Moroccan Cities Culture & Nature: Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fez, Marrakech & the Sahara – 15 Days Itinerary

This authentic intimate two weeks Casablanca Tour Moroccan Cities Culture & Nature: Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fez, Marrakech & the Sahara – 15 Days Itinerary provides a journey of a lifetime through one of the best, diverse and unbelievably beautiful parts of Morocco. Starting and finishing in Casablanca, we explore some of the most scenic places in Northern Morocco & Sahara Desert. We navigate routes that are embedded into Moroccan History and Berber Culture: we follow the Ziz valley River as we leave Fes Medina, make our way to the Majestic Sahara Desert and Rocky Atlas Mountains before following the Caravan Trade Routes to Todra gorge and Ait Benhaddou Kasbah. Along the way, you will experience distinctly Moroccan activities that will deepen your understanding of Moroccan culture, nature and landscape. Be sure to pack your binoculars for this real life experience tour!

DAY 1 WELCOME TO MOROCCO – EXPLORE CASABLANCA (30 KM)
Welcome to Morocco! On arrival at Casablanca Airport, you will be met by your Morocco Tour guide and transferred to your hotel. While this is an arrival day and you may arrive at any time, please note that hotel rooms are generally only available after midday, and that there will a Welcome Meeting with your leader tonight. Transfer to a Hotel to spend the night.

Notes: Please be aware that some of our travellers in Casablanca are being approached by locals offering trips before their Moroccan Cities Culture & Nature: Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fez, Marrakech & the Sahara – 15 Days Itinerary start. This has been particularly prevalent in and around the hotels. These guides are in no way connected to us and we cannot guarantee the safety or quality standards of their tours. We strongly advise travelers not to join any tour offered by unauthorized guides. we assesses the safety of all optional excursions offered by our tour guides. If you would like more information on the excursions available, please contact us before you travel or see our website.

Morocco Best Tour Guide organizes tour from Casablanca with experienced guides to explore Moroccan Culture, Sahara desert experiences on authentic adventures. Our tour will begin at Mohamed V airport in Casablanca. We will visit the famous and the biggest Mosque in Africa, Hassan II, which was built between 1987 and 1993. This will be a golden opportunity to see the skillful work of Moroccan artisans, revealing the richness and beauty of their handicraft.
Accommodation : hotel idou anfa(1 night)
Activities
Casablanca Hassan 2 Mosque
Meals Included: Welcome Dinner

DAY 2: CHEFCHAOUEN (250 KM )
This morning after breakfast, meet your guide at 8am, We will make our way to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, enjoy the charming garden of Challa, surrounded by walls and beautiful defensive gates, built between 1310 and 1330. Later we will stop at Mohamed V Museum built in 1972, and we will visit the tombs of Moroccan kings Mohammed V, who died in 1962, Hassan II who died in 1999, the tomb of Moulay Abdullah the uncle of Mohammed VI and Hassan Tower which was built in 12th century.
Oudaya Kasbah which was built in 12th century and served as a military base for the Almorabits army in their defense against the Spanish army. The roof of the Kasbah allows a stunning view of the surrounding area. You will also get to see the 240 km long Abi-Regrag river , located in western Morocco between Rabat and Sala.

We will then drive to Chafchaouen through the cities of Knitra and El Ghareb, a very agricultural and farming countryside, stopping in Ouazzane, passing by spectacular Rif Mountains with Juniper, oak and olive trees. we will arrive to Chefchaouen in the late afternoon.
Accommodation : RIAD CASA HASSAN / RIAD HICHAM (2 night)
Activities :
Rabat – Guided Walking Tour / Oudaya, Hassan Tower
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 3 EXPLORE CHEFCHAOUEN
Set against a wide valley and nestled between two peaks in the stunning Rif Mountains, the isolated town of Chefchaouen is a surprising delight. Much of Chefchaouen was recreated by Andalusian refugees escaping the Reconquistia, so its striking blue and whitewashed houses, red-tiled roofs and artistic doorways give it the feel of the Spanish hills. After you will start exploring Chefchaouen “The blue city of Morocco”. Situated at the footstep of 2 higher mountains, Chefchaouen is a beautiful unique city with its white washed walls and blue doors, and windows. Unlike many parts of Morocco, Chefchaouen was occupied by Spain; therefore there is much influence of the Spanish civilisation and the Moorish architecture, you will have your own time to wonder around and enjoy at your pace.

