Morocco Tours in two weeks

Day-1: Airport - Casablanca Upon your arrival at Casablanca Airport, a representative will greet you and facilitate your transfer to the hotel. Depending on the timing of your arrival, we may visit the Villa des Arts, a stunning art deco gallery showcasing a variety of contemporary Moroccan and international art exhibitions. For those interested in a distinct cultural experience, the Museum of Judaism offers an insightful look into a unique aspect of Moroccan history.This evening, mark the start of a new journey with a welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant with your group. Morocco's rich cultural heritage is nowhere more apparent than in its cuisine. ​ Day 2: Casablanca - Rabat - Meknes This morning, you will visit one of Casablanca's most remarkable landmarks – the grand Mosque of Hassan II. this colossal structure is perched partly on land and partly over the ocean, being one of the few religious sites accessible to non-Muslims. Later, you will depart from Casablanca and head north along the coastline to Rabat – Morocco's sophisticated capital and its first imperial city. Begin your exploration with a stroll through the medina and souks, then discover the charming Kasbah des Oudaias, a walled quarter where you can savor a complimentary mint tea in a café with views of the ocean and the Bou Regreg River. Next, visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the imposing minaret of the Mosque of Hassan II. In the late afternoon, proceed to Meknes, the historic former capital of Morocco. ​ Day 3: Meknes - Chefchaouen ​ Embark on a journey with your guide through the enchanting streets of Meknes's medina, the historic walled heart of the city. There's an extraordinary charm in wandering this less-traveled medina, mingling with residents during their routine. Stroll to Moulay Ismail's shrine, explore the ancient granaries, and visit a bustling local market brimming with vegetables, olives, and confections. Then, set off for the Volubilis ruins. This site, once a thriving Roman provincial capital at the empire's edge, stands as a testament to its grand past. With a knowledgeable local guide, you'll tour the site, gaining insights and visualizing the once-vibrant metropolis. Relish a picnic lunch featuring market-fresh bread, cheese, seasonal fruits, and olives, before proceeding to Chefchaouen. Perched in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is renowned for its vivid blue-painted buildings, making it one of the globe's most picturesque cities. ​ Day 4- Chefchaouen ​ This morning's journey will unveil the enchanting city of Chefchaouen, draped in various shades of blue, as you navigate the medina with an expert local guide. Meander through its serpentine alleyways, stone-paved squares, and distinctive doorways to uncover the city's captivating charm. Pause to indulge in a sampling of goat cheese, a local delicacy, showcasing Chefchaouen's abundance of goats and offering a taste of some of Morocco's finest cheese. The afternoon is yours to continue your exploration at leisure. Perhaps you'll choose to capture more photographs of the city's vibrant blue architecture, browse for artisanal crafts, or relax at a cafe, savoring the simple joy of the moments slipping by. ​ Day 5- Chefchaouen to fes ​ Bid farewell to Chefchaouen and embark on a journey to Fes, the heart of Morocco's spiritual and cultural heritage. Upon arrival, indulge in relaxation at a traditional hammam, with your guide recommending the best local sanctuaries. As dusk falls, embrace the chance to delve into Moroccan traditions by enjoying pastilla at a local family's home, doubling as a charming eatery. Engage in warm conversations with your hosts about the everyday life in Fes, and conclude your evening with a typical Moroccan dessert. ​ Day 6- fes ​ Venture today into the heart of the Old Town, Fes el Bali. This medieval gem was a beacon of education and culture, revered in both Islamic and Jewish traditions. Its storied religious institutions, libraries, and mosques are celebrated far and wide. As you meander through the labyrinthine streets and alleys, your guide will recount the city's rich tapestry of history, amidst donkeys laden with wares. The old city brims with historical khans, madrasas, and dye pits, vibrant stalls brimming with fruits, herbs, and soups, while the air resonates with the clatter of copper being shaped, the calls of vendors, and the rich scents of spices. Escape the medina's fervor to savor a traditional mint tea in a quaint, family-run tea house. Dedicate your day to discovering the ancient city, including the esteemed Al-Attarine Madrasa, the bustling tanneries, and the magnificent Funduk Nejjarine, an exquisitely restored inn from the 18th century. Day 7- Fes - Merzouga ​ Today, escape the city's bustle for the tranquil desert town of Merzouga. Prepare for a day of driving and keep your camera at hand, as numerous stops will offer a chance to admire the constantly shifting Moroccan landscape. Glide past olive groves, watch shepherds with their herds, traverse forests of cedar, pine, and oak, and meander through valleys of date palms, all against the backdrop of the distant High Atlas Mountains. Upon arrival in Merzouga, witness the Sahara Desert's Erg Chebbi, one of Morocco's many ergs – vast oceans