A LOOK INTO THE BLUE

Marrakech – Essaouira (2 days / 1 night or one-day tour)

1st day: Marrakech >> Essaouira (170 km)

Departure from Marrakech at a time to be agreed. Once you have reached this small town, you will be free to explore it on your own, walking among the many crafts shops (Essaouira is famous for its thuja root handicraft and fabrics), the painting and sculpting galleries, and the spice and argan oil markets.
Shortly before sunset, we then suggest that you go towards Mogador to watch a splendid sunset over the ocean. Dinner and overnight accommodation.

2nd day: Essaouira surroundings >> Marrakech

After being awakened by the scent of saltiness and the ever-present seagulls, once back in the car we can stop around Essaouira to see the incredible goats climbing on top of trees and visit one of the female cooperatives processing argan oil, where you can buy cosmetics and food products.
Return to Marrakech.

Essaouira is only 170 km away from Marrakech, but its uniqueness, colours and peaceful pace of life make it light years distant from the city frenzy of the “red town” Marrakech.
The tour can be easily done in one day, leaving early from Marrakech and returning in the evening. If you want to enjoy it to the full and admire the beautiful sunset, however, we recommend that you spend a night there.
Facing the Atlantic Ocean, Essaouira is constantly caressed by the wind all year round (a favourite destination for the lovers of water sports), it is surrounded by powerful ramparts, and encloses in itself a maze of lanes with perfectly white walls and colourful doors, where cats love lying in the sun and being photographed.

Useful information

In the event of adverse or exceptional weather conditions, the programme may be subject to change.

Included in the price

• Transportation as described
• 4×4 jeep vehicle, air-conditioned; for groups of over 6 people, air-conditioned minibus
• Driver guide speaking Italian, Spanish, English and French
• Fuel and transportation costs
• 1 night accommodation and breakfast (room with private bathroom)
• Exclusive service (not accompanied by other visitors)

Not included in the price

• Flights from and to your country
• Lunch meals
• Beverages
• Tips and personal expenses
• All that is not included under “Included in the price”

A TASTE OF THE DESERT

Marrakech – Zagora (2 days / 1 night)

1st day: Marrakech >> Ouarzazate >> Zagora (356 km)

Early departure from Marrakech, where the guide will pick you up at your riad. We will head for the High Atlas mountains, across the majestic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260 m.a.s.l.). After seeing several Berber farms and traditional villages, we will arrive at Ouarzazate, called the “Hollywood of Morocco” because of the many movies filmed in its studios. After lunch, we can visit the Taourirt Kasbah before driving on southbound towards Agdz.
Along the way, we will have a chance to stop in several panoramic places to admire the endless expanse of date palm groves, before arriving in Zagora. From here, a camel ride of about 2 hours will allow us to enjoy the sunset in the desert before reaching the tented camp where we will spend the night.

2nd day: Zagora >> Marrakech

For those who wish, it will be possible to wake up early to watch the sun rising, and, after a shower and breakfast, we will take the road back to Marrakech. Along the way, we can visit some Berber shops selling fossils, lamps, leather carpets and other handicraft products that are typical of this area. In the afternoon, we will stop in Ouarzazate (where we can visit the film studios), before driving on to Marrakech.

Useful information

In the event of adverse or exceptional weather conditions, the programme may be subject to change.

Included in the price

• Transportation as described
• 4×4 jeep vehicle, air-conditioned; for groups of over 6 people, air-conditioned minibus
• Driver guide speaking Italian, Spanish, English and French
• Fuel and transportation costs
• 1 night in a tented camp (dinner and overnight accommodation)
• Camel ride
• Exclusive service (not accompanied by other visitors)

Not included in the price

• Flights from and to your country
• Lunch meals
• Beverages
• Sightseeing admission tickets (kasbah)
• Tips and personal expenses
• All that is not included under “Included in the price”

MOUNTAINS, ROSES AND DESERT

Marrakech – Dades Valley – Sahara (3 days / 2 nights)

