Big tour of Morocco :
Fes – Arfoud – Merzouga –Marrakech – Essaouira – Casablanca – Rabat (10days/9nights)

Price

€4000 /Person (+ 20% VAT)

Program

Flight details
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Arrival to Casablanca airport, where your tour guide and tour driver will welcome you
and accompany you to your hotel.
A quick stop on our way, at the Mohammed V Square in the city center, will give you
a taste of Casablanca’s western lifestyle and the beauty of its Art Deco buildings, built
during the French Protectorate (1912 -1956)
After check-in and enough time to freshen up, you’ll experience the hustle and bustle
of Casablanca, Morocco’s economic heart and largest city, on your way to the
charming and emblematic Rick’s Café for the Welcome Dinner.

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Welcome dinner at Restaurant Rick’s Café.

3 course menu with:
Still or Sparkiling water + Tea/Coffee
½ Touareg Red wine or ½ Sahari Reserve White wine
Overnight in Casablanca at:
 -5* Hotel Grand Mogador or similar 

Our tour of Casablanca today will see us visit the Hassan II mosque, the city’s landmark
with the tallest minaret in the world (210 metres). This visit is a tour highlight and a great
way to commence our journey throughout Morocco.
Also on schedule, is a drive along Casablanca’s corniche and the famed Anfa quarter,
where Churchill and Roosevelt once secretly met in 1943, on our way to the Art-Deco
masterpiece that is the “Eglise Notre Dame Du Lourdes.” A great nod to the religious
coexistence of diverse peoples and faiths.
We then head to Rabat, the capital, which is a 1 hour drive away on a smoothly paved
toll roads. A comfort stop will be made halfway to Rabat.
Upon arrival, we head straight for the old Medina, to a 14th century Andalusian
residence turned into restaurant, for the most authentic and tasteful Moroccan culinary
experience.

Lunch at Restaurant DAR RBATIA

3-course Menu + mineral water + Tea/Coffee and Moroccan cookie
After lunch, we visit the King’s palace courtyard for a brief Kodak moment to admire
the ornate royal gates, tall guards, and introduce you to the heritage of our monarchy.
Our next stop is the majestic Mohammed V Mausoleum, the current king’s father and
grandfather’s resting place. Take a picture with the king’s royal guards and admire the
unfinished Hassan Tower, a minaret built in 1195, for a mosque that never was.
We then depart for Tangier on a 2.5 hour journey via smooth toll roads.

  • Dinner in tangier in hotel or local Restaurant
Overnight in Tangier at:

 5* Grand Hotel Villa de France / Hotel El Manzah or similar

We begin our day by driving through Tangier’s “International Quarters” on our way to
the Cape Spartel Lighthouse, the meeting point of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
A scenic drive ‘hors pars’, as we travel through the world in one drive.
We then continue along the golden beaches to the legendary “Caves of Hercules,”
where an impressive calcite formation formed an outlook into the Atlantic in the shape
of Africa. A site that has to be seen to be believed.
Heading back to the Medina, we will stop for a unique traditional tea ceremony to learn
of our sophisticated tea culture and freshen up before we head to the Kasbah.

Lunch at Restaurant LA TERRAZA DE LA MEDINA

3-course seafood meal + mineral water + Tea/Coffee with Moroccan cookie

After lunch, we visit the Dar el Makhzen Museum of Antiquities to connect with Tangier’s
past before we walk through the medina in the footsteps of Barbara Hutton, Paul
Bowles, Jack Kerouac, Malcolm Forbes, to name but a few.
Here, we’ll discover a Tangier, an international capital, with views on southern Spain,
that was once mentioned in the same wavelength as New York, Hong Kong, or
Singapore today!
After having explored Tangier’s souks and vibrant medina, we begin our journey to
Chefchaouen.
Chefchaouen, aka “The Blue Pearl,” is approximately 2.5 hours away.

