City Tours Sahara: Premium Morocco in Depth with Essaouira
Tour Description:
Venture from Mountain to Desert and City to Sea in Morocco
Embark on an indulgent 18-day Premium journey with City Tours Sahara through Morocco, where you’ll experience a feast for the senses. Explore the charming blue washed streets of Chefchaouen, the animated medina of Meknes, the historical Old Town of Fes, and the lively Djemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech. Delight in tea with an Amazigh family in the Dades Valley, savor pastilla in the home of a Fes local, spend an unforgettable evening beneath the stars in the Sahara Desert, and unwind in the seaside town of Essaouira. From diverse culture to boundless hospitality, discover a country that defies expectations.
Tour Highlights:
– Immerse yourself in the Moroccan way of life as you travel with a local leader and expert guides, sharing dinner in a local home in Fes, enjoying tea with an Amazigh family in the Dades Valley, and meeting the women of the Tawesna social enterprise in Ait Benhaddou.
– Explore Morocco’s iconic sights, including the ruins of Volubilis, the picturesque blue city of Chefchaouen, the remarkable Sahara Desert, the timeless Ait Benhaddou, the vibrant cities of Fes and Marrakech, and the relaxed seaside city of Essaouira.
– Experience an escape from the modern world at your feature stay camp in a remote oasis among the dunes of the Sahara Desert, complete with comfortable beds, en suite bathrooms, authentic décor, a traditional feast, and live music under a star-filled sky.
– Indulge in Morocco’s culinary delights, from a traditional feast at a restaurant in Casablanca to a picnic at the ruins of Volubilis, a goat’s cheese tasting in Chefchaouen, and a medfouna demonstration in Khemliya. Plus, enjoy a hands-on cooking class with a celebrated chef, harvesting fresh ingredients and transforming them into aromatic dishes.
Itinerary :
Day 1: Casablanca
Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Casablanca Airport, our representative will warmly greet you and transfer you to Hotel Gray. Your exciting journey kicks off at 6 pm with a crucial welcome meeting. If you have some extra time, explore Casablanca’s cultural richness, such as the Villa des Arts gallery or the Museum of Judaism. Join your group for a delightful dinner in a traditional restaurant, savoring iconic Moroccan dishes like tagine and couscous.
Accommodation: Hotel Gray or similar (1 night)
Meals: Dinner
Included Activities:
– Complimentary Arrival Transfer
– Casablanca – Welcome Dinner
Add-on Activities:
– Casablanca – Villa des Arts Gallery & Museum (entrance fee)
– Casablanca – Jewish Museum (entrance fee)
– Casablanca – The Medina and Beyond Urban Adventure
Special Information:
Ensure attendance at the welcome meeting for insurance and emergency contact information. If arriving late, notify your travel agent or hotel. Please provide flight details at least 14 days in advance for airport transfer arrangements.
Day 2: Meknes
Begin your day exploring the impressive Mosque of Hassan II in Casablanca, one of the few religious sites open to non-Muslims. Journey north to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, and discover its medina, the Kasbah des Oudaias, and landmarks like the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Continue to Meknes, the former capital, and stay at Riad Ritaj for the night.
Accommodation: Riad Ritaj or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities:
– Casablanca – Hassan II Mosque
– Rabat – Kasbah des Oudaias
– Rabat – Hassan Tower
– Rabat – Mausoleum Mohammed V
Special Information:
Approximately 3.5 hours of travel time today.
Day 3: Chefchaouen
Explore Meknes’s medina, visit the shrine of Moulay Ismail, and witness the granaries and local markets. Continue to the Roman ruins of Volubilis for a guided tour and a picnic lunch. Conclude the day in Chefchaouen, renowned for its blue-hued buildings. Enjoy a night at Dar Echchaouen.
Accommodation: Dar Echchaouen or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities:
– Meknes – Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
– Volubilis – Picnic Lunch
– Volubilis – Entrance and guided tour
– Meknes – Medina walking tour
Special Information:
Approximately 4 hours of travel time today.
Day 4: Chefchaouen
Discover Chefchaouen’s charm during a guided tour of its blue medina. Taste goat’s cheese, indulge in free time, and consider a homecooked dinner. Stay again at Dar Echchaouen.
Accommodation: Dar Echchaouen or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities:
– Chefchaouen – Goat Cheese Tasting
– Chefchaouen – Medina walking tour
Day 5: Fes
Bid farewell to Chefchaouen and journey to Fes. Experience a unique pastilla dinner in a local family’s home. Stay at Riad Houyam.
Accommodation: Riad Houyam or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities:
– Fes – Home-cooked Pastilla Dinner
Special Information:
Approximately 3.5 hours of travel time today.