Included Activities : Chefchaouen – Guided Walking Tour
Meals Included : Breakfast /

DAY 4: VOLUBILIS – FES ( 220 KM )
Enjoy a free Morning to relax or explore more of the town. Within the plaza is the walled fortress of the Kasbah – you can wander through the tranquil gardens inside, visit the ethnographic museum, and soak in wonderful views from the rooftop. Alternatively, you might prefer to get out of town and enjoy a short hike in the surrounding hills.

11am, Descend from the Rif hills and travel south towards the sacred pilgrimage town of Moulay Idriss (approximately 3 hours). From here it’s a short journey out to the World Heritage site of Volubilis. The remains of this Roman city make an undeniably impressive sight as they come into view on the edge of a long, high plateau. Take a tour around the arches, basilicas, and superb mosaics along the Decumanus Maximus, many of which remain intact. Once forbidden to non-Muslims, (IF TIME PERMITS) your next stop at ancient Moulay Idriss offers a great insight into traditional Moroccan life. Here the faithful gather to pay homage at the tomb of Moulay Idriss I – the great-grandson of Mohammed and the man who brought Islam to Morocco. Explore the delightful streets, perhaps sampling the famous nougat candy sold at street-side stalls. Continue on to Fes, arriving by evening (approximately 1.5 hours), the spiritual heart of Morocco.
Accommodation : palais Houyam / Riad Marjana, (2 nights)
Activities :
Guided walking Tour Volubilis
Meals Included : Breakfast

DAY 5 EXPLORE FES
Enjoy the guided city tour of Fes. Begin with the entrance to the largest royal palace in Morocco. Continue with a panoramic view of the ancient medina. Enjoy an authentic experience at the traditional ceramic crafts village of Fes after that. Your next stop is Fes El Bali, the ancient town or Medina, which is a medieval part of Fes that has not changed for centuries. Optional lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the famous Al-Karaouine mosque, built by Fatima Al Fihria in 857. Al-Karaouine mosque became home to the University of Al-Karaouine, which is the first university in the world and the world’s foremost center of learning at the beginning of the second millennium. The university was built by Fatima Al Fihria in 859, and, since then, it has become one of the leading spiritual and educational centers of the Muslim world. In the medina, visit also a Merdersa, which is a Coranic school. Complete the city tour of Fes with the leather Souq and the oldest Leather Tannery in the world. The tannery dates back at least nine centuries, balance of the day at leisure, speak to your leader for alternative activities.
Activities :
Guided walking Tour of Fes
Fondouk Nejjarine
Al karawyin university
Tanneries
Pottery & Ceramic Workshop
Meals included : Breakfast

DAY 6: IFRAN – ZIZ VALLEY – ERFOUD – MERZOUGA (450 KM)
Meet at your hotel in Fes at 7am and embark on long driving day, where we will meet different colors of the kingdom by leaving the old Moroccan city of Fes.
In the way we will pass through the most modern and clean city in the country Ifran. This Berber name of Ifran means caves and it is nicknamed in Morocco as a little Switzerland since it is a very green town and is a ski resort in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco because of its high altitude at 1665 meters. Ifran is very known as well by The Brotherhood private university, established in 1997 by The king of Morocco Hassan II and the king of Saudi Arabia Fahd. Where all classes are taught in English, it is an international university. Lunch will be scheduled in a Berber village called Midelt which is situated on the foothills of the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains. From vast plateau we start crossing up those tough mountains which are still settled by a big Berber community. The landscapes here includes palm tree oases at Jbel Ayachi (at 3747 m) before driving down the curves and join the pre-Saharan zone passing first by Errachidia and Erfoud, which is famous for its pottery and the interesting fossil quarries. Fossils are a major industry in Erfoud, some 350 million years ago the region around Erfoud was a part of the huge ocean. opportunity to buy nomad scarves, Heading up to the red colored sand dunes of Erg Chebbi at Merzouga from a vast plateau you will get impressed by the huge sand dune of Merzouga appearing from the horizon, free afternoon, Climb one of the highest dunes for the sunset.
Accommodation : Auberge Yasmina
Activities: Visit Ifran, Ziz valley, Erfoud
Meals Included : Breakfast / Dinner

