Grand Tour of Morocco
Highlights:
- A "traversing" itinerary for the complete discovery of Morocco: imperial cities and insulated villages, natural mountain spaces, desert, coast.
- The great quality of lodging, all charming ones: Riyadh, Kasbah, Hotel, camp set up in the Erg.
- Possibilities of: seawater spas (hammam...) in Essaouira
- An excursion in the valley of Ourika (Berber mountains and villages).
| Duration: | 13 days | ||||||||||||
| Group size: | 4 to 12 persons | ||||||||||||
| Available Dates and Costs From: | |||||||||||||
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Services + :
What's Included:
- Meeting/assisting at airport
- Experienced Mountain World Travel English speaking professional guide
- All the transfers in private vehicles (minibus, air conditioned)
- Lodging in mentioned hotels, Kasbahs, Riyadh and camps, based on double occupancy
- Full board during the entire trip (from dinner Day 1 to breakfast Day 11), including mineral water and tea
- All mentioned visits (with local professional guides) and activities, entrance fees.
A true African Far West traverse: hiking from imperial cities through mountain ranges and deserts, to the wild coast of Morocco, all while discovering the legendary hospitality of the Berber people.
Africa, Morocco
Purity of light, beauty of landscapes, from the desert to the Atlantic coast, from fertile valleys to snow covered mountains, architectural richness, and the legendary hospitality of the Berber people: an authentic country which offers a complete change of surroundings.
A "hot" place for adventure travel where one always comes back!
Trip Summary
About the Adventure
Valleys rich in architectural heritage, towns of history and culture, traditions, many hikes in the most beautiful natural sites, it is the best of traveling!
Itinerary
- Day 1/ Arrival in Fez
- Day 2/ Visit Fez (imperial city, souks)
- Day 3/ Visit Volubilis (old roman city), Meknes (imperial city, souks)
- Day 4/ Midelt - Erfoud
- Day 5/ Erg de Merzouga, camel back riding
- Day 6/ Todra Canyons and Dades
- Day 7/ Roses Valley - Aït Benhadou - Ouarzazate
- Day 8/ Taliouine - Taroudant
- Day 9/ Taroudant - Essaouira
- Day 10/ Essaouira (visit, spas)
- Day 11/ Essaouira - Marrakech, city tour
- Day 12/ Ourika valley (or complete city tour)
- Day 13/ Depart from Marrakech.
Detailed Itinerary
The Adventure
This trip makes you discover more and more beautiful sites of this magic country.
Itinerary
Arrival at Fez. Settle in for three nights in a charming Riyadh (the Zamane Riyadh, or similar). According to your flight's arrival time, possibility to get an early start enjoying the Medina (old city)
Day 2/ Fez
Day devoted to visiting Fez, one of the oldest imperial cities, which was founded in 789 by Moulay Idriss, the 1st, first Sultan of the Idrissides dynasty. With the assistance of a professional guide we will discover this historical, true arts and intellectual center of Morocco, with its astonishing Hispano-Moorish architecture: old residences with incomparable charm, Merinides dynasty monuments, districts reserved for traditional trades (tanners, weavers...), mazes of the Medina UNESCO World Heritage.
Day 3/ Volubilis - Meknes - Fez
Visit these two exceptional historical sites, with the assistance of a professional guide.
Also a UNESCO world heritage, Meknès, one of the four Imperial cities, was the capital of the Sultan Moulay Ismaël, contemporary of Louis XIV.
Visit of the city and its monuments (the Royals stables, the square El Hedin, Bab Mansour, Souks, etc)
Volubilis, marvelous open air museum typical of a Roman city, another greatest UNESCO archeological site of Morocco. Return to the Riyadh in the evening.
Day 4/ Atlas oriental - Erfoud
Through the Middle Atlas then the Eastern Atlas, direction South. The Middle Atlas is completely different from "normal" Morocco (as you may imagine it). On the northern slope of the mountain range, the cedar trees of the Atlas are the king of the large forests, maritime pines and the Holm oaks can not be seen here; green is the dominant color.
