10 DAY MOROCCO ITINERARY FROM MARRAKECH

• After breakfast, your English speaking Guide/Driver will pick you up from your accommodation, to embark on this 10 day Morocco itinerary desert adventure from Marrakech. You will begin the journey through the dramatic landscape of the High Atlas Mountains, passing through the mountainous Berber villages and over the 2,260 M altitude, Tizi n Tichka Pass.

• In the High Atlas Mountains, you will stop for a short visit to a women’s Cooperative, to observe the production of the world famous Argan Oil. This will enrich your minds more re this wonderful and treasured Argan tree, which grows only in Morocco and has many benefits. The Argan tree is registered as Bio-patrimony Heritage by UNESCO.

• Driving down from the High Atlas Mountains, you will be enchanted by the spectacular scenery of mud-brick villages and green valleys en route to the famous earthen fortified, Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most eye-catching filming locations in Africa.

• There will be a stop for a walking visit to explore the 17th century UNESCO World Heritage site of Ksar Ait Benhaddou, listed in 1987. This Ksar or village is one of the most intriguing of the red earth castles lining the ancient road of the camel caravans and it is the oldest mud village in Morocco. It was once a commercial hub for trans Saharan caravan traders and has been the back-drop for many international movies, such as Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Prince of Persia, Indiana Jones, Kingdom of Heaven and many more.

• After lunch, you will drive to Ouarzazate city, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” and the gateway to the Sahara Desert. It was a former caravan town on the silk and salt route in the eastern foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. There may be an opportunity for photo stops and to visit one of the many ‘Atlas’ cinema studios.

• Continue your 10 day Morocco itinerary through the “Road of the thousand Kasbahs”, the iconic Berber mud brick villages and earth castles to the Oasis of Skoura. This oasis is UNESCO protected and is famous for its numerous Majestic Kasbahs and here, you will stop to visit the iconic 17th century Kasbah of Amridil, an ancient fortification providing visitors a glimpse into life in rural southern Morocco.

• Amridil Kasbah was founded over 300 years ago and is largely unchanged today. It is one of the living museums of Morocco and is the ancestral home of the Nasiri family. The present generation of the family live on site, have a museum of ancient Moroccan artifacts as part of the Kasbah. In ancient times camel caravans of gold, spice, slaves, salt and other cargo off-loaded in Skoura, after many weeks trekking across the desert from several sub Saharan countries e.g. Mali, Senegal, Ghana and Sudan…

• From here, you journey through the stunning valley of roses in Kelaat Mgouna. This town is known as the Rose Capital for the famous Damaskina roses, also known for the annual festival during the rose harvest in May each year, when Miss Rose of Morocco is chosen.

• Continuing your 10 day Morocco itinerary, you journey towards one of the most beautiful valleys in the Kingdom and enjoy colourful Berber mud villages overlooking the amazing Dades Valley. Here there is a stop to reveal the amazing rock formations, known as “monkey toes” or sometimes monkey fingers. These extraordinary rock formations are metamorphic rock, which has been severely eroded by rain, water, wind and possibly sand storms over thousands of years.

• The Dades valley prides itself for the extensive production of wall nuts, groves of palm and almond trees. It was the site of ancient nomad crossroads and the valley is dotted with oases and mud brick Kasbahs which gives the region its fairy tale nickname. (Overnight in Dades Valley).

• On the 3rd day of your Morocco itinerary and after breakfast in your accommodation, you depart the spectacular Dades valley, and move on towards Tinghir, where there will be a deviation to a minor road following the river of Todgha Gorge. Contemplate the scenic panoramic views of the old Jewish and Berber mud villages, overlooking the valley. Some time at leisure, to enjoy the immensity of the huge red cliffs of 400 M, where many international rock climbers come to enjoy their preferred sport.

• The Todgha Gorge is recognised worldwide for being one of the most spectacular rocky canyons. No wonder this place has been used for filming many movies due to its magnificent natural setting, one of the most famous movies being the “Mummy”.

• In this area, lives a large community of Berber nomads. Sometimes, you can sight Berber nomad women, who have Berber tattoos on their faces. They may be seen herding their goats to drink water at the river’s edge and collecting their own water which is carried by their mules back to the caves where they live.

• Continuing your 10 day Morocco itinerary and after a lunch stop, you will head to Erfoud, known as the capital for dates(fruit) and a global entity for fossil stones, famous for amazing fossil beds and Paleozoic Strata, where ancient ‘Trilobite’ fossils are found, 505 – 570 million years old. An intriguing visit to a fossil museum is possible where you will witness some of the ancient specimens.

