Day 1: Marrakech
Arrival in Marrakech. Welcome to Morocco! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and, in the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride to the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square (included). Dinner will be included.
Day 2: Marrakech
Today, we´ll explore one of the most fascinating places in the world, the city that gave Morocco its name. Our city tour will take us through its strong walls, the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the Medina, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Bahia Palace (tickets included). Afterward, you´ll have free time for lunch (included) and to relax by the pool or in the hotel garden, or to shop in the souks. In the evening, you can join the Fantasy Party, an optional excursion offered by Europamundo.
Day 3: Marrakech - Ait benhadou - Ouarzazate - Boumalne dades
We’ll set out to cross the Atlas Mountains, where lofty peaks often covered in snow bid us farewell as we leave the palm groves of Marrakech. You’ll see small Berber villages clinging to the edges of deep gorges. Our journey includes a stop at the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, renowned for its appearances in numerous movies. As we travel through landscapes reminiscent of biblical scenes, we´ll pause in Ouarzazate, known for its impressive Kasbah. Continuing through the Valley of Roses, we´ll reach Boumalne Dades where dinner will be included. Note: Occasionally in winter, roads may close due to snowdrifts. If necessary, this part of the itinerary will be rescheduled according to our alternative plan. (Access to the Sahara Desert depends on road conditions).
Day 4: Boumalne dades - Todra - Erfoud
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the Sahara Desert: traverse the Valley of the Kasbahs, river valleys surrounded by thousands of palm trees, rocky plains merging into lush oases and adobe villages, and formidable fortresses guarding ancient thoroughfares. Our visit includes the awe-inspiring Todgha Gorge, a majestic canyon with towering walls rising more than 100 meters on both sides. En route, we´ll stop at a small adobe town near Khorbat, where you can learn about the desert community supported by the Europamundo Foundation (access may be affected by weather conditions such as river flooding). We’ll proceed towards Erfoud. For those interested, an off-road excursion to the Sahara Desert sand dunes offers a breathtaking sunset experience. Lunch will be included.
Day 5: Erfoud - Fez
We’ll depart early from Erfoud, crossing the Atlas Mountains amidst impressive gorges and stunning landscapes. We´ll traverse a high, cold plateau inhabited by nomadic shepherds. Our first stop will be in Midelt, located at the heart of this region. After lunch, we´ll continue our journey towards the Middle Atlas, where the scenery changes dramatically to a region characterized by forests and frequent winter snowfall. Near Azrou, in the National Park, we´ll visit "The House of Cedars", a small museum providing insights into the region. Here, we´ll also see the colonies of monkeys that inhabit the area. We’ll continue to Bahlil, a small and quiet village home to Berbers of the Middle Atlas. Its old center is very picturesque, with colorful streets. Traditionally, the population lived in caves, which have now been integrated into the houses. Continuing onward, we´ll head to Fez. Before reaching our hotel, we´ll take in the panoramic view of the city from the Marinid Tombs. Dinner will be provided.
Day 6: Fez - Volubilis - Moulay idriss - Meknes
We’ll include a city tour of Fez, entering through the Bronze Gates of the Royal Palace, exploring the Jewish quarter, its bustling souks, and the tannery district. Known as the cultural capital of the country and home to the oldest university in the world, Fez is renowned for its impressive Medina, which preserves the traditional Arab atmosphere like no other. We will end the visit with lunch at an ancient palace in the Medina (included). After lunch, admission will be included to the Archaeological Site of Volubilis, a World Heritage Site. Founded in the third century BC, Volubilis was the capital of Mauretania Tingitana and served as an important military outpost of the Roman Empire, where numerous beautiful monuments were built.We’ll then visit Moulay Idriss, a holy city and pilgrimage site for Muslims in Morocco, as it is the burial place of the great-grandson of Muhammad and founder of the first royal dynasty of Morocco. The city was closed to non-Muslims until 1912, and until 2005, non-Muslims could not stay overnight there. We will continue to Meknes for dinner (included) and accommodation.
Day 7: Meknes - Rabat - Casablanca
Visit of MEKNES, another fascinating city declared a World Heritage Site, founded for military purposes in the eleventh century by the Almoravids, was the capital of the kingdom in the time of Sultan Muley Ismaíl (1672-1727), founder of the Alaouite dynasty. This sovereign built an impressive city of Spanish-Moorish style, surrounding it with high walls, marked by monumental doors. We will be astonished by the immense gate of Bab el Mansur, the activity in the square el Hedim (reminiscent of the D, Jemaa square of Marrakesh). We include admission to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.After the visit, you will have free time and then we will continue our journey by bus. Time for lunch in the service area and arrival in RABAT, city tour of the capital of the Kingdom. We visit the powerful fortress of the Oudaia, the Hassan tower where the mausoleum of King Mohamed V is located, the walls of the Andalusians, the outer enclosure of the Royal Palace and the modern quarters of embassies. After our visit, free time and continuation of route. CASABLANCA -Arrival at the end of the day. Dinner included.
Day 8: Casablanca - Marrakech
This morning, we’ll start with an included guided tour of Morocco’s largest city and economic center. We’ll stroll along the grand avenues, visit the beautiful Mohamed V Square with its fountain, Moorish buildings, and palm trees, and walk through the Arab League Park. We’ll also explore the little Medina. Our tour includes admission to the impressive Hassan II Mosque (the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims), located by the sea and featuring a 210-meter-high minaret with laser lights pointing to Mecca. After the tour, you’ll have free time for lunch in the pleasant maritime area of La Corniche. After, we’ll travel to Marrakech. Dinner will be included at the hotel.
Day 9: Marrakech
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
