With its four mountain ranges, dozen summits over 13, 120 ft (4,000 m) and 400 mountains over 3,000 m (12,480ft), Morocco offers exceptional mountain trekking. Hike the trails through the Sirwa, the Sargho and the Rif, explore the quiet cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, take skis or snowshoes and mules into the upper reaches of the High Atlas. Wherever you wander, nature's displays won't disappoint. The Moroccan desert is grandiose, fascinating where sand, wind, and sun come together to produce a sense of movement and infinite space. Getting up at 4:00am, sipping mint tea and watching the pink disc of the sun appearing over the gigantic sand dunes of Merzouga will be memories you will treasure for a lifetime. Breathe the fresh air of the oases of the Sahara Desert, discover the old mystical Berber villages, lose yourself in fascination with each Kasbah and let the spectacular gorges of the Dades Valley and the mountain and the sunset on the dunes of Merzouga become the backdrops for your abundant memories of Morocco
Tour Itinerary
Day 01: Casablanca / Rabat (56 Miles)
Warm greeting by Gateway2Discovery’s guides and driver. As we depart from Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco, we will stop at the magnificent Mosque of Hassan II, situated by the Atlantic Ocean and heralded as the third largest mosque in the world. We will then continue our transfer to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Our sightseeing will feature the outside of the Royal Palace, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, as well as the remains of the Hassan Tower built in 1196, which provides an excellent introduction to Moroccan history. As we walk through the narrow passageways of the Ouddaya, you will glimpse at the daily life of the local inhabitants, smelling freshly baked bread and admiring the decorative doors leading to family homes. Dinner and overnight hotel in Rabat.
Day 02: Rabat / Meknes / Volubilis / Moulay Idriss / Fez (123 Miles)
Today, we will drive east into the countryside to continue our discovery of Morocco's Imperial Cities starting in Meknes. Our sightseeing will include famous gate of Bab El Mansour, Dar Jamai Palace and the remains of the Royal Stables and the tomb of Moulay Ismail. We will then continue to Morocco's largest and best preserved Roman ruins, Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, we will wander through this sumptuous archeological site with its well preserved mosaics before our short drive takes us to the holy city of Moulay Idriss where the founder of Islam in Morocco is buried. Continue to Fez. Check-in and overnight at Riad Mabrouka, a stylish Moroccan guest house.
Day 03: Fez
Today, we wake up hearing the sound of the prayers call of the “Moudan” emanating from the numerous minarets within the walled city of Fez. Fez, the first Imperial City of Morocco, is a leading intellectual, religious and cultural center. The Medina of Fez, a UNESCO world heritage, is simply dazzling! With its through narrow passageways, spice shops, shopkeepers and craftsmen still using ancient crafts techniques, the Medina has a world of its own. We will discover the Qaraouine University and the Koranic school. Overnight at the Riad Mabrouka.
Day 04: Fez / Atlas Hiking & Berber Homestay/ Oued Ifrane
Today, we will leave the beautiful of Fez and head south into the countryside to explore the Middle Atlas Mountains. Lace up your hiking shoes and savor the views of limestone ridges and the foothills of the Middle Atlas range as we walk along a track used by locals. The scenic trail goes through forest, farmlands, and landscapes of golden brown hues. Here, we will most likely meet Berber men, women and children gathering cedar branches to heat their homes and cook their food. Not to be missed, you will glimpse at the loaded donkeys heading to town. The area still relies on traditional cultivation: fields of lentils, fava beans and apple and cherry orchards. We will enjoy our picnic lunch en route before reaching the village of Zaouia D'Ifrane. Then, we will have the pleasure of meeting up with a Berber family and learn about their way of life and traditions. Of course, we will sample the typical Berber cuisine before bed time. Beds are Berber style mattresses on the floor with carpets, linens and blankets. There is a shared bathroom in the home with a flush toilet. This night represents a unique opportunity to discover Berber culture and traditions. Overnight at Gite in Oued Ifrane. (Hiking time approximately 5 hours.)
Day 05: Atlas Mountains / Erfoud/ Merzouga Dunes
Today, you will understand why Morocco is a country of dramatic contrasts. This morning, we start witnessing the dramatic changes in landscape as we cross the Atlas Mountains on our way to reach the beautiful dunes of the Sahara Desert. This route is very picturesque with breathtaking views of the high Mountain passes. As in the old days of the Caravans route, we will pass through the Beni Mguild Berber capital of Midelt, an important center for local carpets. On our way to Erfoud and the gorgeous sand dunes of Merzouga, we will make a stop in Errachidia where we will enjoy a tasty tagine. As we get closer to the Sahara desert, we will feel the breeze of the drifting sand dunes of the vast Sahara desert caressing our cheeks and welcoming us to their magical world. Get ready for a camel ride heading towards the Erg Chebbi. From the top of a large dune, we will witness the beautiful stunning sunset. Our dromedaries will then take us to our camp site for a cold drink and a delicious dinner before we retire into our private tents equipped with wool mattresses, linens, pillows and Berber rugs. There is a shared bathroom facility. Overnight at the Desert Camp.
