Imperial cities, The Sahara + Tangier and Chefchaouen - Private tour

Upon arrival in Casablanca, meet our representative, who will assist you with airport formalities and promptly arrange your transfer to the hotel. Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city. Once a French colonial post, it is now the Country’s economic Capital. Discover this buzzing city, rich in history and blending traditional and modern architecture. It is an excellent start to your Morocco journey.

After breakfast, join your guide for a tour of the city. Begin with a visit to the iconic Hassan II Mosque. A marvel of contemporary Moroccan architecture, the mosque is an intricate showcase of traditional arts, providing a captivating introduction to the Country's rich cultural heritage. Your tour continues through the streets and boulevards constructed during the French protectorate in the 1930s. These thoroughfares unveil a fascinating display of Art Deco architecture, offering glimpses into Morocco's historical evolution. Along our route, stop by the Church of Casablanca, where you can admire the mid-fifties stained glass work by the French artisan Mr. Gabriel Loire.

After breakfast, transfer to Casablanca airport for your flight to Zagora. Zagora is nestled in the fascinating Draa Valley region of southeastern Morocco; this ancient desert town dates back to the 2oth century established under French colonial control.
Today, Zagora is the last town on your way to explore the famous Erg Chigaga, one of Morocco’s most giant dunes in the Sahara. Upon arrival at the Zagora airport, we will be greeted and transported to embark on our desert adventure to Erg Chigaga. Erg is the Arabic term for a large desert area or Dune field, and the Erg Chigaga is famous for its stunning romantic beauty.
Some dunes reach heights of over 50 meters. Chigaga is the largest Erg in Morocco, and witnessing this area firsthand will inspire a sense of adventure and excitement.
This remote area is beloved by painters and photographers for its incredible views. En route, our journey includes a stop at Tamegroute, a place renowned for its traditional pottery workshops that have preserved the art of pottery making for centuries.
Here, you can witness the intricate process of shaping and baking pottery in traditional earth ovens and explore the ancient Koranic library, home to books inscribed on gazelle skins dating back to the 12th century.
As you continue, proceed to Mhamid, the last village before the Sahara. Arrive at your desert camp and immerse yourself in the vast expanse of the Sahara as you embark on camelback.

Rise and shine early this morning to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the desert dunes. After savoring a delicious breakfast, immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of the Sahara; you can try sandboarding, strolling, or basking in the magic of the desert. Later, we begin our return journey to Zagora, taking the scenic route through the Draa River Valley. This hidden gem is a lush oasis in the midst of the arid desert, with the river flowing underground, nurturing vibrant greenery. The Draa River is the longest in Morocco, and since water can be scarce in this country, this river has been a lifeline for ancient civilizations for centuries. The river creates beautiful, fertile green Oasis areas amidst the mountains and rocky deserts, and visitors will get to see the archaeological remnants of the many cultures that inhabited these areas throughout history. Discover the cradle of Moroccan pottery with our exclusive workshop in Tamegroute, where you'll delve into the rich heritage of Moroccan green ceramics. Upon reaching our destination, we check-in at a charming guest house and experience life in a real oasis village. Relax and soak in the tranquility of this oasis sanctuary, explore the village on a bike, wander through the picturesque pomegranate and palm groves, or find peace by the pool.

Breakfast at your Hotel.
Today, bid farewell to your tranquil oasis and journey through the Sub-Saharan Berber villages heading towards Agdz. As you traverse the volcanic ridges to Ouarzazate, the landscape unfolds in its raw beauty. Descending into Ouarzazate, immerse yourself in its rich history, starting with a visit to the legendary Kasbah of Taourirt, a testament to the power and influence of the Glaoua family. From there, venture to the UNESCO-protected village of Ait Ben Haddou, a living museum where the ancient mud-brick walls and labyrinthine alleyways transport you back in time, enriching your understanding of this region's history. Amidst the village's ochre hues, you pause to savor a delicious lunch before continuing your journey toward Marrakech. Crossing the majestic Tizi N'Tichka pass, traverse the rugged High Atlas mountains and descend into the vibrant city of Marrakech.

Breakfast at your Hotel.
Today, we invite you to embark on a captivating journey through the authentic side of this medieval city. You'll get a glimpse into Marrakech's unique way of life. Your journey encompasses the remnant of the glorious past of this historic capital of Morocco.
As you traverse some of the oldest quarters in the city, your path will unveil old fountains and historical gates. Prepare to be awe-inspired as you visit the nearby archaeological site of the Almoravid dynasty dome, a monument that predates even the bustling streets of Marrakech. Your adventure continues as you uncover the hidden quarters and explore the historical Fondouks, once utilized as hotels for caravan traders. Today, these spaces are still vibrant, serving as workshops for Marrakech artisans who diligently preserve their ancestral skills in crafting various local goods, connecting you to the heart of the local culture. End your tour at the lively Jemaa El Fna Square. Declared by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Jemaa el-Fna square has been one of the city's symbols since its foundation in the eleventh century.

