The ultimate road trip to Marrakech!
The road to Marrakech was a long one, but it was a beautiful adventure. We flew in to Tangier from Barcelona to make the trek. Tangier was the quickest and cheapest entry point into Morocco for us. In order to travel across the country by car, and see everything that it has to offer, planning is key.
I started planning for this trip back in February, before we even bought our plane tickets. I believe that this was a major key to crafting the perfect itinerary. We reached out to a company based in Morocco called “Let’s travel Morocco”. They did not sponsor my trip, they did not give me a discount or pay me to do a review. They are truly an amazing company.
I worked with Abdou to plan our trip. He gave me advice on which airports to fly into, which days to travel on and how long the trip should be. I told Abdou what we wanted to see, and he told us what he thought that we should do and see as well. Together we created one epic itinerary. Nacer was our guide that stayed with us the whole time and he was simple amazing.
Here is what we did, what we saw and the places that we stayed along the way. Contact Abdou to make your travel plans. You won’t regret it.
Details :
20 Oct 18 : Tangier – Chefchaouen – Fes.
22 Oct 18 : Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Skoura oasis.
23 Oct 18 :Skoura Oasis – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech.
20 Oct 18 : Tangier – Chefchaouen – Fes 6hours
We will pick you from you from the airport or port in tangier and drive you to Chefchaouen, Arrive to the blue town. Chefchaouen is a charming place with strong Andalusian connections. It was here that many Jews and Moors fled during the Spanish Inquisition. Highlights of our day include a short hike to the ruin of the “Spanish” mosque with its fantastic panoramic view; a visit to the Ras el-Ma, where city’s fresh water springs from the mountain; and a stroll through the wonderfully restored kasbah and gardens. Than transfer to Fes City
Overnight in Fes City with Breakfast (B)
Riad Tafilalet http://www.
21 Oct : Fes– Midelt Merzouga Sand Sea of Erg Chebbi7-8 hrs drv
Early in the morning departure at 8am from Fes heading to the Middle Atlas Mountains. The wilderness you cross is incredible diverse and can vary from rocky, sun baked plains, to cedar – clad mountains to deep canyons. In the hills of Azrou you may spot a troop of Barbary Apes. Then we slowly descend into the scenic Ziz valley passing palm groves and green oasis. Yet, again the scenery will be changing into the sandy plains and approaching Merzouga we will see the first sand dunes from the road. The great “sand sea” of Merzouga, a beautiful area of fine, apricot – colored sand that stretches as far as the eye can see.
As evening falls we retreat to the comforts and luxury of our exclusive private desert camp where we will be greeted with mint tea and fresh dates or nuts. The camp is set in a beautiful spot between sand dunes and gives the impression of being alone in the vast African desert while enjoying the comforts of a nomad king. We will enjoy a delicious dinner followed by campfire time beneath the starry African sky. Nothing compares to the millions of stars, silence and peacefulness of the Sahara. We sleep in luxury canvas tents feeling like we walk into one of the stories from the Arabian nights. (D. B)
As evening falls down we enjoy 3 -course dinners and then special entertainment will be provided around campfire with music, drums, and singing from our Berber guides.
Desert Luxury Camp:
22 Oct 18 : Merzouga – Todra Gorge – Skoura oasis appx 5 hours drive
We recommend early morning with the sunrise to enjoy a camel trek. We will head off into the vastness of the dunes on a camel caravan accompanied by camelteers. The sturdy camel has been a mainstay of desert life over the centuries, being used to ship the precious cargoes from Sub Saharan African to the trading ports of the Mediterranean coast. You can ride or walk alongside as you slip into the pace of the caravan led by Berber guides and marvel at the awesome spectacle of the desert and the solitude a silence that comes with it. Then return to the camp for a delicious breakfast.
Leaving the desert behind you’ll head up into the Atlas Mountains to the Todra Gorge, a spectacular gash in the hills that surround Tinerhir. The region is dotted with deserted kasbahs, palmeries and mud- brick villages, creating a photographer’s paradise. The cliffs loom above as you approach the mouth of Todra Gorge. Rising to 300m, the honey-colored hues of the sheer face change constantly as the sun moves across the sky. Local Berber people can often be seen moving their herds through the gorge. Heading into the gorge you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs on a walk to fully appreciate the beauty of the area. Rejoining the vehicle you’ll retrace your steps out of the gorge and follow the remainder of the Route des Kasbahs to Skoura , (B. D)
Hotel: Ksar el Kebbaba – Dinner and breakfast
23 Oct 18 :Skoura Oasis – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech 4 hours
Morning departure to Ouarzazate and to Ait Ben haddou. This is probably the best-preserved fortified Kasbah in the country. With its dramatic walls of red earth, slit windows and crumbling towers, it is a magnificent example of a traditional stronghold. Chosen as a location for Hollywood films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Jewel in the Nile, and more recently Gladiator, Ait Ben Haddou sits upon a lofty pinnacle of rock overlooking a river. Dating from around the 15th century, its importance as a trading post gradually waned, and today’s inhabitants eke a living from farming… and as film extras!. Then we set onto the dramatic drive of Tizi and Tichka that will take us to Marrakech opening the landscapes to some breathtaking views of many Berber villages, snow capped mountains and green valleys. Early afternoon expected arrival to Marrakech.
Overnight in marrakech
be Marrakech
24 Oct 18 Marrakech – Medina Tour
Join your guide this morning to explore Marrakech and the delights it has to offer. The tanneries around Bab Debbagh normally work in the morning and still cure leather in a way that has not changed for hundreds of years. There are plenty of other places for you to visit too. You could take in the Palais de la Bahia, built at the end of the 19th century for Si’ Ahmed ben Musa, the Grand Vizier of Soultan Moulay al Hassan. Only part of the palace is open, as the royal family still makes use of a fair proportion of the building. The beautiful courtyards and splendid living quarters provide a picture of a grand bygone lifestyle. Another possibility is the Dar Si Said, housing the Museum of Moroccan Arts. This former royal townhouse now contains beautiful art and craftwork from all corners of the country. Free afternoon to return to the souk and search for bargains, or sit at one of the cafés on the Djemaa el.
October 25 Transfer to the airport for your flight back home, (Marrakech Airport15min from your hotel)
Happy Travels!
XO- Alisha
