Imperial cities & desert

Land in Casablanca airport and get transferred to the hotel
(Please check flight 􀆟mings before booking. We have group transfers
planned from the airport).
Casablanca lies on the Atlan􀆟c coast, in central-western Morocco.
Fondly known by locals simply as ‘Casa’, the capital is the industrial,
economic and cultural heart of this remarkable country, as well as its
most cosmopolitan, liberal and progressive city. While most visitors
overlook Casablanca in favour of Morocco’s more popular and exo􀆟c
tourist areas, this sprawling metropolis has plenty to offer the
discerning traveller and has many hidden historical and cultural gems
just wai􀆟ng to bed is covered. The city is famous for its spectacular
Art Deco and Moorish Revival architecture, constructed during the
Colonial Period. Explore the Old Medina, a 􀆟ny ancient walled village;
visit the impressive King Hassan II Mosque; discover the ornate
rooms, masterfully 􀆟led floors and intricately carved wooden ceilings
of the Hispanic-Moorish Mahkama du Pacha; or simply watch the
world go by at one of the many ocean-view cafes along the
waterfront boulevard.
Post check in 􀆟me to rest and relax. In the evening we all meet for a
welcome dinner at Rick’s Cafe(famous from the bond movie)
Hotel : Melliber Appart Hotel or similar

This morning we depart from Casablanca to Chefchaouen and
embark on a scenic drive to Chefchaouen via Rabat. Enjoy the
changing landscapes during the approximately 5-hour journey.
Discovering Rabat’s Highlights: In Rabat, visit the Royal Palace,
Oudaya Kasbah, Mohammed V Mausoleum and Hassan Tower to
immerse yourself in the city’s rich heritage. Lunch in Rabat and then
departure to Chefchaouen.
Chefchaouen: Hidden high up in the Rif Mountains of north-eastern
Morocco, Chefchaouen is a rela􀆟vely large historical town known for
the striking, variously hued blue-washed buildings of its picturesque
Medina. We can look forward to wandering along narrow,
cobblestone streets lined with leather and weaving workshops and
an array of historical monuments. A􀆩rac􀆟ons include the town’s
exquisite waterfall the ruins of an old mosque on a hill behind it and
the shady main square of Uta el Hammam, which is home to the redwalled
casbah – a 15th-century fortress and dunge on displaying
ethnographic and art exhibits.
Post check-in we head out on a walking tour of the Blue City. Explore
the cap􀆟va􀆟ng streets of Chefchaouen, famed for its blue-washed
buildings and vibrant alleys. Capture unique moments and immerse
ourself in the town’s tranquil charm. Sunset at the Spanish Mosque,
overlooking Chefchaouen.
Hotel : Vancii Hotel or similar

Morning check-out and drive to Fez via Meknes (4 hours): we bid
farewell to the enchan􀆟ng blue city of Chefchaouen as we embark on
a scenic drive to Fez via Meknes.
We will visit the Ruins of Volubilis (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
where we delve into history as we explore these ancient ruins. This
UNESCO World Heritage site offers a cap􀆟va􀆟ng glimpse into the
Roman Empire’s legacy in Morocco. Wander through the wellpreserved
archaeological site and marvel at the intricate mosaics,
grand temples and magnificent structures that once adorned this
thriving Roman city.
Post lunch, our adventure con􀆟nues to the Ismailia capital. Discover
the city’s impressive ramparts, stretching over 40 kms, making it the
longest in Morocco. Admire the renowned Bab Mansourgate, an
architectural masterpiece and explore the royal stables, a testament
to the city’s grandeur. A􀅌erwards, we con􀆟nue our journey to Fez,
where we’ll check-in and se􀆩le into our hotel.
Fes: Morocco’s second-largest city and the country’s former capital,
Fes (Fez) is an exo􀆟c mix ofArabic architecture, ancient alleyways and
colourful markets; all mixed in with a good dose ofmodern culture.
Home to the venerated Karaouine Mosque, which dates back to 859
AD andincorporates an Islamic university, and to the country’s most
hallowed shrine, the Zaouia MoulayIdriss II; Fes is regarded as the
spiritual seat of Morocco. Music lovers try to synchronise their
tripswith the annual Fes􀆟val of Sacred Music, one of the highlights of
the city’s cultural calendarshowcasing diverse performances of
spiritual and religious music; while those with a penchant
forshopping can browse the mesmerizing colourful markets selling
exquisite array of silver, leatherand other handicra􀅌s up for grabs.
Hotel : Palais Medina & SPA Fès or similar

