12 Days from Tangier to Merzouga via Casablanca

Day 1: ARRIVAL TO TANGIER – PICK YOU UP FROM TANGIER PORT AND TRAVEL TO CHEFCHAOUEN:

From the port of Tangier, we pick you up and start to drive through the Rif mountains to enjoy the views of the beautiful Rif mountains of Morocco till we get to Chefchaouan, one of the stunning villages at the feet of the Rif mountains. Chefchaouen Medina (the old part of the city) with its blue color became one of the best towns to visit in Morocco surrounded by many funky arts, and crafts stores, roof-top restaurants, and cafes. Stroll and explore the blue city in the afternoon and evening.

Day 2 : CHEFCHAOUEN – VOLUBILIS – MEKNES – FES:

After breakfast, we will depart to Fes with a stop to visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, Then we pass by Meknes city which was founded at the end of the 17th Century by Moulay Ismail. We then continue to Fes. Check-in to your hotel.

Day 3: FES SIGHTSEEING WITH A LOCAL GUIDE:

After breakfast at your riad, you meet your local guide and the exploration of Fes begins. You start with the Royal Palace, founded back to the foundation of the new Fes.

Then, Mellah, the Jewish quarter, where you see a 17th-century synagogue. Also, The University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded as a mosque, then became one of the leading spiritual and educational centers of the historic Muslim world.

As well as Chouara Tannery is the largest and oldest in the oldest Medina quarter of the city, surrounded by leather shops with terraces from where you look down onto the pits.

Furthermore, you will take a walk around the old souks (markets) of Fes, and wander between the narrow alleys of the old Medina. Have an amazing lunch in one of the narrow streets in the heart of the old Medina.

Conclude the day by staying the night in a beautiful Riad.

Day 4 : FES – IFRANE – AZROU – MIDELT –ZIZ VALLEY — ERFOUD – MERZOUGA DESERT:

After breakfast, we’ll depart from Fes towards Ifran, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” and then head to Midelt. Enroute, you’ll catch glimpses of the Middle Atlas and Higher Atlas mountains. Stop at Azrou, a Berber village amidst the largest cedar forest in Morocco, where you might spot Barbary apes. Continuing through the hills and the Atlas, we’ll pass through the TizNtalghamt pass and the Ziz Gorge, offering views of the High Atlas Mountains.

As you approach Errachidia, the scenery transforms, revealing hints of the desert. Lunch in Errachidia allows you to experience Berber hospitality. Moving along the Ziz Valley, enjoy panoramic views on the way to Erfoud. Upon reaching the Merzouga desert, spend the first night in a desert area hotel.

Day 5: SAHARA DESERT SIGHTSEEING – LIVE THE DESERT EXPERIENCE:

In the morning around 10 am and after breakfast at the hotel. Our driver/guide picks you up by a 4WD for one of the best experiences in the desert. Your visit to the Merzouga area starts from your hotel driving by the high dunes of the desert. Firstly, a panoramic view stops for the Sahara from a high mountain close to the dunes. Then drive to nomad families living next to the Moroccan/Algerian border to know about their culture and the way they are living in a harsh environment, sitting under their tents while having a cup of tea.

After that, our trip resumes to the M’ifis mascara mountain mine. You explore and have an idea of how workers get mines from the heart of the mountains. From there to Khamlia village, settled by the “black-skinned” people, who are famous for their Gnawa music all around the world. Here you try Berber Pizza, a recommended meal in Morocco for which this area is famous. Besides, listening and dancing to Gnawa music played by these friendly people.

Later, we keep up to the Sahara Oasis for a walk inside its almond, palm, and fig trees and different vegetables.

From there on, we drive you back to the hotel, to get ready to ride the camels to camp on the other side of the desert. Your camel man awaits you next to the dunes for lifting you by his camels to the desert camp. The camel ride takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes including an amazing stop for an incredible sunset at the top of a high dune in the middle of the desert. Your camel guide will take several memorable pictures for you along the ride to the camp.

Arriving at the well-equipped camp, you will be welcomed with Moroccan tea and some cookies by the camp workers. In an hour, the working staff serve you a delicious dinner, then they make a fire outside the camp under a sky full of stars, where they will be playing Berber and African music, while you enjoy and dance around the fire.

Day 6: MERZOUGA DESERT– RISSANI – TOUDRA GORGE – DADES VALLEY:

Life is getting up an hour early to live an hour more, but only on this day in the desert. For witnessing one that may be the best sunrise in your whole life, we always advise you to wake up early. After a tasty breakfast at the camp. There are two optional ways to get back to the village of Merzouga to recommence our trip. Either by camels or by a 4×4 vehicle.

We depart the pretty desert to Rissani town. The closest town to the Erg Chebbi. With the legendary history between the 14th and 18th centuries. You explore the largest Souk/market in the area, mainly the sheep and cattle market.
Then, continue your way to Alnif, then to Toudra Gorge, a place visited all year round by worldwide rock climbers for adventuring. You may be lucky to see them climbing during your visit. A place not far from where nomads still live in caves, they come with their animals “sheep, goats, donkeys” for water, and also take water with them for their home use. After a walk near the freshwater, you hit the road to beautiful Dades, a calm Berber town, with a beautiful green valley filled with fruit trees. You spend the here in a hotel or a Riad with dinner included.

Day 7 : DADES VALLEY – OUARZAZATE – AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH – MARRAKECH:

Your 12-day journey from Tangier to Casablanca continues with breakfast at your riad. Embark on the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” from Dades Valley to Ouarzazate, passing through Kelaat M’gouna, the city of roses, and Skoura. In Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa, consider an optional visit to the Atlas film studio. Proceed to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a historic setting for films like Game of Thrones and Gladiator.

Lunch at this unique spot precedes our journey to Marrakech, traversing the breathtaking landscapes of the Atlas mountains, Berber villages, and Tizi N’tichka, Morocco’s highest pass. Pause at scenic spots for unforgettable photos. Arriving in Marrakech at sunset, check into your riad, and perhaps take a stroll to familiarize yourself with the city before exploring it with a local guide the next day.

Day 8: MARRAKECH SIGHTSEEING:

Explore Marrakech, the second oldest imperial city, known as the “Pearl of the South.” Visit the Saadian tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Menara Garden. In the afternoon, discover the souks and Djemaa El Fna square with its various entertainments. Return to the accommodation for an overnight stay.

Day 9: FREE DAY IN MARRAKECH:

Enjoy a leisure day in Marrakech. Optional activities include hot air balloons, hammam bath experience, and a cooking class.

DAY 10: FROM MARRAKECH TO ESSAOUIRA THE COASTAL CITY:

After breakfast, travel to Essaouira, passing goats on Argan trees. Explore Essaouira’s old Medina, Jewish headquarters, and traditional colored houses. Experience the beautiful port and sunset by the sea.

Day 11: FROM ESSAOUIRA TO CASABLANCA – SEE THE FAMOUS HASSAN 2 MOSQUE:

Depart for Casablanca, a 5-hour drive. Visit the famous Hassan 2 mosque and optionally explore Morocco Mall.

Day 12: FROM HOTEL TO CASABLANCA AIRPORT:

Your 12-day journey from Tangier to Casablanca concludes. Our team ensures a timely transfer to the airport, allowing you 2 or 3 hours before your departure to catch your

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