Morocco Express From the Atlantic to the Dunes in 9 Night & 10 Days

Full description

Day 1: Casablanca Mohammed V Airport – Casablanca : Upon your arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by our representative and transferred to your accommodation in Casablanca. After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Tangier : Morning: After breakfast, a guided tour of Casablanca, Morocco’s economic heart. Nicknamed the “White City” for the whitewashed buildings of its ancient Medina, Casablanca perfectly blends modern and traditional architecture. Highlights include the magnificent Hassan II Mosque (featuring one of the world’s tallest minarets), the Habbous Quarter (the new medina with modern Moorish architecture and artisan shops), Mohammed V Square (a hub of architectural influences), and the lively Corniche Boulevard overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.Afternoon: Depart for Rabat, the Kingdom’s administrative capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2012. Explore its imperial past and modern culture through landmarks like the Kasbah of the Udayas, the historic Chellah, the Hassan Tower, and the Mohammed V Mausoleum. After lunch at leisure, continue your journey north to Tangier. Check into your hotel upon arrival.

Day 3: Tangier – Tetouan – Chefchaouen : Morning: Explore Tangier, the “Pearl of the Strait,” historically influenced by Arab, Andalusian, Spanish, and French cultures. Visit the Kasbah overlooking the harbor, the Sultan’s Palace (Dar El Makhzen), its Andalusian gardens, and the Museum of Moroccan Arts. Stroll through the Medina from the Grand Socco to the Petit Socco, passing the Cervantes Theatre and the iconic Café Hafa. Take in the coastal panoramas at Cape Spartel and discover the mythical Caves of Hercules before a drive down the modern Pasteur Boulevard.Afternoon: Travel to Tetouan, the “White Dove,” celebrated for its rich Andalusian heritage and its UNESCO-listed Medina. Admire its whitewashed houses, mosaic fountains, and refined palaces. After lunch at leisure, continue inland to the blue-hued Rif Mountains to reach Chefchaouen. Check into your accommodation.Evening: Explore Chefchaouen, the famous “Blue City” founded in 1471. Wander the narrow streets of its authentic Medina, visit the historic Kasbah fortress with its lush gardens, and appreciate the unique local weaving and wood crafts.

Day 4: Chefchaouen – Meknes – Fez : Morning: Following breakfast, drive toward Meknes, one of Morocco’s four historic Imperial Cities, often referred to as the “Versailles of Morocco” or the “City of a Hundred Minarets.”Afternoon: Explore Meknes, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by 40 kilometers of monumental ramparts. Visit the iconic Bab El Mansour gate, El Hedim Square, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl, and the royal granaries and stables of Heri es-Souani (which once housed 12,000 horses). See local leatherwork and metalwork in the souks, and visit the Dar Jamaï Museum. After lunch at leisure, continue to Fez for hotel check-in.

Day 5: Fez Spiritual Capital Tour : Day: Dedicate a full day to discovering Fez, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. Your tour focuses heavily on Fez el-Bali (the old Medina), a UNESCO World Heritage site comprising over 9,000 winding alleys dating back 1,200 years. Visit the historic Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University (founded in 859 AD), the Bou Inania and Al-Attarine Madrasas, the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, and the Sidi Ahmed al-Tijani Mausoleum. Witness traditional craftsmanship at the famous Chouara Tannery. Lunch will be at leisure inside the Medina, where you can sample traditional pastilla.

Day 6: Fez – Sefrou – Midelt – Errachidia – Merzouga : Morning: Depart early on a spectacular 460 km trans-Atlas journey (approx. 7.5 to 8 hours of driving). Pass Sefrou, famed for its Cherry Festival, and Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland” for its alpine architecture. Stop in Azrou to spot native Barbary macaque monkeys in the cedar forests, and cross the high plains to Midelt, celebrated for its apple orchards.Afternoon: Descend toward the desert via Errachidia and the stunning palm oases of the Ziz Valley. Reach Erfoud, the fossil capital, before arriving at the edge of the dunes in Merzouga. Swap your vehicle for a dromedary and trek into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes to witness a breathtaking Saharan sunset.Evening: Arrive at your desert camp. Enjoy a traditional dinner and sleep under a star-filled sky in the absolute serenity of the desert.

Day 7: Merzouga – Erfoud – Dades Gorges : Morning: Wake up early to catch a magical desert sunrise over the dunes, then return to camp for breakfast. Depart toward the High Atlas region, passing the sprawling agricultural oasis of Goulmima.Afternoon: Arrive in Boumalne Dades at the entrance of the Dades Valley. Marvel at the dramatic, ochre-and-red tinted cliffs and unique natural rock formations known as the “monkey fingers.” This region is heavily inhabited by Berber populations (Ait Sedrat and Ait Atta) and is famous for its stunning kasbahs and canyons.

Day 8: Dades Gorges – Kelaat M’Gouna – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Marrakech : Morning: Drive through Kelaat M’Gouna in the Valley of the Roses, famous for its Damask rose water and essential oils production. Continue past the palm groves of Skoura to Ouarzazate, the “Gateway to the Desert” and Morocco’s cinematic capital (“Hollywood of Morocco”).Afternoon: Explore two iconic fortresses: the majestic Kasbah Taourirt (former stronghold of the Glaoui clan) and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a breathtaking red-earth fortified village featured in Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. Afterward, embark on a spectacular drive across the High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), offering views of snowy peaks, deep valleys, and traditional mud-brick villages. Arrive in Marrakech by evening.

Day 9: Marrakech City Tour : Day: Discover the “Ochre City.” Begin at the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, then explore the Saadian Tombs and their beautiful twelve-column chamber. Walk through the old Jewish quarter (Mellah) to visit the Dar Si Said Museum, an elegant riad displaying traditional Moroccan housing and arts. Marvel at the grand patios and tiled rooms of the Bahia Palace.Afternoon: Dive into the vibrant Medina. Visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa, once the largest theological college in North Africa. Wind your way through the labyrinths of the artisans’ souks, and finish the tour at the legendary Jemaa El-Fnaa Square. This open-air theater is recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Day 10: Marrakech – Casablanca Mohammed V Airport : Day: Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport for your departure flight.