Kasbah & Desert 12 Days
12 Days
DAY 1 - Arrive in Marrakesh
Arrive in Marrakesh and transfer from the airport to your hotel. Check-in and meet your Tour Manager
Overnight: Marrakesh
DAY 2- Marrakesh City Tour
Following breakfast, take a morning tour of the city of Marrakesh, otherwise known as the “Ochre City”. Home to a population of over one million, Marrakesh was one of the major imperial cities of historical Morocco. The city is divided into two areas; the Medina, or the historical city, and the Ville Nouvelle, the European-inspired modern city. Marvel at the city's pink mud-brick architecture. Visit the Saadian Tombs, the resting place of many members of the Saadi Dynasty, who claimed to descend from Muhammad's bloodline. Journey to the magnificent site known as the Bahia Palace, the 19th century home of Si Moussa, whose name literally means “brilliance.” The balance of the day is at leisure or, join the optional Marrakesh Culinary Demonstration & Majorelle Gardens with Lunch. Your tour begins with a demonstration of how the traditional Berber dish, couscous, is made. After lunch, continue your visit to the Majorelle Gardens & Museum which displays a collection of Berber objects such as art, jewelry, and clothing
Optional: Marrakesh Culinary Demonstration & Majorelle Gardens with Lunch (PM)
Overnight: Marrakesh
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3 - Full Day in Marrakesh
Today, the entire day is yours to explore the city on your own. Perhaps head to the Dar Si Said Museum, a homage to the influence of wood in Moroccan crafts. Consider a visit to the Souks, the famed markets of the city. Here, you'll find everything from handicrafts to spices to clothing. Perhaps join the morning optional Ourika Valley tour. The Ourika Valley rises slowly to the first hills of the High Atlas, where typical Moroccan villages are scattered amidst the towering mountains. See the natural majesty of Morocco at its finest, a pristine and marvelous place where only the birds disturb the silence. Tonight attend the optional Dinner with Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
Optional: Ourika Valley tour (AM)
Optional: Dinner with Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride (PM)
Overnight: Marrakesh
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4 - Travel to Boumalne Dades, Ait Benhaddou
This morning, depart from Marrakesh on a journey through the famous Tichka Pass to Boumalne Dades. Along the way, stop for a short tour of Ait Benhaddou. A prime example of classic Southern Moroccan architecture, this fortified city's high-angled towers stand out above the family dwellings, all set near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Lunch on your own before arriving in Boumalne Dades for check-in and dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Boumalne Dades
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5 - Travel to Erfoud, Todra Palmeraie Gorge
After breakfast, depart your hotel and travel to Dades Gorges where you will get to experience an orientation tour of the stunning landscapes and canyons. Then travel to Erfoud, an oasis town in eastern Morocco. En route enjoy a stop at one of Morocco's most popular natural sights, the lush Todra Palmeraie Gorge. Don't forget your camera as you take in a walking tour of the wondrous 985 feet high gorge and surrounding area. Continue on your journey to Erfoud, also known as "The Desert Gate". After check-in at your hotel, time to relax before dinner
Overnight: Erfoud
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6 - Rissani, Erg Chebbi, Camel Ride in the Dunes
This morning, explore the small city of Rissani on the edge of the Sahara. Wander its lively souk, and visit a 17th-century ksar. Next, stop at a fossil factory to learn more about this unique activity which is famous in the region. Then, pass by the ancient ruins of Sijilmasa on the River Ziz, once a bustling Berber city and medieval trade depot. Depart by 4x4 caravan into the desert, exploring numerous small villages before reaching Tisserdimine, an oasis village at the bottom of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy a picnic-style lunch before continuing the journey to the peak of Erg Chebbi. After taking in this splendid view of the surrounding desert, leave your man-made transports behind and journey into the heart of the dunes as the local nomads do; by camel back. Return to your hotel after sunset
Overnight: Erfoud
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7- Travel to Ouarzazate
Following breakfast at your hotel, depart for the quiet Berber city of Ouarzazate. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to discover the unique architecture of kasbahs and desert buildings or, wander the souks for some shopping
Overnight: Ouarzazate
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8 - Ouarzazate City Tour, Kasbah Taourirt, Travel to Agadir
Begin the day with a tour of Ouarzazate, a desert city at the gates of the Sahara. Its strange name means "without noise" in the Berber language. Walk in the Taourirt village, which is a former post for monitoring the caravan routes into west Africa. It was an important village located at the crossroads between the Sahara Desert and the north of Morocco. Your tour also includes the Kasbah Taourirt, an amazing example of Moroccan architecture, which was built to house hundreds of people. You will also have the opportunity to browse for Moroccan rugs in a carpet store. Continue to your hotel in the resort town of Agadir
Overnight: Agadir
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9- City tour of Agadir, Travel to Essaouira
Depart on a city tour of Agadir, where you will have the chance to view the beaches of this former fishing village as well as the hilltop ruins of the old kasbah. It was at Agadir that the European conflict began between Germany and France that opened the door for France to seize nearly all of Morocco. This afternoon, set out for the city of Essaouira. Along the way, stop at the Marjana Cooperative, to view traditional methods of extracting Argan Oil. The demand for the oil has grown drastically due to its heavy use in cosmetics and cuisine in the West. Continue on to Essaouira. Also known as Mogador, the modern city of Essaouira was not constructed until the late 18th century by Mohammed III. French and Arab influences shine through in this medina's architecture. Essaouira played a major role in maritime trade, bridging Sub-Saharan Africa with Europe. A multicultural lifestyle thrives there as people of various ethnic groups and religious backgrounds live in harmony with one another. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure
Overnight: Essaouira
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10 - Essaouira City Tour
This morning, enjoy a guided tour through Essaouira's medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an excellent example of a fortified North African town. Spanish cannons still line the battlements while parasols dot the harbor's beaches, creating a remarkably picturesque setting. You will walk along the city's ramparts just north of Moulay Hassan Square where local artists sell their paintings. Continue on to the Skala de la Ville, which is a fortification built along the cliffs that defended the city from sea attacks, but now provides visitors with an unparalleled view of the port and its bright-colored fishing boats. In the Medina, artisans, and craftsmen practice their trades as they have for hundreds of years. Explore the many souks in the medina, including the spice and jewelry souks. The city is also famed for hosting the Gnaoua World Music Festival, which draws musicians from across the world who come to play with the Gnaoua mystics. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Essaouira
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11- Depart for Casablanca, Hassan II Mosque
Today, travel to Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco. Casablanca's history goes back thousands of years as the Berbers established settlements there around the 10th Century BC. Famed civilizations such as the Phoenicians and Romans were known to have traveled through there as well. During World War II, the city served as General Patton's headquarters for the North Africa campaign, and the host of the 1943 meeting between the heads of state to plan the Normandy landing. Upon arrival, enjoy a bus tour of the city including the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque*, the largest Mosque in Morocco and the beautiful Corniche seaside. View Mohamed V Square and Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral. Take in all of this and more throughout your day. Your last night features a special Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant
*Please note: Interior visits during afternoon leisure time may not be possible due to winter prayer schedule
Overnight: Casablanca
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12 - Depart Morocco
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
