Introduction:
Skip the hassle of renting a car or navigating public transportation and see the best of Morocco on this personalized 10-day trip from Casablanca. You will immerse yourself in the exotic colors and cultures that define Morocco. From Casablanca to Rabat (Capital of Morocco), the imperial cities of Meknes to the whitewashed town of Chefchaouen, the rich history and traditions of this ancient land await. Discover the medieval city of Fes, explore the spice markets of the medinas, and travel to the Roman ruins of Volubilis – this northbound tour lets you soak up the extravagant sights and revel in the hidden delights. With us, you will learn a lot about Morocco and understand its diversity in many ways.
Tour Program:
Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat
Welcome to Morocco! Arrival at Med V airport in Casablanca where you will meet your private English speaking driver. The driver will provide a brief review of your new year tour. Then, you will visit Casablanca, Morocco’s commercial capital and largest city. You will enjoy the impressive architecture, the majestic Hassan II Mosque, and the gardens, and terrace cafes overlooking the Atlantic Coast. Afterward, departure towards the main Capital Rabat. Overnight with dinner at the hotel or Riad.
Day 2: Rabat – Chefchaouen
Today we will drive to Chefchaouen. In the way of this Grand Tour of Morocco, 10 Days in Morocco the Best Sahara tours Morocco, we will make short stops then get to the blue city. Finally, overnight in an authentic riad in the Medina.
Day 3: Chefchaouen – Meknes – Volubilis – Fez
Today we drive from Chefchaouen to Meknes to enjoy a guided tour of Meknes. We start our guided tour in front of the impressive 18th century Bab Mansour, the ornamental gate to the imperial city of Meknes built by Sultan Moulay Ismail. We continue our tour to the small but impressive Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Then we will pass by the entrance of the Meknes Royal Palace and end up at Moulay Ismail’s massive Heri Es-Souani. This was his personal stable & granary for his 12,000 horses. After lunch, we’ll make our way through the rolling hills for a guided visit of the impressive Roman ruins of Volubilis, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved Roman ruins in this part of Northern Africa. Listen to your certified local guide explain about life in the Roman Empire as you peer into old bathhouses, marveling at the still-present mosaic floors and gazing up at the towering marble pillars. We leave the Roman Empire to make our way to Fez. Overnight in Fez with dinner.
Day 4: Fez Sightseeing Tour with a local guide
After breakfast, you will begin your guided tour of the medina, one of the world’s largest walled in cities dated back to the 9th century walking through its alleys and small streets. The visit starts by visiting the Royal Palace gate; the Jewish headquarter named “Mellah” built in the 16th century. We explore the medina’s many artisans’ quarters, such as the brass, copper, and wedding adornment souks. The carpenters, bakers & butchers also have their area of the medina that they call home. A highlight is a visit to the famous Fes tannery, where we have great views from a panoramic viewpoint over the men hard at work treating and dying the different hides. We’ll also get to see its religious and historical heart when we visit Moulay Idriss II’s Mausoleum (the founder of Fes), the 9th century Al Karaouine University and one of the many Medersas (Koranic school). Overnight in the Riad with breakfast.
Day 5: Fez – Ifrane – Cedar Forest – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Erfoud
Continuing our 10 day Morocco tour from Casablanca, today we leave Fez towards Erfoud, En-route you’ll pass through a scenic forest of cedars and across the Middle Atlas Mountain range to the mineral mining city of Midelt, where a stop for lunch is scheduled. This journey continues along through the dramatic Ziz valley which is particularly well-known for its palm trees and the length of the oasis. All along the road, there are innumerable ksars, small villages of individual houses. From here we reach Erfoud, famous for its date festival and fossils. After approximately 7 hours of travel, you will arrive at your final destination of Erfoud. Dinner and night in a Kasbah hotel.
Day 6: Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi dunes (Merzouga)
Start your Saharan journey from Erfoud with a visit to a Nomad village, and lunch a break in a Kasbah hotel by the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. You will have some time relaxing by the pool before the next part of your adventure. You will walk or ride by camel over the sands as the sun begins to set and as you reach the magnificent Erg Chebbi sand dunes, witness them turning a wonderful red hue. As night falls, listen to the intoxicating beat of Berber drum music and song, enjoying a Moroccan home-cooked feast before sleeping under the stars in your private Luxury tent with private bathroom and hot shower. Today you will enjoy an unforgettable New year’s eve party with a Gala dinner.
Day 7: Erg Chebbi – Todra gorges – Dades gorges
Your day starts with a picturesque sunrise before enjoying a nice breakfast. After that, you head back to Merzouga to re-join your car and continue your journey towards the gorgeous canyons of Todra Gorge traveling along the rugged Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. This area has long been a popular location for Hollywood films such as The Last Temptation of Christ and Jewel of the Nile. We arrive at the stunning gorges of Todra where springs of water run between the rocks and enjoy the views of natural beauty. Take a short exploratory walk into the Todra Gorge with its high walls of pink and grey rock which surround you. We continue through the Dades valley. Dinner and night in a Kasbah hotel.
Day 8: Dades gorges – Rose valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Today discover the Valley of roses, Kelaa M’Gouna a center of Moroccan roses and rose products. Then continue your trip via the Road of one thousand Kasbahs, passing the Skoura palm oasis to Ouarzazate. After a lunch stop in Ouarzazate, continue with a visit to UNESCO protected site of Ait Benhaddou. Leave the kasbah and start heading towards the majestic Atlas Mountains via the highest road pass of Tizi Tichka 2260m high offering impressive views of valleys, mountains, and many Berber villages nearby. Arrival to Marrakech by the sunset. Dinner and night at the hotel or Riad.
Day 9: Marrakech City Tour With Local Guide
After breakfast, you will explore the city tour of Marrakech with a knowledgeable tour guide. The tour starts from the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque as the landmark of Marrakech which has inspired other buildings such as the Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat. Your next stop is the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs. The Saadian tombs in Marrakech date back from the time of the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur. The tombs were discovered in 1917 and were restored by the Beaux-arts service. The mausoleum comprises the interments of about sixty members of the Saadian Dynasty that originated from the valley of the Draa River. After the lunch break, You Continue to the world-famous Jemaa el Fna Square, which houses an array of food, snake charmers, local musicians, and fortune-tellers. There’s nowhere on Earth like the Jemaa el Fna, the square at the heart of old Marrakesh. You will also walk through the souks and view hundreds of handicrafts. A night with breakfast at the Riad.
Day 10: Marrakech – Casablanca airport
Transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca Mohammed V International airport for your return flight with plenty of tales of Arabian and Berber days and nights.
Price Includes
- Pick up and drop off at your hotel/airport
- Transport in A/C car 4×4 or minibus
- English speaking driver and guide
- Breakfasts and dinners
Price Excludes
- Lunches and drinks
- Plane tickets to and from Morocco
- Travel insurance
- What is not included in program