Experience a golden adventure through Morocco’s historic capitals. Travel from north to south, exploring the imperial cities of Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Meknes, and Marrakech. Along the way, you’ll be captivated by the enchanting magic of the desert, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Upon your arrival in Casablanca, Morocco's bustling economic center you will be welcomed by a Goldfinch Tours representative holding a sign with your name as you exit the airport
we will meet you and begin a brief tour of the city. Our visit includes the vast Hassan II Mosque, a prominent Islamic landmark with the world's tallest minaret and the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims.
Following our tour, we will head to Rabat, the diplomatic and administrative capital of Morocco. There, we will give you a short introduction to key landmarks such as the Kasbah des Oudayas and the Mohammed V Mausoleum. Afterward, we will escort you to your riad or hotel for check-in. We will spend the night in Rabat.
a hotel drop-off is provided
After breakfast, we will set off towards the mountains, making a stop in Asilah, a fortified town from the Portuguese colonial era featuring 15th-century ramparts and gates. This charming town offers a blend of Spanish influence and Moroccan traditions.
We will then continue our journey to Chefchaouen, ascending into the imposing Rif Mountains. The approach to Chefchaouen, a vividly blue town nestled among rugged peaks, is breathtaking.
Once you've settled into your riad for the night, you'll have time to stroll through the medina's blue and white walls and browse the unique local crafts markets. With its distinct aesthetic and stunning mountain backdrop, Chefchaouen is a paradise for photographers.
a hotel drop-off is provided
After breakfast, you will head to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for being the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. This significant Roman town showcases intricate and beautiful mosaics, offering a unique glimpse into Morocco's ancient history.
Following this, we will proceed to Meknes, one of Morocco's most prominent imperial cities, often referred to as the "Versailles of Morocco" due to the splendor and complexity of its architecture and monuments.
We will spend time exploring Meknes' highlights, including the Bab Mansour gate, Sahrij Souani reservoir, and the old Medina, before continuing to Fes, the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco.
a hotel drop-off is provided
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before setting off on a guided tour of the iconic Fes medina. Meet your knowledgeable local guide, who will navigate you through the maze-like alleyways of this historic city. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere, where traditional modes of transport like donkeys and mules traverse the narrow streets.
Wander through the vibrant souks, where the air is infused with the rich scents of spices and perfumes. Observe the traditional craft of leatherworking at the tanneries, where artisans employ age-old techniques to create high-quality leather goods. Despite the pungent odors, the leather products crafted here are famed worldwide and make excellent souvenirs.
In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at one of the authentic restaurants nestled within the medina. Return to your hotel for a restful night's sleep, your mind filled with memories of your Fes adventure.
a hotel drop-off is provided
After picking you up from your hotel in Fes, we'll set off on a scenic journey to Ifrane, passing through hills covered in forests of cork oak and giant cedar, home to a few remaining Barbary apes. Crossing the stunning passes of both the Middle and High Atlas ranges, we'll catch our first glimpse of the south's remarkable architecture.
After traversing a barren plain of scrub and desert on the other side of the mountains, we'll stop for lunch in the town of Midelt, offering a fantastic view of the dramatic High Atlas peaks rising behind the town. Crossing Tizi-n-Talremt (Pass of the She-Camel), we'll descend into a desert plain along the Ziz Valley.
Continuing south to Erfoud and Rissani, we'll explore a vast oasis containing over six million palm trees, edged by numerous ksours (fortified villages). Our route will take us through this immense palm oasis and across a vast stony plain, marking the transition to the desert, until we reach the serene desert town of Merzouga. Here, we'll mount our camels (or 4WD if you prefer), and ride into the pink sands of the Erg Chebbi.
We'll have time to wander around the dunes before watching the sunset, then spend the evening at a Luxury Berber Camp amidst the dunes. Enjoy a campfire, a Moroccan feast, and traditional Berber blues music. After dark, relax outside and marvel at the stars and the crystal-clear Milky Way, a sight few people have witnessed.
After awakening to a breathtaking desert sunrise and savoring breakfast, we'll have a couple of hours to unwind before setting off on a 4WD off-road tour across the dunes. During the tour, we'll visit the oasis of Merzouga, the nomadic depository, and Khamlia Village, where we can listen to Gnawa music performed by locals. These musicians are descendants of former slaves who traveled from Senegal to Morocco along the Salt Route. We'll then meet desert nomads in their tents and gain insight into their traditional lifestyle.
Our journey continues to the nearby Lake of Merzouga, known for its diverse bird population. Following this visit, we'll enjoy a lunch of homemade Berber pizza before returning to our kasbah. There, we'll be welcomed with a refreshing glass of tea and have some time to relax by the pool.
Embrace the tranquil beauty of the desert with a leisurely day amidst the vast Sahara sands. You can enhance your desert adventure with optional activities like horseback riding, ATV quad biking, or dune buggy rides.
As the afternoon wanes, take another camel ride through the dunes at sunset, or opt for an exhilarating ride on dune buggies or ATV quads guided by a professional. This will lead us back to our camp, where we will spend another enchanting night under the star-filled sky.
Upon your request, our team will rouse you before dawn to marvel at the desert sunrise, where the sand's hues blend with shadows on the dunes. Following a light breakfast and tea, we'll embark on a 4x4 journey back to the Kasbah to freshen up, then meet your private driver again , now head westward to the Todra Gorge, often dubbed "Morocco's Grand Canyon." Lunch will be savored amidst the gorge's splendor, followed by a leisurely stroll to soak in the panoramic vistas. Later, we'll reach the Dades Gorge, where the setting sun casts a mesmerizing orange hue on the rocks. Dinner and overnight accommodations await at our hotel.
a hotel drop-off is provided
In the morning, we embark on a journey through the stunning High Atlas mountains, following the scenic route known as the road of thousand kasbahs. Along the way, we take a brief hike to admire the valley below and visit the unique Berber troglodyte villages. Our next stop is Ouarzazate, a vibrant city often dubbed "The Hollywood of Morocco" due to its role as a backdrop for numerous renowned films and series like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones.
Continuing our exploration, we venture to the iconic Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a famous location for filming. Crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains, we finally reach Marrakech, a captivating city steeped in history and culture. Known as the "Southern Pearl" of Morocco, Marrakech beckons with its labyrinthine alleys, bustling souks, and vibrant markets. A hub of trade and travel for centuries, Marrakech never fails to enchant adventurous souls, promising an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
a hotel drop-off is provided
After enjoying a delightful breakfast at your Riad/hotel , a seasoned local guide will escort you through the enchanting maze of Marrakech's narrow alleys, lush gardens, and hidden markets. Your journey will lead you to the vibrant Djemaa el Fna, a cultural hub and UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the towering minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque graces the skyline.
As night falls, the square comes alive with a symphony of sights and sounds—food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians, and henna artists create a mesmerizing atmosphere. Following your guided tour, you'll have the entire day to indulge in leisurely pursuits, whether it's indulging in a rejuvenating hammam experience or delving deeper into the bustling souks of the ancient medina .
a hotel drop-off is provided
As we prepare to part ways, we'll assist you with any necessary departure arrangements and ensure your seamless transfer to the airport. Wrapping up our enriching 10-days adventure across Morocco from Casablanca, we sincerely hope your journey with us has been filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories.
Safe travels, and until we meet again!