TREASURES OF MOROCCO
THE VERY BEST OF MOROCCO (11 nights - 12 days)
Immerse yourself with discovery of Morocco tour to embrace a variety of compelling natural landscapes from the Royal cities of the North to the exotic South of mud castles, charming sand dunes, majestic gorges to the beauty of the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, you will learn and discover how to find oneself and keep forever in the memory an idea of eternity. It is ideal tour to appreciate the legendary hospitality of the Moroccans, their culture, their life mode, and their traditions, strong images of imposing landscapes and historic sites which make the richness of the country.
Day 1: Marrakech
Upon your arrival at the Menara Airport in Marrakech, you will find your guide waiting to take you to your hotel for check-in. This unique city is located where the desert and mountains meet. Known is the “Pearl of the South,” it was established in the 11th century by the Almoravide Dynasty. You will spend your day visiting sights including the Saadian Tombs, the Dar Si Said Museum, the Menara Gardens, and the city’s focal point: the 12th century Koutoubia Minaret. After lunch, you will have an opportunity to visit the souks, a plethora of alleyways with multicolored shops, and the Djemaa El Fna Square, where snake charmers, acrobats, and fortune-tellers put on a never-ending show. You will conclude your day with dinner and accommodations at your hotel.
Day 2: Marrakech – Tinghir
Following breakfast, you will start your journey southward to Tinghir via Taddert and the Tizin Tichka Pass, located in the heart of the Atlas mountain chain. Additionally, you will visit the Berber village of Ait Ben Haddou and stop in Ouarzazate for lunch. Afterward, you will follow the route of a thousand Kasbahs through the Dades Valley to the village of Tinghir, where you will visit Kalaa des Mogouna, the Persian roses haven. You will end your day with dinner and other accommodations at your hotel.
Day 3: Tinghir – Zagora
Your driver will take a cross the most dramatic routes in Southern Morocco along The Draa valley. You will then continue your travels, exploring the ancient Ksours and wards Tinsouline and the desert until you reach Zagora, where dinner and accommodations will be available at your hotel.
Day 4: Zagora – M’Hamid – Tinfou – Tamegroute
You will spend your day on an excursion that will take you to the real gateway of the Moroccan Saharan Desert. You will drive through the lowlands and along the mountain passes to Tamegroute, a humble village where deep knowledge is transmitted in the most simplistic way. There you will visit the famous Moorish Koranic Library. Full of rare books and documents, the library includes 13th century writings made on gazelle hide. Afterward, you will return to Zagora for the night. Optional night could be also over the dunes of Erg Cheguagua.
Day 5: Zagora – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Following breakfast, you will leave for your return trip to Marrakech, stopping in Ouarzazate, where women still weave the Ouazguita carpets famous for their natural colors and geometric and symbolic designs. Here, life is concentrated in the oases and Kasbahs, contrasting with the vast and stark desert plateaux that surround the city. Finally, you will return to Marrakech.
Day 6: Marrakech
You will devote your morning to the exploration of Marrakech’s many historical sites, including the Menara, a magnificent pool surrounded by flowerbeds, reflecting the image of an exquisite Moorish edifice, constructed in 1866 for the dignitaries, who enjoyed glorious sunsets with the ethereal Atlas Mountains as a backdrop. The pool also functions as an innovative irrigation system that is adapted to life in the desert. Your tour will cover many impressive sites, including the Koutoubia Minaret (which is identical to la Giralda, a tower found in Sevilla, Spain), and the Saadien tombs, which demonstrate Moorish architecture at its best. The tombs consist of sixteenth-century mausoleums, which lay walled-in and undiscovered until 1917. You will then return to your hotel for the night.
Day 7: Marrakesh – Tahanout – Asni - Imlil
You will begin your day with an excursion to the Asni Haut Plateau, where you will visit the traditional Berber Souks, as well as the Jewish shrines. Arrive to Imlil where you will check to your Kasbah Imlil.
Day 8: Imlil – Essaouira
You will begin your day by traveling to Essaouira (Mogador), a picturesque city with a rich history. With a fascinating antiquity, Essaouira was occupied by the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, supplied essential purple dyes to the Romans, absorbed the sophisticated Jewish arts of silversmith, and spent centuries as a Portuguese enclave. Despite the obvious influence of these civilizations, Essaouira has managed to remain a small, authentic Berber town. Alive with the breath of fresh air provided by the Atlantic, Essaouira is a jewel nestled in the ragged coast, with a vast expanse of empty sands trailing back along the promontory towards the South. After an introductory tour, you will conclude your day with dinner in your hotel.
Day 9: Essaouira – Marrakech
Enjoy your day at the promontory beach of Essaouira. Return to Marrakech in the evening.
Day 10: Marrakesh – Ourika Valley
You will begin your day with an excursion to the Ourika Valley, where you will visit the traditional Berber Souks, as well as the Jewish shrines. After lunch, you will discover the workshops of the local artisans, enjoying their sophisticated, hand-made products. You will return to Marrakech for dinner and other accommodations at your hotel.
Day 11: Marrakech
Day is at leisure.
Day 12:
In the morning, you will travel to the Menara Airport for your return flight