10-DAYS MOROCCO DESERT TOUR FROM TANGIER

Pick up from your accommodation in Tangier, meet at the Tangier Ville or Tangier Med port before embarking on a journey of 10 days Morocco desert tour from Tangier. You will first include a short break in the charming city of Tetouan, which is often called the “White Dove” thanks to the white color with which it’s fully painted. Stretch your legs by the UNESCO-listed Medina, and the Royal Palace.

Later, we will continue on the track further south to Chefchaouen crossing the spectacular Rif Mountains. Upon arrival in Chefchaouen, we will assist you with luggage and escort you to your accommodation in the Medina.

After having breakfast in your hotel/Riad in Chefchaouen, you will spend the day exploring the charming Medina starting from the strategic Utta el-Hammam Square, which is located in the heart of the Medina. You may want to visit the adjacent Kasbah that was built by Moulay Ali Ibn Rashid in the 15th century to fight against the Spanish and Portuguese invaders.

Lose yourself in the blue-painted streets of the Medina that are shrouded in mystery, pass-by a local bakery, tiny shops, children playing in the streets and much more before getting to the panoramic Ras el-Ma Spring. It is a cultural hub as in here women tend to wash clothes and carpets by the stream. You may want to extend your experience by including a soft hike uphill from where you can get a panoramic view of the blue-painted Medina.

Later, walk back to the square where you may want to have lunch before resuming your day of exploration in the evening.

Today, we will resume our journey further south to the mysterious city of Fes passing by the Roman Ruins of Volubilis where you will have a guided walking tour around the site while learning about the Roman civilisation that settled in the north of Africa.

Later, we will continue on the track to Meknes, which is another charming city that was founded by the late Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century who turned into the “Versailles of Morocco”. Start our tour of the Medina by the impressive Bab Mansour, which is one of the most beautiful gates in the world. Stretch your legs by the olive market and the vibrant El-Hedim Square.

Have an interesting drive through the walls of the Royal Palace after visiting Moulay Ismail Mausoleum before getting to the granaries where grains used to be stored, and the stables where the Sultan used to look after his 12.000 horses.

In the late afternoon, we will head to Fes through the highway where we will spend our third night.

After having breakfast in your Riad, you will have a full guided & purely cultural day tour of Fes with a professional local tour guide whose knowledge about the history and lifestyle of the city is outstanding. Drive uphill to catch the panoramic view of Fes El-Bali (Old Medina), which is one of the most car-free urban centers in the world. Stretch your legs by the Mellah (former Jewish Quarter) where you will get an insight into the Jewish Community that settled in Fes before moving to Israel in 1948. It’s possible to visit the synagogue and take nice shots by the bronze gates of the Royal Palace.

Embark on a guided walking tour of this magical Medina that has gained popularity worldwide due to the exotic experience it offers. You will be taken back to medieval times and unlike other Moroccan Medina, the only means of transport are donkeys and mules to the extent that some of the biggest worldwide brands had to purchase their own mules to distribute the products inside. Visit the tanneries where leather is being tanned using traditional methods while taking some amazing pictures from overlooking the terrace. Meander around the intricate alleyways and visit Museums, Souks, and Shrines.

In the late afternoon, we will escort you back to your accommodation.

After having breakfast in your Riad, you will head to the Sahara Desert crossing the lush Middle Atlas Mountains after having a pause for refreshment in Ifrane, the cleanest and Switzerland version town of Morocco. The Middle Atlas is blessed with cedar forests that have protected by the UNESCO hosting a colony of Barbary Apes, which you can spot beside the road. After lunch in Midelt, you continue on the track further south through the Ziz Gorges & palm valley before reaching the dunes of Erg Chebbi that mark the end of today’s journey.

Upon arrival to Merzouga desert, a warm welcome with mint tea while absorbing the exceptional beauty of the Sahara Desert. The first thing that comes to every visitor’s mind is how outstandingly prevalent silence is forcing the soul to liberate itself from the burdens of life. Enjoy a nice dinner served by the pool followed by a percussion of drummers before spending some time contemplating the stars that illuminate the horizons.

After having breakfast in your Auberge, you will spend the day exploring the desert area and the palm oasis of Tafilalet starting with an interesting visit to the local aqueducts (Khettaras) – a sophisticated system of irrigation that consists of underground channels to convey water from afar to the oasis. Continue on the track through the village of Merzouga to the Khamila Village where most of its residents have dark complexion because they were originally brought as slaves from Sub-Saharan land. They are known for the Gnawa Music that consists of drums and castanets, and which they happily perform to visitors.

If our day expedition coincides with the traditional weekly market that is used to taking place in Rissani, then you will have the chance to explore the Souk, which is organized into sections including dates, spices, vegetables, and much more. In the afternoon, we drive back to the hotel to saddle up our camels for a journey to the camp that is located in the heart of the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy a nice dinner under the stars before ending the day with a nice sleep in the tent or under the stars.

Early wake up in the morning to attend the panoramic view of the sunrise over the dunes before getting back to the hotel by camel; taking a shower, we will head east through Jorf, Tinejdad, and Todra Gorges. The Gorges or Canyons are very spectacular and have been popular attractions to both the locals and tourists seeking fresh and cool air or mountain climbing. After lunch, we will resume our journey to the valley of Dades crossing the administrative city of Tinghir. Dinner and breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Today, we will drive through the famous road of one thousand Kasbahs including a short pause at the Valley of Roses known for its annual festival of roses. We will resume our journey to the Ouarzazate (Hollywood of Africa) famous for its Taorirt Kasbah that is located at the heart of the city and the Atlas Film Studios where many Hollywood Movies were shot such as Cleopatra, the Kingdom of Heaven and many others. Then, to the Ait Benhaddou built over a hill to stand as a watchful eye for the caravans traversing the Sahara from the High Atlas Mountains. Drive to Marrakech over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m) that we will reach in the late afternoon.

At 09:30 am, you will meet with your professional English speaking tour guide whose knowledge about the most hidden features of Marrakech is outstanding. You will first embark for an interesting sightseeing tour around the Ville Nouvelle of Marrakech that was built by the French when Morocco was under the French rule from 1912 to 1956. You will include a visit to the exotic and botanical gardens of Majorelle that was initially created by Jacques Majorelle and was bought and expanded by Saint Laurent. After that, you will head to the Menara Gardens with its olive grove, pavilion, and lagoon.

Begin your walking tour at the impressive mosque of La Koutoubia that was built in the 12^th century by the Almohads with its minaret dominating the horizons of the city. Continue on the track to the Saadian Tombs that was built by the Saadians in the 16^th century, then to the beautiful Palace of the Bahia before meandering around the vibrant and traditional Souks (Markets) of Marrakech to end your day tour at the Square of Jemaa El Fna (focal point of Marrakech) in the late afternoon.

Transfer to the Marrakech Menara International Airport, or Casablanca Aiport and assist with luggage. End of service.