Itinerary
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Day 1
Fes Fès is the most ancient and impressive of the imperial cities. Built in the eighth century, it has more history and mystery than anywhere else in Morocco. The medina (market) in Fès El Bali is one of the largest in the world and is also on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. It is a huge maze of winding streets and covered bazaars where you can buy almost anything. It is particularly good for carpets, rugs and ornate metalwork. Upon arrival into Morocco, you will be met at the door of the plane and escorted through Customs and Immigration avoiding any queues. Upon arrival to Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, be welcomed by an English speaking guide before being transferred to your hotel in Fes. En route you will visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, the second largest mosque in the world after Mecca in Saudi Arabia (direct payment for the entrance). Continue to the diplomatic and administrative capital of Morocco, Rabat. Visit the Royal Palace, the wild gardens of the Chellah, the 4th-century Merinid necropolis, and a walk in the Andalusia Gardens which rest within the walls of the Kasbah of the Oudaya. Enjoy a stop at the Hassan Tower, a huge unfinished minaret, built mostly at the end of the 12th century. The tour is complete upon arrival to the hotel in Fes. Riad Fes is located in the heart of the ancient city of Fez. The Relais et Châteaux Riad Fes has succeeded in combining refinement with inspiration and invites you to relax and enjoy your stay in a serene atmosphere. The prestigious history and refined civilization of this Imperial city is reflected in the Spanish Moorish architecture and attention to detail seen in the décor. Its opened Andalous pavilion, in a simpler and contemporary style and its new baroco-andalous pavilion come to complete the traditional patio with a style even more contemporary and purified, to the full satisfaction of the guests who wish to spend some time in the middle of an oasis of harmony, comfort and luxury Overnight at Riad Fes. |
 Fez Mosque |
 Ancient Mosque in Chellah |
 Riad Fes Lobby |
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Day 2
Fes A private vehicle with English speaking driver will be at your disposal for the day. Explore the cultural and spiritual center of Morocco during this full day tour of Fes. Also known as Fes el Bali, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in the 9th century, and is home to the world's oldest university. The city of Fes reached its true economic and cultural height in the 13th–14th centuries under the Merinids, when it replaced Marrakech as the capital of the kingdom. Although the political capital of Morocco was transferred to Rabat in 1912, Fes has retained its status as the country's Artisan centre. Artisan workshops in the medina are as active today as they were 100 years ago, and strongly contribute to the city’s industrial economy. Trades such as blacksmithing, leather working, ceramics, silk, tapestries, and sculpting are still practiced in these workshops today. The original ramparts still protect this ancient city and its estimated 9000 narrow passageways and bustling streets. Overnight at Riad Fes. |
 Fes |
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Day 3
Fes A private vehicle with English speaking driver will be at your disposal for the day. Today you will explore the Imperial City of Meknes along with the Roman city of Volubilis. In antiquity, Volubilis was an important Roman town situated near the westernmost border of Roman conquests. It was built on the site of a previous Carthaginian settlement from the third century BC. Volubilis was the administrative center of the province in Roman Africa called Mauretania Tingitana. The fertile lands of the province produced many commodities such as grain and olive oil, which were exported to Rome, contributing to the province's wealth and prosperity. Then you'll discover the Imperial city of Meknes known as the “Moroccan Versailles”. Meknes was founded in the 17th century by King Moulay Ismail. It is famous for its 25-mile-long walls. Return to Fez later this afternoon. Overnight at Riad Fes. |
 Volubilis |
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Day 4
