Grand tour of Morocco – 7 weeks tour of Morocco – 37 Days Morocco Tour

Itinerary for 7 weeks in Morocco grand tour of morocco

Day 1:  Casablanca  grand tour of morocco

Your Moroccan travel adventure begins when you arrive at Casablanca Airport  and are welcomed by your Visit Morocco Sahara driver and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Hotel Kenzi Basma or similar          

Day 2:  Casablanca – Rabat

This morning you are introduced to Casablanca’s principal sights including La Corniche, Casablanca’s very popular Atlantic coast beach and café area, the Plaza of Mohammed V and the Hassan II Mosque (exterior only), which is dramatically situated on an Atlantic coast promontory.  Departing Casablanca your northward journey takes you to your first imperial city – Rabat, the capital of the Kingdom and a UNESCO world heritage site.  In Rabat you visit this old imperial city’s sights including Oudaya Kasbah, the Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Royal Palace (Mechouar).  Overnight Riad Dar Shâan. (Breakfast)

  Day 3:  Rabat  grand tour of morocco

Your discovery of Rabat continues visiting the medieval Necropolis of Chellah, situated in the ruins of the Roman town of Sala Collonia, and the National Archaeological Museum.  Afternoon free time. Overnight in Riad Dar Shâan.  (Breakfast).  grand tour of morocco

Day 4:  Rabat – Merja Zerga – Larache – Lixus – Asilah

Your northward journey follows Morocco’s Atlantic coast line to the small coastal village of Moulay Bousselham and Merja Zerga National Park.  The park, Morocco’s most important wetland park, is a vital point on the East Atlantic Flyway and rich in birdlife including the critically endangered resident Moroccan Marsh Owl.  Taking one of the local boats you will be able to explore the lake’s diverse bird life with a private cruise moving at your preferred pace.  Continuing north you travel toward the coastal town of Asilah via Larache and Lixus.  Located on a hilltop overlooking the Lukkos River plain, Atlantic Ocean and Larache, ancient Lixus was used and settled variously by the Phoenicians, Punic, Mauritanians, Romans and local indigenous peoples.   While the site is largely unexcavated, there are the remains on many buildings and you can imagine how magnificent the settlement and location must have been with its hill top amphitheatre and temples with vistas over the river plain below.  Arriving to Asilah, the relaxed atmosphere of this popular beachside fishing port town belies its remarkable past hinted at by the 16^th-17^th century Portuguese ramparts mingled with Moroccan architecture.  In addition to the indigenous Berber population, this port town has harboured Phoenician, Roman and Portuguese sailing fleets and was once one of the thriving pirate ports towns of the notorious Barbary Coast.  Overnight in  Riad Al Alba. (Breakfast)

 Day 5:  Asilah – Tangier 

Turning from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean coast you visit the Grotto of Hercules where according to the Greek myth of Hercules rested in this grotto after completing the 12 labours set for him by the King of Eurystheus.  Only a short distance away lays the historic port town of Tangier, the Mediterranean gateway to Africa.   You can delve into Tangier’s rich and fascinating past with an orientation visit to the city’s principal sights including the lovely historic old medina and intriguing cliff-top “Phoenician” tombs.  Overnight in Hotel Fredj.  (Breakfast) 

Day 6:  Tangier – Tetouan – Chefchaouen (Rif Mountains)

Heading inland you make your way south via lovely white washed Tetouan, an UNESCO world heritage site, into the Rif Mountains to the beautiful Rif Mountain town of Chefchaouen, known as the “blue town.”  Chefchaouen’s old medina with its white and powder-blue washed houses is scenically nestled on the steep mountainside between two mountain peaks.  Overnight in Riad Hicham.  (Breakfast)  grand tour of morocco

