14 Days Morocco Grand Tour Package Via Sahara Desert

On arrival in Marrakech, you will meet your guide and driver, then transfer to your Riad or
Hotel

After breakfast, you will drive to Casablanca to visit the Hassan ll Mosque, which was
completed in 1993 and is one of the largest mosques in the world. Continue on to the city of
Rabat the capitol of Morocco. Rabat is located on the Atlantic coastline at the mouth of the
river Bou Regreg, opposite the twin city of Sale. The first stop will be at the Kasbah Oudayas.
Next on the agenda is the fascinating site of the Hassan Tower dating back to 1185. The
minaret rises up to 44 meters, and was believed that it would reach 88 meters. However in
1755 it was largely destroyed by an earthquake. Opposite the Hassan Tower is the
Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a monument of modern Morocco. This amazing white
architecture capped by a green (the color of Islam) pyramid shaped roof is the final resting
place of the King and his two sons. Following the tour of the mausoleum you will visit the
Chellah Kasbah, which is the site of an ancient Roman city and necropolis. This site was
abandoned in 1154 AD. In 1339 Sultan Abu 1-Hasan built monuments, main gate, mosque
and tombs. Which is where he was eventually laid to rest. This site has since become a
tourist venue and hosts the international “Festival of Jazz” each year. From here you will go
to your Riad or Hotel for the evening.
Distance 324 km (201.324 miles)

Following breakfast, you will drive to Chefchaouen, The city of Chefchaouen (The Blue City),
is a small city situated in the Rif Mountains. The city dates back to 1471. The cities name
derives from a Berber name “Chef Chaouen” which means “look at the horns”. You will have
free time to explore this quaint town, to hike or relax. You will walk inside the old city of
Chefchaouen and visit Rass El Ma (The Head if the water). Ras El Ma is the source of water
that is used by the city for irrigation and laundry. This is a public area where local woman
wash clothing and blankets. When you finish the tour you will settle down in your Riad or
Hotel for the night.
Distance: 251 km (155.964 miles)

Following breakfast, you will drive to Fez passing by the city of Ouazan, then off to the
ancient ruins of Volubilis, which is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage site. You will then
head to Meknes to visit the main attractions such as the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail the
founder of the city and Lahdim Square. Moulay Ismail was the most notorious Sultan of all.
When the tour of Meknes is complete you will begin your journey to Fez. Here you will rest
for the evening in your Riad or Hotel.

Distance 200 km (124.274 miles)

Today you will explore Fez, the oldest and largest medieval city in the world. A local licensed
historical guide will accompany you as you discover each of the two old Medinas, the largest
which is Fes El Bali. In 1981 it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fes El Jedid,
the old city, which was built by Merinids. The former has so many fascinating historical sites
such as: Al_Qarawiyyin, which dates back to AD 859, and is the oldest continuous
functioning madrasa (Old School) in the world. The Ancient Tanneries where you can
witness the tanners incredible labor of making Babouches (Moroccan Slippers) as well as
wallets, handbags and a host of leather goods. You will have the opportunity to stroll
throughout the Souks (Old Markets) in the Old city of Fez.

Departing from Fez you will begin your ascent passing through the town of Ifrane. Ifrane is a
winter ski resort built in the 1930’s to resemble a Swiss Village. You will visit the cedar forest
in Azrou, see the endangered Barbary (Macaque) Monkeys, and drive across the Middle
Atlas Mountains. Most of the day will be spent winding your way through the beautiful forest,
springs, jagged rock faces and Berber Villages. As you cross the Atlas Mountains you will
begin to descend towards the Sahara Desert. You will stop for lunch in the town of Medelt,
famous for its fossils and rocks, before continuing towards Merzouga. Reaching Merzouga in
the afternoon, you will stop for mint tea before taking an hour and a half camel ride to the
dunes of Erg Chebbi. This is a beautiful time of day for a camel ride as the sun sets in the
desert. Simply breathtaking. Reaching the desert camp, where you will stay overnight in a
Berber Tent, you will indulge in a wonderfully warm glass of mint tea, a delicious dinner and
a campfire with traditional music of the Berbers.
Distance: 472 km (293.287 miles)

