Dates: September 25th – October 7th, 2020
From the mesmerizing towns and cities of Marrakech and Fes to the towering Middle and High Atlas Mountains, from the magical Sahara desert to the natural wonder that is the Dades Valley…and a lengthy list of off-the-beaten path experiences along the way!
Casablanca – Fes – Merzouga – Sahara Desert – Dades Valley – Marrakech – Essaouira (optional extension) – Casablanca
The Wandering Earl Tour Experience
All of our unique tours focus on local interaction, local activities and genuine education. We also keep our itineraries flexible so that you always get the absolute most out of your trip! Of course, we do see the main stuff too, but these are not standard, cookie-cutter group experiences. Always small groups, always laid-back, always diving straight into the true heart of every destination we visit!
Day 1 (Sept 25th, 2020): Casablanca – Meknes – Fes
The first day of the trip! We’ll start off with a quick group orientation before we take a 3 hour drive to the laid-back royal city of Meknes. Upon arrival, we’ll take a walking tour that will include the local markets and the impressive Royal Stables. In the afternoon, we’ll continue with a 45 minute drive to beautiful Fes where we’ll check in to our accommodation, located in the old city, and enjoy a welcome dinner.
Included meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 4* riad
Day 2: Fes
Heading straight into the heart of the ancient medina (the old walled city – a UNESCO site), we’ll enter the main gate for a half-day, textile-focused walking tour that will include the leather tanneries, visits to garment makers, spice shops and traditional weavers. We’ll also visit a beautiful mosque and wander through markets selling everything from artwork to housewares to soaps to shoes and more. You’ll then have some free time to wander the vibrant markets on your own before dinner.
Included meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 4* riad
Day 3: Fes – Sefrou – Fes
Heading out of Fes after breakfast, we’ll drive into the mountainous countryside in order to visit the well-established Cherry Buttons women’s co-operative, the longest running female-organized cooperative in Morocco. You’ll visit the workshop, enjoy a hands-on lesson on how to create these unique woven buttons and you’ll be be able to interact with the local craftswomen as well. Before leaving the area, we’ll have a local lunch as well as time to check out the cooperative’s shop in order to support this great initiative.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: 4* riad
Day 4: Fes – Middle Atlas – Ifrane – Azrou – Rissani – Merzouga
Today involves a scenic journey to Merzouga, straight across the magnificent Middle Atlas Mountains, and ending at the edge of the great Sahara Desert. The trip will take approximately 8 hours but will involve several stops along the way including the Swiss-like town of Ifrane, the gorgeous Ziz Valley, a forest that’s home to the unique Barbary Apes and a stop of lunch. We’ll then arrive at our fantastic riad in the small town of Merzouga in time to catch the sunset over the desert.
Included meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 4* riad
Day 5: Sahara Desert
In the morning, we’ll have several options for activities including a visit to a local Berber carpet collective or a local Gnoua village. You can also choose to relax at the riad’s pool until it’s time for us to head into the desert dunes. After lunch, you can then choose a 1.5 hour camel trek or a 30 minute jeep safari across the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi sand dunes to reach our idyllic Sahara Desert Camp. We’ll spend the evening in the desert with traditional music around the campfire, great food and stargazing before sleeping in our luxury yurts.
Included meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Desert Heart Luxury Camp
Day 6: Merzouga – Tinerhir – Dades Gorge
With an early wake up, you’ll have a chance to witness the sun rise over the dunes, creating a magical, multi-colored start to the day. After breakfast at our camp, we’ll begin our trip out of the desert, via jeep, and back to Merzouga. We’ll then take a few minutes to get organized before driving towards the Dades Gorge. En route we’ll visit the Tinerhir weaving co-operative for a demonstration and lesson as well as an excellent fossil workshop in Erfoud. Eventually, we’ll cross the Jebl Sahro Mountains and reach our next beautiful spot located in the stunning Dades Valley.
Included meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Auberge Chez Pierre
Day 7: Dades Valley
Today’s activities all take place in the Dades Valley, a local community that is as welcoming as it is remote. You’ll begin with a visit to a local friend’s home, where you will spend time with the several generations of women who live here. They’ll teach you how to cook local cuisine, share information about their village and their lives and they’ll even do some henna tattoos on your hands and feet if you wish! You’ll also have a chance to wander through the village, interact with more local Berbers and catch glimpses of the ancient kasbahs (fortified homes shared by several families) and awesome natural formations all around. People are super friendly here so you’ll be able to see their homes, enjoy tea, ask questions and take photos as well.
Included meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Auberge Chez Pierre
Day 8: Dades Valley
You’ll start the day with a fascinating weaving workshop at a local woman’s cooperative in one of the villages in the valley. It will be a truly authentic experience as the Dades Valley is quite removed from mass tourism. In the afternoon, you’ll be able to enjoy some free time which may involve lounging at the pool, going for some light hiking at the nearby Monkey Fingers Gorge or taking a drive up to the narrowest part of the valley for breathtaking views. There is also an opportunity to rent a bicycle or visit additional villages.
