IMPERIAL CITIES AND SAHARA DESERT

$1834

Day 1 : Casablanca

Arrival to Casablanca the economic and modern capital of Morocco. Drive to the hotel for rest and refreshement. Spend the afternoon visiting the mosque of Casablanca. One of the greatest architectural realisation of the twentieth century. Walk through the french quarter with its Art Deco heritage and visit some art galleries.


In the evening on option DINNER AT CASABLANCA BAR

Day 2: CASABLANCA/RABAT

As Morocco’s capital, Rabat is home to the country’s most important museums,the Royal Palace, and the Mausoleum of MohamedV. Situated right on the Atlantic Ocean, with the Bou Regreg River running to the west separating it from its sister-city of Sale. Rabat has a much calmer atmosphere than the nearby Casablanca. And for many tourists, a visit to Rabat can be a pleasant surprise andwelcome break from the hustle of other Moroccan cities.
History-fiends are sure to enjoy wandering the Chellah excavation area and exploring the lovely Oudaias Kasbah.

CONTINUATION TO Volubilis/ Mekness/ Fes
The Mauritanian capital, founded in the 3rd century B.C., became an important outpost of the Roman Empire and was graced with many fine buildings. Extensive remains of these survive in the archaeological site, located in a fertile agricultural area. Volubilis was later briefly to become the capital of Idris I, founder of the Idrisid dynasty, who is buried at nearby Moulay Idris.


To Meknes
IMPERIAL BEAUTY
The great sultan, Moulay Ismail made Meknes his imperial capital and it is there that he is entombed. The sultan turned it into a impressive city in Spanish-Moorish style, surrounded by high walls with great doors, where the harmonious blending of the Islamic and European styles of the 17th century Maghreb are still evident today. Here we will visit his mausoleum, Place El-Hedim and Bab al Mansour, and his stables and graneries.


ARRIVAL TO FES

DAY 3 : FES

Highlights of your day: discover Fes’s history with visits to the Bou Inania Medersa (Koranic university) and the Nejarine Square. Afterwards, you’ll
have a chance to take a leisurely walk through countless souks and visiting the famous fes tanneries.
In the evening cooking class and wine tasting to end with a refined moroccan dinner.

DAY 4: ERFOUD / SAHARA

Make your way south from Fes to the edge of the Sahara and the Tafilet Oasis, the last stop on the trans-Saharan trading route before Timbuktu.
Merzouga has turned out to be a very famous tourist destination in Morocco.
This place is a magical and charming destination filled with mystery and magnetism. Many people consider Merzouga as the jewel of Sahara, thus make sure that you do not skip this fascinating destination in your vacation so that you taste the magical experience in person.
Climb the dunes to watch the glorious sunset before indulging in a delicious traditional Berber dinner.
Spend the rest of the evening gazing up at the stars—there’s nothing like the clear Saharan night sky. If you’ve always dreamed of riding a camel up the dunes of the Sahara to watch the sun rise in the east, this is your morning!

DAY 5 : SAHARA DESERT

If you’ve always dreamed of riding a camel up the dunes of the Sahara to watch the sun rise in the east, this is your morning!


In the evening GNAOUA DANCING music

DAY 6: SAHARA / SKOURA

CONTINUE your adventure in the Sahara before heading west to Dades Gorges, one of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes in the world.
Known locally as “the brain of the Atlas”.


STAY at Kasbah Ait Ben Moro.The tasteful Moroccan decor, ambient lighting and delicious food make the Kasbah Ait Ben Moro a place not to miss. Its roof terraces also offer fabulous views of the palm groves and the distant Atlas Mountains.


In the evening Organic Dinner with the berber chef.

DAY 7 : OUARZAZATE/ AIT BEN HADDOU /MARRAKECH

Ouarzazate is relatively small (~60000habitants) and, for Morocco, a quiet town, built mostly along the main street – Avenue Muhammed V. Ouarzazate is situated at an elevation of 1,135 metres. Its name comes from a Berber phrase meaning “without noise” or “without confusion”. In the past, Ouarzazate was a crossroad for African tradersseeking to reach northern cities in Morocco and Europe.During the French period, Ouarzazate expanded considerably as a garrison town and administrative centre. It is the largest town in the Moroccan Sahara. Now it is “The holywood of Morocco”.

NEXT AIT BEN HADDOU


This is a traditional Mud Brick city on the edge of the High Atlas Mountains. It has featured in many films, mostly as a replacement for Jerusalem.It has appeared in more than 10 movies, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.
A nice stop for lunch
ARRIVAL TO MARRAKECH
Drive inland to Marrakech. You will recognize it by its ancient pink-walled medina.


After you have settled in, spend the evening becoming acquainted with the city offering you to book a hammam (a steamy ritual bath) , or joining the cooking class of  “The Tanjaia of Marrakech”.
On option dinner at THE FANTASIA SHOW.

DAY 8: MARRAKECH

Highlights of your day: the colorful and exotic souks (marketplaces), the stately Koranic university, and some of Marrakech’s excellent museums.

DAY 9 : MARRAKECH

Highlights of your day: take in the sights and smells of the tropical Majorelle Gardens, tour the opulent Saadien Tombs, and visit the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Art.


The Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech is one of the most visited sites in Morocco.
It took French painter Jacques Majorelle (1886-1962) forty years of passion and dedication to create this enchanting garden in the heart of the “Ochre City”.

DAY 10: MARRAKECH

Departure and BON VOYAGE