Tour Highlights:
- Guided tours of iconic destinations such as Marrakech and Essaouira
- Lunch with a local family in Ait Alla
- Visit the famous Ouzoud Waterfalls
- Trek through the beautiful Atlas Mountains
- Climb the pass of Fedghat, enjoying panoramic views
- Visit the famous Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
- Witness the UNESCO Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou
Overview
This 11 day tour will have you immersed in all that Morocco has to offer. From trekking the Atlas Mountains to exploring some of the world’s most famous landmarks, this private tour is an experience you will never forget.
Inclusions
- 10 nights accommodation
- Daily Breakfast, 3 full-board and 2 half-board days
- Transportation to each destination
- Guided Tour in Marrakech and Essaouira
- Lunch with a local family in Ait Alla
- Private transfers to and from airport as per your flight schedule
Itinerary
Marrakesh pulses with an electric energy that’s palpable in every corner. It’s a city where the past dances with the present, and every step unveils a vibrant tapestry of colors, sounds, and aromas From the bustling souks to the lively street performances in Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Marrakesh’s energy is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.
Embark on an enchanting journey through Marrakech, a city that unfolds like a fairy tale from its founding in 1062. Marrakech’s golden era positioned it as the heart of an empire stretching from Algiers to the Atlantic, and from the Mediterranean to almost Senegal, imbuing it with a rich historical tapestry.
Today, we’ll guide you through the city’s most captivating sights, all nestled within the ancient city walls where traditional mud brick homes stand in harmony with elegant French colonial architecture. Our exploration begins with the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, renowned for its majestic minaret that dominates the Mar- rakech skyline, serving as a landmark of Islamic architecture.
Next, we delve into the opulence of the Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan design, adorned with intricate stucco, vibrant zellij tiles, and expansive gardens that transport visitors to a bygone era of luxury. We’ll also visit the Medersa Ben Youssef, an architectural gem that once served as an Islamic college, showcasing the zenith of Moroccan art and craftsmanship.
The afternoon is yours to wander at leisure, offering the chance to delve deeper into Marrakech’s allure. Whether you choose to meander through the bustling souks, relax in serene gardens, or discover hidden courtyards, the city’s beauty and mystique are yours to uncover.
After breakfast, we will leave Marrakech and drive towards the famous Ouzoud waterfalls, north of Marrakech in the village of Tanaghmeilt, the province of Azilal. On our way, you will drive past fields of olive trees and enjoy beautiful natural landscapes and a panoramic views of the Berber villages in the middle mountains of the Atlas.
The Ouzoud waterfalls are vast waterfalls of more than 100m in height surrounded by nature an inhabited by animals like the Barbary monkey who live in this valley and are strangely accustomed to visitors. You will have the opportunity to explore the waterfalls from their source and after lunch you can discover the surrounding area with a walk in the beautiful natural area surrounding the falls.
Driving from the Ouzoud waterfalls towards Zawit Ahnssal, the journey unveils the rugged splendor of the Atlas Mountains. This tranquil region, known for preserving Berber traditions and architecture, invites visitors into the heart of Morocco’s rural charm.
In Zawit Ahnssal, the warmth of local hospitality shines through interactions with the community, offering insights into their rich culture and daily lives. Zawit Ahnssal is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its surrounding mountains providing ample opportunities for trekking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. These activities not only immerse travelers in the breathtaking landscapes but also allow for a closer connection with the natural beauty and serenity of the area.
Today marks the start of our trek: a total immersion in nature and bivouacking in isolated villages! We will follow the Ahansal river up to its source near the village of Taghia (1,900 m), which is only accessible on foot. This magnificent limestone cirque is the world’s fourth-most popular climbing spot due to its cliffs that are over 800 meters high. Yet, it remains largely unknown. We will take a tea break with a local family in the village. We can visit the famous ‘Berber passage’ clinging to the cliff.
Continuing our adventure, we head towards the enchanting Ait Bougmez Valley, often called the ‘Happy Valley’ for its lush landscapes and vibrant communities. This part of the Atlas Mountains is a serene haven, showcasing green fields and traditional homes against a backdrop of towering peaks. The welcoming smiles of locals offer a peek into their enduring traditions and lifestyles. Our trek will lead us through orchards and past historical sites, like the ancient Sidi Moussa granary.
