Day 1 Arrive; Marrakech: Exploring the Red City

Welcome to Marrakech! our 8 days desert tour from Marrakech is nicknamed the “Red City” because of its 1,000-year-old red sandstone walls and buildings. It is the main economic center and the location of the prosperous Medina (Old Town). Head to the busiest square in Africa, Jemaa el-Fna, to start your day, explore the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, and cool off in the garden between fountains and palm trees. From there, find the Islamic school Ben Youssef Madrasa, experience 16th-century architecture, and marvel at the exquisite details: arabesques, Islamic calligraphy and colorful zellij (complex tiles).

As you walk in the alleys of Marrakech, you will notice the medieval inns on the ancient trade routes, providing shelter and supplies for merchants and their animals. Today, some have been converted into residences, while others are large shopping areas and workshops that you can explore. You may wish to visit some of the sights south of Jemaa el-Fna. Some options to consider are the 500-year-old Saadi tombs, the extensive courtyards and sunken gardens of the El Badi Palace in the 17th century, or the intricate woodwork and painted ceilings of the Bahia Palace in the 19th century.

Day 2 Casablanca to Chefchaouen

Day 2 in 8 days desert tour from Marrakech, you will head to Chefchaouen. This small city is a visual enjoyment of blue; walls, doors, windows, stairs, alleys and arches-everything is a combination of soft sky blue and deeper, more vivid tones. Chefchaouen is located in the heart of the Rif Mountains and is known for its “old Moroccan” feel.

On the way, you will visit the majestic Hassan Tower, one of the most magnificent buildings of the Al Mohad dynasty. The Hassan Tower is the minaret of a 12th-century mosque, a lofty architectural project that was eventually abandoned, and a curiosity of landmarks. All that remains today is the red sandstone tower, which is 145 feet (44 m) high and has about 200 pillars. It was originally a more extensive building complex. After you stroll through the ruins, visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. You will see intricate tiles, mosaics and handicrafts in this land.

The lunch will be settled by your driver’s suggestion. Consider tasting some super fresh seafood, which is just cooked on the grill, accompanied by the bold flavors of Moroccan traditions. Afterwards, explore the blue Oudaya community above the Atlantic Ocean. The picturesque charm of this neighborhood is the perfect start to your journey today.

From Rabat, you will travel to the Rif Mountains to the blue city of Chefchaouen. Stay in your luxurious riad and relax, or explore this laid-back town at your own pace. The main square Outa el-Hammam is a place to watch the world change.

Walk down the chaotic alleys far away from tourist areas and experience local life. This is a good place to buy handmade woolen clothing, woven blankets, cedar wood furniture and other handicrafts from northern Morocco. Be sure to order a cup of Maqlouba (upside down) coffee and enjoy it while watching the local women fetch water and wash clothes in the nearby spring. Dinner will take care of itself in a great restaurant in town. End your evening with a glass of freshly brewed mint juice; traditional tea is not only a relaxing way to end your meal, but it is also said to help digestion.

Day 3 chefchaouen to Fes

IN our 8 days desert tour from marrakech Enjoy your morning in Chefchaouen; if you are inspired and wake up before dawn, you will get a wonderful sunrise from the Spanish Mosque, which is located high in the town. You can enjoy a lazy breakfast (think cumin-flavored omelette, goat cheese and hot bread with olive oil), and then explore the medina. You can also relax with a cup of fresh mint tea at Place Outa el-Hammam and watch the city’s vitality in the cafe.

Later in the morning, you will travel through the royal history of Morocco. You will first head south to Fez. On the way, you will stop to visit Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. Wander through the huge complex of buildings and explore large commercial residences with visible heating systems, temples and many well-preserved mosaics. If you want to learn more about the history here, you can hire your own private guide. Since you are traveling with a private driver, how long you can stay in the ruins and any other attractions you visit during the journey.

After that, you will continue to Moulay Idriss, which looks like a sitting camel from a distance. Moulay Idriss was founded in 789 AD; as the first Islamic capital of Morocco, the city remains a place of continuing cultural significance. Take a look at the unique round minaret here, which is the only minaret of its kind in Morocco. Your driver will help you find a great choice for lunch, but if you can book in advance, you can enjoy a private dining experience in the city’s most upscale restaurant.

Your next stop before is the prosperous city of Meknes, with smaller medinas and friendlier shopkeepers, which you will see in larger cities. Your driver will take you through the Ville Impériale (New Town) area, where you can see gardens, palaces, the impressive Bab al-Mansour gate, Moulay Ismail Mausoleum and the Royal Stables. Many of these palaces were built with materials taken from Volubilis, so watch out for Roman columns hidden in unexpected places!

