15 Days Sahara Grand tour & Imperial Cities From Casablanca

Your driver meets you at the hotel in Casablanca and then transfer to Rabat set about 1 hour away. We have some time to visit the city. Capital of Morocco today was founded in 10th century by the Phoenicians, later by Romans. We get the opportunity to visit ruins that they left behind - Chellah Necropolis. Our visit of Rabat will include Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret of the great Hassan Mosque constructed by the Almohad Yacoub El Mansour. Next to the tower we visit the resting place - Mausoleum Mohammmed V and Hassan II. Visit of Rabat would not be complete without walk in the Kasbah of the Ouidais, fortress that was once a city itself and later lair of pirates. Then direct transfer to Chefchaouen.  

With its distinctive pale blue and whitewashed buildings and winding alleyways, Chefchaouen is a charming place with strong Andalusian connections. It was here that many Jews and Moors fled during the Spanish Inquisition. Highlights of our day include a short hike to the ruin of the "Spanish" mosque with its fantastic panoramic view; a visit to the Ras el-Ma, where city's fresh water springs from the mountain; and a stroll through the wonderfully restored kasbah and gardens. Have most of this day to wander on your own through the medina shopping for handicrafts or lounging in one of the many outdoor cafés.

After breakfast, make your way to the ruins of the former Roman outpost that is Volubilis. Once home to nearly 20,000 people during Roman occupation, many of its structures and mosaics are still intact for us to behold. From Volubilis, it’s only a short jaunt to Meknes, which was the first capital of the Alouite Dynasty, under the bloody rule of Moulay Idriss I. Spend some time relaxing in this charming, quintessentially Moroccan city, before journeying to Fes to spend the night 

Today you will explore the oldest city in Morocco. you will begin your guided tour in Medina, one of the world’s largest walled-in cities and the oldest of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities. Throughout this tour, you’ll be allowed to see Bab Boujeloud gate and enter the major road of Talâa Kebira, as well as the tanneries and Chouara Tannery. Then, move ahead to the 14th-century Al Attarine Madrasa, a stunning example of Moroccan architecture. You will explore the famous souks, an architectural style unique to Moroccan culture, where you will learn about the country’s history and art. Having the opportunity to visit the royal palace, tanneries, and potteries will be beneficial to you. Lunch is better to be eaten at a traditional Moroccan restaurant in the heart of Medina. After you’ve had lunch, you’ll finish the tour and head back to your hotel for the evening.  

Today day of travel. Early morning departure from the crowded streets of Fez into the quiet and scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. We set into Ifrane the city of flowers and top-class ski resorts. We view the cedar-forested hills of Azrou. The area is abundant for wildlife and we most likely will encounter Barbary macaque living in this forest. Apart to the monkeys, these areas are great for birdlife too. After we pass the city of Midelt we descend into the Ziz Valley created by the Ziz river over millions of years. These carved gorges offer great fertile agricultural land. We pass the garrison town of Erfourd and onto Rissani. Soon westart seeing the first sand dunes of Merzouga, Erg Chebbi. Night in hotel right on the outskirt of the dunes.  

Erg Chebbi are one of the most photographed places in the world and when you see them you will know why. Also, we will visit small village of khamlia and around Merzouga before we go to start our camel ride to the dunes. One of the best desert experiences is to take a camel ride across the dunes when the sun goes down and marvel at the spectacle that the desert created. Night r in desert camp. 

Departing  

desert, we set into village of Tinghir and to the nearby Todra Gorge. This gorge in the High Atlas present asthonishing spectacle, its gigantic rock walls change colors to magical effect as the day unfolds.The 300 meters tall cliff walls are mere 15 meters apart from each other.  We have some time to stretch our legs and then continue to another gorge of Dades. We wil travel along small villages painted in pink-grey colors merging into the local rock, ruins of kasbahs and ksours and parts of fertile shafts of land creating breathtaking contrast to the arid land.  Later we continue the journey to Dades Valley.  

We start the morning by viewing amazingly dramatic Dades Gorge with high cliffs of limestone and weirdly shapped erosions. Then we set onto the road of Thousand Kasbah passing Rose Valley (beautiful in April to May) and Skoura Oasis reaching the city of Ouarzazate. Not far from Ouarzazate we stop to visit the oldest and finest example of fortified city - Ait Ben haddou. After our visit we continue across the High Atlas Mountains over dramatic drive offering splendid views to Marrakech. (B) 

Guide will meet us at the lobby of our riad and take us on a complete tour of the famous Medina, including the historic buildings and world noted markets. 

Leisure day in Marrakech. Either relax or we recommend to go to nice spa to enjoy Moroccan scrubbing, take cooking class or just stroll the souks and enjoy some shopping experiences. 

Essaouira is set less than 3 hours from Marrakech. This cool sea breeze town offers lovely beach, preserved medina and impressive 18th century ramparts and fortification. (B) 

Essaouira can be easily explored on your own. We recommend to walk the streets of the old town exploring the ancient houses. Walkways in medina includes Squal Du Port, which one shield the port, an old port early morning bustling with sea catches of the day. You can also take opportunity to stroll the beach and boardwalk.  

Continue to Casablanca by leaving Essaouira after breakfast and arrive in Oualidia for a little break and lunch by the lagoon. The oysters here are known all across Morocco. 

Reach El Jadida, the ancient Portuguese city of Mazagan, which is added to the World Heritage List. 

If time permits you can explore El Jadida medina, visit the Portuguese cistern and fortifications, spend time outside the medina walls in the modern city or go to a beach for a walk. It is safe and comfortable to be on your own. Dinner at the hotel. 

If you want to modify this tour, let us know your idea, travel plans and we can create  similar or different program, which match your requirements. Contact us for more info.