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1001 arabian nights tour - a 12 day imperial city & desert tour through the eyes of a sultan
TOURS
1001 Arabian Nights Tour - A 12 Day Imperial City & Desert Tour through the Eyes of a Sultan
Morocco's Arabian Nights Private Tour: 12-Days of Royal Palaces, Medina's and Desert Magic
1001 Arabian Nights Tour Description:
Step into the pages of "One Thousand and One Arabian Nights" on an exclusive12-day bespoke private tour of Morocco. This journey weaves together history, culture, and natural wonders into an unforgettable tapestry of experiences. This immersive journey includes visits to the esteemed Imperial Cities of Rabat, Fez, Meknes, and Marrakech, where centuries of history and vibrant culture await exploration. Throughout your adventure, you'll be cosseted in luxury, staying in opulent riads, boutique hotels, and even a sumptuous desert camp. Expert guides will unlock the secrets of each destination, providing context and bringing history to life. This is more than just a tour; it's an immersive experience that engages all the senses and creates memories to last a lifetime.
Step into the pages of "One Thousand and One Arabian Nights" on an exclusive12-day bespoke private tour of Morocco. This journey weaves together history, culture, and natural wonders into an unforgettable tapestry of experiences. This immersive journey includes visits to the esteemed Imperial Cities of Rabat, Fez, Meknes, and Marrakech, where centuries of history and vibrant culture await exploration. Throughout your adventure, you'll be cosseted in luxury, staying in opulent riads, boutique hotels, and even a sumptuous desert camp. Expert guides will unlock the secrets of each destination, providing context and bringing history to life. This is more than just a tour; it's an immersive experience that engages all the senses and creates memories to last a lifetime.
- Tour Name: 1001 Arabian Nights Tour
- Duration: An 12-Day Exclusive Morocco Private Tour
- Places Visited: Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Erg Chebbi Sahara Dunes, Ouarzazate, Skoura Oasis, Marrakech, Essaouira
- What's Included in Your Morocco Private Tour: Luxury transportation (Mercedes Vito & 4x4) with multilingual driver, Airport transfers, Expert local guides for cities and trekking, All entry fees to attractions, Upscale accommodations, including desert camp, 16 meals
Tailored to Your Desires:
Our 1001 Arabian Nights Morocco itinerary begins and concludes in Casablanca, offering a seamless journey through the kingdom's most iconic destinations. For those seeking flexibility, we gladly customize routes to commence or terminate in Marrakech, or traverse the country in reverse, tailoring the experience to your preferences.
Our 1001 Arabian Nights Morocco itinerary begins and concludes in Casablanca, offering a seamless journey through the kingdom's most iconic destinations. For those seeking flexibility, we gladly customize routes to commence or terminate in Marrakech, or traverse the country in reverse, tailoring the experience to your preferences.
1001 Arabian Nights Tour Highlights:
- Casablanca: Marvel at the modern Hassan II Mosque
- Imperial Cities: Explore Rabat, Meknes, Fez, and Marrakech
- Ancient Medinas: Wander through labyrinthine streets and vibrant spice markets
- Middle Atlas Mountains: Encounter Barbary macaques in cedar forests
- Ziz Valley: Witness palm oases cutting through rugged terrain
- Sahara Desert: Camel trek across Erg Chebbi's vast dunes
- Luxury Desert Camping: Dine under stars with traditional Moroccan drumming
- Todra and Dades Gorges: Experience dramatic landscapes carved by nature
- Ancient Kasbahs: Visit sandcastle-like fortresses overlooking palm groves
- Berber Villages: Share mint tea with locals, gaining insights into traditional life
- Marrakech: Immerse in the spectacle of Djemaa el-Fna square
- Culinary Delights: Savor aromatic Moroccan cuisine throughout the journey
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Casablanca Arrival
- Arrive in Casablanca, Morocco's largest city and economic capital. Transfer to your boutique hotel and begin your Moroccan adventure with an exploration of Casablanca's Coastal Corniche. This scenic waterfront promenade offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is lined with trendy cafes and restaurants. Enjoy the sea breeze and watch the sunset over the ocean, providing a perfect introduction to Morocco's coastal charm.
Day 2: Casablanca - Meknes - Volubilis - Fes
- Start your day with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture and one of the largest mosques in the world. This architectural marvel showcases intricate Moroccan craftsmanship, featuring a retractable roof and a glass floor overlooking the Atlantic. The mosque's minaret, standing at 210 meters, is the world's tallest.
