Extraordinary 16 Days Adventure to Morocco

We will dedicate most of the day to explore central Casablanca. Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco. It is important economic center not only in Morocco but through Africa as well. In Casablanca is Morocco’s chief port that contains the second largest commercial port in the country and the is the largest fishing port. We will see the main sights of the city: we will start our tour Hasan II Mosque, to Al Hank Observation Deck and to La Corniche. We will drive to Rabat and explore the night market. Overnight in Rabat.

• Hasan II mosque – the largest functioning mosque in Africa and is the largest in the world. Its minaret is the world’s second tallest minaret at 210 meters. The Mosque exterior and interior are masterpiece of Moroccan designs and architecture
• Al Hank Observation Deck – To get the best impression of the Mosque size, drive to Al Hank Observation Deck
• La Corniche – is the promenade that runs along the coast of Casablanca. It is a wonderful place to walk and watch the sea and sit for a coffee. The promenade is usually a busy at weekends and holidays. There are many restaurants, clubs and even, and a very active nightlife
• Rabat night market – we will visit the colorful market and see the sellers and buyers. It is a nice place for snacks

We will start our day exploring Rabat the capital city, located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, opposite Salé. The medina of Rabat is listed as a World Heritage Site. We will see the royal palace, Chellah, Hasan tower, mausoleum for king Muhamad V and Kasbah of the Udayas. We will drive north and on our way to Chefchaouen we will take a short stop in the town of Ouazzane, the center of the Sufi order in Morocco and explore its Medina with its green Mosque. At the end of the day, we will arrive to Chefchaouen at the rif Mountains. Overnight in Chefchaouen.

• Dar al-Makhzen – The royal Palace – is the official residence of the king of Morocco. The Palace area contain a vast territory with government offices and public workers resident. We see the place main gate from the outside
• Rabat Chellah – was founded to be a trading emporium by the Phoenicians, that later became Roman colony. In the Middle Ages part of the site was turned to Muslim necropolis on the south (left) side of the Bou Regreg estuary. In spring the place is crowded with nesting strokes. Today the site part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Hassan Tower – is the minaret of an incomplete mosque. The tower was part of a mosque, that was initiated by Yaqub al-Mansur in the 11ᵗʰ century. After its death, the mosque was left incomplete. It was a vast mosque with walls around and 348 columns to hold the roof. The tower, along with the remains of the mosque and the modern Mausoleum of Mohammed V, are an attractive site
• The Kasbah of the Udayas – is a Kasbah located on a hill at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River. It is a picturesque house and whitewash walls, and blue doors and windows make it a pleasant place. It is listed, along with other sites in Rabat, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Ouazzane Medina (old town) – is well known in Morocco and throughout the Islamic world as a spiritual capital for it was home for many of the pillars of Sufism. It has been known also as “Dar Dmana” (“House of Safety”) because of the 18ᵗʰ tomb of Idrisi Sharif

Chefchaouen called the “Blue City” for its buildings in shades of blue, is a fine example to the Andalusian architecture due to its Muslims and Jews builders who were expelled from Spain in the 15th century. We will start our day exploring its magnificent Medina strolling along the picturesque alleys and houses. We will drive to Meknes one of the four Imperial cities of Morocco and explore the medina (old town) main sites. At the end of the day, we will arrive Fes. Overnight in Fes.

