North Africa

Today, you will leave Casablanca and travel to the imperial city of Rabat, the political capital of Morocco. Here, you will visit the Royal Palace, the Hassan Toyour which is Rabat's most famous landmark. it was built by Sultan Yacoub El-Mansour who died before it was finished. He intended a 60m-tall minaret, but the toyour was abandoned at 44 m. Otherwise, it would have been the second largest mosque of its time, after Samarra in Iraq. You will also visit the marble Mausoleum of Mohamed V; built in traditional Moroccan style. Its decoration gives off an air of tranquility.

After a break for lunch in a local restaurant, you will continue our journey toward the 2000 year old and the youll-preserved Roman ruins of Volubilis. Here, you will wander the expansive complex, exploring the still-intact columns of former buildings, large merchant homes, temples, and the colorful mosaics, including the Labors of Hercules.

After a half hour drive, you will arrive to Meknes, one of the imperial cities of Morocco. your guide will take you on a tour around the highlights of Meknes including the magnificent Bab Mansour gate, the grandest of all Moroccan imperial getaways. The gate is youll preserved with lavish Zellij and inscriptions across the top. It was completed by Sultan Moulay Ismail (the founder of Meknes) in 1732.

You will then have time to explore the heart of Meknes Medina; Pl el-Hedim, the large square facing Bab El-mansour; Originally used for royal announcements and public executions, it's a great place to set and watch the world go by - kids playing football, hawkers selling miracle cures, and promenading families... Later on, you will leave towards Fes. Overnight in your riad includes bed and breakfast.

Today, our local guide will take us on a walking tour around Fes; the spiritual capital and the oldest city of Morocco. Most of our guided tour will be within the Medina with its narrow alleys and traditional markets (souks); our guide will ensure you discover sites with cultural and historical interest such as the famous Al Karaouine Mosque and University, one of Africa's largest mosques and possibly the oldest University in the world, this mosque is the spiritual heart of Fes and Morocco itself. It can take up to 20 000 people at prayer.

Another 14th century landmark of Fes is Medersa Bou Inania, the finest of Fes' theological colleges which was renovated few years ago, and the results are amazing: elaborate zellij and carvedplaster, beautiful lattice screens and massive brass doors.

After lunch in a local restaurant, you will visit the Tanneries; one of the cities most iconic sights and where leather is produced. You then stop at the Royal Palace gate; a stunning example of modern restoration. You will walk through the Jewish quarter “the Mellah” and visit the pottery cooperative... In the afternoon, you will have free time to enjoy medieval Fes and take in its beautiful atmosphere while interacting with the locals. Overnight in your riad includes bed and breakfast.

After breakfast, you will leave Fes and journey South of Morocco towards the majestic Sahara desert. Today, you will enjoy beautiful views of the middle Atlas Mountains and its beautiful Berber villages. Our first stop will be at Ifrane town: built in the 1930s by French Colonization. It is tidy and modern, it feels more like Switzerland with its red-roofed houses, blooming floyour beds and beautiful parks, all kept impeccably tidy.

You will journey deep through the middle Atlas Mountains to Azrou; a Berber town with magnificent views of cedar and pine forests. Here, you will be able to see and hand-feed Barbary Macaque Monkeys living in Cedar Forest, the largest forest in Morocco. Lunch will be taken in a local restaurant in Midelt (the Apple city).

You will then continue along the lush Ziz Valley, one of many oases that dot Morocco’s desert-like landscape, stopping for panoramic views along the way. Arriving in Merzouga at the end of the day, you’ll be youlcomed with a glass of mint tea before you check into your riad. It is located on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, the highest dunes in Morocco where your camels and luxury desert camp await you. Dinner, bed and breakfast included.

Today will be one of the best days of your Morocco private tour. You will explore the beauty of Moroccan Sahara desert with its golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi shape-shifting over 28km from North to South and reaching heights of 160m. Your driver guide will take you around these dunes, passing by old, muddy Berber villages and stopping for panoramic views along the way. You will visit a nomad family living in a tent in the middle of the desert and enjoy a glass of mint tea with them as you listen to your guide talking about their nomadic lifestyle.

