Compare Morocco Explorer by World Expeditions vs North of Morocco by DesertBrise Travel

Day 1 Join Casablanca

If you are arriving on Day 1 of the trip you will be met and transferred to your group hotel. If you arrive on any other day please make your own way to the joining hotel as listed on your final tour voucher. Meet your guide and group members at a briefing at approximately 7:00pm on Day 1 (details will be at the reception of group hotel). Overnight: Idou Anfa Hotel (or similar).

meals : Array

Day 2 Drive to Rabat (approx 2 hrs drive)

This morning we will visit Casablanca’s beautiful Hassan II Mosque. Then we will drive to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, to visit the Grand Mosque - another very imposing and highly decorated structure. Overnight Riad Kelaa (or similar). Approx driving time: 2 hrs.

meals : B

Day 3 Drive to Chefchaouen (approx 4.5 hrs drive)

Drive north along the fertile plains to Ouazzane. Continue on the mountain road to Chefchaouen, which is built on the lower slopes of the Rif Mountains. The houses here are painted blue, typical of the Andalusian style. In the late afternoon we will visit the Medina. Overnight Hotel Dar Mounir (or similar). Approx driving time: 4.5 hrs.

meals : B,D

Day 4 Explore Chefchaouen

Full day to soak up the atmosphere of the prettiest mountain town of the Rif mountain range. After breakfast, we will have a guided tour to the Medina including the Kasbah, the Outa Lhmam square and the souks. There will be free time in the afternoon to explore on your own. The guide can offer various suggestions, such as a walk up to the Spanish mosque via the spring of Ras El Ma for a panoramic view; or visit to a local weaving shop or cooperative. Overnight Hotel Dar Mounir (or similar).

meals : B,L

Day 5 Drive to Fes via Moulay Idriss, Volubilis and Meknes (approx 4.5 hrs drive)

Today we have time to explore the ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis, the largest and best preserved in the country and originally one of the Roman Empire’s remotest outposts. We also wander around the beautiful village of Moulay Idriss, a holy site, named after Morocco’s most revered saint of the same name. Moulay Idriss was the great grandson of the Prophet Mohammed and founder of the first Moroccan dynasty. The city of Meknes was once the heart of the Moroccan sultanate with many impressive buildings as a result. Continuing to Fes, founded in the late 8th Century shortly after the Arabs swept across North Africa and Spain, we arrive at the symbolic heart of Morocco. It has become the cultural and religious centre of the country and has retained a distinctly Arab identity despite the arrival of some Berbers from the interior over the centuries. Today Fes is made up of three sections, the modern Ville Nouvelle, with its chic cafe-lined avenues, Fes el-Jdid and Fes el- Bali. Fes el-Bali is the original Medina and is one of the largest medieval cities in the world. Overnight Riad Yacout (or similar). Approx driving time: 4.5 hrs.

meals : B,D

Day 6 Explore Fes

After a guided tour of the city and old Medina we drive to Borj Sud, a Christian fort built in the 17th Century, for an almost aerial view of the old city and its surrounding olive groves. From here we venture into the Medina of Fes el-Bali which dates back to the 8th Century. In 1976 UNESCO declared this Medina one of the world’s cultural treasures; the palaces, mosques and fountains are among the most beautiful in Morocco. The colours and aromas of the olive and spice stores mixed in with communal bakeries and the mysterious perfume shops are just some of the delights that make this journey through the ancient alleyways, full of scurrying people and surprises, a memorable experience. We will also visit the tannery to watch the dying of leathers and a mosaic and tile factory to see how these stunning local handicrafts are made. We will enjoy a lunch in a traditional Moroccan restaurant. Overnight Riad Yacout (or similar).

meals : B,L

Day 7 Drive to Erg Chebbi (approx 8 hrs drive)

Today we will be on the road by 7:00am. We travel in our air-conditioned minibus passing through the agricultural regions of north Morocco and the fertile plains irrigated by the Oued Aggai in the foothills of the Middle Atlas. We then begin a long climb through an old cedar forest and holm oaks. The scenery changes dramatically where beyond Timhadite lies a completely barren plateau, reminiscent of a lunar landscape pitted with small volcanic craters, the largest of which is Sidi Ali, an immense lake bordered by steep cliffs. After stopping for lunch at the breathtaking Ziz Gorges we continue on past palm-fringed towns to Erfoud and Merzouga, and to the sand dunes at Erg Chebbi. Here the deep orange-hued dunes of the vast Sahara stretch for miles. Overnight Auberge Tombouctou (or similar). Approx driving time: 8 hrs.

