MOROCCO ITINERARY 9 DAYS FROM CASABLANCA

Day 1 : Arrive in Casablanca :

On the first day of your Morocco itinerary 9 days, you will be met and welcomed at Casablanca Airport by our Grand Morocco team, explore this intriguing city and get to know the cultural, historic and the economic center of Morocco.

Casablanca is a captivating city in which to begin your wonderful Morocco Tour. Today, Casablanca is a modern city with boulevards, modern infrastructure and rich history. You will receive insight into the city’s history and heritage from your guide/driver.

Depending on your arrival time, you will see the most important sights of this city. Visit the Mohammed V Square, the famous Rick’s Café, the elegant Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral in the residential area of Anfa. You will also visit the famous and 5th largest mosque in the world, Hassan II Mosque.

Take a leisurely wander along the seaside of la Corniche in Ain Diab before heading to your hotel for your first night.

(Overnight in Casablanca).

 

Day 2 : Casablanca » Rabat » Blue city of Chefchaouen :

Head to Rabat. This city is the political and administrative centre of Morocco, where the Royal Palaces, government institutions and International Embassies are located. Rabat’s architecture is testimony of its centuries of old rich history.

Admire the masterful architecture of Mohammed V Mausoleum, visit the UNESCO listed site of Hassan Tower and the official residence of the King of Morocco.

Visit the Ahl Fes Mosque and the UNESCO listed site of Oudaya Kasbah where you will discover Rabat’s oldest Mosque and the beautiful Andalusian Gardens.

After lunch, you will travel into the stunning Rif Mountains and the Moroccan countryside to the blue pearl city of Chefchaouen.

Known as the blue pearl and ranked sixth of the most beautiful cities of the world. Chefchaouen is an artsy, blue washed mountain village which was founded in the 15th century and was populated by Jewish and Muslim refugees fleeing from the Spanish Inquisition in 1478.

(Overnight in Chefchaouen).

 

Day 3 : Chefchaouen to Fes :

After breakfast, embark on a private guided tour of the exotic and vibrant blue city, exploring in-depth, the rich cultural heritage and antiquity of this charming town and stroll the blue narrow alleys with your Grand Morocco expert local guide, on this Morocco Itinerary 9 Days.

You will be enchanted to learn of the rich heritage and visit architectural treasures such as Ras el-Maa, the Kasbah Museum, the Spanish Mosque, Plaza Uta-Hammam and more.

Chefchaouen was isolated until early 20th century but has preserved a Moorish way of life and is regarded as the prettiest town in Morocco. Chefchaouen presents glorious photo opportunities and walking here will make you feel as though moving through a dreamland.

The town buildings are painted blue and white, so the entire village appears to be wonderfully drenched in many hues of glorious blue leaving the traveler with a surreal impression.

After lunch, you will continue your journey to the ancient, vibrant and the UNESCO listed Imperial city of Fes.

This city is a north eastern Imperial Moroccan city referred to as The Mecca of the West or The Athens of Africa, also being the country’s capital of knowledge and culture. Fes is renowned for its exciting and colourful Fes El Bali walled Medina, its medieval Marinid architecture, vibrant souks and old world atmosphere and charm.

(Overnight in Fes).

 

Day 4 : Fes Guided city tour :

Begin with a visit to the 12th century Bab Boujloud or “blue gate”, to observe its stunning blue and green ceramics.

Visit the largest royal palace in Morocco, Dar el Makhzen, exhibiting its seven golden doors and marvel at its wonderful golden gate, made of marble, copper and glorious mosaics.

Stroll through the Mellah or Jewish quarter of old Moroccan Jewish heritage, built near the Royal residence for protection in 1438.

Experience the panoramic view of the city from Borj Sud, an ancient fortress on a hill, from where you can view the UNESCO listed ancient Medina of Fes.

Visit the amazing pottery factory and observe how the unique pottery of Fes is made with its intricate mosaics, which adorn half of Morocco.

Visit the 14th century Madrasa Bou Inania religious school and be delighted by the Marinid architecture.

Discover the holy school and historic University of Al-Qarawiyyin, the world’s oldest continuously operating, degree-granting university in the world, as stated by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records. Founded by a woman, Fatima al-Fihir in 859 AD.

Visit the famous 11th century iconic Chouara tannery, the oldest leather tannery in the world.