Today we embark on a full-day explora􀆟on of Fez, Morocco’s ancient
cultural and spiritual city.
Fez, a Timeless Medieval City: Experience the magic of Fez as we
stroll past ancient mosques andgreen-glazed minarets. Discover
hidden courtyards adorned with exquisite cedar carvings, mosaic􀆟les
and delicate ornaments. Immersing ourself in the ambiance of a
bygone era, where ar􀆟sanscra􀅌 their works using tradi􀆟onal
techniques.
Highlights: Bouanania Medrasa, A􀆩arine Medrassa, and Chouara
Tannery: Marvel at thearchitectural wonders of Bouanania Medrasa
and A􀆩arine Medrassa, intricate Islamic schoolsshowcasing
remarkable cra􀅌smanship. We will visit the renowned Chouara
Tannery, the oldest andlargest tannery in Fez, witnessing the
tradi􀆟onal leather-making process and vibrant dyes.
Indulge in a deligh􀆞ul lunch at a local restaurant nestled in the heart
of the old city
A􀅌ernoon: Souk Explora􀆟on and Fez Jdid: We con􀆟nue our journey
through Fez’s vibrant souks,where we’ll discover a treasure trove of
handicra􀅌s and local products. Explore the intriguingalleyways of Fez
Jdid, an extension of the city, immersing ourself in its bustling
atmosphere.
Unique Culinary Experience with a Local Family: This evening we
embark on a unique culinaryadventure. We will be visi􀆟ng a local
family in their home and will learn the secrets of Moroccancuisine
and prepare tradi􀆟onal dishes alongside our hosts. Enjoy the fruits of
our labor with a sharedmeal, crea􀆟ng las􀆟ng connec􀆟ons through
shared tradi􀆟ons and flavours.
Hotel : Palais Medina & SPA Fès or similar

Erg Chebbi Desert : Situated in the vast desert region of Saharan
Morocco, dividing Moroccoand Algeria, Erg Chebbi is one of two
Moroccan ‘ergs’, which are a sea of dunes. What it lacks insize
compared to the deserts of Algeria, Libya and Namibia – it makes up
for in its extraordinarilyscenic golden landscape, which changes
colours drama􀆟cally at sunset. The dunes of Erg Chebbispan over 30
kilometres and rise up to 160 metres.
This morning will be leaving early. A􀅌er breakfast departure to the
desert. We’ll pass through ascenic forest of cedars and across the
Middle Atlas Mountain range to the mineral mining city ofMidelt,
where we stop for lunch.
Arrive later on to this vast desert, With a backdrop of the orangecoloured
Erg Chebbi sanddunes, the charming Saharan village of
Merzouga feels wonderfully isolated, like the modernworld has le􀅌 it
behind. The Erg Chebbi dunes are the most stunning in the country
and anessen􀆟al part of any visit to Morocco (An erg is a vast sea of
shi􀅌ing wind-swept sand that’sformed into picturesque, undula􀆟ng
crests and valleys). From Merzouga, the tourist centre, wewill take
camels ride/ 4*4 into the edge of the Sahara Desert, enjoying a
spectacular sunsetalong the way.
The dunes are stunning especially as the evening light plays across
them and sets off thecolours. Tonight we will camp out in tradi􀆟onal
style camps in dessert oasis with the chance totry some fantas􀆟c
local cuisine while we sit around an open fire and listen to beats of
tribalsongs by campfire.
Hotel : Imperial Glory Lodges or similar

Ouarzazate: At the intersec􀆟on of the Dades and Draa Valley lies the
relaxed Moroccan town ofOuarzazate. Surrounded by some
unbelievably picturesque terrain, the town is characterised by
thered-glowing kasbah at Ait BenHaddou, the snow capped High
Atlas Mountains and the spectacularSahara Desert with its rolling
dunes, vast canyons and deep gorges. These exo􀆟c backdrops
haveserved as the loca􀆟on for many of Hollywood movies which
have turned this once sleepy town intoMorocco’s version of
Hollywood. The town is a popular stopover point for tourists on their
way tothe Sahara. Its palm-fringed boulevards are lined with grand
palaces, bustling souks, old adobebuildings and film studios.
This morning we will start early for a hike up the dunes in order to
enjoy what may just be the bestsunrise of your life. A􀅌er breakfast,
we depart for Ouarzazate. We drive towards Tinghir and TodraGorge
with some incredible stops. The alluring beauty of the lush palm
grove along the valley areknown for breath-taking views.
Once we arrive in Ouarzazate, we can visit the Atlas Film studio
(Op􀆟onal) that is the world’s larges􀆞ilm studio. Most of the property
lies in the nearby desert and mountains. Many popular Films andTV
series that have used the services of the studio including The
Mummy, Prison Break, The Vikings,etc. At the end of a􀅌ernoon, we
transfer to our Hotel, check-in and we have leisure 􀆟me 􀆟ll dinner.
Hotels : Kasbah Yu Palace or similar

