Departure Tour From Casablanca ...
16 Days Berber Trails and Kasbah Tour including Imperial Cities and Coasts from Casablanca
16 Days Berber Trails and Kasbah Tour including Imperial Cities and Coasts from Casablanca
Introduction
With our dedicated guides, you’ll get to any attention-grabbing view, see what it's like to live the Moroccan style, experience their traditions, and have a taste of their special cuisine recipes. you'll cross pathways with nomads in remote stretches of mountains and desert, be hosted by locals for homemade meals and have a friendly unforgettable conversation with the locals, and discover the beauty of Moroccan ancient buildings, including Casablanca's Hassan II mosque. Along the way, you'll enjoy intimate stays in authentic Riads, Moroccan homes converted into elegant and ornately-tiled hotels with open-air, as well as Andalusian-style courtyards.
At the meantime, you'll benefit from the expertise of our local Trip Leader who will share valuable knowledge and deep insight of the Moroccans’ lives. Moreover, you will get the chance to step on the hills of the mighty Sahara that has so decisively shaped Moroccan culture to its roots. you’ll also camp under its starry skies in tented camp, and even explore its tides by camel tours.
Highlights
- Visit the biggest and largest Mosque of Hassan II.
- Enjoy he blue city of Chefchouen.
- Rabat with its monumental ramparts and gates.
- Volubilis a remarkable site rich in history and culture.
- The atmospheric medina of Fez also known as Mecca of the West.
- The impressive sand dunes of the Sahara Merzouga.
- Walk in Toudra Gorge, Morocco’s Grand Canyon through spectacular rock formations.
- Visit the world heritage site of Ait Benhadou.
- Discover the city of Taroudant and the sea side of Essaouira
- Marrakech - Discover Morocco's vibrant Red City.
- The Atlas Mountains - The highest and most scenic mountain range in North Africa.
Itinerary of the tour
Day 1 : Casablanca arrival, Overland to Rabat
your guide will be waiting you at the meeting point outside of Terminal 1 or 2(they are close to each other) The guide will be holding the panel with your name. Meet in Casablanca airport and drive to Rabat via Casablanca. If you will be in Casablanca at 03pm, then, you have a chance to visit the inside of the Hassan mosque. Otherwise, you stop for photos from outside before you drive to Rabat. Meals: D
Day 2 : Sightseeing of Rabat, drive to Chefchaouen/home hosted meal
After breakfast, you take the guided tour of Rabat. The city is the country's political capital and whose historic center has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2012. You enjoy brief panoramic tour of the city. You will see the Royal Palace (from outside) and the Kasbah of the Oudaya, the Mausoleum of Mohammed the fifth and an unfinished Mosque dated back to 12thC known as Hassan Tower. After looking around, you drive towards the city of Chefchaouen known for its distinctive blue-washed buildings. Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 as a small kasbah (fortress) by Moulay Ali Ibnou Rachid. Many Moriscos and Jews settled here after the Spanish inquisition. So, you might feel like you're in the hills of Spain. After making it to the town in the afternoon, we'll check into our Riad. Then, you'll take a walk through the narrow streets of the surrounding neighborhood. Tonight, you will be invited by a local family for a home hosted meal. You will enjoy the specialty of the north. Meals: B, D
Day 3 : Chefchaouen - Volubilis – Fes
This morning, you enjoy some free time in this colorful city before heading to Fez via the Rif mountains. You continue towards Volubilis - the capital of the Roman province of Mauritania Tingitana. The detailed mosaics here are still intact and the site gives a good idea of the layout of provincial settlements. The afternoon then sees you taking the road northeast, travelling via Nzala des Beni Ammar to the country's cultural capital, Fes. Probably the oldest of the imperial cities. Meals: B, D
Day 4 : Guided city tour of fez
After breakfast at the Riad, you will begin to explore the oldest city of Morocco navigating its small streets and alleys. Your visit begins by visiting the door of the Royal Palace, the Jewish headquarters and the first Mellah ever built in Morocco. You will make sure to visit all sites with historical and cultural interest, including the famous Al Qaraouine University - the oldest in the region, the tanneries and the Attarine Medrassa. After lunch, you'll see the pottery factory and experience a wonderful panoramic view over the entire Medina of Fez. In the afternoon, you will visit the new city "La Ville nouvelle" for a drink or walking around. Meals: B, D
Day 5 : Fez – Ifran/ having tea with a nomad family - Azrou-Midelt.( home hosted lunch)
