12 DAYS DESERT TOUR FROM CASABLACA

We will give you a warm greeting when you arrive at the airport and take you on a tour of the dynamic, busy industrial metropolis of Casablanca while giving you your first look at the rural areas of Morocco.

Our first destination will be the majestic Hassan II Mosque, the biggest mosque in Africa and a remarkable architectural masterpiece (please note that visits are not permitted on Fridays or religious holidays).

Beautifully decorated with tiling that displays amazing workmanship, this magnificent mosque is really amazing. Please be aware that there can be a delay to get tickets. Every hour, there are guided tours available, and they normally last an hour.

Following our visit to the mosque, we continue with our journey towards Rabat, the capital city. We will check into a quaint riad here, where you will stay the night. Seize this chance to lose yourself in the lively ambiance of the medina, exploring its winding alleyways and taking in the true spirit of Moroccan culture.

Our first trip of the day is the famous Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V., after a delicious breakfast at the riad. These important landmarks were built in honor of the late monarch, who died away quietly in 1961. Remarkably, Hassan II, his son and heir, also lays in everlasting peace at this hallowed location; he left this life in 1999.

After seeing these amazing structures, we take a picturesque drive on the road in the direction of Meknes. From there, we go north to explore Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These enormous Roman remains, which cover a sizable area, provide stunning views of the hills and valleys around them and give insight into the area's prehistoric past.

As the day comes to a conclusion, we go to the charming city of Fes, where we will have a delectable meal and spend a comfortable night in a traditional riad, fully experiencing the peace and elegance of this cultural treasure.

Take a thorough guided tour of Fes, the oldest of Morocco's renowned "Imperial Cities." The institution of Al Kairaouine, which was established in Fes in 859 by Fatima al Fihri, is often considered the oldest degree-granting institution in the world. Fes El Bali, commonly referred to as "Old Fes," is a charming medieval city that has managed to hold onto its natural allure and genuineness.

You will get the chance to see the famous Kairaouine Mosque, the Medina, and the enthralling Bou Inania Medersa while touring this area of the town. Here, you may take breathtaking pictures of the majestic courtyard and experience the vibrant souks. To enhance your trip even further, you could visit the Museum of Moroccan Arts and Fes El Jdid, also known as "New Fes," in the afternoon.

Eventually, your day of exploring will come to a conclusion when you spend the night in a cozy riad.

At eight o'clock, we left Fes and traveled through Ifrane, where the buildings' distinctively slanted roofs stand out—a striking characteristic that is unusual in Morocco. These roofs are designed to endure the region's yearly snowfall. As we get closer to Azrou, which is 1250 meters high and called after the Berber term for "rock" or "stone," you may see Barbary monkeys wandering through the Middle Atlas's oak and cedar woods.

We continue traveling over the Middle Atlas on the N13, passing via the settlement of Timahdite, whose Berber name is indicated by the letter "t" at the beginning and end of its feminine form. The "apple capital" of Morocco, Midelt, is our next stop. It is situated at the base of Ayachi Mountain. In addition to being an important hub for agriculture, Midelt is also known for its mineral mining, including cerussite, quartz, fluorite, and vanadinite. Here will be our lunch stop.

We go across the Tizi-n-Talghemt pass, also known as the "she-camel" pass, as we continue south. As we go down into the Ziz Valley, we are astounded by the profusion of palm trees and the vast oasis that runs the whole length of it. On the way, we pass through several "ksars," which are little settlements made mostly of lone dwellings.

Our path passes via Erfoud, renowned for its date festival and profusion of fossils, and the mining town of Er Rachidia, noted for its copper and malachite resources. A visit to the local shops is strongly advised since it is amazing to see the precise workmanship involved in turning these millions of fossils into objects. You may be confident that you are not required to buy anything!

Our trip continues from Erfoud via Rissani and, at last, to Merzouga's famous red Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, you have the option to go on a one- to one-and-a-half-hour camel ride that starts at the camp and ends there.

Once you've had breakfast, you may take a camel ride. You can choose to walk behind the camels or ride on top of them while they carry all the lunch supplies. Your knowledgeable camel handler will cook lunch among the dunes. You will hike for around three hours in the morning, and then for an additional three hours in the afternoon, before you go back to the camp for a filling meal and the night.

As an alternative, you may decide to go at your own speed across the desert, going for a leisurely stroll or spending a half-day expedition with the camels. Additionally, you may drive around the rear of the dunes and into Khamlia, where you can meet local Berber nomads and engage in conversation. Take in the mesmerizing rhythms of Gnawa music, which has its roots in sub-Saharan African culture.

Get up early enough to see the stunning dawn, when the dunes come to life with vivid hues and an enthralling interplay of shadows. We left the tent after a delectable breakfast and headed for Tinghir, the home of the amazing Toudgha Gorges.

Along the way, you'll see the elaborate waterways known as "khettarat," which highlight the creative thinking and architectural wonders of irrigation systems built to prevent evaporation in the sweltering summer heat. These channels feed the fields as they progressively emerge at the soil's surface, beginning at greater gradients. To learn more about these channels in-depth, check out Andrew Wilson's insightful work.

