12-Day Morocco Uncovered Atlas & Sahara

Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, you will meet your local tour leader and driver, who will transfer you to your accommodation and provide a brief review of your tour.
Casablanca
The coastal area of Morocco that is now the huge financially-focused city of Casablanca started life as a small Berber settlement. 
Berbers first lived in the area around 10 BC. They created a port and the area was known as Anfa. Phoenicians and Romans later realised the area’s potential, operating port activities from the coast. Indeed, the Romans enlarged the port and established trading routes south towards Mauritania.
Your first full day in Morocco begins with a drive past the main sights of Casablanca, and a visit to the stunning Hassan II Mosque.
Visit to Hassan II Mosque
A masterpiece of Arab-Muslim architecture, the Hassan II Mosque is one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the world. With its minaret that rises to 200m/650ft in height and has a 30km/18m laser directed towards Mecca, it is considered to be the highest religious building in the world. 
A guide from the mosque will show you the incredible architecture and detail of this amazing structure, built out over the Atlantic Ocean.
Overnight: Casablanca

After breakfast, you'll head to Rabat, the nation's capital, founded as a Berber/Amazigh army outpost in the 12th century and now a place where ancient history and modern architecture coexist harmoniously.
A local guide will show you around the striking Hassan Tower and the Mohamed V Mausoleum, all a testament to Morocco's rich heritage.
You'll then head to the old Oudayyas Kasbah at the side of Bou Regreg River, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This fortification was built as a military defense in the 12th century by the Almohads dynasty.
After the Rabat City Tour you'll continue your journey on to Chefchaouen.
Nestled in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is known as the "Blue City" thanks to its azure-painted streets and buildings, which create a captivating, tranquil ambiance. 
Your guide will show you through the medina, or old town, which is filled with narrow streets and colorful buildings. Popular attractions include the Kasbah Museum, which houses a collection of traditional Moroccan artifacts, the Spanish Mosque, on a hill overlooking the city, and the Ras Elma Waterfall, located just outside the city.
Chefchaouen is a great place to pick up souvenirs and traditional Moroccan crafts, unique to this area of the country. The medina is home to a number of artisan workshops and boutiques selling handmade crafts, including pottery, jewelry, and textiles. The city is also known for its leather goods, including bags and belts.
Your driver will bring you by car close to the riad, and then transfer your luggage to your accommodation.
Overnight: Chefchaouen 

After breakfast, your driver will pick up you and your guide and head south, starting with a visit to the ancient Roman city of Volubilis. 
Volubilis, or Walili, was built on the site of a previous Carthaginian settlement from the third century BC. The fertile lands of the province produced many commodities such as grain and olive oil, which were exported to Rome, contributing to the province's wealth and prosperity. 
Today, the ruins have been clearly identified, with some significant structures still standing. A specialized guide will take you through the site to help you appreciate this amazing history.
From Volubilis, it is just 45 minutes south to the Imperial City of Meknes. Known as the “Moroccan Versailles,” Meknes was founded in the 17th century by King Moulay Ismail. It is famous for its 25-mile-long wall, many gates, museums, mausoleums, the old medina and the new city (Hamria).
A local guide will join you explain the history and context of these amazing sights.
After visiting Meknes, you'll head to your accommodation in Fès, about a 1 hour drive.
Overnight: Fès 
Meals: Breakfast

