Marvels of Morocco

Today we travel an idyllic route to the Sahara Desert. Along the way, admire the parade of mountains, valleys, forests, and desert. We stop in the city of Ifrane which is unlike any other town in Morocco. Located at an altitude of 5,460 feet above sea level in the Middle Atlas region, this small hill town has a Swiss alpine feel to it. With neat red-roofed houses, blooming flower beds, lake-studded parks and snowbound winters, this remarkable European styled town is often referred to as “Morocco’s Switzerland.” Next, we visit Azrou, which translates literally to “rock” in the local Amazigh language and is named for the large, black volcanic outcrop in the centre of town. Lunch is near the town of Midelt in the plains of the Middle Atlas. Our drive continues to Erfoud for a relaxing evening and dinner at our hotel.

Merzouga lies on the edge of Erg Chebbi, a monumental series of sand dunes that reach heights of 160 metres, larger than many skyscrapers. It’s an amazing sight, especially as the dunes change colour in the setting sun from shades of gold to orange, pink and purple. Here our desert adventure by 4×4 begins as we climb to the top of a hill for spectacular views of the rolling sand dunes. Enjoy a tea ceremony with a local nomad family, before continuing into the dunes for a picnic lunch.  After you have settled in your luxury tented camp, we set off on a camel ride to bask in the golden sunset over the dunes. We return to the camp to enjoy a Berber feast and entertainment under the star-filled sky!

We depart for the Todra Gorge, situated on the east side of the High Atlas Mountains. It is recognized around the world as one of the most spectacular canyons – a 300-metre-deep fault of limestone that offers just enough space for a crystal-clear river and a small path for hikers. After lunch, we head towards Boumalne Dades along the “Route of 1,000 Kasbahs,” famous for its beautiful and charming landscapes, as well as its idyllic gorges. Our senses then come alive as we visit the Valley of Roses, home to Morocco’s largest rose water and rose oil manufacturers. In the evening, we arrive in Ouarzazate and enjoy dinner at our hotel.

A city of palm trees, sandy streets and fort-like buildings, Ouarzazate has stood at the edge of the Sahara Desert for hundreds of years. After a visit of the Ouarzazate film studios, we head to the ancient village of Aït Ben Haddou. This fortified city is full of towering kasbahs and crumbling walls with only five families still living inside the fortress of Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou.

We enjoy lunch before travelling along the famous camel caravan route and over Tizi n’Tichka to Marrakech. We settle into our riad in the heart of the city for a relaxing dinner and evening.

Originating from the Amazigh (Berber) words, “amur kush,” Marrakech means “Land of God.” One of the Imperial cities of Morocco, its location and contrasting landscape make it an enviable destination in Morocco. Our exploration is vast and includes a visit of the Menara Gardens, one of the oldest gardens in Marrakech with an immense olive grove dotted with palm and cypress trees. Next, we visit the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) and the Bahia Palace, one of Marrakech’s most imposing buildings. A visit to Marrakech would not be complete without seeing the well-known Koutoubia Mosque. Following lunch, we explore the souks and the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square.

This morning we visit the Majorelle Garden, made in the 1920s by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, with marble pools, raised pathways, banana trees, groves of bamboo, coconut palms and bougainvilleas. Perhaps unsuprisingly as the garden was designed by a painter, the garden is composed and coloured like a painting. Many of the built features were painted in a dark blue (‘Majorelle Blue’) which works very well with the soil, climate and plants. Next we visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum which is entirely devoted to the work of the legendary fashion designer. Following lunch in a local restaurant the afternoon is at your leisure.  This evening dinner is at our hotel.

This morning we travel to Essaouira, known as Morocco’s “windy city.” A combination of spectacular beaches, great sea and the almost constant tropical trade winds has changed this city from a hardworking port into one of the world’s greatest sites for windsurfing, kiteboarding and other exhilarating watersports. The city has a dual heritage, and this can be seen in the mighty walls that surround this old Moroccan trade centre. Once a Portuguese fortress, rusting cannons between the ramparts still point out to sea. There is a certain European feel to the construction of the city once known as Mogador. Following lunch and a wine tasting at a local vineyard, we visit an Argan Oil Women’s Cooperative before checking into our hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

A day dedicated to relaxation, exploration, or quiet time. This endearing seaside resort and fishing port extends on a narrow peninsula, ensuring rapturing views from all angles. Your lunch and afternoon are free for you to explore on your own. This evening, we dine in a lovely local restaurant.

In Safi, discover this hidden gem, nestled on the shores of the Atlantic. Safi has two beating hearts; one in the old town, lined with shops offering the beautiful blue Safi ceramics, all lying in the shadows of the gorgeous Portuguese Citadel, and the new, bustling with modern energy. In El Jadida, discover the famous Portuguese fortified city of Mazagan built at the start of the 16th century. The UNESCO-listed site is often considered to be one of the country’s best examples of military design. This afternoon, we arrive in Casablanca with free time to relax at your leisure.

We bid “wadaeaan” to our new friends and make our way to the airport for our flights home. Enjoy our private car to your home.