18 days Morocco Trip
18 days Morocco trip, private imperial cities tour and Sahara desert trips, explore old cities of Morocco, visit Hassan II mosque in Casablanca, private tour of Morocco’s capital Rabat, visit Oudays Kasbah, Hassan Tower, and Hassan II Mausoleum, private excursion to Assilah.
private Tangier sightseeing culture Tour, explore the Blue City Chefchaouen, private walking tour, enjoy Amazing landscape of Rif Mountains.
explore old cities, Roman Empire capital Volubilis, Meknes sightseeing culture Tour, visit green gate Bab Mansour, visit Moulay Ismail Place.
Fes private guided walking tour, explore Arab and Berber Culture food and lifestyle, visit blue gate Bab Boujloud, old University Keraouien, Zaouia Moulay Idriss.
Enjoy Amazing landscape of Middle Atlas Mountains, visit cedar forest in Azro city, enjoy wonderful panoramic views of Ziz Valley and Ziz gorges.
private desert tour explores Berber culture and nomadic lifestyle, Camel trekking, enjoy Amazing sunset and sunrise in the Heart of Sahara desert.private tour to Todra Gorges and Todra Valley, visit Ouarzazate City, private tour to Taroudant and Essaouira.
Marrakech guided walking tour, visit palace Jemaa El Fna, visit Bahia place, Ben Youssef Madrasa, Majorelle Garden, a private tour of old Medina Marrakech.
Itinerary
Day 1: Casablanca Airport –To- Hotel
Meet & greet at Casablanca Mohammed V airport the waterfront of Morocco’s thriving economic capital – Casablanca city. Depending near to the port followed by a visit of Morocco’s magnificent Hassan ll Mosque is the world’s tallest at 210 meters, completed in 1993, it was designed by Michel Pinseau and built by Bouygues, the minaret is 60 stories high topped by a laser the light from which is directed towards Mecca, the mosque stands on a promontory looking out to the Atlantic Ocean, worshippers can pray over the sea but there is no glass floor looking into the sea.
The walls are of hand-crafted marble and the roof is retractable. A maximum of 105,000 worshippers can gather together for prayer: 25,000 inside the Mosque hall and another 80,000 the mosque’s outside grounds. Overnight at Hotel (bed+dinner+breakfast)
Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – asilah
This morning you travel for about one hour along the coast to reach Morocco’s administrative capital city Rabat city is Moroccan capital, rests along the shores of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean, it’s known for landmarks that speak to its Islamic and French-colonial heritage, including the Kasbah of the Udayas.
This Berber-era royal fort is surrounded by formal French-designed gardens and overlooks the ocean The city’s iconic Hassan Tower, Hassan Tower is minaret of an incomplete mosque in Rabat, Begun in 1195, the tower was intended to be the largest minaret in the world along with the mosque, also intended to be the world’s largest.
After the sightseeing of Rabat, we continue our journey to Assilah, Assilah is a town on Morocco’s the Atlantic Ocean, South of Tangier. Its old town, or medina, is enclosed by well-preserved 15th-century ramparts and gates, built by colonial Portuguese. The Medina is an art Culture international d’Asilah, an annual festival. Venues include the exhibition space Centre de Hassan ll Rencontres international and early-20th-century Palais Raissouni. Overnight at Hotel Riad (bed+dinner+breakfast).
Day 3: Assilah – Tangier – Chefchaouen
Today you will drive to Chefchaouen through Tangier and Rif Mountains.
Tangier is a major city in northwestern Morocco, where the Mediterranean sea meets the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Spartel, the town is the capital of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, as well as the Tangier-Assilah prefecture of Morocco.
Rif Mountains has been inhabited by Berbers since prehistoric time, as early as the 11 century BC, the Phoenicians began to establish trading posts, with approval of our partnership with the the local Berbers and started interbreeding thus starting a punic language, on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, and founded cities such as Tetouan, Melilla, Tangier and Chefchaouen.
Chefchaouen also is known as Chaouen, is a city in northwest Morocco. It is the chief town of the province of the same name and is noted for its building in shades of blue. Chefchaouen is situated just inland from Tangier and Tetouan. Overnight at traditional Riad in Chefchaouen (Bed+ dinner + Breakfast)
Day 4: Chefchaouen Day free
Chefchaouen, the largest town in Morocco’s Rif region, is an excellent place to get away from the hubbub of Morocco’s imperial cities and enjoy an unhurried day or two. Located in northern Morocco, the town is referred to simply as “Chaouen” by the locals and is known for its picturesque medina, access to the mountains and an abundance of kif.
