8 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH

Overview of 8 days tour from Marrakech

The southern side of the High Atlas Mountains from Marrakech opens up a different world altogether. Discover the famous Kasbah of Telouet, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kasbah Aït ben Haddou, and Kasbah Amredhil in Skoura. Kalaat M’gouna, the only place in Morocco growing Damascene roses, offers a variety of cosmetic products in its cooperatives, while the Dades Gorges showcase the region’s remarkable geology. In the Merzouga desert, experience an unforgettable sunset camel ride around the towering dunes. Enjoy dining under a starlit sky, listening to nomadic music, and spending a day with camels and a camel-man for a unique Saharan adventure. The Marrakech to Fes desert tour offers more exotic experiences: Erfoud’s fossils, the Ziz Valley’s dates, Midelt’s apples, and the Barbary apes of Azrou in the Middle Atlas. Ifrane, with its sloping roofs unique to Morocco, copes with annual snowfall. In Fes, explore the lively medina, the Royal Palace, ancient madrassas, leather tanneries, and vibrant souks, all exemplifying Morocco’s Imperial Cities.

Morocco’s rich history is revealed in the Roman ruins of Volubilis and another imperial city, Meknes, known for its granaries and massive gates. In Rabat, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, with its stunning tiling, and the ancient Hassan Tower are the main attractions. Casablanca boasts the epitome of exquisite Moroccan craftsmanship at the Hassan II Mosque.

BETTER TO SEE SOMETHING ONCE THAN HEAR ABOUT IT A THOUSAND TIMES

1st day : Marrakech – High Atlas mountains – Telouat Kasbah – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Ouarzazate - Skoura

Morning departure at 8.30 from your hotel or riad in Marrakech to cross the High Atlas Mountains. After the Tizi n’Tichka pass, the highest in North Africa at 2260 m, you leave the main road and take a side road to the Kasbah Telouet, which belonged to the Lords of the Atlas, the Glaoui family.

None of the three main buildings making up the Kasbah can be entered as their ruinous state does  not permit it. The one area of the Kasbah that had been opened to visitors is now closed due to the damage caused by the earthquake that struck Morocco in September 2023. Nevertheless, it is still worth visiting the exterior with a local guide to discover its rich history. From here you drive along the beautiful and awe-inspiring Ounila Valley, full of bends in the roads, surprises at the hues of the rock and soil, Berber villages and gardens, as well as smaller Kasbahs. Almost at the end of the road, you reach Kasbah Aït ben Haddou, where you stop for a tasty lunch, after which you will have more energy to visit this UNESCO World Heritage site and famous backdrop to innumerable Hollywood blockbusters. From here, we continue another hour or so to Skoura to spend the night in a guest house there

2nd day : 2nd day: Skoura Oasis – Dades Gorges

After breakfast, you will have time for a walk in the oasis of thousands of palm trees, olives and almonds, as well as past traditional houses set among the fields. This walk is followed by a visit to the beautifully restored Kasbah Amredhil, a clear example of traditional historic Berber life. We then set out towards the Dades Gorges, passing Kela’a Mgouna, the Valley of Roses, famous for its Rose Festival in early May. Here we stop to see the cosmetic articles which are made locally from the valley’s abundant flowers. These products are well-known throughout Morocco and are highly valued. From here, you take an off-road route to have a better impression of the landscape. Along the way, you will stop at caves, used by whichever Berber nomads happen to pass and claim residence there. We will have a glass of tea with them before continuing to the Dades Gorges for lunch. You continue to the Dades Gorges, where you will have lunch and later spend the night in a riad. This leaves you half a day to walk in the valley, strolling by the fields and gardens, or relax in your riad. However, if you wish, you can spend the night with a Berber family. For a more unusual overnight stay in the cave of a nomadic family, a walk of about 2 hours would be required. Both alternatives offer a lasting as well as fascinating insight into the lives of these people.