1st day: Marrakech » High Atlas » Kasbah Ait Ben Haddhou » Dades Valley (km 310)

Early departure from Marrakech: our guide will pick you up directly at the riad/hotel where you stay. We will head for Ouarzazate, driving through the High Atlas mountains, across the Tizi’n Tichka Pass (2260 metres), from where you can enjoy a spectacular view (also with the snow, in the winter season). We will stop at the ksar Ait Ben Haddou, declared part of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage, a beautiful town built in typical Southern Moroccan architecture, lying on top of a hill surrounded by a green valley. We will drive on towards the Dades valley, which, in spring, bursts with colours and fragrances because of its famous rose cultivations, producing perfumes and essences of world renown. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a hotel.

2nd day: Dades Valley » Todra Gorges » Merzouga » Camel-ride in the desert (km 250)

After having breakfast and admiring the beautiful views of the valley, we will head for the Todra Gorges, a narrow canyon 300m deep, coloured in incredible red-orange hues, a favourite for rock climbing lovers. Once arrived in Erfoud, we can visit the fossil museum, this area being rich in stunning fossils. After a well-deserved break for lunch, we will continue to Merzouga where the camels will be waiting to take us on a ride to watch the sunset over the dunes, before reaching a Berber-style tented camp. Here you can savour the silence of the desert and, after nightfall, watch the starry sky while sitting by the bivouac-fire. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a tented camp.

3rd day: Merzouga » Rissani » Alnif » Draa Valley » Marrakech (km 550)

For those who wish, early wake-up call to wait for sunrise among the dunes.
After freshening up and having breakfast, we will hit the road towards Marrakech, driving through Rissani (the first imperial city in Morocco, hosting a very characteristic market) and the Draa Valley with its palm groves as far as the eye can see. We will cross the High Atlas again to be back in Marrakech in the evening, where we will take you to the hotel you have booked for your stay in town.

Useful information

In the event of adverse or exceptional weather conditions, the programme may be subject to change.

Included in the price

• Transportation as described
• 4×4 jeep vehicle, air-conditioned; for groups of over 6 people, air-conditioned minibus
• Driver guide speaking Italian, Spanish, English and French
• Fuel and transportation costs
• 1 night at a hotel with half board (breakfast and dinner); accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
• 1 night in a tented camp (dinner and overnight accommodation)
• Camel ride
• Exclusive service (not accompanied by other visitors)

Not included in the price

• Flights from and to your country
• Lunch meals
• Beverages
• Sightseeing admission tickets (kasbah)
• Tips and personal expenses
• All that is not included under “Included in the price”

DISCOVERING THE DESERT AND THE VALLEYS

Marrakech – Dades Valley – Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) – Draa Valley (5 days / 4 nights)

1st day : Marrakech >> High Atlas >> Kasbah Telouet >> Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou >> Dades Gorges (310 km)

Early wake-up call to leave at 8.30 directly from your riad in Marrakech, heading for the High Atlas mountains; we will reach the Tizi n’ Tichka Pass (2260 metres), from where you can enjoy a spectacular view (also with the snow, in the winter season). Then we will visit the beautiful Telouet Kasbah, whose audience hall – with wonderful painted cedar wood ceilings and beautiful stuccoes – even outshines the splendid Palais de Bahia in Marrakech. We will go on to the ksar Ait Ben Haddou, a splendid fortified village built with straw and mud, overlooking large green expanses of almond groves from a hilltop. It was the filming location of several movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, The Sheltering Sky and Gladiator, and was declared part of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage in 1987. We will drive on towards the Dades valley, which, in spring, bursts with colours and fragrances because of its famous rose cultivations, producing perfumes and essences of world renown. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a riad.

2nd day: Dades Valley >> Todra Gorges >> Merzouga >> Erg Chebbi (250 km)

After breakfast, we will drive through the Todra Gorges, a narrow canyon 300m deep, coloured in incredible red-orange hues, a favourite destination for rock climbing lovers. After seeing the palm grove of Tinherir, we will arrive at the gates of Merzouga, where you will start on a camel ride over the golden dunes (about one and a half hours). After watching the sunset with your feet in the sand, you will be guided to the tented camp to spend the night. During the evening, you can enjoy the famous Berber hospitality, and admire a beautiful starry sky while sitting by the bivouac-fire. Dinner and overnight accommodation in the camp.