These factors have made Chefchaouen a popular stop on the backpacker itinerary, but all types of tourists come to the town to explore its architecture, learn about Berber culture and take pleasure in its natural setting.
Day 5: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
today we leave blue City Chefchaouen heading to Fes through Volubilis and Meknes, today you’ll explore the old Cities of Morocco, Fes, Volubilis Meknes.
Volubilis is a partly excavated Roman city in Morocco situated near the city of Meknes and commonly considered as the ancient capital of the Roman-Berber Kingdom of Mauretania. Built in a fertile agricultural area, it developed from the 3rd century BC onward as a Berber and Phoenician-Carthaginian settlement before being the capital of the Berber Kingdom of Mauretania it grew rapidly under Roman rule from the 1st century AD onward to the end of 3rd century and, (100 acres) with a 2.6 Km (1.6mi) circuit of walls. The city gained a number of a major public building in the 2nd century, including a basilica, temple, and triumphal arch. Its prosperity, which was derived principally from Olive growing, prompted the construction of many fine town-houses with large mosaic floors
Meknes is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco, located in northern central Morocco and the sixth largest city by population in the Kingdom, founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids as a military settlement, Meknes became capital of Morocco under the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail (1672-1727) son of the founder of the Alaouite dynasty. Sultan Moulay Ismail turned Meknes into an 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, the city recorded a population of 632.079 in the 2014 Moroccan census, it is the seat of Meknes Prefecture and an important economic role in the region of Fes-Meknes. overnight at traditional Riad in Fes (bed±Dinner+ breakfast).
Day 6: Fes sightseeing culture Tour
full private Day guided walking tour old medina Fes El-Bali with an English- speaking city guide. The guide will walk you through the maze of souks and sights visiting some of the highlights including the famous Fes pottery sous, the musical instrument makers, metalworkers, carpet souks and the Tanneries Chaowara There are over 9000 cobbled medieval streets weaving their way through markets, mosques, Koranic schools, riads, and hidden fountains.
Worth visiting is the Zaouia Moulay Idriss or shrine, Bad Boujloud ornamental gate, Al-Kairaouine Mosque, and University – the oldest university in the world, Al-attain Medrasa, Nejjarine fountain, King’s place and the Jewish quarter or ‘Mellah’. Your guide will include as much as possible in your day. Night in the Riad(bed+dinner+breakfast).
Day 7: Fes – Atlas Mountains – Ziz Valley – Erfoud
We will travel all day from Fes over the Middle Atlas Mountains to the desert town of Erfoud the capital of Fossils. Heading out of Fes, the road climbs steadily through the dramatic landscapes you’ll enjoy Amazing panoramic views of the Middle Atlas. This is the homeland of Morocco’s indigenous Berber tribes, whose culture and traditions are still practiced up here in the mountains. Along the route, we pass through the cedar forests of Azro, with a chance to stop and observe the Barbary apes which inhabit this region. The agricultural town of Midelt the capital of apples is our halfway point and makes a convenient lunch stop.
Then continuing over the Col du Zad, we will cross the Tizi N’Tairhemt Camel Pass and drive through the Ziz Valley and Gorges. Finally, we will pass Meski Oasis, on the edge of the grand Sahara before arriving in Erfoud, known as the ‘door to the desert’. We will spend the night in our first faux-Kasbah, built in the style of the ancient Berber and Touareg tribal fortresses and offering comfort, spectacular viewes, right on the edge of the desert. Night in the Hotel (bed+dinner+breakfast).
Day 8: Desert sightseeing and camel trek
This is the day we enter the Sahara proper. There is not a long distance to travel (approx 2hrs), so the morning is free to relax at your hotel after the long road-trip yesterday. After lunch at your hotel, we follow the River Ziz through the Tafilalt Oasis and towards Rissani, the last market town of any size before the sands of the Sahara. There are interesting fossil workshops and an archaeological museum to visit along the way. You may also take the circuit Touristique that detours via crumbling mud-built villages, kasbahs and palm-groves which mark the site of the ancient ruined site of Sijilmassa – once the richest city in North Africa that built its wealth from the trade caravans and gold. You may also find time to visit the shrine or Zaouia of Moulay Ali Shereef outside Rissani, which is open to non-Muslims and has fine mosaic and carved plaster interiors to admire. By the end of the afternoon you reach the desert at Merzouga, a small settlement on the edge of Erg Chebbi dunes.
