Morocco... From Sea to Sahara

Upon arrival, our VIP Services include FastTrack Assistance through all immigration and customs formalities. Once through, we’ll take you to the Four Seasons Casablanca Hotel. 
 
Our afternoon sightseeing begins at the nearby Hassan II Mosque. Set on a platform that extends into the ocean and constructed from exquisite Moroccan materials, this 20th-century icon with its graceful minaret is regarded as one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. In Mohammed V Square, you’ll discover other striking architectural landmarks including fine Mauresque buildings. Emerging in the early 1900’s, this unique architectural style blended traditional Moroccan elements with European influences including French Art Deco. Driving through Anfa, you’ll find an exclusive hilltop neighborhood with broad palm-lined avenues, lush gardens and stylish villas built over the last century.
 
This evening, we’ll sit down to dinner at Rick’s Café. Since 2004, this tribute restaurant has delighted thousands of classic film buffs who come to dine in a setting that faithfully recreates the bar made famous by Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman). It may sound a bit cliché now, but the service is excellent, the ambience is truly memorable and the chefs prepare wonderful Moroccan and International dishes. Meals D

Depart Casablanca this morning and travel to Rabat to explore the Oudayas Kasbah, a walled city within the city; founded in the 12th century, it’s still home to 2,000 of Rabat’s citizens. We’ll also see the splendid Mohamed V Mausoleum and marvel at the Hassan Tower, an unfinished but impressive minaret started nearly 1,000 years ago.
 
Our journey continues to Meknes (WHS), originally founded in the 11th century as a military settlement. and then became the capital. Though the monuments are closed for renovation, Meknes is still worth a stop. We’ll learn about Morocco’s ancient Jewish history as we explore the mellah, the ancient walled Jewish quarter inhabited since the early days of the city.
 
After lunch, we continue our journey which ends in Fès at the sophisticated Hotel Sahrai. Meals B+L+D

Founded in the 8th century, many Moroccans regard Fès c as the cultural heart of their country.  In the still-vibrant historic core of town, we’ll see Al Attarine, one of Morocco’s oldest learning centers, dating to the 14th century, lauded as among the most extravagantly beautiful medieval buildings in Morocco..
 
In el-Nejjarine (Carpenter’s Square), where skilled artisans still chisel and sculpt indigenous cedar wood, you’ll admire the much-photographed Nejjarine Fountain, famous for its ceramic mosaics. Then, we’ll visit the 9th-century tomb of Moulay Idriss II, the revered ruler who founded the city, and see the towering 1,000-year-old minaret of the Kairaouine Mosque, the second largest in the country
 
No exploration of the Fès medina would be complete without visiting the tanneries that have operated, virtually unchanged, since medieval times. Like an artist’s palette, the deep vats sit side by side, holding dyes in a startling array of colors and shades – each manned by a single tanner. After lunch, explore the equally fascinating and colorful souks: even the most shopping-averse traveler will be fascinated by their centuries-old rhythms: - filigreed metal lamps, fine silks, Berber rugs, and painted ceramics are offered along with freshly slaughtered chickens, fresh figs, seafood and medicinal herbs. This evening, enjoy a lovely dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. Meals B+L+D

Leaving Fès behind us, we’ll make our way into the undulating hills and fragrant Cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Range – a favorite habitat of Barbary macaques. Midday finds us in the high plains between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas Ranges where we’ll stop to enjoy the scenery and lunch. In the afternoon, our journey continues to Erfoud, perched on the edge of the Sahara.  We’ll transfer to 4x4 vehicles and journey deeper into the desert sands to our luxury desert camp, set amidst the dunes of the vast Sahara. After settling into your opulent tent, dine on fine Moroccan fare followed by Berber music around the campfire. Meals B+L+D
 

The day begins with a private 4x4 departure from your desert camp, venturing into the vast landscapes of Merzouga for a curated exploration of its culture, geology, and music. Visit a fossil-rich site where ancient marine life is preserved in desert stone, and explore the abandoned remains of a French-built mining village. Continue to a nomadic encampment to share mint tea and learn about life in the desert before stopping in Khamlia, a village celebrated for its Gnawa heritage, to enjoy a live performance of spiritual music rooted in Sub-Saharan tradition. Midday, pause for a gourmet picnic set in the shade of an acacia tree before returning to camp to relax and soak in the stillness of the dunes. As the sun sets, set out on a gentle camel ride, timed perfectly for sunset, as the last light glides across the surrounding sands. Return to camp to enjoy dinner, with the stars emerging overhead as night settles across the desert.  Meals: B+L+D

After breakfast, we make our way through the spectacular Todra Gorge, marveling at the steep canyon walls that soar more than 500 feet on either side. After lunch in a charming restaurant at the foot of the canyons, we’ll travel into the Dadès River Valley, where orchards and villages are surrounded by arid hills and desert rock formations. Our journey continues along the fabled Route of 1,000 Kasbahs; tracing an ancient caravan route, this journey is punctuated by spectacular canyons and valleys, old fortified towns, hilltop citadels and even some 19th-century single-family compounds built with the distinctive crenulated walls of a medieval kasbah. We stop at Taourirt Kasbah, built in the 19th century for one of the region’s most powerful clans. Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner and a restful overnight at the opulent Berber Palace, a tranquil oasis on the edge of the desert. Meals B+L+D

This morning we depart for Marrakech, stopping at Aït Benhaddou , a UNESCO World Heritage Site widely regarded as an exceptionally fine ksar – the fortified towns that can be found throughout southern Morocco. With its crowd of homes, all of red clay, climbing from the arid valley floor and up the steep hillside, you might recognize the town from many notable films; Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and The Jewel of the Nile all have had scenes set in this striking ksar.
 
