From Marrakech to Casablanca: Imperial Cities and Merzouga Desert

Duration: 12 days
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DAY 1. GUIDED TOUR OF MARRAKECH

Accompanied by a local guide, we will enter the Medina of Marrakech to discover the main attractions of the historic center: the Koutoubia Mosque, the souks, the gardens, the Ben Youssef Madrasa and much more!

For around 4 hours, the local Spanish-speaking guide will accompany you on a walking tour of the essential places in the Medina of Marrakech.

A mandatory stop will be one of the most iconic places in Marrakech, the Koutoubia Mosque. Does its tall minaret look familiar to you? When you are in front of it, it will be inevitable to remember the Giralda of Seville.

Another stop will be at the Ben Youssef Madrasa. In addition to being the most important, it is also the largest in Morocco. There, more than 800 students were dedicated to memorizing the Quran.

At the end we will enter the souk to explore its alleys full of stalls and street vendors. You will feel like authentic Moroccans and you will learn the art of haggling, essential on any visit to Marrakech.

Accommodation in Riyadh.

DAY 2. ESSAOUIRA EXCURSION

Leaving behind the imperial Red City of Marrakech, we will head towards the coast until we reach Essaouira, the “Pearl of the Atlantic”.

The duration of the journey being three hours. Where we will make small stops to visit an argan oil cooperative and the famous “goat tree”.

Once in Essaouira, you will have free time to admire its fortress, the fishing port, the labyrinthine Medina, its endless beach, see the daily life of its inhabitants and, why not, try the delicious freshly caught fish and seafood from the Atlantic.

If the weather is good, after lunch, the Sueña Morocco driver will take you to one of the kilometer-long beaches so you can take a swim or have the option of horseback riding on the seashore.

When you return from the excursion you will no longer wonder why Essaouira has fallen in love with characters like Orson Welles or Jimi Hendrix.

After this spectacular day, we will finally return to the meeting point in Marrakech.

Accommodation in Riyadh.

DAY 3. OUZOUD EXCURSION

At 8:00 a.m. m., we will depart from Marrakech and head east towards Ouzoud, located in the province of Azilal. During the trip, which will last approximately three hours, we will pass through several towns in the interior of Morocco, where we will be able to observe their lifestyle and picturesque landscapes.

Once we arrive at the Ouzoud Falls, you will have free time to explore the area, enjoy the local flora and fauna (small monkeys are common) and taste food in the restaurants overlooking the waterfalls.

You will be impressed by its impressive 110 meter drop, a true spectacle for the senses.

Also, if you want to cool off and are brave enough, you can take a dip in the Al Abid River. Although the water is usually quite cool, we assure you that you will not be the only ones who choose to immerse themselves in these waters.

Finally, we will return to Marrakech around 6:00 p.m.

Accommodation in Riyadh.

DAY 4. MARRAKECH – HIGH ATLAS – KASBAH AIT BEN HADDOU – DADES GORGES

First thing in the morning, the Sueña Morocco driver will receive you at the reception of the Hotel/Riad in the red city of Marrakech, to begin the adventure through Morocco.

Crossing the High Atlas mountains through the Tizi N’Tichka pass at about 2,260 meters above sea level. Several stops will be made to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the mountain range.

On our journey, we will have the opportunity to visit an ARGAN Oil cooperative, where we will discover the production process and they will explain to us the innumerable benefits it has for the human body, being able to obtain 100% natural oil among other products.

Next, we will head south, making a mandatory stop at the fortified town of Ait Ben Haddou, in Tamazight: ⴰⵢⵜ ⵃⴰⴷⴷⵓ  which translates as “fortified city”.

Where we will visit its famous Kasbah, declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1987, characterized by being built entirely of adobe, which is preserved in incredible conditions.

In this spectacular location, renowned films such as Gladiator, The Jewel of the Nile, Sahara, The Mummy… and such famous series as Game of Thrones have been filmed.

After visiting the great kasbah, we will have free time to rest and have lunch.

In the early afternoon, we will head back to Ouarzazate, considered the great gateway to the desert, the place from where the great expeditions to the Sahara depart and where the great Kasbah of Taourirt stands out.

We will continue towards the Valley of Roses passing through the large palm grove of Skoura and Boumalne until we reach the Dades Gorges, where you will have dinner and accommodation.

DAY 5. DADES GORGES – THE TODRA GORGES – MERZOUGA DUNES (DESERT)

After a traditional breakfast at the Riad, we will begin the journey again towards the dunes of the Moroccan Sahara.

Entering the Dades gorges, from a strategic place on the mountain, we will be able to see the famous bends in the road that leads to its summit, where we will make a stop to take several photos from the top.

Next, we will follow the route even further south, along a road dotted with beautiful Kasbahs that are totally different from each other.

After several stops, we will arrive at one of the most beautiful points in the south: The Todra Gorges, with a height of 300m, the riverbed has formed a gorge of vertical walls of enormous proportions and great beauty, it is a paradise for climbers and a unique place.

After a short stop for lunch, we will continue towards the great desert of Merzouga, where after a couple of hours of driving, we will finally reach the jewel in the crown of Morocco, the Erg Chebbi desert, where its golden dunes will captivate you. completely.

Departing upon your arrival in a caravan of camels that will take us to see the spectacular sunset within the dunes, heading to the luxury tent camp where before dinner we will have the opportunity to have a traditional Moroccan tea, enjoying the peace and relaxation. silence that is breathed there.

They will have a delicious dinner, accompanied by traditional Berber music, while the mantle of stars covers them on this magical night.

