About
17 Ancient Cities, Desert & Mountains
Varied and authentic visit to Morocco
This is a fascinating itinerary for those who want a varied and authentic visit to Morocco. Enjoy the ancient wonders of Fez, the natural beauty of the Sahara Desert region, ancient Kasbahs and traditional Moroccan towns, the superp High Atlas Mountains and the vibrant city of Marrakech
This itinerary is intended to offer visitors a true flavour of what Morocco can offer and the diversity of each region which is rich in history, culture and fantastic scenery along your journey. If you have 12-14 nights to spare for your holiday, this itinerary comes highly recommended by us at Naturally Morocco and also our travellers who have traversed this route.
| Season: | March to November. |
| Length: | 12 nights. This itinerary lends itself very well also to 10 nights. |
| Flights: | To maximise the time on this itinerary, it is ideal to fly into Casablanca (or Fez) and a departure from Marrakech. |
| Pricing: | from £2115 pp for 12 nights based on 2 persons sharing (B&B and half board in the desert region), excl. flights. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate. |
| Transport options: | Except where taxi transfers are indicated, this itinerary is based on a chauffeur driven tour. All travel times are approximate. |
| Extension options: | Throughout the desert journey, there are options to extend your trip and include a visit to Todra Gorge, Ouarzazate or Ait Benhaddou. |
Typical Itinerary
This holiday idea covers a large area of Morocco and should not be rushed, so we recommend 12 nights (or longer if time permits).
| Day | Nights' Stay | Typical itinerary for illustration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | Arrive Mohamed V airport, Casablanca, meet your driver and transfer to Fez (journey time approx 3.5 hours). Upon arrival check in at your accommodation to rest for the evening before starting your trip the following morning. |
| 2 | Enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast either in the courtyard or roof terrace before meeting your official guide at 10am for a full day guided tour on foot of the medina (up to 6 hours). Step back hundreds of years and explore the ancient medina of Fez with thousands of streets and alleys, historical buildings and take a visit to the tannery to witness the traditional methods of leather dying. Return to your Riad for some leisure time on the roof terrace or take a Hammam before your evening meal at the Riad (payable locally). Menu offers a variety of options. There is also the possibility of eating out in one of the many restaurants in the medina. Overnight in Fez. | |
| 3 | Breakfast at your Riad. At 10am meet your guide for a day excursion to Meknes, the Roman ruins site of Volubilis and shrine village of Moulay Idriss (journey time approx 1 hr from Fez). Return to your Riad for some leisure time before your evening meal (eat in or out). Overnight in Fez. | |
| 4 | 1 | Breakfast at your Riad. Meet your driver at 9am (early start recommended) for the journey to Merzouga dunes, a 7 hour drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains & Ziz Gorge (A scenic drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains & Ziz Valley. Best to set off early from Fez to allow for the journey and some recommended stops before arriving in Merzouga.). Arrive at the Kasbah in Merzouga (home of the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes) late afternoon to freshen up and relax on the roof terrace with some traditional mint tea and enjoy views overlooking the sand dunes or a late afternoon dip in the pool before your evening meal. Spend the night at the Kasbah. |
| 5 | 1 | Breakfast at the Kasbah. A half day excursion by 4x4 (optional) or stay at the Kasbah to relax by the pool or enjoy the sunshine and views from the roof terrace. Should you choose to take the excursion, you will meet your driver after breakfast at 10am who will take you for a brief tour of the Erg Chebbi dunes by 4x4 vehicle. Enjoy a traditional lunch with a Berber family before the drive back to the Kasbah and prepare for your departure to the traditional desert camp at 4pm. It is recommended to take a small overnight bag with some simple toiletries and a camera to capture the magic! Take the 1 ¾ hour trek into the dunes on camel back through the beautiful golden sand dunes of the Sahara desert. You will need to ensure that you are back at the Merzouga Kasbah for 3.30pm to allow time to prepare for the camel trek into the dunes departing at 4pm. Enjoy the sunset on top of the dunes with some mint tea while waiting for your evening meal. After dinner you can admire the magnificence of your surroundings and watch the stars. Spend the night in your private tent. |
| 6 | 2 | Early morning rise for a short walk from the camp to watch the magical sunrise atop the sand dunes. Return to the camp for some mint tea before making the trek back to the Kasbah on camel back for some breakfast and to freshen up before setting off for the next leg of your journey. At 10am meet your driver for the journey to Skoura (journey time approx 4 hours). Taking a westerly direction, you can request a visit to the spectacular Todra Gorge for photo opportunities then continue west for an afternoon visit to the Dades Gorge before arriving at your accommodation in the peaceful oasis town of Skoura. Receive a warm welcome by your hosts at this wonderfully peaceful location where you can freshen up and enjoy a delicious Moroccan evening meal. Overnight at your Riad. |
| 7 | Breakfast at your Riad. After breakfast you can either take the time to relax in the peaceful gardens, relax by the pool or enjoy some of the activities on offer which include a cookery lesson, a massage (must be booked in advance) or other available activities. If you prefer to explore the area by vehicle, your driver is at your disposal should you wish to visit the superb Kasbahs close by, including the ruins of the magical Kasbah Amerhidil. Evening meal and overnight stay at your riad. | |
