On arrival, welcome by your local guide, check-in at your hotel then if time allows, go for an orientation tour of the city: Mohammed V and United Nations squares, Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes church and its stained-glass windows, residential district of Anfa, and Ain Diab corniche. Lunch at local restaurant and drive to Rabat, the administrative capital of the kingdom, arrival and visit the Royal Palace (outside), the Oudaya kasbah, Mohamed V Mausoleum (pavilion of white marble, crowned with green tiles), Hassan Tower (XII century)

Accommodation:

• Standard: Riad Dar Zouhour

After breakfast, Enjoy the scenic drive to Chefchaouen and watch the landscape transform as you approach the Rif mountains. Chefchaouen, or simply “chaoeun” by the locals translates to “two horns” named for the 2 peaks rising above the hillside town. By travelers, it’s most known as “The Blue City” offering an endless winding maze of picturesque homes and streets. You’ll notice quite a difference from the Medinas of Fes and Marrakech, with a much more relaxed atmosphere and some of the friendliest people you will find in the country (quite a statement, as the bar is already very high on average). In the late 15th century the population was boosted by a number of Jews and Muslims fleeing southern Spain and remained mostly untouched and isolated until the last century.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Standard: Lina Ryad & Spa

You will spend most (if not all) of your time in the compact Medina area, which clings to the northern hillside. Lose yourself and wander the small alleys and roads, be respectful, as many of the local residents still live in these homes. At the bottom, you will find the Plaza Outa el Hammam, the main square named for the number of Hammams which used to circle it. Here you will find many restaurants and cafes for people watching, and several shops. You may wish to spend more time in these shops than in Fes or Marrakech, as the prices are generally a bit better and shopkeepers may not be as pushy. Here will also see the Grand Mosque and Kasbah. The Mosque was built by Moulay Mohamed in 1560 and cannot be entered by non-Muslims (but the view from the outside is still nice). A visit to the Kasbah (old fortification) can be done in 30-60 minutes, where you can visit a garden, a museum, and some of the old prison cells. Head up to the roof for a better viewpoint on the town. Keep walking up and you will eventually reach the city walls, which have a few gates. Continue up the paths towards the Hotel Atlas and you will be rewarded with a vast view over the blue city (often all to yourself). As the day ends, follow the streets east and you will pass over the Ras el Ma spring, where the Oued el Kebir river flows below the town. A couple cafes are nearby and can be a nice place to enjoy an afternoon mint tea. Follow the path up the hill for 20-30 minutes and you will arrive at the white Spanish Mosque. From here you can enjoy one last view over the town as the sun sets behind the mountains. for a more adventurous journey, a short drive away will take you to the trailhead of a couple local hikes (plan on at least ½ day). You have your choice of hiking along the river to the Cascades d'Akchou waterfall, or to the rock arch known as “The Bridge of God”. The trail diverges early, and with a full day, you could try to visit both.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Standard: Lina Ryad & Spa

Morning departure towards Fez, on the way, visit of the archaeological site of Volubilis, an ancient Roman city: the Gallien baths, the forum, the Capitol, the basilica, the triumphal arch and the villas which still have well-preserved mosaics. Continue to the holy city of Moulay Idriss, perched on a rocky promontory. Then, visit of Meknes, the former capital of Moulay Ismaïl (contemporary of Louis XIV), protected by its monumental gates (bab El-Khémis and bab Mansour): place El-Hedim, mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl (subject to reopening) , remains of the attics. Departure for Fez.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Standard: Riad Salam fes

The full day is dedicated to the religious capital of Morocco. Panoramic view of this splendid site from the South Borj or the North Borj. Then, visits: Fez el-Jdid and its mellah (former Jewish quarter), doors of the Royal Palace. Discovery of the unique atmosphere of the medina of Fez el-Bali: Bou-Inania and Attarine medersas (subject to a medersa that can always be closed), Karaouiyine Islamic University (ext.), Nejjarine fountain, souks, Nejjarine museum of arts and woodworking (in a former caravanserai). Typical lunch in an old palace in the medina. Free time and diner in a local family home, an opportunity to taste some local specialties made by the Fassis family.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Standard: Riad Salam fes