Day 7:  Chefchaouen (Rif Mountains) grand tour of morocco

Today you have plenty of time explore Chefchaouen at your leisure: wandering along the quaint streets with their blue houses and all manner of local shops, head over to the edge of the medina where you may see the colourfully dressed local women hand-washing clothes in the mountain stream and catching up with each other on local news and gossip, and then head over to the centrally located old kasbah plaza.  Sitting at one of the Uta el-Hammam Plaza cafes provides the perfect location to relax sipping tea and sampling some of the delicious locally produced goat cheese while you soak in the local culture and activity.  Overnight in Riad Hicham.  (Breakfast) 

Day 8:  Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes

Descending through the Rif Mountains you head to the ancient Roman town of Volubilis to see Morocco’s most important Roman site.  At this UNESCO world heritage site you can see marvellous mosaics and the remains of many significant buildings including the Basilica, Thermae, Temple of Jupiter, Capitol, and Triumphal Arch.  Your exploration of Morocco continues to another of Morocco’s imperial cities, the UNESCO world heritage 17th century imperial city of Meknes.  Overnight in Riad D’Or.  (Breakfast) 

Day 9:  Meknes – Fes grand tour of morocco

In Meknes you explore the sights of this old city, including the famous colossal gate of Bab el Mansour, the main entrance to the second Alaouite sultan, Moulay Ismail’s 17th century city, the massive Heri es-Souani (granaries) and the Agdal Basin (water reservoir). Then it’s on to the old imperial city of Fes, one of the great trade capitals from the days of the Trans-Saharan camel caravans and the cultural and cuisine capital of Morocco.  As you make your way into the old Fes medina you enter one of the oldest medieval cities in the world and tonight you can immerse yourself fully in its unique atmosphere staying at one of the many beautiful riads in Morocco in the heart of this famous city.  Overnight in Riad Salam Fes. (Breakfast)

 Day 10:   Fes full-day tour

Full-day heritage tour of Fes with your expert local Fes city guide.  Making your way into the old walled medina you will explore the history, heritage and culture of this UNESCO world heritage site including its historical monuments such as Madrasa Bou Inania, the Kairaouine Mosque and Mihrab (exterior only), bazaars and souks including Souk Ain Allou (leather souk) with its famous leather tanneries, Fakahr (pottery quarter),  Fes el Jdid, the exterior of Dar el Makhzen (Royal Palace) including the enormous Marinid gate of Bab Dekakene, formerly the main entrance of the royal palace, the Mellah (old Moroccan Jewish heritage quarter) and Fakahr (pottery quarter),and the late 16th century Borj Sud fortress (exterior) where you can drink in the panoramic view of the city.  Overnight in Riad Salam Fes.  (Breakfast) grand tour of morocco

  Day 11:   Fes 

Your discovery of this great city continues visiting the late 16th century Borj Nord fortress’ Armory Museum, which showcases the historic role of weaponry to the Berber tribes, the lovely 18^th century Jnan Sbil Gardens and some of the historic old “palaces” in the old medina area that were once the home of wealthy Fazi families.  Some palaces, including the 19^th century Dar Batha Palace, are now used as museums, others converted into restaurants and cultural venues and others such as the Glaoui Palace, left untouched for generations.  At one time they would all have had traditional gardens, some still do.  You have some free time in the afternoon.  Overnight in Riad Salam Fes. (Breakfast). grand tour of morocco

  Day 12:  Fes – Sefrou (Middle Atlas Mountains) – Ifrane – Midelt

Departing Fes you make you way into the Middle Atlas Mountains.  Your first destination is the charming Middle Atlas Mountain town of Sefrou.  The now laid back old medina includes a large Mellah which was once home to a bustling large Jewish Moroccan population during the days of the Trans-Saharan camel caravan trade.  Today the town is home to Morocco’s annual Cherry festival every June.  Taking one of the most scenic routes across the Middle Atlas Mountains you travel via Ifrane passing the cedar and pine forests home to the indigenous Barbary Macaque.  Your overnight stop is the High Plains town of Midelt located on the high plains plateau between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains.  Overnight in Villa Pomme D’Or.  (Breakfast)  NB:  As a reminder your accommodation tonight is a simpler local villa.

