Travel Gateway DMC
Imperial Cities & the Sahara Tour
Day 1: Rabat
This morning we journey to the capital Rabat. Strategically located on the Atlantic coastline, Rabat began as a settlement in the third century BC. We will enjoy a full day tour of the old city including visits to the Royal Palace, Ouadaya Gardens Kasbah and the Hassan Tower Mosque. After lunch, your driver will take you on a drive through a tour of the imperial city of Meknes and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. Then you will head to Fes in the evening. Overnight stay in Fez.
Day 2: Fes
After breakfast you will begin our guided tour of the Fes medina, one of the world’s largest walled in cities. You will explore the narrow streets lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco. A visit to the King’s Palace, the tanneries, and potters are just a few places you will experience. For lunch you may choose to eat in a traditional restaurant in the heart of the medina. After lunch you will continue the tour and return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Fez.
Day 3: Ouzoud Waterfalls
After an early breakfast, you will depart for Marrakech. The beautiful drive will take you up into the MIddle Atlas Mountains and along the base of the High Atlas Mountains and visit Ouzoud waterfall. Once in Marrakech, you will check into your hotel and then head off to the Djemaa el-Fna, the center square of the medina. The famous Djemaa el-Fna, is one of the center attractions of Marrakech. Coming alive at night with local storytellers, entertainers, and mouth-watering barbeque pits, the square is well worth the visit. A quiet cup of tea on the terrace of an adjacent cafe provides a spectacular aerial view of the bustling square. Overnight stay in Marrakech.
Day 4: Marrakech
Today's tour of Marrakech begins with a trip to the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, home to the minaret which has become a symbol of the city. We then visit the Saadian Tombs and the Bahia Palace which hosts intricate and beautiful Arabic craftsmanship in the lively souks around Jemaa El Fna square. Home to many different types of traders these bustling and aromatic streets are uniquely Moroccan. After lunch break, we head to Majorelle Gardens, where the morning light illuminates the vibrant colours of the architecture, set vividly against the lush green vegetation. Continue to Menara Garden for a stroll through the peaceful site.
Day 5: Kasbah Ait Benhaddou & Dades Valley
This morning journey along mountain roads and over Morocco's highest pass, Tizi n'Tichka (2,260 metres), to Ait Benhaddou on the edges of the Sahara (approximately 6 hours). Perched on a hilltop and almost unchanged since the 11th century, Ait Benhaddou is one of Morocco's most iconic site. It was once an important stop for caravans passing through as they carried salt across the Sahara, returning with gold, ivory and slaves. Today its grand kasbah has been listed as a World Heritage site, with its fortified village being a fine example of clay architecture.
Day 6: Merzouga Sahara Desert
After breakfast at the hotel, you will take the road to the Toudra Gorge, which consists of high limestone cliffs that have been hollowed out for millennia. This wonderful site is also the delight of climbing enthusiasts. The journey will continue to the fascinating dunes of Merzouga. It is a village that marks the beginning of the Sahara. At this stage, vehicles will be replaced by camels to enjoy a traditional camel ride o the camp. You will cross the dunes and admire the sunset and the colors in perpetual evolution. After a traditional dinner with Berber rhythms, you will spend the night under the stars in a nomad tent in the middle of the desert.
Day 7: Marrakech via Ouarzazate
Wake early to watch the sunrise before breakfast (optional). Then, ride your camel back to the main road then head back to Marrakech. Stop half-way for lunch in Ouarzazate and visit the famous Taourirt kasbah in Morocco and tour the Atlas Film studios before heading back to Marrakech while enjoying the spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N'Tichka pass, which at 7,415 feet is the highest pass in northern Africa. Overnight stay in Marrakech.
Day 8: Marrakech - End of our services
Your day is free today to explore or extend your stay in Marrakech and perhaps do some final souvenir shopping and sightseeing. End of our services.
What's Included
• Professional Local Guides
• Daily Breakfast is included / Dinner & Breakfast at the Desert Camp in Merzouga
• Transport Comfortable A/C Minibus with free onboard Wifi
• 3* Hotel Accommodation on Bed & Breakfast Basis (Upgrade to 4* hotels available on request)
• Private Sahara Tent on HB basis (Dinner & Lunch) at Merzouga
• Return Airport Transfer
• Professional Driver
• Our Assistance
* Price is based on 2 people sharing a double room, for solo travellers, there will be a single supplement.
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