Merzouga The dunes of Erg Chebbi are a spectacular natural formation, the highest dunes in the country rising up to 300 meters at their highest point and best appreciated for watching the sun rise or set. They are approximately 28 kilometers in length and stretching away from the dunes, east and south towards Algeria, is a vast expanse of barren, rocky plains known locally as ‘hammada’. A private vehicle with English speaking driver will provide a transfer between Fes and Erfoud. Travel through the scenic cedar forest and across the Middle Atlas Mountain range to Midelt, where a lunch break is scheduled. Continue onwards towards Erfoud through the Ziz Gorge passing en-route the ancient, holy city of Rissani and the ruins of Sijilmassa, a once capital stopping locale for the old caravan routings of the 8th century. The approximate travel time is 7 hours. A 4x4 vehicle will be waiting for you to continue your adventure by heading towards the dunes of Erg Chebbi, possibly the largest dunes in the Sahara desert. The dunes of Erg Chebbi are a strikingly strange natural formation. On the top of the flattest area you could imagine, suddenly a long mountain of sand rises. This mountain is surrounded by flat and desolate nature on all sides, and you could end up wondering if it really is real. But so it is, even if its existence is so weird that it has given rise to legends and myths among the locals. Upon arrival at the camp you will witness the sunset from over the desert dunes and be astounded by the peace and calm as well as the changing colours of the landscape. If you're up to it you can also ride a camel! Enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch at the hotel Taddarte in Midelt. Enjoy your special night under the stars at this beautiful Oasis in a premium tented camp. Experience a camel ride at sunset and sunrise from the top of the dunes. Your desert experience includes an authentic Moroccan dinner under the stars and breakfast in the morning. Overnight at La Belle Etoile Bedouin Camp. |
 Merzouga Dunes |
 Village in the Atlas Mountains |
 La Belle Etoile tented camp |
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Day 5
Ouarzazate Ouarzazate is the capital of Ouarzazate Province in the Souss-Massa-Draâ of southern-central Morocco. As of 2004 it had a population of 56,616. It's located at an altitude of 1,160 m in the middle of a bare plateau, south of the High Atlas Mountains. To the south of the city is the desert. The town is chiefly inhabited by Berbers, who constructed many of the prominent kasbahs and building for which the area is known for. Travel today between Erfoud and Ouarzazate with private vehicle and english speaking driver. En-route, stop in the Dades Gorge, Todra Gorge's more beautiful, and older sister. These gorges are located just southwest of Tinerhir and some 110 km (65 miles) from Ouarzazate. In the latter winter, the Dades River flows and in mid-spring through early summer gives the valley an unprecedented amount of greenery. In the valleys along the Dades Gorge, you’ll notice more argan (nut) trees more than the palmeries that surround the Todra Gorge. When you arrive at the top of the gorges, you will notice the temperatures will be cooler, the views amazing, and the people delightful. Northwest of Rissani and Northeast of Ouarzazate, just up the road from Tinerhir are the Todra Gorges. Experience the unbelievable glory of the massive canyon walls reaching some 300 meters (900 feet) high and continuing for some 100 meters (300 feet). A little north-east of the southern city of Quarzazate, lies the Dadès Valley-stretching out between the peaks of the High Atlas and the Jbel Sarhro mountain range. Known as 'The Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs', it is the most prominent of the oasis valleys that dominate southern Morocco. Originating from melt water high up in the snowfields of the Haute Atlas, the river Dadès cuts a steep gorge, known as the Dadès Gorge, at Aït Oudinar and Aït Ali. From here, it flows across the broad Dadès Valley in a south-westerly direction towards Quarzazate. Before reaching Ouarzazate, you will make a stop in Skoura - one of Morocco’s beautiful oases. Skoura offers weary travellers a chance to rest their weary feet and enjoy the abundance of nature. At first glance from the road, it resembles a sort of thin, long, oasis. However once you get off the road you discover that Skoura in Morocco is very large and that what appeared to be a line of trees is actually a flourishing oasis. Continue to your lodging in the Ouarzazate area. Dinner not included in tour price. At the gates of the desert, this magnificent hotel invites you to explore a captivating region, to relax and wonder in another world as you escape beneath jasmin and roses. Designed as a traditional Moroccan village in the desert, the Berbere Palace is situated in the tourist area of Ouarzazate. The hotel provides 232 rooms to guests with a wonderful breakfast buffet and restaurants featuring both continental cuisine and local. The town is home to Atlas Studios, where all the major Moroccan and international filmmaking takes place. For those who want to get outside and explore the exotic sands of this area, make a trip to the desert and watch the sun set over the dunes. Later, return to this oasis and relax in the luxury of fresh gardens and sparkling skies. Overnight at Le Berbere Palace. |