Day 13: Midelt – Er-Rachidia – Erfoud – Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

Today you cross the Eastern High Atlas Mountains as you head to the fabulous Moroccan Sahara Desert. Descending the south-eastern side of the Mountains you follow the valley carved by the Ziz River past the town of Errachidia to Ziz Gorge with its vast date palm groves.  After pausing to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Gorge, driving further south, your route is never far from the path of the Ziz River as you make your way into the Tafilalt region to Erfoud, before reaching Merzouga, a small desert Berber village situated on the edge of the spectacular Sahara Desert sand dunes known as Erg Chebbi. This area has remarkable geographical, historical and cultural significance – including as one of the wold’s richest fossil fields, an important capital during the days of the Medieval Trans-Saharan camel caravan and home to the intrepid “blue men” nomads.  Tonight you stay in a traditional kasbah peacefully located on the edge of the dunes.  Overnight in Riad Madu.   (Breakfast & Dinner). grand tour of morocco

Day 14:  Merzouga

Today you visit the Merzouga village and oasis area, the Berber of this region are famous for their striking, flowing  indigo blue robes (known as gandoras) and turbans – and perhaps not surprisingly are called the “blue men”.  The Berber families here are traditionally nomads and some still live the nomad lifestyle.  In Merzouga village you may be able to share a cup of refreshing mint tea with a local Berber family.  Continue on to the black Moroccan village of Khamlea, famous for its Gnaoua singers.  This evening you will share a personal insight into Berber family life taking a dinner time Berber cooking class/experience with a local Berber family.  The female head of the household will provide hands on instruction for a traditional Berber meal following which you will share the meal with the family. Overnight in Riad Madu.  (Breakfast & Dinner)

Ø  Berber Family Cooking Class/Experience: This is intended as a hand-on enjoyable, engaging cultural activity with a local Berber family rather than formal cooking class.  You are welcome to simply enjoy the meal if you don’t wish to participate in the cooking.

Day 15:  Erg Chebbi Sahara Desert Camp

This morning you will visit one of the local traditional kasbahs found scattered throughout the desert villages.Although Sijilmasa is long gone, echoes of its great trade past remain in the colourful authentically traditional Rissani market held on Sundays.  This is the big weekly market for the local people of this area as vendors come from far and wide offering a myriad of products and services from herbs & spices, fruit & vegetables, clothing, day-to-day necessities, carpets, home wares and electrical appliances to sheep, goats and cattle.  You have plenty of time to enjoy and explore the market.  Returning to your kasbah there is some time to relax before your Morocco holidays immerse you in a night straight out of the pages of a Thousand and One Nights.  In the late afternoon you take a 4-wheel drive excursion through the lower dunes to the peacefully secluded eastern section of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes where you find your deluxe desert camp.  Here you meet your local Berber camel train guide who will lead you on your sunset camel ride into the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert to experience the sun set over the awe inspiring vast desert scape before spending the night in your deluxe tent with private ensuite at a desert camp in the heart of the Sahara Desert sand dunes.  Overnight in desert in Berber tents – luxury desert camp  (Breakfast & Dinner)

 Day 16:  Day 6:  Merzouga – Goulmima – Amellago – Assoul – Tamtattouchte

You can rise early to watch the sunrise over the glorious desert sand dunes and desert landscape.  Then continuing your exploration of the Moroccan desert as your route turns westward.  Passing the village of Goulmima you enter the High Atlas Mountains through the gorge carved by the meandering Gheris River.  Today you will explore this beautiful Eastern High Atlas area and its scenic Berber villages and mountain valleys.  Traveling via the villages of Amellago and Assoul to Tamtattouchte, you pass old ksar villages (fortified kasbah villages), can see houses carved out of the face of cliff walls and marvel at Berber nomads living in tents and caves in crevices and ledges on and under sheer cliff faces.  Overnight in Kasbah Essalam. (Breakfast & Dinner)  NB:  As a reminder your accommodation is a simple but authentically charming traditional kasbah. grand tour of morocco

