Start your journey with a pick-up from your hotel in Marrakech and take a guided tour of the city, visiting the Bahia Palace, a beautiful 19th century palace that was built for a rich Moroccan noble, the Saadian Tombs, the mausoleum of the Saadian dynasty, and the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech and one of the largest in Morocco. Afterwards, wander through the vibrant souks of the Medina, where you can find everything from traditional Moroccan crafts to spices and textiles. Haggle with the local merchants, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and take in the unique architecture of the medina. Finish the day with a traditional dinner and a show of Moroccan folklore in a riad, a traditional Moroccan house.
Depart for the High Atlas Mountains, the highest range of mountains in North Africa, and take a scenic drive through the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, which is a winding road that takes you through traditional Berber villages and offers breathtaking views of the mountains. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to stop and take in the scenery and take some beautiful photos. Once you reach Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the village and learn about the local history and culture. Ait Benhaddou is a fortified village that dates back to the 17th century and is known for its traditional architecture and beautiful kasbahs. It's also a popular filming location for movies and TV series such as Game of Thrones and Gladiator. After exploring the village, you'll have some free time to wander around and take in the views, before continuing your journey.
After breakfast, you will depart for Ouarzazate, known as the "door of the desert" and the Hollywood of Africa. Ouarzazate is home to the Atlas Studios, one of the largest movie studios in the world, where you can see the sound stages and sets of famous films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Babel. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a beautiful example of traditional Moroccan architecture and learn about the history of the city. After your visit in Ouarzazate, you will continue to Dades Valley, also known as the "Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs." The Dades Valley is a beautiful region of Morocco known for its unique landscapes, red-rock canyons and traditional Berber villages. You'll have the chance to explore the valley, visit the traditional villages and see the kasbahs and palmeries. You will spend the night in a traditional riad or hotel in the valley.
After breakfast, you will set out to visit the Todra Gorge, a stunning natural site where the high Atlas Mountains and the desert come together. The Todra Gorge is a narrow canyon with towering cliffs that rise up to 300 meters, it's a perfect place for hiking and rock climbing. You'll have the opportunity to take a guided hike in the gorge, and take in the beautiful scenery. After the visit, you will continue to Merzouga, a small desert village located in the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes, the highest dunes in North Africa. Upon arrival in Merzouga, you will embark on a camel ride to the desert camp located in the middle of the dunes where you will spend the night. The camel ride will take you through the desert, you'll see the desert landscapes, and enjoy the sunset over the dunes. Once you reach the camp, you'll have the chance to relax, enjoy a traditional dinner and watch the stars in the desert sky.
Wake up early in the morning to catch the beautiful sunrise over the dunes before taking a camel ride back to Merzouga. After breakfast, you will set out to visit Rissani, a small desert town known as the spiritual capital of the desert. Rissani is the main city of the Tafilalt region and has a rich history, it is the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty that still rules Morocco. You will have the opportunity to visit the Sijilmassa ruins, an ancient city that dates back to the 8th century. Afterwards, you will continue to Erfoud, a city known for its fossil mines, you will visit a local workshop where you will learn about the process of extracting and polishing fossils. After Erfoud, you will continue to Tazzarine, a small desert village located in the Draa valley, where you will have the opportunity to see the nomadic way of life and learn about their culture. Tazzarine is also known for its beautiful landscapes, you will have the chance to take in the views of the desert and the Atlas Mountains. You will spend the night in a traditional riad or hotel in Tazzarine.
After breakfast, you will depart for Fes, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. Fes is one of the oldest imperial cities in the country and has a rich history dating back to the 9th century. Upon arrival, you will take a guided tour of the city, visiting the Bou Inania Madrasa, a beautiful 14th century madrasa (Islamic school) that is considered one of the most impressive examples of Moroccan architecture, the Dar Batha Museum, a palace turned into a museum that showcases the traditional Moroccan art and culture, and the famous tanneries, where you will see the process of leather making. After the guided tour, you will have some free time to explore the city on your own, you can visit the famous Fes El Bali, the old medina of Fes, where you will find the famous Bou Jeloud gardens and the famous Kairaouine mosque, one of the oldest universities in the world. You will also have the chance to shop in the traditional souks and buy some traditional Moroccan crafts and souvenirs. You will spend the night in a traditional riad or hotel in Fes.
On the last day of the tour, you will return to Marrakech, the red city, and take a leisurely stroll through the Jardin Majorelle, a beautiful garden designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle. The garden features exotic plants, fountains, and a traditional Moroccan-style house that was once the artist's studio. It's a peaceful oasis in the bustling city, and a great place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of Marrakech. After the visit to the garden, you will have some free time to explore the city on your own, you can visit the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs or the famous Koutoubia Mosque again if you missed something on the first day, or you can simply stroll through the souks, bargain with the merchants and buy some souvenirs. The tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel in Marrakech.
By booking with our agency you will have the opportunity to experience the most iconic places in Morocco and have an unforgettable journey filled with culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Our experienced guides will make sure you get the most out of your journey, and you will have the chance to explore the real Morocco, off the beaten path.
Please note that this is an indicative itinerary and subject to change. GT TRAVEL will customize the exact itinerary based on your preferences and availability.
Do not hesitate to contact us. We will be more than happy to accompany you and advise you.