3rd day : Merzouga >> Khamlia Village (60 km)

For those who wish, there will be an early wake-up call to watch the sunrise from the higher dunes and breathe more of the solitary peace of the Sahara. Then we will ride back to Merzouga on camelback, where we can have breakfast and take a shower. The day will be devoted to the discovery of the Merzouga region, where we will admire the famous desert fossils and the black expanse of volcanic rocks, and will visit the village of Tissrdmin (the set of several movies) and an authentic nomad family. Later we will head for the Khamlia village, famous for its inhabitants originating from Black Africa and for its typical music – having its ultimate expression in the first week of August during a dance and music festival. Back to Merzouga where you can enjoy dinner and relax in the hotel.

4th day: Merzouga >> Rissani >> Tazarine >> Agdz >> Valle del Draa Valley >> Ouarzazate (360 km)

After breakfast we will leave for Agdz, stopping at Rissani to visit the lively local market, and then driving through several Berber villages. We will continue along the splendid and luxuriant Draa Valley, among oases and palm groves all the way to Ouarzazate, a small town mainly famous for being the location of several important film studios. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a riad.

5th day: Ouarzazate >> Kasbah Telouet >> Marrakech (210 km)

After breakfast we will visit the famous Taurirt Kasbah; made of mud and straw, as typical of this type of building in Morocco, it was inhabited until 1930, and is currently used as museum and a well-known movie set.
Then we will head for the mountains and, shortly before crossing again the Tizi n’ Tichka Pass, we will stop at Telouet, where we will visit the Pasha Glaoui Kasbah, characterised by beautiful stuccoed halls and wonderful painted cedar wood ceilings.
We will arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon, to allow you an opportunity to enjoy a few more hours in the beautiful “red town”.

Useful information

In the event of adverse or exceptional weather conditions, the programme may be subject to change.

Included in the price

• Transportation as described
• 4×4 jeep vehicle, air-conditioned; for groups of over 6 people, air-conditioned minibus
• Driver guide speaking Italian, Spanish, English and French
• Fuel and transportation costs
• 3 nights at a riad/hotel with half board (breakfast and dinner); accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
• 1 night in a tented camp (dinner and overnight accommodation)
• Camel ride to and from the camp
• Exclusive service (not accompanied by other visitors)

Not included in the price

• Flights from and to your country
• Lunch meals
• Beverages
• Tips and personal expenses
• Sightseeing admission tickets
• All that is not included under “Included in the price”

MANKIND AND SAND: A TIGHT LINE BETWEEN MARRAKECH AND FEZ

Marrakech – Ouarzazate – Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) – Fez (5 days / 4 nights)

1st day: Marrakech >> High Atlas >> Telouet >> Ait Ben Haddou >> Ouarzazate (210 km)

After breakfast, our guide will meet you at your riad in Marrakech, ready to head in the direction of the High Atlas chain. After crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260 m.a.s.l.), we will stop at Telouet to visit the Pasha Glaoui Kasbah, characterised by beautiful stuccoed halls and wonderful painted cedar wood ceilings. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we will continue to Ait Ben Haddou; declared part of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage in 1987, this beautiful fortified village built in typical Southern Moroccan architecture lies on top of a hill surrounded by a green valley. You can visit the ksar of Ait Benhaddou, and then we will drive on towards Ouarzazate. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a hotel.

2nd day: Ouarzazate >> Skoura >> Roses Valley >> (130 km)

This morning, after breakfast in the hotel, we will leave for Skoura, where we will visit the Kasbah Amridil. Located in the palm grove of the “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs”, the kasbah was recently restored, and still holds truly suggestive and authentic colours and atmospheres. Later, our journey will continue through the Roses Valley, where we will stop for lunch and, if you wish, you can visit the cooperatives that produce essences and perfumes. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a riad with a view over the valley.