Today you will end your royal road trip in Fez, one of the four imperial cities in Morocco. After you stay in a luxurious riad in the historic Medina, the rest of the time is yours. The unforgettable medina, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of winding lanes, winding up along both sides of a steep river valley, and is the largest car-free city in the world.

If you lose yourself exploring the Medina, please pay attention to whether you are walking uphill or downhill. Walking up the hill will usually take you to the edge of the medina, where it’s easier to find directions and take transportation.

Day 4: Fes: Exploring the Imperial City and medieval Medina & Hammam

Replenish energy with a delicious breakfast, then meet up with your private guide (a native of Fes) to explore the UNESCO-protected Medina. the day four of 8 days desert tour from marrakech Your guide will share hidden stories and show you the secluded corners of this prosperous epicenter; learn about the details of daily life and the magnificence of religious schools and palaces. Once your appetite is open, ask your guide for lunch recommendations-there are many luxurious restaurants hidden behind the humble doorway.

Today, you will also have an in-depth understanding of traditions and crafts; you will visit tanneries and mosaic workshops, observe the traditional crafts methods still in use today, and establish contact with artisans at work.

Relaxation is the key word this afternoon. Return to your riad to relax, then visit the local hammam (traditional public bath) to enjoy some pampering and rejuvenation. Most Turkish baths offer a variety of services, including massages, baths, and a rich therapeutic menu using locally sourced argan oil products. Whatever you choose, you can start with traditional steaming, soaking and a perfect Turkish bath.

Day 5 Guerrouane Region Winery Tour Fes

Today, enjoy a fun and decadent day trip to the city as you venture into Morocco’s unique agricultural region of Guerrouane, just outside Fes. Take a day to learn about the crops, history, traditions and flavors of the region, take part in winery tours and private wine tastings.

Since Roman times, Moroccans have been planting and refining wine grapes for mass production. The tradition of winemaking can be traced back to the Jewish communities in the area and was later expanded by French settlers. Growers and vintners specialize in blending red wine, rosé wine, Vin Gris, and brandy locally called Mahia (Water of Life).

Guerrouane is the agricultural heartland of Morocco. The soil, rain and sunshine here are good, providing good growing conditions for orchard fruits such as apricots, plums and oranges, as well as the precious grapes in the region. This hidden gem is also the home of Morocco’s only AOC wine, Coteaux de l’Atlas 1er Cru. After an interesting and informative vineyard tour, you will sit down and enjoy an afternoon tasting flight, tasting a variety of local style wines.

Afterwards, you will return to Fez for the night. When you open your favorite bottle of wine found that day, your riad courtyard is the perfect place to relax.

Day 6 Fes-Traditional Cooking Class 

Morocco is located at the geographic and cultural crossroads of Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Not surprisingly, Moroccan cuisine is known for blending the flavors of these regions into something unique, vibrant and delicious. What a good way to relax & enjoy a day than taking a private traditional Moroccan cooking class with a master?

Enjoy breakfast in your riad, spend a leisurely morning, relax, and possibly stroll around. Then, you will participate in a five-hour cooking class, starting with a visit to the nearby open-air market to buy produce-just like the locals.

When you prepare a traditional four-course meal with fragrant spices, perfect couscous and marinated lemon everywhere, you will learn about traditional Moroccan cooking methods and hopefully create good memories. At the end of the course, sit down and enjoy your delicious food, which you can recreate after your trip home.

Spend the rest of the day as you want-you can relax in the riad or venture back to explore more Fes. Tonight, enjoy dinner by yourself; your cooking teacher, expert and driver will surely provide some good suggestions for the best restaurants in town.

Day 7 to Casablanca: Rabat and Sale 

Today you will leave Fez for Casablanca. On the way, you will return to Rabat and visit the charming outskirts of Sale.

As the political capital of Morocco, Rabat has a prosperous cooking scene. Although you will find delicious Moroccan food around the city, head to the embassy area of ​​the new city to enjoy the country’s best French and Italian cuisine.

In the afternoon, head to the nearby city of Sale, where you can visit the historic religious school, where you will find striking architecture and Moroccan crafts. Be sure to check out Bab Antare and Bab Mellah, the spectacular city walls and gates that separate the city.

In the evening, you will arrive in Casablanca, where you will have a night to explore and dine on your own.

Day 8 Depart from Casablanca

It’s time to say goodbye to Morocco. Depending on the time of your departure flight, you can go on a last-minute tour of Casablanca or enjoy a tea in one of the traditional cafés. At that time, you will depart for Muhammad V International Airport in Casablanca for your flight, and end our 8 days desert tour from marrakech.