10 DAYS GRAND TOUR FROM MARRAKECH

DAY 1: AIRPORT PICK UP –  ACCOMMODATION:

We will arrange for a vehicle to collect you from Marrakech International Airport and drop you off at your accommodation on the first day of your 10-day Grand Tour.

DAY 2: MARRAKECH – ESSAOUIRA:

On the second day, we leave Marrakech and make our way to the picturesque coastal town of Essaouira. We’ll stop to see the magnificent views and observe the famous Argan tree goats. Around Essaouira were forts built by the Portuguese in the fourteenth century. The colorful past, vivid present, and crashing waves of this fishing village make it one of a kind. If you’re looking for a beautiful place to relax on sunny beaches or explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina with its lively marketplaces and artisan stores, Essaouira is the place for you.

The medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is accessible from any of the city’s gates and is a joy to explore; the maze of blue doors and window frames will keep you from getting lost. Surrounded by a medina, this fascinating beach provides an ideal backdrop for relaxation and cultural discovery. In your spare time, you may unwind at one of the many lovely cafes with terraces that are in the area.

Indulge in the creative atmosphere as you explore the Medina and see the woodcarving studios and artisans. Because of its many cultural offerings, fascinating history, and beautiful beaches, Essaouira encourages visitors to relish every moment. In the late afternoon, we will return to Marrakech by automobile.

DAY 3: GUIDED TOUR IN MARRAKECH:

After breakfast at your riad, you will now have a local guide to show you around Marrakech, well known as the “Red City of Morocco.” This will be Day 3. Among the many cultural and historical landmarks you and your guide will see are the Saadian tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the famous Jemaa El Fna marketplace. After a morning tour of Marrakech’s new city—which features the Koutoubia tower—head over to the Majorelle Gardens for some afternoon relaxation. Finally, have someone drive you to your hotel. Jemaa El-Fna is yours to discover at leisure.

DAY 4: MARRAKECH – KASBAH OF AIT BEN HADDOU – OUARZAZATE – DADES VALLEY:

Fourth Day: Marrakech, Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, and Dades Valley. It
Leaving the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi-N-Tichka pass behind, you will drive into the desert after breakfast. Stopping to soak in the breathtaking vistas from a bird’s-eye view is an option along the way.

Our next destination, the world-famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, is an absolute must-see. This walled city is currently on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a result of its designation as a World Heritage Site. Numerous films have used the Kasbah, including Gladiator, Alexander, The Mummy, and many more.

Our next visit is Ouarzazate, home of the film studios that have staged several Hollywood blockbusters. We’ll stop for lunch before setting off to discover the Rose Valley, which will take us via Skoura’s enormous palm tree forest. Our destination, Boumalne Dades, is where we will spend the night.

DAY 5 : DADES VALLEY – TOUDGHHA GORGES- TINJDAD – MERZOUGA DESERT:

Fifth Day: Dades Valley, Toddha Georges, Tinjdad, and Merzougha DESERT: After breakfast, we’ll go on a tour of the Dades Valley. We’ll pull over so you can see the valley from above and the Dades gorges in all their glory. After there, we will continue on to Todra Gorges. Huge red boulders flank the Todra River as it cuts through the mountains, creating a wide canyon. There, you may enjoy a leisurely stroll while admiring the stunning scenery. Then we’ll go via the palm-tree-rich Touroug and Tinjdad districts. Lunch will be an option on the way.

You will check into your lodging and have a magnificent lunch accompanied by Berber music when we reach Erg Chebbi’s Merzouga Dunes after a lengthy journey. Guests may relax in unique and comfortable rooms while taking in the serene beauty of the desert at night at this hotel.

DAY 6: AN EXPLORATIVE JOURNEY OF THE DESERT – VISIT NOMADS – CAMEL TREKKING – OVERNIGHT DESERT CAMP:

On the sixth day of our desert adventure, we will visit nomads, go camel trekking, and spend the night in a desert camp.
We head to Khamlia village after a delicious breakfast, where you may listen to traditional Gnawa music set to mesmerizing rhythms. Our route will then take a detour via the dunes on an unpaved road, where we will stop for tea with nomadic Berber families. As part of this immersive experience, you will get the opportunity to have a delicious Berber pizza lunch while learning about a foreign culture.