3rd day: Todra Gorges >> Erfoud >> Merzouga (200 km)

After having breakfast and admiring the beautiful views of the valley, we will head for the Todra Gorges; here the road from Tinghir meanders through green palm groves and Berber villages until it is closed in by tall, pink rocky walls, forming a narrow canyon 300m deep coloured in incredible red-orange hues, a favourite for rock climbing lovers. Later on, we will drive on to Erfoud, where we can visit the fossil museum, this area being rich in stunning fossils. After a well-deserved stop for lunch, we will continue to Merzouga, where the camels will be waiting to take us on a ride to admire the sunset over the dunes, before reaching our Berber-style tented camp. Here you can savour the silence of the desert and, after nightfall, watch the starry sky while sitting by the bivouac-fire. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a tented camp.

4th day: Merzouga >> Gnawa Village >> Hassi Labied

For those who wish, the wake-up call will be before dawn, in time to admire the sun rising. After a shower and breakfast, we will take a drive in the black desert, so called because of the rocky formations of volcanic origin, sharply contrasting with the gold-coloured dunes of the Erg Chebbi, in our 4×4. We will then head for the Gnawa village, inhabited by the descendants of African slaves from Mali, Senegal and Mauritania, mainly known for their sweeping percussion music (this is where – during the first week of August – a dance and music festival of country-wide renown is held). After swinging to the sound of drums, lunch break at Merzouga or Hassi Labied. A relaxing afternoon with a walk in the oasis at the foot of the dunes, before going back to the hotel for dinner and the night.

5th day: Merzouga >> Midelt >> Azrou >> Ifrane >> Fez (480 km)

Today we leave early, to start on the long journey to Fez. On the way, we will stop at Rissani, to enjoy the authenticity of the characteristic local market. We will then continue along the Ziz Valley; here we can stop briefly in an oasis, to savour a few dates. Travelling through the Tizi N’talghamt pass, we will drive on towards Midelt, where we will stop for lunch. After a refreshing meal, we will drive on to Azrou, a small town offering ample views over cedar and pine-tree woods and mountain meadows, which fill with colourful flowers in springtime. Built by the French during the 1930s with the declared intent to reproduce an Alpine resort village, Ifrane is a good place for a rest before arriving in the chaotic town of Fez. The arrival is expected in the late afternoon.

Useful information

In the event of adverse or exceptional weather conditions, the programme may be subject to change.

Included in the price

• Transportation as described
• 4×4 jeep vehicle, air-conditioned; for groups of over 6 people, air-conditioned minibus
• Driver guide
• Fuel and transportation costs
• 3 nights at a hotel with half board (breakfast and dinner); accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
• 1 night in the desert in a tented camp (dinner and overnight accommodation)
• Camel ride to and from the camp
• Exclusive service (not accompanied by other visitors)

Not included in the price

• Flights from and to your country
• Lunch meals
• Beverages
• Sightseeing admission tickets
• Tips and personal expenses
• All that is not included under “Included in the price”

THE THOUSAND FACES OF MOROCCO

Marrakech – Fez and Meknes – Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) – Dades and Draa Valleys (7 days / 6 nights)

1st day: Marrakech

Transfer from airport to riad depending on the time of your arrival. If your flight lands in the morning, there will be time for a preliminary exploration of the town, otherwise the visit will be postponed until your return to Marrakech at the end of the tour. Unmissable are the Palais de Bahia, the Saadit Tombs, the Jemaa El Fna Square, the Alì Ben Youssef Medersa and – just outside the Medina – the Majorelle Garden. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a typical riad inside the Medina.