DAY 7 SAHARA EXPLORATION ( 20 KM )
At 10am, sahara Exploration in 4×4 Throughout the sand dunes we go for a drive on these fabulous landscapes on the edge of the Erg Chebbi, the largest sand dunes in Morocco. We will see plenty of nomadic black tents in the middle of nowhere. We shall stop by a nomadic family to have tea and see what a nomadic life looks like. next, let’s discover the nomadic gnaoua music and life of Touareg people by visiting Alkhamliya, a village where nothing has been changed through centuries. Either we lunch here in Alkhamliya village or we go back to our hotel and lunch there. After a nape we go on a camel ride to meet one of the most fascinating travel experiences, the superb sunset from the high sand dunes of Merzouga. Tonight we stay in Berber tented desert camp and enjoy a wonderful stars gazing, you may get involved in some drumming and story telling around the fire.
Accommodation : DESERT CAMP with private showers and washroom.
Activities :
Camel Trekking
4X4 TOUR
Meet Nomads and Lunch with Berber Pizza at Gnaoua house
Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner

DAY 8: RISSANI – TODRA GORGES ( 190 KM )
Visiting Errisani and the Mausoleum of the founder of the Alaouite Dynasty of Morocco, Moulay Ali Chrif in the 17th century. This silent town was the ancient capital of Tafilalet and its location as a crossroads between north and south brought the city to an important status of a former major caravan center. Up to now Rissani remains a major commercial center in the region, with a large souk, particularly lively today on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sunday. It was noted for its leather and goat skin trading in ancient ages.
we will then visit the underground irrigation channels used by the nopmads to irrigate theire oasis of palms and henna during the drought times, we will visit the oasis Museum in one of the most vibrant valleys of southern Morocco, called the valley of Tinjdad.
127 km from Errisani the great canyons of Morocco Todgha Gorges are situated beyond the central high Atlas Mountains. Here, the contrasting landscapes remind visitors of the Colorado, with its high plateau, its gorges and great canyons, and its peaks sometimes splintered by erosion. Several peaks in this area exceed 4000 m, with Jbel Saghro 2500 m and Jbel Mgoun at 4068 m being the highest peak in this part of the High Atlas. The area is populated by Berbers. Here you can enjoy a hike among those fabulous canyons.
Accommodation : Hotel Amazir Todra / or Taboriht Kasbah
Activities :
Guided walking tour of the valley and Gorge
Meals Included : Breakfast / Dinner

DAY 9: DADES VALLEY – OUARZAZATE (164 KM )
From the great canyons of Todgha we go along the road of 1000 kasbahs, since there are enormous Kasbahs on both sides of the road. Some of those old fortified houses are restored but unfortunately a lot of them are ruins. We pass a town called Kalaat Mgouna situated on the edge of Dades valley which rises in the High Atlas Mountains, giving life to a huge Berber community by its rich agriculture, also called valley of roses appearing with the green colors of its Alfalfa plants, olive trees, fig trees and grapes. This valley gives birth to a rose from which locals produce different cosmetic products like soap, perfumes and skin creams. Locals here celebrate this rose by organizing a national festival each end of April, we head to visit a berber family for Lunch, a walk to discover the valley and spend some time with the Berbers before we head to our ouarzazate, A visit to one of the kasbahs is scheduled by seeing Amrhidil Kasbah. Getting to Ouarzazate (Hollywood of Africa, Noiselessly town and the gate of the desert), is a city situated in the middle of a bare plateau, south of the High Atlas Mountains. It is mainly inhabited by Berbers, who constructed many of the prominent kasbahs and building for which the area is known. One of those building is Taourirt Kasbah diverted in 17th century.
Why this town is nicknamed as Hollywood of Africa? Simply because it has been noted as a film-making location, with Morocco’s biggest studios inviting many international film companies to shoot their movies like: Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Living Daylights (1987), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Martin Scorsese’s Kundun (1997) and Babel (2005). the balane of the day is at leisure, overnigh in Ouarzazate.
Accommodation : dar chamaa
Activities :
Visit Berber Family
Visit Cinema Studios
Optional Traditional Hammam
Meals Included : Breakfast / Dinner

