Imperial Cities, the Great Sahara, and Marrakesh

Morocco Private Journey

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Morocco’s sensuous beauty is legendary, from imperial cities with labyrinthine souks to the awesome grandeur of the Sahara. Discover this graceful land from enchanting Fez—a walled city suspended in a medieval dream—to the storied bazaars of Marrakesh and a stunning desert oasis where dunes stretch to the horizon.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
Casablanca and Rabat

The grandeur of medieval dynasties shines through in Morocco’s ancient imperial cities. In seaside Rabat, Morocco’s walkable capital, stroll through the winding streets of the picturesque Oudaia Kasbah and visit the spectacular Chellah, a walled royal necropolis atop an ancient Roman town.

Days 3-4
Moulay Idriss and the Treasures of Fez

Travel inland through wheat fields, vineyards, and olive groves to an ancient hilltown and revered pilgrim site where Morocco’s most famous saint, Moulay Idriss, is buried. Stroll in the evocative ruins of Volubilis, Rome’s ancient provincial capital, a romantic, sun-dappled site now surrounded by rolling farmlands. Continue to ancient Fez, nestled in a high valley and resplendent with minarets and domes. The renowned medina of Fez is one of the most perfectly preserved medieval cities in the world, hauntingly beautiful and full of visual delights. Enter the dazzling 12th century medina through one of its four arched gates and discover a mile-long network of souks, open-air cafés, courtyards, hammams (traditional steam baths), and gardens. Explore on an intriguing walking tour with your guide into a honeycomb of twisting alleys of Arabic-Moorish architecture with blue-tiled facades, savor the scent of spices, orange blossoms, sizzling lamb kabobs, and sweet honey cakes, and watch scenes unchanged for centuries, from donkeys laden with leather and bound for tanneries to children carrying boards of bread dough to communal ovens. Some of the finest Berber carpets in Morocco are found in this medina.

Days 5-6
Sahara Dunes

Cross the High Atlas Mountains and come face to face with the epic expanses of the Moroccan Sahara. At the desert frontier town of Merzouga, below the dunes of Erg Chebbi, meet your Berber guides and set out by camel (or on foot) into Morocco’s highest dunescapes. Exploring this spectacular dune world is the ultimate experience of Morocco’s Sahara, where the wind sculpts the landscape as it likes. Overnights at a delightful casbah-style hotel decorated with traditional Moroccan flair and built around palm-fringed courtyards, with garden dining and a lovely swimming pool.

Days 7-8
Canyons and Casbahs

Head along the “Road of the Casbahs,” an ancient caravan route dotted with palmeries, and into the narrow red-rock canyon of the Todra Gorge. Visit the dramatic Dades Gorge, a deep fault in the High Atlas with soaring limestone cliffs, and the famed mud-brick fortress of Ait Ben Haddou, a 16th century casbah-village now protected as a World Heritage Site. The casbah is spectacular, with towers and sheer mud-brick walls in dark red. Scenes from Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator were filmed here.

Day 9
Marrakesh, the Red City

A palm-fringed city more Berber than Arabic, fabled Marrakesh has been a metropolis for the tribes of the Atlas since the 11th century. Venture forth on foot and by horse-drawn carriage to experience Marrakesh’s delights, from the souks to Djemma el Fna, the lively central square filled with acrobats, snake charmers, and fortune tellers.

Day 10
Depart

Essaouria Extension
Days 10-13

Essaouria is a ravishing 18th century town set on the edge of the sea and enclosed in massive battlements. Explore this charming town with its tiny walled medina, whitewashed houses with blue shutters, bustling fishermen’s market where sardines are hauled in, and artisan workshops where woodcarving is a specialty. Your hotel, right in the heart of the medina, is a traditional Morroccan-style riad built around a tranquil courtyard. Fresh seafood is one of Essaouria’s culinary delights.

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Tour Costs

Riads and Casbahs

$3395 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $295 per person
Optional Essaouira Extension: $675

Deluxe Option

$3995 per person double occupancy
Single Supplement: $495
Optional Essaouira Extension: $795

Groups of 4 or more: Call for details

Note: For those planning to visit over the holidays, Dec 20, 2008-Jan 6, 2009 Christmas and New Year's dinners may be compulsory for a supplemental fee. Call us for details.

*Prices valid through 2008
Includes all land transportation and private guides throughout

When to Go

Route Map

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