Fès is one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco. It is famous for its old medina, which is home to many mosques, museums, and tanneries. The city is also known for its unique style in ceramics and other crafts that are made by local artisans.
After breakfast, you'll meet your local tour guide for a combination driving/walking tour, touching on sights both outside and within the medina.
Fès Medina:
The Fes Medina was built in the 11th century and is still an important part of Moroccan life today. You'll find everything here from mosques to museums, beautiful riads, hidden, stylish restaurants and of course shops selling all kinds of local goods. Your guide will be the expert in navigating this labyrinth of twisting alleys and laneways!
Madrassa :
The Madrassa is a religious school where students learn about Islam and how to practice it properly. Students here can study Arabic language, calligraphy, law, theology and philosophy.
Museums:
Fès has many museums that showcase different aspects of Moroccan culture through art exhibits or displays about history or religion (or both!). These museums are definitely worth visiting if you're looking for something more than just shopping during your vacation in Morocco. Just mention it to your tour director and we'll arrange it in your itinerary.
Tanneries: 
Fès is famous for its production of leather goods, which are sold all over Morocco. You can visit these tanneries where the leather is processed and turned into everything from purses and wallets to belts and shoes. The shopowner will explain the various steps and why Fès has become such a renowned center of expertise.
Ceramic Workshops:
Thanks to your private transport you'll be able to visit the ceramic workshops at the edge of the city, and watch the artisans turn clay into both useful and decorative objects, with incredible detail.
Overnight: Fès 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today's itinerary takes you from Fès towards Ifrane, one of the most unique tourist attractions in Morocco due to its alpine skiing and Swiss-style architecture.
Neighboring Azrou is an ancient town with lots of history and culture. Its proximity to several other nearby towns within easy driving distance, including Imilchil, which hosts the famous "Wedding Festival" each year in August, makes it a practical regional base.
The Azrou Cedar Forest (or "Cedrerie d'Azrou"), located on the exit from Azrou, is home to some of the oldest cedar trees on Earth. The grove dates back at least 2,000 years ago.
Your destination tonight is Midelt, a beautiful city located in the central part of Morocco. It is situated between the High Atlas Mountains and the Middle Atlas Mountains, which makes it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The city is known for its vibrant Berber community, which has a rich history and cultural heritage in the area. 
Visitors can experience traditional Berber music, dance, and cuisine at local festivals and events.
Overnight: Midelt 
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, your day will begin with a stop at the gorges near Midelt, narrow canyons cut into solid rock over millenia by a small, trickling river. 
You'll then drive to Merzouga Desert via the Palm Grove of Ziz Valley. The valley was formed by the river Ziz, which has been flowing through the area for thousands of years. Fossils found in the valley make this a popular tourist attraction for fossil enthusiasts. 
You'll find many fossil shops and local info in nearby Erfoud, the main town that sits at the base of the Ziz Valley.
From Erfoud it is less than an hour's drive to Merzouga Sahara Desert, one of the highlights of Morocco. 
Experience a camel ride in a caravan camel trek to reach the desert's huge sand dunes. Climb to the top and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime sunset amongst the silence of the Sahara Desert. 
Your camel trek will then return to your luxury desert camp where you'll spend the night and have dinner. 
After dinner, gather around the fire and enjoy the desert night with traditional Berber drums. You will then spend the night in deluxe Berber tents with private bathrooms and hot showers.
Overnight: Merzouga 
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Merzouga Desert, located in southeastern Morocco, is known for its stunning sand dunes that are among the highest in North Africa. 
After breakfast, you'll explore by car the tiny villages around the Erg Chebbi dunes such as Hassi Labied, Merzouga, and Khamlia. In Hassi Labied, you'll stop at a garden and view the fascinating desert canal irrigation system. 
Near Merzouga, you'll have the chance to see Dayet Srji lake, which forms in spring time and attracts flocks of pink flamingos and wildlife; bird watchers will enjoy this peaceful area. On our way to Khamlia, look out for locals showing their desert foxes, and you may also encounter desert reptiles and mammals.
At Khamlia, you'll be hospitably welcomed by locals with a cup of tea while enjoying their spiritual Gnawa music. From here, it is on to the panoramic views of the golden dunes near the Algerian border where we'll visit a Nomad family, who live under a Berber tent and take care of their herd of cattle, goats, and camels. We will be introduced to the family members and get to know about their way of life while enjoying the taste of a nice cup of tea.
Driving back towards the camp, you'll pass remarkable black volcanic rocks and amazing scenery and stop at a local restaurant to try Madfouna, a local specialty considered "Berber pizza." This traditional dish consists of a savory filling of meat, onions, and spices, baked inside a crusty bread shell. Served hot and fresh, Madfouna is a perfect lunchtime treat that is both filling and delicious. 
Back at camp, try a sandboarding experience and enjoy a camel ride in a caravan camel trek to reach the huge sand dunes. Climb to the top and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime sunset amongst the silence of the Sahara Desert. 
Your camel trek will then return to the luxury desert camp where you'll spend the night and have dinner. 
After dinner, gather around the fire and enjoy the desert night with traditional Berber drums. You will then spend the night in deluxe Berber tents with private bathrooms and hot showers.
Overnight: Merzouga 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast in your Riad you'll drive to explore the fortified village in Aït Benhaddou.
Kasbah Aït Benhaddou was built in the 16th century as a private home for the Moroccan ruler El Glaoui, who controlled much of the area. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The kasbah (kasbah means "castle" in Arabic) was recently used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, which has brought it new attention.
The architecture of Kasbah Aït Benhaddou is inspired by Middle Eastern and Andalucian styles. The building's walls are made from sandstone and date back to the 16th century; they were built by Berbers and Arabs. The castle features traditional arches and windows that overlook orchards, gardens, and palm trees.
Afterward, the tour continues to Telouet, where you'll stop to have lunch with a local family. Telouet is a small village in the High Atlas Mountains, situated approximately 60 kilometers/37 miles southeast of Marrakech. 
After lunch, the day concludes with a drive to Marrakech and the final stop on your tour.
Overnight: Marrakech 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with a local family

