DAY 1 :
CASABLANCA TO RABAT
Morocco Berber Travel organizes around Morocco tour from Casablanca with experienced drivers and guides to explore Sahara desert. We will begin our tour at Mohamed V airport in Casablanca. We will visit the famous Hassan II Mosque, which was built between 1987-1993 ; the mosque is open to both Muslims and non-Muslims. This will be a golden opportunity to see the skillful work of Moroccan artisans that reveals the richness and beauty of their handicraft. After the visit, we will make our way to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. We will visit the Royal Gates built in 1864, and enjoy the charming garden of Challa, surrounded by walls and beautiful defensive gates, built between 1310-1330 . Later we will stop at Mohamed V Museum built in 1972, and we will visit the tombs of Moroccan kings Mohammed V, who died in 1962, Hassan II who died in 1999, the tomb of Moulay Abdullah the uncle of Mohammed VI and Hassan Tower which was built in 12th century. You will explore Oudaya Kasbah which was built in 12th century and served as a military base for the Almorabits army in their defense against the Spanish army. The roof of the Kasbah allows a stunning view of the surrounding area. Breakfast and dinner are included.
DAY 2 :
RABAT – MEKNES - FEZ
After breakfast, we will continue our tour by visiting the wonderful city of Meknes. We will visit the granary at Sahrige Swani, which was used to store provisions for the army. We will also visit the royal palace and Moulay Ismail mausoleum. We will enter the Medina via the largest gates Bab Mansour, which were built in 1732, passing the square of Saht Lhdim (a smaller version of Jemaa el-Fnaa square). We will continue driving towards Volubulis; the largest Roman ruins in Morocco, adorned by beautiful mosaics. This historical place will take you back to the Roman period. (We will spend the night in a hotel with breakfast and dinner included).
DAY 3 :
FEZ
After breakfast we will visit the Royal palace gate (Seven Gates), where you will have a beautiful panoramic view of the Medina, from the southern tower. We will then discover Fez’ handicrafts and the art of pottery making, view marvelous mosaics and hear tales of times gone by. We will explore together the old Medina; walking through the small alleyways (more than nine thousand). It is a great opportunity to see the Koranic school of Elmadrasa Elboananiya or Madrasat Echaratine which make Fez the intellectual and cultural capital of the kingdom. A great way to discover Fez will be with a delicious dinner, enjoying local music and belly dancing.
DAY 4 :
FEZ - MIDELT - ERG CHEBBI
After breakfast, we will continue our way across the Atlas mountains passing by Ifrane; a famous European style ski resort and city. We will then make our way to Azrou, where we will see the forest of cedar trees, inhabited by monkeys. We will drive to Midelt, for lunch, where each June the festival of apples takes place. After lunch we will cross Ziz Palm Valley, which is characterized by date and palm trees. We will stop at the famous dam of Hassan Eddakhil built during the French protectorate. We will have dinner and spend the night in a hotel.
DAY 5 :
ERG CHEBBI (MERZOUGA)
After breakfast we will head further into the Sahara desert and discover the charm of the dunes, making our way to Ekhamlia to see Gnaoua and enjoy the Gnaoua music. We will stop for lunch and take a camel ride to enjoy the sunset over the sand dunes. The night will be spent in the middle of Sahara desert sleeping in a Berber tent.
DAY 6 :
MERZOUGA - DADES GORGE
We will get up early to watch the sunrise before returning to the hotel for breakfast. After that we will continue our way passing by a traditional system of underground irrigation in the south east of Morocco known as Elkhatarat. We will have lunch in Touroug and pass by Tinejdad, visit Todgha Gorge and Dades Gorge, where we will spend the night.
DAY 7 :
DADES GORGE - OUARZAZATE
After breakfast, we will continue our tour passing Berber villages, Skoura with its beautiful palm trees, Ben Moro and Amrdil Kasbahs. We will visit Taourirt Kasbah and cinema studios; the Hollywood of Africa where the films Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia and Alexander were filmed. The night will be spent in a hotel.
DAY 8 :
OUARZAZATE - AIT BENHADDOU - TAROUDANT
After breakfast, we will continue our journey towards Ait Benhaddou Kasbah; a fantastic Kasbah preserved by UNESCO. We will drive to Taroudant; a city in the anti Atlas. On our way, we will pass by Berber villages of Taznakht, the place where Berber women spin and weave the wool to make Berber carpets, and Taliouine which is known by the production of saffron. The night will be in a hotel.
DAY 9 :
TAROUDANT - AGADIR
After breakfast, we will visit Tiyout, an ancient Berber village, where you will learn about southern Berber history and culture, and we will have lunch here. We will continue our way to the modern city of Agadir. We will enjoy Berber mint tea near the beach before heading to our hotel for our overnight stay.
DAY 10 :
AGADIR - ESSAOUIRA
After breakfast, we will visit Agadir Ofla for panoramic views of the city and the beach. We will visit Taghazout where we will have lunch, before heading to Essaouira passing beautiful Argan forests, where we may have the opportunity to visit a women’s co-operative where Argan Oil is produced. Overnight will be in a Hotel or riad.
DAY 11 :
ESSAOUIRA
Essaouira, also known as Mogador, was reconstructed in 18th century and was occupied by the Portuguese from the 15th century; it is famous for the annual Gnaoua festival. Essaouira is a small city on the Atlantic coast and a great place for surfing. It is a wonderful place to visit, one of UNESCOs World Heritage sites, located 170 km from Marrakech and is known for the Gnaoua festival that takes place every year, for three days during the first week of June. There are approximately 500 Berber families living in Essaouira now. During the 15th century, Essaouira was occupied by the Portuguese, who established trading here. Essaouira is a beautiful place where you can enjoy walking along the beach, and exploring the old Medina. With visits to the port, handicrafts complex, Moroccan Jewelers and the market this is a great place to buy souvenirs. For wonderful panoramic views then Skalla, close to the sea, is the place to be. Enjoy a delicious fish lunch in a local restaurant. The night will be in a hotel or riad.
DAY 12 :
ESSAOUIRA - MARRAKECH
After breakfast, we will begin our journey to Marrakech, stopping in Sidi Elmokhtar on the way. We will overnight in Marrakech in a hotel or riad.
DAY 13 :
MARRAKECH
You will be with a local guide who will escort you around this beautiful city, visiting historical monuments: the gorgeous Bahia palace built in 19th century, the 17th century Saadian tombs, the Koranic School of Ben Youssef, and the Koutoubia mosque built in 12th century. You will also visit the famous Souks; a great place for shopping where you can buy presents for your family, friends or yourselves. You will have free time to enjoy a mint tea or coffee in one of the restaurants or cafes where you can get amazing panoramic views of Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
DAY 14 :
MARRAKECH
This is a free day where you can visit the new city of Gueliz, treat yourself to a Hammam and spa, or visit the beautiful MajorelleGardens built by the French artist Jacques Majorelle, and Menara gardens built in 12th century.
DAY 15 :
TRANSFER TO CASABLANCA OR MARRAKECH AIRPORT
On the last day of our private Morocco tour from Casablanca we travel to Casablanca. Your half day sightseeing includes the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque, currently the second largest Mosque in the world and the beautiful Corniche seaside. Take a moment to catch your breath at the end of your Moroccan adventure to admire the serenity of the Atlantic Ocean. Continue on a short drive through the residential areas of Casablanca. Thank you for choosing Morocco Berber Travel as your trusted travel company in Morocco.
The private tour from Casablanca can be modified depends on your requirements. Contact us for more details.