Authentic Morocco: 11-Day Imperial Cities, Sahara, Atlas Mountains, and Coast

After breakfast at the Hotel, you will visit Hassan Tower in Rabat then drive to Chefchaouen via the city of Knitra and the Rif Mountain, crossing via Wazzan and other Rif villages. you will be in Chefchaouen early afternoon.

Around 9am your authentic journey will start towards Volubilis crossing via Wazan and the other Rif villages, in Volubilis we will discover the Roman ruins and learn about the archeological site of Moroccan history, after the visit of the ruins we will shift our way to Meknes city the 17 the century heritage where we will stop for lunch and hang around the historical huge walls of the medina, Bab El Mansour and enjoy a visit to Moulay Ismail s shrine.
After the visit to Meknes, you will drive directly to Fes city.

Today, you will start exploring the oldest city in Morocco, walking in its alleys and small streets. your visit starts by visiting the Royal Palace gate, the Jewish headquarter, the first Mellah ever built in Morocco, built during the 16th century. We will ensure that you visit all sites with cultural and historical interest including the famous Al Qaraouine University, the oldest in the region and the world, the Tanneries, the Attarine museum, and Mulay Idriss mausoleum. After lunch at a traditional restaurant inside the old city, you will visit the tiles cooperative and then experience a wonderful panoramic view over the whole Medina of Fes.

Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Fes. From there, you'll embark on a southward journey towards Ifrane and Azrou, passing through the picturesque Middle Atlas mountains. Along the way, a stop at the cedar forest will give you the opportunity to observe the Barbary Apes in their natural habitat.

Continuing through the scenic Tizi Ntalghamt pass and Midelt, you'll be greeted by the breathtaking Ziz Gorges, carved by volcanic rock. As you traverse the Middle-Atlas plateau, you'll notice the landscape gradually transforming, offering glimpses of the desert as you approach Errachidia. After a delicious lunch, the journey continues through the enchanting Ziz valley, passing by Erfoud, Rissani, and finally arriving in Merzouga.

Upon arrival, a refreshing glass of mint tea awaits you before leaving your luggage in your room. Then, it's time to embark on a camel trek towards a Berber camp nestled in the heart of the captivating Erg Chebbi Golden Sand Dunes, renowned as the highest sand dunes in North Africa. This unique and diverse environment sets the stage for an immersive experience, allowing you to embrace the nomadic Berber lifestyle.

At the camp, you'll stay in traditional Berber tents that provide basic facilities while maintaining a comfortable atmosphere. Equipped with mattresses, blankets, and cushions, the tents ensure a cozy and relaxing stay. After a satisfying dinner, gather around the campfire and indulge in the mesmerizing ambiance of the desert night, accompanied, perhaps, by the rhythmic beats of traditional Berber drums.

The camel man will wake you up early in the morning to watch what well may be the best sunrise of your life. Afterward, you’ll peacefully camel-trek back to your hotel appreciating the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes – changing with the light as the day progresses. After breakfast and shower, you’ll leave for Tinghir and Todra gorges – the highest, narrowest gorges in Morocco. before arriving at Dades Valley.

After breakfast, we’ll drive through the Rose Valley and  Kalaat Mgouna towards Ouarzazate. The route through the Roses valley, the way of the thousand Kasbahs, provides numerous photo opportunities. You will visit  Skoura palm groves, then continue to Ouarzazate, “the Hollywood of Africa”. Lunch is at the famous Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, the largest Kasbah in Morocco.

Aït Benhaddou Kasbah has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and several films have been shot there, including Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Time Bandits (1981), The Jewel of the Nile (1985), Kundun (1997), Gladiator (2000) and Alexander (2004).

After breakfast this morning, a driver will pick you up and transfer you back to Marrakech. Your 183-km journey will take you through the Atlas Mountains, passing back through Tizi N'Tichka and many Berber villages. You’ll have lunch break on the way to Essaouira, we’ll get chance to a visit argan forest and argan cooperative , the afternoon You can wander across the beach , watch the fishermen bringing in the day’s catch, explore the port or take in the atmosphere of the town itself.
Or you can spend some time relaxing on the beach, explore the old fort ramparts and take a close look at the craftsmanship and exquisite carpentry in the little thuya wood workshops.
Essaouira also has plenty of history to delve into and a thriving artistic community.

After breakfast, we can take a camel ride (or horse trek if you prefer) over to Diabat. Diabat is a tiny village located about 3km from Essaouira. It contains the 18th century ruins of an old Sultan’s palace and it was a popular destination for hippies in the 60’s. Jimi Hendrix reportedly visited and wrote the song ‘Castle Made Of Sand’ as a result! Also you can do surfing session if you want to.

Today will be a relaxing day, for guests who are interested in Cooking class, we can arrange it for them.
Overnight stay in the Hotel.

Time to wave goodbye to Morocco with your transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) or Casablanca Airport (Mohammed V International Airport) for departure.