Day 1 ~ Depart the USA
Today we will arrive in Casablanca at Mohammed V airport, the largest city and the heart of Moroccan business. After security formalities we will be met and transferred to our hotel in downtown Casablanca.
Before we leave for Rabat, we will have a sightseeing tour of Casablanca, which includes: United Nations Square, Central Market, HASSAN II mosque (view from outside only), harbor district and the Royal Palace. Our next stop is Rabat, the administrative capital and one of the four imperial cities. We will walk through the imperial quarter to see beautiful gardens, many interesting Moorish royal buildings including the Royal Palace. We will drive by an impressive necropolis going back to the Roman times and visit the complex of Hassan Tower and Mosque, as well as the famous Mohammed V Mausoleum, archetype of the finesse of decorative art in Morocco. We will end the tour of the day with the visit to the walled village, so called Oudaia Kasbah overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Today our drive along the Atlantic Ocean will take us to Asilah, a charming town, which was once a very important Phoenician and Roman trade city. This small Andalusian-style city offers beautiful walks in narrow, winding streets where you will see houses lining the streets with different colored balconies and doors.
In the afternoon we will continue along the ocean to our final destination, Tangier.
"A dove poised on the shoulder of Africa" - Tangier has long been coveted for its strategic position. Since Tingis was founded in the IV century BC, Carthaginians, Romans, Phoenicians, Vandals, Arabs, Spaniards, Portuguese and the English have jealously fought for the right to control it. No African city is closer to Europe; no other "oriental" city is more dearly loved by European or American artists, musicians or authors. Delacroix, Saint-Saens, Matisse, Kees Van Dongen, Tennessee Williams, Jean Genet, Joseph Kessel, William Burroughs and Paul Bowles, to name but a few, have all lived in Tangier - and been captivated by its spell. Follow their footsteps, and enter Tangier in style. By the Bab Er Raha gate, breached ramparts will guide you towards a breathtaking view over the city and the bay. Listen to the sounds of the port and the kasbah coming up from below. Let yourself follow your whims and inspiration as you set out to explore Tangier. There is the Grand Socco (the Great Souk), so dear to Joseph Kessel, dominated by the minaret in multicoloured faience which rises above the Sidi Bou Abid mosque .
As an optional trip: we could take a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar for a day trip.
This morning we depart to Chefchaouen which is certainly one of Morocco's most delightful spots. The blue and white town appears at a turn in the road, with its two-story houses and round roofing tiles, as well as twenty odd mosques and sanctuaries. The holy town of Chefchaouen breathes an atmosphere of profound serenity. After the pleasures of the beach at Cabo Negro, it is a delight to stroll through these cobblestone streets and idly dream in a peaceful, shaded square as you sip your coffee in a Moorish café!
Today we will head to Fes with a stop in Meknes, another one of the four imperial cities, famous for its beautiful gates. We will visit the palace of the ancient Ismaïlian rulers and Royal Granaries. Then we will continue on to Volubilis, site of the most important and extensive Roman ruins in Morocco, which was annexed by Rome in 45 AD.
Our final destination today will be Fes for overnight.
Fes is the spiritual and cultural center in the country and the most prestigious of all imperial cities; also the first in Morocco's history. We will drive to the citadel for a magnificent panoramic view of the old and new city and spend the rest of the day exploring this world-famous and fascinating old city (medieval Medina) with its over a million alleys, full of madrassas, mausoleums, residential and handicraft quarters.
Today we will have one of the most interesting and scenic drives through the Atlas Mountains. We will pass by the Berber villages and towns to see their pastured animals and colorful costumes. We will stop in Midelt, famous for its fossils and local Berber handicrafts and continue to drive along Ziz River and its oasis growing more than million date palm trees.
Our final destination is Erfoud the capital of dates in Morocco.
We will spend the entire day in the Sahara taking a camel ride to the desert camp, climbing the sand dunes for a spectacular sunset. Afterwards we will have a special dinner with musicians. We will overnight in tents to experience beautiful sunrise over the sand dunes in the morning, and then go back to civilization on camels.
We will leave for Quarzazate via Rissani to see the mausoleum of Moulay Ali ash-Sherif, the ancestor of the Alawite dynasty which still rules today. Passing through Tinejdad we will stop at Todra Gorge for a spectacular view.
Quarzazate is the capital of African movie studios where many American movies have also been made. We will have a city tour including a beautifully walled city called Kasbah and cinema museum.
Today we will head to Marrakech spending some time at Ait Benhaddou, the most spectacular fortress of Morocco. On the way we will also pass Taddert village and Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass (6,800 feet) offering a wonderful view of the Atlas range.
The entire day will be devoted to the sightseeing of Marrakech, the second oldest imperial city and definitely the "Pearl of the South", founded by the Almoravids at the end of the 11th century. We will visit the famous Saadian Tombs, Menara Gardens, Koutoubia Mosque, and Bahia Palace. We will end touring around with the souks and the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square.
This morning we are heading to Essaouira (pronounced Esa-weera), the most popular of the coastal towns, with magnificent beaches and relaxed atmosphere. The fortifications of the old city are a mixture of Portuguese, French, and Berber military architecture, and their massiveness lends a powerful mystique. We will spend the day exploring this delightful place, with time to absorb the unique flavor of the old town, the harbor, and the friendly people. You'll see narrow lanes, whitewashed houses with painted blue doors, tranquil squares, pleasant cafes, and artisans in tiny workshops carving on fragrant thuya ( thuja) a dense hardwood, renown in the area. Essaouira is full of the irresistible angles and picturesque sights that are attractive to photographers.
You will have morning at leisure for your own exploration of the old medina. In the afternoon, we will drive to Casablanca to get ready for our morning flight home.
Transfer to the airport for the flight home.
We recommend travel insurance.
