Morocco Desert Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech

Morocco Desert Tour from Casablanca to Marrakech 9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS

DAY 1  CASABLANCA

We meet your flight and ease you through our modern airport before taking you to your hotel in

Casablanca . Should your flight arrive in the hours of darkness you will be delighted by our visit to

the wonderful building of Hassan II Mosque. Built over the sea, it is illuminated at night with a

laser which projects towards Makkah from its immense minaret. Tonight you will enjoy a traditional

dinner in Casablanca before settling into your hotel for the night.

DAY 2  CASABLANCA – FES

After a leisurely breakfast we start our adventure with a sightseeing trip of Casablanca.  

It is considered the economic capital of the world and as such you will notice the wealth and 

modernity of the Anfa Quarter.  We will be able to see the mosque of Hassan II in daylight once more

 as we visit the Corniche of Casablanca.  This modern promenade is broad and green and offers a

fresh escape from the busy city.  We take a walk, watching the huge waves crashing against

the sea wall whilst seabirds swoop and feed over the sea.  The vast range of cafés, restaurants and

ice-cream parlours make it difficult to choose between their delicious wares, should you wish to

linger a while and take in the views.

We continue later with the drive of around three hours to Fes where you will have time to acquaint

yourself with your new surroundings and stretch your legs before dinner this evening. Your

accommodation tonight will be in a hotel in Fes, so we wake tomorrow well rested in anticipation of

a full and thrilling day exploring Fes.

DAY 3  FES

Enjoy your hearty breakfast this morning before we meet you to share the wonders of this must-do

city in Morocco.  Our day will transport us to a time long gone, prepare for sensory bombardment in

the ancient imperial capital that is Fes! Fortunately you will have the whole day to take in the

haunting sounds, swirling colours, and pungent aromas as we guide you through the narrow lanes

that form the wondrous maze that is Fes el Bali.

We visit Bouanania Medersa, with its Andalusian architecture it boasts an airy courtyard surrounded

by traditional zellij mosaic work and particularly striking carvings, including the unique water clock .

Open to non-Muslims this Islamic schools gives us respite from the city like an oasis in the desert.

Fes is a city of doorways, each opening onto its own secrets and some of which are visit worthy in

themselves,  hence we go to The Kings Palace door and witness its ornate golden splendour and the

Moorish-styled iconic Bab Boujloud, the western gateway to Fez el Bali.

We meander through the Mullah, the old Jewish quarter known for the architecture of its balconies

The Zaouia of Moulay Idriss is a religious complex containing the tomb of Idris II, its dedicatee, who

ruled Morocco in the ninth century and is considered to be the founder of Fes.  Come with us to

marvel at the intricacies of the ornately carved stucco and zellij work.

DAY 4 FES – MERZOUGA

Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning as we shall be camel riding in Merzouga later on today.

Merzouga contrasts starkly with Fes, under developed and raw, it seems we have travelled it time

and space.  The mesmeric swaying of the camels across the sweeping dunes makes you feel as if

you will encounter Lawrence of Arabia at any moment!   It is the ideal way to arrive at your Berber

tent accommodation for tonight.  We share a Berber meal and spend the evening absorbing the

warmth and generosity that is the custom of these desert people who live a world away from our

own. Before the night sets in and early tomorrow morning be sure to find yourself a comfortable

place to watch the desert sunset and sunrise across the windswept dunes.  The changing colours as

the sun sleeps and awakens is unforgettable.  This is also the ideal place to view the clear

night sky in all its perfection with little light pollution.

DAY 5 MERZOUGA – TINGHIR

After breakfast this morning we head off for Tinghir.  The fault in the plateau here forms a huge

gorge which feels as if the earth has split in two.  People feel so tiny against the dramatic brown

limestone walls which rise 300 metres above the stream.  A meander along the gorge is an

impressive trek where we feel immediately connected to nature at its most fundamental level.

Today’s breathtaking experience will no doubt form lasting memories for you.

This evening we dine in Tinghir, an oasis area at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, and spend the

 night here too.

DAY 6   TINGHIR – OUARZAZATE

The valley of the roses stretches out across the desert of southern Morocco, a pink paradise when in

bloom, although the valley is also known for its amazingly tasty apricots. This route across the Sahara

 allows us to embrace the fascinating Berber culture and of course to sample the infamous Moroccan

mint tea at its best. 