meals : B,D

Day 8 Erg Chebbi, drive to the Dades Gorge (approx 5 hrs drive)

Today we'll rise before dawn to experience the amazing colours of a Saharan sunrise from the saddle of the traditional Berber transport: a camel. On returning to our hotel we have breakfast and commence our journey to the Dades Gorge. En route we have lunch at the spectacular Todra Gorges and visit some of Morocco’s greatest antiquities, the Kasbahs of the eastern slopes of the High Atlas. We drive on to the spectacular Dades Gorge where we stay in a small local hotel. We also take time to explore the countryside and wander for a few hours through the fertile fields and local villages soaking in rural Morocco. Overnight Hotel Xaluca (or similar). Approx driving time: 5 hrs.

meals : B,D

Day 9 Visit Berber villages en route to Ouarzazate (approx 2.5 hrs drive)

En route to Ouarzazate (pronounced war-zar-zate), we explore the Kasbahs, oasis and Berber villages in the fertile valleys along the eastern flanks of the Atlas Mountains. We may visit the ancient Kasbahs of Skoura and depending on the day, explore the markets of El-Klaa Mgouna. The earthen town of Ouarzazate lies among the shadows of date and pomegranate trees on the banks of the Dades River. Overnight Dar Mouna guesthouse near Ait Ben Haddou (or similar in Ouarzazate). Approx driving time: 2.5 hrs.

meals : B,D

Day 10 Visit Ait Ben Haddou then to Marrakesh (approx 4.5 hrs drive)

This morning we will visit the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, the most exotic and best preserved in the entire Atlas area. We will have lunch here before continuing on to Telouet and the former palace of Pasha El Glaoui, the Berber chieftain. Passing sandy coloured Kasbahs and the shy Berber women in their traditional black costumes, we leave the arid desert area and cross the High Atlas Mountains to arrive in Marrakesh late in the afternoon. Framed by the snowy heights of the Atlas Mountains and thousand-year-old palm groves, Marrakesh has a profound impact on all that visit it. Overnight Riad Berta (or similar). Approx driving time: 4.5 hrs.

meals : B,D

Day 11 Visit medinas, palaces and gardens in Marrakesh

Today we are led by our expert guide to discover the soul of Marrakesh. We visit gardens, mosques, palaces, and the souqs of the old Medina before reaching the humming centre of Marrakesh: the Djemaa el-Fna. The atmosphere of this square is overwhelming with its jumble of food stalls, snake charmers, fortune and storytellers and the wide variety of people that flock to its attractions. We return in the evening, when the square really comes alive. It is a must to taste the many wonderful dishes on offer at the stalls. Overnight Riad Berta (or similar).

meals : B,L

Day 12 Trip concludes in Marrakesh

Our trip concludes after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport if you depart Marrakesh today. For departure on any other day, transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.

meals : B

Day 1: Tangier – Chefchaouen

This tour 10 Days tour from Tangier will starts when we pick you up to travel throughout Tangier to explore some of the local sights of the town. You will visit the souk and the Kasbah.After we will travel towards Chefchaouen, stopping at the Caves of Hercules. After we will travel on to Tétouan, the Berber name meaning “the eyes”. Once we have visited the town we will stop to have lunch before departing for Chefchaouen.In Chefchaouen you will visit of the village and its brightly painted medina.Chefchaouen, referred to as the city of blue doors, is one of the prettiest towns in Morocco. Its beauty along with the relaxed atmosphere of the town is what makes Chefchaouen very appealing.Your accommodations and dinner will be in your hotel in Chefchaouen

Day 2: Chefchaouen – Meknes – Fez

After breakfast, we will leave Chefchaouen to travel to Fes. In our route we will stop to visit of the Roman Ruins of Volubilis. The ruins remained substantially intact until an earthquake devastated them in the mid-18th century. After you will travel on to Meknes, one of the four Imperial cities, where you will visit the famous El Hedim Square, the Mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail and the Old Medina before arriving to Fes. Your accommodations and dinner will be in your hotel in Fes.

Day 3: Fez

After breakfast at your hotel, a local guide will take you to visit the most remarkable places in the oldest Imperial City. You will visit of the Mellah, the Medina, and the exterior of the Kairaouine Mosque. The Kairaouine Mosque, the holiest and second largest mosque in Morocco.

You will also visit the University of al-Karaouine, the oldest existing and continually operating university in the world as well as the BouInaniaMedrasa, the most famous quoraniq school in Morocco. Lastly, you will visit the Chouwara Tannery.

Lunch will be at a typical restaurant in the medina. Your accommodations and dinner will be back in your hotel in Fes.

