12 Days Epic Morocco Imperial Desert Tour From Casablanca, 12-Days Morocco Tailored-Made Tours, 12-Days Morocco Customized Holidays, 12-Days Morocco Travel Agency, 12-Days Morocco Destination Management Company.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL TO CASABLANCA

Today, embark on one of our captivating Morocco vacation packages as we invite you to join us on a 12-day tour to discover the magical Kingdom of Morocco. Upon arrival to Casablanca airport you will meet our English speaking driver who will escort you to your hotel and provide a brief overview of your tour. You will explore Casablanca is the main gateway to Morocco. It is Morocco's modern commercial capital, so although its Medina isn't a must-see, a few other sites are worth visiting. Visit Hassan II Mosque, which is the city's premier attraction! This spectacular mosque is one of the largest in the world. French architect, Michel Pinseau, created its architectural design. Visit the Habous quarter built by the French in the 1930s and its architectural style merges traditional Moroccan style with modern French. This area is more relaxed to wander around compared to the old medina. You can see also Rick’s Café to experience the vibe of the classic 1942 Hollywood film, Casablanca. Located in the old medina, this reproduction of the film set of actor Humphrey Bogart’s character, Rick Blaine’s bar captures the spirit of the film. Visit Notre Dame de Lourdes although the simple façade of this Catholic Church may be deceiving, the interior is phenomenal. Stained glass masterpieces windows transform the ordinary and create a kaleidoscopic, ethereal atmosphere. The Museum of Moroccan Judaism Located in the residential Oasis neighborhood, this museum is the only museum devoted to Judaism in the Arab World. A vast collection of cultural and ritual artifacts and photographic documentation of Morocco’s Jewish heritage. Spend the overnight with breakfast at the hotel.

• Driving distance: Approximately 40 Kilometers.
• Estimated driving duration: 50 min (without traffic).
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel in Casablanca.
• Meals: Breakfast included

DAY 2: CASABLANCA - EL JADIDA - ESSAOUIRA

Today we leave the city of Casablanca to the coastal city of El Jadida once nicknamed Mazagan, this city built by the Portuguese has stood proudly since the 16th century. Its well-preserved architectural treasures and the subtle mixture of both Moroccan and European cultures have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This seaside city is not lacking in charm and beauty. Its beaches, historical vestiges, incredible natural sites and a temperate climate all year round are a surprise. This region is one of the lungs of national agriculture, is also a seaside resort, and has a successful industrial sector on an international scale. We continue our trip along the coastline towards the town of Oualidia as a stunningly picturesque little resort – a fishing port and lagoon beach, flanked by a Kasbah and a royal villa. The Kasbah is seventeenth-century, built under the Saadian sultan el Oualid (after whom the town is named) as a counterweight and alternative to Portuguese-held El Jadida. Today, Oualidia is known for its Japanese oysters; Morocco’s first oyster farm was launched here in 1957 and nowadays it harvests some two hundred tons a year, mostly sold locally. However, the town really deserves to be better known as a resort: its beach is excellent for surfing and windsurfing, and swimming is safe and easy thanks to the shielded lagoon. We arrive to Essaouira late afternoon for the overnight with dinner at the hotel.

• Driving distance: Approximately 370 Kilometers.
• Estimated driving duration: 5hrs 00 min (without traffic).
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel/Riad in Essaouira.
• Meals: Dinner & Breakfast included.

DAY 3: EXPLORE ESSAOUIRA

Today you will explore Essaouira as an excellent destination and beautiful coastal town, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s best-kept secrets and must-see destination. Discover the atmospheric alleyways of the ancient Medina, and the old ramparts, which now provide protection from the wind-assisted waves of the Atlantic Ocean. From a long white sandy beach and dunes to a bustling fishing port with excellent seafood and colorful wooden fishing boats, Essaouira has always been a favorite retreat of hippies, sailors, artists, and musicians. The attractions of Essaouira include the Sidi Med Ben Abdallah Museum, the souks, the old city gates, and the impressive Skkalas – fortified sea bastions. Perhaps enjoy a meal in one of the fabulous seafood restaurants and a stroll along Essaouira’s impressive sandy beach. Essaouira hosts an art-centric population, attracting a large bohemian crowd for the Gnaoua and World Music Festival every summer. You'll also find windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts, thanks to the powerful winds that constantly blow in the bay. Spend the overnight with breakfast at the hotel.

