Magical Morocco

Upon arrival our exploration begins with a delightful a visit to the iconic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. As a marvel of contemporary Moroccan architecture, the mosque stands as an intricate showcase of traditional arts, providing a captivating introduction to the country’s rich cultural heritage.

After absorbing the grandeur of the mosque, our journey continues through the streets and boulevards constructed during the French protectorate in the 1930s. These thoroughfares unveil a fascinating display of art deco architecture, offering glimpses into Morocco’s historical evolution.

Along our route, a potential stop may bring us to the Church of Casablanca, where the mid-fifties-stained glass work by the French artisan, Mr. Gabriel LOIRE, awaits exploration. This adds an artistic dimension to our tour, highlighting the cultural interplay within Casablanca’s architectural heritage. As the tour concludes, we ensure your seamless return to your hotel, providing a comfortable conclusion to a day filled with architectural marvels and cultural discoveries.

At the end of this enriching tour, our commitment to your comfort extends to hassle-free transportation back to your hotel.

Embark on a journey from Casablanca after breakfast, heading towards Meknes, an imperial city encased within the formidable triple layers of walls and bastions.

Established in 1672 by a formidable king who aimed for its grandeur to rival European royal cities, Meknes unfolds its history on a sightseeing tour. Explore the renowned granaries and stables from the 17th century, pay homage at the king’s mausoleum, and wander through the main square. A highlight awaits at Bab el Mansour, an imposing gate immortalized in a famous painting by Delacroix, marking the entrance to the royal quarter. Enjoy some free time to peruse the traditional food market, where Moroccan pastries, olives, and an array of spices tantalize the senses.

In the afternoon, venture to the Roman Ruins of Volubilis, the most remarkable archaeological site in Morocco. A specialist guide will lead an insightful tour of this ancient city, unveiling its historical richness.

As the day winds down, arrive in Fez by late afternoon, your senses filled with the history and flavors of Meknes and Volubilis.

Explore the ancient wonders of Fes, the oldest royal city in Morocco, founded in the 9th century. Renowned as the most complete medieval city in the Arab world, Fes has meticulously preserved its medieval charm and way of life.

Begin your day with a tour of the city’s ramparts, immersing yourself in the rich history and culture. Your senses will come alive during a guided tour inside Fes el Bali (old Fes), weaving through food and spice markets, handicraft quarters, vibrant souks, and auction markets. Dive into the heart of medieval children’s schools, engaging with teachers and pupils. Explore artisan workshops, unlocking the secrets of ancestral arts, and witness the artistry in public bakeries and pastry makers nestled in residential quarters, all against the backdrop of historical fountains, mosques, and sanctuaries.

The pinnacle of your morning awaits within the 14th century Medersa, a theological school boasting intricate architecture. Explore the surroundings of the Karaouine Mosque, once the world’s oldest university, established in 857 AD by lady Fatima AlFihriya.

In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace from the late 19th century, once the residence of King Hassan I and now a museum showcasing traditional arts of Fez. Continue to Fez El Jedid (new Fez) for a leisurely stroll in the Jewish quarter, where a 17th-century synagogue awaits your visit. Delight in the unique ambiance of the jewelry market.

Today, our journey takes us south, traversing the fertile plains beyond Fez and winding through the Middle Atlas mountain range. The landscape transforms into a captivating tapestry, markedly different from our previous experiences. En route, we’ll pause to explore the cedar forest and the Swiss-inspired town of Ifrane, nestled near a charming ski resort.

Continuing our adventure, we’ll pass through Azrou, a quintessential Berber town surrounded by forests that serve as the habitat for Barbary apes. Midway, we’ll take a break in the town of Midelt, situated at an elevation of 5000 feet between the High Atlas and Middle Atlas Mountains. Formerly a mining town, Midelt is now regarded as the region’s apple crop capital in Morocco.

In the early afternoon, we’ll set our sights on Rachidia, a pre-desert town. Along the way, we’ll encounter the tents of nomadic shepherds and their flocks of goats and sheep. Our journey will include picturesque stops along the magnificent gorges of the Ziz Valley, passing through rows of towering palm trees and mud-made fortified villages before reaching Erfoud.

From Erfoud, our adventure takes an exciting turn as we board 4×4 vehicles for a desert expedition into the sands of Merzouga. Here, the highlight awaits – a captivating camel ride over the high sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. Amidst the vast silence, we’ll witness the sun setting over the desert, proceeding at a leisurely pace on our camels.

As we approach our desert camp, a sense of anticipation builds as the staff extends a warm and gracious welcome, inviting us to partake in an extraordinary experience amidst the vastness of the Moroccan Sahara. Nestled in the serene desert landscape, our accommodation features comfortable tents, thoughtfully equipped with all the amenities needed for a tranquil overnight stay under the starlit sky.

As the sun sets, casting mesmerizing hues over the dunes, we gather for a truly immersive evening. A traditional dinner, carefully crafted to tantalize the senses with authentic flavors, becomes a feast for both the palate and the soul. To enhance this enchanting atmosphere, the rhythmic melodies of a local band echo through the desert, creating a captivating soundtrack to our night in the heart of the Sahara.

This unique blend of comfort, cultural richness, and natural beauty promises an unforgettable experience, where the allure of the desert comes to life in every detail, making it a night to cherish in the embrace of Morocco’s stunning landscapes.

After an early rise to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the sand dunes, we’ll indulge in a hearty breakfast before bidding farewell to the Sahara Desert and setting our course for Skoura.

Our journey commences with a traverse through a sequence of lush oases, where remnants of medieval Khettara irrigation systems and local agricultural activities tell tales of the region’s rich history.