DAY 6. MERZOUGA – KHAMELIA – RETURN FROM THE DESERT

After breakfast, we will leave by 4 × 4 to surround the Erg Chebbi, an extension of the sand desert where the Great Dune of Morocco is located, more than 250 meters high, connecting with the back of the road through the ancient Paris-Dakar and the mountains that border Algeria.

We will make a stop in Khamlia, a native town in Mali, where we can relax with tea while we enjoy a small Gnawa music concert.

Next, we will go to visit a nomadic family in the desert, where they will offer us the best tea they have ever tasted, since it is made over a slow fire with wood embers. There you will be able to contemplate the customs and life that these people without a fixed settlement lead.

After a more picturesque and immersive morning with the local culture, we will arrive at the hotel, where you will have free time to take a swim in the pool if the weather is good, walk through the dunes or if you like adventure, rent a quad or buggy.

Accommodation and dinner at the hotel.

DAY 7. RISSANI – MERZOUGA

After breakfast, we will begin our trip to explore the city of Rissani, ancient Sijilmassa, of which there are barely destroyed adobe mounds left in its palm grove, it was once a splendid Arab city located on the first caravan route that reached Fez. from the most flourishing countries of Black Africa.

Once there, we can visit the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, great-grandfather of Moulay Cherif, founder of the Alawite dynasty of Morocco.

Next, we will visit the local market, famous for its large amount of spices and traditional Moroccan trade.

After lunch, we will return to Merzouga. Where you will have the afternoon free to walk through the dunes or take a dip in the pool.

DAY 8. MERZOUGA – AZRU – IFRANE – FEZ

After enjoying a typical Berber breakfast at the hotel.

We will begin our journey to Fez, making several stops along the way.

The first of them, the Ziz Valley with its panoramic views of palm groves and gorges.

The fields, in addition to palm trees, combine other crops such as fruit trees, cumin, cereals, alfalfa, etc. being one of the oases most exploited by Moroccan agriculture.

Another of the obligatory stops will be Azrú and if we are lucky, see and take some photos with the wild monkeys that live in the forests of Morocco.

Once we have passed Azrú, we will head to Ifrane, located in a mountainous area at about 1713 meters above sea level, characterized by a cold climate, which has influenced its Central European style urban planning. Locally called “Moroccan Switzerland”.

Finally arriving in Fez, where we will spend the night in a Riad, in the heart of its medina, which is considered the largest and oldest in the world.

DAY 9. GUIDED TOUR OF FEZ

After the first Islamic prayer, which will echo from all the minarets of the city, the Riad managers will begin to serve breakfast, and your local guide will pick you up at your accommodation, to begin exploring the most modern area, visiting places such as the gates of the Royal Palace or the Jewish Quarter.

Since the royal palace is still a current residence of the Alawite monarchy, you cannot access its interior, but we should not miss its magnificent façade which has seven solid wooden doors that in turn have been lined in bronze, representing the seven days of the week and the seven degrees of the monarchy, framed by traditional blue and green tiles, with high symbolism towards the city and Islam.

Once the contemporary area is finished, you will tour the medina of Fez on foot, on a journey through time in which you will see the madrasah of Bou Inania, as well as the districts of the different artisans: goldsmiths, carpenters, looms, etc. Ending in the famous Plaza de los Curtidores.

Ending the visit at one of the doors of the Medina or, if you wish, at the accommodation.

DAY 10: FEZ – CHEFCHAOUEN

After a traditional breakfast at the Riad, we will head to the blue pearl of Morocco, named for its streets impregnated with a sky blue color, which will make you travel to a dream place.

Experts claim that the predominant blue color in Chaouen comes from the Jewish refugees in the city, who, in the 1930s, began to paint their houses intense blue to symbolize the color of the sky, alluding to the concept of freedom.

Upon arrival, you will have the afternoon free to take a walk through the medina and rest in a picturesque Riad.

DAY 11: CHEFCHAOUEN – RABAT – CASABLANCA

During the morning, we will leave for Rabat, capital of Morocco.

Where you will have free time to visit the historic center of the city, which includes the main buildings and squares, such as the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, the kasbah or the medina of the city.

After visiting its medina and having lunch in the city, we will head to Casablanca, a city in northern Morocco, notable for the great mosque, located on an artificial peninsula, which is due to the fact that Hassan II, who ordered its construction, was inspired by a verse from the Quran that speaks of “The throne of God was erected above the waters.” From the outside it has an incredible view, it looks like an island in the middle of the sea.

After the exterior visit of the Casablanca mosque, you will end the day with accommodation in a modern hotel in the area.

After the exterior visit of the Casablanca mosque, you will end the day with accommodation in a modern hotel in the area.

DAY 12: CASABLANCA – AIRPORT

After breakfast, we will embark on one last trip, this time to the airport, where the services with Sueña Morocco will conclude.

Hoping to see you again very soon. Inchallah!!

 

Included

Private vehicle throughout the journey

Fuel

Spanish speaking driver

1 night in a luxury camp in the desert

8 nights in 4 and 5* hotels

Breakfast

Dinners in Merzouga and Dades

Camel ride

Berber music in the desert

Guide in Fez

Guide in Marrakech

Airport transfers

Not Included

Transportation to and from the country of origin

Drinks

Lunch

Dinners in Marrakech

Medical or travel insurance

Other activities not included in the “Included” section.

✤ The prices indicated are per traveler, for groups of four people.

Having a private vehicle and Spanish-speaking driver throughout the journey.

These prices will vary depending on how many people travel and the tourist season.

✤ The prices indicated are per traveler, for groups of four people.

Having a private vehicle and Spanish-speaking driver throughout the journey.

These prices will vary depending on how many people travel and the tourist season