After breakfast, you will leave Fez traveling towards Ifrane, a beautiful Mountain village, known as "the Switzerland of Morocco". During this trip you will experience glimpses of the Atlas Mountains mid and high Atlas. Stopping in Azrou - a Berber village in the middle of the famous cedar forest (the largest in Morocco, where you have the opportunity to see some Barbary apes. Afterwards, you continue to Zaida village where you stop to enjoy a home hosted meal with the Berber family. You will have a lamb tajine which is the main dish of the Berbers. In the afternoon, you take a walk and explore the nearby village of Berram and take a closer look at local farming life. Meals: B, L, D
Day 6 : Midelt – Errachidia(Enjoy the specialty of Sahara desert” Madfouna”) - Merzouga
After breakfast at the hotel you will travel to Merzouga via Errachidia and Erfoud. You will be able to travel via the Ziz valley, in views of the high Atlas plateau, noting how the scenery changes to reveal desert tracks as they approach the town of Errachidia. You continue to Erfoud where you will enjoy the specialty of Sahara Desert known as Medfouna (also called 'Berber pizza'), a traditional bread stuffed with meat, herbs and spices by the nomadic peoples of the Sahara Desert. This hearty delicacy is a great introduction to the cuisine of the desert region. Arriving in the afternoon to Merzouga, you are welcomed with a glass of mint tea before checking into your hotel. Meals: B, L, D
Day 7 : Merzouga: exploring the area/ visit the nomad family and the local village, Camel ride to the camp.
After breakfast, set off in 4x4 vehicles to visit a local nomad family who lives in this part of Morocco. You will interact with the family members and learn the desert life from them too. You will visit the Gnawa village, originally slaves brought from Sudan, to experience their music and lifestyle, while not far away is the lake of Merzouga with its bird populations. You may also want to visit the nomadic house where many Berber crafts are priced lower than in large cities. In the afternoon it is time for your camel trip, guided by an experienced camel man who take you to explore the Merzouga sea sand. You will enjoy the sunset on your way to the camp. The dinner will be served in the large tent or even outside. After, the camp stuff will play a great music around the camp fire. Meals: B, L, D
Day 8 : Merzouga - Gorges of Todra (home hosted lunch) – Dades gorge
Today, you will get up early in the morning to see what may well be the best sunrise of your life. Then, take a camel ride towards the village of Merzouga. Admiring the unique beauty of the spectacular dunes of Erg Chebbi - changing with the light as the day progresses. After breakfast in the Riad, you leave and heading to Todra gorges, the highest, narrowest gorges in Morocco. Today, you will be invited by local family for home hosted lunch. Then, you continue to Dades Valley, where you will see the majestic sand castles and the incredible rock formations known as "toes of the monkey".
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9 : Gorges of the Dades – Ait Benhaddou/ couscous demonstration.
After breakfast at the hotel you will drive through the Dades Valley towards Kalaa M'gouna and Ouarzazate. The route through the Dades Valley is the way to the Thousand Kasbahs - it offers numerous opportunities to take some of your best photo shots of the trip. You will stop at Kalaa Mgouna, "the pink city", to buy the rose water, which will make your linen smell good long after your trip. Continuing towards Skoura where you will visit the Kasbah Ameridil, a famous kasbah dated back to 17 th century. The tour continues to Ouarzazate, "the Hollywood of Africa", whose geography and beautiful scenery has attracted many producers of world-class films. Here you can choose to visit the studios, which contain objects used in the movies you may have already seen. Afterwards, you make it to Ait Benhaddou, one of Morocco's most iconic sites. Its grant kasbah is one of the most beautiful in Morocco and the fortified village is a fine example of clay architecture. You take a walk to the top hill of this beautiful village from where you can enjoy the scenery. This village has been classified by the UNISCO as the world heritage site. In addition, many films have been shot there including: Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones and Gladiator. Tonight, you will join our team for a couscous demonstration. Meals: B, D
Day 10 : Ait Benhaddou - Taroudant
After breakfast, you will go to Taroudant via Taznakht, you will stop at Taliouine to visit the cooperative of Safran. If your visit coincides with the harvest of Safran, you will have the opportunity to meet the Berber women with their families at the harvest fields. In the afternoon, you continue to Taroudant which is known as a little Marrakech because it looks like Marrakech with its surrounding ramparts. In the sixteenth century, the Saadi dynasty briefly used Taroudant as a capital before it moved its royal seat onwards to Marrakesh. Meals: B, D
