1st DAY

Marrakech.

 10 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech Arrival at Marrakech Menara airport according to your flight schedule. Welcome and assistance from our staff and transfer to the Riad. Free dinner and overnight stay.

2nd DAY

Marrakech

Day available to discover the city, accompanied by a guide, in Italian, during the morning. Marrakech, “the Pearl of the South”, is one of the most important imperial cities in Morocco. Located at the foot of the Atlas peaks, like all Moroccan cities, it has two souls: the ancient city of the medina, surrounded by walls, and the more modern one of the new city. In Marrakech you can breathe the true traditional soul of Morocco, conditioned by the mountains and the desert, rooted in the trade and customs of its inhabitants. The visit to the souk and the Djemaa El Fna square, the beating heart of the city, populated by storytellers, dancers, snake charmers and musicians, will be interesting. During the night the square transforms into a huge open-air restaurant. Noteworthy and worthy of a visit: the Bahia Palace, the el-Badi Palace, the Medersa Ben Youssef, the Sadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque with a minaret that is striking for its elegance in its decoration and balance of forms, and the labyrinthine and colorful medina. Free dinner and overnight stay in Riad.

3rd DAY

Marrakech | High Atlas | Tizi n’Tichka | Kasbah Ait Benhaddou | Ouarzazate | Valley of the Roses | Dades Valley (km 310).

 10 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech After breakfast, departure for the south passing through the high Atlas mountains on the Col du Tichka pass (2260 m), from where you can admire the spectacular landscapes of the High Atlas and the numerous nomadic Berber villages that populate the mountain. Continuation and visit to the fortified village Ait Ben Haddou, whose Kasbah has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The pisè complex is one of the oldest and most majestic in Morocco, dating back to the 11th century when it was an Almoravid caravanserai. Immortalized in the films “Lawrence of Arabia”, “Babel” or “Indiana Jones”, this fortress stands like a rough diamond in the surrounding rock. We will continue in the direction of Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa”, home to important film studios and a spectacular context in which very famous films such as “Gladiator”, “Obelix”, or “The Jewel of the Nile” were shot, in which you will visit the Atlas Studios. You can admire from the outside (and possibly visit) the Kasbah Taourirt located on the outskirts of Ouarzazate, with enormous crenellated towers and very well preserved. We will cross the Valley of Roses, Kelaa M’Gouna, famous for the cultivation of the latter, celebrated in a festival, where it will be possible to stop to buy rose or Argan-based products. Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel/Riad in Boumalne Dades.

4th DAY

Dades Valley | Todra Gorges | Rissani |Merzouga | Camel trek in the dunes of Erg Chebbi (km 293).

 10 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech We will leave immediately after breakfast, to admire the suggestive morning lights that illuminate the Dades valley, stopping at various panoramic points. The Dades valley or “street of a thousand Kasbahs”, is known for the numerous mud and straw buildings that served as defensive castles. We will continue in the direction of the Todra Gorges, bordering the Jebel Saghro mountain range to arrive at the canyons famous for climbing. Continue in the direction of Rissani, an ancient caravan route to sub-Saharan Africa, a town of great historical importance and religious center, witness to the Alaouite dynasty. We will stop to visit the lively local market (souk), the largest in southern Morocco and one of the most authentic and traditional markets. Short visit to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, founder of the Alauoite dynasty. Continuation of the journey until you reach Merzouga, a small village at the foot of the dunes. Upon arrival, we will leave the 4×4, sip tea, a symbol of an ancient lifestyle, and prepare for the trek of about an hour and a half, on a dromedary, for a magnificent observation of the dunes at sunset. Return to camp, at the foot of the dunes, in private tents for dinner and overnight stay.

5th DAY

Tour of the desert region of Merzouga (km 60).

We will wake up early, appreciating the sunrise from the highest dune and, after a delicious breakfast, we will prepare for the day dedicated to discovering Merzouga and the Eastern Sahara. We will go around the Erg Chebbi desert, crossing some Berber villages and the black desert (Hamada), an immense stony platform, passing through Hassilabied and Tisserdmine. Continuing, we will reach the village of Khamlia inhabited by descendants of ancient black slaves, originally from Mali, today famous Gnawa musicians, who will delight us with their traditional music and dances. Free time available before dinner and overnight stay in the hotel at the foot of the dunes.