=> Dinner in Riad CASA Hassan in Chefchaouen
Overnight in Chefchaouen at:

– Riad CASA Hassan or Similar

Today, we roam the blue streets and alleyways of Chefchaouen. An experience that
will forever remain a treasured memory, especially with comfortable shoes and a sharp
camera!
We visit the Kasbah of Chefchaouen and continue our walk through the cobbled streets
towards the Ras el Ma Quarter, past the Andalusian quarter and countless spring water
fountains and traditional neighbourhood ovens, dotted all around the medina.
We take our time exploring this gem of a town, deservedly nicknamed “The Blue Pearl”,
before we board our minibus and begin our drive toward Fes.
We will cross the Rif Mountains, deep into the agricultural heart of rural Morocco,
through plush green valleys with olive trees as far as the eye can see.

Lunch at RIF TOURISTIQUE SITE

3-course menu + mineral water

After lunch, we will continue our drive to the UNESCO Roman ruins of Volubilis, the most
impressive and ancient in Morocco. In Volubilis, we stretch our legs on a walk through
time and gaze at millennia of history around “The Triumphal Arch.”
Continue to Meknes, the “Moroccan Versailles” and second imperial city on our tour.
Meknes was the capital of Morocco under the reign of Moulay Ismail (1672–1727), aka
“The Warrior King” and a contemporary of Louis XIV.
We gaze at the Bab El Mansour gate, the most impressive Moroccan gate and continue
to The “Hri Souani Granary,” an architectural masterpiece.
Continue to Fes, the spiritual and handicraft capital of Morocco.
The drive is approximately 1 hour on a smooth toll road.

  • BE MY GUEST Dinner in Riad Arabesque
Overnight in Fes at:

-Riad Arabesque

It is advised to wear comfortable clothing as today we explore the largest pedestrian
only zone in the world, the magnificent UNESCO Medina of Fes
We begin with a stop at the Royal Palace to admire the craftsmanship of its
magnificent 7 gates and walk through the 14TH century Andalusian Quarter.
Drive to the South Castle for a panoramic view of the ancient medina.
The first craft of Fes we witness today is the grey and zinc-rich clay ceramic handicraft.
Renowned the world over, this craft’s place in Moroccan culture is paramount to our
identity. We visit the Ceramic Zone for an authentic pottery experience at a traditional
apprenticeship school and craftsmen cooperative.
Our next stop is Fes El Bali, the ancient medina. Life here hasn’t changed for millennia.
Fes is the only medieval city in the world that has not been affected by time.
Locals still use mules and donkeys for transportation and age old traditions still prosper.
This is Medina 101. Morocco’s largest, oldest, most authentic medina. Fes is Morocco.

Lunch at Restaurant.’NEJJARINE”

3-course meal + mineral water

After lunch, we peak into the famous Al-Karaouine mosque, built in 857, the oldest
university in the world. We then visit the Attarine Coranic School, an architectural gem,
and introduce you to the well-appointed schools of Morocco’s golden age.
Another craft for which Fes is renowned for worldwide is the leather craft. Home to the
oldest leather tannery in the world, the “Chouara“ tannery hasn’t changed since the
9
th century.
We visit a cooperative to take a peak at the pits and take an opportunity to learn,
admire, and support the local artisans.
After a full day’s worth of exploration, we head back to our hotel to freshen up. We can
organize authentic dinner experiences to wrap up such a wonderful day.

  • Tonight, we can organize dinner outside our Riad 
Overnight in Fes at:

– Riad Arabesque

Breakfast today will be earl as our journey takes us over the Middle Atlas Mountains
and all the way to the Sahara desert.
Our first stop is Ifrane, aka ‘Little Switzerland,” for its Alpine climate, European
architecture, and frequent snowfall. Temperatures here are the coldest in Africa.
We’ll then cross the largest pine and cedar forest in Morocco, home to the Barbary
Macaque and the oldest ski resort in Africa.
Once we spot the snow-capped Mount Ayachi, we’ll be driving past hectares of apple
farms, leading us to Midelt, aka “The Capital of Apples.” In Midelt, we’ll stop for lunch.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

