" BEST OF MOROCCO" - ROYAL CITIES, DESERT, HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS AND ATLANTIC COAST
Photo by Petr Hlína
Photo by Petr Hlína
Photo by Petr Hlína
Have you heard about the Fez leather tanneries that still use the same technique as centuries ago? We will explore those!
Do you wonder how the life in the year 2026 might look like? Then we will take you to the High Atlas Mountains where local Berbers will explain the Berber calendar where this year is 2026.
Or are you curious where the best dates Morocco’s come from? At the market in the desert town of Erfoud you will be able to test them! We will observe the milky way and thousands of stars over the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, listen to street musicians at Marrakech's main square Jemaa El Fnaa and finally observe the beautiful sunsets over the beaches of Essaouira which were inspiration for Jimi Hendrix.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Fez– Fez
Arrival in Fez. Accommodation in a traditional Riad in the old Medina- the first Moroccan heritage site listed with UNESCO. A walk through the curved Medina streets and sunset at the Place Boujeloud.
Day 2: Fez (1xB)
Sightseeing tour of Fez. Visit the former jewish district of Mellah, the Royal Palace and surrounding area, relaxing in the cactus paradise of Jna Sbil Gardens, the famous Bab Boujouloud “Blue Gate", small side alleys and buzzing commercial street of Tala Kbera and Tala Crera. Visit the Medersa El Bou Inania, the best examples of Merinid architecture famous for its wood and tiled decorations. Visit the main mosque and pilgrim place Kairawine and both the aromatic Souk Henna, and the strong smelling but unique for its art, Souk of Tanneries Chaouwara. Crossing the river to the Medina Andalous with the main mosque Andalous and enter the atmospheric place Rcif. In the evening the possibility to walk towards the castle to observe the lights of Fez, visit a traditional Moroccan bath “hammam“ or just relax in one of the many local restaurants or cafés.
Day 3: Fez – Azrou – Aguelmane Sidi Ali – Col du Zad – Midelt – Oasis Aoufous (1xB, 1xL, 1xD)
In the morning drive towards the south through Ifrane and Azrou. Walk through the cedar forests and observe the macaque monkeys. Lunch at Lake Aguelmane Sidi Ali (2.000 m.n.m). Travel over the pass Col du Zad to the oasis of Tafilalt and the picturesque village Aofous on the river Ziz. Accommodation and dinner in Aofous. In the evening an optional walk through the fields and irrigation canals of the oasis.
Driving time: 6h
Day 4: Oasis Aoufous – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga – Trek to the desert (Nomad camp) (1xB, 1xL, 1xD)
In the morning we drive further south to the town of Erfoud famous for the 500 million year old fossil finds. Visit the cooperative processing the fossils. Lunch in Rissani, a former major crossroads for desert caravans, and a short visit to the local bazzar. After lunch a short tour into the oasis and a visit of a traditional ksar (a fortified clay village). In ksar Asserghine learn about the urban and architectonic specifics of the ksars. Tea with a local family. Arriving in Merzouga around 4pm where we meet our local Nomad guide and load our luggage onto camels. Approx. 2 hour walk through the dunes while watching the sunset. Accommodation and dinner in a comfortable nomad camp with campfire.
Driving time: 2 h
Day 5: Trekking in Erg Chebbi (1xB, 1xL, 1xD)
Nomad breakfast in the camp and we continue our trek through the sand dunes, observing nomad camps along the way and horizon views over the Anti Atlas peaks, a pleasure for every photographer. Picnic lunch in the desert. Around 6 p.m. arrival in todays Nomad camp, with dinner, sunset and enjoying the tranquility and a sky full of stars.
Day 6: Hassilabied – Boulmane de Dades – Gorge de Dades (1xB, 1xL, 1xD)
Farewell to the camels and our local Nomad guide and leave for Boumalne Dades. An approximate 4 hour drive with plenty of breaks for photos. Lunch and accommodation in Boumalne. In the afternoon we visit the Gorge Dades driving on one of the most remarkable zig zag roads in Morocco. A walk through the rock formations of "Monkey Fingers" and around the former castle ruins of Ait Arbi. If there is ample water, there is the possibility to travel through part of the gorge through the water. Dinner at the hotel.
Driving time:3 h
Day 7: Boulmane de Dades – Ait Ben Haddou - Tizi n´Tichka – Marrakech (1xB, 1xL)
Departure for Ait Ben Haddou, a former important economic centre thanks to its strategic location on the former caravan route from Timbuktu to Marrakech Lunch in Ait Ben Haddou and tour through the exceptionally atmospheric and well preserved UNESCO listed Kasbah. After passing through Tizi n´Tichka pass (2,260 m) the highest pass of North Africa, we leave the deserted South behind and enter Marrakech around 6pm. Accommodation in a riad Marrakech. An evening of absorbing the atmosphere at Jemaa-El-Fnaa listed with UNESCO for its amazing concentration of street art, music and storytellers.
Driving time: 5 h
Day 8: Marrakech (1xB)
In the morning tour through the Medina and the souks/ markets and visit of some of the most beautiful sights like Medersa Ben Youssef (if re-opened) and the beautifully restored tombs of the Saadian dynasty. Free program in the afternoon with recommendation to visit the Maison de la Photography, Morocco´s first photography museum or just walking and testing your negotiation skills in the souks/ markets.
Day 9: Marrakech – Aremd (Hig Atlas) (1xB, 1xD)
In the morning an independent program in Marrakech. Recommendation to visit Jardin Majorelle a truly picturesque botanical garden which is well associated with its last owner, the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. In the afternoon a 3 p.m. departure to the High Atlas Mountains. Arrival in Aremd a small village in Toubkal Valley around 4.30pm. An informative tour of the village and visit to a traditional Berber House and tea with a local family. Accommodation and dinner in a local guesthouse.
