8 Days guided Tour Fes to Casablanca via Desert and Essaouira

Embark on a thrilling journey towards the Merzouga Desert. First, we'll visit the charming city of Ifrane, known as the "Switzerland of Morocco," nestled in the Middle Atlas Mountains. Then, we'll explore the lush cedar tree forest of Azrou and meet the Barbary apes.

After lunch in Midelt, "the apple capital," we'll travel through the Atlas Mountains and the Ziz Valley to reach Er-Rachidia, the gateway to the desert. Driving through the Berber villages and the Ziz Oases, we'll arrive in Erfoud, a city filled with ancient fossils, before reaching our main destination, the Merzouga Desert.

Our hotel is situated in the dune lines, where we'll have a chance to rest and relax before embarking on a camel ride adventure to our desert camp inside the dunes. Overnight in a desert camp with a traditional live music show around the fire.

~470 km / 292 mi · approx. 6h30 drive

Today, we'll explore the Merzouga Desert and experience the life of nomads. We'll start with a drive through the breathtaking Erg Chebbi sand dunes, one of Morocco's top attractions. Then, we'll visit the Nomad's tent, where we'll have traditional tea and learn about their culture and way of life. Our next stop is Mefis village to see the coal mines, a remnant of the French occupation.

We'll also visit Khamlia village and enjoy their traditional Gnaoua music before having a Berber Pizza lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we'll explore a hidden treasure of the desert, a beautiful lake that attracts a variety of desert birds, including the desert warblers and flocks of flamingos. In the evening, we'll take you back to the hotel for some rest, and you can also choose to participate in optional desert sports and activities. Overnight in a desert camp.

Start your day with a morning walk to the tallest dune nearby to witness a stunning sunrise. After breakfast and a refreshing shower, we'll leave the desert camp and head towards Rissani, one of Morocco's earliest trading posts of gold and slaves, and explore the city's souks and markets. Then, we'll head towards Tinghir, a former trading place for the caravans many hundred years ago, and arrive at the Todgha Gorges, a natural rock formation of 300 meters canyons, creating a limestone path filled with water from the roots of the Anti-Atlas Mountains.

Next, we'll drive through the road of thousands of Kasbahs to reach the Dades Valley, also known as the country of figs, and enjoy the spectacular view of the green fields filled with fig and walnut trees. Overnight in Dades Valley.

~280 km / 174 mi · approx. 4h30 drive

After breakfast, we'll continue our journey towards Marrakech, passing through the Imgoun Valley or the valley of roses and Skoura Oases. We'll stop at the famous Amridil Kasbahs from the 17th century, one of Morocco's most authentic Kasbahs, before arriving in Ouarzazate, the Hollywood backdrop of many international movies and series. We'll visit the Touarirt Kasbah, one of the city's main sights, before heading towards the famous kasbahs of Ait-Benhaddou. A Unesco-protected red mudbrick village which most of its buildings dates back to the caravans era in the 11th century. This fortified village is also a significant backdrop for many famous films and series such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Next, we will drive to Marrakech crossing the High Atlas Mountains, we will enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Tizi N'tichka pass 2260m.

Once we reach Marrakech, we will drop you at your accommodation inside the old city of Marrakech.

~330 km / 205 mi · approx. 6h30 drive

Overnight in Marrakech.(BB)

Our official local guide will meet you at your Riad and start your Marrakech walking tour.
You will start from the main square Djemaa El-Fna, a Unesco declared sight which represent the true authenticity of Moroccan culture; a drama in progress. The Halqa (street theatre), acrobats, snake-charmers, musical performers, and Henna tattoo artists etc…
Next, our guide will introduce you to Marrakech's one of the main sights, Kotoubia Mosque; built in the 12th century. Then, to Ali Ben Youssef Madrassa served as a Qur'anic school for over than six centuries ago, Bahia Palace which is a true magnificent Moroccan decoration built in 1908.
A short walk to another Morocco's top sights Badi Palace; a beautiful ruin from the 16th century.
Our guide then, will escort you to the Saadian tombs. A historic royal necropolis in Marrakech from the 16th century. Then, your tour continues to the Souks; Marrakech's most colorful markets.
When you are done touring the old city, you will move the new part of Marrakech where we will visit the famous Majorelle Gardens and Yves Saint Laurent museum.
At the end of the tour, our guide will escort you back to your Riad inside the Medina.

Overnight in Marrakech. (BB)

Today, we will be heading to the dramatic coastal city of Essaouira. A wonderful place for rambling the Medina, the Souqs, port, and the beach are all a perfect way to enjoy what this city offers. Also, the city is a perfect destination for many artists who are specialized in calligraphy, galleries selling their work inside the walled medina. Likewise, the city holds many national and international music festivals,
The city of Essaouira is a perfect place to relax and also a good place for water sports lovers.
When arrive this beautiful city, you will have a day at leisure to discover the city and enjoy its wonderful beach.

~190 km / 118 mi · approx. 2h45 drive

Overnight in Essaouira. (BB)

Morning at leisure in this beautiful city before we start driving through the Atlantic Ocean toward Casablanca. A 3 hours drive through the green fields of barley and olive trees to reach the economic capital of Morocco, Casablanca. Then, we will head toward the famous Hassan 2 Mosque. The biggest and the only mosque that is allowed for Non-Muslims visitors in the country.

At the end of the mosque visit, we will take to your accommodation to rest and then a walk in the Kournish by the Atlantic Ocean,

~380 km / 236 mi · approx. 5h drive

Overnight in Casablanca. (BB)

We will meet you on an agreed time and transfer you to the Casablanca airport for your flight back home.

~30 km / 19 mi · approx. 40 min drive

Inclusions:

• Air-conditioned Vehicle
• English speaking driver/guide
• Overnight in a desert camp dinner (HB)
• Recommended accommodations for 7 nights (HB)
• Camel ride in the desert
• Dinner and Breakfast
• Airport transfer

Exclusions:

• Drinks and personal items
• Lunch
• Entry fees to monuments and sites.

Notes:

• Our tours are open for further customization, contact us to help you design your tour.