Sizzling Morocco - 12 Days

Once you have arrived in Marrakech, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. The rest of the day will be at your leisure to start exploring, grab a meal or relax before the start of your tour.

This morning, we begin a guided visit of Marrakech. Our tour includes the Saadian Tombs, which date back to the time of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur.

We continue to the Ben Youssef Medersa, established by Sultan Abou el Hassan, before visiting the Bahia Palace. This beautiful building is an excellent example of 19th-century Moroccan architecture. It was built for the minister Ahmed bin Musa during the reign of Sultan Abdul Aziz, who brought together some of the most skilled craftsmen, although the works were never completed after his death.

We also visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech. Its minaret later served as the model for the Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat.

Our visit continues at the Majorelle Garden, a garden estate designed by Jacques Majorelle and later maintained by Yves Saint Laurent. The gardens are known for their colourful walkways, ponds, cactus and plants, as well as a shop with handmade goods.

We then visit Jemaa el-Fnaa, the famous square and marketplace in the medina of Marrakech. Afterwards, you will have free time to explore before returning to our accommodation.

Marrakech - Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Dades Valley. Today, we depart early from Marrakech and begin our journey across the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we pass through charming Berber villages while ascending towards the highest peak of Tizi n’Tichka Pass, where there are many opportunities to enjoy views across the mountain range.

Travelling east, we pass through the village of Telouet where we visit the former home of the Glaoui family, Ksar El Glaoui, once associated with some of the most powerful Berber tribal leaders.

We then continue to the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a famous 16th century fortress recognised by UNESCO for its historical importance. The site has also been used as a filming location for several well-known productions including Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven and Prince of Persia.

You will have time for lunch in Ouarzazate, often known as the city of cinema. Afterwards, we visit the Kasbah of Taourirt before continuing our journey to Boumalne Dades.

Dades Valley - Todra Gorge - Jorf - Erfoud - Merzouga. After breakfast, we depart from our accommodation in the Dades Gorges and travel along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through colourful Berber villages in the Dades Valley.

Around 45 kilometres later, we reach Tineghir, a town known for its beautiful palm groves and historic Jewish quarter. We then continue to the Todra Gorges, where you will have free time to walk through the canyon, whose cliffs rise to around 300 metres and attract many mountain climbers.

Afterwards, we continue our journey towards the Erg Chebbi dunes in the Merzouga Sahara Desert. You will have time for lunch along the way before we reach Erfoud.

Once we arrive at the dunes of Erg Chebbi, we set out on a camel ride of about one and a half hours at sunset to reach the oasis where our desert camp is located. In the evening, we gather around the campfire where camel drivers play traditional drums before we spend the night in nomadic tents in the Merzouga Sahara dunes, with the option to sleep under the stars.

Merzouga - Rissani - Ziz Valley - Azrou - Ifrane – Fes. We have an early start to watch the sunrise over the dunes of the Merzouga desert, one of the most memorable moments in the Sahara, with time to take photos as the light spreads across the sand.

After a typical breakfast at our bivouac, we return by camel to the accommodation where we can freshen up before continuing our journey.

We then travel towards Fes, passing through the Ziz Valley, Errachidia and Midelt. Along the way, we stop at the Cedar Forest, where we see the famous wild monkeys.

Our journey continues through the Middle Atlas Mountains before arriving in Fes in the evening.

Today, we discover Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. We head into the old city, known locally as Fes el Bali, one of the most fascinating historic medinas in the world.

As we walk through its twisting streets and narrow alleyways, we pass donkeys carrying goods and explore the different sections that divide the souk. The medina is filled with historic khans, medersas and dye pits, along with stalls selling fruits, herbs and spices, creating an atmosphere that reflects the city’s long history as a centre of learning and culture.

During our visit, we explore some of the medina’s important sites, including Medersa el Attarine, the famous tanneries and the splendid Fondouk Nejjarine, a beautifully restored 18th-century inn.

In the late afternoon, we return to our accommodation, where you may choose to spend the evening relaxing away from the lively atmosphere of the medina.

Fes - Chefchaouen. Early this morning, we travel through the Rif Mountains towards Chefchaouen, enjoying views of the surrounding mountain landscapes along the way.

We arrive in Chefchaouen, one of the most beautiful towns set at the foot of the Rif Mountains. The medina is known for its distinctive blue and white buildings and its Spanish-influenced style.

Chefchaouen - Asilah. After breakfast, we drive to the city of Asilah through the surrounding landscapes.

Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to explore the city. Asilah is known for its annual arts festival, during which many walls of the medina are painted by artists from around the world.

Our visit includes the Skalla fortress, where we enjoy views over the medina and the ocean before we return to our accommodation.

Asilah - Rabat - Casablanca. Today, we depart for Casablanca and continue our journey along the Atlantic coast.

Our first stop is Rabat, the capital of Morocco, where we see the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas.

We then continue to Casablanca where we visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, built in 1993 by a team of more than 6,000 craftsmen. Located on the shores of the city, it is one of the most remarkable landmarks in Casablanca.

Casablanca - El Jadida - Essaouira. This morning, we depart and continue our journey along the Atlantic coast. Along the way, we pass through El Jadida, a small port city that was once controlled by the Portuguese and is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We then arrive in the seaside town of Essaouira, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This windswept fishing port is known for its broad beaches and ancient walled medina with ramparts built into the cliffs.

With its relaxed atmosphere, you can explore the small but lively medina, stroll along the ramparts or the beach, or visit the port to see the daily catch.

Essaouira - Marrakech. We depart from Essaouira and travel towards Marrakech along a scenic road lined with argan oil cooperatives.

Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit an argan oil cooperative to see how this traditional product is produced.

Later, we arrive in Marrakech, where we check into our accommodation.

After our final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you may have some time for last-minute shopping, exploring or relaxing before you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!