Day 17:  Tamtattouchte – Todra Gorge & Oasis – Dades Gorge/Boumalne Dades

Resuming your travel through the Eastern High Atlas Mountains you witness stunning mountain scenery and may see the Berber nomads of this High Atlas region living their traditional life style as you make your way through the mountains to the beautiful Todra Gorge where you have some free-time to explore the base of the Gorge on foot.  Leaving the Gorge you arrive to the marvellous Todra oasis with its extensive palm groves nestled at the base of the High Atlas Mountains.  Heading westward you pass through the desert High Atlas Berber town of Boumalne Dades where you again turn into the mountains to the striking Dades Gorge with its scenic village settings, Berber Kasbahs, fig and almond orchards, date palm groves and unique rock formations. Here you meet your local Berber guide who will lead you on a guided walk through this scenic area.  Overnight in Kasbah Sultan Dades. (Breakfast & Dinner)  grand tour of morocco

 Day 18:  Boumalne Dades – Tizi n’Tzazert (Jbel Saghro Mountains) – N’Kob

 Leaving the Boumalne Dades area your Morocco adventure leaves the sealed road to follow a local dirt track across the spectacular Jbel Saghro Mountains.  Your route travels by the Tizi n’Tzazert pass (2200m) where you can enjoy magnificent views in every direction.  Winding through the mountains you pass tiny villages tucked into the nooks and crannies of this amazing mountain area as you make your descent toward the Berber village of N’Kob situated at the foot of the Jbel Saghro Mountains.  Overnight in Kasbah Baha Baha.  (Breakfast & Dinner)  NB:  As a reminder your accommodation is a simpler but authentically charming traditional kasbah.

Ø  NB:  The route over the Jbel Saghro Mountain is a rough track and it is slow going in parts.  The Tizi n’Tzazert route is very scenic but adverse weather conditions can render the road conditions unpassable in which case you will be rerouted. grand tour of morocco

 Day 19:  N’Kob – Tamgroute – Zagora

 Your exploration of the Moroccan desert continues heading south through the desert valley between the rugged Jbel Saghro Mountains and the foot hills of the Kem Kem plateau towards the D’raa Valley village of Tamgroute, renowned for its distinctive green pottery and its ancient Koranic library.  If the library is open you may be able to see some of its many ancient manuscripts including medieval illuminated medical, mathematical and religious manuscripts.  (Please note the library may close without prior warning.) Here in the D’raa Valley you find the old camel caravan oasis town of Zagora, famously an important staging post for medieval camel caravans travelling between Morocco and Timbuktu and only 52 days by camel caravan to Timbuktu.  Your overnight stop is the village of Amazraou which lies on the opposite to Zagora on the D’raa River banks.   Overnight in Riad Lamane.  (Breakfast)

 Day 20:  Zagora – D’raa Valley – Ouarzazate grand tour of morocco

Making your way into the heart of the D’raa Valley oasis with its the seemingly endless palm groves – the largest date palm groves in Morocco – you pass through the small Berber villages lining the edges of the D’raa River, the life source for this beautiful oasis area.  Leaving the D’raa Valley you traverse the mountains between the Jbel Saghro Mountains and the Anti-Atlas Mountains as you make your way to the oasis town of Ouarzazate, strategically located on the cross roads of old desert camel caravan routes – formerly an old French Foreign Legion garrison.  The spectacular contrast of desert plains with the soaring snow-capped mountains of the High Atlas as a backdrop has made Ouarzazate the movie making capital of Morocco.   Overnight in Kasbah Tama.  (Breakfast)  grand tour of morocco

 Day 21:  Ouarzazate – Desert Villages Excursion – Ouarzazate

Today you explore the Ouarzazate oasis area including some of the lovely traditional oasis villages of this desert region. Heading east you travel along the stretch of road known as the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, so called for the many kasbahs you will see along the way.  Arriving to the beautiful oasis village of Skoura you find one of the oldest kasbahs of the desert region – Kasbah Amridil which is believed to date from the 17^th century.  Exploring this enchanting oasis area you find tiny villages and kasbahs old and new set amongst lush date palm, almond, fig and henna groves.  The old kasbah homes of the past Jewish community are easily distinguished by their small rounded doors.  You will visit a local Berber family in their home you may be able to try your hand at milking goats or sheep as the family does and sharing lunch with them.  Return to Ouarzazate.  Overnight in Kasbah Tama.  (Breakfast & Lunch)  grand tour of morocco

