. 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.
Overnight in Merzouga dinner & breakfast
Day 8: Merzouga – Rissani – 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. After our visit we continue via off road through the sand dunes to visit seasonal lake of Dayet Srji where you might see the pink flamingos. 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 Nomad tent, night full of stars, Berber music and traditional Moroccan meal, delicious food prepared for you by your guide. Night that you will not forget. A Dream Holiday Experience in Erg Chebbi.
Day 9: Erg Chebbi – Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Dades Gorge
After breakfast and stunning sunrise over the sand dunes return to Merzouga on the back of your camels to shower and depart. Head towards Todra Gorge – the highest oasis in Morocco, its walls are 300 meters high. Have your lunch by the gorge appreciating by this natural water reservoir. Then continue your journey towards another impressive gorge Dades passing the strange rock creation of Tamnalt Hills. Overnight right in the Dades Gorge lined by the red and mauve rock
Overnight in Dades.
Day 10: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – AitBenhaddou – Taroudant
Morning we depart via the road known as Thousand Kasbahs passing the Rose Valley and Skoura Oasis arriving to Ouarzazate. Not far from the city we find the UNESCO protected site of Ait Ben Haddou. 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 Gladiator, 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!
Then we start slowly heading into the Souss rich citrus producing valley.
Overnight in Taroudant.
Day 11: Taroudant – Agadir – Essaouira
Breakfast and departure towards Agadir. Visit the city and the beautiful beach. The city of Agadir was rebuilt by European architects after the earthquake of 1960 and has a unique continental feel. Depart towards Essaouira along the Atlantic Coast. After Cape Ghir the road diverges from the coast to Haha country. In addition to the native argan trees, you can see the most amazing view from the Atlantic coast of Morocco at the UNESCO protected city of Essaouria.
Day 12: Essaouira – Marrakech
In the morning we enjoy the beautiful city of Essaouira, an enchanting fishing harbor which retains the Portuguese character of a 16th century European settlement. The enormous fortress is built at sea level and is graced with the white washed, blue-shuttered homes reminiscent of the Southern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. The architecture is famous around the world. Today, the city is a thriving center for marquetry – working work with ebony, mother-of-pearl, and silver threads. Afternoon departure to Imperial City Marrakech.
Day 13: Marrakech
Your guide would meet you at the lobby of your hotel/riad in Marrakech at 9:30am and head towards the Djema El Fna square from where we take on foot exploring the old town (medina). There are no cars allowed in this part of the city. We will visit the highly decorated tombs of the royal family of Saadian, the Ben Youssef medersa, the majestic ruins of the Baddi palace built by Ahmed El Mansour using the most precious materials such as onyx, gold and marble traded for the weight of sugar and Bahia Palace.
Then also visit the outside of Koutoubia mosque the dominant mosque of Marrakech and its minaret that watches over Marrakech for more than 800 years.
Day 14: Marrakech – Ouzoud Waterfalls – Marrakech
Pick up from your riad/hotel at 8:00am we head away from Marrakech and the landscapes planted with olive trees that stretch out forever, dotted with small villages, sheep or goat herds will appear front of us. As you are slowly approaching the Middle Atlas, the road is constantly zig – zagging and meandering throughout a hilly landscape. The soil is red and contrasts with the green carpet of thousands of olive trees planted on the plateau. Olive tree is translated into “ouzoud” in the local language, thus the name of these waterfalls…Before reaching the waterfalls you will pass through Demnate, where we visit Imi n’Ifri, the local attraction is a natural bridge over a gorge, the result of a partial collapse of an underground cave system.You will discover the waterfalls from the top. From there, the view is just stunning!
There is not only one but six streams crowned with a double rainbow thundering down the rocks in a cloud of droplets. You can catch a glimpse of the plunge pool around 100 meters below. If you are lucky and if it is the morning, you can also see macaque monkeys playing around. It is possible to continue the trek down to the bottom of the waterfall taking a number of stone steps. For lunch, a delicious tajine or tasty grills can be enjoyed in the shade of the olive trees or in a smarter restaurant overlooking the lake. Then return to Marrakech at about 6:30pm with drop off at your hotel/riad.
Day 15: Marrakech
Free day to enjoy the city on your own.
Day 16: Marrakech – Casablanca
Transfer to Casablanca after breakfast.
Day 17: Casablanca
Explore Casablanca on your own.
Day 18: Casablanca
Transfer to the airport depending on your time of departure.
