Transport

Ground transportation via van or minibus, depending on group size, with English-speaking driver or group assistant. All vehicles are air-conditioned.

Accommodation

8 nights accommodations in 4* hotels/riads with breakfast daily

Guide

English-speaking group guide throughout Professional city guides in Fes and Marrakech

Others

Sahara Desert Excursion Camel Trek Local taxes and fees

Meals

Breakfast at accommodations Two lunches (Fes and Merzouga) Three dinners (Merzouga, Sahara Desert, Ouarzazate) Beverages other than water are excluded

Not included:

Flights

Insurance

We strongly encourage all travelers to purchase travel insurance.

Others

Snacks and incidentals Hotel services, such as room service or laundry service Tips and gratuities

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Arrival In Casablanca
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Arrival In Casablanca

Arrive in Casablanca and meet your driver outside the Mohammed V International Airport.

Travel into downtown Casablanca. Drive time; 45 minutes

Visit the stunning Hassan II Mosque, the largest in Morocco and the third largest mosque in the world that non-Muslims are allowed to enter. Able to accommodate up to 105,000 in prayer, this marvel of modern Moroccan architecture is the work of hundreds of expert craftsmen from around the country, many of them donating their work.

This guided 1-hour tour will take you through the prayer hall and the ablution area. Please be prepared to remove your shoes in the prayer hall.

Continue to your hotel to check in and take the remainder of the afternoon/evening to relax from your travels.

Overnight in Casablanca
Day 2 Rabat And Fes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Rabat And Fes

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and continue on to Rabat, Morocco’s current capital city. Drive time: 1.5 hours

Visit the Hassan Tower, which has sat unfinished since 1199. Commissioned by Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur, the tower was to be the minaret for the largest mosque in the world. Unfortunately, when the sultan passed away in 1199, the project was abandoned, leaving some partial outer walls, 348 columns, and a minaret only standing half-finished at 140 feet rather than the intended 260 feet.

Standing opposite the Hassan Tower is the Mohammed V Mausoleum, which contains the tombs of Mohammed V, the current king’s grandfather, as well as the king’s father, Hassan II, and his uncle, Prince Abdallah. It is considered a masterpiece of Alaouite architecture with its white walls and green tiled roof.

In the afternoon, complete your journey to Fes and check into your riad for the night. Drive time: 3 hours

Overnight in Fes.
Day 3 Tour Of Fes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Tour Of Fes

Tour Fes with a private guide.

The city of Fes is a destination that will take your breath away with its stunning architecture and beautiful views. You can begin your tour at the Royal Palace. The centuries-old palace features seven intricately decorated golden doors that are laden with Moroccan symbolism. Stroll through Mellah - the historically Jewish quarters located next to the palace, built to protect its inhabitants and believed to date from the mid-15th century.

From the top of Borj Sud, you can see all of the city of Fes laid out before you. The vantage point gives you the opportunity to view landmarks that are often hidden by the city’s skyline-obstructing buildings.

The pottery of Fes is a unique and ancient art form that has been perfected over the centuries and handed down through generations. Visit a pottery co-op to experience the operations. You will also get a close-up look at beautiful pieces from this vibrant cultural center!

Another cultural landmark of Fes is the Al-Quaraouiyine University. The university is the oldest degree-granting institution still in operation, having been founded by a woman 859 years ago. Although you are not allowed to enter this Quoranic school, you can catch a glimpse of the stunning courtyard.

Head into the ancient medina and step back into time in this living museum of sorts. The Fes Medina has been continuously inhabited since 250 A.D. and boasts a rich cultural history. The obscure gem is full of life and activity with its present-day inhabitants living in the midst of a bustling marketplace. While in the medina, be on the lookout for donkeys! These sturdy creatures carry loads through the winding alleyways, where motorized vehicles are not permitted. The medina’s handicraft workshops offer a unique insight into the country’s ancient culture and history. Visitors can witness how traditional techniques are still being used today. Examples of these techniques can be observed through silk weavers who produce beautifully colored fabrics from threads sourced exclusively within Morocco; or those used for animal hide tanning, a process which has been carried out for nearly a millennia.

Lunch in the medina is included in your tour of Fes. This unassuming restaurant has been serving up delicious fare since 1680 and offers up a surprise as you walk through its doors. This gem features an enticing tajine menu with an array of options that will not only satisfy but also excite any appetite! Lunch included

Overnight in Fes.
Day 4 Atlas Mountains To Merzouga
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Atlas Mountains To Merzouga

Depart Fes to journey south to Merzouga, on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes of the Sahara Desert. Travel time: 8 hours

Make a coffee stop in Ifrane, an adorable ski resort town that’s also known as the Swiss village due to its alpine-style architecture.

Visit the monkeys in their natural habitat outside of Azrou, where they are happy to be fed but surprisingly well-mannered.

Stop in Zaida for lunch, enjoying fresh barbecue in one of the many streetside restaurants.

Take in the scenery as you cross the Atlas Mountains.

View the lush green date and almond trees filling the gorge in Errachidia.

Arrive in Merzouga in the evening and check into your riad in time for dinner. Dinner included.