2nd day: Marrakech >> Meknes (470 km)

After an early wake-up and breakfast, we will leave for Meknes, the smallest of the imperial cities, which lies among fertile plains reaching the slopes of the Mid Atlas, used to grow cereal crops, grapes, citrus fruit and olives. The visit to the town, with a licensed guide, will start from the main square (Place el-Hedim), whose beating heart is the beautiful Bab el-Mansour, Morocco’s most imposing imperial gate. After exploring the heart of the medina, we will first go to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail (also open to non-Muslims, but where appropriate clothing is required) and then to the Granaries and Stables of Hri Moulay Ismail (also known as Heri es-Souani). This complex of buildings used to host the hay-barns and stables, housing over 12,000 horses, and is, in fact, the most important monument in town; its walls are built of beaten clay mixed with rock and straw (rammed earth). Dinner and overnight accommodation in a typical riad.

3rd day: Meknes >> Volubilis >> Fez (125 km)

We will wake up early and, before driving to Fez, we will make a short deviation (about 40 minutes’ driving) to visit Volubilis. This archaeological site, the best preserved in Morocco, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997; it has beautiful remains of buildings dating back to Roman times, and wonderful mosaics. Arrival in Fez at lunch time. The visit to the old town (Fes el-Bali) and the medina, the largest and most famous in the Arab world, will start by entering through Bab Bou Jeloud and will continue towards Dar Batha, a beautiful Hispanic-Moorish building hosting an interesting popular art museum. We are not going to miss the Medersa of Bou Inania, built in mid-1300 and unanimously recognised to be the most beautiful Koranic school in the city, and the Chaouwara tanneries, one of the main attractions in town (also because of the smells!). Dinner and overnight accommodation in a typical riad.

4th day: Fez >> Ifrane >> Azrou >> Midelt >> Ziz Valley >> Merzouga (470 km)

After breakfast, we will head for Ifrane, a very pretty town at 1650 m.a.s.l., nicknamed the ‘’Switzerland of Morocco’’, where you can admire the storks nesting on the rooftops. The first village we will come across along the way is Azrou, of Berber origin, located at the heart of a 53,000-hectare natural park on a calcareous plateau delimited by cedar and holm-oak forests, in the midst of ancient volcanoes. It is also famous for the presence of a great number of monkeys in the surrounding forest. We will then take the road that climbs up the Mid Atlas to the Zad pass and the town of Midelt, at an altitude of 1488 m. Midelt is not particularly touristic, but it is famous from a geological viewpoint for the many amazing and extremely colourful crystal formations in its area. From Midelt the road goes on through the beautiful Ziz Gorges all the way to El-Rachidia and then Rissani, the location of a picturesque market and the last town before the desert. We will arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon and, before sunset, we will leave the car and continue on camel-back to the tented camp while enjoying the splendid colours of the sun setting over the dunes. A typical Berber dinner, and then partying to the sound of drums and Berber songs, around the campfire. Overnight accommodation in a tent.

5th day: Merzouga >> Todra Gorges >> Dades Valley (250 km)

For those who wish, early morning wake-up call to admire the sun rising. After breakfast and a quick shower, we will get into the car again to reach the village of Hassi Labied, driving along a stretch of the Paris-Dakar route and across the “black desert” with its volcanic rocks. We will then reach the Khamlia village, famous for its inhabitants originating from Black Africa and for their music, finding its ultimate expression in the festival that takes place annually during the first week of August. After a stop at the village of Tissrdim, the famous set of many movies, we will then proceed to Rissani, once the point of departure for camel caravans heading for the desert, where we can lose ourselves browsing the colourful and picturesque local market. After refreshing, we will hit the road again towards Boumalne Dadès, where the Dades valley starts displaying itself, full of cultivated fields and orchards, reaching up to the Todra Gorges, where we will stop to stretch our legs. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a typical riad with a beautiful view over the valley.