DAY 10: AIT BENAHDDOU – IMLIL ( 200 KM )
We start our day visiting the fortified city of Aït Benhaddou, built in the 11th century. Once up on a time this Kasbah was the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh. It is situated on a hill along the Ounila River and has some beautiful examples of kasbahs, which unfortunately sustain damage during each rainstorm and windstorms. Most of the town’s inhabitants now live in a more modern village at the other side of the river; however, around five families are still living within this Kasbah.
Aït Benhaddou Kasbah has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and several films have been shot there, including Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Time Bandits (1981), The Jewel of the Nile (1985), Kundun (1997), Gladiator (2000) and Alexander (2004). From this beautiful fortified house we head west to the city of Marrakech. It is called the “Homeland of God in Berber”. The ramparts of the town are nearly 30 kilometers long. We will then drive accross the high Atlas mountains, to tizi n Tichka pass 2260 m, enjoy dramatic view and drive along the windy road, we will arrive to Imil village in the late afternoon.
Accommodation : Home Stay
Activities : Visit Ait benhaddou Kasbha, Ounila valley
Meals Included : Breakfast

DAY 11: HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS – ESSAOUIRA
After breakfast you will meet your mountain guide for a memorable half day in the High Atlas Mountains, 4 hour hike, dominated by MOUNT Toubkal the highest peak in north Africa 4167m… Start a soft hike or ride a mule, to one of the highest and most picturesque berber villages.meet the local berber people who are the earliest inhabitants of Morocco and discover their way of life and culture. during this hike you will admire breath-taking mountain sceneries.
The High Atlas Mountains, which often dominate the skyline to the south of Marrakech, have always played an important role for the city not least with regard to commerce. Whilst Marrakech is in itself a fascinating city, a whole new experience awaits those who venture south into the mountains.
With several peaks above 4000 meters, the Central High Atlas is part of a larger chain of mountains that spreads from the Atlantic Coast in the west to the Algerian border in the east. The mountains are home to the indigenous Berber (or Amazigh) people who have inhabited Morocco for at least 5000 years. The Berbers live in small clusters of earthen adobe houses which cling precipitously to mountainsides and are often only accessible by mule or foot. A trek in the High Atlas will offer more than a glimpse into a way of life that has barely changed for centuries and where traditional values and hospitality have been mostly unaffected by the outside world, Lunch in Aroumd, 4 hours Drive to Essaouira, stop by one of these cooperatives is worthy to see how Berber women squeezed the Argan fruits between hands to extract this precious oil. and witness goats climbing the Argan Trees looking for fresh food.
Accommodation : Riad Chakir / Hotel Souiri
Activities : 4 hours Trekking in the high Atlas.
Meals Included: Breakfast