- Next, journey to Meknes, one of Morocco's imperial cities. Known as the "Versailles of Morocco," Meknes is renowned for its monumental gates and Spanish-Moorish style. Visit the Bab Mansour gate, considered one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco, and explore the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the founder of Meknes.
- Continue to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These well-preserved ruins offer a glimpse into the region's Roman past, featuring stunning mosaics, a basilica, and a triumphal arch. Your guide will bring the ancient city to life, explaining its history and significance.
- End your day in Fes, Morocco's cultural and spiritual capital. Overnight in a traditional riad in the heart of the medina.
Day 3: Fes Guided Tour UNESCOCity & Cultural Heart of Morocco
- Dedicate a full day to exploring Fes, a city that seems frozen in time. Begin at the Merenid Tombs, offering panoramic views over the entire medina. These 14th-century ruins provide insight into the Merenid dynasty's architectural style.
- Descend into the ancient Medina, Fes el Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the University of al-Karaouine, founded in 859 AD and recognized as the world's oldest continuously operating university. Explore its beautiful courtyard and library, home to ancient manuscripts.
- Tour the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts, housed in a beautifully restored fundouk (caravanserai). The museum showcases traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and offers a rooftop café with views over the medina.
- Wander through the vibrant souks, each dedicated to specific crafts. Visit the famous Chouara Tannery, where leather has been treated using the same methods for centuries. The view from surrounding terraces offers a unique perspective on this ancient craft.
End your day at the Bou Inania Madrasa, a 14th-century theological college known for its stunning Marinid architecture and intricate zellij tilework.
Day 4: Fes at Leisure
Choose from various activities to further explore Fes:
- Fes Food Tasting Tour: Delve into the exotic flavors of Fassi cuisine. Sample local delicacies like pastilla, harira soup, and various tagines. Learn about the spices and cooking techniques that make Moroccan cuisine unique.
- Pottery & Zellij Workshop: Visit a local artisan workshop to observe the intricate process of creating traditional Moroccan pottery and zellij tiles. Try your hand at these ancient crafts under the guidance of skilled artisans.
- Cooking Class: Join a local chef for a hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare authentic Moroccan dishes like tagine and couscous, and discover the secrets of blending Moroccan spices.
- Spa Experience: Relax at Sidi Harazem or Moulay Yacoub thermal baths. These natural hot springs have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties. Enjoy traditional hammam treatments and massages.
Day 5: Fes From Cedar Forests in the Middle Atlas to the Sahara Desert Golden Dunes
- Embark on a scenic journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop in Ifrane, known as "Little Switzerland" for its Alpine-style architecture. This charming town, with its green gardens and European-style buildings, offers a stark contrast to the surrounding arid landscapes.
- Continue to Erfoud, a desert town known as the "Gate of the Sahara." En route, pass through cedar forests home to Barbary macaques and enjoy panoramic views of the changing landscape.
- Arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara Desert. Witness the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes, massive wind-blown formations reaching heights of up to 150 meters. As the day ends, watch the sun set over the dunes, painting the desert in a spectrum of oranges and reds.
- Embark on a sunset camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. As you traverse the golden sands, your Berber guide will share stories of desert life and point out native flora and fauna.
- Overnight in the Erg Chebbi Dunes, Merzouga in a Luxury Desert Camp
Day 6: Desert 4x4 Land Cruiser Excursion Across Vast Chebbi Dunes
- Visit Khemlia Village: Meet century-old Gnaoua group. Live performance of ancient trance music. Learn about Gnaoua traditions and instruments
- Explore local school in Merzouga (if open): Meet students and teachers. Experience Saharan education system
- Discover Sahara's flora and fauna: Observe sparse vegetation in highlands and oases. Identify halophytes in saline depressions. Learn about heat and drought-tolerant plants. Spot relict woody plants like olive, cypress, and mastic trees. Recognize Acacia, Artemisia, doum palm, oleander, date palm, and thyme.
- Traditional Moroccan lunch in the heart of the Sahara Desert of Madfouna. Madfouna, also known as "Berber pizza" or "sand bread," is a traditional Moroccan dish originating from the Sahara Desert, particularly popular in Rissani. This hearty bread is stuffed with a savory mixture of spiced meat (usually lamb or beef), vegetables, and herbs, then baked in hot sand and ashes. The result is a crusty exterior concealing a flavorful, tender filling. Madfouna reflects the ingenuity of desert dwellers in creating satisfying meals with limited resources, making it a true taste of Saharan cuisine.
- End your day with a visit to Rissani, the birthplace of the Alaouite Dynasty, Morocco's current ruling family. Explore its 14th-century ksar, a fortified village, and visit its lively souk, especially vibrant on market days.
- Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars, followed by an evening of Berber music around the campfire.
- Spend the night in a comfortable, well-appointed desert tent, falling asleep to the profound silence of the Sahara.
Day 7: From Dunes to Oases
- Leave the desert behind and travel through the scenic Draa Valley, known for its date palm oases and crumbling kasbahs. Stop in the village of Ait Ouzzine, a traditional Berber settlement.
- Participate in a cooking lesson with a local family, learning to prepare traditional dishes like tagine and homemade bread. Enjoy lunch with your hosts, gaining insight into Berber culture and daily life.
- Continue to Skoura, an oasis town famous for its palm groves and mud-brick kasbahs. Visit the Kasbah Amridil, a 17th-century fortified residence that has featured on Moroccan banknotes. Explore its nooks and crannies, learning about traditional kasbah architecture and life.
Day 8: From Oasis to Gorges: Skoura's Palms to Dadès' Dramatic Cliffs
- Venture into the Valley of Nomads near Bou Tharar. This remote area is home to semi-nomadic Berber families who still live in caves part of the year. Meet with a local family, share tea, and learn about their unique lifestyle that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
- Continue to the Dades Valley, known as the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs." Marvel at the dramatic red and mauve limestone cliffs and the lush oasis landscape of the valley floor. Stop at panoramic viewpoints to photograph the serpentine Dades Gorge road, a masterpiece of engineering.
- Visit a local rose distillery in Kelaat M'Gouna, the center of Morocco's rose water industry. Learn about the process of extracting precious oils and waters from Damascus roses, which bloom here in abundance each spring.
Day 9: Kasbah Trail: From Skoura's Palms to Marrakech's Red City
- Begin your day with a visit to Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa" due to its many film studios. Take a tour of Atlas Studios, where parts of famous films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones were shot.
- Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, an impressive ksar (fortified village) that has served as a backdrop for numerous films. Climb to the top of the village for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.=
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, one of the most scenic drives in Morocco. Stop at panoramic viewpoints to take in the breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys.
- Make a detour to visit Kasbah Telouet, once the seat of the powerful El Glaoui family. Though now largely in ruins, its interior rooms still showcase stunning examples of zellij tilework and painted cedar ceilings
Arrive in Marrakech in the evening, the "Red City" and a symbol of Morocco's splendor and vivacity.
Day 10: Marrakech Guided Tiur: Sultans, Souks, and Centuries of Splendor
- Devote a full day to exploring the myriad wonders of Marrakech. Begin at the Majorelle Gardens, a botanical masterpiece cultivated by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent. The electric blue villa set against exotic plants and trickling fountains is a feast for the senses.
- Visit the Bahia Palace, a late 19th-century palace intended to be the greatest of its time. Marvel at the intricate marquetry, painted ceilings, and zellij tilework, all excellent examples of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.Explore the Saadian Tombs, a 16th-century burial ground rediscovered in 1917. Admire intricate cedar wood carvings and stucco work in the mausoleum chambers.
- Wander through the labyrinthine souks, each dedicated to different crafts - from spices and carpets to leather goods and metalwork. Watch artisans at work using techniques passed down through generations.
- End your day at the famous Djemaa el-Fna square. As night falls, the square comes alive with food stalls, musicians, acrobats, and storytellers, offering a sensory overload that encapsulates the magic of Marrakech.
Day 11: Marrakech at Leisure
Choose from several options to further explore Marrakech and its surroundings:
- Marrakech Gardens Tour: Visit the historic Menara Gardens, a 12th-century olive grove and orchard centered around a reflecting pool. Continue to La Mamounia Hotel, where you can stroll through its legendary gardens that once impressed Winston Churchill.
- High Atlas Excursion: Drive to the mountain village of Imlil, set in the heart of the High Atlas. Take a short trek to Armed, the highest and largest village in the Imlil Valley. Enjoy a traditional Berber lunch with a local family, savoring panoramic views of Mount Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak.
- Ourika Valley Trip: Explore this lush valley just an hour from Marrakech. Visit picturesque Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides and see how local women extract Argan oil. Hike to the Setti Fatma waterfalls, a series of seven cascades in the mountains.
Day 12: Departure from Casablanca
- After breakfast, transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport for your departure flight. As you leave Morocco, reflect on the incredible journey through this land of contrasts, from ancient medinas to vast deserts, from snow-capped mountains to lush oases. The memories of Morocco's warm hospitality, rich culture, and stunning landscapes will remain with you long after your journey ends.