• Walking tour in the Medina (old city) of Chefchaouen – we will explore the medina (old town) with its blue-white facades, the narrow streets of the Bab Souk district, and the interior gardens of the Kasbah and its ramparts and towers
• The Ethnographic Museum – Located in the former Kasbah built in the 15ᵗʰ century by Moulay El Ben Rashid, containing two halls that displays, traditional Moroccan clothes, daily life utensils and handicraft item and jewelry
• Ras El MA – is the source of water of Chefchaouen with a reputation of the water coldness and quality. It is a place where the residents and tourists gather. It situated in a narrow canyon and flow of water from the sprung can be seen
• Walking tour in the Medina (old city) of Meknes – we will explore the main sites and monuments by foot. Meknes is one of the four Imperial cities of Morocco, became the capital of Morocco under the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismaïl (1672–1727)
• Mausoleum of Moulay Isma’il – is a funerary complex built to serv a burial place for Sultan Moulay Isma’il, who ruled Morocco from 1672 until his death in 1727 and some for his family members. The place is holy for Moroccan in general and for Meknes inhabitants. It is still visited today by Moroccans seeking baraka from Moulay Isma’il’s tomb
• The Qubbat al-Khayyatin – Served as a reception hall for foreign ambassadors in the time of Moulay Isma’il’s. it contains a Pavilion. Its current name derives from its later use as a workshop for creating military uniforms. In some places stucco-carved and zellij tiles decoration remain, but this is also the result of significant restoration
• Bab Mansur al- Alj – is a monumental gate in the city of Meknes. The gate is named after the architect that design it was originally the main ceremonial entrance to the Kasbah (royal citadel) of Sultan Moulay Isma’il. Today it is one of the most famous and admired landmarks in the city especially at sunset
• El Hedim Square – is the main square in Meknes medina. The square was built after the Sultan of Morocco, Moulay Ismail made a large change in the Old city of Meknes for his palace and the square. On the southern side of the square is Meknes main colorful food market
• Sahrij Swani – is a water basin built for water supply to the royal cities. It was supplied with water by an underground canal that brought water from the foot of the middle Alas Mountain to the adjacent House of the Ten Norias on its southeast side, and from there into the basin

Fes is a city that consists of two old medina quarters, Fes el-Bali and Fes Jdid, and Ville Nouvelle that was founded during the French colonial era. The medina of Fes is labyrinth of alleys that are arranged around two main ones and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, the Chaouara Tannery from which is one of the oldest tanneries in the world. Fes is the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. We will explore Fes Medina mainly by foot and see the main sights of the city. The best way to do that, is by strolling along the small alleys, look for the different artisans in their small Shops and fill the atmosphere of the of the Medina. Overnight in Fes.

• Walking tour in Jdid (new) city of Fes – we will explore the main sites and monuments by foot
• Dar al-Makhzen – Fes Royal Palace original founded during the foundation of Fes el-Jdid (“New Fez”), to serve as a royal citadel for the Marinid dynasty. We will see only its main entrances
• The Mellah – Is Fes Jewish quarter and the first one built in Morocco. It is in Fes el-Jdid close to the royal palce. Stroll by foot along the Mellah
• Ibn Danan Synagogue – Dated to the 17ᵗʰ century It was built by Mimoun Ben Sidan, a wealthy merchant. The synagogue was one of several inside the walls of Fes and one of two that was restore and is open to the public
• The Jewish cemetery – that can represent cemeteries in the country because entry to Moslems cemeteries is prohibited to non-Muslims
• Walking tour in el-bali (old) city of Fes – we will explore the main sites and monuments by foot. Fes is one of the most magnificent old cities and along with Fes Jdid, as a World Heritage Site in 1981. Fes el Bali is still enclosed by a long 11ᵗʰ century defensive wall. The main souk streets of the city through two main alleys to the area of the city’s main mosque: the Qarawiyyin mosque and, to the Zawiya of Moulay Idris II
• Bab Bou Jeloud – is an ornate city gate in Fes el Bali, the current gate was built by the French colonial administration in 1913 to connect between Fes AL Jadid and Fes Al Bali that were for centuries separated quarters. The structure is a triple-arched gate that with pointed horseshoe arches and decorated from the outside by green tiles (the color of Islam) and from the outside by blue tiled (the color of Islam
• Madrasa Bou Inania – is a wonderful example to the madrasa architecture that was brought to Morocco by the Marinid dynasty. It is also functioned as a congregational mosque. The madrasa is highly decorated in ornaments that represent the Moroccan architecture
• Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts – This museum is served as funduq – a caravanserai, a place where travelling merchants could find a room and stored their goods. Centered on a courtyard, the rooms are given over to displays of traditional artefacts
• Zawiya of Moulay Idris II – contains the tomb of Idris II, the second ruler in the first dynasty who ruled Morocco. main constructions of the city of Fes took place in his time. The most monumental entrance portal of the zawiya building is on its north side
• University of al-Qarawiyyin – was founded as a mosque by Fatima al-Fihri a refugy from Kairouan in Tunisia. It was one of the leading spiritual and educational centers Middle Ages Islamic world. The mosque building is a significant complex of historical Moroccan and Islamic architecture that were added in different periods
• Chaouara Tanneries – is one of the oldest in the world and is continually operating in the same fashion since the 11ᵗʰ century. This site is one of the must-see sites in Fes el Bali. It is a very colorful place

