# 1 Week in Morocco desert tour

We depart Marrakesh at 8:00 am and start our desert tour to Dades Gorges. We cross the High Atlas Mountains to reach Tizi-n-Tichkawhich is one of the highest road passes in Morocco (2260m). Here you will have the opportunity to take some perfect photos in this breathtaking view. We will visit the Ait Ben Haddou village -kasbah which is recognized by UNESCO world heritage site as a world patrimony. Many movies were filmed in this village such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Babel, Queen of the desert, Kingdom of Heaven, Game of Thrones, the Mummy… etc. Our travel continues along what is known as the Road of One Thousand Kasbahs passing the Skoura oasis. Then we continue to visit the Valley of the Roses (KelaaM’Gounawhich is known by Festival of roses) the centre of Moroccan roses and rose products. Acres of Persian roses are grown and harvested here to create rose water, creams and soaps prized throughout Morocco and the world. As soon as you get to your accommodation, you will be led through tiny family farm plots where you will see the locals picking figs for dinner and wandered along the stream. The roses wouldn’t be in bloom until April and May but we can’t stress enough how crazy gorgeous this place is and how lovely the Mud houses are “Heaven”.Overnight in Rose valley, dinner & breakfast – You will have a private room, with private bath, hot water, and most delicious food in the area

After breakfast, we drive via the oasis of Skoura. You will have the opportunity to explore the Kasbah of Amridil. We will go through the Valley of roses to KalaaM’gounawhere you may (if wanted) visit a rosewater cooperative and learn how locals manufacture rosewater perfume essences. Our journey continues to the nearby Dades Gorge where you will be immersed in the natural beauty of the valley and enjoy seeing the amazing Rock formation called “the monkey Toes” and the still-standing19th century Kasbah of Kasbah AitYul. Before you continue your journey towards the dunes of Merzouga, you will experience the Todgha gorge from above and below. In the gorge, you can walk 300 m high red cliff, where many rock-climbers spend their time. You will stop in Rissani where you will search for fossils before you complete the final stretch of your journey to one of the magical sand seas of the Sahara dunes Erg Chebbi where your camels will be awaiting you. You will be welcomed with a glass of mint tea before riding your camel towards your desert camps. Overnight in a Berber tent and dinner will be served. You will enjoy traditional Berber music and night stars. After breakfast at your magical Kasbah in the rose valley, you will head towards another absolutely gorgeous valley which is Dades gorge. It’s in this ridiculously idyllic setting. We continue passing the strange rock creation of Tamnalt Hills and we arrive at Dades Gorge carved by centuries by the Dades River. You will enjoy the natural scenery of red and mauve rocks tower above the road. We depart Dades Gorge and travel to another spectacular gorge Todra (the highest oasis in Morocco). The gorge is cut into the ochre-coloured cliffs of the High Atlas. Its walls are 300 meters high and at their most narrow part are 20 meters apart. You might want to climb the gorge because it is a great place to learn to climb. The area is absolutely beautiful and the sky is so blue. There are some great climbing areas geared towards beginners with good bolt and anchor placement with moderate grades. It is easy to find climbing at all grades. After lunch in Todgha gorge, you will make our way towards Tinjdad. We reach Merzouga which is known for the highest sand dunes in North Africa. It is called Erg Chebbi Sahara desert. On our way, we will have the chance to see many oases such as the oasis of Tinjdad. After we arrive to Rissani, we will continue our way enjoying the green oasis of palm trees of Ziz –Tafilalet and the Hamada before arriving at Merzouga. There you will ride camel an amazing adventure in the sand dunes. We will spend the night in an equipped desert camp in the middle of the Sahara dunes! This is a great opportunity to take lovely pictures of the sunset and sunrise. At this time, we will explore the secrets of the Sahara and its unlimited horizons. Overnight in a Nomad private Tent, dinner & breakfast

You will wake up to enjoy the sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi, possibly the best moment of the Merzouga desert. Make your way after breakfast Fes to through the ziz valley and the cedar forest of Azrou. There you will see a colony of monkeys along the road which will keep you amused. You will have plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs as you will stop for coffee, lunch, photographs, and more coffee as you travel through these forests, valleys and mountains. We will reach the Switzerland of Morocco which is Ifrane city. Drop off at your Riad / Hotel at around 6PM in Fes.

After breakfast, you will meet with your local guide for your tour of the Old Madina, one of the worlds largest walled in cities. You will explore the narrow streets lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco. A visit to the King’s Palace, the tanneries, and potters are just a few places you will experience. You will be dropped off at your Riad at the end of the tour. Enjoy your evening exploring the medina and the hustle-bustle of the street stalls. The tour will take you into Bab Boujloud (the Blue Gate), where you will discover the ancient streets and neighbourhoods, as well as Al-Qarawaiyin University. Founded in 864 AD and still in operation today, it holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest continually operated university in the world. After exploring all that the Medina has to offer, we will drive to get a high up panoramic view of the old city before returning to your riad in the evening.

Depart Fes for the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the baths of Gallium, the Forum, and the ancient capital. Continue on to Meknes and passing through the large monumental gate “Bab Mansour” to visit Moulay Ismail Mausoleum. The mausoleum is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. Depending on the time of our visit, we may be able to enter and view the beautifully decorative tomb. End the day in the capital city of Morocco Rabat.

Pick up from your riad/hotel to visit Rabat. the capital of Morocco visit the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, the Hassan Tower, and Kasbah Chellah near Oudaya Gardens. continue to Casablanca . after lunch In Casablanca – the economic capital of the country – visit the United Nations building, Avenue Mohammed V, the ANFA District and the gorgeous mosque of Hassan II. Then we carry on to reach Marrakech at the end of the day.