This morning we con􀆟nue our epic journey to Ait Benhaddou,
perched on a hilltop and almostunchanged since the 11th century,
Ait Benhaddou is one of Morocco’s most iconic sites. Its grandkasbah
is one of the most beau􀆟ful in Morocco and the for􀆟fied village is a
fine example of clayarchitecture. If you think you recognise the
place, you probably do, as the town has a long list offilm and TV
credits, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones and
Gladiator.
We will walk through the winding streets of old town, making your
way to the top of the hill, fromwhere we can enjoy the views across
the surrounding plains. Post lunch we leave Ait BenHaddou, crossing
the High Atlas Mountains through Tizi N Tichka pass to Marrakech.
Once inMarrakech we check in and evening at leisure.
Marrakesh:
Situated to the north of the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas
Mountains and fringing the famedSahara, the bustling UNESCO-listed
city of Marrakesh is an enchan􀆟ng travel des􀆟na􀆟on.Marrakesh is
also home to the largest tradi􀆟onal Berber market in Morocco and
one of the busiestsquares in the world, known as Djemaa el Fna. The
square in the evening transforms into anenormous, open-air
restaurant.
Hotel : Palm Plaza Hotel & Spa or similar

A􀅌er breakfast, we will have a guided visit of the Medina star􀆟ng
from the Koutoubia mosque. Itsfamous minaret is considered the
most iconic monument in Marrakech. From there we con􀆟nueto
Bahia Palace which is a 19th century building, consis􀆟ng of rooms
decorated with stunningstuccos, pain􀆟ngs and mosaics palace and a
set of gardens. The name of the Bahia Palace meansin Arabic
“brilliance”. There is a 2-acre (8,000 m²) garden with rooms opening
onto courtyards
Post lunch in the a􀅌ernoon, we visit of Le Jardin Secret that dates
back to the Saadian dynastymore than 400 years ago and has been
the home of some of Morocco and Marrakech’s mos􀆟mportant
poli􀆟cal figures, discover its gardens and buildings, which are
outstanding examples ofIslamic art and architecture.
A􀅌er this we will wander through the powder-pink ramparts of the
UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina in the Old Town, savour the
delectable bites of Marrakech and learn about the localvalues and
way of life on an authen􀆟c Moroccan food tour, strolling around the
old Medina. Aspart of the food tour we immerse ourself into the
vibrant and unique culinary scene by visi􀆟ng thefood stalls &
eateries. Post the food tour we will back to the narrow streets of the
Medinathrough souks and spice Markets, where we might want to
shop souvenirs.
Hotel : Palm Plaza Hotel & Spa or similar

This morning we have some leisure 􀆟me before we check out at 12
noon and head to Casablanca( approx 3.5 hrs drive).
On arrival, we start our our city tour, we will be visi􀆟ng the Hassan II
Mosque, Inaugurated in1993 a􀅌er 7 years of construc􀆟on work by
dozens of Moroccan architects and thousands ofworkers from all
over the kingdom, this mosque has the tallest minaret on the en􀆟re
planet and isthe third largest mosque in the world. The huge building
is part land and part in the sea, and in anarea one can see the water
through a glass floor.
Post this we visit the Central Market, the Habous district, the Royal
Palace and the Mohamed Vsquare. If 􀆟me permits we will visit the
Morocco Mall.
Hotel : Melliber Appart Hotel or similar

On this final day of our Morocco adventure, we prepare for
departure. A􀅌er breakfast, we will betransferred to the airport for
our flight. We board our flight, taking with us memories of the
vibrantci􀆟es, rich history and warm hospitality.
As we soar through the skies, reflec􀆟ng upon the cap􀆟va􀆟ng
experiences and cultural encounterswe had during our 􀆟me in this
remarkable country. Cherishing the friendships made,
ancien􀆩reasures explored and the flavours savoured.
We bid farewell to Morocco as we embark on our journey back
home, carrying the spirit ofadventure and the beauty of this Peral of
Northern Africa.