Prepare for a long day! we will Leave Fes and drive Along the Middle Atlas Range we will stop in Ifrane, a town with an alpine atmosphere. we will drive to the national park of Cèdre Gouraud Forest and will take a short walk between the scenic middle Atlas range and drive along the towns and villages of the Imazighen (known by their common name Berber). We will arrive Tinghir at the end of the day. Overnight in Tinghir.

• Walking tour in the town of Ifrane – we will explore the main sites and monuments by foot. Ifrane is a city in the Middle Atlas range. In the regional Tamazight language, Ifrane means caves. Ifrane has a European atmosphere as it was founded by the French administration to be a holiday resort to spend the hot summer months
• Ifrane Lion – near the Hôtel Chamonix. there are different stories about the sculpture. The common one is that it was carved by a German soldier during WWII, when Ifrane was used briefly as a prisoner-of-war camp, in exchange for the prisoner’s freedom. It commemorates the last wild Atlas lion, which was shot near here in the early 1920’s
• Cèdre Gouraud – is a national park that was declared by the French to protect the Atlantic Cedar trees from extinction. The forest is notable as a habitat for a sub-population of Barbary macaques, species native to the Atlas Mountains in north Africa, along with a small population in Gibraltar. Seeing them in their natural habitat is an exciting experience. When approaching them be careful after all they are wild animals

We will leave Tinghir village at the entrance of the magnificent Todra canyon. We will drive along the Todra river and take a short walk along the agricultural plots (ask for a local guide, some always are available on spot). we will continue driving to the amazing Todra canyon and walk between the steep cliffs. On our way to Zagora, we will cross Jbel Saghro and stop to absorb the beautiful sceneries and drive through N’Kob. Overnight in Zagora.

• The city of Tinghir – is a city south of the High Atlas and north of the Jbel Saghro. The town is a commercial cente for the villager along the Todra river. The predominant ethnic group is Amazighs (Berber), and the city is at the center of one of the most attractive oases in southern Morocco
• Todra river – is a long palm trees and colorful small, with Small agricultural plots where different crops are grown alongside fruit trees and date palms and stretches along the Wadi Todgha. Wadi Todgha has a magnificent canyon The palm oasis is irrigated by a network of pipes and irrigation canals. Occasional heavy rains cause heavy floods
• The Todra Gorge – is a magnificent canyon with cliffs rising to about 400 m above the riverbed. The canyon was carved by the Todgha River whose drainage basin is in the high Atlas. A walk along the canyon is cause us to fill small in front of the high clifs
• Jbel Saghro – A range of mountains between the high atlas and the Sahara Desert. The saghro offers varied and wild landscapes, the great wind-chiseled protrusions, are truly impressive and small villages

Today we will start our journey to the Sahara Desert through small traditional villages. A short drive south from Zagora will get us to Amazraou village, a small oasis inhabited with nomads from Sudan, we will explore its impressive Ksar and watch the daily life of southern Morocco. We will continue driving south and visit Tagonite village with its authentic pottery production. We will drive to M’hamid, that was an important caravan’s post in the past and today the gateway to explore the Sahara. We will take a 4WD ride to Erg Chigaga Dunes, considered the largest in Morocco and the less touristic ones. Overnight in Erg Chigaga.