6th day: Dades >> Roses Valley >> Ouarzazate >> Marrakech (320 km)

After breakfast, we will drive through the Roses Valley along the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, with the option to visit the beautiful Kasbah Amridil and dive into the past by walking its courts and recently restored halls. We will stop in the main town of this valley (El-Kalaa M’Gouna), famous for the cultivation of roses, producing wonderful perfumes and body care products. We will then drive on, first towards Ouarzazate (where you can visit the film studios) and then towards the ksar Ait Ben Haddou; declared part of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage in 1987, this beautiful fortified village built in typical Southern Moroccan architecture lies on top of a hill surrounded by a green valley. After a stop to admire the ksar and take a few pictures, we will drive towards the Tizi n’ Tichka pass (2260 m.a.s.l.) and, after crossing the Mid Atlas mountains, we will head for Marrakech.
After such an intense day, we suggest that you relax drinking a mint tea on a terrace in Jemaa El Fna Square, watching the sunset. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a riad.

7th day: Marrakech

After a well-deserved rest and breakfast, we will visit the Alì Ben Youssef Medersa. Founded in the XIV century, this Koranic school was the largest in Northern Africa for a long time, and still is one of the most beautiful. We will then go on to explore the streets of the Medina and its various souks. An unmissable olfactory experience will be a tour of the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, where you can buy all sorts of spices for excellent prices. We will also visit the Palais de Bahia, a sumptuous building of late 1800, where you walk through wonderfully decorated rooms and a sequence of courtyards with fountains and orange trees. We will then go to the Saadit Tombs, where you can see the ultimate expression of opulence and magnificence: Carrara marble and pure gold honeycombed stucco decorations set the tone of this palatial mausoleum. We will conclude the exploration of Marrakech in the Majorelle Gardens; inaugurated in 1924, after being donated to the city by Yves Saint-Laurent, these botanic gardens house more than 300 plant species coming from all continents, and the beautiful Villa Majorelle in Art Deco style, with its characteristic blue colour. Free time before dinner and the night.

Useful information

In the event of adverse or exceptional weather conditions, the programme may be subject to change.

Included in the price

• Transportation as described
• 4×4 jeep vehicle, air-conditioned; for groups of over 6 people, air-conditioned minibus
• Driver guide
• Fuel and transportation costs
• 5 nights at a riad/hotel with half board (breakfast and dinner); accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
• 1 night in the desert in a tented camp (dinner and overnight accommodation)
• Camel ride to and from the camp
• Exclusive service (not accompanied by other visitors)

Not included in the price

• Flights from and to your country
• Lunch meals
• Beverages
• Sightseeing admission tickets
• Tips and personal expenses
• All that is not included under “Included in the price”

FROM DESERT TO OCEAN

Marrakech – Dades Valley – Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Fez – Volubilis and Meknes – Rabat – Casablanca – Essaouira (12 days/11 nights)

1st day: arrival in Marrakech

Our guide will meet you at the airport and drive you to the riad. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may have some free time to start getting acquainted with the “red city” and its colours and scents. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a riad inside the medina.

2nd day: visit of Marrakech

After breakfast, you will set out to discover Marrakech with a licensed guide. We will start visiting the Alì Ben Youssef Medersa: founded in the XIV century, this Koranic school was the largest in Northern Africa for a long time, and still is one of the most beautiful. We will then go on to explore the streets of the Medina and its various souks. An unmissable olfactory experience will be a tour of the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, where you can buy all sorts of spices for excellent prices. We will also visit the Palais de Bahia, a sumptuous building of late 1800, where you walk through wonderfully decorated rooms and a sequence of courtyards with fountains and orange trees. We will then go to the Saadit Tombs, where you can see the ultimate expression of opulence and magnificence: Carrara marble and pure gold honeycombed stucco decorations set the tone of this palatial mausoleum. We will conclude the exploration of Marrakech in the Majorelle Gardens; inaugurated in 1924, after being donated to the city by Yves Saint-Laurent, these botanic gardens house more than 300 plant species coming from all continents, and the beautiful Villa Majorelle in Art Deco style, with its characteristic blue colour. Before dinner and the night, you will have time available to continue exploring the “red town”, and possibly savour some excellent mint tea on a terrace in Jemaa El Fna Square, watching the sunset. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a riad.

