Imperial Cities & Sahara Desert – 10 Days

Arrival at Marrakech Airport. Meet and greet by our representative. Transfer to the hotel. Check-in and free time.

You may choose to begin exploring the Red City on your own – visit Jemaa el-Fna square, the Koutoubia Mosque, or simply relax after your journey.

Overnight in Marrakech.

Morning guided tour of Marrakech, the Red City, including:

• Koutoubia Mosque: The largest mosque in Marrakech, with a 77 meter minaret (exterior visit).
• Bahia Palace: A stunning 19th century palace with intricate courtyards, gardens, and decorated rooms.
• Majorelle Garden: A botanical garden jewel of architecture and botany, created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and restored by Yves Saint Laurent.
• Jemaa El Fna Square: The heart of Marrakech, filled with street performers, storytellers, musicians, and food stalls.

Afternoon transfer to Casablanca, Morocco's largest city and economic capital.

Overnight in Casablanca.

Visit Casablanca and Rabat before arriving in Fes.

Morning – Casablanca City Tour

• Panoramic city tour of Casablanca including Hassan II Mosque (exterior visit): One of the largest mosques in the world, with a minaret reaching 210 meters, built partly over the Atlantic Ocean.
• The Corniche: A scenic coastal promenade lined with restaurants and cafes.
• The city center: Modern architecture and wide boulevards reflecting Casablanca's French colonial heritage.

Afternoon – Rabat City Tour

• Hassan Tower: The unfinished minaret of a massive mosque begun in the 12th century, surrounded by Roman columns.
• Oudaya Kasbah: A picturesque fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with white and blue streets and Andalusian gardens.
• Mausoleum of Mohammed V: A masterpiece of modern Alaouite architecture, housing the tombs of King Mohammed V and his sons.

Continue to Fes, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco.

Overnight in Fes.

Full-day guided tour of Fes, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco.

Your local guide will lead you through the winding alleyways of Fes el-Bali, the UNESCO listed medina. Highlights include:

• The Ancient Medina: One of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Bou Inania Madrasa: A masterpiece of Marinid architecture with intricate carved wood and zellij tilework.
• The University of Al Quaraouiyine: Founded in 859 AD, recognized as the oldest continuously operating university in the world (exterior view).
• The Chouara Tannery: Where leather has been dyed in the same stone vats for over a thousand years. View from surrounding terraces.
• The Royal Palace (exterior visit): Impressive brass doors and zellij tilework.
• Traditional handicraft quarters: Where artisans create pottery, metalwork, wood carving, and textiles.
• The vibrant souks: Brass, copper, carpets, spices, and traditional crafts.

Overnight in Fes.

Travel through the Atlas Mountains and Ziz Valley to Merzouga.

Morning – Departure from Fes to Merzouga

The drive takes approximately 7 to 8 hours, with several scenic stops along the way.

Stops include:

• Ifrane: Known as the Switzerland of Morocco, with alpine-style architecture, red tiled roofs, and a stone lion carved into the rock.
• Cedar Forests: One of the largest remaining cedar forests in Africa, home to wild Barbary macaques. You can observe these friendly monkeys from a safe distance.
• Ziz Valley: A dramatic oasis of thousands of palm trees stretching along the Ziz River. Stop at panoramic viewpoints for spectacular photographs.

Arrival in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert.

Overnight in Merzouga.

4x4 Jeep Safari through the dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Morning – 4x4 Jeep Safari

Your adventure will include:

• Exploration of the Erg Chebbi dunes: The tallest dunes in Morocco, reaching up to 150 meters. Drive across the golden sand and stop at panoramic viewpoints.
• Visits to nomadic areas: Meet Berber families living in traditional tents, share mint tea, and learn about their way of life in the desert.
• Khamlia village: A small settlement of Gnawa people, descendants of slaves from West Africa. Enjoy traditional Gnawa music.

Late Afternoon – Camel Ride at Sunset

Ride a camel across the golden dunes as the sun begins to set. Watch as the sun paints the sand in shades of orange, purple, and gold – a truly magical experience.

Evening – Luxury Desert Camp

Overnight in a luxury desert camp with:

• Private tents with real beds and en suite bathrooms
• Gourmet dinner under the stars
• Traditional Berber music around the campfire
• Stargazing in the clear desert sky

Visit Todra Gorge and continue to Ouarzazate.

Morning – Visit to Todra Gorge

The Todra Gorges are a stunning narrow canyon of red rock, carved by the Todra River over thousands of years. The canyon walls rise up to 300 meters high, in some places only 10 meters apart. You will have time to:

• Walk through the narrow canyon between the towering cliffs
• Take spectacular photographs
• Watch rock climbers scaling the vertical walls

Afternoon – Continue to Ouarzazate

Travel through the beautiful Dades Valley with its dramatic rock formations and ancient kasbahs. Arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa or the Door of the Desert.

Overnight in Ouarzazate.

Explore the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou and continue to Marrakech.

Morning – Visit to Ait Ben Haddou

The Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco's most iconic fortified villages. This stunning red adobe kasbah has served as a backdrop for many films, including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Mummy.

You will have time to:

• Walk through the narrow alleyways between mud brick buildings
• Climb to the top for spectacular views of the river valley
• Visit ancient kasbahs
• Take stunning photographs

Afternoon – Continue to Marrakech

After Ait Ben Haddou, continue to Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters. The winding road offers spectacular views of mountains, valleys, and Berber villages.

Arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening.

Overnight in Marrakech.

Visit Bahia Palace, the Medina, Souks, and Jemaa El Fna Square.

Morning – Guided City Tour

Your local guide will take you to:

• Bahia Palace: A stunning 19th century palace with intricate courtyards, gardens, and decorated rooms.
• The Old Medina: Explore the narrow alleyways and vibrant souks of Marrakech's historic center.
• The Souks: Discover the labyrinth of markets selling spices, carpets, lanterns, leather goods, and traditional crafts.
• Jemaa El Fna Square: The heart of Marrakech, filled with street performers, storytellers, musicians, and food stalls.

Afternoon – Free Time

You will have free time for shopping, exploring further, or simply relaxing.

Overnight in Marrakech.

After breakfast, transfer to Marrakech Airport according to your flight schedule.

End of the Program.