Overnight in Merzouga.
Day 5 Exploring The Merzouga Oasis And The Sahara Desert
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Exploring The Merzouga Oasis And The Sahara Desert

OPTIONAL: Begin the day with an exhilarating 1-hour ATV (1 person per vehicle) or dune buggy (2 people per vehicle) in the Sahara Desert!

Spend the day exploring the region. Far from the most populated cities, the Sahara region is unique, in some ways feeling like a step back in time.

Head to the local oasis, learning about the ancient irrigation system still in use today and wandering through the fertile plots of land allotted to the local families to grow their own vegetables.

Visit a local artist studio, where a Berber artist makes incredible sculptures and paintings based on Berber writing, while his wife creates beautiful portraits of Berber men and women.

Stop for lunch in a local home, where you will enjoy medfouna, a local specialty, that was baked in a traditional oven. Lunch included.

In the afternoon, meet your camels for your trek into your desert camp. You will journey through the dunes, and your camel guide will be able to get some great pictures for you as well!

Arrive at your camp and enjoy a welcome glass of Moroccan mint tea.

Take some time before dinner at the camp. Dinner included.

Overnight in the Sahara Desert.
Day 6 Boumalne Dades And Ouarzazate
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Boumalne Dades And Ouarzazate

OPTIONAL: Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. Remember it gets cold in the desert overnight, so don’t forget your jacket!

Enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast at the camp.

Depart camp via SUV and meet up with your driver once again to begin your journey towards Marrakech. Drive time: 6 hours

Make a stop in Tinerhir to see the stunning Todra Gorge, carved from the red rocks of the landscape by a river.

Stop as you pass through Kalaat M’Gouna, which is famous for its production of rose products. The area is known as the Rose Valley because it is where thousands of roses are grown each year to be distilled into rose water and rose oil, then used to make all manner of cosmetics.

In the afternoon, arrive in Ouarzazate, known as "Moroccan Hollywood" thanks to the Atlas Film Studio and other local spots used in filming.

Check into your riad in time for dinner. Dinner included.

Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 7 Ait Benhaddou, Over The Atlas Mountains To Marrakech
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ait Benhaddou, Over The Atlas Mountains To Marrakech

Explore Ait Ben-Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a testament to Morocco’s rich history. Positioned along the historic trade caravan route connecting the Sahara Desert and Marrakech, this ancient Ksar boasts intricate mud-brick architecture that has weathered centuries. Beyond its historical significance, Ait Ben-Haddou has become a popular filming location for notable movies, including The Jewel of the Nile, The Mummy, Gladiator, and Kingdom of Heaven. Wander through the narrow alleys and towering kasbahs, and you’ll find yourself stepping into the scenes of these cinematic masterpieces, making your visit a unique blend of history and Hollywood allure.

Travel over the Atlas Mountains via the winding Tichka Pass to reach Marrakech. Drive time: 3.5 hours

As you cross the mountains, stop at an argan oil shop where women from the co-ops in Taroudant will demonstrate how the famed oil is extracted by hand.

Arrive in Marrakech and check into your riad in the medina.

OPTIONAL: Explore the street food of Marrakech with a food tour.

Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 8 Tour Of Marrakech
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Tour Of Marrakech

Tour Marrakech with a private guide. This former imperial city boasts a wealth of cultural and historical sites.

Begin with Dar Bacha, which houses the Museum of Confluences, offering a mixture of Berber, Arab, and Jewish artifacts from throughout Morocco’s history. While you are there, be sure to enjoy coffee in their coffee room, offering over 200 varieties of coffee from the world over, housed in a historic palace in Marrakech.

Visit the Koutoubia minaret, the tallest structure in Marrakech. The minaret can be seen from miles outside of the city. Within the city walls, no building is allowed to surpass the height of the Koutoubia, which stands at 253 feet (77 meters). The Koutoubia is part of the largest mosque in Marrakech, and is believed to have been completed in 1199 A.D.

A short distance from the mosque, you can explore Jemaa el Fna, the primary square in the medina and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Though the square is now filled with street performers, snake charmers, merchants and juice stalls, it was originally created in 1050 A.D. to stage public executions. This is perhaps why Jemaa el Fna is translated as "assembly of death".

Head into the souks surrounding Jemaa el Fna to several workshops, including shoemakers and bakers. Stop at one of the iconic spice markets, learning of the medicinal uses of many of the common spices and herbs that are still used across Morocco to treat common illnesses.

Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps taking time to relax with a traditional hammam or explore the iconic Majorelle Garden and Yves Saint Laurent Museum.

Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 9 Depart From Casablanca
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Depart From Casablanca

After breakfast, depart Marrakech and make your way to Casablanca for final drop off at Mohammed V International Airport at approximately 1:00 pm. Drive time: 2.5 hours

9 days tour

History And Sand - Fes, The Sahara Desert, Marrakech, And Mo

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip History And Sand - Fes, The Sahara Desert, Marrakech, And Mo

Arrival In Casablanca

Rabat And Fes

Tour Of Fes

Atlas Mountains To Merzouga

Exploring The Merzouga Oasis And The Sahara Desert

Boumalne Dades And Ouarzazate

Ait Benhaddou, Over The Atlas Mountains To Marrakech

Tour Of Marrakech

Depart From Casablanca

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