After that, you will visit the Gnawa people, originally slaves, brought from Sudan and Mali, to experience their spiritual music and lifestyle. Not far away, there is the lake of Merzouga, one of the best areas in Morocco for spotting many desert birds, including Flamingos, Egyptian Nightjars and Desert Warblers.

After lunch in a Berber pizza restaurant, you will head back to your hotel to relax or enjoy a swim before you ride camels and venture into the beautiful Erg Chebbi, enjoying wonderful views of the sunset over the dunes. You will notice how the color of the dunes changes as the afternoon sun descends. Overnight in your Sahara desert camp includes dinner, Berber drums live show, bed and breakfast

Wake up in the early morning and climb the dunes to watch the beautiful sunrise of the Sahara desert. After breakfast in the camp, you will leave the Sahara and drive towards Dades Valley. Our first stop will be Rissani, where the Alaouite dynasty was founded - the current ruling royal family in Morocco. You will visit its traditional souk located in the city center that splits into several sectors: dates, vegetables, spices, animals, cloth and craft. After that, you will continue our journey passing by green palmeries and Berber villages to the 984 feet (300 m) deep Todra Gorge. You will have time to explore the gorge and relax in the cool water of the amazing Todra River.

After a break for lunch, you will head youst towards the Dades Valley to see majestic sand castles and the amazing rock formations known as "monkey toes". Overnight accommodation will be in your hotel overlooking the green, lush Dades valley. Dinner, bed, and breakfast.

After breakfast in the hotel, you will leave the Dades Valley heading towards Kalaat Mgouna and Ouarzazat. You will take the route of the thousand Kasbahs, allowing you to take some of your best photos of the trip. In Kalaat Mgouna, "the Rose City", you have the option to stop and purchase rose products such as the rosewater, rose perfume, lotion, or any other locally made products that will make your linen smell good.

Followed by continuing our journey driving through remote Berber villages until you reach Ouarzazate - “the Hollywood of Africa” with its beautiful landscapes that attracted many world class movie producers. Here, you have the option to visit the Atlas Film Studio; considered to be the largest film studio in the world. Located in an exotic, red desert scenery, it hosted international movies such as the Gladiator, the Mummy and Game of Thrones...

After that, you will drive 15 miles to the UNISCO Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah which was built during the beginning of the 18th Century by a Berber chieftains, T-hami El Glaoui. Today, the Kasbah is a UNESCO world heritage site. After your guided tour of the Kasbah, you will have a break for lunch before you continue our travels to Marrakech via the 7,415ft high Tizi-n-tichka Pass in the Atlas Mountains.

Arriving at your accommodation in Marrakech around 4-5 pm. You can go out and enjoy Marrakech's main square and open air theater. Overnight includes bed and breakfast.

After breakfast, your local guide will meet you in your riad and take you on a private guided tour around the most interesting monuments in Marrakech including the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque. Its 225ft masterpiece minaret dominates the skyline of Marrakech and can be seen from almost every corner of the city.

Marrakech is the home of beautiful palaces such as the 19th century palace of El Bahia with its Andalusian and Moorish architecture. It has a trapezoidal garden, a huge tiled courtyard, Andalusian and Moorish architecture and many hidden antique treasures.

You will also visit the historical Saadian Tombs; built by Saadian Sultan, Ahmed el Mansour in the 16th century. It has a beautiful design with soaring domed ceilings, intricate wood carvings, imported marble statuary and colorful tile mosaics.

Next, you will tour the Koranic School, Medersa Ben Youssef; the largest Medersa in North Africa. It is a theological college - once boarding approximately 900 students for religious study. It was built in the 16th century. Its Moroccan architecture, Moorish archways, rectangular courtyard and colorful mosaics make it one of Marrakech's most picturesque buildings.

After lunch, you will visit the Djemaa El-Fna, Marrakech's main square and open air theater...Snake charmers blast oboes to calm hissing cobras, henna tattoo artists beckon to passersby, musicians play, and so much activity....You are sure to be entertained!

Overnight in your riad includes bed and breakfast.

You will transfer you to the airport in Marrakech or Casablanca, depending on your departure time and desired airport. Your imperial cities of Morocco and Desert tour ends today.