Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Marrakesh
Arrive in Marrakesh and transfer from the airport to your hotel. Check-in Dinner and overnight. Meals: B D
Day 2: Marrakesh City Tour
Following breakfast, take a morning tour of the city of Marrakesh, otherwise known as the “Ochre City”. Home to over one million, Marrakesh was one of the major imperial cities of historical Morocco. The city divides into two areas; the Medina, or the historical city, and the Ville Nouvelle, the European-inspired modern city. Marvel at the city's pink mud-brick architecture. Visit the Saadien Tombs, the resting place of many members of the Saadi Dynasty, who claimed to descend from Muhammad's bloodline. Journey to the magnificent site known as the Bahia Palace, the 19th century home of Si Moussa, whose name literally means “brilliance”. The balance of the day is at leisure.
Optional: Marrakesh Culinary Demonstration,
Overnight: Marrakesh
Meals: B D
Day 3: Full day in Marrakesh
Today, the entire day is yours to explore the city on your own. Perhaps head to the Dar Si Said Museum, an homage to the influence of wood in Moroccan crafts. Consider a visit to the Souks, the famed markets of the city. Here, you'll find everything from handicrafts to spices to clothing.
Optional: Ourika Valley tour (AM)
Optional: Moroccan Dinner with Entertainment (PM)
Overnight: Marrakesh
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Travel to Boumalne Dades
The morning, depart from Marrakesh on a journey through the famous Tichka Pass to Boumalne Dades. Along the way, stop for a short tour of Ait Ben Haddou. A prime example of classic Southern Moroccan architecture, this fortified city's high-angled towers stand out above the family dwellings, all set upon a mountainside. Enjoy lunch on your own before arriving in Dades where you will get to experience an orientation tour of the stunning landscapes and canyons. Later, check-in and partake in dinner at the hotel.
Optional: Tour to Telouet
Overnight: Boumalne Dades
Meals: B D
Day 5: Travel to Erfoud
After breakfast, depart your hotel and travel to Erfoud, an oasis town in eastern Morocco. En route enjoy a stop at one of Morocco's most popular natural sights, the lush Todra Palmeraie Gorge. Don't forget your camera as you take in a walking tour of the wondrous 985 feet high gorge and surrounding area. Continue on your journey to Erfoud, also known as “The Desert Gate”. Check-in and relax with dinner at your hotel After breakfast, enjoy a full day excursion throughout the desert. Depart by 4x4 caravan into the desert, exploring numerous small villages before reaching Tisserdimine, an oasis village at the bottom of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy a picnic-style lunch before continuing the journey to the peak of Erg Chebbi. After taking in this splendid view of the surrounding desert, leave your man made transports behind and journey into the heart of the dunes as the local nomads do; by camel back. Return to your hotel after sunset.
Overnight: Erfoud
Meals: B D
Day 6: Ouarzazate
Following breakfast at your hotel, depart for the quiet Berber city of Ouarzazate. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to check out the unique architecture of kasbahs and desert buildings or wander the souks for some shopping Overnight: Ouarzazate
Meals: B D
Day 7: Tour of Ouarzazate, Travel to Agadir
After breakfast, enjoy a thorough tour of Ouarzazate. Take a tour of the Atlas film studios, one of the largest film studios in the world. Continue on to the Kasbah Taourirt, an amazing example of Moroccan architecture, which is a former post for monitoring the caravan routes into west Africa. Following the tour, stop for lunch along the way before arriving at the hotel. Dinner is on your own in this resort town.
Overnight: Agadir
Meals: B D
Day 8: City tour of Agadir
This morning, depart on a city tour of Agadir, where you will have the chance to view the ports and beaches of this former fishing village as well as the hill top ruins of the old kasbah. It was at Agadir that the European conflict began between Germany and France that opened the door for France to seize nearly all of Morocco. The balance of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beach or shop.
Optional: Berber Relaxing Massage (PM)
Overnight: Agadir
Meals: B D
Day 9: Essaouira
Following breakfast, set out for the city of Essaouira. Also known as Mogador, the modern city of Essaouira was not constructed until the late 18th century by Mohammed III. French and Arab influences shine through in this medina's architecture. Essaouira played a major role in maritime trade, bridging Sub-Saharan Africa with Europe. A multicultural lifestyle thrives there as people of various ethnic groups and religious backgrounds all live in harmony with one another. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the day at leisure to see what makes this medina a UNESCO heritage site.
Overnight: Essaouira
Meals: B D
Day 10: Depart for Casablanca
Today, travel to Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco. Casablanca's history goes back thousands of years as the Berbers established settlements there around the 10th Century BCE. Famed civilizations such as the Phoenicians and Romans were known to have traveled through there as well. During World War II, the city served as General Patton's headquarters for the North Africa campaign, and host of the 1943 meeting between the heads of state to plan the Normandy landing. Upon arrival, enjoy a bus tour of the city. Marvel at sights such as the Hassan II Mosque, Mohamed V Square and Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral. Take in all of this and more throughout your day. Your final night features a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Casablanca
Meals: B D
Day 11: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.