• Driving distance: No distance.
• Estimated driving duration: No duration.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel/Riad in Essaouira.
• Meals: Breakfast included.

DAY 4: ESSAOUIRA - AGADIR - TAROUDANT

After breakfast, we drive south-west where you'll find Agadir sandwiched between a long crescent beach on the Atlantic coastline and the rugged hills of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Agadir is one of the pearls of Morocco. Whatever the season, the sun pours its rays and the city enjoys a pleasant climate that the trade winds still soften. Above all, its 10-kilometre-long seafront offers tourists magnificent views of the blue ocean and the opportunity to laze around in the best conditions. Unfortunately, an earthquake in 1960 destroyed much of Agadir's historic core, with one of the few surviving structures being the old Kasbah's walls. Otherwise, the city is relatively new and known as a hip, relaxed, and modern metropolis. As a resort town, you'll find a bustling marina lined with cafes, and bistros, plus a long promenade perfect for a sunset stroll. We continue to the town of Taroudant with its majestic ramparts and nine gates. The oldest gate, Bab El Kasbah, offers a beautiful view over the Pasha’s Kasbah and Taroudant’s gardens. Tour Taroudant’s souks and discover the treasures hidden in the medina’s little street front stalls. The Arab souk extends along the rue Bir-Anzarane: near the antique market. Here you’ll find superb jewelry and silver objects of great intricacy. At the end of this road is the Berber souk on An-Nasr square, where you can find all kinds of local artisanal products. Spend the overnight with dinner at the hotel.

• Driving distance: Approximately 305 Kilometers.
• Estimated driving duration: 4hrs 00 min (without traffic).
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel/Riad in Taroudant.
• Meals: Dinner & Breakfast included.

DAY 5: TAROUDANT - TALIOUINE - TAZNAKHT - SKOURA

After breakfast, we leave the « Small Marrakech », Taroudant towards Taliouine, a small town located in the Saffron valley in Morocco. It is the "Capital of Saffron". People cultivate there this king of spices (Saffron). The landscapes and scenery all around are very beautiful. The neighboring villages also have an incredible charm thanks to the typical local architecture. We continue our destination towards the Berber village of Taznakht, famous for its Berber carpets and rugs. We stop at a local Berber carpet cooperative where local female artists create their artwork and sell direct to the public. We can watch the process from dying the raw wool, spinning the fiber into strands before weaving the carpet or rug. The trip goes further to the palm groves of Skoura, a breathtaking oasis with 4500 hectares of palm trees. It was the transit for camel caravans connecting the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean to Sub-Saharian Africa long before the Almohad Sultan Yacoub El Mansour’s reign (1160-1199). UNESCO-protected palmeries and mudbrick Kasbahs remain the defining features of the place. Visit the impressive 17th century Ameridil Kasbah. This particular Kasbah has been immortalized on the back of the country’s 50-dirham note. As such, it is Skoura’s main attraction and its grand size and interesting design always make it a rewarding find. However, the Ameridil Kasbah is not the only attraction of this nature in Skoura. Spend the overnight with dinner at the hotel.

• Driving distance: Approximately 320 Kilometers.
• Estimated driving duration: 5hrs 00 min (without traffic).
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel/Riad in Skoura.
• Meals: Dinner & Breakfast included.

DAY 6: SKOURA - ROSE VALLEY - TODRA GORGES – MERZOUGA DESERT

Today we will drive through the Rose valley, one of Morocco's most captivating natural attractions. Named after the thousands of rose bushes that cover the banks of the Oued Dades, it runs between the villages of Kelaat M'Gouna and Boumalne-Dades. Each April and May the valley is flooded with local women picking roses. It is well worth taking the time to stop and smell the roses. We continue to The Todra Gorge, which is often referred to locally as the Toudgha Gorge, features 1,200 ft (400 meters) tall cliffs of bright red sandstone that seem to touch the brilliantly blue mountain skies. At the cliff’s base are a spring-fed stream feeding palm groves, Berber villages, and fruit plantations. The glorious scenery and clean water have made this a popular stop for shepherds and travelers for centuries. It’s also a paradise for photography enthusiasts, climbers, bikers and hikers. The gorge has also been featured in the American TV show ‘Expedition Impossible’ and a 2012 Cadillac CTS advert. We continue the trip following the ancient Bedouin trading routes parallel with the Middle Atlas, passing a series of the fortified villages with outstanding architecture to the spectacular Merzouga dunes where sand dunes signify the start of the mighty Sahara Desert. We leave our vehicle and take a camel ride into the desert to a desert camp. To seal this as an experience of a lifetime. Spend the night in the desert in Berber tents, the ultimate glamping feeling! Add endless starry skies and music around a campfire and the picture is complete. You should not definitely miss this amazing experience in the desert during your tour of Morocco!

