Morocco - Fez to Marrakech

Morocco - Fez to Marrakech 11 Days

From $6748 USD

Trip URL: www.adventurelink.com/

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Overview

Highlights

Duration: 11 Days
Comfort: Moderate%
Language: English
Rating: 100%
Trip ID: 125116
Start Location: El Hank, Morocco
End Location: Marrakesh, Morocco

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Primary Activities: Hiking, Road Cycling, Camels, Deserts, Local Culture & Cuisine
Other Activities: Historical Sites, cultural festival
Activity Level: Basic

Kasbahs, camels and souks. From the imperial cities of Fez and Meknes to the desert sands of the Sahara, soak up Morocco’s finest souks and Kasbahs, local Berber culture and spectacular High Atlas scenery on foot, camel, bike and four-wheel on this ten-day North African adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1: Casablanca / Fez

This morning we meet in Casablanca for a 10:00 am departure from the Royal Mansour to the city of Fez (3.5 hour drive) • Lunch on the rooftop terrace of the spectacular Riad Fez, your home for the next three nights, followed by a half-hour trip orientation • This afternoon, tour Fez Medina (the ancient city) • Browse a vibrant souk and sip a cup of Turkish coffee with the locals • Back at the Riad, relax with a glass of freshly squeezed juice in the shade of a lemon tree by the pool before savoring a traditional Moroccan dinner in the home of a Fassi family at La Maison Bleue.

Lodging: Riad Fez
Description: Located in the heart of the ancient city of Fez, Riad Fès boasts spectacular views of the Medina and the Atlas Mountains. Travel back in time and enjoy the splendor and authenticity of the lifestyle of Fassi nobility in a serene atmosphere with decor reminiscent of Arabian Nights.

Day 2: Fez

Today we explore Fez, the holiest city in the Islamic world after Mecca and Medina • Tour the “new” city, established in the 12th century, and the 2,000-year-old Medina, where donkeys and mules laden with goods still trawl alongside buyers through the ancient market, itself a fascinating maze of alleyways and bustling souks • Hone your bargaining skills as you shop for spices, finely crafted artisan goods and brightly-colored hand-loomed carpets • City highlights include (among others) the Jewish quarter, the gates of the Palace, a Berber carpet weaving demonstration, the Dyers market, the Batha museum, Al-Qayrawan mosque, a visit to a famous leather tannery and a hike to the venerated Merenid Tombs for a spectacular panoramic of the city • This evening, try your hand at a traditional tajjine, grillade, coucous or pastilla at a cooking class before enjoying dinner at the luxurious Riad Yacout.

Lodging: Riad Fez
Description: Located in the heart of the ancient city of Fez, Riad Fès boasts spectacular views of the Medina and the Atlas Mountains. Travel back in time and enjoy the splendor and authenticity of the lifestyle of Fassi nobility in a serene atmosphere with decor reminiscent of Arabian Nights.

Day 3: Meknes / Volubulis / Fez

After breakfast at the Riad, a scenic drive (45 minutes) takes us past centuries-old olive groves and vineyards to Meknes • Visit the city’s Ismalian capital, famous for its 25-mile walls and excellent wines • Work up an appetite with a bike ride to a local vineyard for a tasting and lunch • This afternoon we journey back thousands of years as we explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, sprawled over a wildflower-dotted hillside, where a magnificent triumphal arch presides over the remains of palaces, mansions, Roman baths and basilicas • Return to Fez for some last minute shopping and down time before dinner at the Riad.

Lodging: Riad Fez
Description: Located in the heart of the ancient city of Fez, Riad Fès boasts spectacular views of the Medina and the Atlas Mountains. Travel back in time and enjoy the splendor and authenticity of the lifestyle of Fassi nobility in a serene atmosphere with decor reminiscent of Arabian Nights.

Day 4: Midelt / Erfoud / Sahara Desert Tent Camp

This morning we set off for Midelt (4 hours), enjoying a fragrant cedar forest filled with chatty Barbary apes and the rustic Berber villages of Ifrane, Sefrou and Azrou along the way • Lunch in Midelt, followed by a drive to Erfoud (3 hours), where we hop in 4x4 for a 35-minute ride into the Sahara • Ride by camel along the sugar-fine sands of Merzouga as a red sun begins to set over the horizon • As night falls, listen to the intoxicating beat of a Berber drum during a traditional pouring of mint tea, and delight in a feast of harira soup, a savory tagine (stew with meat and vegetables) and couscous • Sleep under a nomad tarp beneath flickering stars and a clear desert sky.

Lodging: Sahara Desert Tent Camp
Description: Your Moroccan adventure isn’t complete without an overnight in a traditional Bedouin Tent. Experience a sense of timelessness as you enjoy a traditional meal and a restful night’s sleep in the silent Saharan Desert, unchanged since the days of the spice, gold and indigo caravans.

Day 5: Desert Camp / Erfoud / Rissani / Tinghir / Boulmane des Daddes

Early morning wake-up (optional, but highly recommended!) to watch the sunrise over the Saharan dessert • Breakfast at the tent camp before mounting up for a camel ride back to our vehicles • Quick visit to the Fossil Factory in Erfoud before heading to a nomad village in Rissani, where we’ll savor a special lunch of Saharaoui stuffed bread • Afternoon visit to a bakery and the Maison Berber store in Tinghir • Hike through Palmerie to the spectacular red-rock canyons of Todra Gorge in the High Atlas Mountains • Arrive in Boulmane des Daddes with time to rest before dinner and overnight at the luxury Kasbah Xaluca

Lodging: Kasbah Xaluka Dades
Description: Surrounded by majestic mountains at the very spine of the Atlas range, the Kasbah Xaluca Dades offers panoramic views of the Dades Valley, sprinkled with friendly Berber villages and snowy peaks. Rooms are exquisitely decorated with materials from different African countries.

