CategoriesTrips By admin

Morocco the Realm of contrasts

Morocco the Realm of contrasts

Experience the magic of Morocco, where history, culture, and stunning landscapes come together in perfect harmony. Your journey begins in Tangier, a vibrant city where Africa meets Europe, before heading to Fes, a place that feels like stepping back in time with its maze-like medina, ancient madrassas, and bustling souks. As you travel through the breathtaking Middle Atlas Mountains, you’ll pass through Ifrane, a charming town often called “Little Switzerland” for its alpine feel. Then, in Marrakech, the city’s energy will sweep you away—from the lively Jemaa el-Fna Square, filled with storytellers and street performers, to the magnificent Bahia Palace and the historic Saadian Tombs. If you’re craving a touch of nature, an optional trip to the Ourika Valley will take you through the serene Atlas Mountains, where traditional Berber villages and cascading waterfalls await. Finally, wrap up your adventure in Casablanca, a city that blends modern elegance with coastal charm, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Morocco’s beauty and warmth.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Tangier City Tour

Upon arrival, meet and assist by our tour leader (depending on availability). City tour of Tangier, the gateway to Africa, then departure to Fes. Lunch en route.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Founded at the end of the 8th century, Fes offers the best example of a well-preserved medieval medina. Wandering through its labyrinth of alleyways, where donkeys and mules remain the primary means of transport, you will discover madrasas, caravanserais, and souks, showcasing the Hispano-Moorish architectural style.

Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Nejjarine Fondouk, the impressive tanneries, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, the city’s founder. You will also get a glimpse of the Karaouine Mosque, where Pope Sylvester II studied Arabic numerals (especially the concept of zero) and where renowned scholars once taught, including the Jewish physician Maimonides, the mathematicians Al-Khwarizmi (algorithm) and Al-Jabr (algebra), as well as the sociologist Ibn Khaldun.

In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of the ramparts, including a drive along the fortified walls surrounding the old medina. Visit the Royal Palace’s grand gate, dating back to the 13th century, and end the day at a renowned ceramics factory.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Depart for Marrakech, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains. Stop at Ifrane, a charming ski resort known for its impressive cedar forests, Swiss-style chalets, and elegant mansions. Founded by the French in 1929, this picturesque town is home to stunning waterfalls and natural lakes.

Lunch in Beni Mellal before continuing the journey.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

For those enchanted by the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul or the Khan El Khalili market in Cairo, Marrakech offers an equally mesmerizing experience. Discover its vibrant souks, exquisite riads and palaces, lush gardens, and fascinating museums, as well as Jemaa El-Fna Square, the bustling folkloric heart of Morocco.

Today’s highlights include:

  • The Menara Gardens
  • The Koutoubia Tower and Mosque (exterior visit)
  • The 19th-century Bahia Palace
  • The Saadian Tombs, rediscovered through aerial photography in the early 20th century

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Optional excursion to the Ourika Valley (€20 per person, to be paid by customers).

Lunch, then departure for Casablanca.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

End of our services.

CategoriesTrips By admin

Morocco – Imperial Cities

Morocco – Imperial Cities

Discover the timeless beauty of Morocco’s imperial cities, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes come together in a mesmerizing journey. Begin in Casablanca, the country’s modern heartbeat, before exploring the regal charm of Rabat, with its grand palaces and ancient kasbahs. Delve into the rich heritage of Meknes, home to monumental gates and historic ruins, before stepping back in time in Fes, the spiritual and artisanal capital, where the winding alleys of its UNESCO-listed medina reveal centuries-old madrassas, tanneries, and lively souks. Travel through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in Ifrane, a picturesque alpine town, before reaching Marrakech, a city bursting with life—where the vibrant Jemaa el-Fna Square, intricate palaces, lush gardens, and bustling souks captivate every visitor. With an optional free day to explore Marrakech at your own pace, this journey offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and adventure, ensuring an unforgettable Moroccan experience.