• Continue travel to the eminent sand dunes of Erg Chebbi and experience the glory of the Sahara Desert. Erg Chebbi is regarded as the gateway to the Grand African Sahara where some dunes are considered the highest in north Africa at 350 M elevation.

• Meet your Camel caravan and the experienced camel man, who will guide your trek to explore the mysterious Sahara sand sea, an alluring and unique trek which will make your 10 day Morocco itinerary a memorable experience.

• Enjoy a charming sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend the night in a Berber desert camp. The evening will include dinner, followed by entertainment around the campfire, listening to traditional Berber drum music, having the experience of a lifetime under the milky way stars. This will captivate your heart and soul, not for a night but forever. “Sand boarding is available in the camp”. (Overnight in Sahara Desert).

• On the 4th day of your 10 day Morocco itinerary, before sunrise, on waking, you may climb the sand dunes for a fantastic view of the amazing sunrise in the Sahara Desert, followed by a typical traditional Berber breakfast.

• Begin your day with a 1 hour Quad excursion through the Sahara Desert. Enjoy the exhilaration of speeding through the sands and up the dunes, where you will stop to enjoy a peaceful moment with just sky and sand for as far as you can see. You will have a professional guide to ensure your safety!

• Explore the Berber farms and fields of Merzouga and marvel at the ingenious underground water and irrigation system, for family agriculture and for spectacular date palms.

• Visit Dayet Srij Salt Lake or “Flamingos Lake”. During Spring the lake attracts many species of birds e.g. amazing colony of Greater Flamingos, desert Warbler, Egyptian Nightjar, Falcons, desert Sparrows and many more. Several species reside at the lake all year round. Other wildlife to be spotted at the lake are lizards, hedgehogs and desert foxes.

• Visit the Black village of Khamlia. For centuries black Africans from the Gnawa tribe, originating from sub-Saharan countries such as The Sudan, Mali and Niger, were forcibly moved from their homelands across the Sahara to Morocco as part of the worldwide slave trade. Shackled in chains as they crossed the desert, they sang to soothe their pain and found a mindfulness in the rhythmic chanting and clanking of the chains.

• Today Khamlia’s inhabitants are direct descendants of these slaves. You will visit one of the music associations, have a cup of tea and listen to the Gnawa inspirational African music which is legendary from their ancestors, preserved from their original homeland and still played in a traditional manner.

• Visit a desert nomadic family, share a cup of tea with them and be totally captivated by their lifestyle of traditional tents and the harsh desert environment in which they live.

• Partake of a delectable lunch of Berber Pizza which is a specialty of the desert town of Merzouga.

• Continuing your 10 day Morocco itinerary, you will travel along the stony desert road, lined with magnificent Acacia trees. This will lead us towards the rough and famous Dakar rally trails, passing ancient nomadic camp ruins and through Saharan Berber villages. En route to your Riad / Hotel, there will be superb opportunity to witness the awe inspiring sun setting over the desert horizon. (Overnight in Tafraout).

• Continue your 10 Day Morocco itinerary Dakar trails journey through the off-road desert trails where you will visit nomadic desert communities.

• This section of the famous Dakar Rally desert route is a highlight, reputed to be the most challenging of all the countries, due to the unforgiving breathtaking landscapes, yet still adventurous terrains. There can be time spent visiting the oases communities and to amble through the dunes.

• Picnic lunch is planned, under the shade of the desert Acacia trees. There will be a visit to an ancient Ceramic factory, dated mid 17th century in Tamegrout Village to inspect Morocco’s intriguing green pottery.

• Later, there will be a visit to the 16th century Zawia Naciria library which was considered to be one of the literary richest libraries in North Africa with over 50,000 volumes collected from through out the World.

• This library was founded by Sidi Ahmad bin Nasir who led an incredible life, making six pilgrimages to Mecca throughout his lifetime. It became year-long journeys through countries such as Ethiopia, Arabia, Egypt, Persia, and Iraq among many others.

• Throughout his travels, Ahmad took the opportunity to establish new branches of his father’s religious movement and to collect a variety of books that he carried back to Tamegroute. When he passed away, the already exquisite library became the ‘richest’ one of its kind in North Africa with a plethora of books covering such diverse topics as algebra, astrology, religion, poetry, medicine, and much more.

