The ‘Red City’, the ‘Ochre City’ & the ‘Daughter of the Desert’
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Marrakech
Our tour starts in Marrakesh, a city with more nicknames than most. Marrakesh is the fourth largest city in the country and yet, its most popular. It is from Marrakesh several daytrips are made. Today’s activities will depend on your arrival time. There is much to explore in and around the old town and it is easy to get lost. Thankfully, however, we have a private tour guide to show us Marrakesh’s impressive attractions: palaces, city views, a citadel, garden oases, tanneries, mosques and much more.
For your information, below are the names of the attractions we will try to show you today. If you finish early, then attractions set for Day 4 would be added today. Conversely, if you do not have time today to visit one or more of the attractions below, it/they would get rolled over to Day 4.
Duration: 3 hours
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Marrakech
1. Rahba Kedima: an area where locals sell fruit, vegetables and chickens
2. Souk Semarine Market: features lots of clothing, merchants and trinkets
3. Souk Haddadin Market (located on the northern end of Souk Attarin Market): traditionally the ironworker’s quarter and now home to more miscellaneous shops
4. Souk des Teinturiers Market: featuring dyers’ workshops
5. Souk el-Attarine Market: home to lamp, teapot and mirror shops
6. Kissaria Market: contains high-end designer boutiques for lanterns, glassware, Berber rugs, fashion and antiques
7. Souk Cherifia Market: the best shopping destination for designer clothes, accessories and homeware
8. Criee Berbere: the old slave market and now an outdoor area selling carpets
9. Sidi Ishaq Market: miscellaneous shops
10. Albiyyaddine Market: miscellaneous shops
11. Jemma El-Fnaa Square: Marrakesh’s main square, filled with street vendors and food stalls
Duration: 8 hours
3
Marrakech
Note that if you cannot fly directly to Marrakesh, then you will need to take a connecting flight from Casablanca or we will need to transfer you by land from Casablanca to Marrakesh.
Duration: 8 hours
Hiking to the Top of Giant Waterfalls & Approaching Them by Boat
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Ouzoud Falls
We make a daytrip today to Ouzoud Falls. There we have a guided hiking tour as well as take a paddle boat ride. Ouzoud Falls is the collective name for several tall waterfalls which empty into the El-Abid River gorge. Ouzoud Falls, standing 600 meters tall, is unsurprisingly the most visited site in the region.
Duration: 5 hours
Tree-Climbing Goats, an Organic Oil Factory & a Charming Coastal Town
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Essaouira
We make another daytrip today, this time heading to Essaouira. En route, we pass by tree-climbing goats (really, no joke!) and stop at a small factory where organic argan oil is produced. This oil is good for skin and hair. Once in Essaouira, we are provided with a guided tour. The partially fortified old town (a.k.a. medina) has a layout designed by European colonists in the late 18th century. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medina is dotted with bastions, ramparts, art galleries and lively outdoor markets.
Below are the names of the attractions we will try to show you today.
Duration: 6 hours
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Marrakech-Safi
1. Porte de la Marine (a.k.a. Marine Docks)
2. Sqala de la Ville Bastion (a.k.a. Sqala de la Kasbah)
3. Rue Dar Laalouj: a road dotted with shops
4. Souk Jdid Market
5. Rue Mohammed Zerktouni: the main street featuring a lively market
6. The City Ramparts
7. Essaouira Beach: On the far side of the beach, look out for the ruins of defense walls.
8. Sqala du Port Bastion
On a side note, swimming is encouraged only in the summer months, as the water is too cold during the winter and even fall seasons.
On a final note, CharlieTheTraveler cannot guarantee the tree-climbing goats will be there when you pass by.
Duration: 8 hours
Over a Dozen Outdoor Markets, Street Entertainers & Architectural Landmarks
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Marrakech
Today is all about exploring Marrakesh. Home to around 18 markets (a.k.a. souks), some describe this city as ‘one giant marketplace’. Historically, Marrakesh has served as a marketplace where tribesmen and Berber villagers would buy and sell goods (such as carpets) and find entertainment on the streets. Hundreds of years later, the goods and especially the entertainment are as alive as ever. The heart of the city is Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Expect to see acrobats, drummers, pipe musicians, dancers, storytellers, comedians and fairground acts. No less compelling than these entertainers are the city’s architectural attractions. We spend the day visiting them.