Prepare for a breathtaking camel ride into the heart of the dunes to witness the breathtaking sunset after a relaxing afternoon at the hotel. Relax in your spacious tents with attached toilets and showers after a refreshing mint tea reception at the camp. At night, watch the Sahara come alive with a kaleidoscope of colors. While you enjoy your dinner, the band playing music by the fire will set the mood for a romantic evening under the stars in the Sahara.

DAY 7: MERZOUGA – RISSANI – ARFOUD – ZIZ VALLEY – AZROU – IFRANE – FES:

Do yourself a favor and rise early today to witness the breathtaking morning, when the dunes transform into a mesmerizing spectacle of light and shadow. When you’re ready, saddle up your camel and head back to Merzouga to meet your driver for the journey to Fes.

Along the route, we will stop at Rissani’s lively traditional market. Strolling through its bustling streets on a market day—Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays—will greet you with a vibrant array of aromas, noises, and colors. We continue on to Arfoud, where there is a petrified marble display in a workshop that you are welcome to see. The path carries on via Ziz Valley, home to beautiful palm palms, and the central Atlas Mountains. There are some amusing monkeys living in Azrou’s cedar forest, and we must go see them. The next step is to go on a plane to Ifrane, Morocco’s “Switzerland,” so you may marvel at the town’s architecture and take some breathtaking photos. Return you to your accommodation in Fes.

DAY 8: EXPLORE FES WITH A LOCAL GUIDE:

Once you’ve had breakfast at your riad, it’s time to meet our local guide and discover the medinas of Fes, a maze of narrow alleyways that are steeped in history and culture.The exploration excursion begins at the iconic Bab Boujeloud gate in Fes el Bali (789 ACE) and continues until it reaches Talâa Kebira’s main boulevard. Take in the architecture that combines elements of both Spain and Tunisia as you browse souks (markets) and stores in search of souvenirs and presents. The Chouara Tannery has been in operation since the eleventh century, so you may witness the traditional methods firsthand. Stop at the Al Attarine Madrasa, a 14th-century mosque known for its elaborate zellij tile work, and then head to Fes el Jdid, a “new city” built in the 13th century.

From the Mellah, the cemetery, and the old Jewish neighborhood, you can take in breathtaking views of the city. See the incredible architectural change firsthand by seeing Ville Nouvelle if you can spare the time.
Before you head to your accommodation, we’ll let you explore Fes at your own leisure at the conclusion of the day.

DAY 9 : FES – MEKNES – VOLUBILIS- RIF MOUNTAINS – CHEFCHAOUEN:

After our driver collects you from your location, we will go to Meknes, an imperial city with a long and illustrious history that begins with the Alawite dynasty. Take in the breathtaking Babb el-Mansur entrance, the Sahrij Souani Basin, and the ornately decorated Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. Volubilis is a famous Roman site in Morocco that dates from AD 245-285; after a hearty lunch, continue your explorations there.

The following destination on the itinerary is the city of Moulay Idriss, which is located on top of the Khyber and Tazga hills. With its structures that tumble down the hillsides, this city is a major stop for pilgrims and the site of a religious festival in August. Finish off a fantastic day with a night in Chefchaouen, also known as the “blue city,” after a spectacular journey across the Rif Mountains.

DAY 10 : EXPLORE THE BLUE CITY OF CHEFCHOUAEN – TANGIER:

Today is your day to explore the city and all its wonders. Explore the town’s twisting, blue-painted streets that look like a labyrinth. As you wind your way through the Medina’s winding alleys, stunning scenery will unfold before your eyes. Experience the vivacious energy of the crowded souks (markets), where you may find one-of-a-kind items and the work of local artisans. Alternately, unwind at a local eatery serving authentic Moroccan cuisine that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Tangier is our next stop after crossing the Rif Mountains. Either the airport or your Tangier accommodation can be used as a drop-off point, depending on when your journey is leaving.