 Day 22:  Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate

Your day begins experiencing the bustle and colour of the local Ouarzazate Sunday souk (market).  As with Rissani, this is the big weekly market for the local people of this area as vendors come from far and wide offering a myriad of products and services from herbs & spices, fruit & vegetables, clothing, day-to-day necessities, carpets, home wares and electrical appliances to sheep, goats and cattle. Then it is onto one of Morocco’s desert gems, the spectacular UNESCO world heritage ksar – kasbah village – of Ait Benhaddou.  Remarkable Ait Benhaddou has some of the Atlas region’s most exotic and best preserved Kasbahs and has featured in films including Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.  You have some free time before your second Berber family life cooking class/experience with a local Berber family.  Overnight in Kasbah Tama.  (Breakfast & Dinner)

Ø  Berber Family Cooking Class/Experience: This is intended as a hand-on enjoyable, engaging cultural activity with a local Berber family rather than formal cooking class.  You are welcome to simply enjoy the meal if you don’t wish to participate in the cooking.

 Day 23: Ouarzazate – Taroudant grand tour of morocco

Today you say farewell to the Moroccan desert as your path turns south-west to the Souss Valley, situated between the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountains.  Your route travels via the village of Taliouine, the principal saffron growing area of Morocco, to the old walled town of Taroudant, known as little Marrakech and an important hub in the old camel caravan trade routes.  Overnight in Riad Tafilig.  (Breakfast)  grand tour of morocco

Day 24:  Taroudant – Tafraoute

Heading further south you travel into the Anti-Atlas Mountains to the Ameln Valley and village of Tafraoute.  The location of Tafraoute is striking.  The granite mountains of the Anti-Atlas Mountains provide a scenic backdrop to the village which is itself surrounded by impressive massive boulders which seem to dwarf the village.  This area is known for its silver Berber jewellery and its long tradition of painting Berber alphabet characters on their houses, just one of the readily apparent indicia of the region’s unflinching resistance to past attempts to supress its Berber cultural heritage.  Every February Tafraoute holds its almond blossom festival in celebration of its almond harvest.  Overnight in Riad Dar Amghar. (Breakfast)  NB:  As a reminder your accommodation is a simpler guesthouse.

 Day 25:  Tafraoute – Ait Mansour Gorge – Tafraoute

 Your exploration of the scenic Anti-Atlas Mountain region takes you to the beautiful Ait Mansour Gorge where you can relax and wander through the large palm groves nestled in the base of the Gorge between the ruggedly memorising mountain peaks.  Before returning to Tafraoute you visit the famous rocks “Les Roches Bleues” painted by the Belgian artist Jean Verome in 1984.  His painted rocks punctuate the incredible Anti-Atlas landscape with vivid colour contrasting the beautiful ochres and browns of the mountain boulders and earth.  Return to Tafraoute.  Overnight in Riad Dar Amghar. (Breakfast)  NB:  As a reminder your accommodation is a simpler guesthouse.

 Day 26:  Tafraoute – Kerdous – Tiznit – Souss Masa

 Winding through the Anti-Atlas Mountains you travel through the village of Kerdous situated in a narrow natural mountain pass (around 1100 m) which provides sweeping panoramic views over the Souss Valley.  Descending through the Anti-Atlas Mountains you renter the Souss Valley.  Your Morocco adventure takes you next to the town of Tiznit, which is encircled by a 6km wall, has an interesting history and a mosque architecturally more evocative of Mali than Morocco.  Here you turn north as you head toward the Atlantic coast Souss Masa National Park area which is renowned for its great variety of bird species including the unique and critically endangered Northern Bald Ibis.  Please note the Northern Bald Ibis colonies are protected and it is forbidden to approach them.   Overnight in Residence Fanti.  (Breakfast & Dinner)  NB:  As a reminder your accommodation is a very simple local hotel. grand tour of morocco

