Morocco Group Discovery 9D/8N

Arrival at Marrakech airport and transfer to hotel. Time available to relax by the pool or independently explore Marrakech if arriving early. A welcome meeting with the tour guide scheduled for 6:00 pm to meet fellow travelers. Late arrivals will have introductions the next morning. Dinner provided at the hotel.

The day starts with a picturesque drive across the High Atlas Mountains, leading to the historic village of Ait Benhaddou, known for its distinctive architecture and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a filming location for famous movies. The journey continues to Ouarzazate, dubbed the "Hollywood of North Africa," where film studios are opened for exploration. The route then winds through the scenic Roses Valley, famous for its damaskina roses and annual harvest festival. The day wraps up in Boumalne Dades, a quaint town surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, where the night is spent. 

The departure from the Dades Valley led eastward to the Todra Gorge, where a leisurely stroll amidst palm groves provided stunning views of the gorges. The journey continued towards the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, setting off on a camel trek into the Sahara Desert. Witnessed the desert's remarkable transformation as the sun set. The evening was spent at a traditional Berber Camp on the desert's edge, featuring local cuisine, enchanting music, and a magical night under the starry Saharan sky. 

Policies to ensure camel welfare include limited use, free-roaming access to food and water, no underage camels, single riders per camel, and regular veterinary checks.

After breakfast, the journey progresses through Errachidia and the Ziz Valley, noted for its plentiful date palms. The route continues through the High and Middle Atlas Mountains, serving as a natural divide between the Sahara Desert and the country's inland areas.

Along the way, a stop is made at the Cedar Forest to watch the entertaining Barbary macaque apes. The next destination is the quaint alpine town of Ifrane, which once served as a French colonial retreat.

The day concludes upon arriving in Fes, Morocco's historic capital, where accommodations for the night are arranged.

Fes, regarded as one of the largest and oldest medieval cities globally, boasts a rich history of over 1,200 years and is renowned for its bustling Medina. Hosting 400,000 residents, this area is a labyrinth of narrow winding streets, mosques, and souks, offering a sensory overload of sights, smells, and sounds. The day involves extensive exploration of the Medina, observing various palaces and mosques, appreciating countless crafts for sale. The guided tour encompasses visits to Fes's renowned dye-pits and tanneries, a traditional Moroccan pharmacy, and pottery workshops. After a long day of walking and discovery, relaxation awaits back at the hotel. In the evening, there is an opportunity for a traditional meal within the city, complete with live Moroccan entertainment, including music, belly dancing, and magicians.

The day involves a journey to the serene town of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif mountains. Known for its picturesque blue doors and white-walled medina, Chefchaouen was initially established as a Berber post. The bustling main square serves as the town's hub, featuring an 18th-century Kasbah, a central mosque, and numerous cafes offering delicious local cuisine. The lively yet calm market provides a wonderful setting for exploration.

Setting out early, the journey begins south towards Rabat, Morocco's official capital. Upon arrival, a guided tour of the city takes place, exploring prominent landmarks such as the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of King Mohamed V and his son, Hassan II. The next stop is the Oudaya Kasbah, a historic fortress that once served as a defense against European incursions. After a delicious lunch in Rabat, the journey continues to Casablanca, where an optional visit to the Hassan II Mosque is highly recommended before checking into the hotel.

After breakfast, the journey back to the vibrant city of Marrakech commences. Once settled at the hotel, the afternoon presents opportunities to relax by the pool or explore the city independently. Optional activities, such as joining a guided city tour, enjoying a hammam spa and massage, or visiting the enchanting Majorelle Gardens, are available but not included in the overall trip cost. A must-see in Marrakech is the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, recognizable by its 77-meter tall rose-hued tower, similar to Rabat’s Hassan Tower and Seville’s Giralda Tower, located near the medina's edge. To grasp the essence of Marrakech, visiting the UNESCO-listed medina and Djemaa el-Fna square is necessary. This bustling area is alive with snake charmers, musicians, henna artists, spice merchants, and souvenir stands, promising an engaging experience for the final evening.

The Moroccan tour concludes after breakfast, leaving time freely available until departure. Assistance from either the guide or hotel is offered to arrange a taxi for the short drive to the airport. Additionally, there is the option to extend the stay and explore Marrakech further.