Duration: 8 hours
The Country’s Iconic Village & One of the Largest Movie Studios in the World
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Ait Ben Haddou
Although we relocate from Marrakesh ultimately to a village in the desert, we make two must-visit stops along the way. The first stop is to the historic and fortified village of Ait Benhaddou and second, to the town of Ouarzazate. Ait Benhaddou serves as a fine example of Morocco’s earthen clay architecture. Several films shot in Morocco have used both Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate as locations. Movies filmed there include The Mummy, Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Ouarzazate is a town best known for its film studio called Atlas Studios. Atlas is one of the largest movie studios in the world in terms of land area. We visit a cinema museum which displays many of the studio's props.
Duration: 2 hours
Daydreaming in the Sahara Desert, Dinner & a Show Under the Stars & Sleeping in a Luxury Camp
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Erg Chebbi
We are relocating once again. Our desert exploration continues north today. The first destination is Dades Gorges. They are a series of rugged wadi gorges carved out by the river. The next destination is Todgha (a.k.a. Todra) Gorges. They are a series of limestone river canyons. En route to our final destination, Erg Chebbi, we make a stop in the village of Rissani, home to a locally famous pizza-like dish called madfouna. Erg Chebbi is where our luxury camp is located. We sleep in a tent. Erg Chebbi is essentially a large sea of red dunes formed by wind-blown sand. After arrival, we go camel riding with a tour guide. Dinner is included on today’s tour. Before the night ends, we watch a traditional show with music and fire.
Important to note, although the camp usually has Wi-Fi and should have electricity, outages do happen from time to time.
Duration: 3 hours
Monkeys & the Middle Ages Meet the 21st Century
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Cedre Gouraud Forest
After breakfast, which is included on today’s tour, we go quad riding and reach the nearby village of Merzouga. We then relocate to the city of Fez (also spelled Fes). Several scenic stops are made along the way, such as to Ziz Valley and the Cèdre Gouraud Forest, the latter of which is home to monkeys. Fez will for sure stimulate our senses. It is the firstborn of Morocco’s four royal capitals and arguably the best-preserved medieval city of the Arab world.
Duration: 30 minutes
2
Fez
For your information, below are the names of the attractions we will try to show you today. If you finish early, then attractions set for tomorrow would be added today.
1. Rue Bou Ksissat: Home to several jewelry shops, this street used to be the economic and spiritual heart of Fez’ Jewish Quarter (a.k.a. Mellah).
2. Bab Ftouh Gate (a.k.a. Gate of Victory)
3. Rcif Market: This is a food market.
4. Dyer's Street: This alleyway features dyed wools and silk.
5. Place Seffarine: a square featuring a nice fountain and containing tons of centuries-old brass-working shops
Duration: 8 hours
Meal Inside a Native’s Home & the Best-Preserved Medieval City of the Arab World
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Fez
Fez is truly a crossbreed between the Middle Ages and the modern times. Today we dive right into the sightseeing: fortresses, mosques, a tannery, centuries-old brass-working shops, a historic university, city views, souks and more. Fez is Morocco’s second most popular tourist destination after Marrakesh, but it hosts no fewer must-see landmarks. Following the tour, we are taken to a native Moroccan’s home. There we watch how traditional food is prepared as well as have dinner. The combination of tasty cuisine, rich culture and good company creates an unforgettable experience.
For your information, below are the names of the attractions we will try to show you today. If you are unable to visit any of these attractions due to closing times, then you would be taken to them tomorrow morning, before departing to the town of Chefchaouen.
Duration: 8 hours
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Fez
1. Palais Royal Dar El Makhzen (a.k.a. Royal Palace of Dar El Makhzen): outside only, as the inside is closed to the general public
2. Marinid Tombs: featuring ruins and offering city views
3. Musee des Armes (a.k.a. Armory Museum): housed inside a 16th century fortress
4. Mechouar de Bab Dekaken Gate
5. Rue Talaa Kebira: historic street brimming with shops
6. Bou Inania Madrasa
7. Funduq al-Najjariyyin (a.k.a. Museo Nejjarine): houses a wooden arts museum and features a nice entrance and courtyard
8. Chouara Tannery
Duration: 8 hours
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Fez
9. Al-Attarine Madrasa: From its terrace, this historic Islamic school offers a nice view of the Qarawiyyin Mosque courtyard.
