15 DAY MOROCCO GRAND TOUR FROM CASABLANCA

• Admire the masterful architecture of Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and visit the UNESCO listed site of Hassan Tower. The visit of this monuments is a great opportunity to appreciate the true value of traditional Moroccan art.

• Visit the official royal palace of the King of Morocco and the UNESCO listed site of Oudaya Kasbah.

• Travel along the magnificent Atlantic coast to visit the town of Asilah and the stunning city of Tangier in the extreme northwest of Africa.

• Explore Asilah, one of the most beautiful and well preserved old towns in Morocco. Discover the beauty of its ancient architecture, pristine beaches, and crystal clear waters. Visit the medina, alongside the sea walls, and witness the charming and historic medina which is enclosed by well-preserved 15th century ramparts and gates, built by colonial Portuguese.

• Head to a local restaurant where you can taste one of the seafood specialties for which Asilah is known.

• Drive to Tangier and explore the sites of this beautiful city and its surroundings including the old Medina and Cap Spartel (where the Atlantic and Mediterranean coast meet) and from where you will receive exceptional views of both the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean.

• Visit the legendary archaeological Caves of Hercules. Greek Legend alleges that when Hercules (God of war and power in ancient Greek mythology) was in need of a place to rest between two of his labors, he swam across the Strait of Gibraltar and ripped the cave from the side of the cliff with his hands creating a huge shape of the African continent.

• You will have the opportunity to visit the Grand Socco plaza, where multiple small hotels have previously accommodated famous artists and writers such as Paul Bowles, Henri Matisse, Camille Saint-Saëns and more.

Check into your accommodation and enjoy the afternoon to relax and recover from your journey.

(Overnight in Tangier).

After breakfast, you will travel through the stunning Rif Mountains towards the blue city of Chefchaouen, and marvel at the uniqueness of the world famous “Blue Pearl” city of Morocco.

• Chefchaouen is a city with special vibes. Its unique charm gives a surreal impression. Observe the city’s old Moorish way of life and take a dream wander for a wonderful photo opportunity.

• Explore in depth, the rich cultural heritage, and antiquity of this charming town and stroll the blue narrow alleys with your Grand Morocco expert local guide.

• Known as the blue pearl and ranked sixth of the most beautiful cities of the world. Chefchaouen is an artsy, blue washed mountain village which was founded in the 15th century and was populated by Jewish and Muslim refugees fleeing from the Spanish Inquisition in 1478.

• Chefchaouen was isolated until early 20th century but has preserved a Moorish way of life and is regarded as the prettiest town in Morocco. Chefchaouen presents glorious photo opportunities and walking here will make you feel as though moving through a dreamland.

• Visit Ras el-Maa, the Kasbah Museum, the Spanish Mosque, Plaza Uta-Hammam and more.

The town buildings are painted blue and white, so the entire village appears to be wonderfully drenched in many hues of glorious blue leaving the traveler with a surreal impression. A beautiful town you will admire while on your Morocco grand tour.

(Overnight in Chefchaouen).

• Morocco has one of the richest histories and cultures globally, influenced by centuries of diverse rulers which includes Roman rule. Explore the ancient Roman city of Volubilis. Dating back to 3rd century BC, Volubilis is home to some of the most impressive Roman ruins in North Africa.

• During Roman occupation of Morocco, Volubilis was the powerful ancient capital and administrative centre of Roman Africa and prospered economically. Among the most famous of the ruins are the luxury villas with their water tanks, large courtyard, beautiful mosaic floors, various pavilions, Basilica, Triumphal Arch built in 217 A.D and more than 300 temples. It was UNESCO World Heritage listed in 1997.

• Depart to the Imperial city of Meknes. Visit the 18th century Bab Mansour gate which is the most exquisite of its kind in North Africa and one of the 4 most beautiful gates in the world, Lahdim square, the Royal stables (film makers also have marvelled at this amazing structure and that led to scenes for the movies Ishtar and The Jewel of the Nile being made here) and the incredible Bassin Souani.

• Visit Moulay Ismail’s shrine (Sultan of Morocco from 1672–1727) to receive an insight into his interesting life and everlasting achievements.

• Continue your journey to the ancient, vibrant and the UNESCO listed Imperial city of Fes. This city is a north eastern Imperial Moroccan city referred to as The Mecca of the West or The Athens of Africa, also being the country’s capital of knowledge and culture.