Itinerary

Day 1: Casablanca

Pick-up from Casablanca airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Panoramic tour of Casablanca, including the Central Market, Corniche, United Nations Square, and the Anfa district. Exterior visit of the Hassan II Mosque. Departure for Rabat, the capital city, with visits to the Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V and Hassan II, the Royal Palace (exterior), and the Kasbah of the Oudayas. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast. Departure for Meknes, visiting the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the city’s founder, the Royal Granary, Bab El Khemis, Lahdim Square, and Bab Mansour, the famous « Gate of Victory. » In the afternoon, visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis, one of North Africa’s most important archaeological sites. Continue to Fes. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast. Visit Fes, the country’s spiritual, cultural, and artisanal capital. Explore the exterior of the Royal Palace, the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), and Fes El Bali (the ancient walled Medina). Visit a Madrasa (Islamic school), the exterior of the University of Al-Karaouine (the world’s first university, founded by a woman, Fatima al-Fihri), the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, and the traditional artisan quarters of tanners, dyers, and carpenters. Stop at Nejjarine Square, home to a woodwork museum. Enjoy free time for shopping in the Kissaria, an old market full of shops selling slippers, gold, textiles, and more. In the afternoon, visit the pottery district and Borj Nord, offering a panoramic view of the city. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast. Early departure towards Ifrane, known as « Little Switzerland. » Cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through Beni Mellal. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast. Visit the city’s highlights, including the Koutoubia Minaret, the Bahia Palace, and the Menara Gardens. In the afternoon, explore the souks (markets), ending at the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square, a UNESCO-listed « living monument » filled with performers, food stalls, and local culture. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast. Free day to explore Marrakech at your own pace—shopping, sightseeing, or simply soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport.

Let me know if you need any refinements! 😊

CategoriesTrips By admin

Morocco of Contrasts

Morocco of Contrasts

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Morocco’s imperial cities and stunning landscapes, from the vibrant streets of Casablanca and Rabat to the historic medina of Fes, the vast sands of the Sahara Desert in Merzouga, and the scenic beauty of Ouarzazate. Explore ancient kasbahs, towering mountain passes, and the bustling souks of Marrakech, all while immersing yourself in Morocco’s rich history, culture, and natural wonders. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, tradition, and luxury, making it a truly unique Moroccan experience.

Itinerary

Day 1: Casablanca

Arrival in Casablanca and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Breakfast. City tour of Casablanca, including the Central Market, Seafront Promenade, Anfa District, Mohammed V Square, and exterior visit to the Hassan II Mosque. Departure towards Rabat, with a panoramic city tour, including the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and Hassan II, the Royal Palace (exterior), and the Kasbah of the Oudayas. Continue to Fes for overnight accommodation.

Breakfast. Full-day tour of Fes, the spiritual, cultural, and artisanal capital of Morocco. Visit the Royal Palace (exterior) and the Jewish Quarter (Mellah). Explore Fes El Bali, the old walled city, and visit a madrasa (Islamic school) where the Quran was taught. See the exterior of the University of Al-Karaouine, the world’s oldest university founded by Fatima. Visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, the tannery quarter, the dyers’ district, and the carpenters’ district. Explore Nejjarine Square, known for its wood museum. Free time for shopping at the Kissaria, an old commercial center filled with shops selling babouches, gold, fabrics, and more. In the afternoon, visit the pottery district and Borj Nord for a panoramic view of the city. Overnight stay in Fes.

Breakfast. If you’re looking for a unique experience, we recommend spending the night in a Berber camp at the foot of the towering dunes of the Sahara Desert. Dinner and overnight stay in traditional Berber tents (Jaima). The following morning, optionally take a camel ride to enjoy the breathtaking desert sunrise. Stay in a luxury desert camp near the dunes.

Breakfast. Depart for Ouarzazate, with a stop at the Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon with 300-meter-high cliffs. Stop at Tinghir, where you can visit the artisanal center or explore the small town. Continue to Skoura, following the Kasbah route through Thousand Kasbahs and the Dades Valley. Continue to El Kelaâ M’Gouna, the “City of Roses,” where you can purchase local rose fragrances and beauty products. Overnight stay in Ouarzazate.

Breakfast. Depart for Marrakech, starting with a tour of Ouarzazate, often called the Hollywood of Morocco due to its use in many international film productions. Visit the famous Kasbah of Taourirt, one of Morocco’s best-preserved kasbahs. Continue to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its well-preserved kasbahs and having been the backdrop for films like « Lawrence of Arabia ». Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the impressive Tichka Pass (2260 meters). Continue to Marrakech for overnight stay.

Breakfast. Spend the whole day exploring Marrakech, founded by the Almoravids in the 11th century. It sits in a lush oasis at the foot of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Visit the Menara Gardens, one of the oldest gardens in Marrakech, featuring a large olive grove and numerous cypress trees. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque and its minaret, one of the most spectacular monuments in the city. Explore the Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture built in the 19th century. Visit Jemaa El-Fna Square, a lively market and public square in the medina filled with snake charmers, street performers, and food vendors. Overnight stay in Marrakech.