After breakfast at your Hotel, join your guide for a day in the famous Atlas Mountains. Immerse yourself in the vibrant daily life of an authentic mountain community. Embark on a journey where you actively participate in the local way of life. Begin by baking bread and preparing tagine in the kitchen of a village family. Then, establish deep connections over a pot of traditional mint tea—brewed by your own hands; your guide will facilitate conversations, adding a delightful touch to the experience. You can engage in a ceramics workshop as lunch simmers, mold wet clay into unique creations, or try weaving a vibrant kilim alongside local women using their prized ancestral looms. You can also stroll through the farm terraces, gaining insights into the laborious processes of ancient irrigation and subsistence farming methods. The adventure extends to the community's youngest members as you visit a charity preschool center, where little Berbers learn Arabic in preparation for their educational journey.

Breakfast at your Hotel.
Later transfer to Marrakech’s airport for your flight to Fes.
Upon arrival meet your representative who will transfer you to your hotel. Fes is the oldest of Morocco’s four imperial cities and one of Morocco’s most visited tourist destinations.
Discover its rich history as you wander through the narrow alleyways of the ancient Medina Souks.

After breakfast, embark on a journey of discovery through the ancient wonders of Fes, the oldest royal city in Morocco, founded in the 9th century. Fes, with its unique blend of history and culture, is a treasure trove for the curious traveler. Renowned as the most complete medieval city in the Arab world, Fes has meticulously preserved its medieval charm and way of life. Your day begins with an immersive tour of the city's surrounding fortification gates, where you can touch the ancient stones and feel the history come alive. Tour inside Fes el Bali (old Fes), weaving through food and spice markets, handicraft quarters, vibrant souks, and auction markets with your private guide leading the way. Explore the surroundings of the Karaouine Mosque, once the world's oldest university, established in 857 AD by a lady benefactor from Fez. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace from the late 19th century, once the residence of King Hassan I and now a museum showcasing traditional Fez arts. Continue to Fez El Jedid (new Fez) for a stroll in the Jewish quarter, where a 17th-century synagogue awaits your visit.

After breakfast, join your guide on a scenic drive to Tangier. Your first stop is at the Roman Ruins of Volubilis, an awe-inspiring archaeological UNESCO World Heritage site in Morocco. Here, a guide will take you on a comprehensive tour of this ancient city, ensuring you unravel its rich history and fascinating stories. Next, we continue our journey to Chefchaouen, a charming town in the heart of the Rif Mountains. Founded in the 15th century by Moorish refugees from Spain, Chefchaouen's stunning blue and white buildings, reflecting its Spanish influence and unique charm, will impress you. Wander through the picturesque medina, bustling markets, and historic Kasbah. After a lunch break, we resume our drive to Tangier, taking in the breathtaking scenery.

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Tangier, starting from the Kasbah, perched on a hilltop providing sweeping views of the Straits of Gibraltar and neighboring Spain. The Kasbah's well-preserved fortifications encompass a 17th-century Dar el Makhzen (The Royal Palace), now a museum showcasing Moroccan arts and archaeology. It is adorned with intricately carved ceilings and lush gardens. Descending through the narrow street of the Kasbah, we reach the vibrant old Medina, home to a historic American landmark: The Old Tangier Legation in Morocco. This site, gifted to the United States in 1821 by Sultan Moulay Suliman, commemorates the Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship signed in 1786. A curator will guide us through the property, revealing its museum, library, and conference center. In the evening, board a fast train to Rabat, Morocco's capital, where you will tour its renowned monuments. Start at the Mohammed V Mausoleum, an exquisite memorial crafted from white marble housing the tombs of the country's last two kings. Admiredas is one of the country's most beautiful monuments and holds significant ceremonial importance. Explore the Museum of Antiquities, which showcases artifacts from prehistoric, Punic, Roman, and Islamic sites. Don't miss the captivating "bronze room," which features Roman statues unearthed from architectural sites nationwide. Conclude our visit to the medieval fort of Challah Garden. The Chella Gardens are called the Necropolis of Chella since it was abandoned around 1150 by the Romans. It was then an ancient cemetery for royalty and is still in great shape after nearly 800 years.
The area has been converted into a series of gardens displaying various plant life, flowers, and colors. You will be transferred to your hotel in Rabat at the end of your tour.