16 Day Culture Tour Of Morocco

Day 1: Arrive Casablanca – Rabat

Arrive Casablanca. Depending on the day and time of your arrival, we will visit the inside of the Hassan II Mosque. We will certainly see the outside of the mosque which is the largest outside if Mecca. We will travel on to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, where you will visit the Hassan Tower and walk the Oudaya Kasbah before arriving at you overnight riad.

Check Hotel > RIAD ZYO

Day 2: Rabat – Asilah – Chefchaouen

We depart Rabat after breakfast to begin our journey to Chefchaouen by way of Asilah taking the coastal roads. When we arrive in Asilah, the city of art festivals, you will have an incredible experience seeing the walls painted by famous artists from around the world. You will visit the fortress and see the medina and the Mediterranean Sea.

Check Hotel > PARADOR

Day 3: Explore Chefchaouen

After breakfast, the “Blue City” is yours to explore the Spanish and Moorish influences. Visit the souk and take photos of those awesome vistas that only Chefchaouen can give you. You are in the foothills of the Rif Mountains thus adding to the beauty of the city.

Check Hotel > PARADOR

Day 4: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

After breakfast we are on the road to Fes with a stop in Volubilis where you will have a guided tour of this Roman city where building began in the Third Century BC. The city remained intact until an earthquake in the mid-18th century. Still visible are incredible mosaic floors, prominent public buildings and high status houses. On to Meknes, the Ismaili capital, to see the Bab Mansour gate, the granary and Sahrij Swani. We travel on to Fes where we will spend 2 nights.

Check Hotel > DAR CORDOBA

Day 5: Explore Fez

Welcome to “The Spiritual City”, built 700 AD. We will walk the ancient alleys of the Old Medina visiting the historical and cultural sites including the tanneries, the Nejjarine fountain, Al Karaouine University, and mosque. After lunch, we will make an interesting and exciting visit to a pottery co-op, The Royal Palace gate and walk the Jewish quarter. Then to a fortress which gives the best views of Fez. You will return to your riad for overnight.

Check Hotel > DAR CORDOBA

Day 6: Fes – Ifrane – Midlet – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert

On the road to Merzouga with our first stop is Ifrane, “The Switzerland of Morocco”. On to Midlet and the cedar forest where you may see and feed Barbary apes. After lunch we travel on to Erfoud and Rissani and then Merzouga where you will be shown your hotel for the night.

Check Hotel > NOMAD PALACE

Day 7: Explore the desert area of Merzouga

After breakfast, we will explore the area around Merzouga visiting the Gnawa people and listening to their music. We will go to the lake near Merzouga and experience waterfowl depending on the time of year. In the late afternoon we will meet our desert guide and camel for a trek to a nomad camp where you will experience a fabulous sunset, have a meal, listen to music and retire in a Berber tent.

Day 8: Merzouga Desert – Rissani – Todgha Gorges – Dades Gorges

You will be awakened early to see the most magnificent sunrise you may ever see. We ride our camel back to the riad for a shower and breakfast. Once on the road, our first stop will be the Todgha Gorge, the highest and narrowest in all Morocco. Here you can hike to an old mud village or just enjoy the serenity of the gorge. Then on toward Dades Gorge thru the valley of 1000 Kasbah and see “monkey toes” rock formations. We will overnight in the Dades Gorge.

Check Hotel > BABYLON DADES

Day 9: Dades Gorges – Kalaat M’gouna – Skoura – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, we will drive through the Dades Valley, home of a thousand kasbahs and many unique photo opportunities. We will stop at Kalaat M’gouna, the rose city where you will have the opportunity to ship for rose soaps, perfumes and rose water. We continue on to Skoura and the Kasbah Ameridil. After lunch you will have a little free time before we leave for Ouarzazate where we will spend the night.

Check Hotel > DAR CHAMAA

Day 10: Ouarzazate – Ait ben haddou – Taliouine – Taroudant

After breakfast, we will visit Ait Ben Haddou, the largest Kasbah in Morocco dating from the 17th century. We travel on to Taliouine, the saffron capital of Morocco. Arrive in Taroudant in the afternoon where you will see the ramparts and visit the narrow alleys of the medina. We will overnight here.

Check Hotel > RIAD EL ASSIS

Day 11: Taroudant – Agadir – Essaouira

After breakfast we head for Essaouira by way of Agadir where we will lunch and walk along the resort’s promenade. We will continue along the coastal road looking for goats in the Argan trees. There is some amazing scenery and we swill stop where and as often as you wish for photographs until we arrive in Essaouora where we will spend two nights.

Check Hotel > ATLAS ESSAOUIRA

Day 12: Exploring Essaouira

Today we explore Essaouira, a coastal town!. We will see the Skala Fortress, Thula wood carving, walk the alleys of the medina and be tempted by the many hand crafted items. After lunch you are free to go to the beach or enjoy other time to yourself. Essaouira is quite windy so you are likely to see many surfers.

Check Hotel > ATLAS ESSAOUIRA

Day 13: Essaouira – Marrakech

After breakfast you will have some free time for a last stroll on the beach or to run back and get that carving. On our way to Marrakech we will stop at an Argan coop to see how the oils are made for cosmetic, culinary and medicinal purposes. We travel a short distance to Marrakech where you will stay for two nights.

Check Hotel > RIAD MARANA

Day 14 and 15: Exploring Marrakech

We will explore the “Red City of Morocco”. You will see all the cultural and historical sites including the Jema al Fna, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, Majorelle Gardens, and walk the famous souks of Marrakech. We will also spend some time in new Marrakech. You will have time for a Hammam or just explore on your own. The square Jemaa el Fna is a delight to visit at night for some entertainment and food.