Day 1: Casablanca / RabatUpon arrival at Casablanca Airport your private driver will meet you. Enjoy a panoramic orientation drive through this lively city. Drive to Rabat. Check-in to the hotel. Balance of the day at leisure.
Day 2: Rabat / Meknes / Volubilis / Fez After breakfast, your private driver will take you on a brief sightseeing visit of Rabat to see the Chellah ruins, Hassan Tower, and the magnificent mausoleum of Mohammed V. Depart to the Imperial City of Meknes, dating back to the 8th Century. See the monumental Gate of Bab Mansour before continuing to Roman ruins at Volubilis. From here, view the Holy City of Moulay Idriss, which holds the tomb of Moulay Idriss - “el Akhbar†(the Great) - the great grandson of the Prophet Mohammed and the founder of Islam in Morocco. Continue to Fez and check in at your hotel.
Day 3: FezAfter breakfast your driver will take you on a tour of Fez, founded in the 8th century. This metropolis, situated in a valley, Morocco’s first capital, is today the kingdom’s intellectual, religious and cultural center. Your full day sightseeing this morning will include the monuments and historical sites such as the Karaouine Mosque, University, and Nejjarine Fountain. This ancient city will enchant you as you are taken back in time as you meander through its crooked alleyways. This afternoon, visit the various markets of the souks and the tanneries
Day 4: Fez / Midelt / Er Rachidia / ErfoudAfter breakfast, we begin our long drive to Erfoud. Depart by way of the Atlas Mountain Berber villages and the ski towns of Ifrane and Azrou (which resemble Bavaria) to Erfoud, with a stop in Midelt and Errachidia along the way. Although a simple town, Erfoud is the gateway to one of the most beautiful natural sites in the world, the amazing dunes at Erg Chebbi.
Day 5: Erfoud / Merzouga After breakfast, we shall visit Rissani, famous for its pottery, the Ksar Abbar and the interesting fossil quarries. This afternoon return to your hotel where we change vehicles to a 4-wheel drive and travel to the Erg Chebbi area of the Sahara. Arrive at the spectacular dunes of Erg Chebbi which were featured in the film Lawrence of Arabia. Many travellers will take a picnic to experience the magical sun set against the pristine dunes. Return to your hotel for a late supper.
Day 6: Erfoud / Todra Gorges / Ouarzazate After breakfast, we depart for what is perhaps the most scenic day of your trip. From Erfoud, toward Tinerghir, a detour to the inspiring Todra Gorges, where we shall stop for tea or lunch crossing a stream and through the palm grove oases. Depart along the Dades River Valley and the Route of 1000 Kasbahs ,where you can opt for another detour to the Dades Gorges, again a completely different experience. Continue through the village of El Kelaa des M’Gouna, famous for its rosewater, used in many Moroccan dishes. Continue to Ouarzazate for check-in and dinner at the hotel.
Day 7: Ouarzazate / Ait Ben Haddou / MarrakeshToday, we depart to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou. This complex of tightly packed kasbahs is the site of many motion pictures. Depart directly via the Tizin Tichka Pass to exotic Marrakesh. In the afternoon, we will see the highlights of Marrakesh including Bahia Palace and the famous and exciting Djma el Fna Square.
Day 8: Marrakesh & Surroundings Days free with the driver at your disposal to spend the days “as you wishâ€. Excursions to several places are suggested:
Essaouira, once known as Mogador - a quaint fishing village with a Portuguese flavor. Visit the fortifications, the Jewish Mellah, where Stars of David appear above the doorways, and the excellent factories which sell locally carved and polished thula wood products.
Ourika Valley – (Half day tour) Drive through scenic roads and authentic berber villages of the Atlas Mountin countryside where people still go to market by donkey.
Kasbah Tamadot - (Richard Branson’s elegant small hotel.) Continue to the tiny village of Imlil, headquarters for those who wish to hike in and around Mt. Toubkal (Morocco’s highest peak).
A casual evening of Moroccan food and folklore entertainment. After the dinner, witness the spectacle of the Fantasia, an equestrian festival.
Day 9: Marrakesh & SurroundingsDay free with the driver at your disposal to spend the days “as you wishâ€.
Day 10: Depart Marrakesh (Or Extend your stay)After breakfast, you will be transferred to the aiport for your return flight to the US.
HOTELSSilver PlanMorocco - Rabat - 1 Nights - Hotel Rabat
Morocco - Fez - 2 Nights - Les Merinides
Morocco - Erfoud - 2 Nights - Kasbah Xaluca / Kenzi Belere
Morocco - Ouarzazate - 1 Nights - Berbere Palace
Morocco - Marrakesh - 3 Nights - Palm Plaza
Gold PlanMorocco - Rabat - 1 Nights - Tour Hassan
Morocco - Fez - 2 Nights - Sofitel Palais Jamai
Morocco - Erfoud - 2 Nights - Kasbah Xaluca
Morocco - Ouarzazate - 1 Nights - Berbere Palace
Morocco - Marrakesh - 3 Nights - Kenzi Menara Palace