3-course meal + mineral water

After lunch, we head towards the city of Errachidia through the Ziz Gorge, revealing a
significant change of terrain and magnificent views of an impressive oases.
After a comfort stop in Errachidia, we continue onwards to Merzouga. The Erg Chebbi
dunes, where we’ll be spending the night, will start revealing themselves as we dash
through the dry and barren wilderness for what is an impressive sight.
Upon arrival to Merzouga, we’ll quickly use the facilities and exchange our minibus for
4×4 off-road vehicles, who’ll take us through the dunes to our luxury desert camp, for a
truly scintillating glamping experience under the starlit sky.
Freshen up, settle in, and gather around an olive wood infused campfire after a filling
and delicious Touareg dinner. It doesn’t get better than this.
With a cup of wine and the beating drums of our Touareg hosts, who’ll gladly entertain
us through the night, it does gets better!

  • 3 COURSES DINNER INCLUDED with mineral water
Overnight in Merzouga at:

– Luxury Camp 

We wake up early today and ride our dromedaries into the dunes in darkness at
daybreak, to witness the majestic color and mystique of the desert sunrise.
Coffee and tea will be set ready for us before departure and breakfast ready upon
return.
Our 4×4 off-road vehicles will be ready for us as we begin our exploration of the Erg
Chebbi Dunes and the town of Merzouga.
Here, we’ll ride through the dunes on our way to the Khamlia Village, the birthplace of
Gnawa music and home to the Gnawa tribe or “Bambaras”, who originate from SubSaharan tribes.
At Khamlia, we exchange our 4x4s for our minivan and head towards the town of
Rissani, the hometown of the first Alouite Dynasty ruler, Moulay Ali Cherif. Drive to
Tinghir.
Tinghir is a gorgeous 40km oasis, which boasts one of the largest palm groves in the
country. Stop at the famous Toudra Gorge, a 300m wall, carved deep into the High
Atlas Mountains. Toudra Gorge is popular with rock climbers from all around the world.

Lunch at Restaurant KASBAH LAMRANI

3-course meal + mineral wate

After lunch, we head to Tinghir’s medina to a reputed antique Berber silversmith and
weaving cooperative “La Maison Berbere.” Marvel at their pieces of art and learn
about their significance to us Moroccans.
This of course is no coincidence, as less than 15km away, the Imider Silver Mine is
located. The largest silver mine on the African continent. To us, silver has deep ethnic
significance. As are hand woven tapestries and carpets, that preserve the unique
identify of each of the 800 Berber tribes in Morocco.
Depart and head towards Boumalne Dades.
The drive to Boumalne Dades is approximately 45min.
Boumalne Dades, or the “Oasis of the Figs”, is where we will be spending our night.

  • BUFFET DINNER INCLUDED
Overnight in Boumalne Dades at:
  • Hotel KASABAH Xaluca Dades

After breakfast, we head for Ouarzazate, aka “The Hollywood of Africa”.
Upon arrival to Ouarzazate, we visit the impressive Taourirt Kasbah, considered to be
one of the most beautiful in Morocco.
Next, we visit the Atlas Film Studios, where blockbuster movies have been and continue
to be filmed. Due, of course, to the beautiful desert landscapes.
We then drive for approximately 30 minutes to Ait Ben Haddou, for a panoramic view
of this wonderful cluster of 14th century UNESCO World Heritage Kasbahs.
Many movies, such as “The Man Who Would Be King (film) (1975)”, “Jesus of
Nazareth (1977)”, “The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)”, “Gladiator (2000)”, and “Son
of God (film) (2014)…, have also been filmed here.
Begin our drive across and over the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic and notorious
Tizi N Tishka Pass to Marrakech.
Stop for a typical local lunch in Toufliht, halfway on our way to Marrakech.