6th DAY

Merzouga | Ziz Valley | Midelt (Km 265).

After breakfast, departure towards the Ziz Valley full of green palm groves and small villages that preserve the local Berber culture intact. Through ever-changing landscapes, we will arrive in Midelt, in the Middle Atlas mountains where we will spend the night.

7th DAY

Midelt | Azrou | Meknes (Km 200).

 10 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech After breakfast, we will continue the journey, in the direction of Meknes, the least flashy of the imperial cities; yet, its architecture, palaces, immense gardens, warehouses and large stables, closed within the ocher walls, distinguish the physiognomy of this city, so much so as to justify its inclusion in the UNESCO list of heritage sites of the humanity. We will make a stop in Ifrane and reach Azrou, with cedar forests, populated by numerous barber macaques, clay plateaus and lakes that are home to extraordinary nature including Barbary macaques. Dinner and overnight stay in Riad.

8th DAY

Meknes | Chefchaouen (Km 195).

After breakfast, accompanied by the official guide, you will begin the visit of Meknes, famous for its walls, the Bab el-Mansour gate, the royal palace and stables, the Agdal basin, the medina and the Jewish quarter. In the afternoon, departure towards Chefchaouen. Free dinner and overnight stay in Riad.

9th DAY

Chefchaouen | Fes (Km 195).

After breakfast you will begin to explore Chefchaouen or Chaouen, a city perched in the Rif mountains. You will walk in the medina, small and quiet, made up of white and blue houses, where you will discover the historical and cultural heritage, appreciating the light, the streets, the picturesque Uta el Hammam square and, of course, the colorful shops full of handicrafts. Subsequently, departure for Fes where you will meet the guide who will lead you to discover this enchanting city; you can visit the medieval medina, the Mederse (ancient Islamic religious universities) Bounanaia and Attarine, the Karaouine Mosque and the famous Neijarine fountain. The city’s souks are among the most beautiful and lively markets in Morocco with neighborhoods of dyers, blacksmiths and potters. Dinner and overnight stay in Riad.

10th DAY

Fez.

Transfer to the airport according to your flight plan.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

• Expert Guides: Our knowledgeable guides are passionate about Morocco’s history and culture, ensuring an educational and memorable experience.
• Comfortable Accommodations: Enjoy comfortable stays in carefully selected accommodations that reflect the essence of each city.
• Culinary Delights: Savor traditional Moroccan dishes and flavors at local restaurants.
• Scenic Drives: Traverse diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to tranquil countryside.
• Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the music, dance, and storytelling of Moroccan culture.
• Safe and Secure: Your safety is our top priority, with experienced guides ensuring a secure journey.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages? Yes, this 12-day tour is designed to be inclusive and suitable for all age groups, providing a captivating experience for everyone.

What should I pack for the tour? Pack comfortable clothing for varying temperatures, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle. Don’t forget your camera to capture the beauty of Morocco’s cities.

Are there medical facilities available during the tour? Yes, our guides are trained in basic first aid, and medical facilities are accessible in all cities in case of emergencies.

Is traveling in Morocco safe? Safety is our top priority. Our experienced guides ensure a secure journey, and Morocco is generally safe for travelers.

Can I book a private tour for my group? Certainly! We offer private tours tailored to your group’s preferences and schedule.

Is the tour environmentally responsible? We are committed to responsible tourism, with practices that include proper waste disposal, water conservation, and a deep respect for the local environment.

Conclusion: An Imperial Adventure

“12 Days in Morocco: An Imperial Tour from Marrakech” promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with lasting memories and a profound appreciation for Morocco’s imperial legacy. From the bustling streets of Marrakech to the historical treasures of Fes and the tranquil beauty of Chefchaouen, this tour is a journey through time, culture, and enchanting landscapes. Join us on this grand expedition, and let Morocco’s imperial splendor capture your heart.