Today's walk is an amazing look into the life of the Moroccan city dweller where little has changed over the centuries. Day 5 Fes - Erfoud We have a morning departure for the Middle Atlas, a region of folded mountains and high, windswept plateaux, vast forests of cork oak and cedar, and lakes and streams full of trout. This is Berber country and sheep and goat-rearing is the main occupation of these resilient, friendly people.
We drive via the Berber villages of Imouzzer du Kandar; Ifrane, a fairy-tale town unlike any other in Morocco with white-walled French-style villas with steep red roofs and gables.
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As the altitude increases, we come to a bare, arid, sandy plateau with another range of mountains in the distance. We continue to Erfoud, an attractive town -- red and sandy, exuding desert ambiance. Overnight in Erfoud. The first capital of the Tafilalt and the last stop on the caravan routes south, Rissani has a special place in Moroccan lore. The ruling Alaouite dynasty from whom Morocco's current ruler, Mohammed VI, is a descendant launched its bid for power here before triumphing finally in Fes and Marrakech.
Today, a quarter of Rissani's population still inhabits a large 17th-century ksar in the center of town. Later this afternoon we drive by 4WD vehicle to Merzouga to witness sunset over the dunes.
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We have time to explore the dunes on foot, or by camel! This is a magical Saharan landscape, with huge drifting expanses of sand dunes reaching heights of more than 45 metres ft.
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Their colour shifts from pink to gold to red to white depending on the time of day. Overnight at Merzouga. It is a vast fault in the plateau separating the High Atlas from the Jbel Sarhro, two sheer cliffs over metres ft high separated by a narrow corridor only 20 metres 66 ft wide. Later we cross the southern slopes of the High Atlas before arriving at the captivating city of Ouarzazate. We stop en route in the heart of the Dades Valley at the oasis of Kelaa Mgouna.
Overnight in Ouarzazate. We then proceed to the kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, one of the most spectacular sites in Morocco. We arrive in the new village on the west bank of the river and proceed to cross the river, usually with an entourage of local children. After a brief tour and time for independent exploration, we continue our journey toward Taroudannt through the Souss Valley. The area is rich in agriculture, producing oranges, bananas, tomatoes and other crops. Overnight in Taroudannt. The old city is surrounded by nearly 5 km 3 miles of rich red-ochre walls. The walls, considered by many to be the best preserved in Morocco, give the town an elegant feeling.
This morning we have a caleche horse-drawn carriage ride around the walls of the city before beginning our walking tour of the suq area. The town is famous for its two suqs: the Souk Arabe and the Marche Berbere. The former specialises in handicrafts and jewelry; the later is famous for house-wares, spices, wooden objects and furniture.
This afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. You may wish to spend more time in the bazaar or take a walk around the impressive city walls and bastions. Day 10 Taroudannt - Essaouira This morning we travel toward the Atlantic coast and make a short stop in Agadir. From here we travel northward to the fortified, whitewashed fishing village of Essaouira. Once a pirate community, the town is located on a rock promontory overlooking the sometimes raging Atlantic Ocean. The Romans were interested in the purple dye produced from shellfish which they used to colour the robes of the rich.
Orson Welles stayed here for some time, filming part of Othello at the Skala. In the s Essaouira had a brief reputation as a 'happening place', which attracted hippies, notably the rock star, Jimi Hendrix. Before dinner you may want to stroll along the extensive beach or visit the colourful fish market.
Overnight in Essaouira. Old Mogador was occupied in the 15th century by the Portuguese who built the fortifications around the harbour. These impressive ramparts still give the city a fortified look. Today you will be guided on a leisurely walking tour of this coastal city. The port area offers an interesting look into the fishery industry of Morocco, and the jewellery suq offers some of the best silver items available.
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You may also wish to visit one of the many art galleries or visit the Musee Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah which features excellent displays of marquetry and handicrafts. Be sure to visit the Marchee d'espices spice market where you can purchase your cooking spices or pick up some "cures" for whatever ails you.
As we approach Marrakech, the scenery becomes flatter and greener, as the city is the centre of a large palmerie oasis. You will notice an abundance of the pink mud-brick buildings amid this tree-filled city. With it's unique character and charm, Marrakech lures visitors with a hospitable climate and superb location. This evening we visit the famous Djemma el-Fna in the centre of the city. The Djemma el-Fna is like nowhere else in North Africa. This "Assembly of the Dead," offers a spectacle that is a must-see when visiting Morocco.
In the busy square you will witness a carnival of musicians, snake charmers, acrobats, story-tellers, witch doctors, dentists, clowns, monkey's and the like. The enduring smells of the Djemma's food stalls, piled high with platters of specialty cuisine, are well worth a visit just for the experience. Overnight in Marrakech. Day 13 Marrakech: City Tour Marrakech is one of the world's most enchanting cities.
The city is situated on a lush palmerie and city dates to the Almoravid Dynasty circa Founded by Youssef bin Tachfine, the city became the dominant centre of Morocco.
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Our morning walking tour takes us to the Koutoubia, nearly 70 m feet high and emulating the classic Moroccan design. We will also take a short walk through the Mellah or Jewish quarter.
This afternoon we allow free time to visit one of the many gardens -- the Majorelle Garden is recommended. Within the gardens is an excellent museum displaying a collection of Berber objects originating from diverse regions of Morocco, from the Rif to the Sahara. Day 14 Departure Departure from Marrakech. Included Meal s : Breakfast.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure. Our banquet team knows how to create the ideal setting in one of the 5 meeting rooms, equipped with the latest technology and able to accommodate up to people. The Mohammed V Airport lies 19 miles 30 km and 30 minutes away from the hotel. Read More. Click here to visit hotel website.
Riad El Yacout Rating: Location: Fes Country: Morocco Riad El Yacout is an old traditional formally residential home that has been carefully restored to provide hospitable, comfortable and In the year , the current owners bought this property and spent years to restore the riad. Auberge Shara Garden Location: Merzouga Country: Morocco The hotel different kinds of spacious guest rooms fitted with single, twin and queen-size beds, comfortable berber tents, terrasse, small Dar Zitoune is ideal for anyone seeking peace and quiet.
Palais des Rampart Rating: Location: Essaouira Country: Morocco Set in a converted 18th-century townhouse within the medieval medina walls, this upscale hotel is a 1-minute walk from the Angsana Riads Collection Rating: Location: Marrakech Country: Morocco Set in 6 restored riads with interior courtyards, this warm, upscale hotel is a 9-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa, a All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary.
Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters. Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items phone, laundry, etc , international air taxes if applicable , excursions referenced as 'optional'. Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs and shopping. This tour is offered in winter, spring and fall, the most popular of which are spring and fall when temperatures are relatively mild. For a couple of years, starting from , our spring dates are a little later in the season in order to avoid widespread closures or reduced hours for important sites during the holy month of Ramadan.
Land transport throughout by private air-conditioned motor coach, seats depending on ultimate group size see 'group size'. Though we will have some full bus days, road travel is not particularly arduous as there are plenty of stops of interest.