• There will be a 40 minute stroll through the Oasis of the Draa Valley. You will explore the Berber farms and marvel at the ingenious underground water and irrigation system, for family agriculture and for spectacular date palms along the Draa river, Morocco’s longest river. Here, you will witness Berber daily life and ancient mud castles known as Kasbahs, which once were inhabited by the camel caravan traders en route to and from Timbuktu, Mali, and Sahara trading salt, gold, slaves, dates, spices and ivory.

• After dinner at a private medieval style Kasbah in Zagora, you will experience Morocco’s first private observatory on the edge of the desert, where sophisticated telescopes enable you to observe the Sahara milky way star constellation as you have never imagined. The in-house Belgian astronomer will enthusiastically explain mysteries of the universe, over the Sahara Desert. (Overnight in Zagora).

• On the 6th day of your 10 day Morocco itinerary and after breakfast, you leave Zagora. This city, for centuries was an important stop-over along the desert route, known as the ‘salt trail’. Camel caravan traders passed through Zagora and the Draa Valley when travelling from the sub-Saharan regions of Mali, Senegal, Sudan and Ghana, heading to Marrakech, Fes, Tangier and sometimes Europe, through the unforgiving desert, at times from Timbuktu in Mali, a 52 day journey from Zagora.

• Much wealth was made in transportation and trading of dates, slaves, silver, gold, handicrafts and importantly salt. Several city street signs state the famed ” Timbuktu Zagora 52 days “.

• Journey to Taznakht, an esteemed city renowned for classic Moroccan Berber rugs and the beautiful Anti Atlas mountain range landscapes. The Berber women who weave these unique rugs use the language of simple forms to communicate ancient common truths of their history. Moroccan Taznakht rugs are considered to be the most desirable rugs in today’s world of interior design.

• They are hand woven from the finest wool in the tribal villages with detail and design telling of tribal culture in the rural regions. The Taznakht rugs are a perfect example of a unique Berber art. The details and design of the pure wool vintage Taznakht rug tell the story of tribal culture in the rural regions of the South Moroccan region.

• Your journey continues through the Anti Atlas Mountains towards Taliouine, famous for its production of saffron and is a major exporter of this spice, being the top quality worldwide. The “Festival International de Saffron” is held each year in November.

• This region is also renowned for the World famous Argan Oil production. The Argan tree grows only in Morocco and its oil is known as the Golden oil. It is possible to glimpse the Argan tree climbing goats in this area. You then reach Taroundant town, a medieval town located in the Sous Valley.

• This town is known as “Grandmother of Marrakech” because it resembles a smaller Marrakech, complete with surrounding ramparts and the town walls are nearly 6 Km long. They are set with bastions, punctuated by nine gates which are still in use today. Unlike Marrakech almost the entire city of Taroudant is located inside the walls. It is known for local crafts such as jewellery and carpets.

• Centuries ago, the town prospered, marketing goods such as sugar cane, cotton, rice and indigo. Today, the town is susceptible to invading desert sands. (Overnight in a typical Moroccan charming Riad in Taroudant).

• After a walk and traditional breakfast in Taroudant, your 10 day Morocco itinerary journey continues to Agadir, south Morocco’s most visited coastal city.

• Agadir is known for its pristine beaches, the ancient Medina, the European lifestyle and importantly Agadir Oufella ruins. You will visit the fascinating Crocoparc, the only zoological park of crocodiles in Morocco. It is home to 325 Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) in a botanical garden, as well as giant tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata), green iguanas, giant pythons, anacondas, and marmosets.

• You move on to the ruins of Kasbah Agadir Oufella, a citadel which dominates the Atlantic coast. Built in 1540 as protection from the Portuguese and destroyed in the 1960 earthquake. From this point, glorious sunsets are visible along with panoramic views of Agadir.

• After a sea-side lunch and picturesque walk, you will continue your 10 day Morocco itinerary journey towards the city of Essaouira, along the stunning Atlantic coast road. Drive through the largest Argan forest in Morocco and stop to take pictures of Argan tree climbing goats.

• Stop at one of the women’s cooperative for making the World famous Argan oil known as the Golden oil and observe the oil production.

• Essaouira is an exceptional example of a late 18th century fortified town, built according to the principles of contemporary European military architecture in a North African context. Since its foundation, it has been a major international trading seaport, linking Morocco and its Saharan hinterland with Europe and the rest of the world.

