What to expect from this 5-day tour of Morocco: Fez, Sahara desert and Marrakech
This 5-day tour begins in the imperial city of Fez, where you will stroll through the narrow alleys of the ancient medina. You will visit exquisite examples of Moroccan architecture, such as the oldest university in the world, Al-Qarawiyyin, and the colorful zellij (tiled mosaic) of Al Attarine Madrasa. Learn about the leather making process in the 11th century tanneries and take a look at the beautiful handcrafted leather items. On the second day, enjoy the changing landscape of mountains, cedar forests, palm oasis and finally the desert as you travel to Merzouga. We will also stop to visit a fossil factory in Erfoud.
Embark on a camel trek to your Bedouin desert camp in the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Climb the dunes for a romantic sunset, then enjoy a traditional dinner by the fire, where local Berbers will entertain you with music. If the weather permits, you can spend the night under the stars. Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes before heading to the traditional Saharan town of Khemliya, where you will attend and enjoy live traditional Gnawa music. We will continue towards the market town of Rissani to attend the "donkey parking". Then hike along the deep Todra gorges near Tinghir. Cross the valley of a thousand kasbahs to Ouarzazate.
In the afternoon, take a tour of the Atlas Film Studio, where you'll see sets of films such as Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven etc. You will spend the night in Ouarzazate and on the fourth day you will visit Morocco's most famous kasbah (walled city) Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow the winding road to the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Visit an argan oil cooperative to understand the production process of this amazing Moroccan natural product. In the evening you will arrive in the vibrant red city of Marrakech. On the last day, you will take a guided tour of Marrakech visiting the spice markets where you can do shopping. You will also visit the beautiful Ben Youssef Madrasa the Quranic School.
Depending on your flight schedule, you will have time to visit the famous Jemaa el-Fna square and the nearby Koutoubia Mosque. Other sites of interest include the 17th-century El Badi Palace and the Bahia Palace. If you have time, you can unwind with a relaxing afternoon in the Majorelle Gardens.
Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring the medieval medina of Fes
The oldest imperial city in Morocco, Fez has the most complete medina in the Arab world. It has remained largely intact for hundreds of years, revealing life in medieval times. Spend half a day with your guide wandering the labyrinthine alleys exclusively for pedestrians. Starting from the imposing Bab Boujeloud gate, you will visit Al-Qarawiyyin, the oldest university in the world. Marvel at the intricate zellij (tile mosaic) at Al Attarine Madrasa. Browse the leather goods and experience the pungent smells of the traditional 11th-century Chouara tanneries (don't worry, the shopkeepers will give you fresh mint to sniff). Check out the Mellah (Jewish quarter and cemetery) and, if there's time, watch the sunset from the Merenid Tombs.
Day 2: A scenic day through the mountains and cedar forests emerging in the desert
After an early breakfast we will travel south to Merzouga. Along the way we will climb the Col du Zad pass (7,146 feet or 2,178 m) passing the town of Ifrane and the cedar forests of Azrou. In the winter, Ifrane is a ski destination, and Barbary macaque sightings are common along the cedar forests. We will stop for lunch in the city of apples, Midelt, which flourishes on the nearby Moulouiya River. Pass the picturesque Ziz Valley, known for its palm trees and ksars (fortified towns). In Erfoud you can visit a local factory to learn about fossil extraction. We will continue to the beautiful ever shifting sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Mount your camel and head into the desert to your camp for the night. Climb the dunes to sandboard and watch the sunset. You will enjoy a delicious dinner, relaxing around the fire. Sing along with local Berbers before going to your tent.
Day 3: Wandering through the desert
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes before returning to Merzouga to freshen up and have breakfast. Today we will visit the traditional Saharan village of Khemliya, famous for its Gnawa music, such as the "Pigeons du Sable band". We then continue to the market town of Rissani, entering through the dramatic gate. Venture through the cattle market to see the unusual sight (and sounds) of a donkey parking lot.
Driving through the desert city of Tinghir, we will reach the depth of 300 m (984 ft) of the Todra Gorge. You will have time to relax, rest your feet in the water and enjoy the local cuisine. After lunch we will travel through the valley of a thousand kasbahs (ancient fortresses). Although most are now in ruins, some are still occupied by local families. Head west to the city of roses, Kela'a M'gouna, where hundreds of roses grow along the farmland. Continuing west we will head to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert, which has become famous as a filming location. Take a tour of the studio to learn about the various movies filmed here.
Day 4: From the Game of Thrones Red City, Aït Benhaddou Kasbah, to the red city of Marrakech
Imagine you're in Game of Thrones when you visit Aït Ben Haddou, Morocco's most famous kasbah (walled city) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the passageways of this 11th-century brick town. From there, travel through the winding roads of the High Atlas Mountains, featured at the UK's Top Gear motor show. Mount Toubkal is the highest peak (13,671 feet or 4,167 m). We will stop near the top of the Tizi n'Tichka pass (7,415 feet or 2,260 m) to have a snack and admire the view.
Stop at an argan oil cooperative in Taddert to learn about the production process of this liquid gold. Then we will descend from the High Atlas to Marrakech. After settling into your hotel, you will have the afternoon free to explore. Cruise by the main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, which is filled with food and juice stalls, musicians, henna artists, snake charmers, and a wide variety of souks selling impressive wares. West of the square, climb up to a tall minaret to see the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque. Although non-Muslims are not allowed in Moroccan mosques, the impressive grounds are worth a stroll.
Day 5: Exploring the Marrakech
Unlike Fez, which has an Arabian feel, Marrakech has a Berber influence. Today you will tour this intoxicating city starting at the spice market Souk el-Attarin, or Souk Smata. You can buy gifts of slippers, rugs and leather goods. Enjoy the fine Moroccan architecture and intricate craftsmanship of Ben Youssef Madrasa's Islamic school. As you walk through the medina, look for Fondouks, medieval inns that have been converted into homes and commercial areas.
Depending on your flight, you might consider visiting the 500-year-old Saadian Tombs, the vast courtyard and gardens of the 17th-century El Badi Palace, or the intricate woodwork and painted ceilings of the 19th-century Bahia Palace. Spend a relaxing afternoon touring the Majorelle Gardens before transferring to the airport for your return flight.
All of our tours can be tailored to your budget and preferences, please contact us with any questions you may have about your dream vacation in Morocco.
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