Eight days in Morocco takes you from the labyrinthine souks and rooftop riads of Marrakech over the High Atlas Mountains to Ait Benhaddou, across the Sahara desert on camelback to a camp under the stars, through the medieval medina of Fes, and finally to the blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen tucked into the Rif Mountains. It is one of the most visually extraordinary trips in the world.
Eight days in Morocco takes you from the labyrinthine souks and rooftop riads of Marrakech over the High Atlas Mountains to Ait Benhaddou, across the Sahara desert on camelback to a camp under the stars, through the medieval medina of Fes, and finally to the blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen tucked into the Rif Mountains. It is one of the most visually extraordinary trips in the world.
Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport and transfer to your riad in the Medina. Afternoon at Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, which transforms at dusk into a full carnival of snake charmers, musicians, storytellers, and food stalls. Rooftop dinner with views over the Medina. Overnight Marrakech.
Morning at Bahia Palace with its ornate 19th-century tilework and garden courtyards, followed by the Saadian Tombs. Afternoon at the vibrant Majorelle Garden designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. Evening getting lost in the labyrinthine souks - each lane sells something different, from spices to lamps to leather. Overnight Marrakech.
Drive over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass at 2260 metres through Berber villages and dramatic Atlas scenery. Stop at Ait Benhaddou, the UNESCO-listed mud-brick ksar used in Game of Thrones and Gladiator - cross the river on foot and explore the ancient citadel. Continue to Ouarzazate for overnight stay.
Scenic drive through the Draa Valley with its date palm oases and ancient kasbahs, then through the rose-growing Dades Valley. Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Mount a camel for a 45-minute ride into the golden Erg Chebbi sand dunes, up to 150 metres high, for a Sahara sunset unlike anything else. Overnight luxury desert camp.
Wake before dawn for the Sahara sunrise as the dunes shift from purple to deep gold. Drive north through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas stopping at Ifrane, the charming mountain town known as Morocco's Little Switzerland, for lunch. Arrive in Fes by evening. Overnight Fes riad.
Full day in Fes el-Bali, the world's largest car-free urban area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Chouara Tanneries from a rooftop terrace to see the iconic leather dyeing pits in the morning when colours are most vivid. Walk to Al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 AD and the world's oldest continuously operating university. Visit Bou Inania Madrasa, the finest example of Marinid architecture in Morocco. Overnight Fes.
3-hour drive through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, Morocco's most photogenic city with its powder-blue painted streets and staircases. Spend the afternoon wandering the blue Medina and the main square Place Uta el-Hammam for mint tea. Evening hike 30 minutes up to the old Spanish Mosque for a panoramic view over the blue rooftops and mountains. Overnight Chefchaouen.
Drive 4 hours to Casablanca for departure. If time allows, visit the Hassan II Mosque, the world's third largest mosque built over the Atlantic Ocean with guided tours available for non-Muslims. Transfer to Mohammed V International Airport. End of tour.
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