As evening falls, we’ll camp in a tranquil spot within the valley, surrounded by natural beauty. Here, under a starlit sky, we’ll savor the day’s experiences, cherishing the peace and simplicity that Ait Bougmez offers.
After breakfast, we continue our discovery to the village of Ibakliwen visiting an ancient dinosaur’s footprint then following a magnificent trail we go down the beautiful valley through terraced gardens orchards and small villages. We will visit the Marabout of Sidi Moussa (a venerated saint, renowned for the care of spiritual diseases and fertility for women).
After enjoying the magnificent view, we continue down to share our lunch in a local family’s home, continuing in the afternoon to the village of Agouti.
Night in a guest house.
We leave the Bouguemez valley and drive into the beautiful Tassaout valley through a spectacular landscape, varied colours; ochre of the mountains and green of the gardens. Stop on the way to visit the natural bridge of Imi-n-Ifri. From there, the roads will engage you in the heart of the Atlas Mountain. The scenery is breathtaking; you will discover the beautiful valley of Tassaout with an Authentic architecture of the Berber Villages of the ‘Heights’.
Lunch will be arranged in local Berber family at the village of Ait Alla. After that we will climb to the pass of Fedghat 2181m, enjoy the great panorama of the southern slops before winding down towards the lush oasis of Skoura.
Morning visit of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, a well preserved Ksar, which has been used as a backdrop for many historical films, including Lawrence of Arabia, The Last Temptation of Christ, and Gladiator. It was one of the important fortress strongholds on the old Salt Road Caravan Routes, where traders brought salves, gold and, ivory and salt from sub-Saharan Africa to Marrakech and beyond. This experience is something memorable for many visitors.
In the afternoon we drive through the volcanic mountains of the Anti-Atlas, heading first to Taznakht, a small town known for weaving Berber rugs, then Taliouine, the capital of Saffron.
After lunch, we arrive in Taroudant, a city located at the intersection of the Souss valley and the mountains of the High Atlas. Known as “Little Marrakech”, it has many stories to tell, it was the first capital of the Saadian’s dynasty during the sixteenth century, a refuge for rebel princes and coveted by the southern tribes. Nature, history culture and modernity make Taroudant an attractive city to visit, wander the colourful souks and relax in the warm sun reflecting off the ochre walls.
Today we’ll drive straight to Agadir, the pearl of the Souss and Morocco’s main western seaport on the Atlantic Ocean. Afterward, we’ll drive along the beautiful coastal road to Essaouira, the modern name of the famous historic city of Mogador, a colorful coastal fishing town that offers an ocean climate, beautiful beach, a fishing port, impressive fortifications, and a wonderful Medina. Visit the fortifications and the excellent factories generation which sell locally carved and polished thuya wood products, visit the Skala and the port, the Jewish quarter and the government craft centre for silver.
Moving on we will descend towards the Atlantic coast to the famous Essaouira, one of the most picturesque towns in Morocco. A colourful coastal fishing town famous for its narrow alleys, delicious sea food, interesting craft shops, sea-kissed architecture, white washed walls with bright blue shutters and uniquely chilled atmosphere. The name of this pretty city means image, which you may feel appropriate as you witness a sunset from the beach while listening to the waves crashing onto the ramparts enveloping the cities whitewashed houses in hues of orange, pink and red, unforgettable!
Essaouira faces a group of rocky islands, called the Mogador, and is surrounded by an expanse of sandy beaches and dunes. It’s still a busy fishing port and its pretty harbour is filled with tiny colourful boats which go out early every morning for the day’s catch. Visitors who have been seduced by its charms include Orson Welles and Jimi Hendrix, who (according to local legend) spent much of his time here in the 1960s. More recently, filmmaker Ridley Scott chose the ramparts as an important location for his film, Kingdom of Heaven. Join a local guide for a walking tour through the old medina.
After breakfast, we will drive to Casablanca, the economic capital of the country, with its beautiful palm tree-lined paths and the Atlantic Ocean over the horizon. Visit the famous Hassan II Mosque: the largest mosque in Morocco and the third largest mosque in the world. An important cultural and religious site, it’s a breath taking sight, standing on a promontory looking out to the Atlantic, which can be seen through a gigantic glass floor. Free time for the rest of the day.
Departure assistance and transfer to the airport of Casablanca according to your flight schedule.
