Day 1: Tangier – Chefchaouen
Our 8-day expedition commences in Tangier, guiding us through the picturesque Rif mountains, with a passage through the city of Tetouan, and culminating in the enchanting village of Chefchaouen. Renowned for its blue-washed aesthetics, the medina of Chefchaouen features a Spanish-style square encircled by shops offering various arts and crafts. The evening is spent in a local riad, offering a warm and inviting sanctuary amid the vivid hues of Chefchaouen.
Day 2 : Chefchaouen – Fes
After breakfast, we set off for Fes, the oldest imperial city in Morocco and its former capital for over 350 years. Visitors can explore the University of Al Karaouine, the world’s oldest functioning university, the historic Nejjarine Fountains utilized by ancient caravans, and the renowned Tanneries where leather has been crafted and dyed for centuries. A brief stop at a ceramic factory offers a stunning panoramic view of Fes’ Medina. A dinner and overnight accommodation at a Riad/Hotel concludes the day.
Today, following breakfast, we will embark on an exploration of the remarkable city of Fes. Our journey will commence in the medina, where we will navigate its intricate alleyways, subsequently visiting the Jewish Quarter and the Royal Palace. We will also have the opportunity to tour the renowned tanneries of Fes, where the traditional craft of leather making and dyeing has been practiced for centuries. Following this, we will visit the Karaouine Mosque, recognized as the first university in the world. The day will conclude with dinner and an overnight stay at a Riad or hotel.
Day 4 : Fes – Ifran – Azrou – Midelt – Merzouga
Depart at 8:00 am for Erg Chebbi dunes. Stop in Ifrane and see monkeys in the cedar forest. Have lunch in Midelt, known for apples. Travel through the Middle Atlas mountains and Ziz valley. See palm groves and agriculture. Reach Erfoud with mud ksars and marble. Arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon for a camel ride through the dunes. Enjoy sunset, dinner by a bonfire, local music and dance. Stay overnight in a luxury private tent with a private bath and hot shower. Enjoy the starry sky of the Sahara.
Day 5 : Merzouga Desert Tour
Experience the Merzouga Desert with an exploration showcasing its cultural and natural wonders. Meet the Gnawa people in Khamlia village to learn about their music and way of life. Enjoy a camel ride with experienced handlers to uncover hidden treasures among the sand dunes. Traverse the highest dunes in Morocco, reveling in the stunning desert colors. Have a dinner with desert views and spend a night in a desert camp under the stars, enjoying camel-hair bongo drum beats and Berber nomad stories.
Day 6 : Merzouga – Todra gorges – Dades valley – Dades Gorges
Early morning wake up to watch the sunrise over the dunes, breakfast at the camp, camel ride back to Merzouga, travel to dades valley through Rissani where we wil have time to explore it’s traditional big markets then to Todra Vally through many berber towns and villages before we get to Todgha gorge, one of the most breathtaking places in Morocco. Todgha gorge is also a good place for hiking and where the nomads coming down from the mountains to pick water from the river, time to walk and explore the area, lunch at the spot, travel further to Dades vally and Dades Gorge with a stop at both including the Monkey fingers vally, hotel overnight stay.
Day 7 : Dades Gorge -Ouarzazate – Kasbah Ait Ben Haddo-Marrakech
Breakfast at the hotel, a scenic drive by the dades valley, the track raod crossing rose valley with its Kasbah and ksars, in this part you can see very nice landscapes before you get to the oasis of Skoura and it’s beautiful 17 century adobe kasbah and visit it’s massive oasis of millions of palm trees, carry on to Ouarzazate for lunch and then to Ait Ben Haddou, the world heritage site and a background of about 20 International films, a walk through the kasbah, drive to Marrakech via the spectacular Tizi N’Tichka pass, stops along the pass, drop off at your accommodation in Marrakech.
Day 8 : Marrakech Guided Tour
Delve into the vibrant cultural tapestry of Marrakech with a private guided tour. Explore essential sites, including the Majorelle Gardens, Koutoubia Tower, Saadian tombs, and the Bahia Palace. After lunch at a restaurant near the square, traverse the bustling souks, offering a glimpse into local craftsmanship and culture.
Day 9 : Essaouira Day tour
You have a day trip planned today. Make sure you are in the lobby at 08:30am to meet your driver who will take you on a 3-hour drive to Essaouira, a coastal town. Along the way, there will be two stops – one at a café for refreshments and restroom, and the other at a factory to see how argan oil is produced. Once in Essaouira, explore the town, known for its handicrafts and history, before heading back to Marrakech in the afternoon. Lunch will be provided in the medina or at the port. Stay overnight at a riad in Marrakech.
Day 10 : Marrakech to airport
The last day of the 10-day desert tour is the end of the journey. Depending on your flight time, you will be taken to the airport, saying goodbye to the beautiful landscapes and cultural experiences that defined the adventure. Memories of vibrant markets, ancient medinas, and the serene Sahara Desert will stay with you. Morocco’s diverse landscapes and historical sites will always hold a special place in your heart.
