10 Days from Casablanca: The Best of Morocco

You will arrive at Casablanca airport, where you will be greeted by your Deep Morocco Tours guide/driver who will drive you to Casablanca city. you will visit the big Mosque in Casablanca. The Hassan II Mosque is the largest mosque in Morocco. The second largest in Africa and the 5th largest in the world. The mosque has the tallest minaret in the world (689ft) equivalent to 60 stories high, the mosque has the capacity of gathering 105 000 worshipers to pray at the same time, 25 000 inside the premises and 80 000 outside, You will also be able to visit the Museum of Moroccan Judaism and learn about Jewish life in Morocco. Maybe end your day with a drink/meal at the famous Rick’s café. Hotel Val D’Anfa or similar (BB).

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After your leisurely breakfast, we will drive to Chefchaouen via the city of Rabat – the administrative capital. There you will see the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V king. Hassan Tower is an unfinished business, the great sultan of the Almohad dynasty, Yacout Al Mansour, planned to build the largest mosque but died before he realized his dream. The place is guarded at all times by elaborately dressed royal guards. You will also visit the Shallah and Oudays Kasbah. Afterward, you will continue over the foothills of the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen. Chefchaouen is a beautiful unique city, with its white-washed walls and blue doors and windows. Unlike many parts of Morocco, Chefchaouen was occupied by Spain; therefore, there is much influence from the Spanish civilization and Moorish architecture. You will get to visit the main square (Outa Hammam), Kasbah and Ras ElMa. This provides the opportunity to wander around unguided or just enjoy some time to yourselves.

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You will start traveling to Fes via Ouazzani and the Roman site of Volubilis. After a couple of hours drive, you will get to Volubilis, the well-preserved Roman empire dating to 225 BC, where you will see the most beautiful Mosaics in Morocco dating back to the 3rd century BC. Here you will have a guided tour of the site and learn a lot about the Roman Empire. After that we traveled to Meknes, the Ismaili capital of Morocco. In Meknes we see the fascinating gate Bab Mansour built by the sultan My Ismail; the granary and the Sahrij Souani, used for irrigation and plantation. Your visit includes also the Mulay Ismail Mausoleum. We then continue via the highway to Fes.

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You will start exploring Fes, the “the Spiritual City of Morocco”. You will spend the whole morning exploring the Medina and its alleys; visiting most of the sites with cultural and historical interest – including the Jewish quarter, the famous Al Karaouine Mosque and University (the oldest in the world), the Madrasa Bouanania, the Tanneries, and the Najjarine fountain. After lunch, we will drive you outside the Medina to see the Royal Palace gate, walk through the Jewish quarter “the Mellah”, and then visit the pottery cooperative. In the afternoon, we will drive you to one of the fortresses to experience an amazing panoramic view of the whole Medina of Fes.

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You will leave towards the southeast following the Caravan roads to Merzouga. During this journey you’ll experience glimpses of the Middle Atlas as your first stop will be at Ifrane, referred to as little Switzerland of Africa.En route to Midelt, we will stop at the Cedar forest, the largest one in Morocco, over the Middle Atlas Mountains–where you may well sight Barbarian apes. your epic journey will continue through the large open high desert, and notice how the scenery changes to reveal hints of the desert as you approach the city Er Rachidia. Your journey continues along the luxuriant Ziz Valley and the Tafilalet date palm grove, famous for date cultivation. This area is the foundation of the Alaouite dynasty - the current ruling royal family in Morocco. You’ll arrive at Merzouga, mount your camel led by an experienced camel man to explore within the sand sea of Merzouga.

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Early in the morning, we will wake you up to watch what well may be the best sunrise of your life. After breakfast at the camp you will trek back to the village of Merzouga. Enroute you couldn’t fail to appreciate the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi sand dunes - changing with the light as the day progresses, You will head for Tinghir, and Todra Gorges - the highest, narrowest gorges in Morocco. After lunch in the heart of the gorge, we’ll drive through the Dades Valley, where you’ll see the majestic sand castles and the amazing rock formations known as "monkey toes".

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After your leisurely breakfast, we’ll start driving to Marrakech, following the Caravan trail which used to be the main route of the 17th century linking Marrakech to Timbuktu in Mali. Our first stop will be in Ait Ben Haddou – providing numerous photo opportunities. The Kasbah was built by Et Hami El Glaoui, one of the last Berber chieftains, now the Kasbah is a house of many Glaoui people. Your journey will continue through the majestic Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2260m) over the High Atlas Mountains. You will stop along the road to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and authentic Berber village built into the high Atlas range.

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Today, you will enjoy a morning guided tour of Marrakech "the Red City of Morocco”. Your local guide will ensure that you see all the sites with historical and cultural interest, including the Koutoubia Minaret; the Saadian tombs; the beautiful Palace of Bahia and the Ben Youssef Koranic School. Finally, end the morning by walking through the medina alleys -getting a chance to admire all of the different artisans performing their crafts before arriving at the famous Jamaa El Fna Square. Lunch at a restaurant near the square, and then in the afternoon visit the gardens at Majorelle, and have a short tour at Gueliz, the new city of Marrakech. After dinner you will have the option to walk through the square entertained by magicians, story-tellers, tooth pullers and food sellers.

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Ben Youssef Koranic School.

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Otherwise, we can take you on a day trip to Essaouira. Your 3rd option could be to do a cooking class and Hammam experience. We will happily assist with any help you may need to get this arranged.

te shopping for souvenirs and maybe a glass of mint tea in a local café by the Square. Your tour ends at the airport exactly where we met you on day one. We will say goodbye and wish you a pleasant journey back home.