MOROCCO - The spell of the Sahara

Day 1: Athens – Marrakesh / Road Trip to Casablanca Meet at the airport and fly to exotic Marrakesh, which we’ll explore at the end of our trip. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer directly by road to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. Upon arrival, we’ll tour the city and take the opportunity to photograph the Great Mosque from the outer courtyard, the central Mohammed V Boulevard with its Art Deco buildings dating back to the French colonial era, the Royal Palace, and the Sacred Heart Cathedral. We’ll stroll through the Hamous craft market to pick up some beautiful souvenirs. Check-in at the hotel.

Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes – Fez After breakfast, we’ll depart by road for Rabat, the country’s capital. During our tour, we’ll walk along the left bank of the river to watch the fishermen returning with their catch from the Atlantic. Next, we’ll visit the fortified Oudaya Kasbah and walk along the Almohad walls. Once a pirate’s den, today Rabat is a modern and elegant city boasting impressive monuments and buildings such as the Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Muhammad V, and the architectural masterpiece known as the “Tower of Hassan.” We’ll continue on to nearby Meknes, the impressive capital of Sultan Ismail. We’ll admire the walls and fortifications that surround the city, and as we enter the old city, we’ll see the Bou Inania Madrasa, the El Mansour Gate, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Captivated by the sights, we arrive in Fez.

Day 3: Fez In the morning, from the hilltop where the Merinid Tombs are located, we’ll take in the valley in which Fez is built and spot the monuments scattered throughout the densely built city. We’ll begin our tour at the gleaming gates of the Royal Palaces, located next to the medina of “New” Fez el-Jdida. We’ll then pass through the ancient Bab Boujloud gates to enter the labyrinth of Fez el Bali. Here we’ll see the Koranic schools of Al-Atarin and Bou Anania, the Nejarin Fountain, the mausoleum of Moulay Idris, the Karaouine Mosque, and more. We’ll also visit the picturesque dye houses and observe the activities at Fez’s famous tanneries from a special viewing platform. Next, we’ll explore modern Fez Jdid, and there will be free time to get lost in the labyrinth of the old city’s souks. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Fez – Midelt – Erfoud Starting today, we’ll change scenery and head into the world of romantic Morocco with its oases, gorges, and kasbahs. But first, we’ll stop in Ifrane on the slopes of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Next, we’ll pass through the Azrou Cedar Forest and walk among the ancient trees. A stop in picturesque Midelt, and from here begins the continuous descent into the Sahara! We’ll cross the High Atlas and be awestruck by the unexpected sight of the Ziz Gorge, home to one of the most breathtaking palm groves in the Sahel. We’ll end up in Erfoud. In specially equipped 4x4s, we’ll take a drive to enjoy the sunset. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Erfoud – Todra Gorge – Ouarzazate We leave Erfoud and pass through the Berber towns. In Tinghir, we head to the Todra Gorge, which seems to crush the landscape between its giant cliffs. After exploring and taking photos, we continue along the oases toward the so-called “Road of 1,000 Kasbahs”! Most of them stand in ruins today. However, upon reaching Ouarzazate, we’ll stop for a photo at the imposing Taourirt Kasbah of the all-powerful Glaoui Pasha family. We’ll head to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 6: Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – Marrakesh A unique offering from our company is a visit to the Atlas Film Studios, where various well-known international films were shot—an amazing experience!! Next, we’ll visit the spectacular Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, a unique mud-brick fortified village listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many famous Hollywood films, such as *Lawrence of Arabia*, were filmed at this location, which is now being rapidly restored. In the afternoon, we arrive at the “Courtyard of Wonders” and Morocco’s most exotic city, the famous Marrakesh. You’ll have time for a first visit to the central square. Dinner and overnight stay. 

Day 7: Marrakesh Our tour today of the imperial city founded by the Almoravids in the late 11th century begins after our hearty breakfast. Marrakech is the second-oldest imperial city and is considered the jewel of the South, both because of its geographical location at the foot of the Atlas Mountains and the abundance of exceptional monuments that adorn the city. We’ll visit the Koutoubia Mosque with its impressive minaret, the Menara Gardens, the Bahia Palace, Jemaa el-Fna Square, and the souks of the Medina. At lunchtime, you can try misoui, the traditional Berber roast that is dug out from the bowels of the earth, where it is left to slow-roast in giant underground ovens. In the afternoon, we’ll wander through the labyrinthine and exotic souks. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: Marrakesh – Athens Transfer to the airport for the return flight to Greece. Arrival in Greece filled with rich impressions from the enchanting country of Morocco.