We will see the huge Kasbah Taourirt in the small desert town of Ouarzazate whose ochre tones

have been the backdrop to many a film.  Indeed this is the gateway to Morocco’s Hollywood.

 Our evening meal will be in Ouarzazate where we will also spend the night in a hotel.

DAY 7 OUARZAZATE – MARRAKECH

After breakfast today it’s time for us to visit the charming Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah before we set off

for Marrakech. 

This is a site to enthrall film buffs with so many scenes having been filmed here including some from

‘The Jewel of the Nile’, ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Prince of Persia’ not to mention some scenes more recently

in the television series ‘Game of Thrones’.  The ancient fortified village has few inhabitants these

days in the Moroccan clay houses which in themselves are quite intriguing and a UNESCO world

heritage site.  You are free to lunch locally before we continue our adventure.

Good Evening Marrakech!  The city enlivens us after our journey with its unique and unforgettable

energy.  Experience the aroma of traditional cuisine wafting in billows of smoke across the square,

enjoy the sounds of  music played on local instruments, taste the delights from a multitude of stalls

find yourself comfortable lost in the alleys of shops, watch the street entertainers from acrobats to

snake charmers, for everyone  Jemaa el Fna is a unique and personal experience not to be missed.

DAY 8 MARRAKECH

After breakfast we have a full and busy program today.

Jemaa el Fna has a particular feeling during the day offering a bursting rainbow of colours and

activity.  We wander across the square to visit the superb Koutoubia Mosque.   With its

classic Moroccan architecture the fascinating minaret is detailed in its design and is the best example

of only three Almohad towers  worldwide, (the others being in Seville and Rabat). Amongst other

features the building is decorated with kufic script, ceramic work and interestingly shaped horseshoe

arched windows. 

Medersa Ben Yousef is our next place of interest. This Quranic School is so highly decorated as to

amaze anyone who enters.  The Zellij tiles are stunning; the woodwork of superb quality and the

stucco is startling.  One can’t help but wonder at the hours the craftsmen toiled to create such a

vision! Outside the breathtaking architecture continues as a series of highly decorated arches and

columns lining a courtyard which exudes peace.

We have some free time now to take lunch at any of the many restaurants before we regroup this

afternoon.  Having relaxed a little we make our way to Bahia Palace.  Be prepared to be

overwhelmed once more by the magnificence of the design.  The artisanship contrasts with that of

the medersa but again is absolutely incredible!

As we visit The Saadiens Tombs this afternoon we have many tales to tell about the history and

legends that pertain to the tombs but for now we keep you in suspense.

Our dinner tonight is in Marrakech where the buzz of Jemaa el Fna takes our sense for a spin.

Beautiful lights hammered into brass and silver guide our way through the bustling streets as they

swing from their stalls reflecting on inlaid wooden furniture arranged beneath. People of all ages

wander safely and comfortably through the medina at night enjoying the sounds of the Berber

music ; the traditional games played by adults and children alike, the wonderful ice-cream and

milkshakes with new flavours to experience and countless stalls displaying traditional Moroccan

food.  Meanwhile street entertainers and performers keep everyone entertained.

Your Marrakech hotel will offer you a relaxing night.

DAY 9 MARRAKECH

This morning is departure day, and all too soon as by now we will have become friends, (you will find

Moroccan culture very warm and welcoming).  We transport you to Marrakech airport (or to

Casablanca for an additional charge) and bid our farewells.

HIGHLIGHTS

CASABLANCA

• High Quarter of of Anfa
• The Nations Park
• The Corniche Boulevard
• Hassan II Mosque (externally for non Muslims)

FEZ              

• Multi coloured cauldrons at the tannery
• Moorish and Imperial architecture. Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II
• Medina; Berber pharmacies, leather and traditional craftwork
• Kings Palace door
• The Mullah
• Bab Bouljoud
• Bouanania Medersa
• The Atlas Mountains

MERZOUGA

• Camel ride in sweeping dunes
• The Overnight Berber Tent Experience

TINGHIR

• Todra Gorge

OUARZAZATE

• UNESCO site Ait Ben Haddou
•  Film locations
• Valley of the Roses, El-Kelaa Mgouna

MARRAKECH

• Koutoubia Mosque
• Bahia Palace
• Medersa Ben Yousef
• Saadians Tombs
• Jemaa el Fna