of dunes shaped by the wind-blown sand, Your accommodation offers a pool. Day 8- Merzouga ​ Begin your day by venturing into Khemliya, a village nestled on the edge of the vibrant Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Renowned for its unique Saharan music and dance, this village offers a glimpse into traditional desert culture. At lunch, witness the preparation of medfouna, the local specialty, before indulging in its flavors yourself. Embrace the local way of life with a camel ride across the desert to your Feature Stay—a remarkable camp secluded amongst the Sahara's sand dunes. This enchanting retreat from modernity immerses you in the authentic spirit of the desert. Despite its seclusion, the camp doesn't compromise on comfort; permanent tents boast spacious beds, private bathrooms, and charming, genuine decor. As night falls, savor a traditional meal under the star-studded sky, capped off with the rhythmic sounds of live Berber music by a crackling fire. ​ Day 9- Merzouga - Dades Gorges ​ Begin your day with an experience you won't forget – a camel trek through the desert at sunrise, observing the landscape as it is bathed in stunning shades of orange. After breakfast, make your way to Todra Gorge – an immense chasm that ascends over 250 meters, creating one of the most dramatic and breathtaking natural wonders in Morocco. The limestone cliffs provide an ideal setting for hiking. To fully appreciate the magnificent scenery, you'll embark on a leisurely walk through the gorge. Afterwards, proceed to the exquisite Dades Gorges to spend the night. The scenery here is unparalleled – vast green valleys transition into wind-sculpted rock formations. Marvel at the incredible gorges and kasbahs. ​ Day 10- Dades Gorges - Ouarzazate- Ait Benhaddou ​ Leave the Dades Valley behind and embark on the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs towards the Rose Valley. Your journey begins at the Skoura Oasis, where numerous privately owned kasbahs stand, including the ornate Kasbah Ameridhl with its elaborate decorations and sturdy mud-brick walls. Proceed to Ouarzazate, a city where everything revolves around the film industry. Here, the Atlas Cooperation Film Studios and CLA Studios have hosted the production of famous films such as 'The Pope', 'Gladiator', 'The Mummy', 'Game of Thrones', and many others. Next, we venture to Ait Benhaddou, a timeless hilltop settlement that has remained largely unchanged since the 11th century. Its magnificent kasbah is among Morocco's most stunning, and the fortified village serves as a prime example of traditional clay architecture. This site may be familiar from 'Game of Thrones' or from its extensive list of film appearances. Explore the labyrinthine streets of the Old Town as you ascend to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views. ​ Day 11- Ait Benhaddou - Marrakesh Depart from Ait Benhaddou after breakfast and journey through the serpentine roads of the Atlas Mountains. Take your time to enjoy the splendid scenery; it's a paradise for photographers who might want to stop for a few snapshots. Today's destination is Marrakesh. Upon arrival, check into your ornately decorated riad. In the evening, consider visiting the grand square of Djemaa el-Fna—one of the world's largest public spaces. As dusk sets in, the square buzzes with life. Perhaps end your day savoring a cup of tea at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the bustling square below. ​ Day 12- Marrakesh ​ After breakfast, join a local guide to discover the enchantment of Marrakech on a morning tour of the ancient medina. Wander through the vibrant souks, the heartbeat of the city, and visit serene courtyards fragrant with orange blossom within the Bahia Palace. While the Koutoubia Mosque's interior is exclusive to Muslims, its iconic minaret is an impressive sight. Continue through the old medina's alleys to Djemaa el-Fna, pausing to enjoy the excellent freshly squeezed orange juice from a stall. The afternoon is yours to shop and explore Djemaa El-Fna at leisure. ​ Day 13- Marrakesh - Essaouira ​ Head towards the Atlantic Coast to the quaint fishing town of Essaouira and join a local guide for a walking tour through the old medina, Jewish mellah, port, and Skala (sea wall). Essaouira, one of the country's oldest port cities, features sandstone walkways that contrast with whitewashed houses under a bright blue sky, surrounded by beaches and dunes. This artists' town, once home to significant British and Jewish populations, has charmed figures like Orson Welles and Jimi Hendrix, who, according to local lore, spent much time here in the 1960s. Your tour leader will present various options for the day—the seafood auctions are particularly entertaining to witness. Perhaps you'll choose to visit a small local cafe for some people-watching. This evening, you have the freedom to savor a fresh seafood dinner or enjoy a stroll along the beach as the day fades. ​ Day 14- Essaouira - Safi - Casablanca ​ Today, our journey takes us northward, returning to Casablanca to spend the evening. The rest of the day is at our disposal to discover the many sights Casablanca has to offer. ​ Day 15- Casablanca- Airport ​ Today marks the conclusion of your Moroccan journey, culminating with a complimentary transfer to the Casablanca airport.