Morocco's kasbahs and deserts are iconic features of the country's landscape and culture, offering a glimpse into its rich history and stunning natural beauty. Kasbahs are traditional fortified structures, often made of mud brick or stone, that were originally built to protect communities from raids. They typically feature high walls with defensive towers and are often located at strategic points like mountain passes or oases. Morocco is home to several deserts, with the most fa-mous being the Sahara Desert in the south. The Moroccan Sahara is known for its stunning sand dunes, oases, and nomadic Berber tribes. Popular activities in the desert include camel trekking, camping under the stars, and exploring ancient caravan routes. Together, Morocco's kasbahs and deserts offer a fascinating glimpse into the country's history, culture, and natural beauty, making them must-visit destinations for travelers exploring this diverse and vibrant country.
Day 1: Marrakesh
Upon arrival in Marrakesh, meet our representative who will drive you to your hotel, where you'll have the rest of the day to rest and relax. Late afternoon, meet your Tour Manager for an orienta-tion chat followed by a light dinner. [D]
Day 2: Marrakech
After breakfast, take a tour of Marrakech, a city divided into two zones: the Medina, or historic city, and the New City, the modern, European-style city. Visit the Saadian tombs, the resting place of many members of the Saadian dynasty, who claimed descent from the lineage of Mohammed. Visit the Bahia Palace, the 19thcentury home of Si Moussa, whose name literally means "brilliance ". The rest of the day is free. [B]
Day 3: Marrakech
Today, explore the city at your leisure or join one of our optional tours. In the evening, enjoy a typi-cal Moroccan dinner with a show. [B]
Option: Hot-air balloon flight*. Get up before dawn to take part in today's optional hot-air bal-loon excursion, which will allow you to witness the sunrise over Marrakech. Drift over the mag-nificent landscape, before returning to earth to enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast
Option: Tour to Ourika Valley*. morning excursion to the Ourika Valley.* The valley rises slowly to the first hills of the High Atlas, where typical Moroccan villages are scattered among the imposing mountains.
Option: Cooking Class: learn how to prepare a traditional Moroccan tagine and salads. After din-ner, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through Djemaa el Fna square and the lively streets of Mar-rakech at night. [D]
*The Marrakech sunrise hot-air balloon flight with breakfast and the Ourika Valley excursion take place simultaneously. Passengers may choose to take part in only one of these excursions.
Day 4: Marrakech, Ait Benhaddou, Boumalne Dades
This morning, departure from Marrakech for a journey over the famous Tichka Pass to Boumalne Dades. On the way, a stop to visit Ait Benhaddou, an example of classical southern Moroccan ar-chitecture, located near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Lunch at leisure before arriving in Boumalne Dades for dinner and overnight. [B/D]
Day 5: Boumalne Dades, Todra Gorge, Erfoud
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive to the Dades Gorge, where we'll have the oppor-tunity to discover the remarkable landscapes and canyons. Then on to Erfoud, an oasis town in eastern Morocco. On the way, stop off at the lush Todra Gorge palm grove. Take a walking tour of these marvelous 985-foot gorges and the surrounding area. We continue our journey to Erfoud, also known as the "Gateway to the Desert". After checking into your hotel, relax before dinner. [B/D]
Day 6: Erfoud (Rissani, Erg Chebbi)
This morning, we'll explore the small town of Rissani, on the edge of the Sahara. Stroll through its lively souk and visit a 17th-century ksar (kasbah). Then stop off at a fossil factory to learn more about this unique activity that is famous in the region. Next on to the ancient ruins of Sijilmasa on the River Ziz. Depart in a 4x4 caravan through the desert, discovering numerous small villages be-fore reaching Tisserdimine, an oasis village at the foot of Erg Chebbi. Appreciate a picnic lunch before continuing to the summit of Erg Chebbi. Leave your mechanical means of transport be-hind and travel through the heart of the dunes as the local nomads do, on camel back. Return to the hotel after sunset. [B/L]
Day 7: Erfoud, Ouarzazate
Today, head to Ouarzazate, a desert town at the gateway to the Sahara and visit the village of Taou-rirt, an ancient post along the caravan route to West Africa. Continue with a tour of the Taourirt Kasbah, where you'll have the opportunity to buy Moroccan carpets in a carpet store. Reach Ouar-zazate and check-in at your hotel. [B]
Day 8: Ouarzazate, Agadir
It’s time to a climate change! Travel to the coast to attain the seaside resort of Agadir in the after-noon. During your orientation tour on arrival, you'll have the chance to see the beaches of this an-cient fishing village, as well as the ruins of the ancient hilltop kasbah. Agadir was the starting point of the European conflict between Germany and France, which resulted in France taking over almost all of Morocco. The evening is free for you to enjoy the resort city. [B]
Day 9: Agadir, Essaouira
This morning, we head north, along the coast, stopping at the Marjana cooperative to see tradi-tional argan oil extraction methods. After the visit, continue to Essaouira, also known as Mogador. French and Arab influences are evident in the architecture of this city. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. [B]
Day 10: Essaouira
Take a guided tour of Essaouira's medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and see craftsmen ply their trade, explore the many souks, including the spice and jewelry souks, visit a jewelry shop, re-nowned for its quality and design and browse the vast collection of handcrafted silver jewelry. Then, walk along the city walls, just north of Place Moulay Hassan, where local artists sell their paintings. Continue to the Skala de la Ville, a fortification built along the cliffs that defended the city against sea attacks. In The rest of the day is free. [B]
Day 11: Essaouira, Casablanca
After breakfast, we drive to Casablanca. On the way, stop for lunch at leisure. upon arrival, the sightseeing tour includes the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque* and the magnificent Corniche wa-terfront. Continue through Casablanca's residential neighborhoods to the city center to visit Place Mohammed V and Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral. This evening, you'll bid farewell to Morocco and your Tour Manager at a hotel reception. [B/D]
*The Hassan II Mosque is subject to unexpected closures for local religious observances. Details will be provided locally by your Tour Manager.
Day 12 Casablanca, USA
Depending on your flight schedule you may have some time for last shopping or just relaxing. AT the appointed time our representative will pick you up and drive you to the airport to board your flight back home. [B]
[B] = Breakfast | [B/L] = Breakfast & Lunch | [B/D] = Breakfast & Dinner
