Rabat
Day 1 – Casablanca – (check into hotel)
Day 2 Casablanca - Rabat
The next morning you have some time to visit the Hassan mosque with a view of the sea. "Casa" as the Moroccans call Casablanca a modern city: there is nice shopping, great restaurants and great iconic buildings.
We drive two hours to Rabat, where we have a stylish hotel in the center. From the lovely terrace, you can the observe life of the Moroccans observe at your leisure. The capital Rabat is one of the four ancient imperial cities. In the medina you can wander into winding alleys, with lots of gold, silver and spice shops or negotiate in the mellah, the lively Jewish district. You can also go with the tour leader to visit Chella, an ancient Roman town and the archaeological museum.
A grand mausoleum was built in Rabat commemorating King Mohammed V. The changing of the guard are always attracts lots of attention. Birdwatchers should not miss "Jardins d'Essai. Here many storks and ibises, have their nests built on the ruins, which features minarets of an ancient mosque.
Chefchaouen
Day 3 Rabat - Chefchaouen
Day 4 Chefchaouen
During the journey to Chefchaouen, you can enjoy the spectacular views. The city has a clear Spanish appearance, which stems from the days when the area was a protectorate of Spain. Chefchaouen is beautiful against the mountains. In the 15th century the town was occupied by Muslims and Jews who had fled. For centuries it remained closed from the outside world which explains the unique atmosphere.
The little tourist Medina reflects the multicultural nature of origin of the town with a Moroccan, an Andalusian, a Berber and a Jewish area, although the differences are subtle now. You come from visit the textile working areas on a tour of the town, where you will find carpets to djellaba's. You can also make a nice hike accompanied by a guide.
Fez
Day 5 Chefchaouen - Volubilis - Fez
Day 6 Fez
Day 7 Fès, Meknès excursion
A bus ride takes us through the Rif Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes to Fes. The Roman ruins of Volubilis was the early city center of a fertile agricultural area, where not only corn and olives were grown but also wild animals were raised. In a number of Roman villas there are still beautiful mosaics.
Moulay Idriss is the holiest place in Morocco. Until 1912 it was not allowed for non-Muslims of Moulay Idriss to enter. In Meknes, the Mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail is the main attraction. The courtyard has a fountain in the middle and the walls and floors are covered with beautiful mosaics. A wooden beam that spans the street lets us know where "Christians and pack animals" should not go.
Fez is the oldest royal city of Morocco and the religious center of the country. The medina of Fez extends over a hill. In the upper part is the area of the potters, lower housing and workshops of the tanners and dyers. The latter give their neighborhoods literally a colorful appearance as the strands of wool dyed in huge earthenware jugs hang in the streets to dry.
The medina in Fez is very busy and varied. You can buy substances and herbs, and amulets against the evil eye. A walk with a guide through the medina takes you to places you normally do not come as a beautiful old Koran school, or a beautiful empty mosque. You could also look at a hammam (bath house) where you can go to relax.
Erfoud
Day 8 Fes - Erfoud
Day 9 Erfoud, Erg Chebbi desert safari
The day's journey from Fez to Erfoud is a long but beautiful trip across the Middle Atlas. You can see how this mountain range affects the climate on both sides, from a predominantly green area we drive on the other side of the ridge in a desert area.
We pass the mountain village Azrou where Berber life of herding sheep and goats. Through the cedar forests of Azrou you can take a walk and maybe get to see the monkeys who live in the trees. Along the way we can have lunch in Midelt, a stopping place with many restaurants. It’s possible that among the nomad tents you will get an invitation for tea.
By evening we arrive in Erfoud, where we stay overnight and relax at the pool. The next day we make an unforgettable desert safari where you cover a piece of land with rovers. Deeper into Erg Chebbi the small desert begins. Near Merzouga you can experience the sunset. Afterwards follows a typical Berber dinner in a Bedouin tent. We spend the night there so that the morning you can observe the sun will rise above the sand dunes. Mattresses, blankets, toilets and showers are available. After breakfast you drive back to Erfoud.
Tinerhir
Day 10 Erg Chebbi - Todrakloof - Gorges Dades
Day 11 Gorges Dades
We drive a few hours from Erfoud to the famous Todra Gorge. The water from a river here has a fomred a stunning gorge. You can hike through the gorge, occasionally requiring you to jump from stone to stone to keep your feet dry. We stay in a different natural surroundings, the Dades Gap.
Here you have a day off to explore the rugged landscape. There are several walks from one hour to almost a full day. You can choose a simple walk from the hotel as a starting point. Experienced hikers can take a van up in the gap for a challenging climb.
Zagora
Day 12 Gorges Dades - Ouarzazate - Zagora
Day 13 Zagora
We drive towards southern Zagora through the Valley of a Thousand's Kasbah. In this green valley are many castles, where we occasionally make stops. Some are still inhabited, others are only rememberances what once was. After four o'clock we break up the journey for lunch in Ouarzazate and at the end of the afternoon we arrive to Zagora.
Here you spend the night in a nice hotel in the palm oasis, with restaurant and pool. Characteristic of this small village are the mud houses and large square, where life is going. In traditional jalabiya robed men are sitting here together in groups, you can hear the incessant clattering of dominoes. Zagora is located in a desert region and is a quiet place from where you can make beautiful walks or even take a camel ride in the desert.
Marrakech
Day 14 Zagora - Marrakech
Day 15 Marrakech
We leave early for the relatively long trip to Marrakech, the city of the king. The tour begins with a trip from Zagora through the green valley of Draa, where dozens of Kasbah's can be seen. Some are still inhabited, others are just the ruins of the past. We interrupt the journey for lunch in Ouarzazate. We pass the highest point of the Atlas mountains at 2160 meters, where you have a phenomenal view of the area.
Eventually we arrive late afternoon in Marrakech. The square Djemaa el-Fna is the heart of the city, In the morning you can be the most colorful market of Morocco. In the afternoon, the square turns into a big fairground attraction. Magicians, snake charmers, fortune tellers and beggars mingle among sellers and offer a fascinating spectacle. Near the square is the striking Koutoubia mosque with a square tower.
Also you can indulge yourself in Marrakech with the beautiful architecture, where there are and several palaces and a view of the Kasbah's. There are some beautiful parks, such as the Menara and Agdaltuinen where you can unwind. For thse who wish to escape the urban rush a trip to the mountains a must.
Essaouira
Day 16 Marrakech - Marrakech
Day 17 Essaouira
Day 18 Essaouira
From Marrakech we drive to the fishing town of Essaouira, where we have three nights in a simple hotel. Essaouira is a real relief after many busy days of travel in the heat. The almost constant winds provide pleasant cool breezes. The fortress, with its weathered white houses, the numerous coffee houses and terraces are more Portuguese than a typical town in Morocco.
With its large, landlocked forts, Essaouira was a thriving marketplace. Later, the city also famous as a seaside resort. You can find beautiful long beach walks and dine on delicious fish. Essaouira produces very characteristic wood carvings.
Casablanca
Day 19 Essaouira - Casablanca
Day 20 Casablanca
The last day of your stay in Morocco, we take the the bus from Essaouira to Casablanca. We pass El-Jadida, known for its beautiful beaches and the old Portuguese part of town. In the afternoon we arrive in Casablanca. Now you can see that this is much more modern than you've seen elsewhere in Morocco. The group leaves late in the evening.