3rd day: Marrakech >> High Atlas >> Telouet >> Ait Ben Haddhou >> Dades Valley (330 km)

We will leave early, after breakfast, heading for the High Atlas mountains, to reach the Tizi’n Tichka Pass (2,260 metres), from where you can enjoy a view of the surrounding peaks, snow-capped in the winter season. We will stop along the way to visit the Telouet Kasbah, whose audience hall – with wonderful painted cedar wood ceilings and beautiful stuccoes – even outshines the splendid Palais de Bahia in Marrakech. Back on the road, we will stop again at the ksar Ait Ben Haddou, part of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage, a beautiful town built in Southern Moroccan architecture, lying on top of a hill surrounded by a green valley. Finally, we will drive on to the Dades Valley which, in spring, bursts with colours and fragrances because of its famous rose cultivations, producing perfumes and essences of world renown. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a beautiful riad overlooking the valley.

4th day: Dades Valley >> Todra Gorges>> Rissani >> Merzouga (260 km)

After breakfast, we will drive through the Dades Valley and continue to the Todra Gorges, a narrow canyon 300m deep coloured in incredible red-orange hues, a favourite destination for rock climbing lovers. Coming through the beautiful palm grove of Tinghir, we will stop at Rissani. Once the point of departure for camel caravans heading for the desert, Rissani now hosts a colourful and picturesque local market, where we can lose ourselves among the spices and fabrics. We will finally reach Merzouga, the door to the desert, where you will take a camel ride over the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. After watching the sunset with your feet in the sand, you will be guided to the tented camp to spend the night. During the evening, you can enjoy the famous Berber hospitality, and admire a beautiful starry sky while sitting by the bivouac-fire. Dinner and overnight accommodation in the camp.

5th day: Merzouga and surroundings >> Khamlia village>> villaggio dei nomadi

For those who wish, there will be an early wake-up call to watch the sunrise over the dunes. Then you will go back to the camp for breakfast and a shower, ready to explore Merzouge’s surroundings, the area where you find the desert fossils, the Berber villages – including Tissrdmin, the set of several movies – and the black desert with its volcanic rocks. We will then visit the Khamlia village, home to the Gnawa, the descendants of African slaves from Mali, Senegal and Mauritania, mainly known for their sweeping percussion music. After dancing to the drums, we will visit a nomad family in their tent, and will enjoy the wonderful Berber hospitality, sipping their fragrant mint tea. Having discovered the Berber rhythms and traditions, we will drive back towards Merzouga for a relaxing afternoon, strolling through the oases at the foot of the dunes. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a hotel at the door of the desert.

6th day: Merzouga >> Ziz Valley >> Mid Atlas >> Azrou >> Ifrane >> Fez (470 km)

After breakfast, we will head for the Ziz Valley, where thick palm groves are flanked by high rocky walls dating back to the Jurassic period, until the landscape gives way to the Mid Atlas mountains. Travelling through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, we will drive on to Azrou, a small town offering ample views over cedar and pine-tree woods and mountain meadows, which fill with colourful flowers in springtime. After a short stop, we will continue towards Ifrane, a village built by the French during the 1930s with the declared intent to reproduce an Alpine resort village. Ifrane is a good spot where to relax from the long drive, before proceeding on to chaotic Fez, arriving there in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a typical riad inside the medina.

7th day: visit of Fez

After breakfast, we will devote the morning to visiting Fez, accompanied by a licensed guide. Fez is the oldest of the imperial cities; it was founded by Moulay Idriss II in 790, and because of its importance it soon became the main religious centre in Morocco. The visit to the old town (Fes el-Bali) and the medina, the largest and most famous in the Arab world, will start by entering through Bab Bou Jeloud and will continue towards Dar Batha, a beautiful Hispanic-Moorish building hosting an interesting popular art museum. We are not going to miss the Medersa of Bou Inania, built in mid-1300 and unanimously recognised to be the most beautiful Koranic school in the city, and the Chaouwara tanneries, one of the main attractions in town (also because of the smells!). We will then go on to visit the Royal Palace and the Jewish quarter (Mellah), the first in Morocco, built in the XVI century. Unmissable are also the souks, among the liveliest and most colourful in the country. At sunset, we can admire a splendid panoramic view of the Fez medina, from the Marinid Tombs or Borj Nord. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a riad.