Day 27: Souss Massa – Agadir – Cape Rhir/Tamri – Essaouira

This morning you have an early start heading to Souss Masa National Park where you will meet up with your local bird guide who will lead you on a private exploration of the park’s birdlife.  Resuming your northward journey along the Atlantic coast you travel via the beachside city of Agadir, Cape Rhir and Tamri on your way to the relaxed Atlantic coast town of Essaouira.  Previously known as the Port of Timbuktu, Essaouira is a UNESCO world heritage site with a fascinating blend of European 18th century and Moroccan architecture and history.  Today Essaouira is popular with domestic and international artists and hosts the famous Gnaoua music festival every June and a favoured destination of bird lovers as the islets just off shore are home to the world’s largest colony of Eleonora’s Falcons.  Overnight in Riad Mimouna.  (Breakfast) 

Day 28:  Essaouira grand tour of morocco

Free day to enjoy and explore Essaouira at your leisure.  Enjoy Essaouira’s UNESCO world heritage 18th century medina and souks with it’s fascinating blend of European-Moroccan 18^th century architecture and history, traditional souks and market, and investigate the old town ramparts and harbour dockside area where the local fishermen sell their morning catch and prepare their colourful fishing gear and boats for the next voyage, relax on the beach, sample some of the barbeque seafood at one of the many cafes on the plaza, or join in with the locals playing soccer on the beach.  Overnight in Riad Mimouna.  (Breakfast)

 Day 29:  Essaouira – Western High Atlas Mountains

Returning inland your destination today is Morocco’s amazing High Atlas Mountains.  There are stunning views at seemingly every twist and turn as you make your way into Ourika Valley, one of the scenically situated Western High Atlas Mountain valleys located in the Toubkal National Park area of this incredible mountain range.  The small Berber villages perched precariously on the valley’s steep mountain sides are dwarfed by the soaring mountain peaks.  Overnight in Riad Ourika Gardens. (Breakfast)

 Day 30:  Western High Atlas Mountains

Continue your discovery of the different facets of Morocco exploring more of this captivating mountain area as you head to Asni, the principal market town of this area, and pretty Imlil valley area.  Led by a local Berber guide you take to a favourite form of local transport mules, to discover this scenic mountainous area. You will see many terraced gardens carved into the nooks and crannies of the steep rocky mountain sides.  Overnight in Riad Ourika Gardens. (Breakfast) grand tour of morocco

Day 31:  Western High Atlas Mountains – Aghmat – Marrakech

Leaving the High Atlas Mountains you head to Aghmat, an ancient capital dating back to the 9^th century.  While the once great capital is largely unexcavated you can see the ruins of many ancient structures including the mosque and hammam and outlines of once extensive gardens.  Also located here is the mausoleum of the 11^th century emir and poet Al Mutamid, the last Andalusian ruler of the tafia of Seville who died in exiled in Aghmat in 1095.  Then make your way to the wondrous old imperial city of Marrakech, known as the Jewel of the South and a highlight of your tour.  Surrounded by its millennia old red walls and with the majestic High Atlas Mountains acting as a dramatic backdrop, Marrakech weaves a magical spell over all who visit her.  Contrast the exuberance and bustle of this fascinating, vibrant city as you enter the peace of your riad in Marrakech.  Overnight in Riad Palais Donab.  (Breakfast) grand tour of morocco

Day 32:  Marrakech FULL-DAY TOUR

Full day Marrakech city tour with expert local Marrakech city guide. 