This morning after breakfast you will go off-roading to discover Merzouga, the same road
used in the famous Paris-Dakar Rally, reaching the Quarry area where you will learn how the
locals extract fossils from the heart of the earth.
You will visit the nomads who still live in tents which are made from camel wool, there you
will learn about the life of the nomads while sipping on a warm cup of mint tea.You will
continue crossing the desert capturing the different faces of the dunes and black volcanic
rocks. You will pass through small villages to Khamlia Village, where the locals from Africa
still practice their musical traditions, Gnawa Music. After the village you will stop for lunch,
having Berber Pizza. After lunch continue to the lake of Merzouga. From the lake you will
return to your hotel to relax and have dinner, followed by breakfast the following morning.

After an anticipated brilliant sunrise and breakfast, you will explore fortresses, valleys,
palmeries and gorges. You will visit the wells that were used as irrigation in the 17th century,
and a breathtaking view of the Toda Gorges. From here you will head to the highest oasis in
Morocco, with mountains as high as 300m (1000 feet). You will travel through the city of

Tinghir while making your way to Boumaln Dades where you will relax for the evening in your
hotel.
Distance : 252.3 KM = 156.8 MI

Following breakfast your excursion will begin by traveling through the Valley of Roses where
the festival of Roses is celebrated at the end of May each year. You will continue onward to
Skoura, oasis of palm groves. From here you will head to the city of Ouarzazate which is
known as the Hollywood of Morocco because of the Cinema Studios. Not far from the
Cinemas you will stop by the Kasbah of Taourirt. The journey continues to the most famous
Kasbah, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah where many movies were filmed such as Game of Thrones
and Gladiator. After touring the Ait Ben Haddou Kabah you will rest in your hotel in the
Village of Ait Ben Haddou for the evening.
Distance : 144.3 KM = 89.6 MI

Today you will take the snaky road of Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains where
you will reach an altitude of 2,260 m above sea level. It is the highest mountain pass in
Northern Africa. Tichka Pass lies between the Sahara desert and the red city of Marrakech.
Following this scenic drive you will continue through the red city of Marrakech and on to the
city of Essouira which lies on the Atlantic West Coast of Morocco.
Distance : 375.7 KM = 233.4 MI

The exploration begins today in the city of Essaouira, also known as “Wind City of Africa”,
excellent for wind surfing and sailing. You will visit many fascinating sites, including the sea
port where the seamen uncover the catch of the day. Stroll the sandy beach that stretches
way to the south. The laid-back atmosphere of this town, the dramatic ramparts and the
sandy beach have together created an attraction for artisans and hippies for years.
Essaouira has a bohemian feel quite different from the rest of the country. Back in the 1950’s
Orson Wells stayed at the Hotel des lles during the filming of “Othello”. This picturesque town
of Essaouira was the home of many other film productions. Jimmy Hendrix’s song “Castles
Made of Sand” was written two years prior to his visit to Essaouira.

After a leisurely breakfast and a few hours of free time, you will travel back to Marrakech.
When reaching Marrakech you will relax in your Riad or Hotel for the evening.
Distance : 184 KM = 114 MI

After breakfast you will explore the city of Marrakech. The name Marrakech originates from
the Amazigh (Berber) words MUR (n) AKUSH which means “Land of God”. Marrakech lies at
the foothills of the breathtaking Atlas Mountains. You will visit some of the most fascinating

sites of Marrakech, starting with the Tombs of Saadians, Palais Bahia, Garden Majorelle, the
Kotoubia Mosque, and ending the day in the square of Jamaa Lafna and the Souks. The
square of Jamaa Lafna is overflowing with shops, crafts, entertainment and a host of
restaurants.

Transfer to the Airport, depending on the time of your departure.