Explore the narrow streets lined with shops selling fresh fruits, spices, intricately woven Berber carpets, silk weavers and numerous other art and craft items from Morocco, a must-do while on your Morocco tour.

Lunch in an authentic restaurant in the Medina of Fes.

Visit Madrasa Al-Attarine, Nejjarine Museum, Moulay Idriss Mausoleum (founder of Fes).

While negotiating the narrow alley-ways, your local guide will instruct you about Moroccan history, culture and the Moroccan Berber way of life, especially around Fes.

(Overnight in Fes).

 

Day 5 : Fes to Sahara Desert :

Today, you will begin your spectacular journey towards the long awaited, magical and legendary Sahara Desert, the largest hot desert in the world and where the undulating golden dunes glisten like gold in the sunlight. Travel dreams do come true and this visit to the desert may be one of yours, in this Morocco itinerary 9 Days.

Visit the town of Ifrane known as the Little Switzerland of Morocco and stop for a break to enjoy its marvelous landscapes.

Here in Ifrane, you will become aware that this magical mountain town is one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco and features in the top 10 cleanest cities of the world. A beautiful place you will admire while on your tour.

Navigate the green and superb Middle Atlas Mountains, marvel at the largest Cedar plantations in Africa and be captivated by the antics of the Barbary Apes which you’ll have the chance to admire. This species of Apes is found only in Morocco, Gibraltar and Algeria.

Stop in Zayda town for lunch and enjoy a Moroccan tajine or some fresh barbeque. Drive through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains and the striking Ziz Valley oasis, containing the largest palm grove oasis in Morocco.

Observe a dense canopy of palms between ancient striated cliffs dating back to the Jurassic period.

Continue travel to the eminent dunes of Erg Chebbi and experience the glory of the Sahara Desert. Erg Chebbi is regarded as the gateway to the Grand African Sahara and has some dunes considered the highest sand dunes in north Africa at 350 M elevation.

Meet your Camel caravan and the experienced camel man, who will guide your trek to explore the mysterious Sahara sand sea, an unforgettable and alluring trek for your tour in Morocco.

Enjoy a charming sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend the night in a Berber desert camp. The evening will include dinner, followed by entertainment around the campfire, listening to traditional Berber drum music, having the experience of a lifetime under the milky way stars. This will captivate your heart and soul, not for a night but forever.

(Overnight in a Berber Sahara Desert camp).

 

Day 6 : Sahara Desert to Dades valley :

Before sunrise, you may climb the sand dunes for a fantastic view of the amazing sunrise in the Sahara Desert, followed by a typical traditional Berber breakfast.

Begin your day with a 1 hour Quad excursion through the Sahara Desert. Enjoy the exhilaration of speeding through the sands and up the dunes, where you will stop to enjoy a peaceful moment with just sky and sand for as far as you can see. You will have a professional guide to ensure your safety!

After having experienced a memorable night in the spectacular sand sea desert dunes of Sahara, we depart for the town of Rissani.

Between the 14th and 18th centuries it was the location of the famed desert capital, Sijilmassa , where fortunes in gold and slaves were traded via caravans crossing the Sahara desert.

Step back in time and feel the ageless presence of the 200,000 strong annual camel trains crossing here on the trans-Saharan trade routes from sub Saharan African countries.

Visit Rissani traditional markets / Souks. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, being the busiest shopping days for souvenirs, gifts, spices, crafts and jewellery such as silver. There is a live stock market for sheep, goats and donkeys, local fresh produce such as dates, olives, vegetables and many traditional items. You will explore these traditional markets and maybe taste some Moroccan sweet dates.

Marvel at the globally renowned fossil town of Erfoud, where a stop at the fossil museum will uncover a ‘wealth’ of ancient specimens, during your Morocco itinerary 9 days.

Wander at leisure through the Todgha Gorge and witness the immensity of the red cliffs where international rock climbing feats are undertaken. The Todgha Gorge is globally recognized as a most spectacular canyon and has been used for several international movies such as the “Mummy”.

Discover panoramic views of old Jewish and Berber mud villages and experience the presence of Berber nomads in the gorge herding their goats to drink at the river.

Journey on to the magic of the Dades Valley and observe along the valley, amazing rock formations known as the Monkey fingers.