After lunch, we’ll leave behind the still and arid pre-Saharan terrain and ascend the southeastern slopes of the High Atlas Mountains. Crossing the 7,400-foot Tizi n’Tichka Pass, we’ll have spectacular views of the mountain landscapes before descending. Arriving in Marrakech, we’ll check in to mini-suites at the perfectly located Hotel Les Jardins de la Katoubia. Meals B+L+D
 

Today you’ll enjoy a comprehensive guided exploration of Marrakech (WHS), founded 800 years ago by the Almoravid Dynasty. First enjoy the tranquility of Le Jardin Majorelle – a botanical oasis of rare plants and vibrant blooms – created by a painter and more recently owned by the renowned designer Yves Saint-Laurent. Then you visit the lavishly decorated Saadian Tombs, dating to the late 16th century. The gravestones of these Saadian princes and members of the royal household are embellished simply and elegantly with colorful ceramic tiles, each with a short epitaph and a quote from the Qur’an. Continue to the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque and the lovely Bahia Palace, built in 1880. After lunch in a local restaurant, we’ll plunge into the twisting alleyways of the Marrakech medina to explore the city’s famous souks. The ancient medina of this Imperial city is not just a UNESCO World Heritage Site ; it’s one of the world’s most unique and fascinating places. Your exploration will reveal a startling array of merchandise including pottery, textiles, antiques, carpets, jewelry, shoes, leather goods, lanterns and spices!
 
Take time to experience the nearly non-stop action and entertainment that have played out in Djemaa el-Fna Square since the 11th century. Musicians, snake charmers, acrobats, henna artists, food vendors and entertainers of all description make this the cultural heart of Marrakech. Tonight, we’ll enjoy the famed Italian cuisine of Pepe Nero, an enchanting restaurant set in a beautifully restored landmark building. Meals B+L+D

Leave behind the bustling pace of Marrakech and travel into a tranquil land of olive groves and citrus orchards. As the peaks of the Atlas Mountains draw near, you enter the timeless Ourika Valley. Our first stop is the Berber village of Tnine Ourika, offering a glimpse into every day Berber life and outstanding scenery amid the foothills of the mountains. At an innovative Berber cooperative, you’ll observe and learn more about the production of Argan oil – highly prized for its hydrating and beautifying effects. The process from tree to oil is time consuming and done almost entirely by hand. Employing local women, this cooperative is an important community resource and promises an enlightening visit. We next stop at a Berber family home, where tea and enjoy the welcoming hospitality of our hosts. After lunch at Kasbah Bab Ourika, an enchanting hilltop retreat with views over the valley and Atlas Mountains, return to Marrakech. Dine tonight at one of the finest restaurants in Marrakech.  Meals B+L+D

Moroccan cuisine is a flavorful fusion of Mediterranean, Arabic, Andalusian, and Berber traditions, known for its rich spices and fresh ingredients. This morning, join a hands-on cooking class at La Maison Arabe with a skilled chef, then enjoy a lunch featuring the dishes you’ve prepared.

In the afternoon, travel to Essaouira, a charming coastal town shaped by Atlantic breezes and steeped in tradition. En route, pass through Argan tree groves, native to southwestern Morocco and prized for their oil, used in both cooking and cosmetics. Upon arrival, check into your intimate hotel and enjoy dinner. Meals: B+L+D
 

This day of discovery begins at the old city fortifications. Designed by European engineers in the 1700’s, these massive seaside ramparts are lined with old brass cannons that still face out to sea as they have for hundreds of years. From the watchtower, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the city and the rugged Atlantic coast.
 
For lunch we’ll head to Ocean Vagabond where the menu changes daily based upon what the local fishermen have brought in that morning. Delicious pastries and a brasserie menu of freshly made sandwiches, tarts and wood-fired pizzas complement the seafood offerings.
 
The day’s exploration also takes you along the winding alleys that lead you through the old Arab quarter of the town. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site c, the Essaouira medina is regarded as one of north Africa’s finest examples of a fortified 18th-century town. With strong elements of Arabic and Islamic architecture, the overall design also reflects European military architecture of the period. As we explore with our in-the know guide, you’ll gain rich insight into the historic role that Essaouira played as a vibrant seaport linking Morocco and Sub-Saharan Africa with Europe and the rest of the world. In the studio of a local artist, you’ll learn how age-old traditions are still used to create the handicrafts for sale here and in the medina’s many colorful shops. In the open-air fish market, you’ll find friendly vendors with a wide variety of seafood just unloaded from the nearby fishing boats; red snapper, shrimp, enormous prawns, sea bass, calamari and more exotic fare like barracuda and eel are typical offerings you’ll see being cleaned, displayed and sold. This evening, delight in a flavorful dinner at Madada Mogador, celebrated for its artful Moroccan-French cuisine and intimate ambiance. B+L+D

On our scenic drive to Casablanca, we stop at Oualidia for a local sea-side lunch.  Check in to the exclusive Four Seasons Casablanca, with time to relax before gathering for a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers — a graceful finale to your Moroccan journey, rich with shared memories and new friendships.  Meals B+L+D

You’ll be escorted to the airport for your homeward journey.