Lunch at a local restaurant TOUFLIHT

3-course menu + mineral water

Arrival to Marrakech and check-in to our hotel.
Take advantage of this time for a leisurely evening, after such an eventful day, and rest
for the equally amazing day that lies ahead of us tomorrow. We can make reservations
for dinner.

  • Fare Well dinner included 
Overnight in Marrakech at:
  • Hotel Jaal Riad Resort

Today, we will explore Marrakech in the most traditional manner, via horse drawn
carriages.
Our first stop is the Koutoubia Mosque, the highest building in Marrakech, built under
the reign of the Almohad Caliph Yaaqub al-Mansur (1184 to 1199). This monument
inspired other buildings such as the Giralda in Seville in Spain and the Hassan Tower in
Rabat.
Ride around the medieval city walls to the unique Jardin Majorelle and breath-taking
Berber Museum. Take a peak at Yves Saint Laurent’s residence and use this opportunity
to pose for memorable pictures with the zinging Majorelle Blue and Yellow colour hues.
We then head to the Kasbah and gaze at Bab Agnaou, a symbol of the Almohad
Dynasty’s opulence and expertise.
Visit a herborist to source and smell rich mixes of cooking spices and marvel at the
unique uses of Argan oil, found only in Morocco. Here, get a grasp of our complicated
but sophisticated ways in leading a largely simple life.
Visit the grand ornate masterpiece that is the Bahia Palace.
Head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the Jemaa el Fena Square. Look
closely and you’ll spot the fearless and daring snake charmers. Get a close-up with
these amazing people, as we take care of it all, for the most comfortable experience!
This will surely give you the rush!

Lunch at Restaurant PORTO FINO

3-course menu + mineral water

Return to the hotel to freshen up and perhaps a Moroccan Hammam and massage
experience to loosen those muscles after such an exciting trip. Take a nap or hang out
by the pool before we leave for our farewell dinner.


Leave for our farewell dinner in the Moroccan dresses and jellabas purchased during
the tour for a night filled with delicious food and belly dancing at:
Dar Salam Restaurant
3 course menu + still water + ½ wine


Overnight in Marrakech at:
  • Hotel Jaal Riad Resort

After breakfast, we will begin the transfer to Marrakech or Casablanca airport.

Flight details
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* Please note that driver and guide tips are not included in the tour price.
* Tips are recommended to be handed to the team on the way to the airport.

* Recommended tipping guideline:
– Guide: 10 EUROS/DAY/PERSON
– DRIVER: 5 EUROS/DAY/PERSON

Tip guideline mentioned to manage expectations on both sides and reflect the
availability and service of our team, who love what they do, and do not set a
time limit for their service or availability to guests while on tour. Also, this is merely
a recommendation for which our staff is forever grateful in its presence and
equally adept in its absence.

QUOTATION

Hotels

-Casablanca : 5* Hotel Grand Mogador or similar 
-Tangier: 5* Grand Hotel Villa de France / Hotel El Manzah or similar
-Chefchaouen : Riad CASA Hassan or Similar
-Fez (day 1) : Riad Arabesque
-Fez (day 2) : Riad Arabesque
-Merzouga: Luxury Camp
-Boumalne Dades: Hotel KASABAH Xaluca Dades
-Marrakech (day 1) : Hotel Jaal Riad Resort
-Marrakech (day 2): Hotel Jaal Riad Resort

NUMBER OF PAX : 2 - 14

-Duration : 9 Nights / 10 Days

-Transportation (6 – 14 pax):MERCEDES SPRINTER

-Transportation (2 – 5 pax):Mini Van / Vito

-Monuments : INCLUDED

-Certified Guide : INCLUDED

-Onboard Wi-Fi : INCLUDED

-Meals : 9 breakfasts – 4 Lunches – 9 Dinners

-MINERAL WATER : INCLUDED

-Camel Ride : : INCLUDED

-Portrage : INCLUDED

GRAND TOUR OF MOROCCO

Booking of: GRAND TOUR OF MOROCCO