The colours of Morroco

THE COLOURS OF MOROCCO

DAY 1: … - Casablanca - Rabat - Meknes - Volubilis - Fes

Arrive at Casablanca international airport. Followed by a drive to Rabat, the capital of the Kingdom also known as the white city. We will visit the exterior of the Royal Palace, the 44 meter high tower Hasan, the last mausoleum of King Mohammed V, which is known for its extraordinary architecture and the Oudayas Kasbah, a popular lookout point over the river Bou Regrer. We will continue to Meknes. We will visit the ancient city, which was built in the 17th century in the time of King Ismael. We visit Bab El Mansour, the most beautiful of all Moroccan doors and the parts of Berrimo and Mellah. The road will take us to Volubilis, a Roman city built in the time of Juba II, where we will see authentic Gallic thermal baths and the Temple of Venus. This was part of the scenery director Martin Scorsese’s movie "The Last Temptation of Christ." Arriving in Fes, hotel check-in, dinner and overnight.

DAY 2: Fes

Breakfast. The whole day will be devoted to visit the oldest royal city, which is also one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It was founded by King Moulay Idriss II. at the end of the 8th century and is an important religious, cultural and artistic center. We will visit the medieval center - M’dina (medina - the old part of the town, which is made of numerous narrow streets, where traders eagerly invite you into their stores), madrasa - Islamic religious school, Kairaouine mosque and the famous fountain Nejjarine. We will also visit various suk’s (bazaars) respectively where people produce and sell their products in these old small shops, which normally close late at night. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 3: Fes - Atlas - Midelt - Tafilalet - Erfoud

Early breakfast and depart for Erfoud. Driving over the Middle Atlas. The Atlas mountain range landscape is extremely beautiful and peaceful and reflects the all present red color of the earth. In the sparsely populated mountain areas of Atlas there is a community still living as before - the Berbers, who make their living mostly with sheep, goat and trade. Through the diverse southern provinces we drive past Azrou, a Berber town, which is known for its arts and crafts workshops. Arriving in the city of Midelt, where we will have a short stop. The journey continues past the mountain pass Tizi-n-Talrhemt, which lies at an altitude of 1906 m above sea level in the province and the oasis of Tafilalet. Arrival in Erfoud. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 4: Erfoud - Ouarzazate - Kasbahs Taurit and Ait Benhaddou

Early in the morning we will take the off-road vehicles in the desert and continue our journey over the dunes (and later continue with camels) and finaly wait for the sunrise. After breakfast we’ll drrive along the dry river bed towards Ouarzazate. The path will lead us through the valley of the River Dades past the many Kasbahs (or kasbah - a Citadel like fortified residence of the rulers of the North African cities), which are known for manufacturing different kinds of creams made from the essences of roses. In general, the region is called "Land of Roses". Arrival in Ouarzazate and lunch. In the afternoon we will explore the best preserved Kasbah, which is often used as a film backdrop for directors from all around the world. You’ll visit the Kasbah Taourirt and the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, which is thought to be one of the oldest in the world. UNESCO also contributed to the restoration and conservation of the Kasbah, which is under its protection as one of the world’s main heritage sights. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 5: Ouarzazate - Marrakech

After breakfast we continue to Marrakesh, also called the "Pearl of the South". This former capital is typical for its red brick houses with flat roofs. The city was founded by the ruler Yusuf Ibn Tashufin in 1062 and boasts an extremely beautiful Moorish architecture. The center of M’dina, which is surrounded by a huge palm grove, is a lively market called Jemaa el-Fnaa. Here you can stroll among the many vendors of leather, ceramics, silverware and demonstrate your art of bargaining. After long “negotiations” we will settle down at a nice the tea room and enjoy some mint tea, which is the most common drink in this area. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 6: Marrakech

Breakfast. The morning will be devoted to visiting the historic and cultural monuments: the Koutoubia Mosque from the 12th century which is adorned by a 67-meter high minaret, the Bahia Palace and gardens, Sadi's mausoleum from the 16th century. Marrakech is also known for its olive grove Menera from the 12th century. The afternoon will be entirely loose and at your own disposal. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 7: Marrakech - Casablanca

After a late breakfast drive back to Casablanca. There you’ll visit the city's main attraction, the Hassan II Mosque. A jewel of modern architecture. This house of god is much larger than the church of St. Peter's in Rome and depicts an excellent combination of glass, marble and precious wood. The square of Mohammed V, which is the heart of the city is surrounded by numerous restaurants, shops, hotels, the port area, the square of the United Nations and the residential part of Afna. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 8: Casablanca - …

After breakfast you’ll have time for some last independent shopping and sightseeing around the city. Then we head towards the airport. Fly back to your destination

End of tour