3rd day : 3rd day: Dades Gorges – Merzouga

After breakfast, your adventure continues to the Dades Gorges, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the river and beyond. Then, you will head back down the valley to the main road towards Tinghir. Turning north again, you will reach the expansive Toudgha Gorges, where a short walk along the river between the steep, narrow sides of the gorge awaits.  Next, you journey to the Erg Chebbi dunes via Tinjdad, where you will stop for lunch. On the way to Erfoud, you will notice strange sand piles lining the road these are the heads of the “khettarat,” an ingenious underground water channel system designed to minimise evaporation in the desert heat. It is fascinating to descend into these channels, feel the coolness below ground, and marvel at the ancient engineering. Via the oasis of Tafilalet, which is famous for its annual date festival, and the small town of Rissani, the original home of the current Moroccan dynasty, you will reach your destination for the day, Merzouga. Here the sand dunes alongside the road indicate the beginning of the mighty Sahara Desert. At the desert camp, you will be welcomed with a glass of tea, followed by a camel ride to the top of the Erg Chebbi dunes. The sunset from here is a breathtaking sight, with the dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. In the evening, enjoy dinner under a starlit sky, accompanied by Berber music and drumming around a campfire. You will spend the night in a luxury camp featuring private bathrooms, kingsized beds, and beautifully arranged Moroccan furnishings and lamps to enhance your experience of the serene desert beauty.

4th day: Merzouga

After breakfast, you take the camels out into the dunes together with a camel man. You’ll walk up to three hours in the morning, followed by about the same amount of time in the afternoon. Lunch will be with nomads at their camp in the desert and you will return to the bivouac for dinner and the night. Alternatively, after breakfast, you will explore the desert area more fully. First of all, you will be visiting the Gnawa people in the village of Khamlia. They specialize in Gnawa music brought from sub-Saharan Africa with the slave trade. They will play some for you. Afterwards, you will visit the old city of Rissani. This small town was the foundation of the Alaouite dynasty the current ruling royal family in Morocco. It is surrounded by 360 ksars (a ksar is a fortified village with many towers) and has a large souk (an open market) held three times a week. Here you will walk through the souk, which sells spices, vegetables, household goods, and handicrafts. Rissani has been built on the site of Sijilmassa, which was the meeting place for the salt caravans, coming from Timbuktu in Mali. And then in the afternoon, you will mount your camel, and be led by an experienced camel man through the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi at Merzouga for an hour to an hour and a half to watch the sunset. Dinner is once again in the amp and followed by drumming and music around a campfire.

Weather conditions and temperatures in South Morocco are rarely stable. Should it become too hot from May through to the end of September, we may have to advise you not to attempt the trekking in the dunes but to take this alternative instead.

5th day: Merzouga – Fes

By getting up early, you can experience a breathtaking desert sunrise, with the interplay of colours and shadows creating an amazing spectacle. You will have time to roam the dunes and enjoy the serene ambiance of this magical place. After breakfast, departure for Rissani and Erfoud, where there will be a stop to see how locally found fossils are worked into furniture and artefacts. It is a source of wonder to witness the sheer numbers and beauty of these fossils but feel assured, there is no obligation to buy any. From there the road leads north to Er Rachidia and the Ziz Valley, remarkable for the extent of its palm trees and the volume of dates produced each year. Lunch is in Midelt, 1508m, called “the apple capital”, and set in the Middle Atlas at the foot of the Ayachi Mountain. The town serves as the commercial agricultural center for the surrounding area and is also one of Morocco’s principle cities for the mining of several minerals, such as fluorite, vanadinite, quartz, and cerussite. We cross the Tizi-n-Talremt pass, known as the “she-camel” pass, and reach Azrou, where you can see Barbary apes in the cedar forests looking out for titbits. By the end of the afternoon, we reach Fes where you will spend the night in a beautiful riad at the heart of the medina.

