9-Day Private Morocco Tour: Unveiling Morocco's Treasures from Medinas to Mountains. Discover the Sahara, Berber villages and the High Atlas
Morocco Discovery Tour Description: Unveiling Morocco's Treasures Embark on an exquisite 9-day journey through Morocco's most captivating landscapes and cultural wonders. This meticulously crafted private tour is ideal for first-time visitors or those with limited time, offering an immersive exploration of
Morocco's Imperial Cities, the mystical Sahara Desert, lush Skoura Palm Groves, and authentic Berber villages.
Tour Highlights:
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Fes and Marrakech
- Indulge in a gastronomic adventure through Fes' hidden culinary gems
- Experience a magical sunset camel trek in the Sahara Desert
- Engage with Berber families, sipping tea and savoring traditional couscous
- Discover the architectural marvels of Casablanca, Rabat, and Meknes
- Uncover the secrets of Morocco's ancient medinas and vibrant souks
Luxury Accommodations and Seamless Travel:
Throughout your journey, indulge in the comfort of
boutique riads, luxury hotels, and an enchanting desert camp. Travel in style with private transportation in a luxury 4x4 or Viano, accompanied by an expert multilingual driver and knowledgeable local guides.
Immerse yourself in Morocco's rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty on this bespoke journey designed for the discerning traveler. From the labyrinthine medinas to the vast Sahara, every moment of this tour promises to be an unforgettable exploration of North Africa's most captivating kingdom.
To embark on this unparalleled journey through Morocco's most captivating sites contact our dedicated team:
- Book Here or Call (800) 787-8806
- Email: alecia@travel-exploration.com
Itinerary:
Day 1: Casablanca and Rabat - Gateway to Moroccan Grandeur
Begin your Moroccan odyssey with a visit to Casablanca's architectural masterpiece, the Hassan II Mosque. Then, journey to Rabat, where you'll spend the night immersed in the capital's regal ambiance.
- Casablanca is home to the Hassan II Mosque, designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau. It is situated on a promontory looking out to the Atlantic, which can be seen through a gigantic glass floor with room for 25,000 worshippers
- Its minaret is the world's tallest at 210 meters. It is an enormous architectural masterpiece and the second largest religious building in the world.
- Overnight in a luxury riad or hotel in Rabat.
Day 2: Rabat, Meknes, and Volubilis - A Journey Through Time
Explore Rabat's historic sites, including the picturesque Oudaïa Kasbah and the Hassan Tower. Learn about Rabat's history, its beautiful domes, minarets, wide avenues, and green spaces.
Your expert guide will lead you on an enchanting promenade along the picturesque Almohad northern walls of the Oudaïa Kasbah, a testament to Morocco's rich medieval history. Marvel at the grandeur of the Royal Palace, and ascend to the Hassan Tower, an incomplete yet majestic minaret overlooking the serene Wadi Bou Regreg. Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the nearby Andalusian gardens before exploring the opulent Palace of Rabat. 7:
Your journey through time culminates at the Chellah, a hauntingly beautiful necropolis where Roman ruins and medieval Muslim architecture intertwine.
From Rabat, venture to the
Imperial City of Meknes, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its monumental architecture. Here, you'll encounter the awe-inspiring Bab el Mansour Gate, widely regarded as Morocco's most magnificent portal. This masterpiece of Moorish design, adorned with intricate zellij tilework and imposing marble columns, serves as a grand entrance to the imperial city.
Your historical odyssey reaches its zenith at the archaeological wonder of Volubilis. This remarkably preserved Roman city, nestled amidst rolling hills, offers a captivating glimpse into Morocco's diverse heritage.
As you wander through the ruins, you'll discover exquisite mosaics depicting Roman mythology, remarkably intact civic buildings, and the triumphal arch of Caracalla. Volubilis gained further renown as a filming location for Martin Scorsese's controversial masterpiece, "The Last Temptation of Christ," adding a layer of modern cultural significance to its ancient splendor.
As twilight approaches, you'll retire to the medieval city of Fes, your senses alive with the day's historical and cultural revelations, ready to embrace the next chapter of your Moroccan adventure.
Overnight in a luxury riad or hotel in Fes.
Day 3: Fes - A Tapestry of Culture and History
Discover:
- The 14th-century Royal Palace Gates
- The historic Jewish Mellah and Ibn Danan Synagogue
- The vibrant souks and traditional craft workshops
- The renowned Bou Inania Medersa
- The Tannery, Weavers Cooperative
- Mausoleum (Zaouia Sidi Ahmed Tijani)
- University of Kairouine and Mausolem (Zaouia Moulay Idriss)
- Nejarine Square
Visit Majestic Palaces and Andalusian Gardens
- Visit Batha Museum and Andalusian Garden.