• Driving distance: Approximately 330 Kilometers.
• Estimated driving duration: 5hrs 00 min (without traffic).
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at a Desert Camp in Merzouga.
• Meals: Dinner & Breakfast included.

DAY 7: MERZOUGA DESERT - DRAA VALLEY - OUARZAZATE

Greet a new day with an early morning wake up for a picturesque sunrise upon the stunning dunes of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy your breakfast and ride camels or Jeeps back to the town of Merzouga where you will meet your driver. We continue the tour towards Erfoud Known as the “Gateway to the Desert”, Erfoud is a charming town in the south of Morocco and a paradise for fossil hunters. The unique fossilized species were found here, especially the trilobites. You might be surprised to learn that this place has been used for some of the most popular movies of all time, such as The Mummy and the Prince of Persia. We reach Rissani, which has been the capital of the Tafilalet area for centuries and was the last glimpse of civilization for caravans heading south. Rissani is today an important center where the inhabitants of the region make their purchases. Nearby is the historic mausoleum of Moulay Ali-Cherif, the founder of the Alawite dynasty. Behind this mausoleum are ruins of the photogenic ancient Ksar Oulad Abdelhalim. The next destination for the day is the Draa Valley, a stunning oasis home to Berber villages, sumptuous Kasbahs, lush green plains, endless stretches of palm trees and the Draa, Morocco’s largest river. The beauty of the Draa Valley is not its only geographical richness; the valley has thousands of years of history, evidenced by the ancient cave paintings and carvings found in the area. It was in the Draa Valley where archeologists found the statuette of Venus of Tan-Tan, one of the oldest prehistoric sculptures ever discovered. Draa Valley was once an important transit point on the trans-Saharan caravan trading routes, as well as an important trading center for Jewish, Arab, Berber and Christian civilizations. We arrive to the Hollywood of Africa Ouarzazate for the overnight with dinner at the hotel.

• Driving distance: Approximately 385 Kilometers.
• Estimated driving duration: 5hrs 00 min (without traffic).
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel/Riad in Ouarzazate.
• Meals: Dinner & Breakfast included.

DAY 8: OUARZAZATE - AIT BENHADDOU - IMLIL BERBER VILLAGE

Today you explore Ouarzazate, a Mini-Hollywood in Morocco as it’s seen the likes of Gladiator to some earlier “Game of Thrones” scenes! Atlas Studios, just outside the center of town, has been churning out Hollywood blockbusters since 1983. Over 200 movies have been filmed in this landscape. It has served as everything from biblical scenes to ancient Egyptian fables. The area surrounding Ouarzazate is a home to intriguing Kasbahs – both decaying and restored – and a hidden oasis making it one of the most interesting places in Morocco. We reach Aït Benhaddou Kasbah, an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 11th century. The Kasbah is one of the most spectacular human-made sites in the region, which consists of tall earthen buildings that crowd together behind defensive walls reinforced by corner towers. It is an iconic photogenic village as well as an impressive historic landmarks and a popular film location for Hollywood movies as the backdrop in nearly two dozen Hollywood movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, The Last Temptation of Christ, The Mummy, Gladiator, and Alexander. Most recently, the old town hosted the Game of Thrones TV series. We leave this fortified village up to the Atlas Mountains along which travelers will view massive foothills blanketed in green vegetation. We will come across a variety of villages; the natural landscapes and their colors change constantly along the drive, so this road provides a condensed version of all the surprising richness of the region, and numerous opportunities for hikes. We reach the Berber village of Imlil for the overnight with dinner at the hotel.

