Moroccan Explorer 2012 - 13 Go to Operator's Site

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1 Marrakech.

We meet our Topdeck representative for our included airport transfer. An optional half day tour out to the stunning Ourika Valley to see traditional Berber villages is available to those arriving early today – otherwise, a free day. In the evening we meet our Trip Leader to find out more about our trip.

Day 2 Marrakech.

This morning we take a traditional horse and carriage followed by a half day city tour with a local guide visiting the Tombs, the Palace, the medina and the famous Djemaa el-fna square. (B)

Day 3 Marrakech – Rabat.

Our first stop is Casablanca where we have a guided tour around the impressive Hassan II Mosque. After lunch we head to Rabat where we visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and Kasbah des Oudaias. (B)

Day 4 Rabat – Fes.

We head inland today first stopping at Volubilis, Morocco’s largest and best preserved Roman ruins. Close by we visit Meknes, the third Imperial city. From here it’s a short drive to Fes, the oldest of the Imperial cities. (B)

Day 5 Fes.

Today we take in the vibrant atmosphere of Fes on a full day tour with a local guide. We visit the Medersa Bou Inania, the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss and the Andalusian and El Quaraoiyin Mosques. We visit the Nejjarine Square with its 18th century fountain. Fes medina is a maze of more than 9000 small narrow cobbled streets, and is a world away from modern Fes. (B)

Day 6 Fes – Errachidia.

Heading South East we stop at Ifran, the “Lion City” before continuing over the Middle Atlas mountains with the Cedar Forests to Midelt where we make a stop. After time for lunch we continue to the deep south stopping at Errachidia overnight. (B)

Day 7 Errachidia – Merzouga.

We arrive at the desert late morning and relax on the edge of the sand dunes, as we take in the scenery. It is an amazing experience swimming in the guest house pool, while looking at the vastness of the desert stretching in front of us. Lunch is included at the guest house and then we have free time to set off into the dunes or take an optional desert trek by camel. In the evening we have dinner around the campfire, and sleep in Berber tents; a true desert experience. (B,L,D,)

Day 8 Merzouga – Dades Gorge.

We make the journey back to meet up with our Driver as we leave the desert behind us. We travel through the vast countryside, watching the impressive landscape change again. Local conditions permitting we visit the very impressive Todra Gorge before continuing on to Dades Gorge. (B,D)

Day 9 Dades Gorge – Marrakech.

We visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. We head to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara and now famous as Hollywood in the desert, due to the number of famous movies that have been made there. We then climb over the 2260m Tizi n’Tichka Pass and then drop down to the plains as we arrive in Marrakech late afternoon. Time to freshen up and have a last night out together. (B)

Day 10 Marrakech.

The trip finishes after breakfast. For those flying out late in the day it’s a good chance to take the optional excursion to the Ourika valley, or for those joining the Atlas Trek, your trip starts after breakfast. (B)