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7-Day Tour: Imperial Cities and Sahara

7-Day Tour: Imperial Cities and Sahara

December 15, 2024
7 days, 6 nights

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This 7-day tour is a comprehensive circuit that captures the essence of Morocco. Starting and ending in Marrakech, it will take you through cinematic landscapes, to the heart of the Sahara Desert, and through the historic imperial cities of Fez, Meknes, and Rabat. It's the perfect balance between adventure, culture, and history in an unforgettable week.

Highlights

  • A comprehensive circuit that starts and ends in Marrakech.
  • Visit the imperial cities of Fez, Meknes, and Rabat.
  • Magical night in the Merzouga Desert with a camel ride.
  • Exploration of the Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Scenic drive through the Todra and Dades Gorges and the Atlas Mountains.
  • Visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley

We depart from Marrakech, crossing the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka pass in the High Atlas. We will visit the iconic Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a fortified village of adobe that has served as the backdrop for numerous films. After passing through Ouarzazate, we will follow the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs to the Dades Valley, where we will dine and spend the night.

Day 2: Dades Valley → Todra Gorges → Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, we will head to the impressive Todra Gorges for a brief hike. We will then continue towards the desert. Upon arrival in Merzouga, we will exchange our vehicle for camels for an unforgettable ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. We will dine and spend a magical night in a Berber camp.

Day 3: Merzouga → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Fez

Wake up to a Saharan sunrise. After breakfast, we will begin our journey north. We will cross the lush Ziz Valley and the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through the city of Midelt. We will arrive in Fez in the afternoon and check into your riad.

Day 4: Guided Tour of Fez

Today, a local guide will take you to explore Fez, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. You will immerse yourself in its labyrinthine medina (Fes el-Bali), visit historic tanneries, ancient madrasas, and bustling souks. A true journey through time.

Day 5: Fez → Meknes → Volubilis → Rabat

We leave Fez and head to the imperial city of Meknes to admire its walls and the monumental Bab Mansour gate. Nearby, we will explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. In the afternoon, we will continue to Rabat, the modern capital of Morocco, to spend the night.

Day 6: Rabat → Casablanca → Marrakech

In the morning, we will visit the most iconic landmarks of Rabat, including the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas. We will make a brief stop in Casablanca to see the exterior of the majestic Hassan II Mosque before embarking on the return journey to Marrakech.

Day 7: End of the tour in Marrakech

After breakfast, the tour comes to an end. Depending on your itinerary, you will have free time to enjoy a bit more of Marrakech before your departure.

What's Included

  • Private transportation with air conditioning throughout the circuit.
  • Spanish-speaking driver/guide.
  • 6 nights of accommodation in riads/hotels and a Berber camp.
  • Dinners and breakfasts according to the itinerary.
  • Camel ride.
  • Local guide for the Fez tour.

What's Not Included

  • Lunches and drinks.
  • Entrance fees to monuments and Volubilis.
  • Tips and personal expenses.

Why Choose This Tour?

This circuit is the ideal option if you want to experience the maximum diversity of Morocco in a week. By starting and ending in Marrakech, you optimize logistics and can see imperial cities, the desert, mountains, and the coast in a single coherent and comprehensive journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the pace of the tour too fast? It's a comprehensive circuit with several days of travel, but it's designed with regular stops to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

What type of accommodation is used? We stay in riads and hotels with charm carefully selected in cities and valleys, and in a traditional Berber camp (with luxury options available) in the desert.

Is there an option for a private tour? Yes, this itinerary is available in private format, allowing for greater flexibility to adapt the pace and stops to your interests.

Ready for the adventure?

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