Upon arrival at Casablanca airport, you will be met by your private driver, then you will get the opportunity to visit the Great Mosque Hassan II where you will meet a fascinating example of Moroccan architecture. It is the largest mosque in the kingdom and the fifth largest mosque in the world. It stands on a promontory looking out on the Atlantic, and has space for 25,000 worshippers. A further 80,000 can be accommodated in the mosque’s adjoining grounds for a total of 105,000 worshippers present at any given time at the Hassan II mosque. Its minaret is the tallest one in the world at 210 m. You will leave Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco, to the political one Rabat.
After your breakfast start the journey, we will see the Oudaya Kasbah and its beautiful gardens, This Kasbah of the Oudaya is located at Abou Regreg river. It was built during the reign of the Almohad dynasty in 1150 AD. The Mausoleum of Mohamed V and Hassan II and Hassan Tower which is the minaret of an incomplete mosque in Rabat constructed in 1195 AD. The tower was intended to be the largest minaret in the world with the mosque. Then travel to Chefchaouen via Tetouan where you will stop to explore the city, then to blue city, Chefchaouen, you will start the day by exploring Medina. Chefchaouen is a beautiful unique city with its white washed walls and its blue doors and windows. Unlike many parts of Morocco, Chefchaouen was occupied by Spain. Therefore there is much influence of Spanish civilization and architecture. You have the opportunity to meet locals and walk in this beautiful Medina.
After your breakfast, you will travel south via Ouazzan towards Fes. Before that, you will have the chance to travel back to the 3rd century by visiting one of the most important archaeological site in the kingdom. It is Volubulis, Walili in Arabic language, an attractive roman city or what we call the ruins of Volubilis, which was listed as a UNESCO world Heritage site in 1997. Then onwards to Meknes, where your discovery includes visits to the main historical monuments of Meknes, starting with the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail (1672–1727).Then we go to the granaries, built in 1600. They were ingeniously designed. Tiny windows, massive walls and a system of underflow water channels kept the temperatures cool and air circulating. He didn’t store food for humans, but grain and hay to feed his 15.000 horses. You will stop as well to get pictures of the Bab Al Mansour the Great gate, built in the 11th century. Meknes has been greatly impacted by the Moorish style building. It is now the fifth biggest city of the kingdom since it has a good economy, based mainly on agriculture, olives and wine.
After breakfast, you will meet with your local guide for your tour of the Old Madina, one of the world’s largest walled cities. You will explore the narrow streets lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco. A visit to the King’s Palace, the tanneries, and potters are just a few places you will experience. You will be dropped off at your Riad at the end of the tour. Enjoy your evening exploring the medina and the hustle bustle of the street stalls. Overnight in Riad with breakfast.
Pick up in your Riad/Hotel, you will begin toward the Middle Atlas Mountains. Most of the day will be spent winding your way through the beautiful forests of Cedar, jagged rock faces, and Berber villages as you cross the Atlas Mountains and begin to descend towards the Sahara Desert. Half way, you will stop for lunch in the town of Midelt, famous for its fossils and rocks. We continued on mountain roads overlooking the wide flowing Oued Ziz. Passing Kasbahs and palm groves we pass through the adobe colored city of Er-Rachidia and arrive in the late afternoon to Merzouga, city on the outskirts of the Sahara Desert. Then later in the afternoon saddle your camels for your journey across the desert during a beautiful sunset to reach your camp for the night by the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Overnight in the Nomad tent, night full of stars, Berber music.
Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the dunes then take back to Merzouga. Then we begin our journey to Alnif, heading towards the volcanic Jbel of Saghro of dramatic rock formations and gorges, where you will take a walk up in the towering Todra Gorges (600 feet high). The picturesque river valleys make for a beautiful journey towards the southeast of Morocco. Continue your journey towards another impressive gorge Dades, passing the strange rock creation of Tamnalt Hills. Overnight in the heart of Dades Gorge,
After your breakfast you will set off towards the High Atlas Mountains via Ouarzazate. Then continue your trip via the Road of One Thousand Kasbahs, passing the Skoura palm oasis before arriving in Ouarzazate. Visit the UNESCO heritage Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. In typical Moroccan fashion, the true treasures must be searched out and discovered… usually off the beaten path. In actuality, this setting has been used for more films than any other location in Morocco; films including Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and recently The Gladiator. Lunch can be taken at Ait Benhaddou. In the afternoon, we cross over the High Atlas mountains towards Marrakech.
Today you and your fellow North South Morocco Tour participants travel to Marrakech, the exotic ochre coloured city that is the imperial city of the south. Your hotel is located near the Djemaa el Fna Square, the vibrant heart of the city. The activities on the square are continually changing – you will see snake charmers, musicians, acrobats and storytellers. In the evening open food-stalls are set up with delicious kebabs and salads. Your senses will be reeling in the narrow streets of the medieval medina. Fully loaded donkeys walk back and forth through the narrow streets, which smell of herbs, leather and meat stalls.
After breakfast, we will travel towards a charming small town, Essaouira, an old Portuguese city of Mogador. It was fortified by a French architect Vauban follower. These influences have given a beautiful and unique result. Today, the city is gradually becoming a city of artists. Essaouira has a very favorable microclimate that ensures a mild winter and cool in summer. Not to mention also, a beautiful beach protected by islands Purpuraires. Artisans of Essaouira are famous for inlay on root growth cedar and offer a wide range of items from the souvenir to parts of furniture and works of art. In the afternoon we will return to Marrakech.
Transfer to the airport where you will bid farewell to Morocco for your return home.