Wander Across Morocco (October 2021)

We'll get started with a 3 hour drive to Volubulis Roman ruins, where we’ll explore the best preserved archaeological site in Morocco imagining what it was like to in this impressive city during the rule of the Roman empire. Afterwards, we'll have a traditional Moroccan lunch before continuing with a 90 minute drive to incredible Fes. Upon arrival we’ll check into our accommodation, enjoy a short rest and finish the day off with a great dinner prepared by our hosts.

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 walking tour that will include the colorful souks, leather tanneries, traditional weavers and all kinds of craftspeople. We'll also visit a beautiful mosque and wander through markets selling everything from spices to 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.

Today involves a scenic journey to Merzouga, straight across the magnificent Middle Atlas Mountains and ending up 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. We'll then arrive at our fantastic riad in the small town of Merzouga in time to catch the sunset over the desert. – Drive across the High Atlas Mountains – Stops in Ifrane, Ziz Valley and Rissani – Overnight on the edge of the Sahara Desert (Total driving time is 8 hours including stops.) Included meals: B D

After breakfast, we’ll head over to a local Gnoua village where we’ll learn about the daily life of these tribal people who generally only live in remote Morocco. In the afternoon, you can 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 late afternoon and evening in the picturesque desert with traditional music around the campfire, wonderful food and stargazing before sleeping in our luxury yurts.

We'll begin our day watching an incredible sunrise over the desert dunes followed by a morning jeep excursion through the dreamy desert landscape stopping at local berber and bedouin villages along the way. In the afternoon you'll have free time to relax and enjoy the ammenities of our luxury desert camp.

Today we'll begin our trip out of the desert, via jeep, and head back to Merzouga. We'll then take a few minutes to get organized before driving towards the Dades Gorge. En route we'll visit a few small villages as well as an excellent fossil workshop in the town of Erfoud. Once we cross the Jebl Sahro Mountains we’ll soon reach our next beautiful spot located in the stunning Dades Valley.

We’ll embark on a spectacular full day 4WD offroading excursion through the plains, high deserts, valleys and mountains of the Dades region. From nomadic Berbers to the remote town of Bou Tharar, from some of the most dramatic landscapes you’ll see anywhere to the Valley of the Roses and beyond...this is a truly unforgettable experience that only our local contacts can arrange. We’ll return to our accommodation in late afternoon in time for another excellent dinner.

The day’s activities all take place in the center of the Dades Valley, starting with a hiking at Monkey Finger Gorge and a visit to a local community that is as welcoming as it is remote. You’ll 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.

After breakfast, we’ll start the 8 hour trip out of the valley and over 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 a relaxed lunch before arriving in Marrakech in the evening. After checking into our hotel, we’ll head out for dinner nearby.

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 several iconic spots including the Marjorelle Gardens, Berber Museum and Yves Saint Laurent Museum in addition to quarters that are home to the awe-inspiring Bahia Palace. In the evening, we’ll head to the main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, for dinner at one of the popular local restaurants that pop up each night after sunset.

Today you’ll have free time to enjoy this wonderful city at your own pace. Stroll through the never-ending markets, get pampered at a wonderful hammam, people-watch in the main square, visit one of the museums or simply relax at the hotel...the choice is yours!

We’ll take a day trip to the lovely seaside town of Essaouira. With a guided tour, we’ll visit the city ramparts overlooking the water and stroll around the narrow streets of the medina in order to observe and interact with woodworkers, potters and silversmiths in their workshops. Essaouira is particularly famous for its intricately detailed and colorful wood products. The day will include a lunch by the harbor and some free time as well before driving back to Marrakech in the evening.

As the tour comes to an end, you'll be picked up at the hotel for your airport transfer according to your flight time. (If your return flight is out of Casablanca, we will provide transportation for the 2.5 hour trip at a small extra cost.)