Imperial cities and the magic of the desert

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1:

  Marrakech

  

  Reception at the airport and transfer to the riad located in the heart of the medina. Free dinner. Night in Marrakech Accommodation : RIAD

• day 2:

  Marrakech (free day)

  

  Marrakech, surrounded by 19 km of red and ochre ramparts, has an impressive cultural heritage with many monuments and museums of quality: the Medersa Ben Youssef founded in the 16th century by Moulay Abdallah, the Bahia Palace, one of the rare examples of 19th century residences, the Saadian tombs consisting of two mausoleums and a hundred tombs, the Secret Garden and of course the mythical Jemaa-Fna Square. Given the numerous possibilities, the visits are free (we can provide you with an official guide if you wish).  Accommodation : RIAD Meals included : Breakfast

• day 3:

  Marrakech - Rabat

  

  DRIVING TIME : 3H30 Direction Casablanca, economic capital of Morocco. If you feel like it, you can visit the imposing Hassan II Mosque. We continue to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. A former stopover for Phoenician and Carthaginian sailors, the city now embodies modern Morocco. Discover the Mohamed V mausoleum, the tomb of the former King. Nearby is the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah des Oudayas, which overlooks the mouth of the Bouregreg River. Dinner and overnight in Rabat. Accommodation : RIAD Meals included : Breakfast - lunch   

• day 4:

  Rabat - Meknès

  

  DRIVING TIME: 1H45 The day's programme includes Meknes, the imperial city of the 17th century. Discovery of the city: Bab El Mansour and Bab El Khamis, the place El Hedime, the granaries of Moulay Ismaïl. A stroll in the souks is also very pleasant.  Accommodation : RIAD Meals included : Breakfast - lunch 

• day 5:

  Meknès - Fès

  

  DRIVING TIME : 2H00 Little road for this day, allowing to take full advantage. On the programme, the holy city of Moulay Idriss, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a real archaeological jewel before reaching Fez, the oldest of the imperial cities, which was for centuries the cultural and religious centre of the Muslim West. The entire medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Accommodation : RIAD Meals included : Breakfast - lunch 

• day 6:

  Fès

  

  Free day devoted to Fez, the oldest of the imperial cities. The entire medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An official guide of the medina will be at your disposal (at an extra cost) all day long to make you discover the jewels of the old city: Bou Inania medersa dating from the 14th century, then the Nejarine square with its magnificent fountain decorated with mosaics. Possible visit of the Batha museum of popular art, the Royal Palace and the Merinid tombs from where you have a view over the city and its ramparts. The day ends with a visit to the potters' complex if you feel like it.  Same accommodation as the day before. Accommodation : RIAD Meals included : Breakfast

• day 7:

  Fès - Midelt

  

  DRIVING TIME : 3H30 We leave Fez to go to Ifrane, nicknamed "the Moroccan Switzerland", a pretty little mountain village. Then we continue to Azrou, located in the heart of a cedar forest. Our route continues through the Middle Atlas to Midelt. A walk in the surroundings is not without interest. Accommodation : Guest house  Meals included : Breakfast - lunch - dinner

• day 8:

  Midelt - Merzouga

  

  ROAD TIME : 4H00  Road to the south. passage by the gorges of Ziz then Erfoud before joining the big dunes of Merzouga. In the afternoon, you will take the camels to reach the bivouac located in the dunes. Don't miss the sunset!  Option - Superior bivouac. You will be accommodated in Berber tents with all the comfort: private bathroom, hot water, electricity, comfortable bedding. Accommodation : BIVOUAC Meals included : Breakfast - lunch - dinner

• day 9:

  Merzouga - Skoura

  

  DRIVING TIME: 4H45 Head west. On the way, you will have the opportunity to admire the Khettaras, thousand-year-old irrigation systems. Continuation to the Todra gorges and the Dades valley for a day full of colours. Different stops according to interest. Night in Skoura. Beautiful panoramic view from the terrace. Swimming pool Accommodation : Hôtel  Meals included : Breakfast - lunch - dinner

• day 10:

  

  DRIVING TIME : 5H00 Before leaving the palm grove of Skoura, the visit of an impressive kasbah dating from the 17th century is a must. Majestic, this kasbah is a real historical jewel. Road to Ouarzazate then back to Marrakech.  Accommodation : RIAD Meals included : Breakfast - lunch

• day 11:

  Marrakech

  

  Day dedicated to your airport transfer. Meals included : Breakfast