In the morning, you take the direction of Merzouga de-sert. The road passes through the fabulous Tiz Ntal-ghamt pass and crosses the Ziz Valley, which offers im-pressive panoramas on the High Atlas Plateau. As you approach the town of Errachidia, you will notice how the landscape gradually changes to give way to the de-sert. Lunch in Errachidia, where you will appreciate Berber hospitality. You will then cross the lush Ziz Valley, stopping from time to time to enjoy the magnif-icent panoramas. You cross Erfoud, then Rissani, before arriving in Merzouga in the afternoon. The desert is calling! take a short break near Merzouga for a camel ride through the dunes; you'll arrive at camp just be-fore sunset. Climb up the nearest sand dune to watch the colorful display on the sand sea as the sun dips in the west, then head back to camp for dinner, followed by an evening of traditional Berber music by your camp-fire. Before you head to bed, take a look at the expan-sive night sky, then turn in for the night in your tra-ditional Bedouin tent.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Standard: Tizi Camp / Caravane Du Sud

Today you will enjoy a drive through the dunes of Erg Chebbi by Jeep to discover the hidden secrets of this magical land; meet with the Berber desert nomads and enjoy a cup of tea with a local family, visit the Gnawa house in Khamleya village to explore the spiritual healing music; Traditionally practiced throughout Mo-rocco and originating from the sub-Saharan region, Gnaoua music is a spiritual music at its roots, alt-hough popular maâlems (master musicians) are making the music quite mainstream. Headed by a maâlem with a group of musicians and dancers, the beats are repetitive yet lively. Afternoon, you can rent a sand board and test your skills on the dunes. Late afternoon, climb up the nearest sand dune to watch the colorful display on the sand sea as the sun sets to the west, then head back to camp for dinner and a night by the campfire enjoying traditional Berber music from the locals. Before you head to bed, take a look at the unhindered night sky.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Standard: Riad Maktoub

As you leave the Merzouga region, stop in Rissani, an-other market town with a most impressive gate at the entrance into town. It is a good place to take a walk around a traditional market, especially on market days when many animals are bought and sold. Route offering beautiful views of the region and the khettara (irrigation systems). In Lalla Mimouna, visit of the Sources museum for an overview of Berber culture. Upon entering, the visitor is invited by a harmonious progression of the place, to browse from aisle to aisle all that is representative of local his-tory and of both Berber and nomadic life in general. Let yourself be guided along the signposted route while inhaling the scents of the groves of Ibiscus, laurels or bougainvilleas planted by the owner of the place. A great lover of maxims and an attentive calligrapher, Zaïd collects all kinds of enlightened quotes on wa-ter. They appropriately dot the various stops along this pilgrimage evocative of a return to basics. Reach the the village of Tinerhir, former ksar of the Todra valley, neighbor of the old kasbah of Glaoui. Excursion to the spectacular Todra Gorge (free walk). Continue to the mountain town of Boumalen Dades for overnight.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Standard: Dades Xaluca Hotel

Today, your local guide Moha will take you for a walk through the green oasis and Berber villages at the foothills of the Atlas, plenty of time to encounter the local Berber inhabitants and get a deep insight of their traditions and way of life. Enjoy a wonderful time experiencing a whole new world for you. Beautiful landscapes, history lessons, stunning architecture, fun activities, lively entertainment, freshest food, all a sensory overload will leave you awash in amazement. Your adventure will be carefully guided by Mohamed who will invite you to lunch in his traditional house together with his family, an amazing opportunity to learn about the Berber people, the food, and the history of this amazing land. After lunch, enjoy a cup of mint tea before heading towards the magnificent Dades gorges; a striking river-cut gorge with a diverse set of attractions to see along its length. Dades Gorges is a striking river-cut gorge with a diverse set of attractions to see along its length. Flowing from the High Atlas Mountains, the river has cut out an impressive landscape of cliffs and rock formations here, while also helping patches of fertile land stay rich in greenery throughout the year, supporting gardens of almond, poplar, and walnut trees. Many small, traditional towns have developed near the gorge, close to the banks of the river. Drive through the canyon to see the rural settlements and dramatic natural scenery--the road gets notoriously unpredictable during one particular, and particularly popular, ascent, so take care with the hairpin bends. Afternoon. Back to your hotel in Boumalen Dades, time for relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Standard: Dades Xaluca Hotel