8the day: Fez >> Volubilis >> Meknes (125 km)

After breakfast we will head for Meknes, stopping on the way to visit Volubilis. This archaeological site, the best preserved in Morocco, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997; it has beautiful remains of buildings dating back to Roman times, and wonderful mosaics. After the visit, we will reach Meknes. The smallest of the imperial cities, Meknes lies among fertile plains reaching the slopes of the Mid Atlas, used to grow cereal crops, grapes, citrus fruit and olives. The visit to the town, with a licensed guide, will start from the main square (Place el-Hedim), whose beating heart is the beautiful Bab el-Mansour, Morocco’s most imposing imperial gate. After exploring the heart of the medina, we will first go to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail (also open to non-Muslims, but where appropriate clothing is required) and then to the Granaries and Stables of Hri Moulay Ismail. After completing our exploration of the town, we will drive to Fez. Dinner and overnight accommodation. In the afternoon, you will have some free time before dinner and the night in a typical riad.

9th day: Meknes >> Rabat >> Casablanca (240 km)

After breakfast we will leave for Rabat, where we will stop to visit the Hassan Tower and to walk around the Merenid necropolis of Chellah: while in a state of neglect and invaded by fruit trees and wildflowers, it retains a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere for a rest. We will then head for Casablanca, where you cannot miss the Hassan II Mosque, one of the few that are open to non-Muslims (appropriate clothing is recommended). Completed in 1993, the mosque stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the ocean, and its minaret, 210m high, is the world’s tallest. The prayer hall is also majestic, both for its huge size and the elaborate decorations. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a hotel.

10th day: Casablanca >> El Jadida >> Essaouira (360 km)

After breakfast, we will continue our trip along the Atlantic coast, stopping in the town of El Jadida. This ancient Portuguese town preserves a somnolent but picturesque medina which is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, and beautiful alleyways and ancient ramparts where to breathe an atmosphere of authenticity. Then we will hit the road again towards Essaouira, where we are expected to arrive in the afternoon. You can start to familiarise with the uniqueness of this town, its colours and peaceful pace of life which makes it light years distant from the city frenzy of the “red town” Marrakech. Dinner and hotel accommodation in a hotel.

11th day: visit of Essaouira

Today you will be able to explore Essaouira on your own, walking among the many crafts shops (Essaouira is famous for its thuja root handicraft and fabrics), the painting and sculpting galleries, and the spice and argan oil markets. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, it is constantly caressed by the wind all year round (a favourite destination for the lovers of water sports), it is surrounded by powerful ramparts, and encloses in itself a maze of lanes with perfectly white walls and colourful doors, where cats love lying in the sun and being photographed. Shortly before sunset, we suggest that you go towards Mogador to see the sun dive into the ocean. Dinner and overnight accommodation in a hotel.

12th day: Essaouira >> Marrakech (170 km)

After being awakened by the seagulls and the scent of saltiness, and having enjoyed an excellent breakfast, we will visit one of the many women’s cooperatives in the area of Essaouira, where you can buy argan-oil products (natural cosmetics and food). For the lovers of photography, a stop will be appropriate to see the famous climber goats climbing on top of argan trees. We will then head back for Marrakech, our final destination, where the guide will take you back to your riad or directly to the airport.

Useful information

In the event of adverse or exceptional weather conditions, the programme may be subject to change.

Included in the price

• Transportation as described
• 4×4 jeep vehicle, air-conditioned; for groups of over 6 people, air-conditioned minibus
• Driver guide
• Fuel and transportation costs
• 11 nights at a riad/hotel with half board (breakfast and dinner); accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
• 1 night in the desert in a tented camp (dinner and overnight accommodation)
• Camel ride to and from the camp
• Exclusive service (not accompanied by other visitors)

Not included in the price

• Flights from and to your country
• Lunch meals
• Beverages
• Sightseeing admission tickets
• Tips and personal expenses
• All that is not included under “Included in the price”