9-Day Tour: Discovering the Sahara and the Imperial Cities

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Duration

9 days

Age Range

2 to 75

Group Size

40 people

Tour Operator

Morocco Trip Travel

Excursion Highlights

  • Visit the stunning Bahia Palace
  • Discover the ornate Saadian Tombs
  • Stroll through the Majorelle Gardens
  • Explore the vibrant Jemaa El Fna Square
  • Tour the historic Koutoubia Mosque

Tour Languages

English (US, UK)

Itinerary

Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. For check-in and pass

the rest of the day at your leisure in this exotic setting, source

of inspiration for the eponym of Marrakech.

A city like no other, Marrakech exceeds all expectations.

From ancient architecture to markets to restaurants

charming and ornate artwork, the city is a treasure trove of secrets to

discover. Stroll through the medina to discover the gardens,

religious sites and mosaics for which the town is famous. As you

stroll through the streets, you can taste the local specialties of

street vendors and try your luck haggling for trinkets.

You will be picked up from your hotel by a guide and driver

professionals. You will then begin your day exploring

Marrakech and discover its landmarks. Your visit will begin

by the discovery of the Koutoubia mosque, the largest mosque in

Marrakech. It is particularly famous for its magnificent minaret,

the oldest of the three great Almohad minarets still surviving. THE

minaret dominates the entire city with an impressive height of 69

meters. Then you will visit the famous Saadian tombs: these are

of a mausoleum which occupies a peaceful enclosure at the Kasbah. THE

tombs are beautifully decorated with colorful tiles, writing

Arabic and elaborate sculptures.

Next, you will head to the magnificent Jemaa El Fna square, which

is the main attraction of the city: it is the ideal place to enjoy a

delicious tea or to taste local specialties while watching the

shows that await you. At night, the place transforms into a

huge tavern where locals and tourists come to enjoy a

dine al fresco or contemplate their surroundings. Finally, for

end your visit, you will discover the Bahia Palace, a gift of

pastor offered to his favorite and his 80 official concubines. A

monument of breathtaking beauty, Andalusian architecture and

Moorish are in harmony, just like in the Al-Hambra of Granada

Spanish. It is no wonder that the Bahia Palace has become

interesting for the film industry. The complex was used

as a setting for films such as Lawrence of Arabia (1962). Between

time, it was also classified as a “world heritage site” by

UNESCO. Surely one of the most beautiful palaces in the city and the country.

Visit to Souks - Jemaa El Fna Square - La Koutoubia - Bahia - The

Saadian tombs - The Remparts - The Palmeraie - The Majorelle gardens -

The Menara Garden.

Fill up on a delicious morning meal of baguette,

fresh fruit, jams and blackcurrant coffee (Moroccan cappuccino) in

a local pastry shop, then start your day trip to

Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate and in the Dadès Gorges. Your guide

will take you on a private tour through this Berber village of

kasbah towers and battlements which once guarded the caravan route

lucrative through the Atlas Mountains. Discover the kasbahs on foot

with the possibility of riding a donkey on a river. Aït Benhaddou is

one of many locations in this region used to film

Film Capital movies. Leaving behind this series of reliefs and engravings

in the rock. Dinner and night at your Riad in the gorges.

Prenez un petit-déjeuner sain dans votre riad et promenez-vous dans les

collines de Tinghir, une vallée étroite aux parois rocheuses escarpées et

au ruisseau qui la traverse. Nous allons traverser le paysage de cette

belle région, de Tinghir aux dunes remarquables de Merzouga en passant

par Erfoud. Montez à dos de chameau à travers les dunes jusqu base camp

en regardant le coucher de soleil spectaculaire sur les dunes. Au base camp,

savourez un délicieux dîner sous le ciel du désert. Une vie nocturne

animée par de la musique marocaine traditionnelle vous divertira toute

la nuit dans les dunes de l’Erg Chebbi, dans le désert du Sahara.

Wake up early and head to an oasis by camel to

explore the dunes of Erg Chebbi before Aube. Watching the sunrise

sun on the dunes. Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, where

Cedars generally only grow between 1600 and 1700 m. We will

also take a short break to observe the wildlife and enjoy the

splendour of nature, as well as a break for midday meal at a

Berber village, most of the way will be spent making your way

a path through beautiful forests, jagged rock walls and

Berber villages. Dinner and night at the Riad.