• Fes is the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities and an enchanting city you will admire while on your Morocco 15 day tour, it is renowned for its exciting and colourful Fes El Bali walled Medina, its Marinid architecture, vibrant souks, the famous Fes mosaic tile work and old world atmosphere and charm.

(Overnight in Fes).

• Begin with a visit to the 12th century “Bab Boujloud” or “blue gate” with its stunning blue and green ceramics.

• Visit the largest royal palace in Morocco, Dar el Makhzen, exhibiting its seven golden doors and marvel at its wonderful golden gate, made of marble, copper and glorious mosaics.

• Stroll through the Mellah or Jewish quarter of old Moroccan Jewish heritage, built near the Royal residence for protection in 1438.

• Experience the panoramic view of the city from Borj Sud, an ancient fortress on a hill, from where you can view the UNESCO listed ancient Medina of Fes.

• Visit the famous 11th century iconic Chouara tannery, the oldest leather tannery in the world and explore the narrow Medina streets lined with shops selling fresh fruits, spices, silk weavers and numerous other art and craft items from Morocco.

• Visit a pottery factory and observe how the unique pottery of Fes is made with its intricate mosaics and ceramics, which adorn half of Morocco.

• Visit the 14th century Madrasa Bou Inania religious school and be delighted by the Marinid architecture.

• Discover the holy school and historic University of Al-Qarawiyyin, the world’s oldest working educational institution, i.e. University, as stated by UNESCO and Guinness World Records. Founded by a woman, Fatima al-Fihir in 859 AD.

• Lunch in an authentic restaurant in the Medina of Fes.

• Visit Madrasa Al-Attarine, Nejjarine Museum, Moulay Idriss Mausoleum (founder of Fes) and more.

While negotiating the narrow alley-ways, your expert local guide will instruct you about Moroccan history, culture and the Moroccan Berber way of life, especially around Fes. An enchanting day of discovery you will enjoy while on your Grand tour of Morocco.

(Overnight in Fes).

• Travel to Ifrane known as the Little Switzerland of Morocco and stop for a break to enjoy its marvelous landscapes.

• Here in Ifrane, you will become aware that this magical mountain town is one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco and features in the top 10 cleanest cities of the world. A beautiful place you will admire while on your Morocco 15 day tour.

• Navigate the green and superb Middle Atlas Mountains, marvel at the largest Cedar plantations in Africa and be captivated by the antics of the Barbary Apes. This species of Apes is found only in Morocco, Gibraltar and Algeria.

• Stop in Zayda town for lunch and enjoy a Moroccan tajine or some fresh barbeque. Drive through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains and the striking Ziz Valley oasis, containing the largest palm grove oasis in Morocco.

• Observe a dense canopy of palms between ancient striated cliffs dating back to the Jurassic period.

• Continue travel to the eminent dunes of Erg Chebbi and experience the glory of the Sahara Desert. Erg Chebbi is regarded as the gateway to the Grand African Sahara and has some dunes considered the highest sand dunes 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 a unique trek that will make your 15 days in Morocco 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.

(Overnight in a Sahara Desert Camp).

• Begin your day with an optional ATV 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 dunes for as far as you can see. You will have a professional guide to ensure your safety.

• Explore the Berber farms and fields of the desert town 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 wild life to be spotted at the lake are lizards, hedgehogs and desert foxes.

• Visit the Black Village of Khamlia, a little village with a big story. This village has a population of 390 of Black African families and Berber ethnic groups and it is located at the foothills of Merzouga dunes, doors to the great Sahara Desert.

• 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.

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

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

• Head to your Riad/Hotel in front of the sand sea for a rest or a swim at your leisure.

(Overnight in Sahara).

• Caravans of up to 200,000 camels would arrive in Rissani each year, from many sub Saharan African countries, e.g. Mali, Ghana, Senegal, Niger, Sudan, all trading  gold, ivory, local crafts, slaves and most importantly salt, which was sometimes used as trade currency and more valuable than gold at that time. Camels were first domesticated by the Native Berbers in North Africa, c.300 A.D. and the camel caravans travelled vast distances for long periods, up to 100 days to reach Rissani. They rarely travelled faster than the camel man’s walking speed and their ability to withstand hard conditions made them ideal for communication and trade.

• Rissani is renowned for its cultural diversity of Berber, Arab and desert communities, all recognisable and differentiated by their clothing style and colours worn. Also, it is a diverse city and well known for its traditional markets / Souks, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, being the busiest shopping days for souvenirs, gifts, spices, crafts and jewellery such as silver. There is a live stock market for sheep, goats and donkeys, and traders in local fresh produce such as dates, olives, vegetables and many traditional items. It might be possible to stop here to explore these traditional markets and maybe taste some Moroccan sweet dates.