Morning drive through the road of Thaousand Kasbah, time to explore the city of Qelaat Mgouna , a small town located between Ouarzazate and the Sahara Desert and capital of the valley of roses. If you visit during the first week in May, you can observe the annual rose festival There is never a set date for the festival as it depends on the harvest season. Expect a lot of local Berber musicians playing traditional instruments and dancing. Continue towards Ouarzazate, which was in the past the point of commercial and cultural encounters between different peoples of the North and South of the African continent. Visit of Aït Benhaddou, the most famous Kas-bah in Morocco and a UNESCO world heritage site, it has been featured in many movies, portraying landscapes all over the desert, Africa, and the middle east. Some pop-ular film credits include Lawrence of Arabia, The Last Temptation of Christ, Alexander, Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, Prometheus, American Sniper, and Game of Thrones.. People believe that the old ksar dates from the 11th century when it held an important position along the trans-Saharan trade route between Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and the southern desert.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Standard: Riad Maktoub

Route via the Tichka pass (2260 m altitude) to Marrakech, the former Moroccan capital, which deploys its ramparts facing the snows of the Atlas. Upon arrival, free sightseeing in the Medina: famous minaret of Koutoubia, witness of Hispano-Moorish art; alleys of the Medina, Djemaa el-Fna square, a real open-air “theater”.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Standard: RIAD PACHAVANA

Morning guided tour of Marrakech, your driver will pick you up from your hotel towards the old Medina where your official guide will be waiting for you. Start with the most beautiful palaces and monuments in Marrakech, the Bahia Palace. Built at the end of the 19th century, the name literally means "brilliance". You will also visit the Koutoubia Mosque (exterior) with its remarkable minaret, a major attraction for visitors to Marrakech. Enter one of the historic gates of the old Medina and walk to discover the medieval way of life of its inhabitants and their daily occupations. Discover the hidden quarters and the historic caravanserai called Fondouks once used as hotels for caravanners. Visit the souks and Jamaâ El Fna Square, a veritable open-air theater, which always amazes its visitors. Free afternoon for own sightseeing.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Standard: RIAD PACHAVANA

Say goodbye to the red city and travel to Morocco's west coast, following a route that takes you over vast rolling plains. Along the way, pass through an argan tree forest, endemic to this part of the world. You may even see goats dining on the argan fruit, up in the tree branches. Arrive in the port city of laid-back Essaouira, a nice contrast to frenetic Marrakesh, and spend the rest of the day as you choose. Walk the Skala de la Kasbah (the 18th-century seafront ramparts) along the coast. Designed by European engineers, old brass cannons line the walls and offer viewing access over the Atlantic. Explore the UNESCO-listed medina before making your way to the windswept beach. Walk back to Essaouira and enjoy a meal of fresh-caught seafood.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Standard: Palais des remparts - Riad luxe Essaouira

Essaouira, called the well-designed, is facing the Atlantic Ocean. Since Antiquity Essaouira is inhabited by indigenous Berbers, Phoenicians and Romans, it is only from the Fifteenth century that the site is really occupied by the Portuguese, who build in 1506 a fortress and ramparts quickly abandoned before the fierce resistance of the local population. Its ancient medina extends over thirty hectares, built on a rocky peninsula in the ocean in a succession of islets scattered on the coast. It is the Sultan Mohammed ben Abdellah who orders its construction from 1760, Several famous architects participate, such Theodore Cornut, which draws the plan of the city. It is also renowned for windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to the powerful winds that blow almost constantly in the bay, as well as the annual organization of a stage of the kitesurf world cup. Its specific craftsmanship is also prized, such as the work of cedar wood. The fish market and spices are just as important. The city offers a range of optional activities such as camel riding on the beach, kitesurfing, horse riding, ATV adventure etc.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Standard: Palais des remparts - Riad luxe Essaouira

Head back to Marrakech. Keep your eyes out for goats in the nearby Argan trees as you travel back to Marrakech through the rolling plains. Depending on your flight time you may have more time to explore the city, or you can head straight to the airport. Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Meals: Breakfast