Day 4: Fez - Ifrane - Cedar Forest - Erfoud - Merzouga

After breakfast, at your hotel, your tour continues with an early departure from Fes. We leave Fez to Ifrane is The Little Switzerland of Morocco we will have a stop to discover this amazing city .

After that Azrou this beautified cedar forest is home to the endangered Barbary Apes, which are actually monkeys.

Once you arrive. This will be good opportunity to take pictures of the timberland in Morocco , the cedre forest and wild monkeys in the Cedar woods of Azrou . Your lunch will be in Midelt the city of apples and minerals in a typical restaurant.

We continue our tour to ziz valley where we will have a stop for taking pictures in ziz valley in a panoramic view. Then Erfoud, you will visit the old market of dates and the fossils workers .

Merzouga: When you arrive to Merzouga you will be checked into your hotel for your accommodation(s) and dinner.

Day 5: Merzouga - Khamlia - Rissani - Camp in Erg Chebbi - Camel Ride

After your breakfast you will tour the area of Erg Chebbi.

Khamila: is a little village in the desert by the biggest dunes in Erg Chebbi where You will visit a Berber residence and listen to the Gnawa music, which had originated in West Africa.

After, Rissani: You will visit the small oasis town of Rissani which les near the northwest edge of the Sahara. Also is the capital of Tafilalet .

Rissani is well known for its market, or souk. You will visit the visit the famous Market of Rissani where you can find jewelry, souvenirs, gifts, spices, art and crafts.

While in Rissani your lunch will be a traditional Moroccan pizza called “Medfouna”. After you will comeback to the hotel in Merzouga and prepare for your journey to Erg Chebbi to take a camel ride back to the desert camp where you will enjoy a second night under the stars.

Day 6: Merzouga - Erfoud - Todgha Gorges - Ouarzazate

We cantinue our 10 Days tour from Tangier tour , In the morning, after having a sunrise breakfast we will break camp and ride our camels out of the desert and back to our original point of departure.

You will then travel back to the hotel so that you can shower, breakfast. Collect your luggage before starting on your way back towards Ouarzazate.

We will visit the canal of irrigation in Jorf , After that we cantinue our raod to todgha gorges where we will have a stop to visit the higher gorges in all Morocco .

Then we will accross valley of roses ,we will visit the cooperative of women where you can find all kind of rose products and bio .

You will arrive to Ouarzazate in afternoon , Your accommodations and dinner will in a hotel at Ouarzazate.

Day 7: Ouarzazete - Aït Benhaddou - Atlas Mountains - Marrakech

After your morning breakfast we visit Kasbah Taourirte and the cinema studios of Atlas & CLA Studios where many movies were produced thus being called The Hollywood of Africa like lawrence of arabia , sahara…

After we depart to Kasbah Ait Ben Hadou through Tizi Ntichka pass an elevation of 2260m .

Visit the UNESCO world heritage Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou is a spectacular fortified village . After we cantinue our raod, You will stop in Taddart to have lunch at a Berber village in a panoramic restaurant.

After you complete your lunch you will continue your travel to Marrakech.

Once you arrive to Marrakech, You will be dropped off at your hotel. Accommodation and dinner at Hotel.

Day 8: Marrakech City Tour

After your morning breakfast at your hotel, our guide and driver will pick up to explore the city of Marrakech, you will have the opportunity to discover the amazing old Medina. You will see the Majorelle Garden that host more than 15 bird species that are prevalent to North Africa, has many fountains and a remarkable collection of cacti.The garden was once owned by Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé, between 1980 and 2008. After Yves Saint Laurent death in 2008 his ashes were scattered about in the Majorelle Garden.You will visit Marrakech’s most visited monument the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the New City of Marrakech – Gueliz.

Your accommodations and dinner will be back at your hotel in Marrakech.

Day 9: Marrakech - Casablanca - Rabat

After your morning breakfast, we will depart to Casablanca. Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and one of the largest financial centers on the continent. It is considered the economic and business center of Morocco. It hosts the primary navel base for the Royal Moroccan Navy. We will take a panoramic tour of the city and visit the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in North Africa, and the 13th largest in the world.

After lunch, we will drive in the direction of Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Once we arrive to Rabat we will visit the Oudayas Kasbah, the Chellah Gardens, Hassan Tower and Mohamed V Museum. Dinner and accommodation will be at your hotel in Rabat.

Day 10: Rabat - Tangier

After breakfast, you will depart from Rabat and will be transported to Tangier. Once you arrive to Tangier, you will be dropped off at your hotel and this will complete your 10 Days tour from Tangier and end our services.