The Moroccan Facets

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Morocco is every traveler's dream. Colorful, culturally exciting and with an incredible landscape. Here, European influence is best mixed with its Arab and African roots.The country has magnificent landscapes and the exciting cuisine.

Your Arrival will be to Marrakech and head to Ouarzazate where the famous Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, rgistered as a UNESCO heritage Kasbah. We will head along the Draa Valley toward the oasis of Tafilalet where we will stop in Todra Gorges where the river sculptured its pass between the huge rocky mountains. Even if you will not go in the Erg Chebbi dunnes you will visit the city if Erfoud , the gate of the desert. The continuation will be toward the spiritual capital of Morocco , the city of fes where you will witness the colloquial culture of Morocco. You can stroll in the Medina and souks and buy great souvenirs that will characterizes your visit to Fes. Continuation to Rabat before heading back to Casablanca for your departure flight.

Itinerary ( 9 Days / 8 Nights )

DAY
1

MARRAKECH - ARRIVAL

Welcome to Morocco! Upon your arrival at Marrakech, your personal English speaking driver will meet you at the arrival hall by holding your names and then escort you to the chosen hotel. The rest of the day will be free for your own leisure.
DAY
2

MARRAKECH

Driving over the Atlas Mountains via the Tiz'n'Tichka Pass - Draa Valley - Mountain Village Agdez - Timed Kasbah . After breakfast, we will go into authentic Morocco tomorrow as we head towards the small town of Zagora, also called the gate of the desert. We cross the magnificent Atlas Mountains, across Tiz'n'Tichka, which with its 2,606 meters is the highest mountain chain. The road over the pass was built in the 1920s by the French colonial empire and offers a landscape that alternates between dry and mineral-rich mountainsides over snowy peaks to lush valleys with red clay houses. The Atlas Mountains refer in many ways to the imagination of Himalayas dramatic nature. In fact, Martin Scorses's film about Dalai Lama, Kundun, was admitted to this area. Late in the morning we reach the other side of the Atlas Mountains, to an area also known as the gateway to the so-called Great South, Oases, Sahara, and mountain cliffs. This part of Morocco is the birthplace of many of the royal dynasties, which from the Sahara Desert crossed the mountains and conquered the rest of the country. The Almoravid dynasty succeeded even in the 1200s to create a kingdom that stretched from Senegal to West Africa, even today, Spain. Trade of gold, salt and slaves between black Africa and Morocco has created a melting pot throughout the generations, where Arabs, Berbers and haratians, descendants of African slaves, live side by side. In this area life is centered around the three major rivers Draa, Dadès and Ziz. These rivers have created magnificent landscapes with gorges and valleys that intersect in the mighty Atlas Mountains. The poppies, shedding shadows over small barley fields, represent the prosperity of the region, and along the valleys there are spotless oases with red clay Kasbahs that were created to protect their farm from attacks of nomadic tribes. Kasbah is the designation of a fortress-like square construction made in red soil, which can vary in size from a common house to a larger fortress. In addition, you can experience all fortified villages, how many Kasbahs are protected by a further defense. These are called ksar (ksour in majority). Today, some of these Kasbahs and ksour are still inhabited, while some of them are slowly decaying. We drive through the Draa Valley, where we will experience fortified villages, where the population lives as a hundred years ago, and a pearl of beautiful oases. The road south of Ouarzazate leads us across the desert plateau at Jbel Tifernine, which then changes to black rock formations and steep cliffs as we climb the Tiz'n'Tinififft Pass.After a short break at the small Berber town of Agdez, located at the edge of an idyllic palm land, we continue south towards Zagora. Along the way we drive past a row of oases and impressive kasbahs, such as the elegant and well-preserved Timed Kasbah. In the afternoon we arrive at the small town of Zagora, the gateway to the desert. This city is, like the Ouarzazate, founded by the French as a base during the occupation. We are now in the outskirts of civilization as we know it, and just a few kilometers from here begins the mighty Sahara Desert. We will look into it the next day. Upon arriving at Zagora we will stay at the lovely hotel and we will gather for dinner.
DAY
3

MARRAKECH - OUARZAZATE

After breakfast at your hotel, we leave the hustle of the city behind and travel the rugged road to Ouarzazate through the spectacular scenery of the Atlas Mountains. After about 4.5 hours driving, stop in the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, which at a height of 1,160m, stands in stark contrast to this vast plateau. Originally a crossing point for traders crossing the Sahara Desert, this UNESCO world heritage site is equally recognized as the location for films such as "Laurence of Arabia" and "Gladiators". It is also a striking example of southern Moroccan earthen architecture. Continue the driving to Ouarzazate after the visiting. Stay overnight at Ouarzazate.
DAY
4

OUARZAZATE - ERFOUD

After breakfast in the hotel, we will head to the entry to the Saharan dunes of Erg Chebbi-Erfoud. The driving will take about 6 hours. You will have some stops for visiting on the way. You will first stop in Kelaa Megouna, which is known for the production of cosmetic products using the extract of the local grown roses. Continue northeast to the city of Boumalne Dades to see the beautiful Kasbahs with a panoramic view of the Valley and the mountains beyond. Afterward, you will head for the Todra Gorges, 300 meters high and one of the most impressive Moroccan sites. The Todra Gorge is one of the premier climbing and trekking destinations in Morocco with high walls offering hundreds of routes of sport and multi-pitch climbing. After the tour, head to Erfoud for overnight.
DAY
5

ERFOUD - FEZ

Get up early this morning to witness the sun rising from the east over the desert dunes of Erg Chebbi - one of Morocco's greatest sights, considered by desert aficionados to be perhaps the largest dunes in the Sahara, they are constantly shifting due to the considerable desert winds. Return to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, you will depart for Fes (about 6-hours drive) and pass through the Middle Atlas Mountain range en route. This journey continues along passing the ancient holy city of Rissani, where you will find the ruins of Sijilmasa, a once capital and merchant stopping locale for the ancient caravan routings of the 8th century, then through the dramatic Ziz Gorge. Arriving in Fes for overnight.
DAY
6

FEZ

After breakfast you will begin your guided tour to the Fez Medina, a perfect introduction for your trip in Morocco. You will explore the narrow streets lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco. Continue your visit to the UNESCO site –University of Al Quaraouiyyne, the El-Attarine and Bou Inania Medersas.
DAY
7

FEZ - RABAT

In the morning, you will departure via the Highway to Rabat (about 2 hours drive). Your full day guided tour in this imperial city includes the "new town" (built at the beginning of the French protectorate in Morocco), the Kasbah Ouddayas, the Testing garden, the medina ramparts and Almohad gates, Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V mausoleum and Habous neighborhood near Diour Jamaa. Farewell dinner at Dar Naji restaurant.
DAY
8

RABAT - CHEFCHAOUEN

After breakfast in the hotel, you will head to Chefchaouen (drive about 3-hours). Blue lime-washed houses, busy squares, steep alleyways, the best way to discover this old town is to wander around it. Your afternoon tour here includes the Outa-el-Hammam square, the cobblestone medina and the Tarik-Ben-Ziad mosque whose octagonal minaret is inspired by that of the Torre de Oro in Seville. This Andalousian architecture can be found in the Kasbah and its gardens, at the center of the medina. You could enjoy more yourself and explore the charm of Chefchaouen.
DAY
9

CHEFCHAOUEN - TANGIER - DEPARTURE

Enjoy a free time before heading to Tangier for your flight.