Included meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Auberge Chez Pierre
Day 9: Dades Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
After breakfast we’ll begin the 8 hour trip out of the valley and on to Marrakech, perhaps the most lovable city in all of Morocco. The drive across this section of the striking High Atlas Mountains will include stops at a local rosewater cooperative, the sparkling town of Ourzazate, an Argan oil collective and at viewpoints where you’ll stare in awe at the unbelievable scenery. We’ll also stop for restroom breaks and a nice lunch in a small mountain village before arriving in Marrakech in the evening.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Day 10: Marrakech
There is no other medina (walled city) quite like it. Marrakech is full of bustling markets, incredible architecture, centuries old crafts, intense colors and aromas, constant celebrations and a positive vibe that is truly contagious. Our guided walking tour of the city will take us to the awe-inspiring Bahia Palace as well as local markets focusing on crafts, spices, clothing, leather shoes, ceramics, metal work and so much more. We’ll also visit the inspiring Al-Nour cooperative, where disabled women create beautiful products and given a chance
carpets, weavings, clothing and embroidery. In the afternoon, you’ll head to one of the great museums in the city, such as the Berber Museum, Tiskiwin Museum or Musee Boucharouit. us to the splendid Jardin Majorelle, the awe-inspiring Bahia Palace as well as local markets focusing on carpets, weavings, clothing and embroidery. In the afternoon, you’ll head to one of the great museums in the city, such as the Berber Museum, Tiskiwin Museum or Musee Boucharouit.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Day 11: Marrakech
In the morning, we’ll take the short drive to the splendid Jardin Marjorelle where we’ll have time to walk around the amazingly colorful, lush gardens as well as the Berber Museum and the Yves Sant Laurent Museum inside the same complex. From here, you’ll have free time to spend in the never-ending markets, get pampered at a wonderful hammam, people-watch in the main square or simply relax at the hotel. In the evening, we’ll have our final dinner as a group.
Included meals: Breakfast, farewell dinner
Accommodation: 4* Hotel
Day 12: Casablanca
Departing the city at 10:00am, the drive to Casablanca will take 3.5 hours. We’ll check in to our hotel upon arrival.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Kenzi Besma
Day 13: Departure Day
As the tour comes to an end, you’ll be picked up at the hotel for your airport transfer according to your flight time. Check-out of the hotel will be at 11:00am.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Essaouira
Instead of heading to Casablanca, you’ll embark on a 3 hour drive to Essaouira, the charming white and blue town on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. On the way, you’ll look for the goats climbing in the argan trees that grow abundantly in this area (yes, there are goats in the trees!). Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your accommodation before taking a relaxed evening walking tour, pointing out all of the town’s highlights.
Included meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 4* riad
Day 13: Essaouira
You will have the day at leisure to explore this lovely seaside town. You can walk around the city ramparts overlooking the water and stroll around the narrow streets of the medina, observing woodworkers, potters and silversmiths in their workshops. Essaouira is particularly famous for its intricately detailed and colorful wood products. On the long beach, you can also windsurf or ride horses and camels. For lunch and dinner, Essaouira has many restaurants serving up fresh local cuisine or you can choose your own fish by the harbor and have one of the stalls grill it for you.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4* riad
Day 14: Casablanca
Heading up the coast, you’ll embark on a 3.5 hour drive to Casablanca. Time permitting, you’ll visit the Hassan II Mosque, the 5th largest mosque in the world, before checking in to your hotel. You’ll also have time to wander along the Corniche and into the central markets of the largest city in Morocco.
Included meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Kenzi Besma
Day 15: Departure Day
As the tour comes to an end, you’ll be picked up at the hotel for your airport transfer according to your flight time. Check-out of the hotel will be at 11:00am.
Included meals: Breakfast
INCLUDED
– Small group (max 10 participants)
– Wandering Earl Tours guide throughout
– All accommodation (12 nights – 3*/4* hotels and traditional riads)
– Transportation in Morocco (comfortable private vans)
– All activities mentioned
– All entrance fees for sights visited
– Local guides in each destination
– Breakfast every day, 4 lunches and 10 dinners
– Bottled water throughout the trip
– All airport transfers
– Gratuities for all hotel and restaurant staff
NOT INCLUDED
– Flights to/from Morocco
– Meals and activities not mentioned
– Travel insurance
– Gratuities for driver
TOUR COST
Regular tour: $3475 USD per person
Essaouira extension: $420 USD per person
*Based on twin share (2 people to a room; solo travelers will be paired together)
*Single supplement: $900 (for a single room throughout the regular tour) / $1200 (single room for regular tour and Essaouira extension)