The desolate volcanic landscape is not without grand views of altitude, like in Montana or Wyoming. The villages are very much insulated; the way of life remains traditional. The nomads Beni me Guild traverse these areas of altitude with their large herds of sheep and their black Khaimas. On the road for Midelt, the Eastern part of the High-Atlas is dominated by the impressive pyramid of Ayachi djebels (12,260 feet), by the canyons of Ziz, er Rachidia, then and Erfoud. Charming Kasbah at the foot of the dunes of the Merzouga erg.
Day 5/ Erg de Merzouga
Camel back riding over the large dunes of the Erg Chebbi, the most majestic Erg (sand sea) of the Moroccan South. From dune to dunes, peak to peak, we mark the footsteps of our passage. Arrival at a charming camp installed in the dunes: Khaimas (nomad style tents with carpet and beds), tented restaurant, toilets and showers. The sun set and the evening spent here makes for a pure moment of happiness! During the hot season, the day is organized around the heat. Therefore, we walk early in the morning and in the evening. Night in fixed camp in the dunes.
3 to 5 H walk and Meharee (camel back riding).
Day 6/ Todra Canyons
Perhaps (surely!) we will be able to enjoy the sunrise from the top of a large dune before breakfast under the tented restaurant. Visit the palm plantation of Tinerhir, then onto the canyons of Todra, the most beautiful of the Moroccan South. Hiking up between perched cliffs, villages and rocky ridges. Canyons of Dadès. Kasbah of charm (Ksar Kaïssar or similar) in El Kelaa Me Gouna.
1 H + 2 H walk
Day 7/ Roses Valley - Aït Benhadou - Ouarzazate
The valley of the Roses (valley of Dades) offers a contrast between arid mountains and luxurious carpets of gardens at the end of the valleys, on the edges of the Wadi. Out of time, this area of the Atlas testifies to the richness of the Berber culture, which remains intact. Palm plantation of Skoura then Kasbah of Aït Benhadou. This Ksar, is one of the most famous in South Morocco, forever to be classified UNESCO World Heritage. Its exceptional decoration has inspired many screen writers, among them, David Lean, his movie being Lawrence of Arabia. Hotel (Mercure or similar) in Ouarzazate.
1. 30 + 1. 30 walk.
Day 8/ Taliouine - Taroudant
Western direction! Hike in the valley of Taliouine: small traditional stilt houses villages, many fruit trees. Further on, we join the greenery of the argans of the plain of Souss; these thorny "fossil trees" are used to manufacture very good coal and they bear fruits, argan nuts, from where oil is extracted. Arrival at Taroudant "the proud one", which knew how to preserve its authenticity sheltered by it's terra cotta colored ramparts. Hotel "Salam Palate or similar" in Taroudant.
2 to 3 H walk.
Day 9/ Taroudant - Essaouira
Direction north. Beautiful panoramas of the rock coast, where cacti and argans cling. Small villages of fishermen like Sidi Mbark, known for their hot water source which runs in the form of small cascades towards the Ocean; Boud, "as if the Sahara plunged in the sea"; immense beaches between dunes and the Ocean towards the village of Sidi Kaouki. Settle in at the Sofitel Mogador, 5 star hotel. In the evening, after an excellent traditional diner in the old city, it is nice to walk to the harbor and in the Medina's (old city) busy streets.1 to 2 h walk
Day 10/ Essaouira
Visit the splendid town of Essaouira, old Mogador (Amegdoul is the Berber name for this small island facing the harbor, which means "difficult place to reach", but when the Portuguese arrived, Amegdoul became Mogador): labyrinth of white and blue houses, fortresses, Medina... This fishing harbor was created by the Portuguese then conquered by the French
Your choice, and as an option: traditional hammam, spa, hotel swimming pools, beaches, etc .The Sofitel Mogador hotel is the most famous one of the country for its water treatments and massage, spas, etc.
For those who wish, discover the coast in the south of Essaouira with a guide (transfers in the minibus and short hikes). Alternation of beautiful wild beaches, rocky capes and small lost villages.
1 to 2 h walk.
Day 11/ Essaouira - Marrakech
Road for Marrakech, where we arrive at the beginning of the afternoon. Settle in for two nights in the charming Riyadh (Riyadh Slitine or similar) in the Medina.
A tour in the barouche makes it possible to have a good idea of the richness of red Marrakech (name which was given to the city because of the color of its ramparts).