10. Nejjarine: A tourist attraction in its own right, this historic building now serves as a restaurant. The interior is quite decorative.
11. Dar Saada: A tourist attraction in its own right, this historic building now serves as a restaurant. The interior is quite decorative.
12. Riad Nejjarine: A tourist attraction in its own right, this historic building now serves as a restaurant. The interior is quite decorative.
13. Leather's Market: Once a place for trading and selling slaves, now dyed leather is what is being sold or bartered there.
Duration: 8 hours
4
Fez
14. Zawiya of Sidi Ahmed al-Tijani: This is a religious complex containing the tomb of an 18th century political leader named Ahmed el-Tijani. You are to visit the outside only, that is, unless you are Muslim.
15. Qaraouiyine Mosque: This is the location of the oldest university in the world. It is now a mosque. When the doors open, from the street you can see much of the pretty courtyard. You are to visit the outside only, that is, unless you are Muslim.
16. Palais Quaraouiyine: This once-palace is now a high-end carpet shop. From its terrace, you can get a good view of the old town. Your tour guide is to ask a worker there to give you access to the terrace. Note the worker there may ask for a tip.
Duration: 8 hours
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Fez
17. Zaouia Moulay Idriss II: Built in the 18th century, this shrine contains the tomb of the founder of Fez. At least one of the doors is often open, thus allowing tourists to peek into the prayer hall. The rest of the inside is inaccessible to non-Muslims.
18. Borj Sud: This is a city viewpoint.
19. Bab Bou Jeloud Gate (a.k.a. Bab Abi al-Jounoud or Blue Gate)
Duration: 8 hours
The Blue Pearl Village of Africa
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Fez
Today we relocate to a charming blue village called Chefchaouen. It is nicknamed the 'blue pearl of Morocco'. The beauty of Chefchaouen's mountainous surroundings is enhanced by the contrast of the brightly painted old town. It is an attractive place for tourists generally and influencers especially. There are so many postcard-perfection locations to take a selfie. Among the places we visit is, of course, the main square. It is lined with cafes and is filled to the brim with locals and tourists mingling.
Duration: 8 hours
Casablanca or Tangier, Your Choice!
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Chefchaouen
Where we relocate today depends on whether you will be leaving the country from Casablanca or from Tangier. If the former, then we will visit the giant Hassan II Mosque. Completed in 1993, it is the second largest functioning mosque in Africa and is the 7th largest in the world. Its minaret is the world's second tallest at 210 metres (689 feet). If you are departing Morocco tomorrow from Tangier, then we do a city tour: a citadel, ramparts, street shops, public squares, markets, gardens, mosques and more.
For your information, below are the names of the attractions we will try to show you today if you are heading to Tangier rather than to Casablanca.
Duration: 5 hours
2
Chefchaouen
1. The Kasbah Citadel: impressive on both the outside and the inside
2. Ramparts (a.k.a. Bab Al Bahr): offers a great view from the terrace and otherwise leads to a closed but nevertheless attractive fort called Borj en Naam
3. Rue Es-Siaghine: This street is lined with cafes and shops. Highlights include (A) the southern gate (a.k.a. Bab Al Fahs), (B) a government building featuring a courtyard planted with orange trees (number 47), (C) the former Spanish Church of the Immaculate Conception (a.k.a. La Purisima, now used for social activities) (number 51) and (D) the jeweler shops on Rue Touahine.
4. Hotel Continental: featuring an attractive-looking breakfast room
Duration: 8 hours
3
Chefchaouen
5. Grand Socco (a.k.a. Place du 9 Avril 1947): This busy market square and its immediate surroundings contain Sidi Bou Abib Mosque and Al-Mendoubia gardens.
6. Fondouk Chejra (a.k.a. Poor People’s Souk or the Weavers’ Souk): an oriental-style market
7. Rue de la Liberte: features a souvenir bazaar called Tindouf
8. Place de France: a popular public square
9. Place de Faro: a place offering great views of the old town
10. Moshe Nahon Synagogue: located on Boulevard Pasteur, Number 27
Duration: 8 hours
Our Tour Ends Today
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Tangier
Tangier (or Casablanca, upon your request) is the final destination on our tour around Morocco. Transportation will be arranged for you to reach Tangier's airport or harbor or Casablanca's airport, whichever you prefer. Note there is an additional charge to be dropped off in Tangier.
Duration: 60 minutes