Day 6: Fes
Explore Fes el Bali, the Old Town, with its historic sites, markets, and intricate alleys. Visit Al-Attarine Madrasa, the tanneries, and Funduk Nejjarine. Enjoy a tea break and experience the city’s rich history. Stay again at Riad Houyam.
Accommodation: Riad Houyam or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities:
– Fes – Medina walking tour
– Fes – Funduq al-Najjarin
– Fes – Medersa El Attarine
– Fes – Tea Break
Day 7: Erfoud
Embark on a scenic drive to Erfoud, witnessing Morocco’s diverse landscapes. Arrive in Erfoud, a desert oasis town, and enjoy the local ambiance. Stay at L’Hotel by Chateau de Sable.
Accommodation: L’Hotel by Chateau de Sable or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Special Information:
Approximately 7 hours of travel time today.
Day 8: Merzouga
Explore Khemliya, a village on the edge of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. Take part in a medfouna cooking demonstration and ride a camel to your Feature Stay camp in the Sahara. Indulge in an Amazigh dinner with Gnaoua music under the starlit sky at Golden Camp.
Accommodation: Golden Camp (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities:
– Sahara Desert – Camel ride
– Khemliya – Village walking tour
– Khemliya – Medfouna cooking demonstration
– Sahara Desert – Amazigh dinner with Gnaoua music
Special Information:
The camel rides on Days 8 and 9 are optional.
Day 9: Dades
Embark on a sunrise camel ride, witness the beauty of the desert, and then drive to Todra Gorge for a hike. Continue to Dades Valley for breathtaking landscapes. Stay at Hotel Xaluca.
Accommodation: Hotel Xaluca or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities:
– Sahara Desert – Camel ride
– Todra Gorge – Hike
Special Information:
Approximately 4.5 hours of travel time today.
Day 10: Dades
Explore the Dades Valley on foot, stopping for tea with a local Amazigh family. Discover the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Stay again at Hotel Xaluca.
Accommodation: Hotel Xaluca or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities:
– Dades – Tea-making demonstration
– Dades – Hike
Day 11: Ait Benhaddou
Travel the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed hilltop village. Enjoy a guided walk, visit Taman’Art Space, and savor lunch at Tawesna. Stay at Riad Tamdakht.
Accommodation: Riad Tamdakht or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities:
– Skoura – Kasbah and Oasis visit
– Ait Benhaddou – Leader-led ksar walk
– Ait Benhaddou – Lunch at Tawesna
– Ait Benhaddou – Taman’Art Space Studio Visit
Special Information:
Approximately 2 hours of travel time today.
Day 12: Ouirgane
Drive through the Atlas Mountains to Ouirgane, a tranquil village offering scenic walks and stunning views. Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the area or hiking with a local guide. Stay at Ksar Shama.
Accommodation: Ksar Shama or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Special Information:
Approximately 6 hours of travel time today.
Day 13: Marrakech
Participate in a cooking class in Tahanaout and then travel to Marrakech. Check in to Longue Vie Hotel and explore Djemaa el-Fna, one of the largest public squares globally. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and dine at a rooftop restaurant.
Accommodation: Longue Vie Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities:
– Tahnaout – Cooking class
Special Information:
Approximately 1.5 hours of travel time today.
Day 14: Marrakech
Embark on a morning tour of Marrakech’s old medina, Bahia Palace, and Koutoubia Mosque. Enjoy fresh orange juice from a local stall and spend the day exploring. Consider a farewell dinner with your group.
Accommodation: Longue Vie Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Included Activities:
– Marrakech – Medina walking tour
– Marrakech – Palais Bahia
– Marrakech – Fresh orange juice tasting
Day 15: Essaouira
Drive to Essaouira and embark on an orientation walk with your leader. Visit the seafood market, choose your catch of the day, and enjoy a grilled lunch. Spend the evening exploring Essaouira.
Accommodation: Atlas Essaouira or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities:
– Essaouira – Seafood Market Lunch
– Essaouira – Leader-led orientation walk
Special Information:
Approximately 2.5 hours of travel time today.
Day 16: Essaouira
Enjoy a free day in Essaouira to explore its charming streets, coastal views, and cultural attractions. Optional activities include horse riding, visiting a hamam, or indulging in an Amazigh massage.
Accommodation: Atlas Essaouira or similar (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Add-on Activities:
– Essaouira – Horse Riding
– Essaouira – Hamam (public baths)
– Essaouira – Amazigh Massage
Day 17: Marrakech
Spend the morning exploring Essaouira further before returning to Marrakech. Enjoy the evening in Djemaa el-Fna and dine at one of the square’s outdoor restaurants.
Accommodation: 2Ciels Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals: None
Day 18: Marrakech
Your journey ends after breakfast. Check out and depart at your convenience. Arrange a private airport transfer if needed or extend your stay to explore more of Marrakech’s offerings.
Meals: Breakfast