• Amazraou – is a ksar close to Zagora that during the years was deserted by its inhabitants that left in search for better life. In the last few years, it goes under reconstruction to expose and keep the traditional life in the south
• Tagonite – is a village south of Zagora that keeps its traditional life. We will walk in the narrow and sometimes dark alleys to the pottery quarter, where the traditional pottery production did not change over times
• M’hamid – is a town in southern Morocco. Today it is a remote place, until the beginning of the 20th century, it was an important stop for merchants crossing the Sahara for trade

Today we will spend most of our day exploring the beautiful dunes of the Sahara Desert. It is highly recommended to explore the dunes by camels or by foot. We will take a camel ride up the dunes to watch the sunrise. We will drive back to M’hamid, leave the Sahara Desert, and start our journey up north and drive along the Draa valley, a beautiful Oasis, to Ouarzazate and stop on the way in Ksar Tissergate to visit The Museum of Art and Tradition. At the end of the day, we will arrive Ouarzazate. Overnight in Ouarzazate.

• Erg Chigaga – Located in the Draa-Tafilalt area and considered one of the largest and still untouched dunes in Morocco. Because it can be accessed only by 4WD it is less visited than Erg Chebbi, it is considered more wild and romantic
• The Museum of Art and Tradition in Ksar Tissergate – Is one of many in the draa valley. It was originally one of the houses in the Ksar that turned into a museum representing the local art and traditions of the area and it is worth a visit

Prepare for a long day! we will drive west and cross Jbel Sirwa to the town of Tazenakht, located in Ouarzazte province, home of the Tazenakht Tribe well known for its artisans practicing traditional crafts mainly carpets and rugs. We will continue driving west and have a short stop in Taliouine, located in the Souss-Massa province and the center for cultivating Saffron. We will finish our day in Tafraoute, the gate of the Anti- Atlas Mountain range. Overnight in Tafraoute.

• Tazenakht – Home of the Tazenakht tribe and a regional center for various Ksurs. The tribe is well-known for its highly skilled artisans practicing many traditional crafts mainly weaving carpets and rugs. Visit one of the few cooperatives producing carpets by women
• Taliouine – is well-known for its Saffron crops and considered to be the center for saffron cultivation and production of Morocco and one of the main exporters of this expensive spice worldwide. Visit one of the Saffron cooperatives and take a tour to the Saffron fields. If you are here on Monday, you can visit the weekly market where you can find the Saffron

Today we will dedicate our all day to explore the unique nature and sights of the Anti-Atlas Mountain Range mainly Granite rock and one of the least-visited nature in Morocco. We will start our day driving to the Ait Mansour oasis and take a short walk in the Oasis and the nearby Gorge. We will drive to the Painted Blue Rocks in a valley near Tafraoute. We will drive to Tazekka village near Tafraoute and visit a traditional Berber house and take a short walk to the prehistoric rock carved gazelles. A short drive will get us back to Tafraoute. Overnight in Tafraoute.

• Ait Mansour – is a small oasis that stretches between the red cliffs of the wadi. The green color of the palm trees contrasts with the red rocks of the granite
• Painted Blue Rocks – a controversial work of the Belgian artist Jean Veram, who painted the boulders in colors of blue, red purple and black in 1984 that remained till today
• Tazekka village – is a large inhabited old village located in a hilltop, where the local Berbers incorporated the natural boulders as part of the walls of their houses. We will visit the Maison Berbere Traditionelle, a beautiful example of the local architecture and take a short hike (2 km) to the nearby prehistoric rock engraving of two gazelles

We will start our day driving along the Anti-Atlas west to the city of Tiznit and stop for a short visit of the interesting Mosquée kassbat ouamou. We will drive north to Souss Massa National Park and explore the nature in the estuary of the Messa River. We will continue driving north to the Atlantic coast and visit the picturesque fisherman village of cap. tifnit. we will finish our day in the city of Agadir. Overnight in Agadir.

