The Grand Tour
Day 1: Arrive Casablanca
You will arrive to Casablanca today where you’ll be picked up at your point of arrival. Our first stop will be to see the 7th largest mosque in the world and an architectural wonder. After visiting the economic capital of Morocco, we check into our hotel for the night. Freshen up before we head out to dinner. Stop over at Rick’s Café to take some pictures, before retiring for the night. .
Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat/Salé-Asilah
After the breakfast, we leave Casablanca and head for Rabat where you will take a tour of the city that includes Oudaya kasbah, and the Hassan Tower, and the historic city of Salé. Discover the hidden gems of these 2 old cities. We stop for lunch and a breather before we take the coastal road towards Asilah, a fortified city on the Northwest tip of Morocco. Its rampart remain almost intact. Roam this little Medina, for some truly artistic experiences, with paintings on the houses, and a view of the Atlantic coast to admire.
Day 3: Asilah – Chefchaouen
Breakfast done, we take a slow drive along the coast, and visit Hercules Grotto. A natural wonder you will find hidden in this cave. After a coffee break, let’s being our trip towards the incredible blue city of Chefchaouen. High in the Rif Mountains, this city has been voted a “must-visit” in 2015 and 2016. Stroll through this beautiful city and enjoy the cool surroundings. You have some free time here to wander this lively square and admire the comings and goings or take a little hike up to the top of Chefchaouen for some incredible views and colors.
Day 4: Chefchaouen – Fes
After breakfast this morning, we will leave this city in the mountains and head towards Fes. We head to Volubilis first. Once part of the Roman Empire, these Ruins are one of the best preserved in the world. After your visit of these stunning ruins, we will pass through Moulay Idriss, the holy city. While not accessible to non-Muslims, we will pass through the city and stop for lunch.
Founded in AD788 by a venerated saint and the great great grandson of the Prophet, Moulay Idriss also founded the first state of Morocco. Arrive into Fes late afternoon, for some free time to roam around a little.
Day 5: Fes
The whole day is devoted to tour this UNESCO World Heritage City. Sightseeing of Fez includes the medieval medina with its Attarine and Bou Anania Medersas, the Nejjarine fountain, the Moulay Idriss mausoleum, and the Karaouine mosque. We get a chance to do some retail therapy here, with a spot of indulgence in the arts and crafts of the area. Afternoon we visit the old Fez al Jdid, and return to your hotel for the evening.
Day 6 : Fes, Azrou, Ifrane, Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)
A long day of travel, Departure to Merzouga passing through the Middle Atlas Mountains and the berber village of Immouzer Kandar and Ifrane, free time for optional lunch break and a moment of relaxation in Midelt. Ahead, the oasis region of Erfoud welcomes you, and then you will reach the edge of the Sahara Desert in the town of Merzouga. We enter the desert proper to the dunes known as Erg Chebbi at sunset to the bivouac(camp). Dinner with local music and overnight will be under the tent. Dinner and overnight in the Sahara. Bring your wishes, there will be a thousand stars to wish upon…
Day 7 : Merzouga, Rissani, Tinghir, Boumanle Dades
Early morning wake up to witness an outstanding sunrise. You may indulge in a little camel ride on the dunes too! After a refreshing breakfast, depart to Dades Gorges through Rissani, the city of the black slaves, and number of Berber villages. Take a break and witness some exemplary crafts of the people of the south. Lunch will be something different today! We then continue in the afternoon to visit the Todra Gorges. Afternoon continue to Dades Valley.
Day 8: Boumanle Dades, Kelat Magouna, Ouarzazate
After breakfast, you will drive to Ouarzazate via Valley des Roses and Ait Ben Haddou, visit of this old Berber village, where many movies filmed such as: Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, Obelix, Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Prince of Persia and others. After lunch, you will visit the Cinema Studios, the Hollywood of Morocco. Learn some interesting facts here! Check into your Riad for the night.
Day 9: Ouarzazate to Marrakech
After breakfast, and with some shopping on the way, you will continue on the road to Marrakech crossing the High Atlas Mountains through Tizi N’Tichka pass, stopping at places with magnificent panoramic views to take pictures. Arrive and check in to your Riad for some relaxing time.
Day 10 : Marrakech
A historical tour of Marrakech: the Menara Garden, the Saadian tombs, the Koutoubia Minaret and the Majorelle Gardens named after the famous French painter, who constructed here his art deco villa and started the botanical gardens. In 1980 it became the residence of Yves Saint Laurent. Afternoon, visit the famous Djemaa El Fna square with its surrounding souks and handicraft quarters. Enjoy a spot of shopping and haggling at the square while you secure your bargain! Tonite we invite you to eat with our family in a traditional Moroccan home.
Day 11: A Day in Essaouira
A day trip to wonderful eclectic Essaouira, where we can enjoy the Atlantic Ocean and its offerings, shop direct from artists in a pretty Medina, and witness Argan oil being made from scratch. We suggest that you sample the wares of the square for your dinner tonite.
Day 12: Marrakech
A chill out day in the heart of Marrakech, to shop till you drop, or pamper yourself in our luxurious hammam, or take a load off and have a coffee with us in the “Square of the Dead”? Tonight Morocco-traveldreams will host you to a party to celebrate your Dream Holiday to Morocco!