- Next visit the Batha Museum and Andalusian Gardens. The Musee Dar el-Batha offers up a great collection of pottery, leatherwork, wood, books, and manuscripts from the nineteenth century centered around a green spacious courtyard.
- In the evening, embark on a culinary journey through the back streets of Fes, sampling local delicacies and experiencing the city's rich gastronomic heritage.
- A Fes Food Tour offers a unique chance to explore the heart of the Fes medina and savor the local delicacies of the Fassi people. This culinary journey takes you through three distinct food souks, where you can sample traditional Moroccan street food. Indulge in a variety of dishes such as dried meats, milawi, harsha, briwats, spicy sardines, zesty potato cakes, hearty soups, and flavorful olives. The tour also includes a visit to the honey souk, where you'll taste an assortment of wild honeys. Learn about their unique flavors and health benefits, and discover the significance of honey in both Moroccan cuisine and Islamic culture.
- Overnight in a luxury riad or hotel in Fes.
Day 4: Middle Atlas to Sahara - From Mountains to Desert
- Traverse the Middle Atlas Mountains
- Stops along the way:
- Ifrane, known as "Little Switzerland" Cedar forests, home to Barbary macaques. Continue the journey through: Midelt and Erfoud
- Arrive at the Sahara Desert. Experience: A sunset camel trek across the Erg Chebbi Dunes
- Overnight at a luxury desert camp under the Moroccan stars.
Day 5: Sahara to Skoura - Berber Hospitality and Ancient Traditions
After a mesmerizing Saharan sunrise, explore the unique desert ecosystem. Visit Rissani's ancient souks and the Musicians of Khemlia in Merzouga, a century-old Gnaoua group that performs ancient trance music.
- Encounter the Musicians of Khemlia in Merzouga. Listen to a century-old Gnaoua group Experience ancient trance music performances Learn about the cultural significance of this musical tradition
- Visit Rissani. Explore ancient souks (markets). Discover traditional crafts and goods
- Experience the lively atmosphere of a Moroccan marketplace.
- Journey to the Berber village of Ait Ouzzine Located along an impressive desert route connecting the Draa Valley. This peaceful village is tucked away along an impressive desert route connecting the Draa Valley Home to over 300 families living in painted crenulated kasbahs. Engage with local Berber families. Learn traditional bread-making techniques. Discover the art of perfume creation using local ingredients.
- Immerse in Berber culture Sip tea with locals in the Sagro Mountains. Enjoy a traditional couscous meal. Explore the village and surroundings. Walk through lush green fields. Observe traditional Berber lifestyle. See gardens filled with herbs and henna plants. Watch locals tending to their livestock. Admire the beautifully painted kasbahs. Learn about traditional Berber building techniques. See local henna fields. Visit community water wells. Observe how villagers maintain gardens and livestock.
- Overnight in the lush Skoura palm groves.
Day 6: Skoura to Marrakech - UNESCO Wonders and Mountain Passes
- Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, a spectacular fortified village. 32 km from Ouarzazate lies the picturesque village of Aït Benhaddou, situated in Souss-Mass-Draa on a hill along the Ouarzazate River.
- Lawrence of Arabia was filmed here and Orson Welles used it as a location for Sodome and Gomorrah; for Jesus of Nazareth, the whole lower part of the village was rebuilt.
- Journey through the dramatic Tizi-N-Tichka mountain pass, stopping at a women-run argan oil cooperative. Arrive in Marrakech, the "Red City," for an evening at leisure.
Overnight in the Magical city of Marrakech.
Day 7: Marrakech - Imperial Splendor and Cultural Riches Discover Marrakech's allure:
- The exotic Majorelle Gardens and Yves Saint Laurent Museum
- The historic Koutoubia Mosque
- The opulent Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs
- The bustling souks and famous Djemaa El Fna square
Overnight in the Magical city of Marrakech.
Embark on a journey to the High Atlas region of Jebel Toubkal. Trek through hidden Berber villages, visit a community of weavers, and enjoy lunch with a local family or at Kasbah Toubkal, offering panoramic mountain views.
- Due to its unique position this quaint town has become the center of mountain tourism. At 1740 meters above sea level, Imlil sits just below Djebel Toukbal the highest peak in Northern Africa.
- Your driver will take you on a small tour of the village which in fertile in spring and summer with waterfalls surrounded by greenery. Explore the small shops selling Berber silver jewelry and local Moroccan goods that can be found along the tarmac road just before the dead end that leads up to Toukbal.
- Trek Jebel Toubkal for 3-4 hours, including visiting a Berber Village and a Village of Women Weavers. Lunch options with a Berber family or on Kasbah Toubkal's Terrace with its magnificent views.
- Overnight in the Magical city of Marrakech.
Day 9: Farewell to Morocco
Bid adieu to Morocco as you depart for Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport, carrying with you a treasure trove of memories from your Moroccan odyssey.