 Ouarzazate |
 Le Berbere Palace Room |
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Day 6
Marrakech Marrakech, founded over 1,000 years ago, is also known as the ‘red city’, from the natural red-ochre pigment that colours its walls and buildings, and is perhaps the most famous city in Morocco. A combination of the old (the Medina) and the new (Guéliz), Marrakech is an exotic cocktail of sights and sounds. Its roots are Berber, rather than Arab, having developed as the metropolis of nomadic and Atlas tribes (from the plains and Sahara desert). Once upon a time, Marrakech was the marketplace for goods of all type (slaves, gold, ivory) brought by caravan from distant Southern empires, a commerce which shaped its souks and carnival way of life. Travel today between Ouarzazate and Marrakech in a private vehicle with an English speaking driver. The route through Ouarzazate to Marrakech offers wonderful photo opportunities including views of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of Aït Ben Haddou, where movies such as Gladiator and Jesus Of Nazareth were filmed, and the dramatic Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass. Part of Relais & Chateaux, Villa Des Orangers is one of the top places to stay in Marrakech. The moment you set down your bags here you know you are in for a real treat. A big garden and patios full of exotic plants, health facilities and beauty salon, a restaurant that blends French, Mediterranean and Moroccan influences, a cigar cellar, two swimming pools, one on the roof overlooking the Koutoubia Mosque and the Atlas mountains, a bar open all day so that you can sip mint tea and nibble at Moroccan sweets at your leisure Overnight at Villa Des Orangers. |
 marrakech |
 Ouarzazate |
 Villa Des Orangers |
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Day 7
Marrakech A private vehicle with English speaking driver will be at your disposal for the day. After breakfast you will be met at your hotel and taken on a full day guided tour of Marrakech. Your tour usually starts at the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque but you can discuss all of the options with your guide. The mosques beautiful minaret dominates the skyline of Marrakech and can be seen from almost every approach to the city thanks to a long-standing planning ordinance that forbids any other building in the old city to rise above the height of a palm tree. You will also visit the El-Bahia Palace, this 19th century palace is elaborate in its decoration and was built over a period seven years for Ba Ahmed, the son of the Grand Vizier Si Moussa, there are row after row of apartments—that once housed Ahmed's harem—a trapezoidal garden, a huge tiled courtyard, and many hidden treasures, both in the form of antique objects d'art and the palace's convergence of Andalusian and Moorish architecture. One of most visited sites in Morocco is the Saadian Tombs which were only accessible via the mosque next door. However, in 1917 they were opened to the public and can now be accessed via a narrow passage that leads to an enclosed garden watched over by two mausoleums that include more than one hundred mosaic decorated tombs. The Koranic School Medersa Ben Youssef which is a Theological college founded by the Merenid Sultan Abu Hassan in the 14th century, and restored in 1564 by the Saadians who made it the largest theological college in the Maghreb and a rival to the important Medersa Bou Inania in Fés. Overnight at Villa Des Orangers. |
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Day 8
Marrakech A private vehicle with English speaking driver will be at your disposal for the day. Your driver will meet you at your hotel and drive you to Tamadot which is about an hour from Marrakech. On the way, you'll make a brief stop at the Berber villages of Tahanoute and continue to the village of Asni before arriving at Tamadot. The Kasbah Tamadot is located on the outskirts of Asni, a small Berber village where the road branches off to Imlil and the Toubkal Massif. The Kasbah Tamadot was seen by Sir Richard’s mother who realized the potential for creating a unique environment and after a very painstaking period of renovation, Tamadot was born. It offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys, including a Berber village hugging the opposite bank of the river. The “Kanoun” restaurant at Tamadot (named after the traditional Berber bread oven) features an outdoor terrace and roof top for dining on warmer days or inside when cooler. Tamadot also has an excellent wine list. After lunch at The Kasbah Tamadot, your guide will take you to explore the mountains by foot. Overnight at Villa Des Orangers. |