Day 06: Merzouga Dunes Sunrise / Erfoud
Early morning wake-up to witness one of the world’s most stunning sunrise off the Merzouga sand dunes. We will return by Land Rover to Erfoud. The rest of the day is free at leisure or you can choose the optional drive to the Holy City of Rissani to visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Sherife, Ksour Abdel Hamid and the Abdel Malik Kasbah. Overnight at the charming Kasbah Xaluca in Erfoud.
Day 07: Erfoud / Todra Gorges / Tineghir / Ouarzazate (287 Miles)
Today, we will again awaken before dawn to enjoy the moon reflected off the dunes and the sky filled with stars as you mount your saddled camel for a short ride to witness a stunning sunrise over the horizon. After some time to relax, we will begin our journey driving through the One Thousand and One Kasbah road heading west towards the Atlas range made up of fertile valleys and dramatic volcanic rock and limestone peaks. On the way, we will stop to explore the narrow canyon walls of the Todra Gorges. We will have lunch at Yasmina restaurant. After lunch, we will continue through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs to the picturesque town of Ouarzazate. Overnight at Mercure or similar.
Day 08: Fint Oasis / Ait Benhaddou / Ouarzazate
This morning, we will depart in a 4WD vehicle to the off beaten track road to the Fint Oasis situated between two valleys and populated by Berber people. With green its palm trees, charming Kasbahs on hillsides and its blue water lake, this valley offers great hiking. Here, we will enjoy a 3-hr hike through the ancient caravan route and a picnic lunch along the Douchene River. We will return to Ouarzazate and stop at the fortified Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most intriguing red earth castles lining the ancient Route of the Kasbahs. This Kasbah also served as the site for many desert movies and houses about 250 people. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 09: Ouarzazate / Ourika Valley / Imlil
Today, we will leave the exotic town of Ouarzazate and head towards the High Atlas Mountain range. Our drive peaks at the Tizi-n-Tickka Pass (7,417 ft), the highest pass in Morocco, before we discover a breathtaking landscape of oak trees, walnut groves and much more. We will then make a stop at the Ourika Valley nestled on the main road in Ait Ourir. The Ourika Valley is a beautiful, charming, hospitable and peaceful Berber village where we will encounter isolated villages on hillsides. Heading towards Imlil, we will let our donkeys carry our luggage from the road to Kasbah Toubkal. We will enjoy a 2-night stay hiking and trekking the Toubkal Massif region of the High Atlas Mountain. We will have plenty of exposure to interact with the local Berber men and women and learn about their lifestyles. Overnight at Kasbah Toubkal.
Day 10: High Atlas Mountains / Imlil
Today, we wake up breathing the fresh mountain air and discovering the old mystical Berber villages. Lose yourself in fascination with each Kasbah and let the spectacular view of the snow capped mountains become your backdrop of your hiking journey. We will enjoy great hiking accompanied by our local guide who will explain the diversity of the region made up of over 40 mountain peaks with altitudes exceeding 11,000 ft including of course Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Overnight at Kasbah Toubkal.
Day 11: Imlil / Marrakech
Enjoy a free morning to relax before we depart for the vibrant city of Marrakech, the second oldest imperial city known as the "Pearl of the South" and home to the Saadian tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace and the Menara Garden. In the afternoon, we will explore the souks and the world's famous Djemaa El Fna place with its various entertainments (story tellers, acrobats, snake-charmers, magicians, and more). Then, we will enjoy a tasty Mint tea from a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Djemaa el Fna place. Overnight at Riad Assoual or similar.
Day 12: Marrakech
After breakfast, we will explore the main sites of Marrakesh and visit the beautiful Jardins Majorelle filled with exotic plants from around the world. Then, you will have your last change to explore the medina and do some last minute shopping. Farewell dinner and over night at Riad Assouel or similar.
Day 13: Marrakesh
After breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport in Marrakesh for your return flight.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included:
- Greetings and transfer from/to airport
- Sightseeing according to the program
- Transportation in deluxe air conditioned vehicles with an English speaking driver including driver’s fees, gas and taxes
- Accommodations and hotels
- Sleeping tents, 2 Camel rides in Merzouga, 04 lunch boxes for trekking journey (from Fez-Oued Ifrane/from Oued Ifrane-Merzouga/from Ouarzazate-Imlil), mint tea at the Berber guest’s house
- Your personal belongings will be carried by mules during parts of your trekking journey
- Baggage handling and tips at airports and hotels
Not Included:
- Meals not mentioned on itinerary, beverage during meals, and other items of personal nature (telephone charges etc.)
- Deviations expenses from the itinerary and any special handling
With 4-6 people: $3,225.00
With 6-10 people: $2,975.00
Single supplement: $625.00
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Morocco
Hiking & Trekking
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