| 8 | 3 | Breakfast at your Riad. Driver will meet you at 10am for your journey to Marrakech (journey time approx 5 hours). You may request a stop at the Moroccan desert city of Ouarzazate (approx 40-50 minutes from Skoura) and/or Ait Benhaddou (UNESCO World Heritage site) home to many movies made in Morocco. If you choose to take these stops it is recommended to leave Skoura early in the morning to allow for the travel time plus visits. Continue west through the dramatic High Atlas Mountains over the Tiz n Tichka pass, the highest in Morocco. You may ask your driver to stop for photo opportunities. Upon arrival in Marrakech, your driver will ensure that you are safely deposited at your accommodation. Evening meal (payable locally) and overnight stay in Marrakech. |
| 9 | Breakfast at your Riad. After breakfast you will meet your guide at the riad at 10am for your half day guided tour of the medina on foot (a full day option of approx 8 hours is available upon request). Marrakech medina has many historical sites to visit and important landmarks such as the mighty Koutoubia Mosque that dominates the city skyline. If you choose to extend your day tour to a full day you can take a visit to the famous Yves Saint Laurent Marjorelle Gardens. A fascinating city to explore with its many streets and alleys and another exciting ancient city that has remained virtually unchanged for hundreds of years. Local craftsmen at work, an abundance of traditional handcrafted items to admire and barter for if you wish to buy. You can return to your hotel for an afternoon of relaxation or enjoy a relaxing Hammam/spa/massages before either taking a walk to the buzzing Jemaa el Fna which comes alive in the evening with its storytellers, snake charmers, acrobats and numerous food stalls and restaurants. The famous square in the heart of the medina (once a destination for traders from the sub-Saharan Africa and Asia) is a hub-bub of activity at night time and well worth a visit. It's recommended to take a restaurant seat on the terrace to watch the sunset, enjoy a cool breeze and watch the evening’s activities unfolding below. There is the option if you prefer an evening meal in at your hotel. Overnight at your riad. | |
| 10 | Breakfast at your riad. You will meet your driver at 9am for a day trip to the beautiful Cascades Ouzoud situated approx 2.5 hours north east of Marrakech. Return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing drink on the terrace before your evening meal at the hotel (payable locally). Or you may wish to go the Jemaa el Fna again and try a different restaurant. Overnight at your riad. | |
| 11 | 2 | Breakfast at your riad. Meet your driver at 10am for your private transfer from Marrakech to the beautiful High Atlas Mountains located an hour south of Marrakech. The High Atlas Mountain region is one of the most spectacular regions in the south of morocco with many Berber villages nestled into the cliffs. Arrive at your hotel in the traditional Berber village of Imlil. Enjoy the afternoon relaxing on the rooftop or take a casual stroll around the village before dinner. Evening meal at your riad and overnight stay. |
| 12 | Breakfast at your riad. Your guide will come to meet you at the hotel at 10am for a day trek in the Imlil valley and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. You will have either a picnic lunch or eat in a Berber house before returning to your hotel to freshen up, drink some mint tea in the gardens before dinner. Overnight at your riad. | |
| 13 | Breakfast at your riad before your driver comes to collect you for your transfer to Marrakech airport for departure flight (driver arrival time will depend on your return flight schedule). |
Pricing Note:
Based on 2 persons sharing (B&B), excl. flights, staying at Riad Norma (Fez), Kasbah Mohayut (Merzouga), L'Ma Lodge, (Skoura), La Maison Arabe (Marrakech) and Kasbah du Toubkal (Imlil) - Luxury accommodations; Naturally Morocco can offer a range of alternatives if required (budget/mid range). Price varies by room, season and exchange rate.
Based on 2 persons sharing (B&B), excl. flights, staying at Riad Norma (Fez), Kasbah Mohayut (Merzouga), L'Ma Lodge, (Skoura), La Maison Arabe (Marrakech) and Kasbah du Toubkal (Imlil) - Luxury accommodations; Naturally Morocco can offer a range of alternatives if required (budget/mid range). Price varies by room, season and exchange rate.
Fez
A few days visiting in Morocco's Imperial city of Fez el Bali, the "city of thousands of alleys", is a chance to experience one of Morocco's gemsMerzouga
Merzouga is effectively the end of the road in Morocco's south east corner and is of interest primarily for the Erg Chebbi dunes, the most accessible large (160 metre high) sand dunes in the country.Skoura
The Skoura is an oasis town set just south of the High Atlas Mountains.Marrakech
Marrakech offers visitors a wonderful flavour of Moroccan culture and life. Known as the gateway to Morocco for most visitors, it is one of the four imperial cities.Imlil
Imlil, a thriving traditional Moroccan village in the High Atlas, offers great trekking options as part of your holiday in Morocco.Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is the biggest town in the region and an ideal stopping off point midway from Marrakech or Taroudant en route to the Saharan Dunes at either M’Hamid or at Merzouga.Deep Desert
For a more adventurous holiday in Morocco, the desert in the south east of Morocco is well worth the long journey.High Atlas Mountains
The High Atlas Mountains offer something different for your holiday in Morocco - a huge range of trekking opportunities or a chance to relax in stunning surroundings.
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