Day 6: Boulmane / Dades Gorge / Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou

This morning we’ll descend Dades Gorge by bike, soaking up the stunning riverside scenery and pausing the peruse the Kasbahs and ksors in Ait Youl Village • Travel the rugged Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, an ancient trading route peppered with sandcastle Kasbahs, palmeries and burnished mud-brick homes, which stand in start contrast to rich river valley and blue desert sky • After lunch, we’ll walk through the Kasbah Ai Ben Haddou, a World Heritage Site that’s been featured in over 20 films, including Gladiator • Enjoy a few hours of downtime before dinner and overnight at the magnificent Ighnda Palace

Lodging: Ighnda Palace
Description: Known for its warm Moroccan hospitality and beautiful pool, the luxurious Ighnda Palace is at once traditional and hip – the perfect place to unwind after an active day, soaking up the views of the surrounding Atlas mountains.

Day 7: Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou / Ourika Valley / Ouirgane Valley

Today we drive the scenic route of Tizi n’Tichka through the oasis of the Ourika Valley and into the High Atlas Mountains (4 hours) • Arrive at the Berber village of Anrar for lunch under the rooftop tent at Kasbah Omar • Saddle up for a bike ride through olive groves, fruit trees and farmland, passing through an ancient Jewish village called Algjii • Continue on to the village of Akhlij, through Azrou-miloulin (the “white stone” village) and to a fortress salt-mining village called "Cald Tourirte,” where you’ll break to enjoy a cup of tea with a local Berber family • Cross the Ourika Valley River Bridge, where your ride finishes at Kasbah Omar • Transfer to your charming hotel La Rosaraie (1.25 hours) for dinner and overnight.

Lodging: Hotel La Rosarie
Description: The Domaine de La Roseraie is a tranquil oasis set the heart of Berber country among the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Enjoy the peace and quiet and the ubiquitous fragrance of the surrounding wildflowers and rose bushes.

Day 8: Ouirgane Valley

This morning we’ll set off on a 5-mile hike to explore some of the region’s seldom-visited Berber villages • Meander south by mule track along a bubbling stream to the village of Marigha Izdern • In Imareghan Noufla, sample a distinctively flavored olive oil that’s produced using the ancient practice of stone grinding • With the Adrar Takherkhourte to your right, trek through a patchwork of cultivated crops, wildflowers and olive groves, passing through Berber hamlets to the village of Tihkfist, where we’ll break for a Berber lunch • Our return trip offers superb views of Ouirgane Lake, Kik Plateau and Ouirgane Valley, and includes a visit to the Jewishsynagogue (Saint Venere Rabbi Haim Ben Diwan) at the village of Anraz • The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish – relax with a book, by the pool at your hotel, or opt for a half-day horseback riding tour • Dinner is on your own at either La Rosarie or at Branson’s Resort (Kasbah Tamadot)

Lodging: Hotel La Rosarie
Description: The Domaine de La Roseraie is a tranquil oasis set the heart of Berber country among the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Enjoy the peace and quiet and the ubiquitous fragrance of the surrounding wildflowers and rose bushes.

Day 9: Ouirgane Valley / Marrakech

Morning departure for Marrakech (1.5 hours) • Explore the ancient Bahia Palace from the days of the harem, the royal Saadian Tombs, the vibrant Jewish mellah (where some of the best jewelry of Morocco is sold) and the majestic Koutoubia Mosque • Ramble the streets of the 9th century walled medina for a visit to Medrassat Ben Youssef and the market • Lunch on a rooftop overlooking Jamaa El-Fna Square • Spend the afternoon as you please – shopping the market, indulging in a massage or simply relaxing at your hotel, the luxurious Riad Kniza • Early evening walking tour of Djemma el Fna followed by a special dinner at the house of our friend and local expert – a truly Moroccan experience!

Lodging: Riad Kniza
Description: Originally built in the 18th century, Riad Kniza was restored using traditional materials to recreate an authentic Moroccan experience. An attentive staff spares no effort to make you feel at home and ensure that your stay is unforgettable.

Day 10: Marrakech

Morning visit to the famous Eve St. Laurent Majorell Garden, the Menar pool, the ancient city wall and the Royal Palace • Lunch at the city square with time in the afternoon to shop the souk • Farewell dinner at a traditional Moroccan restaurant, Al Fassia.

Lodging: Riad Kniza
Description: Originally built in the 18th century, Riad Kniza was restored using traditional materials to recreate an authentic Moroccan experience. An attentive staff spares no effort to make you feel at home and ensure that your stay is unforgettable.

Day 11: Marrakech

Morning transfer to the Marrakech airport for your departure (transfer to Casablanca available at extra cost)

Nuts & Bolts

Trip Includes

Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All breakfasts and dinners (except for one dinner on day 8), snacks and water.
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Bikes and helmets – all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Transfer from Fez or Casablanca and to Marrakech airport.
Camel ride in the Sahara.
Hammam in Fez (please make a reservation with the Riad upon your arrival) .
Austin-Lehman T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities and national park entrance and permit fees.

Trip Excludes

Gratuities to guides.
One dinner on day 8, all lunches
Coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
Hammam & Massage in Marrakech (please make reservation with us at time of booking).
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses

Trip ID#: 125116

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

Reviews (1)

Mary Anne McGrath - Oakville, ON

"We had a wonderful time. What a stress-free way to travel. Thank you!"
- Overall Rating
  100%
- Guide Rating
  80%
- Value Rating
  90%
- Itinerary Rating
  90%
- Accomodation Rating
  90%

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