• Driving distance: Approximately 250 Kilometers.
• Estimated driving duration: 5hrs 30 min (without traffic).
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel/Riad in Imlil.
• Meals: Dinner & Breakfast included.

DAY 9: HIKING THE ATLAS MOUNATINS

Early in the morning, we make our attempt on the summit of Jebel Toukbal, the highest peak in Northern Africa. Our route takes us up the south cirque, crossing the stream above the refuge. The walking is relatively straightforward, but the screen and the altitude will make the going quite difficult in parts. The views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile. When you reach the summit, you will see that the vistas across the surrounding landscape are quite breathtaking. From here there are unrestricted views in every direction, from the Marrakesh Plain to the High Atlas in the north and as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. We will retrace our steps when we return down to the refuge have lunch and then head back to Imlil to spend the overnight with dinner at the hotel.

• Driving distance: Approximately 10 Kilometers.
• Estimated driving duration: 2hrs 00 min (without traffic).
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel/Riad in Imlil.
• Meals: Dinner & Breakfast included.

DAY 10: IMLIL VILAGE - ASNI OURIGANE - MARRAKECH

After breakfast, you will choose your time of departure to the pink city of Marrakech. You can choose to visit Asni Ouirgane along in the shade of nut trees and crossing mountain springs, passing by Richard Branson's Kasbah Tamadot. On the way back to Marrakech you will enjoy small villages with their mud- brick adobe houses greet your eyesight, stacked into the hillside or lining the watercourse shaded by the palm grove. The river gives place to the canyons and gorges and the local Berber granary towers over the landscape, a quiet sentinel guarding the silence of the valley. The road follows its course among olive or orange orchards and golf courses to reach the city of Marrakech for the overnight with dinner in a hotel.

• Driving distance: Approximately 60 Kilometers.
• Estimated driving duration: 1hr 30 min (without traffic).
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel/Riad in Marrakech.
• Meals: Dinner & Breakfast included.

DAY 11: EXPLORE MARRAKECH

Welcome to Marrakech, Africa’s Capital of Culture, which will encapsulate you with colorful sights, sounds and smells as soon as you enter. Here, everyone and everything is on the move. It is a city of immense beauty and its fabulous palaces, bustling souks, and lush palm groves continue to exercise a powerful grip over tourists. Undoubtedly, Morocco’s most intoxicating city, it’s impossible not to be captivated by Marrakech’s vibrant colors, heady scents, and inimitable feel. Although it is fairly a big city, most of the must-see attractions in Marrakech can be found at or within walking distance of the medina (historic center). Walking is the best way to discover its many hidden gems and appreciate the true charm of Marrakech. Within the madness of the medieval Medina, experience the exotic charm and traditional way of life, that has nourished Marrakech for over a millennium. Delve into a labyrinth of hustle and bustle, haggle for treasures, gaze upon starry mountains, and uncover the delights tucked away in this North African destination. The highlights to see and explore are The Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech’s most important mosque and one of the largest house of worships for followers of Islam when completed in 1158. Visit The Bahia Palace, one of the most beautiful palaces in Marrakech built in the late nineteenth century and is a must-see attraction. The Ben Youssef Madrasa was the largest and most important Islamic school in Morocco. It has over 130 rooms and housed over 900 students. The souks of Marrakech’s medina are a maze of market stalls where the vibrant colors blend with the smell of spices and shouts of merchants. Spend the overnight with breakfast at the hotel.

• Driving distance: No distance.
• Estimated driving duration: No duration.
• Accommodation: Overnight stay at a hotel/Riad in Marrakech.
• Meals: Breakfast included.

DAY 12: MARRAKECH - BACK TO THE AIRPORT

Today marks the end of your memorable Journey to Morocco. You will have enjoyed an off-the-beaten-path exploration of Morocco and the rich culture and history found here. It is time to bid farewell to this enchanting country and cherish the memories of your time here. Wishing you a safe and comfortable journey back home.

NOTE

NOTE : Bear in mind that this is just a tour itinerary suggestion, if it does not match what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will organize a different itinerary based on your preferences and your stay duration. We offer customized and tailor-made tours and trips all around Morocco.

The price varies according to the number of people traveling, the more people joining the tour the less the price gets. Since the transportation payment is fixed, the price will be divided according to the number of travelers. The price depends on the quality and category of the accommodation. Contact Us for an exact quote.