Day 1 – Casablanca international arrival

 Welcome to Morocco!

Today your flight arrives into Casablanca’s Airport. You will be welcomed by your expert guide and driver. Visit the massive Mosque Hassan II. Completed in 1993, the Mosque can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers making it the second largest in Islam today.

 Accommodation : Art Palace – Le doge

Day 2 – Road to Fez passing by Rabat

After breakfast you will take the road to Fez. You will stop by Rabat, the capital, to explore the historical landmarks. Your guide will take you through the winding streets of the Medina, the old town of Rabat. You’ll see the traditional architecture, the local markets, and visit historical landmarks such as the Kasbah of the Udayas. Then you will stop by the Hassan Tower which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Rabat. You’ll visit this stunning 12th-century tower and mosque, and learn about its history and significance. Then you will head toward Chellah which is a necropolis and an important historical site in Rabat. You’ll explore the ancient ruins and the beautiful gardens, and learn about the history of this important site.

 Accommodation : Sahrai – Maison Bleu

Day 3 – Explore Fez & traditional cooking class

Today you’ll visit the old part of Fez, the Jewish quarter, and the new part of Fez. The old part of Fez, known as Fes el-Bali, is a UNESCO World famous for its narrow, winding streets and traditional architecture. Here you’ll visit the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, one of the oldest universities in the world, Bou Inania Madrasa, a beautifully decorated Islamic school built in the 14th century, and the tanneries, an important part of Fez’s economy. In Mellah, the Jewish quarter of Fez, visit the 17th century Ibn Danan Synagogue, one of the most important in Morocco. In the new Fez, known as Ville Nouvelle, built during the French colonial period, visit the Jardin Jnan Sbil, a beautiful garden, and the Borj Nord Museum, which showcases the history of Fez and Morocco. In the afternoon, learn how to cook traditional Moroccan dishes, Moroccan cuisine’s cultural and historical significance, and customs surrounding Moroccan meals. Your chef will provide guidance as the dishes are prepared, and you will have the opportunity to taste and adjust seasoning, as necessary. Once completed, you’ll be able to enjoy your preparations together over a shared meal.

 Accommodation : Sahrai – Maison Bleu

Day 4 – To Sahara Desert

While the road from Fez to Erfoud is a long drive, there are plenty of places to stop and explore along the way, and the stunning scenery makes the journey well worth it. It will take approximately 6 hours and here are some places to see along the way. Ifran is a charming mountain town known for its Swiss-style architecture and winter sports. The town is surrounded by forests and is a popular destination for hiking and skiing. You’ll pass through the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you can see the stunning cedar forests. These forests are home to the Barbary macaque, an endangered primate species that is native to North Africa. Halfway, you’ll stop by Midelt, famous for its apple orchards and is a popular stop for travellers. The town is surrounded by stunning scenery, including the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains. As you continue on the road towards Erfoud, you’ll pass through the Ziz Valley, which is known for its palm groves and stunning landscapes. The valley is dotted with small villages and oases before arriving at the doors of the Sahara. 

Your camel will be waiting for you to get to your camp where you will spend the night.

 Accommodation : Dihya desert camp

Day 5 – Sahara Safari and road to Ouarzazate

After sunrise, you will go deeper into the sand dunes to discover some ancient ruins and learn the history from your local guide. In the afternoon you will visit a local family and share a tea pot with them. You will head towards khamlia, a small village located in the south of Morocco which is a unique cultural experience that offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the region. This village is known for its vibrant Gnawa music scene, which is a unique blend of traditional African and Islamic music.

In the afternoon you will head toward Ouarzazate, a city known for its film studios and historical monuments. First stop by The Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon with towering rock walls that rise up to 300 meters in some places then you will get to Dades Valley which is a beautiful area with red rock formations, green valleys, and traditional Berber villages. You can visit the old kasbahs, see the traditional irrigation systems, or take a walk through the beautiful gardens depending on your available time.

 Accommodation : Yu Palace

Day 6 – Road to Marrakech passing by Ait Ben Haddou

In the morning, you’ll take a tour of Atlas Film Studios, the largest film studios in the world, to see some of the sets used in famous movies such as The Mummy, Gladiator, and Kingdom of Heaven. Then you will head towards Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site used as a filming location for several movies, including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. For Kasbah lovers, stop by Taourirt Kasbah, a historic fortress that was once the residence of the Glaoui family, who ruled over the region in the early 20th century. On the way, you can explore the Fint Oasis, a beautiful oasis surrounded by palm trees, mountains, and a small river. You will end your day in your Riad in Marrakech to enjoy a relaxing Turkish bath or Hammam.

 Accommodation : Maison Arabe – Riad Elarsat

Day 7 – Marrakech private city tour

Start by visiting the Bahia Palace, a stunning palace built in the 19th century for a wealthy Moroccan nobleman, featuring beautiful gardens and stunning architecture. Head to the Saadian Tombs rediscovered in 1917, a burial site for members of the Saadian dynasty that ruled Morocco from 1549 to 1659. Then take a short walk to the Mellah, the Jewish quarter of Marrakech to explore the narrow streets and visit the Lazama Synagogue, one of the oldest in Morocco. After lunch at a local Moroccan restaurant, visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech dating back to the 12th century, and the Jardin Majorelle, a beautiful garden designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s. End the day at the Djemaa el- Fna, Marrakech’s main square and a bustling hub of activity to watch street performers, taste some street food, and shop for gifts.

 Accommodation : Maison Arabe – Riad Elarsat

Day 8 – International departure from Casablanca or Marrakech

 Depending on your departure airport, we will arrange your day.

What makes this trip impactful

• Your Marrakech tour is provided by our non profit organization partner Pikala which aims at supporting education and employment amongst youth by training local girls and boys to become professional bicycle tour guides. 
• You will support female cooperatives and local workshops by witnessing their hard work during our suggested visits along the way to the Sahara.
• You will travel carbon free as we offset your trip carbon footprint by planting trees in cooperation with our partner High Atlas Foundation