You will have the chance to explore beyond the gorges themselves as you go further into the canyon and the adjacent valley, meandering past farms and village gardens that border your route. Next on the schedule is a visit to the fascinating Dades Valley.

Millions of years ago, while this area was beneath the water, vast coral reefs were surrounded by a thick layer of silt. These sediments eventually gave rise to other kinds of sedimentary rocks, such as limestone and sandstone. The region was raised by subsequent tectonic events, creating the stunning surroundings and the spectacular Atlas Mountains. An additional attraction to your vacation will be the pleasant hotel or authentic kasbah where you will spend the night.

Following a delectable breakfast, we go to the picturesque Dades Gorges, where you may take a short stroll to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area. We get back in the vehicle and go up the Boutarar piste, an off-road track, towards Ouarzazate.

We get the rare chance to stop at Berber nomads who live in caves along the journey, getting a peek at their hard life tending to their goats and raising their kids in this dry environment. When you have a drink of tea with them, you will understand their tenacity on a deeper level.

Our next destination passes via the picturesque Valley of the Roses, which is well-known for its colorful May Rose Festival. This area contributes significantly to the nation's high-value manufacturing of toiletry and cosmetic products. Moving further, we reach Skoura and the magnificent Kasbah Amredhil, which provides an enthralling look at the way of life and building style of these ancient homes.

Built completely of adobe, an amazing material for construction famed for its insulating qualities, the kasbah's thick walls give warmth in the winter and cooling in the summer. We travel for around 45 minutes till we reach Ouarzazate, where you will spend the night in a quaint guest home that offers a cozy haven after a full day of sightseeing.

Following a delicious breakfast, we go to the well-known Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a World Heritage site that has served as the setting for several Hollywood blockbusters. Some of the structures in this famous Kasbah date back to the 17th century, giving it enormous historical value.

After that, we take a fascinating trip through the enchanting Ounila Valley, which is lined with twisting roads that lead to stunning views of colorful soil, dramatic rock formations, quaint Berber communities, and lovely gardens. The trip will be made more appealing by the tiny Kasbahs you'll come upon along the route.

Our next stop is Telouet, which is tucked away in the highlands and was the home to El Glaoui, the last Pasha of Marrakech. The highest pass in Africa, Tizi-n-Tichka, was under the jurisdiction of this historical site. Even though Thami El Glaoui left the nation after the French left in 1956, leaving the building's extensions in ruins and exposed to the elements, you'll be pleasantly delighted to see traditional interior decorations as you explore the Kasbah's farthest reaches.

We go across the Tichka pass as the day comes to an end and eventually reach the energetic city of Marrakech.

The dynamic Djemma El Fna, the heart of Marrakech, is home to a variety of food booths that come to life at night, as well as juice and dried fruit and nut sellers, talented henna artists, enthralling storytellers, and hypnotic snake charmers. Depending on your interests and time constraints, you may see a number of important sites while in Marrakech.

Among them are the Majorelle Gardens, which were once owned by Yves St Laurent and are well-known for their distinctive blue color; the striking Koutoubia Mosque; the sophisticated El Bahia Palace, which is fittingly called "the palace of the beautiful"; the Quranic School; the old Ben Youssef Medersa, which once held about eighty Quranic students; and the fascinating Saadian Tombs. You will spend another pleasant night in your riad after a full day of exploring.

To fully experience the tastes of Moroccan food, we can organize a fun cooking lesson if you'd want to take a break from the walking tour of Marrakech. Please be aware that there can be an additional cost for this enhanced experience.

Many travelers have a particular place in their hearts for Essaouira. This little seaside town, which was once known as Mogador under Portuguese control, is well-known for its handmade goods, especially the gorgeous furniture made of thuja wood, the elaborate carvings, and the modest souvenirs that can be found in the many stores along the winding streets.

It became even more well-known when Essaouira was selected by Orson Welles to serve as the setting for "Othello," emphasizing the beautiful Portuguese ramparts in the film's opening sequence. It's essential to pay a visit to the women's cooperative, where expert hands transform argan nuts into the adaptable oil that's ideal for skincare and salad dressings.

You may enjoy the lovely experience of hand-picking freshly caught fish and having it properly cooked right in front of your eyes along the waterfront. With excellent waves and a stunning beach, Essaouira is a surfer's paradise and a top choice for everyone who enjoys the sea. The village has a temperate microclimate with chilly summers and warm winters.

Whether you want to explore the tantalizing selection of tiny stores, drink coffee in quaint riverside cafés, or just sit on the beach after a desert expedition, this is the ideal spot to decompress. The whole charm of your trip is enhanced by spending nights in a cozy riad tucked away in the town.

We leave for the airport in Casablanca after a hearty breakfast, which will take around five hours to complete. We have the chance to stop in El Jadida along the route so that we may see the Portuguese cistern and the old Portuguese village that surrounds it.

Heading north on the scenic seaside road, we pass via Azemmour or Azamor (Azemmur is the Portuguese name for Azamor, which is derived from the Berber phrase "Azmmur" or "Azemmur," meaning "the olive"). Situated on the left bank of the Oum Er-Rabia River lies this historic settlement. Our driver will take you to the airport in Casablanca as we draw to a close to your amazing 12 days in Morocco.