Desert tour 8 days

After having breakfast in your hotel, you will have a cultural guided tour of Marrakech. This mysterious city has gained a worldwide reputation thanks to the immense beauty & cultural diversity with which it has been endowed. Drive through the “Ville Nouvelle”, which was built by the French when Morocco was a French Protectorate from 1912 to 1956 to the botanical gardens of Majorelle. This haven of peace & tranquility was beautifully created by Jacques Majorelle who collected plants from all over the globe to come up with his dreamlike small paradise. Saint Laurent came later to add his unique artistic stamp offering, nowadays, the possibility to visit the Saint Laurent Museum that is located within the gardens. Your cultural tour of Marrakech will take place from the Koutoubia Mosque (the landmark of Marrakech). The minaret covers the horizons of the pink city & its foundation goes back to the 12th century when the Almohad dynasty had conquered the Almoravid “Berber Warriors”. From the majestic Bab (gate) Agnaw, you’ll get to the Kasbah District to explore the Saadian Tombs. Then, meander around the intricate alleyways of the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) leading us to the Bahia Palace, which was built by the late Sultan Hassan I’s main vizier. Stroll in the vibrant Souks that are divided into sections according to specialty before ending up the walking tour in the Jemaa El-Fna Square (the focal point of Marrakech). In the evening, it turns into a carnival filled with musicians, acrobats, snake-charmers, magicians, story-tellers, fortune-tellers and much more.

Today, you will head south crossing the high Atlas Mountainous chain that stands like a wall dividing Morocco’s south to its north. Drive through the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260 m), and then have a guided walking tour of the Ait Benhaddou Village. This UNESCO Listed village consists of numerous Kasbahs (fortresses) and has been used as a backdrop for shooting many Hollywood Movies including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, Prince of Persia and many others. After lunch, we drive through Ouarzazate (Hollywood of Af Rica) with the possibility to include a visit to the famous Atlas Film Studios. Continue on the track further southeast through Skoura with its preserved Amredil Kasbah, then through the Valley of Roses before reaching our final destination of the day, the Dades Valley.

After having breakfast in your hotel, you’ll head to the Sahara Desert of Erg Chebbi while including a short break in the majestic Gorge of Todra (canyon) where you may want to stretch your legs while enjoying the stunning views. After lunch, you’ll drive through Erfoud is known for the dates production & fossil museums. When you arrive to the Erg Chebbi dunes, you’ll have a journey on a camel to attend the miraculous view of the sunset. Return back the desert camp for dinner followed by a time of entertainment.

Early wake up in the morning to attend the sunrise view atop the sand dune and after breakfast, you’ll continue on the track north to Fes through the palm-dotted Ziz Valley, Ziz Gorge, Midelt and Ifrane. You’ll include numerous stops for chilling out and for taking pictures. Lunch will take place in Midelt.

Today, you’ll spend the day exploring what Fes has to offer with your experienced tour guide. You’ll start with a drive uphill to enjoy the panoramic view of the Fes el-Bali (oldest Fes). Then, head to the Mellah (former Jewish Quarter) & Royal Palace where you can take pictures by the Golden Gates, and where you may want to stretch your legs in the vibrant street of the Mellah before getting inside the large old Medina of Fes. Fes el-Bali is listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site & is the largest car-free district in the world. The only means of transportation is mules and donkeys. The vibrant Souks and the bustling cafes along the historical monuments are what you can expect to come across.

After having breakfast, you’ll head to Chefchaouen through the Rif Mountains. Upon arrival, you will embark on exploring this beautiful blue-village, which is nestled at the feet of the two mountains with the shape of goat’s horns after which Chefchaouen is named as in Tamazight language “Chaouen” means “Horns”. The dominant aspect that has captivated the eyes, as well as the souls of visitors, is the blue color with which the whole town is painted. It was founded in the 15th century as a small fortress (Kasbah) to fight against the Portuguese invasion and then resided by the refugees who were expelled from Andalusia after the Reconquista. The blue was initially used by the Jewish people and then was adopted by everyone to the extent that no one is permitted, by law, to paint their building differently. Meander around the intricate streets with its beautiful shutters and windows before reaching the natural spring of “Ras El-Ma) where you will see women washing clothes and carpets, and boys playing soccer in the nearby field. Chefchaouen is a live museum of art where the eye can never get bored; as a result, you may easily give up to getting lost in an exploration that nourishes the soul. You may want to opt for doing some shopping (small items for souvenirs) as prices are reasonable and the vendors are free of hassle. Enjoy your lunch in one of the local restaurants overlooking the Kasbah and the famous Uta El-Hammam Square while watching the passers-by.

Today, you head to Tangier through the Rif Mountains for departure.