6th day: Fes Sightseeing Tour

After meeting your licensed local guide, enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s four “Imperial Cities.” You will visit the following places, according to time and your preferences:

The University of Al Quaraouiyine: Begin your exploration at the prestigious University of Al Quaraouiyine, renowned as one of the world’s oldest continuously operating educational institutions. Established in the 9th century, it holds a unique place in history as a hub of learning.

Bou Inania Medersa: Next, visit the Bou Inania Medersa, a religious school celebrated for its stunning mosaics, exquisite stucco work, and detailed architecture. Admire the beauty of Islamic artistry in this historic setting.

The Royal Palace: Although not open to the public, the exterior of the Royal Palace is a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. Pause here to appreciate the intricately designed portal, capturing the essence of Moroccan royalty. The Medina: Venture into Fes’ UNESCO-listed medina, where you will be immersed in its labyrinthine streets that have preserved their mediaeval charm. Encounter bustling souks, ancient mosques, and historic landmarks, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant past.

Leather Tanneries: Fes is renowned for its centuries-old leather production. At the tanneries, witness the traditional techniques employed in crafting leather goods, gaining insights into the city’s time-honoured craftsmanship.

Local Market: Be captivated by the vibrant markets of Fes, teeming with life and offering a wide array of products. Shop for souvenirs, textiles, spices, ceramics, wooden crafts, silver jewellery, and leather goods, experiencing the diversity of Moroccan culture and artistry.

Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts: Conclude your tour at the Nejjarine Museum, housed in a beautifully restored caravanserai. Discover a wealth of wooden arts and crafts integral to Moroccan culture. The museum’s exhibits provide an in-depth look at the intricate craftsmanship that defined Fes for generations. Your sightseeing tour ends as your guide accompanies you back to your riad.

7th day: Fes, Meknes – Rabat

After breakfast in your traditional riad, we drive over the beautiful valleys and the hills. During our journey, we will visit Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with expansive Roman ruins and stunning views. This 42-hectare ancient city at the foot of Jebel Zerhoun exemplifies Roman urban development and Romanization. Hiring a knowledgeable local guide is highly recommended to fully appreciate the site’s historical significance. Following that, we head south to Meknes, one of Morocco’s historic Imperial Cities known for its Islamic architecture. You will explore its ancient medina, where narrow streets are lined with bustling souks and hidden treasures. Admire the impressive Bab Mansour gate, one of the grandest and most well-preserved gates in Morocco, featuring intricate zellij tilework and massive wooden doors. You can also visit the Heri es-Souani, the royal granaries and stables built by Sultan Moulay Ismail, showcasing the engineering prowess of the era Having arrived in Rabat, you will visit the Hassan Tower, a symbol of the city and one of the kingdom’s most famous sites. It was intended to be the largest mosque in the Muslim world by Almohad Sultan Yacoub Al Mansour in the 12th century. Standing 44 metres tall, the minaret shares architectural similarities with the Koutoubia in Marrakech and the Giralda in Seville. Then, you will visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, built in homage to the king, who passed away in 1961. His son and successor, Hassan II, who died in 1999, is also entombed here. You will spend the night in a beautiful riad.

8th day: Rabat, Casablanca – Marrakech:

After breakfast, you can visit the Chellah, an ancient necropolis and complex of Roman and medieval ruins at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River. Next, you can explore the Oudayyas Kasbah, a twelfth-century fortified citadel built by the Almohads, reflecting the city’s military history. Later on, we take the motorway to Casablanca, where a visit is scheduled to the spectacular Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa decorated with beautiful tiling of the utmost craftsmanship. You may need to queue for tickets for a while there. The guided tours leave every hour and take about an hour. After lunch, we will continue to explore more of Casablanca, including the picturesque corniche, before heading to Marrakech. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Moroccan countryside and its ever-changing scenery along the way. Upon arrival in Marrakech, your driver will escort you to your hotel, marking the end of your adventure in Morocco.

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