From Fez: Nomadic desert, Marrakech and Essaouira
8 days
Personalised route through Morocco. Get to know Marrakech in all its splendour. The city of Essaouira on the Atlantic coast, wandering through the narrow streets of its souk (filming location for the series “Game of Thrones”). And the city of Fes, whose medina was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All this while having the opportunity to enjoy a crossing of the Atlas Mountains to reach a very different landscape: The Sahara Desert, in the dunes of Erg Chebbi, to enjoy its tranquillity and a dinner under a blanket of stars, getting to know the Amazigh (Berber) culture at first hand, one of the highlights of the trip.
Day 1: Fez Airport - Riad in the city centre
We pick you up from Fes airport and take you to the Riad in the city centre. Free day to rest and then in the centre of the medina, you have the possibility to make a short visit of the medina. Fes, Morocco’s third largest city and one of the so-called imperial cities. The medina of Fes El Bali is the larger of the city’s two medinas and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. It is also well known for its tanners’ quarter, which is well worth a visit. Accommodation with breakfast at the Riad.
Day 2: Fes - Midelt
After a hearty breakfast, departure to the south. Stop in the city of Ifrane, known as the little Switzerland of Morocco, which stands out for its central-European urban style given its cold climate in winter (1,713m) and for the statue of the lion, which bears witness to the Middle Atlas lions that once lived there. We will also pass through the village of Azrou, known for its cedar forests and the friendly monkeys that live there. Overnight in Midelt.
Day 3: Midelt - Merzouga
We will continue in the direction of Merzouga, passing through various villages, towards Erfoud, passing through the famous Ziz valley, where you can admire the contrast between the more arid landscape and the lushness of the banks of the Ziz river and its palm groves and observe the daily life of the inhabitants who live along its banks. The Ziz River flows some 300 kilometres into the Sahara Desert at the Algerian border. At midday we will arrive in Erfoud, known for its fossils and the wonderful desert roses, where we will have lunch. We will then continue to Merzouga, where we will arrive in the afternoon. Merzouga lies right at the foot of the great dunes of the Sahara desert, once there, those who wish can take a walk in the sand and watch the sunset. Night in selected hotel.
Day 4: Merzouga - Khamlia - Nomads-Merzouga
We wake up in front of the imposing Sahara desert, and visit the oasis of Merzouga, as well as the village of Khamlia where the Gnawas (descendants of slaves who came from black Africa) live and where we will be able to enjoy their peculiar music. Afterwards we will pass a sand river, a panoramic view from a mountain to see the desert in all its splendour. Continue to the village of Mefis, where there used to be a settlement of French khol miners, now abandoned. We will visit a nomadic family in the middle of the Hammada and enjoy their company over tea. Return to the hotel for lunch and in the evening departure with the camels for about an hour to spend the night in a Berber camp in haimas in the dunes.
Day 5: Merzouga - Todra Gorges - Ouarzazate
After the night in the campsite, we will renjoy breakfast and get ready for our day! We will start our way back towards Marrakesh, passing through the village of Rissani where we can visit the local market, very important in the past as it was the link between the caravans going from the north to the south. We will also see the Todra Gorges, where erosion has built a narrow gorge with vertical walls over 300 metres high, well known to climbers. We will be able to take a beautiful walk along the course of the river. We continue through the Valley of the Roses, at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains, where the cultivation of the flower that gives it its name is divided into two zones. The most important is 30 kilometres long, starting from the village of Keelat M’Gouna to Bou Tharar. The scenery is worth it for being nestled in a canyon. Finally we will arrive in Ouarzazate, Morocco’s cinema capital, where we will spend the night.
Day 6: Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou - Marrakech
We will wake up in Ouarzazate, the Moroccan Hollywood, where we will have the opportunity to visit the film studios where many movies have been filmed as well as the museum dedicated to cinema and the “Kasbah Taourirt”, once the residence of the Pasha of Marrakech. Then we will continue to the “Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou”, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, where several films such as “The Mummy” or “The Kingdom of Heaven” have been filmed. It was once a stopping place for caravans, where travellers exchanged their camels for horses in order to cross the mountains. Departure through the Atlas Mountains to Marrakesh. Night in Marrakesh.
Day 7: Marrakesh – Essaouira – Marrakesh
After having breakfast at the riad in Marrakech we head towards the city of Essaouira or the pearl of the Atlantic, this city, declared a World Heritage Site, maintains the charm and authenticity of a land lost in time. Essaouira has become an essential stop on a trip to Morocco. The adventurous explorer will be fascinated by the hospitable friendliness of the people of this city, which is not surprising since they have lived for centuries at the crossroads of cultures, civilisations and religions. Afternoon free to go for a walk around the medina. Accommodation in Essaouira.
Day 8: Essaouira – Marrakesh – Airport
After breakfast at the riad, you can take a walk through the medina, visit the port, and then enjoy a lunch of freshly grilled fish in the local restaurants of the port. If you wish, we can hire a local guide who will give you a tour of the town, although we recommend that you do the visit on your own, as it is the best way to visit this small town. In the afternoon, return to Marrakech and if you wish, we can make a stop at a women’s cooperative to see a demonstration of local women preparing argan oil, transfer to the airport according to your flight time and end of our service.
Standar*
470€/person
- With standard hotels, including**:
- 1 night in Fes in a Riad with breakfast
- 1 night in Midelt in a half-board hotel
- 1 night in the desert (Merzouga) in a half board hotel
- 1 night in Haimas in the desert with half board
- 1 night in Ouarzazate in a half-board hotel
- 1 night in Marrakesh in a Riad with breakfast
- 1 night in Essaouira in a Riad with breakfast
- Fes city tour with official local guide
- Dromedary excursion through the desert
- Typical henna tattoos in the desert
- Traditional drums live concert/ workshop in the desert
- Private 4×4 vehicle
- English-speaking companion for the entire duration of the tour
- airport transfers
The prices indicated are per person, travelling with private vehicle and accompanying guide in groups of four people and with accommodation in a double room in the “standard” category. These prices will vary depending on the number of people travelling, the category of accommodation (“Standard”, “Charming” or “Luxury”) and the tourist season.
***Price does not include:***Transport to and from the country of origin, medical or travel insurance, midday meals, dinners in Fez, Marrakech and Essaouira, drinks, tips and personal expenses.
