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Quintessential Morocco
Explore and relive a glorious medieval past in the ancient "Imperial Cities" on this journey that includes Marrakech, Fes and Rabat while we go deep into the countrysides exploring the southern route from Ait Benhaddou to the Sahara and the mesmerizing blue city of Chefchaouen.
HIGHLIGHTS
Stay in tasteful and charming Riads, Kasbahs & Desert Camps
Experience Morocco's ancient culture and UNESCO sites
Experience the fascinating Imperial Cities of Marrakech, Fes & Rabat
Experience an insiders experience of touring
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE MARRAKECH
Arrive at Marrakech Menara Intl Airport and transfer to the historical heart of Marrakech, founded in 1062 as an important "Imperial City" by the Almoravids. We immediately get a feel of its presence in the UNESCO-listed Old Medina of Marrakech, a major political, economic and cultural centre of the western Muslim world and learn about its colourful past. Thereafter, we enjoy an orientation of the bustling Jemaa el Fnaa square, one of the largest communal squares in the world with a parade of street vendors, markets, restaurants and more. From here, we will also see the Koutoubia Mosque, the undisputed landmark of the city in th medina quarter completed under the reign of the Berber Almohad Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur in 1199.
Overnight: Villa des Orangers, Marrakech
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: MARRAKECH / AIT BENHADDOU / OUARZAZATE / SKOURA
A fresh day begins as we journey to the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou, the backdrop for famous films such as "Lawrence of Arabia", "Gladiator" and "Kingdom of Heaven". Designed and built as a communal housing compound that is traditional to the Maghreb, the buildings lie in a strategic position against a mountain with angle towers surrounded by steep defensive walls. Continue next to Ouarzazate, renowned for its spectacular and dramatic settings where many film studios and movie production companies set up bases here. We visit the Kasbah Taourirt, built by the Glaoui in the 19th Century and was one of the largest kasbah in Morocco. Discover a cobweb of sun-kissed buildings elaborated with multi-level towers and turrets rising out of closely-packed ksours (single family kasbahs), ramparts with geometrical drawings and a series of alleys and gateways. We then finally arrive in the beautiful oasis town of Skoura.
Overnight: Dar Ahlam, Skoura
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 3: SKOURA / DADES VALLEY / MERZOUGA
After breakfast, continue your journey witnessing changing landscapes before arriving into the heart of the spectacular Dades Valley, famous for its roses and rose water perfume essences, the spectacular Todra Gorge with canyon walls rising 750m on either side. Make a brief stop at Tinghir, one of the largest and most beautiful oases in Morocco. Finally, our journey culminates in our arrival to Merzouga, on the edge of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes stretching 50km long and 5km wide that reaches up to 350m high. Arrive at the dramatic setting of the Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp where you will experience a traditional and inviting hospitality of the Berbers and enjoy an evening of campfire under the night sky adorned with millions of stars.
Overnight: Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp, Merzouga
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 4: MERZOUGA / FES
Early rise this morning as you hop onto the camels for a ride on the sand dunes for an inspiring sun rise. Watch the sun gradually rising to cast spectacular hues on the dunes creating a visual wonder. Spend some moments before returning to camp for breakfast. Thereafter, say farewell to your Berber hosts and continue a full day journey north past changing landscapes from deserts to olive plantations and fir trees. We make a brief rest stop in the elegant mountain town of Azrou before our final push to the ancient capital city of Morocco. Fes.
Overnight: Riad Fes, Fes
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: FES
Today, we begin a tour of Fes. Founded in 807, Fes is the most ancient of the "Imperial Cities" and is considered to be the most complete medieval city of the Arab world. It is a unique and remarkable place that stimulates all your senses, with haunting and beautiful sounds, visual richness and wafting smells - suspended in time between the Middle Ages and today. The exploration includes the Fes el Bali (Old Medina), with its palaces, mosques and madrasas. Visit the Bou Inania Medersa, Chouara Leather Tannery, the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts. Thereafter, spend the rest of the day at leisure to walk through the labyrinths and alleys to immerse yourself into the medina.
Overnight: Riad Fes, Fes
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: FES (EXCURSION TO MEKNES & VOLUBILIS)
Our day starts with a visit to Meknes, another "Imperial City" with over 50 palaces with almost 30km of walls and 20 gates. We then continue to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, high on a plateau overlooking the Holy city of Moulay Idriss nestled in a lush valley below. The Atlas Mountains in the background adds to the beauty of the setting where the 2nd and 3rd Century Roman town is noted for its colourful and interesting mosaics depicting daily lives, the capitol and the triumphal arch.
Overnight: Riad Fes, Fes
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 7: FES / CHEFCHAOUEN
Today , we travel north to the Blue City of Chefchaouen, beautifully-perched beneath the raw peaks of the Rif Mountains and one of the most beautiful towns in Morocco. Chefchaouen is a delightful combination of Moroccan and Andalusian influence where locals are well-versed in Arab, French and Spanish. Every corner of Chefchaouen is amazingly-painted in all shades of blue, providing an irresistible charm.
Overnight: Lina Ryad & Spa, Chefchaouen
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 8: CHEFCHAOUEN / RABAT
We leave Chefchaouen today and travel to the UNESCO-listed capital city of Morocco, Rabat. We visit the Hassan Tower, a rose-tinted sandstone mosque tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V where the remains of the Moroccan King Mohammed V and his sons are held. Thereafter, we make a visit to the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of the Udayas which was constructed during the reign of the Almohads.
Overnight: Villa Diyafa, Rabat
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: DEPART RABAT / CASABLANCA
Today, be met and transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V Intl Airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
Villa des Orangers is a Relais & Chateaux property and a former palace located in the centre of Marrakech, just a few mins walk from Jemaa el Fna Square. Each air-conditioned room is equipped with minibar, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen tv. Villa des Orangers has a hammam, massage booths and fitness rooms.
Visitors will be inspired to pen their own chapter of the Arabian Nights at the Dar Ahlam, a traditional kasbah situated in the luscious palm grove of Skoura. A different setting awaits guests at every turn. All suites are spacious, with air-conditioning, fireplaces, roomy bathrooms and Wi-Fi.
Tranquility, luxury and friendly Berber hospitality in the middle of the desert. This can all be enjoyed in comfort at Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp. Each of the 5 spacious tents are equipped with wall-to-wall rugs, solar-powered lighting and handcrafted furniture.
Located in the heart of Fes Medina, this Riad is a 25mins drive from Fes Intl Airport. Offering air-conditioned rooms and suites with oriental furnishings and a panoramic pool-side terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains.
Lina Ryad & Spa is situated in the heart of Chefchaouen and offers a rooftop terrace with a view of the medina. The on-site spa features an indoor pool, a hammam and a hot tub. With views of the Rif Mountains, the air-conditioned suites are elegantly decorated and include free Wi-Fi, a flat screen tv and a seating area.
Villa Diyafa - Arabic word for hospitality - is a harmonious combination of Moroccan lifestyle and Swiss excellence. In the Ambassadors district of Rabat, this charming hotel is devoted to refinement. Every room pays tribute to the art de vivre of Ziryab, the master of Andalusian elegance.
