9 days Casablanca desert trip

Day 1: Casablanca- Rabat- Chefchaouen.

9 days Casablanca desert trip departure: You will meet the company professional guide at Casablanca’s Mohammed V airport to start your tour. First of all, you will set off for Hassan II mosque (the second largest religious building in the world which is open to non-Muslims). Later on, we will set off to the administrative capital of Morocco (Rabat). We will start with the Bad Challah, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, one of the main gates of the royal palace, and the Oudaya Kasbah. Continuing our journey we travel via the city of Kenitra, located in one of Morocco’s main agricultural areas, and over the Rif Mountains to Wazzan and finally our destination of Chefchaouen. Overnight in Riad in the Medina of the Bleu Pearl (Chefchaouen).

Day 2: Chefchaouen – Fes

Today you are going to have a free morning to explore the bleu city and an experience on its side by taking some pictures as memories. After lunch, we will set off to the city of Fes via different and amazing panoramic views where you are going to stop to discover it. Arriving at the Moroccan old city (Fes) where your accommodation is at the Medina (old city).

Day 3: Exploring Fes (Culture tour with local guide).

After breakfast, you will start exploring the oldest city in Morocco, walking in its alleys and small streets. Our visit starts by visiting the Royal Palace gate, the Jewish quarter, the first Mellah ever built in Morocco, built during the 14th century. We will ensure that you visit all sites with cultural and historical interest including the famous Al Karaouine University, considered the oldest one in the world, the Tanneries, and Moulay Idriss mausoleum. After lunch in a traditional Moroccan restaurant, you will visit the tiles cooperative and then experience a wonderful panoramic view over the whole Medina of Fes. Overnight in the riad.

Day 4: Fes – Ifrane- Cedar Forest- Medalt – Ziz Valley- Merzouga.

After breakfast, you will start your long day where you will see different things in one day. Our day tour will start from the first imperial city of Morocco (Fes) toward the Sahara desert. We will travel through the middle Atlas Mountains. On our way, we will pass through the city of Ifrane which is known as “Moroccan Switzerland” because of its building. We will continue to the home of the native barbarian apes which the cedar forest, the largest and the biggest one in Morocco. After crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains we will see many tents and caves of the nomadic families before stopping at the city of Medalt which famous for the apples. En route, and before arriving at the camel rides we will have a stop at the palm groves which is an impressive view of the palm trees.

Day 5: Merzouga area (Exploring around the Sahara desert).

After breakfast in the hotel, you will start an explorative journey of the area; you will visit the nomads in their goat-hair tent and learn about the desert life, afterward, you visit the Gnaoua people, originally slaves brought from Sudan; here you will have the opportunity to listen to their music and learn about their culture and lifestyle. Depending on what time of year you visit, you may have a visit to the lake of Merzouga and its bird population such as the “Flamingos”. In the afternoon we will shift to the Raid and you will have time relax.

Day 6: MERZOUGA- RISSANI- TOUDRA GORGES- DADES VALLEY.

After having a traditional breakfast at the riad in front of the dunes and log out it. Later on, we will drive to Dades valley passing through the city of Rissani/Sijilmassa which is one of the main stops of the commercial caravans that coming from Africa. On Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday there will be an opportunity to visit the traditional market of Rissani. We drive to Todra gorges as the main place for having a picnic because it is a wonderful view. Arriving at Dades valley where you will have an overnight in a hotel that sheds the light and have a good view of the valley.

Day 7: DADES VALLEY- ROSES VALLEY – OUARZAZAT- MARRAKECH.

Today we travel off-road and explore the region between the Dades Valley and the Valley of Roses. You will encounter the local nomads, some of whom still live in caves and tents. At El-Kelaa M’Gouna up to 4000 tonnes of rose petals are picked every spring to be processed into rosewater or exported for the perfume industry. The Rose Festival is held here in May. As we travel from El-Kelaa M’Gouna towards Skoura you will see Kasbahs set out among the greenery of the Dades Valley. The small town of Skoura is surrounded by an impressive palm grove and the most beautiful Kasbahs in southern Morocco are to be found here. Continuing south we arrive at the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, probably the most celebrated, filmed, and photographed Kasbah in Morocco. Featured in numerous films (including Lawrence of Arabia, The Sheltering Sky, and Gladiator), it is the best-preserved Kasbah in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Crossing the mountains via the Tizi n Tichka pass. then arriving at Marrakesh, the overnight at the Riad inside the Medina.

Day 8: MARRAKECH (city tour by local guide)

After breakfast at your Riad, the local guide will pick you up to start exploring the city of Marrakech. Today will see the most attractive sights and monuments that Marrakech contains including Bahia Palace, Koutoubia mosque, Saadian tombs, Jamaa El Fanaa square as well as exploring the traditional Souk of the city. In the afternoon, your driver will take you to visit the famous Majorelle Garden, Menara Garden and having a look at the new medina (geliz) of Marrakech. In the evening we will go back to the Raid.

Day 9: Marrakech –Airport

Transfer to the airport according to the schedule that interests you and end of our 9 days Casablanca desert trip.