8 Days Essential Morocco Tour itinerary from Marrakech

Overview

Experience the magic of Morocco with our 8-day tour starting from Casablanca. This comprehensive journey takes you through some of Morocco’s most captivating destinations, including the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen, the historical ruins of Volubilis, the vibrant culture of Fes, and the majestic Sahara Desert. Discover the rich heritage and natural beauty of Morocco as you traverse through the High Atlas Mountains, explore ancient kasbahs, and enjoy the unique landscapes of the desert. This meticulously designed tour offers a blend of cultural exploration, adventure, and relaxation, ensuring a memorable Moroccan experience.

Highlights

  • Begin your adventure with a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains, visiting the historic Kasbah of Telouat and the famous Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site featured in many films. Explore the film studios and traditional kasbahs in Ouarzazate.
  • Experience the beauty of Skoura’s palm groves and the Rose Valley, famous for its annual Rose Festival. Continue to Dades Valley, known for its striking rock formations and scenic landscapes.
  • Travel through the Todra Gorges and Erfoud before arriving in the Sahara Desert. Enjoy a camel trek through the golden dunes, witness a breathtaking desert sunset, and spend the night in a luxurious desert camp under the stars.
  • Delve into the Merzouga region with visits to local nomads, the Khamlia village for traditional Gnaoua music, and the Merzouga Lake. Enjoy the desert’s diverse landscapes and vibrant local culture.
  • Journey from the desert to Fes, with stops in Rissani and Erfoud. Admire the panoramic views of the Ziz Valley, visit the cedar forests of Ifrane, and discover the cultural treasures of Fes.
  • Explore Fes’s UNESCO-listed Medina, including the Royal Palace gate, the Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud), the Medrasa Bouanania, and the ancient tanneries. Learn about Fes’s rich history and cultural significance.
  • Visit the imperial city of Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis before arriving in Chefchaouen. Wander through the blue-painted streets of this charming city, nestled in the Rif Mountains.
  • Conclude your Moroccan journey with a transfer to Tangier, where you’ll have some free time to explore before your departure.

Included/Excluded

  • Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Breakfast
  • Nights in hotels/Riads.
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Travel insurance

Tour Plan

Day 1 Marrakech to Ouarzazate via High Atlas Mountains and Ait Ben Haddou

Begin your Morocco desert adventure with an early pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech. Set off towards the High Atlas Mountains, navigating through the scenic Tizi-N-Tichka pass. Stop along the way to marvel at the dramatic mountain vistas. Visit the historic Kasbah of Telouat, known for its ancient architecture and vibrant history. Continue to the renowned Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular film location, with appearances in movies like "Gladiator" and "Game of Thrones." Conclude the day’s journey in Ouarzazate, often referred to as "The Gateway to the Desert," where you'll enjoy a dinner and overnight stay at a local hotel.

Day 2 Ouarzazate to Dades Valley via Skoura and Rose Valley

After breakfast, delve into the rich history of Ouarzazate. Explore the Atlas Studios, a significant film production site, and visit the Taourirt Kasbah, an impressive mud fortress. Travel to the lush palm groves of Skoura to see the Amridil Kasbah, a stunning example of traditional Moroccan architecture. Next, visit the Rose Valley in Kalaa Magouna, famous for its annual Rose Festival in May, where locals showcase their rose-based products. Proceed to the Dades Valley, with its distinctive rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers.” Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at a hotel in Boumalne Dades.

Day 3 Dades Valley to Merzouga via Todra Gorges and Erfoud

Following breakfast, set off for Todra Gorges, a dramatic canyon carved by the Todra River, renowned for its towering cliffs. Spend some time exploring the gorges before continuing your journey through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad. Arrive in the Sahara Desert at Merzouga, where you'll switch to camels for a memorable trek across the golden dunes. Stop to witness the sunset over the sand dunes before heading to a luxurious desert camp. Experience traditional Berber music and dance around a campfire under the starlit desert sky. Enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night in the camp.

Day 4 Explore Merzouga – Nomads, Khamlia, and Merzouga Lake

Wake early to catch the stunning sunrise over the desert dunes, followed by a hearty breakfast. Return by camel to Merzouga and begin your exploration of the surrounding desert region. Visit an ancient eyeliner mine and interact with local nomads in their traditional tents, enjoying a cup of Berber tea. Travel to Khamlia village to experience Gnaoua music and dance, performed by descendants from sub-Saharan countries. After a lunch break, stroll through a nearby palm grove and visit the Merzouga Lake, also known as the Flamingos Lake. Return to your hotel for dinner and a restful night.

Day 5 Merzouga to Fes via Rissani, Erfoud, and Midelt

Depart from the desert and head towards Rissani, an ancient trading hub in Tafilalet. Explore the bustling souk and the vibrant local market. Continue to Erfoud to visit a fossil workshop, showcasing the region’s rich paleontological history. Travel along the Ziz River, stopping for panoramic views of the Ziz Valley. Enjoy a lunch break in Midelt before proceeding through the cedar forests near Ifrane, home to Barbary macaques. Visit the charming town of Ifrane, known for its alpine-style architecture and cool climate, before arriving in Fes for your overnight stay.

Day 5 Fes City Tour

Discover the cultural and historical treasures of Fes on a guided tour. Begin with a visit to the Royal Palace gate, followed by a walk through the medieval Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enter the Medina through the Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud) with your guide and explore key sites such as the Medrasa Bouanania, the Najjarine Fountain, and the traditional tanneries. Visit the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University, the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Explore the Jewish quarter (Mellah) and climb to an ancient fortress for panoramic views of the city. Return to your riad for the evening.

Day 7 Fes to Chefchaouen via Meknes and Volubilis

Depart from Fes and head towards Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities. Explore Meknes’s notable sites including Bab Al-Mansour, the Sahrij Souani basin, the Royal Stables, and the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. After lunch, travel to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its well-preserved mosaics and historical pillars. Continue to Chefchaouen, the “Blue City” in the Rif Mountains, known for its blue-painted buildings and charming alleys. Enjoy an overnight stay in Chefchaouen.

Day 8 Departure toTangier

After breakfast, take the morning to explore the picturesque streets of Chefchaouen. Then, travel through the Rif Mountains to Tangier, where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure. End of the 8-day Morocco desert tour.

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