You can choose to spend the night here in either standard or luxury class bivouac deep in the dunes, or you can sleep in a kasbah-style hotel, traditional riad/auberge or even a mud-built eco-lodge at the edge of the dunes. We recommend camping out in the desert to truly appreciate the special atmosphere of the desert and to view the incredible constellations of stars and the unforgettable sunrise over the dunes.
For those opting to experience the tranquility of the dunes, then the final leg of your journey is by camel! The night under stars at desert camp private tent (bed+dinner+breakfast).
Day 9 : Merzouga Desert – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
Early breakfast in the desert camp in the Heart of Sahara desert and return by camel to meet your vehicle. After our night under the desert stars, we drive from Merzouga Village via the ochre cliffs of the Todra Gorges, Todra Valley, Dades Valley and into the Dades Gorges. Our route is an ancient one and encompasses the Oasis of Tafilalet and the road and Valleys of Thousands Kasbahs.
The Todra Gorges and Dades gorges, with the high Atlas Mountains to the north and the Jbel Saghro range to the south, give us a glimpse of another type of Moroccan scenery – no less spectacular, although very different to what we have seen on previous days.
The Rivers Todra and Dadès provide water for a series of oasis and palmeraies in the region and we will have time to explore in the shade of the date palms and olive groves that line the riverbanks. Our day ends in the Dades Gorges, where we will spend the night either in a charming guest-house which clings to the steep cliffs, or in an authentic converted kasbah in the Dades Valley with exquisite facilities and African-themed rooms. Night in the traditional Riad (bed+dinner+breakfast).
Day 10: Dades Valley – Roses Valley – Ouarzazate
From the Dades Valley, we drive to the famous Roses Valley and Kalaat Magouna village, home to the main rose and rose water production of Morocco. On the way, we will drive off-road to visit a nomadic settlement at BouTharar where the local nomadic Ait Atta Berbers make their homes in caves in the rock.
We will pass through the Skoura Village and oasis, where we will visit old Berber Place Kasbah Amredel and a small private museum, before ending our day in Ouarzazate city which called Hollywood of Africa where you will visit inside the walls of the old Kasbah Taourirt, in an authentic 17th century mud-built house which once served as the courthouse for the Pasha el Glaoui. It is now converted to a first-class boutique guest-house and is a fine example of traditional construction methods using local materials Night in the Traditional Riad (bed+dinner+breakfast).
Day 11: Ouarzazate – Tazenakht – Taliouine – Taroudant
In the morning, guests can take time for an either guided visit of the restored the Atlas Film Studios – before we hit the road again. Our route takes us into the arid Anti-Atlas Mountains regions and via the village of Tazenakht Here we stop for lunch after a journey of about 2 hours – you can visit one of the cooperatives selling the hand-woven carpets for which this village is famous.
The route then takes us for approximately 4hrs through Taliouin , known for its saffron cultivation and finally to the small walled city of Taroudant in the fertile Souss Village Taroudant once served as the capital of the Saadian empire in the 16th century before they relocated to Marrakech, and is known as the ‘grandmother of Marrakech’. Night in traditional Riad (bed+dinner+breakfast.
Day 12: Taroudant Sightseeing culture Tour
This morning you will enjoy a relaxed guided tour of Taroudant old medina, when you will learn about the history of the city and visit the two souks (called the ‘Arab souk’ and the ‘Berber souk’, although both serve both client groups that live in the city!) and the tanneries, Although much smaller and less grand than ‘grandmother’ Marrakech, Taroudant is nonetheless a pleasant town offering opportunities to see local life in action and to explore the souks with much less of the hustle of its ‘grand-daughter’.
Here, we are on the Souss River, whose fertile flood plains provide fresh produce for the whole region. Many of the crafts you will see practiced in the souks are not providing trinkets for tourists, but rather agricultural implements and tools for local farmers. The afternoon is free for your own exploration and relaxation. Nigh in traditional Riad (bed+dinner+breakfast).