• Mosquée kassbat ouamou in Tiznit – This interesting mosque has an exceptional architecture, which was inspired by Moroccan and African architecture. The influence of African architecture is reflected in the wooden poles protruding from the minaret
• The Souss Massa National Park – located near the estuary of Oued Messa, we will explore the different ecosystems represented int the national park including steppes, cliffs, coastal dunes and wetlands of great importance for the wintering of a large number of migratory birds from the Western Palearctic
• Cap. tifnit – A picturesque fisherman village located on a small cape protruding into the Atlantic Ocean. We will stroll along the village alleys and its coastline

Agadir is the most famous tourist resort in Morocco and sadly famous for the earthquakes in 1960 that destroyed the city and killed about 12,000 people. Early in the morning we will visit the fish port to watch the night catch of fish and sea food. We will drive north to the city of Essaouira (ancient Mogador) declared a UNESCO world heritage site and considered one of the most attractive cities in the Atlantic coast. We will explore its unique Medina (old city). We will stroll along the medina alleys, city walls and ramparts, fishing port and seafood market. We will drive to Marrakesh. Overnight in Marrakesh.

• Agadir Fishing port – The fishing port is mainly based on sardine fishing. In the port we will visit the fish market
• Walking tour in the Medina (old city) of Essaouira – we will explore the main sites and monuments by foot
• Bab Doukkala – Is one of the main gates of Essaouira Medina, it was built by Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, the founder of the Medina
• The Mellah – The Jewish quarter of the city, that was settled by the Jewish inhabitants in the middle of the 18ᵗʰ century and was expanded by order of Sultan Moulay Slimane in the beginning of the 19ᵗʰ century
• City walls and ramparts – We will walk along the unique fortifications (Sqalas) of the Medina built in the 18ᵗʰ century in a neoclassical architecture style of European military buildings
• The Fishing Port – Walk in the picturesque port, with an exceptional atmosphere of fisherman repairing their fishing nets, seafood stalls selling their catch and a variety of restaurants offering grilled sea food
• The Fish Market – Walk along the colorful stalls abundant of fresh fish and seafood, caught during the night

We will dedicate the entire day to explore Marrakesh Medina mainly by foot. We will see the main sights of the city, starting our tour from the Kutubiyya Mosque, see Saadian Tombs, visit El Badi and Bahia Palaces, the Mellah (Jewish quarter), Koubba Ba’adiyn, Ben Youssef Madrasa and the jewel of Marrakesh, the Jemaa el-Fnaa (the main square). But most of all it is a day of feeling the atmosphere of this vibrant city, full of life and spectacular. Overnight in Marrakesh.

• Walking tour in the old city of Marrakesh – we will explore the main sites and monuments by foot
• Kutubiyya Mosque – The largest mosque in Marrakesh. The mosque is a wonderful example of the 11ᵗʰ century architecture and is one of three that was built at the same time. It is situated near the famous public place of Jemaa el-Fna and is flanked by large gardens
• The Saadian Tombs – The Saadian are a royal necropolis inside the royal kasbah (citadel), that was built to be the burial place for the Saadian dynasty. The complex is another example for Moroccan architecture at its best during the Saadian period due to its luxurious decoration and careful interior design
• El Badi Palace – Was commissioned by the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty and was built by reach materials including Karra marble imported from Italy. IT was used for receptions and designed to showcase the Sultan’s wealth and power
• The Mellah – is the first Jewish Quarter in Morocco that was built when Fes al Bali became a sacred place not suitable for non-Muslim. Therefore, it was built outside of the walls of El Badi Palace. It was a walled quarter, with its gates closed at night
• Bahia Palace – is a mid to late 19ᵗʰ century palace built first by Si Musa, grand vizier of Alaouite sultan Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman. It is beautifully decorated with panted cedar wood ceilings and, is a comprises several inner courtyards and gardens around which are arranged various rooms and chambers
• Koubba Ba’adiyn – is a small monument and is the only structure built by the Almoravid dynasty in the early 12ᵗʰ century that was preserved in Marrakesh. Its decoration is a masterpiece of design that is influence both from black Africa and Andalusia. The interior is richly decorated with carved floral and vegetal patterns, palmette/seashell shapes, and calligraphy
• Ba’adiyn Ben Youssef Madrasa – The Ben Youssef is an Islamic madrasa (college) that was the largest Islamic college in Morocco. The ornamentation shows the sophistication and beauty of Moroccan and Andalusian architecture, with pools, gardens, fountains and carved stucco and wood
• Jemaa el-Fnaa – is no doubt the highlights of Marrakesh’s medina. It is used by locals and tourists, and it look different at day light and at night. During the day it is predominantly occupied by orange juice stalls and sometimes you can see youths with chained Barbary apes and snake. late in the day the square becomes more crowded, with Chleuh dancing-boys, storytellers, magicians, and food stalls set up every night anew. It is a UNESCO heritage site for Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity

Today we will explore the nature and the traditional life in the high Atlas in Asni and Imlil. As you travel up the valley from Asni to Imlil, the colorful mountains and creeks will escort you to the green walnut’s trees around Imlil. The village of Imlil is a lovely Atlas Mountains settlement that offers views to the high pics among them jabl Toubkal, the highest peak in Morocco. On our way back to Marrakesh we will stop in Oukaimeden ski resort for spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains. At the end of the day, we will drive back to Marrakesh. Overnight in Marrakesh.

• Asni Town- is a small town in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. Every Saturday there is a regional weekly market. It is a very colorful place that buyers from the surrounding villages and sellers from all south Morocco are gathering here
• Imlil village – is village in the high Atlas Mountains It is close to the mountain Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. Imlil and the villages around are shroud by high mountains and walnuts tree. Imlil is a wonderful place to see the life in the Atlas Mountains
• Oukaimeden ski resort – situated in the Atlas Mountains and considered the highest ski resort in Africa reaching the altitude of 3,200 meters above sea level at its highest peak. We will get some wonderful views of Toubkal Mountain

Today we will dedicate the entire day to explore the beautiful valley and villages along the Ourika Valley. We will enjoy the beautiful landscapes, filled with a great variety of trees and plants. The mountains and rocks are colorful with different minerals. The valleys to the south of Marrakech, are essentially populated by Berber. We will visit the village of Setti Fatma and take a short hike to one of the many waterfalls there. We will drive back to Marrakesh. Overnight in Marrakesh.

• Ourika Valley – is a valley in the High Atlas along the Ourika River. Ourika valley is popular vacation spot for many Moroccans escaping the summer heat to the cool air in the valley. Despite its proximity to Marrakech, it is still considered a relatively well-preserved valley
• Setti Fatma – the village is located at the end of the road from Marrakech. It is also the starting point for hikes. we will take a short hike to the waterfalls. There are seven waterfall and some of them are accessible

Prepare for a long day! Today we will drive west to the Atlantic coast and on our way back to Casablanca we will explore the cities along its shores. Our first stop will be in Safi, which is the main fishing port for the country’s sardine industry, and exports phosphates, textiles, and ceramics. We will stroll along the alleys of the Medina including the pottery quarter. We will continue driving along the coast to Al Jadida and visit the Portuguese Fortified citadel (the Mazagan), a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will walk along the citadel ramparts and visit the cistern. At the end of the day, we will arrive to Casablanca. End of the trip.

• Walking tour in the Medina (old city) of Safi – we will explore the main sites and monuments by foot
• Safi Bab CHAABA – The main entrance gate to Safi medina, and like the medina and the rampart, was built by the Portuguese
• Portuguese Cathedral– located opposite to the great mosque in a narrow allay. Built in the 16ᵗʰ century in a Portuguese Gothic style. The construction was never completed the only remains are the coir and a side Chapel
• Safi National Ceramics Museum – Located in the Kechla citadel and listed as an historic monument. It displays authentic Moroccan ceramics, showing the long tradition in the country
• Walking tour in the Portuguese Fortified citadel (the Mazagan) of El Jadida – we will explore the main sites and monuments by foot
• Church of the Assumption – It was built in the early 16ᵗʰ century by the Portuguese in Manueline architecture style and is the main church of Mazagan Citadel
• The Portuguese Cistern – located at the heart of the historic Portuguese fortified citadel of Mazagan. It is a classified cultural heritage monument in Morocco and, along with the rest of the old walled city, forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• The sea gate – is the gate where ships embarked during the Portuguese control of Mazagan, and the gate they used when they evacuated the citadel. From the gate we will walk up the rampart and have a round trip