• Essaouira, is a UNESCO heritage listed city, a testament to the Portuguese style of the 15th century and is located on the windy Atlantic coast, being a major fishing port. Architecturally, the city is known as the “fortress city” and also as the “Wind City of Africa”, it attracts many windsurfers between April and November. Essaouira is an enchanting city exhibiting a calm, peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, a vibrant culture and an ancient history of colonization.

• On arrival in Essaouira, there will be an opportunity to dip your toes into the sensational Atlantic Ocean and witness the grandeur of a spectacular Atlantic sunset with a 1h ride (camel, Atv Quads or horse) along the breathtaking Essaouira beach. Then to your Riad / Hotel. (Overnight in Essaouira).

• Essaouira is an 18th century fortified walled city, full of history and heritage, being a major fishing port on the Atlantic coast of Morocco.

• On the 8th day of your 10 day Morocco itinerary, an instructive and enjoyable 4 hour city tour with a professional local guide will inspire you, strolling through the remarkable UNESCO Medina, the hub of the city’s activity and a heritage listed site.

• Visit the bustling fishing port as the day’s catch returns, an intrepid climb onto the ancient portuguese ramparts and the historic Medina will enlighten you to the wondrous history of this enchanting Moroccan city and provide amazing views of the city, port and ocean. In the Medina, also will be found many artist’s studios displaying beautiful typical exotic Moroccan art works.

• Retrace the trails taken by Jimmy Hendrix, Bob Marley and Cat Stevens… Explore Essaouira’s most important monuments, such as the old fish market and seaport. Watch silver craftsmen and wood carvers at work in the old medina where the labyrinth of streets is lined with heavy wooden doors and whitewashed houses.

• Discover the 18th-century Portuguese ramparts of Essaouria from where you’ll be able to see astonishing views of the Atlantic Ocean.

• At lunch time, you can indulge in the delectable seafood cuisine and experience other gastronomic delights of Morocco, all unforgettable.

• Finally a visit to a typical Moroccan herbalist for some welcome herb-blended Moroccan Royal Tea and where you may also purchase a variety of herbal remedies.

• After the hectic and most interesting day by the coast, we venture towards the sensationally resplendent city of Marrakech. It is blessed with a cosmopolitan mix of culture, natural beauty and Morocco’s antiquity, a spectacular city pulsating with colours of Moroccan life. (Overnight in Marrakech).

• Today, you will embark on a full-day guided city tour of exotic and vibrant Marrakech, exploring in-depth, the rich cultural heritage and antiquity of this enchanting city.

• Your Grand Morocco expert local guide will lead you through the UNESCO World Heritage listed, ancient-walled Medina, which dates back to the ancient Berber inhabitants and which extends back to more than 1700 BC.

• Visit Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan and Andalusian architecture and a major monument of Morocco’s heritage. This 19th-century palace was built by “Ba Ahmed”, the grand vizier of Marrakech & named after his favorite wife “Bahia”. Craftsmen worked on this palace for fourteen years. The tiles were imported from Tetouan, the marble from Meknes while the cedar wood used for the painted and shimmering ceilings came from the Atlas Mountains.

• Stop at a Berber Apothecary shop, learning of the medicinal uses of many of the common spices and herbs that are still used across Morocco to treat common illnesses.

• Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 14th-century school founded by the Moroccan Monarch “Abu el Hassan”, another beautiful example of Moroccan and Andalusian architecture. The Saadian dynasty enlarged and redecorated the building in 1570 and it became the largest Islamic college in north Africa.

• Observe the 12th century & largest mosque in Marrakech, “Koutoubia Mosque” and its 77 meter high minaret. It was completed during the reign of the Berber Almohad caliph Yaqub al-Mansour (1184-1199), and inspired other buildings such as the Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat. Local laws restrict any new building projects from exceeding the height of the minaret, providing a focal point for all to enjoy.

• Visit Saadian tombs, the only remains of the Saadian Dynasty which ruled Marrakech in 1524 to 1659.

• Explore the world famous UNESCO site of Djemaa el Fna Plaza in the heart of Marrakech, where can be found traditional activities such as magicians, story tellers, musicians, snake charmers and Marrakech’s legendary Souks. A charming and historical place you will admire while on your 10 day Morocco itinerary. (Overnight in Marrakech).

After breakfast, we will collect you from your Riad or Hotel and transfer you to the airport, either Marrakech or Casablanca, for your on-ward flight. Now ends your 10 day Morocco itinerary of the wonderful Kingdom of Morocco.