Day 13: Taroudant – Agadir – Atlantic Coast – Essaouira
Our journey from Taroudant city to the port city of Essaouira passes via Agadir, Morocco’s principal beach holiday resort, then heads north along the rugged Atlantic coastline. On the way, you will glimpse sun worshippers, surfers, fishermen and some of the best bananas Morocco has to offer! You will see deserted beaches and, if you are traveling in summer, crowded beaches packed with Moroccan families.
The road travels through the protected forests of thorny argan trees, where “Berber gold” – argan oil – is produced by women’s cooperatives, extracting this precious oil from the kernels of the argan nut. We will stop for a simple lunch on route. On arrival in Essaouira, we offer a range of traditional riad accommodation inside the 18th century UNESCO World Heritage listed medina, or you can opt for a luxury boutique hotel close to the beach (bed+dinner+breakfast).
Day 14: Essaouira free day
Explore the relaxed and chilled-out vibe of Essaouira medina, pop into galleries to see the local arts and crafts, admire the sea views from a beachfront café, stroll around the port or along the beach and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch. For the more active, we can arrange watersports, camel rides, quad-biking, horse-riding and hiking in the nearby woodland and beaches.
We can also arrange a morning cookery class with advance notice. Night in traditional Riad (bed+dinner+breakfast).
Day 15: Essaouira – Marrakech
In the morning, we hit the road for our final journey, to the exotic and bustling ‘red city’ of Marrakech. This is the last of the four Moroccan Imperial cities that you will experience on this tour. The journey from Essaouira takes around 3 hours and once we have checked in to a traditional riad in the ancient Marrakech medina, you have a free afternoon to explore and unwind.
We suggest you head to the main Place Jemaa El Fna to grab yourself some lunch in one of the café restaurants which have a great roof-terrace view over the daytime activities of the busy main square – acrobats, snake-charmers, musicians, juice-sellers and henna-artists.
The rest of the afternoon you can shop for bargains in the world’s biggest covered market and you can choose from Marrakech’s many restaurants for an evening meal, or even try the fabulous array of fayre on the outdoor grills of the Place Jemaa el Fna at nighttime. Night in traditional Riad (bed+dinner+breakfast).
Day 16: Marrakech guided culture visit
Half-day morning tour with city guide of Imperial City of Marrakech – also known as ‘the red city’ for its famous pink-hued ramparts. Our English-speaking city guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning and take you through the souks of the medieval medina, introducing you to artisans, bakers, carpenters, spice- merchants, apothecaries and also visiting landmark monuments including Ben Youssef Medersa, the Bahia Palace and the Koutoubia Mosque.
Your tour ends at the famous Place Jemaa el Fna square. Rest of the day is at leisure or we suggest you take a horse-drawn carriage to the new town are of Gelize to visit the exquisite Majorelle Garden, previously owned by Yves St. Laurent and originally the private home of the painter Jacques Majorelle. We suggest you return to the square for an evening dinner at one of the outdoor food-grills to sample anything from grilled meats, fried fish, fried aubergines, boiled snails, Harira soup, spiced ginger tea, boiled sheepshead, and other local delicacies. Even if you decide to eat elsewhere, the experience of the Place Jemaa el Fna at night is an intoxicating one – with smoke swirling up from the grills, the poundng rhythms of the street musicians, the call to prayer ringing out from the mosques as the excited crowds gather for this nightly ‘circus’. Night in traditional Riad (bed+dinner+breakfast).
Day 17 : Day trip to High Atlas Mountains
Our day trip will start at 08:30 to the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. with an approximate return time around 6:00pm, The tour goes over the Atlas Mountains, so you will be able to enjoy beautiful landscapes with local villages and elevated scenery of the surrounding areas during your journey.
After a few hours of driving, we will reach Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, which is an ancient building to explore. where many films have been shot included shooting a movie. Films such as Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Living Daylights (1987), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Kundun (1997), Legionnaire (1998), Hanna (2011), and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011) were shot there. During the· tour, we have a lot of things to see and to do during your day. Back to Marrakech .
Day 18: Marrakech – departure
After breakfast at your riad, private transfer to the airport as required (Marrakech 30 mins, or Casablanca 3hrs).