 kasbah Tamadot |
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Day 9
Essaouira Essaouira is a laid-back fishing port whose narrow streets are lined with whitewashed, blue-shuttered houses. Long considered as one of the best anchorages of the Moroccan coast, during the 5th century BC the Carthaginian navigator Hanno established a trading post. The actual city of Essaouira was only built during the 18th century by Mohammed III, wishing to reorient his kingdom towards the Atlantic for increased exchanges with European powers. Today it is a city of charm and relaxation with gorgeous ocean views and plenty of optional activities on offer. Sleep in this morning and relax at your hotel. Travel in a privately driven vehicle, with an English speaking driver between Marrakech and Essaouira. The approximate travel time is 2 hours. The Palace Heure Bleue is a sumptuous 19th century residence deserving of Essaouira's rich past, on the crossroads of the African, European and Arabic civilisations. Situated in the Essaouira port, overlooking the new town, the medina, and its walls; the former palace falls under the exclusive family of “Relais and Chateaux” hotels, designed to meet the standards of French living. With 35 rooms, this private getaway is ideally located near the beach, where a multitude of facilities exist for the active guest. The restaurants offer authentic fusions of preparations passed down over the years. With the history of colonisation of Morocco, and this village in particular, have created a culinary explosion of an eclectic sort. Some choose to spend their time at the resort dining, while others take advantage of the library, spa, and nearby marketplace. The Palais' very ambiance warmly welcomes you for an exceptional stay. Overnight at Palais L`Heure Bleue. |
 Essaouira |
 Palais L'Heure Bleue Room |
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Day 10
Essaouira A private vehicle with English speaking driver will be at your disposal today. After breakfast, set out accompanied by an experienced guide for a tour of Essaouira, a charming, white-washed town and former Portuguese colony. Explore the lively port area, the colourful souk and market places, and the lovely street of thuya craftsman. Overnight at Palais L`Heure Bleue. |
 Rampartsin Essaouira |
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Day 11
Casablanca Casablanca is a city in western Morocco, on the Atlantic coast. It is the country's largest city and chief port. The site was used early on as a port for Romans and Phoenicians, eventually becoming a town under Portuguese rule, and later abandoned in the mid 1700's after a devastating earthquake. In 1907, the French took control of the rebuilt Casablanca and retained power until 1956. The city still retains much of its French colonial architecture and culture. A private vehicle with English speaking driver will provide a transfer between Essaouira and Casablanca. The approximate travel time is 5 hours. A modern city and the trade capital of Morocco, Casablanca is a magnificent mix of modernism and tradition. It is the largest metropolitan city in the Maghreb and is characterised by elegant buildings, great avenues and unique architectural art forms and Moorish finishing's featured throughout the numerous domes and columns. This booming cosmopolitan city is now characterized on the sea side by the King Hassan II mosque, featuring a 200 meter minaret that dominates the whole city and its surroundings. Drive to visit the Jewish Historical Museum of Morocco in the Oasis area of Casablanca. Again, a driver and guide is at your disposal and will provide insight into the best this city has to offer. “Le Doge” takes the place of a unique vintage town house built in the thirties by an Italian contractor. The hotel is located in the heart of the city, in a restful Art Deco neighborhood of Casablanca. This Art Deco building has been renovated with keeping in mind the preservation of safeguarding of its architecture and special features. The elegance of the decor and period style produces a setting of exceptional quality. Overnight at Hotel Le Doge. |
 Casablanca |
 King Hassan II Mosque |
 Hotel Le Doge |
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Day 12
Casablanca A private vehicle with English speaking driver will provide a transfer between the airport and Casablanca. Depart from Casablanca International airport - end of itinerary. Overnight at Depart. |
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