Our first stop brings us to Tineghir, a mesmerizing oasis nestled at the base of the High Atlas Mountains. Driving along this enchanting valley, we’ll capture extraordinary moments with our cameras, savoring the natural beauty of the surroundings. A highlight of our day awaits as we embark on a walk along the 984-foot deep Todra Gorge, home to a diverse array of rare plants and bird species.

As the afternoon unfolds, we embark on a picturesque journey along the famed “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs.” This region boasts earth-made fortresses adorned with intricately decorated facades; a unique architectural style synonymous with the southern part of Morocco. Our route takes us through “The Valley of the Roses” and El Kelaa M’gouna, often referred to as Morocco’s “rose capital,” before our day’s adventure concludes in the charming town of Skoura.

Today promises an intriguing exploration of the authentic side of this medieval city, providing a glimpse into the traditional activities of the locals and offering insight into their way of life.

Our journey encompasses the remnants of the glorious past of this historic capital of Morocco.

As we traverse some of the oldest quarters in the city, we’ll immerse ourselves in the ambient sounds of children reciting verses in different Quran schools. Our path will unveil old fountains, historical gates, an ancient bakery where we’ll savor local bread, and the furnace that heats the public steam bath, understanding their pivotal role in the social life of each quarter. A visit to the nearby archaeological site of the Almoravid dynasty dome awaits us—a monument dating back to the early 12th century and the oldest in Marrakech. Our adventure continues as we uncover the hidden quarters and explore the historical Fondouks, once utilized as hotels for caravan traders. Today, these spaces are still vibrant, serving as workshops for Marrakech artisans who preserve their ancestral skills in crafting various local goods.

Later this morning, we’ll navigate the lively Jemaa El Fna Square, immersing ourselves in its local entertainments and savoring the flavors of food stalls.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant daily life of an authentic mountain community. The round-trip through the dramatic Atlas landscapes by a luxurious SUV will be your only non-Amazigh experience on this eye-opening, hands-on adventure.

Embark on a journey where you actively participate in the local way of life. Begin with baking bread and preparing tagine in the kitchen of a village family, establishing connections over a pot of traditional mint tea – brewed by your own hands! Your guide, a friendly companion, will facilitate conversations, adding a delightful touch to the experience.

As lunch simmers, engage in a hands-on ceramics workshop, molding wet clay into unique creations. Later, try your hand at weaving a vibrant kilim alongside local women using their prized ancestral looms. Take a stroll through the farm terraces, gaining insights into the laborious processes of ancient irrigation and subsistence farming methods.

The adventure extends to the community’s youngest members as you visit a charity pre-school center, where little Berbers learn Arabic in preparation for their educational journey.

The atmosphere encourages casual conversations – how is your Arabic?

A cooking class commences with a comprehensive introduction, shedding light on the pivotal role of cooking in Moroccan society. It delves into the rich tapestry of recipes crafted by Dadas (traditional female cooks) over the centuries, specifically tailored for significant occasions like marriages, holy days, and family festivals.

Our culinary journey unfolds with an exploration of the most traditional recipes, including pastilla, couscous, and the diverse array of tajines (stews typically made with lamb or chicken). Simultaneously, we delve into the foundational elements of Moroccan cuisine, including the art of using spices and herbs, and various cooking techniques.

To enhance the immersive experience, we venture to a nearby spice market and communal bread oven, witnessing the vibrant community activity where neighborhood families bake their bread. This hands-on encounter provides a deeper understanding of the cultural and culinary intricacies woven into the fabric of Moroccan cooking.

After lunch, embark on a delightful stroll through the famous garden created by the orientalist painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s.

This lush oasis is home to a diverse collection of plants from around the world, thriving amidst ornamental ponds and an Art Deco villa painted in the distinctive ‘Majorelle blue,’ a shade named after the artist. The garden also boasts over 15 bird species endemic to North Africa and an impressive array of cacti. Formerly owned by the French designer Yves Saint Laurent, the garden now houses the beautifully designed Berber museum, showcasing Yves Saint Laurent’s personal collection of Berber antiques. Here, you’ll discover fascinating insights into the culture of Morocco’s Berbers and marvel at the exquisite treasures of local antiques.

Our exploration continues with a visit to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, dedicated to the artistic design and creations of his illustrious career. This modern museum displays a significant selection from the designer’s remarkable art and design collection, inaugurated simultaneously with its counterpart in Paris.

Essaouira, a captivating, fortified town, boasts a 16th-century Portuguese fort and a well-preserved mid-eighteenth-century Medina. Seamlessly blending European military architecture with Moroccan styles, it served as a vital caravan trade market and international seaport connecting Morocco with sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. The town exemplifies multicultural coexistence, with Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities harmoniously sharing its vibrant streets.

Our journey starts with a scenic drive from Marrakech to the Atlantic coast, passing through the Argan tree forest. En route, we visit a cooperative crafting renowned Moroccan Argan oil. Upon entering Essaouira, we explore its traditional streets, food markets, and artisan workshops. The Museum of Essaouira showcases artifacts, including finds from Mogador islands and Berber jewelry. We ascend the Portuguese fortress, once a prominent 16th-century explorers’ port.

Guided by our knowledgeable guide, we delve into local art galleries and cabinet-making workshops, immersing ourselves in the town’s rich artistic heritage. A visit to the fishing harbor offers an optional seafood lunch. A leisurely stroll along the beach or town shopping concludes our day of cultural exploration and coastal charm before our return to Marrakech.

Our tour leader will facilitate a transfer from Essaouira to Casablanca and then ensure a smooth departure by assisting with your airport transfer for the return flight.