The day will be devoted to discovering the imperial city. Fez

is full of sites and places of great historical value and

heritage: Medersa Attarine, Nejjarine Fountain, Karaouine Mosque

(1st university in the world built by a woman), Palais Royal (and its

famous golden door), the tombs of the Merinids, ... Discover

also leather artisans and their natural dyeing methods.

Discover Medina Fes El Bali: It is the largest and most

exciting in Morocco. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1976.

Souk El Attarine: This is the souk of grocers, it is undoubtedly the

the most colorful market in Fez. Nejjarine: This little place takes its name

cabinetmakers who occupy the neighborhood stalls. A pretty fountain,

all decorated with zelliges and a carved wooden pediment, highlights

value the place. The Quaraouiyine mosque: Founded in 862 by a

Muslim Fatima El Fihria, originally from Quairaouan. This is the first

university in the world. Zaouia de Moulay Idriss: Shelters the tomb of

Moulay Idriss II founder of Fez. It is the holy place of Fez. Madrasa Bou

Inania: Islamic university built between 1350 and 1357 by the sultan

Mérinide Abou Inane and whose architecture is one of the masterpieces of

Moorish art. Madrasa Attarine: It is a Koranic school built

in 1323 by the Mérinide sultan Abou Said whose decoration is of a

extreme finesse. Dinner and night in a Riad.

This day. We will head to the beautiful city of Chechaoun via

Volubili is located just outside the city of Meknes. Volubilis is a

partially excavated town, of Berber and Roman character, which

developed in the 3rd century BC as a Berber settlement

before then becoming the capital of the kingdom of Mauretania. à The city

Blue located in the middle of the Rif mountains, Chefchaoun is known

for its beautiful blue walls and alleys. It is a very small town

peaceful and charming full of life and excitement. Perched at the foot of

cliffs of the Rif chain, Chefchaouen is ideal for relaxing and

stroll, enjoying its wonderful relaxed atmosphere.

Commonly called the "blue city", blue paint dominates

absolutely this city - every door, wall, path and house is painted

in blue. This blue-washed city is one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Morocco and perhaps all of Africa. Although it is a neighborhood

popular, the atmosphere and authenticity have remained.

From Chefchaouen to Rabat and Casablanca for a tourist visit. HAS

Casablanca, you will find many sites of interest, including the

Hassan II mosque with its 200-meter-high minaret and its

sumptuous interior with wooden ceilings, marble, carved stone

and golden. You can also visit the old town of the Medina as well

as the Habous, built by the French and a good place to

discover handicrafts. Rick’s Café Lunch recreates the film

legendary andquot;Casablancaandquot;. Once the city tour is over, you will be

taken back to the hotel.

Today in the morning we will take a guided tour with

an expert guide around the city, starting with the central market,

the Habous district, the royal palace, Mohamed V square, the district

residential of Anfa and the exterior of the Hassan II mosque. It is possible

to fish midday meal at the corniche (seaside promenade). END

of the tour at approximately 4:00 p.m. When this sightseeing tour ends,

we will head towards Marrakech. Today is the end of the tour. If

your flight leaves from Casablanca or Marrakech, the driver will

will drive to the airport.

Tour Destinations on the Map

This map itinerary may be inaccurate, Please check below for more accurate info.
- Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate - Todra Gorge - Erfoud - Merzouga - Moyen Atlas - Midelt - Ifrane - Fes - Meknes - Casablanca

Tour Includes

2 nights in a Riad or hotel in Marrakech

One-night hotel stay in Casablanca

1 night at the Riad in Chefchaouen

2 nights at the Riad in Fez

1-night accommodation at Luxury Desert Camp in Merzouga

Historical guides from local experts for imperial city tours

Guided day tours

The visits

Insurance

Daily morning meal

Daily dinner.

Camel ride in Merzouga.

Reception and return to the airport

Transport by comfortable climate-controlled minibus

Multilingual speaking pilot

Airport transfers

Know Before Your Trip

Time Zone: GMT+1 (UTC+1)

Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

Emergency: Police: 19, Ambulance: 15
Check out your safety guide

VISA: Check if you need a visa to enter Morocco here. (Citizens from the US, EU, UK, Canada usually have visa-free access.)

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