(Overnight in Dades valley).

 

Day 7 : Dades valley » Valley of Roses » Ouarzazate » Ksar Ait Benhaddou » High Atlas mountains » Marrakech :

After breakfast and spending the night in the heart of the beautiful Dades Valley, we continue driving through the Rose valley and Kalaat Mgouna, known as the Rose Capital and known for Damaskina Roses, also known for the annual festival during the rose harvest in May to choose Miss Rose of Morocco.

Continue through the “Road of the thousand Kasbahs”, the iconic Berber mud brick villages and earth castles to the “Oasis of Skoura”.

This oasis is UNESCO protected and is famous for its numerous Majestic Kasbahs and here we will stop to visit the iconic 17th century “Kasbah of Amridil”.

Morocco itinerary 9 days takes you to the city of Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” and the spectacular UNESCO listed Ksar Ait Benhaddou, the most intriguing of the red earth castles and one of the most eye-catching filming locations featured in Game of Thrones, Gladiator and more.

Travel over the wilderness and natural beauty of the High Atlas Mountains, through the exceptionally scenic Tizi n Tichka Pass.

(Overnight in Marrakech).

 

Day 8 : Marrakech sightseeing guided tour :

On this day, you will embark on a full-day city tour of exotic and vibrant Marrakech, exploring in-depth, the rich cultural heritage and antiquity of this enchanting city.

Your Grand Morocco expert local guide will lead you through the UNESCO World Heritage listed, ancient-walled Medina, which dates back to the ancient Berber inhabitants and which extends back to more than 1700 BC.

Visit Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan and Andalusian architecture and a major monument of Morocco’s heritage. This 19th century palace was built by “Ba Ahmed”, the grand vizier of Marrakech & named after his favorite wife “Bahia”. Craftsmen worked on this palace for fourteen years. The tiles were imported from Tetouan, the marble from Meknes while the cedar wood used for the painted and shimmering ceilings came from the Atlas Mountains.

Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 14th century school founded by the Moroccan Monarch “Abu el Hassan”, another beautiful example of Moroccan and Andalusian architecture. The Saadian dynasty enlarged and redecorated the building in 1570 and it became the largest Islamic college in north Africa.

Observe the 12th century and largest mosque in Marrakech, “Koutoubia Mosque” and its 77 meter high minaret. It was completed during the reign of the Berber Almohad caliph Yaqub al-Mansour (1184-1199), and inspired other buildings such as the Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat. Local laws restrict any new building projects from exceeding the height of the minaret, providing a focal point for all to enjoy.

Visit Saadien tombs, the only remains of the Saadian Dynasty which ruled Marrakech in 1524 to 1659.

Explore the UNESCO site of Djemaa el Fna Plaza which is the heart of Marrakech, where can be found traditional activities such as magicians, story tellers, musicians, snake charmers and Marrakech’s legendary Souks. When it was created in 1050 it was used for public execution.

Visit the enchanting and picturesque botanical Jardin Majorelle. The garden was created by an avid plant collector (Jacques Majorelle), and is today one of the most popular attractions in Marrakech, for good reasons. In this refreshing oasis, you are going to wander in the midst of trees and exotic plants of dreamlike origin, pools filled with water lilies and lotus flowers, and vividly colored earthen walls. Let yourself take a break from the frantic pace of the Red City and enjoy the delicate fragrance filling the air.

The Jardin Majorelle, which extends over 9,000 m², is one of the most enchanting and mysterious gardens in Morocco. Created over the course of forty years, it is enclosed by outer walls, and consists of a labyrinth of crisscrossing alleyways on different levels and boldly-coloured buildings that blend both Art Deco and Moorish influences. The French painter Jacques Majorelle conceived this large and luxuriant garden as a sanctuary and botanical ‘laboratory’. In 1922, he began planting it with exotic botanical specimens from the far corners of the world.

(Overnight in Marrakech).

 

Day 9 : Airport transfer – End of Your 9 days in Morocco :

Today, you can have free time in Marrakech during the morning if you want to do your own things or perhaps visit a Moroccan Hammam or Spa and get ready for your flight back home.

We will collect you from your Riad/Hotel and transfer you to the airport in Casablanca for your on-ward flight. Finally, Morocco 9 day itinerary takes you to Casablanca airport, a 2 hour drive from Marrakech.