DAY 12: ESSAOUIRA
Breakfast in the Riad, join the local guide for Essaouira exploration on 3 hour walking tour, which is another charming town in Morocco. Essaouira is a relatively small, easily navigable beach city. Essaouira has got a distinct multicultural feel, resulting from the large Portuguese, French, and Jewish populations that once called it home. Its mild climate and expansive stretches of ocean sand also place it among Morocco’s top beach towns. Essaouira’s walled medina was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2001. Its well-preserved, late-18th-century fortified layout is a prime example of European military architecture in North Africa.
For the visitor, the mellow atmosphere, narrow winding streets lined with colourful shops, whitewashed houses and heavy old wooden doors make it a wonderful place to stroll.
Optional lunch at a local fish restaurant.
In Essaouira, several small art galleries are found all over the town. Since 1998 Essaouira is getting known by its Gnaoua Festival of World Music, normally it is scheduled in the last week of June. It brings artists from all over the world. Although focused on Gnaoua music, it includes rock, jazz and reggae. In the early 1952 the film director and actor Orson Welles made his movie Othello. Now there is a square named Orson Welles.
You’ll visit the Skala Fortress; see Thuya wood carved by artisans; walk through the alleys of the medina and view hundreds of handicrafts. Today you will have lunch in a Moroccan way, bought fishes ‘cooked to order’. On the afternoon, you will have some free time to wonder around, go to the beach and enjoy your space. Essaouira is also referred to as The “City of the wind” and it attracts surfers from all over the world. Essaouira knew many civilisations – including the Portuguese occupation, which affects much of its architecture – however, it remains a small village with much history. Because of its size and its characteristic blue doors and washed walls, it is also regarded as Morocco’s “Jewel of the Atlantics”. There is an annual festival of “Gnawa music”, where many musical groups come from different parts of Africa and the world. Usually it starts in the second week of June.
Accommodation : Riad Chakir / Hotel Souiri
Meals Activities
Vist Argan Co-operative
Free time to Explore Essaouira
Meals included : Breakfast

DAY 13 MARRAKECH (170 KM )
Along the way between Essaouira and Marrakesh you will see enormous Argan tree on both sides of the road. These Argan trees are frequently climbed by goats. Argan oil is produced by several women’s cooperatives and it is used to prepare couscous, salads. Moreover it was traditionally used as a treatment for skin diseases before being founded as good enough for cosmetics by Europeans manufacturers. We arrive to our hotel in Marrakesh in the afternoon, join your tour leader for dinner at Jamaa lafna square.
Accommodation : Hotel 3 Palmiers
Meals Included : Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 14 MARRAKESH GUIDE TOUR
A Full guided tour will be scheduled to discover Marrakesh which is known as the “Red City”. Marrakesh is the most important former imperial city in Morocco’s history, it is situated near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountain. Like all the old cities, Marrakech comprises both an old fortified city The Medina and a very modern city called Gueliz built during the French occupation. Marrakesh has the largest traditional market (souk) in Morocco and also has one of the busiest squares in Africa and the world, jamaa el Fna. The square is full of story-tellers, water sellers, dancers, snakes charmers and musicians. During the night the square turns into a huge open-air restaurant.
During our visit we will see the Majorel Gardens, The Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 12th century in the reign of Almoravid Dynasty, visit Medrassa ben youssef, We will go among narrow streets and allies in ancient city. Marakech is known for the “seven saints” during the reign of Moulay Ismail, the festival of the seven saints was founded to the request of the Sultan. The tombs of several renowned figures were moved to Marrakesh to attract pilgrims. Marrakesh was dominated in the first half of the 20th century by T’hami El Glaoui, “Lord of the Atlas”, and Pasha of Marrakesh. Still there is a house called Dar Pacha El Glaoui from where he used to rule the whole southern part of Morocco, balance of the day at leisure.
Activities : Guided walking Tour of Marrakech
Majorel Gardens
Bahia Palace
Souks
Jamaa lfna & Koutoubia
Meals Included : Breakfast

DAY 15 FREE DAY IN MARRAKECH
Free day, free time for Massage Spa, Shoppoing souvenirs, Last chance to visit the Souks and Marrakech Attraction before your Holiday ends after a memorable experience.

Meals Included : Breakfast
Optional Activities
Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage – MAD450
Hot air Ballon – MAD2500
Cooking class – MAD450

DAY 16 – CASABLANCA AIRPORT TRANSFER ( 240 KM )
According to your flight details, we will assist and transfer your to the aiprot of casablanca, and thank you for visiting Morocco and for choosing our Moroccan Cities Culture & Nature: Rabat, Chefchaouen, Fez, Marrakech & the Sahara – 15 Days Itinerary and Morocco Best Tour Guide as your trusted travel company for your Morocco Holidays.
Meals Included : Breakfast
There are no activities planned for the final day, Transfer to the airport.

Airport Departure Transfer