• Departing Rissani and continuing your 15 days in Morocco tour, we depart towards Tinghir, where we will deviate 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, 400M elevation, 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.

• After lunch, we continue our Grand tour of Morocco journey towards one of the most beautiful valleys in the Kingdom and enjoy colourful Berber mud villages overlooking the amazing Dades Valley. We will drive along the spectacular Dades Valley to discover 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 (which has produced a chemical breakdown of the rock), wind and possibly sand storms over thousands of years.

• The Dades Valley prides itself for the extensive production of roses, wall nuts, groves of palm and almond trees. It was the site of ancient nomad crossings and the valley is dotted with oases and mud brick palaces known as Kasbahs which gives the region its fairy tale nickname. Then it is time to arrive at your Riad / Hotel for a peaceful night in the Dades Valley.

(Overnight in Dades valley).

On day 9 of your Morocco grand tour, after breakfast and spending the night in the heart of the beautiful Dades valley, you journey towards the Rose valley and the town of Kalaat Mgouna, known as the Rose capital and known for Damaskina roses, also known for the annual festival during the rose harvest in May to choose Miss rose of Morocco.

• Continue 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 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…

• Drive to the city of Ouarzazate 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 cinema studios that the city is known for.

• Visit the spectacular UNESCO listed Ksar Ait Benhaddou, one of the most eye-catching filming locations in Africa. Stop for a walking visit to explore the 14th century World Heritage site, 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.

(Overnight in Ouarzazate).

• Your 15 day morocco tour 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, a 16th century medieval city 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 over 8km long and reach in height from 8 to 14m.

• Taroudant’s walls are the largest archaeological walls in Africa and the third largest in the world. It ranks after the Great Wall of China and the archaeological wall of Kumbhalgarh in India. 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.

• After lunch, your Morocco 15 day tour 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. This city offers a natural setting conducive to relaxation and rest. A dream destination for surfers thanks to its magnificent beaches that stretch over 90 kilometres and its 300 days of sunshine per year, Agadir also offers a multitude of archaeological, natural and cultural sites that are pleasant to visit.

• 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, marmosets and more.

• 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.

(Overnight in Agadir).

• Drive along the stunning Atlantic coast road and through the largest Argan forest in Morocco on the way to Essaouira. This region is the only one in the world growing the Argan tree and producing the famous Argan oil known as Morocco’s Golden oil.

• Visit a women’s cooperative for making the world famous Argan oil where you will see the process of extracting the oil from the Argan fruit. This will enrich your knowledge of the wonderful Argan tree, which grows only in Morocco, also stop to take pictures of Argan tree climbing goats.

• 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 you will admire while on your 15 days in Morocco tour and exhibiting a calm, peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, a vibrant culture and an ancient history of colonization.

• On arrival in Essaouira, dip your toes into the sensational Atlantic ocean and witness the grandeur of a spectacular Atlantic sunset with optional activities such us (horse ride, ATV quads or camel riding) along the breathtaking Essaouira beach.

(Overnight in Essaouira).

• Despite its small size, the city has a thriving tourism and fishing economy and is a popular destination for European tourists. The town’s relaxed atmosphere and pristine beaches set it apart from other Moroccan cities.

• Retrace the trails taken by Jimmy Hendrix, Bob Marley, Cat Stevens… and 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 will be able to see astonishing views of the Atlantic Ocean. A beautiful city you will admire while on your Grand tour of Morocco.

• Wander through souks, traditional workshops and art galleries of the ancient Medina.

• Visit Orson Welles Square and have lunch in one of the local restaurants serving delicious fish and seafood, explore local markets, and relax in the town’s charming beach.

(Overnight in Essaouira).

• 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 and 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.

• 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 and 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 Jemaa el Fna plaza in the heart of Marrakech, a destination of all magic and a symbol of the ochre city where you will find a different and a unique atmosphere like snake charmers, storytellers, dancers, traditional musicians to mention just a few.

(Overnight in Marrakech).

Enjoy a free day to explore Marrakech. Visit museums and gardens, wander the souks, indulge in a traditional hammam, or just enjoy the city.

(Overnight in Marrakech).

Today, we will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Marrakech Menara international airport or Mohammed V international airport in Casablanca, for your on-ward flight. Now ends your 15 day Morocco tour.