Day 11 : Taroudant – Essaouira (visit the women cooperative of Argan oil)
Today leave the valleys of the High Atlas Mountains behind and head west to the coastal town of Essaouira (approximately 5 hours). On the way you will stop to see one of the women cooperative of Argan Oil based in this region. You learn how we extract the Argan oil and everyone could participate in this process. You will participate and engage in this process. After that you continue to sea side of Essaouirra. The name Essaouira means image, which is appropriate since it's such a picturesque town. Its charm is undeniable; within the stone ramparts you'll find whitewashed houses with bright blue shutters, art galleries and wood workshops. It's still a busy fishing port and its pretty harbor is filled with tiny colorful boats which go out early every morning for the day's catch. As you’ll arrive in the early evening, there won’t be much time to look around today. In the evening perhaps have some dinner with the group, as the local seafood is as fresh as it gets. Meals: B, D
Day 12 : Essaouira - Essaouira
After breakfast will start a walking tour with a local guide. You will visit the fortress of Skala, the port, the souks and see Thuya made of wood carved by artisans, strolling through the streets of the medina and hundreds of handicrafts. Essaouira is known for its strong winds all year round and is known as the "wind city" therefore it attracts surfers from all over the world. Essaouira knew many civilizations - including the Portuguese occupation, which affects much of its architecture - however, it remains a small town with a lot of history.
Due to its size and its blue features washed doors and walls, it is also considered as "jewel of the Atlantic of Morocco. The visit includes the Mellah - the Jewish headquarters, and the beach. There is an annual "Gnawa Music" festival, where many musical groups come from different parts of Africa and the world. It usually starts in the third week of June, so if your trip coincides with this, you have the option to extend your stay for one more day. Today you will have lunch in a Moroccan way, buy fish 'cooked to order'. The afternoon is free to walk and explore for yourself. Meals: B, L
Day 13 : Essaouira – Marrakech/ food tasting trail.
After breakfast at the Riad, you leave the seaside and heading east to Marrakech (approximately 3 hours). Upon our arrival in Marrakesh, you'll check into our Riad where you will enjoy lunch together. This evening, you head for a food testing. You will test some Moroccan donuts with some tea, some nuts, olives, roasted lamp, you end your testing food at the main and great square of Jemaa el Fna one of the largest public spaces in the world and unique to Marrakech. Meals: B, D
Day 14 : Explore Marrakech
On the fourteenth day morning, you will explore the tides of Marrakesh on foot, stopping at different places, such as the Koutoubia minaret, the Moorish spice market, and the opulent Bahia Palace. Following our tour, you'll have time for lunch on your own as you explore the famous medina of Marrakesh, one of the ancient crossroads of North Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afternoon of this day is free. You can visit the Majorelle gardens or walk around the Medina of Marrakech. Meals: B, D
Day 15 : Marrakech excursion to the Atlas Mountains/ meeting the berbers.
After breakfast in the Riad, you will drive to the village of Asni and the village of Imlil in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. Here you will enjoy the panoramic views through the Moulay Brahim Gorges and the village of Imlil, a small Berber village with a strong culture. You will have the opportunity to walk in the villages and live the real experience of the Berber culture. If you chose to have lunch at the Kasbah Toubkal, you will have a great view of the Toubkal mountains, the highest in North Africa is quite impressive. In the afternoon, you will travel to Marrakech. Meals: B, L, D
Day 16 : Marrakech - transfer to the airport
Today, depending on your departure time, you will drive you to the airport for your departure flight. Meals: B
Good to Know
Included
- 15 Nights' accommodation in selected Hotels and Riads.
- Mineral water in the Van.
- comfortable 4WD or Minivan.
- 16 Days of Car services.
- Fuel and all car expanses, taxes and road tolls.
- Entrance Fees
- Professional English-speaking guide/driver.
- Professional Local guides in Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis, Fes, and Marrakech.
Not included
- Tips.
- Soft and alcoholic drinks.
- Travel Insurance.
- Personal Expenses