Overnight in Riad Palais Donab.  (Breakfast & Evening Market Food Tour Dinner)

 Day 33:  Marrakech

This morning you continue your discovery of Marrakech exploring former palaces and traditional arts as well as some of its famous gardens.  Strolling past markets and souks as you visit the beautiful Dar El Bacha Palace Museum, the historic Secret Garden, the 19^th century Dar Menebhi Palace – the home of the Marrakech Museum or Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts (closed Tuesdays*) housed in a lovely 19^th century palace and Mellah. In the afternoon you visit Menara Garden, one of the oldest gardens in the world and the old French colonial district of Ville Nouvelle where to stop off to visit Majorelle Garden & the Berber Arts Museum.  Overnight in Riad Palais Donab.  (Breakfast)

 Day 34:  Marrakech grand tour of morocco

Free time to investigate more of sparkling Marrakech, perhaps visiting some more of its lovely gardens, investigating the millennia old architecture and history, uncovering some exotic handcrafts and foods in the souks, taking a caliche ride (horse-drawn carriage) through the old medina or relaxing in a traditional Moroccan hammam.  Overnight in Riad Palais Donab.  (Breakfast)

Day 35:  Marrakech – Safi – Oualidia – El Jadida

Leaving Marrakech you turn north and make your way to via the ceramic centre of Safi to the fishing village of Oualidia with its beautiful beaches and lagoon setting, which double as important wetland estuaries for the abundant resident and migratory birdlife, fresh oysters, and the rugged cliffs in the surrounding area.  Continue on the historic coastal town of El Jadida, a former 16^th century Portuguese colony.  Overnight in Hotel Soleil D’Orient.  (Breakfast)

Day 36:  El Jadida – Casablanca 

This morning you have time to investigate UNESCO world heritage El Jadida.  Some of the old Portuguese buildings from the Portuguese colonial era still remain including a vast subterranean cistern.  Their classical 16^th century European military design provides a striking juxtaposition to the traditional Moroccan architecture.  El Jadida’s location close to Casablanca makes it a favourite summer beach holiday destination for Moroccans.  Nearby is old walled town of Azemmour located on the banks of the Azemmour River. Azemmour, like El Jadida, was once one of the string of thriving 16^th century port towns century colonised by the Portuguese.  Your final leg returns you along the Atlantic coastline to Casablanca.  Overnight in Hotel Kenzi Basma.  (Breakfast)

Day 37:  Casablanca grand tour of morocco

 Free time until your transfer to Casablanca Airport for your departure. Tour ends.  (Breakfast)

Ø  Casablanca Airport Transfer:  Your transfer will depart your hotel  Please allow 45 – 50 minutes for the transfer. 

INCLUSIONS:

*       35 night’s accommodation riads and kasbahs and hotels

*        1 night camping in Berber tents at Erg Chebbi desert camp – luxury camp

*        36 breakfasts

*        1 lunch

*        9 dinners (Merzouga, Erg Chebbi Desert Camp, Tamtattouchte, Dades Gorge, N’Kob, Berber Family Cooking Experiences, Souss Massa & Marrakech food tour)

*        Merja Zerga Lake private boat trip (approx. 1.5 – 2 hours)

*        Lixus site tour with English speaking licensed expert local guide (approx. 1 hour)

*        Volubilis site tour with English speaking licensed expert local guide (approx. 1 hour)

*        Meknes heritage tour with English speaking licensed expert local guide (approx. 2.5 hours)

*        Fes full day heritage & souks city tour with English speaking licensed expert local guide

*        Fes traditional arts, palaces & gardens city tour with English speaking licensed expert local guide

*        Sefrou heritage tour with English speaking licensed expert local guide (approx. 1 hour)

*        Marrakech full-day heritage & souks city tour with English speaking licensed expert local guide

*        Marrakech traditional arts, palaces & gardens city tour with English speaking licensed expert local guide

*        Marrakech evening market food tour with English speaking licensed local guide

*        Sunset camel ride in Erg Chebbi Sahara Desert sand dunes

*        Guided walk in Dades Gorge area with local Berber guide (approx. 2 hours)

*        Guided mule ride led by local Berber guide in the High Atlas Mountains (approx. 90 – 120 minutes) Guided bird watching with local bird guide in Souss Massa (approx. 2 – 2.5 hours)

*        2 Berber family cooking class/experience

*        Air-conditioned private professional tour vehicle with English speaking licensed professional tour driver-guide