14-Day Private Morocco Tour – Imperial Cities, Sahara Desert & Atlas Mountains

Meet & greet op de luchthaven Fes Saiss en we rijden naar onze traditionele accommodatie Riad in de oude stad Fes (Medina).

Full private Day guided walking tour old medina Fes El-Bali with an English- speaking city guide. The guide will walk you through the maze of souks and sights visiting some of the highlights including the famous Fes pottery sous, the musical instrument makers, metalworkers, carpet souks and the Tanneries Chaowara There are over 9000 cobbled medieval streets weaving their way through markets, mosques, Koranic schools, riads, and hidden fountains. Worth visiting is the Zaouia Moulay Idriss or shrine, Bad Boujloud ornamental gate, Al-Kairaouine Mosque, and University – the oldest university in the world, Al-attain Medrasa, Nejjarine fountain, King’s place and the Jewish quarter or ‘Mellah’. Your guide will include as much as possible in your day.

- Departure from Fes: Begin your journey in one of Morocco’s most historic and vibrant cities. - Ifrane: Often called the “Moroccan Switzerland” for its Alpine-style architecture and cool climate. - Cedar Forests of Azrou: Home to wild Barbary macaques that roam freely among the towering trees. - Scenic Middle Atlas: Enjoy the lush, green landscapes as you travel through rolling hills and mountain views. - Arrival in Midelt: A charming town known for its apple orchards and crisp, fresh air, nestled between mountain ranges—perfect for a restful stopover or a leisurely exploration of the natural surroundings.

- Departure from Midelt: Set off from the tranquil mountain town, known for its fresh air and apple orchards. - Errachidia Region: Pass through desert landscapes and notice a gradual shift in the terrain as you leave the Middle Atlas behind. - Ziz Valley: Marvel at the lush oasis of palm groves and winding river, offering a stunning contrast to the surrounding arid scenery. - Erfoud: Famous for its fossil-rich surroundings and as a gateway to the Sahara, this town offers a glimpse into local desert life. - Arrival in Merzouga: Reach the edge of the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes, where towering sand dunes and traditional Berber culture await.

- Early Sunrise: Wake up before dawn to witness the sun rising over the towering dunes, creating a breathtaking panorama of shifting colors. - Camel Trek or 4x4 Excursion: Traverse the desert sands by camel or opt for a 4x4 tour to explore further-flung areas of the Erg Chebbi. - Village Visit: Stop by Khamlia, known for its Gnaoua music heritage, and enjoy traditional rhythms performed by local musicians. - Lunch and Relaxation: Return to the camp or a local guesthouse for a leisurely midday meal; take time to rest or walk among the dunes. - Sunset in the Desert: As evening approaches, head back into the dunes for a magical sunset, watching the sky transform into warm hues. - Dinner Under the Stars: Savor a hearty Berber meal around the campfire, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Sahara night.

Early breakfast in the desert camp in the Heart of Sahara desert and return by camel to meet your 4×4 vehicle. After our night under the desert stars, we drive from Merzouga Village via the ochre cliffs of the Todra Gorges, Todra Valley, Dades Valley and into the Dades Gorges. Our route is an ancient one and encompasses the Oasis of Tafilalet and the road and Valleys of Thousands Kasbahs. The Todra Gorges and Dades gorges, with the high Atlas Mountains to the north and the Jbel Saghro range to the south, give us a glimpse of another type of Moroccan scenery – no less spectacular, although very different to what we have seen on previous days. The Rivers Todra and Dadès provide water for a series of oasis and palms in the region and we will have time to explore in the shade of the date palms and olive groves that line the riverbanks. Our day ends in the Dades Gorges, where we will spend the night either in a charming guest-house which clings to the steep cliffs or in an authentic converted kasbah in the Dades Valley with exquisite facilities and African-themed rooms.

From the Dades Valley, we drive to the famous Roses Valley and Kalaat Magouna village, home to the main rose and rose water production of Morocco. On the way, we will drive off-road to visit Skoura Village, and oasis, where we will visit old Berber Place Kasbah Amredel and a small private museum, before ending our day in Ouarzazate city which called Hollywood of Africa where you will visit inside the walls of the old Kasbah Taourirt, in an authentic 17th century mud-built house which once served as the courthouse for the Pasha el Glaoui. It is now converted to a first-class boutique guest-house and is a fine example of traditional construction methods using local materials.

In the morning, guests have the option to embark on a guided tour of the restored Atlas Film Studios before we continue our journey. Our route leads us through the arid regions of the Anti-Atlas Mountains and passes by the village of Tazenakht. Here, after about a 2-hour drive, we stop for lunch. You'll have the opportunity to visit one of the cooperatives selling the renowned hand-woven carpets for which this village is famous. We then continue our journey for approximately 4 hours through Taliouin, known for its saffron cultivation, and finally reach the small walled city of Taroudant in the fertile Souss Valley. Taroudant served as the capital of the Saadian empire in the 16th century before it was moved to Marrakech, earning it the nickname 'the grandmother of Marrakech'. Enjoy your night in a traditional Riad with dinner and breakfast included.

Our journey from Taroudant city to the port city of Essaouira passes through Agadir, the principal beach holiday resort in Morocco, before heading north along the rugged Atlantic coastline. Along the way, you'll catch glimpses of sun worshippers, surfers, fishermen, and some of the finest bananas that Morocco has to offer! You'll encounter deserted beaches and, if you're traveling in the summer, crowded beaches filled with Moroccan families. The road winds through protected forests of thorny argan trees, where "Berber gold" – argan oil – is produced by women's cooperatives, extracting this precious oil from the kernels of the argan nut. We'll pause for a simple lunch en route. Upon reaching Essaouira, we provide a variety of traditional riad accommodations within the 18th-century UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina, or you can choose a luxury boutique hotel near the beach.

­- Morning Departure: Bid farewell to Essaouira’s coastal charm. - Scenic Drive: Traverse the Atlantic coastline, passing through fishing villages and vast beaches. - Arrive in Agadir: Enjoy the city’s modern vibe, relax on the beach, or explore the bustling seafront promenade.

­- Morning in Agadir: Optional beach stroll or visit the local souk. - Drive to Marrakech: Travel inland, watching the landscape shift from coastal plains to the vibrant cityscape. - Arrival in the “Red City”: Settle into your accommodation and relax or explore Jemaa el-Fnaa by night.

- Historic Sights: Tour the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Koutoubia Mosque. - Majorelle Garden: Stroll through lush gardens preserved by Yves Saint Laurent. - Marrakech Medina: Experience the vibrant souks and iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa, sampling local treats.

- Morning Departure: Leave Marrakech for the Ourika Valley in the High Atlas foothills. - Scenic Views: Observe terraced fields, traditional Berber villages, and mountain vistas. - Waterfall Hike: Optional trek to discover waterfalls, or simply relax by the riverside. - Return to Marrakech: Evening arrival, with time to unwind or enjoy local nightlife.

After breakfast at your riad, private transfer to the airport as required. and end of our services. ­