After breakfast in your Riad you'll drive to explore the fortified village in Aït Benhaddou.
Kasbah Aït Benhaddou was built in the 16th century as a private home for the Moroccan ruler El Glaoui, who controlled much of the area. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The kasbah (kasbah means "castle" in Arabic) was recently used as a filming location for Game of Thrones, which has brought it new attention.
The architecture of Kasbah Aït Benhaddou is inspired by Middle Eastern and Andalucian styles. The building's walls are made from sandstone and date back to the 16th century; they were built by Berbers and Arabs. The castle features traditional arches and windows that overlook orchards, gardens, and palm trees.
Afterward, the tour continues to Telouet, where you'll stop to have lunch with a local family. Telouet is a small village in the High Atlas Mountains, situated approximately 60 kilometers/37 miles southeast of Marrakech. 
After lunch, the day concludes with a drive to Marrakech and the final stop on your tour.
Overnight: Marrakech 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with a local family

After breakfast at your riad, your driver will meet you at your accommodation and bring you to meet your local guide for a Marrakech City Tour. This is a combination walking/driving tour that covers the famous sights of the city.
Highlights include:
Majorelle Gardens: Created by Jacques Majorelle, an artist from France who moved to Morocco in 1926 after falling in love with the country's landscape. See plants from around the world in a peaceful escape from the busy streets.
Koutoubia Mosque: This mosque was built during the Almohad dynasty period between 1121 and 1144 CE, making it one of the oldest buildings in Marrakech still standing today! Its minaret rises over 100 meters into air above downtown Marrakech: you'll know it when you see it.
The Bahia Palace: The Bahia Palace is a historic palace located in Marrakech, Morocco. It is a beautiful and grand palace that showcases the intricate architecture and craftsmanship of Moroccan design. The palace was built in the late 19th century, in the 1860s, for Si Moussa, a former slave who rose to become a prominent official in the Moroccan government.
Ben Youssef Medrassa: An Islamic madrasa that functions today as a historical site, the Ben Youssef Madrasa was the largest Islamic college in Morocco at its height. The madrasa is named after the adjacent Ben Youssef Mosque, founded by the Almoravid Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf.
Overnight: Marrakech 
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Free Day in Marrakech for Relaxing:
Optional Activities:
-- SPA: Moroccan Hammam and Massage
-- Hot air balloon
In the evening, we will meet for a farewell dinner at a local Moroccan restaurant with live music show.

Depends on your flight time, you will be transfered to the airport to catch your return flight with a unforgettable memories about Morocco.