Driving time: 1 h
Day 10: Trek Aremd - Azib Tamsoulte - Refuge (1xB, 1xL, 1xD)
In the morning we begin our trek through Toubkal National Park. After meeting our accompanying local support team and putting luggage at the mules we start walking towards the valley Azzadane. We cross the Tizi N’Mzik pass at 2,450m and enjoy the view over the Azzadane Valley. After lunch we descend towards the mountain village of Tamssoult (2,250m) Accomodation is in a simple guesthouse or camp.
(5-6 walking hours)
Day 11: Trek Refuge Lipeney - Aguelzim - Refuge Toubal (1xB, 1xL, 1xD)
We begin the day with a fairly stiff climb out of the Azzadane Valley in the direction to the Toubkal Refuge. We pass by Ighouliden Waterfall and at 3,560m cross Aguelzim Mountain. We stop for a well deserved lunch break shortly after, enjoying our food with spectacular views over the Atlas Mountain Range. In the afternoon we arrive at the Toubkal Refuge (Neltner or Mouflon refuge). We experience the atmosphere of the cottage where for years travellers and mountaineers have met and prepared for the ascent of Toubkal summit.
(6-7 walking hours).
Day 12: Trek Refuge Neltner – Jebel Toubkal (4.167 m.n.m.) – Refuge Neltner (1xB, 1xL, 1xD)
We begin early on our trek to reach the summit of Jebel Toubkal (4,167 m), the highest peak in North Africa. Our route takes us up the south circuit, crossing the stream above the refuge. The walk is relatively easy, however those unused to the altitude can find the walk quite difficult in some parts. However we will go slowly and the views along the way are worth the effort! Once we reach the summit the breathtaking views in every direction open to us – from the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas in the north and as far south as the Anti Atlas and the Sahara. After enjoying this special moment and taking pictures we return down to Refuge Toubkal and stay another enjoyable night.
(6 hours walk)
Day 13: Trek Refuge Neltner – Imlil – Essaouira (1xB, 1xL)
After breakfast we descend by a comfortable path through the Toubkal Valley back to Imlil. On the way we see small waterfalls and mountain streams. After a short stop at the holy place Sidi Chamharough and lunch in Imlil, around 2 p.m we travel to Essaouira (3.5 – 4 hours drive). Accomodation in a hotel or Riad.
Driving time: 3 h
Day 14: Essaouira (1xB)
Independent program with recommendations. Options to relax on the beach, stroll through the picturesque medina, investigate the fishing port, feast in the traditional fish restaurants, or take a long beach walk towards the castle ruin of Diabat, a favourite spot of Jimi Hendrix.
Day 15: Essaouira (1xB)
Continuation of independent program. Option to visit a traditional village producing argan oil, Iftane beach or take a beach tour by camel.
Day 16: Transfer to the airport to Marrakech or Agadir.
(Agadir/ Marrakech 2,5 – 3 h) (1xB) or optional prolonging of the stay
HIGHLIGHTS
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Active holiday combining culture, mountains, desert and beach
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Two UNESCO royal cities of Marrakech and Fez
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Hiking in the High Atlas crowned by an ascent of Jebel Toubkal (4,167m)
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Ending the tour with two relaxing days in the coastal town of Essaouira
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Camel trekking and overnight stay close to the Grande Dune of Erg Chebbi
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Authentic contact with the Berber culture of the High Atlas and Sahara
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Accommodation in traditional ancient Riads
16
days
difficulty
season from September till June
What is INCLUDED in your price?
ACTIVITIES
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Guided tour in Marrakech
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Guided tour in Fez
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Guided tour in Essaouira
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Camel right into the sand dunes
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Visit of Nomad familly
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Trekking in the sand dunes
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Exploration of UNESCO Ait Ben Haddou
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Walk in Todgha Gorge/ Gorge Dades
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Monkey Fingers
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Trekking in High Atlas with possibility to climb Jebel Toubkal
GUIDES
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Licenced English speaking tour guide
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City guides in Marrakech/ Fez/ Essaouira
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Private driver
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Camelier in the desert
CATERING
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15x breakfast (tea, coffee, bread, pancakes, eggs, cheese, jam, butter)
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9x lunch in restaurant or guesthouse (usually salad/ starter, vegetable or meat tajine/ couscous/ grilled meat etc., fruit, bread)
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8x dinner in guesthouse (usually soup/ starter, meat tajine/ couscous/ grilled meat etc, fruit, tea)
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Vegetarian option possible
ACCOMODATION
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10x in riads or small hotels with own bathroom -European standard
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2x in nomad tent in the desert
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3x in simple but clean mountains refuges (simple guesthouse) or possibly in a tent (if agreed.)
All rooms are equipped with private toilet (European style) and hot shower.
Only in the Berber camp shower is not available (possible to book luxury camp with bath in the tents)
Accommodation in double rooms (separate beds can be arranged for an additional fee).
TRANSPORT
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Private 4x4 car suitable to drive off-road with driver
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Fuel
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Start Fez, end in Marrakech/ Agadir
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Pick up and return at the airport
What is NOT INCLUDED in your price?
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International flights
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Not mentioned lunches/ dinners
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Bottled water/ soft drinks/ alcohol drinks
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Travel insurance
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Tip for the local guides and driver (only if you are happy with the services. We mention it because tipping is a very important part of Moroccan culture)
PRICES
2 person 000 EUR p. P.
3 person 000 EUR p.P
4 person 000 EUR p.P
5 person 000 EUR p.P
6 person 000 EUR p.P
7 person 000 EUR p.P
8person 000 EUR p.P
Please, contact us if your group is bigger.