At the end of the afternoon and evening, you will quickly let yourselves get spellbound by the Djemaa el-Fna square and its animation
Day 12/ Ourika Valley - Marrakech
Your choice:
Valley of Ourika: the green valley, not far from Marrakech, conceals many Berber villages fixed on the mountainside. At the departure point of Setti Fatma village (4,921 feet) which is stretched out under the walnut trees and the chestnuts at the end of the valley, your guide will take you along to visit the six cascades of Ourika. During the good season, possibility of bathing in the basins. 2 to 3 H walk. Return in the afternoon.
Marrakech: guided tour of the principal monuments of the city (Majorelle gardens, Médersa, Saadiens tombs, Bahia palace).
In the evening, it we will have some time to enjoy the charms of the red city, and the famous square Djemaa el Fna, always enthralling.
Day 13/ Depart from Marrakech
Transfer to the Marrakech airport for flight home.
Itinerary Notes
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior notice.
Luggage Tips
- Back pack needed for the half day pack with basic essentials, protective clothing, camera, water, etc...
- All of your belongings are dispatched between a back pack carried during
the walk and a traveling bag with a lock, transported by the logistic team on
the spot.
Staff
- an English, French, Arab and Berber speaking professional Moroccan Mountain World Travel guide. He will introduce you to the Berber world, because he is the best representative for his culture.
The local team
- a driver.
Transportation
Lodging
All lodgings is charming.
Hotels: 4 or 5 stars
Riyadh (with swimming pool in general, heated in winter): the Riyadh's are old palaces, usually located inside the Medina, restored and arranged with good taste. Personalized, genuine welcome.
Kasbahs of charm (with swimming pool in general, heated in winter): renovated old houses, nicely decorated. Excellent welcome.
Riyadhs and Kasbahs generally offer hamman, massages (as an option).
One night in the desert (Day 4): luxury equipped camp. Berber sleeping tents with beds and carpet. Tented restaurant, toilets, showers.
The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors.
Food and Beverages
- Downtown and during the transfers: restaurant (sometimes picnic)
- during hikes: picnic
- mineral water, and tea provided
You can, in addition, taste the rosy boulaouane, the red cabernet and the muscatel, which are excellent local wines.
You will be able to indulge yourselves in: salads, tajine (a kind of beef, poultry or fish stew with tasty vegetables), couscous, pastilla (succulent cake of puff pastry filled with pigeon and lightly sweetened), skewers, soups (harira), sweet desserts. Moroccan cuisine is regarded as one of the best in the world! It should be noted that the Moroccans, Muslims, do not eat pork.
Additional Information
Important Information
What's Not Included
- International flights in/out Morocco
- All services mentioned in Services +/extensions/options
- Personal medical & Travel Insurance
- All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".
Extra Costs
- Drinks (except mineral water - tea)
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for guide and local team
- All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".
Air Travel
Our preferred airlines to fly to Fez - out from Marrakech:
- Royal Air Maroc operates daily flights to Fez - Marrakech from New York through Casablanca
- Skyteam (Delta, Northwest, Continental, Air France - KLM), operates daily flights from anywhere in the States to Fez - Marrakech, through Paris or Amsterdam
Foreign-Entry Requirements
Formalities for US, Canada, Australia, NZ passport travelers: a
passport valid 6 months after the supposed return day of your journey;
no visa needed for a stay up to 90 days.
For US citizens, please check with US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements
For other nationalities, please contact the Moroccan embassy of your country.
Health and First Aid
No vaccine is obligatory. We advise you, however, to be up to date with the traditional vaccinations: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever. Vaccination against hepatitis A recommended.
For more information visit the website of the US Department of Health.
Dentist and doctor
Physical Examination prior to your departure is recommended.
Physical Preparation
LEVEL 1
2 months prior: Hike 6 miles every weekend
or on two consecutive days. Pay
attention to your lifestyle and your weight.
Equipment
Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well
insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.
Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Light ventilated hiking shoes with a good traction on different type of
terrain, for people with fragile ankles: waterproof ankle hiking boots and a
sole offering good traction.
- A pair of telescopic walking poles
Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with
an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons,
for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be
transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.
Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself,
along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).
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