MARRAKECH - FROM  17th   To  24th   AUGUST  2024  -  GROUP DEPARTURE

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Special Summer Group  -  Maximum 12 People.

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TOUR DESCRIPTION:

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“....A journey that spans centuries of history between the imperial cities in the north of the country and CASABLANCA, Morocco's industrial megacity, prized for its famous Hassan II mosque, one of the largest in the Islamic world. FES, a romantic medieval city. MEKNES, the first imperial city in history, famous for its underground water basin. IFRANE, a mountain center in the Middle Atlas, known for its renowned ski resorts. A night in a tent in the desert is planned to live the unique experience of observing the starry sky while sipping mint tea. Visits to the Todra Gorges, the Ziz and Dades Valleys, the Tafilalet oasis, the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou in Ouarzazate and MARRAKECH, the red city...”

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TOUR DETAILS 

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DAY 16th AUGUST: 10 km - Transfer from Marrakech airport. Transfer from Marrakech airport and accommodation in a Riad in the medina with breakfast included (BB). Overnight stay in a Riad in Marrakech with breakfast included (BB).

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DAY 17th AUGUST: 00 Km - Marrakech tour guided. Our itinerary for the day includes an exploration of the historic city of Marrakech. After breakfast, we will begin our visit with a tour of the city's bustling markets, followed by a walk among its historic buildings and city walls. Highlights include the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, and the renowned Jamaa el-Fnaa square, known for its vibrant performances and unique cultural attractions. We will also visit the Majorelle Garden, a serene oasis featuring meticulously curated plants and the permanent museum of Berber culture. Accommodation for the night will be in a Riad in Marrakech, with half-board service (dinner and breakfast included).

DAY 18th AUGUST: 360 km - Marrakech to Rabat via Casablanca. Depart from Marrakech heading towards Casablanca on highway A1. Upon arrival in Casablanca, visit the renowned Mohamed V Square, the Sacred Heart Cathedral, and the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world. Following the city tour, proceed to Rabat, Morocco's administrative and political capital. Upon arrival, explore the medina of Rabat, the Hassan Tower, the Mohamed V Mausoleum, the medersa, and the surrounding Kasbah of Ch’lla'. Also, visit the Kasbah of El-Oudaia. Overnight accommodations in a Riad in Rabat with half-board (dinner and breakfast included).

DAY 19th AUGUST: 180 km – Rabat to Fez via Meknes. Following breakfast, we will set out for Meknes, the first Himerian city in the history of the Alaouite dynasty, a journey of approximately two hours. Our itinerary includes a visit to the Roman archaeological site of Volubilis, known in Arabic as “Walili,” located a few kilometers from Meknes. We will also explore the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the founder of the Alaouite dynasty, the Heri es-Souani, notable ancient underground water reservoirs, Bab Mansour, and Hedim Square. After our tour of Meknes, we will proceed to Fez. Accommodation will be provided in a Riad in Fez with half-board, including dinner and breakfast.

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DAY 20th AUGUST: 00 km - Explore the city of Fez. – This day is dedicated to exploring the city of Fez, wandering through its narrow alleys and admiring its magnificent ancient architecture, allowing us to experience a piece of history and civilization from its glorious past. The city is rich in handicrafts and intriguing sights, such as the leather dyeing vats. A visit to the ancient university reveals well-preserved rooms, notable for their intricately carved wooden ornaments. We will also visit the royal palace of Fez. Accommodations for the night will be in a riad in Fez, including half-board (dinner and breakfast).

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DAY 21th AUGUST: 480 KM – Fes to Merzouga via the Ziz Valley. After breakfast, we commence our journey towards the desert, departing from the Middle Atlas mountain range. We traverse the Tizin-Talghoumte pass (1900 m) and proceed to the Jebal-Saghro mountain range, visiting the Ziz Valley, the blue spring of Meski in Errachidia, and the fossil cooperative in Erfoud. En route, we pass through a forest of ancient cedars, notable for being home to numerous families of monkeys, located near the town of Azrou. We arrive in Merzouga around 5:00 pm. Just before sunset, we prepare to cross the Erg Chebbi dunes on dromedary back. In the evening, we will be welcomed by a nomadic family to experience their culture and traditions. Overnight accommodation will be in a tent at the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, with half board (dinner and breakfast).

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DAY 22th AUGUST: 360 KM – Journey to Ouarzazate via the Dades Valley and Todra Gorges. There is an opportunity to rise at dawn to witness the dynamic colors of the Sahara. After breakfast, we will embark on a camel ride lasting approximately one hour. We will visit the renowned city of Rissani, exploring the market, the Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum, and the Kasbah of Oulad Abd el Halim. Today's itinerary includes lunch at a restaurant in Rissani, featuring Moroccan pizza accompanied by mint tea. We will then proceed to the city of Tinghir, passing through Jorf, where we will explore the town's ancient catarrhs, a traditional water supply system in the desert. Our journey continues through the Valley of Roses, traversing the Dades Valley and Todra Gorges. The day concludes with an overnight stay in a Riad in Ouarzazate, with accommodations on a half-board basis (dinner and breakfast included).

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DAY 23th AUGUST: 200 km - Ouarzazate to Marrakech via the Kasbah of Telouet. Following breakfast, we will proceed to the vibrant city of Marrakech, with a stop at the Kasbah of Ait-Ben-Haddou, renowned for its cinematic heritage, having served as the backdrop for numerous international films such as "Gladiator," "Sahara," and "The Mummy" series. After departing from the renowned Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, we will traverse the high Tizi n'Tichka pass (elevation: 2260 m), which offers stunning vistas. Amidst the hairpin turns and the occasional villages perched on the slopes, we will take a narrow detour of approximately 20 km leading to the village of Telouet. This village is nestled in a basin surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Great Atlas, characterized by lush vegetation and captivating scenery. The site is famed for its ancient and magnificent Kasbah, the residence of Pasha el Glaoui, considered one of Morocco's most beautiful and picturesque Kasbahs. Nearby are the salt mines and the salt valley. We will spend the night in a riad in Marrakech, with half-board accommodations (dinner and breakfast).

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DAY 24th AUGUST:  10 km - Transfer to Marrakech airport. We trust that this journey has been rich with emotions and unforgettable memories. We extend our heartfelt farewell and gratitude for your confidence in our services. (End of service)​

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TOUR HIGHTLIGHTS: 

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1. Night in the Merzouga Desert

2. The Hassn II Mosque in Casablanca

3. The Jamaa El-Fnaa Square in Marrakech

4. The Telouet Kasbah

5. The Ch'lla Kasbah in Rabat

6. The Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah

7. The Dades Valley

8. The Moulay Ismail Mausoleum in Meknes

9. The Todra Gorges

10. The Medina of Fez

11. The Erg Chebbi Dunes in Merzouga

12. The Medina of Marrakech

13. The Rissani Market

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AT YOUR SIDE:

During all the transfers and the visit of the villages, Kasbahs, valleys, gorges or private houses, a well prepared and available driver in English/Italy speaking will be at your side, ready to accompany you ti visit it. People who know the country well and love to share their tradition and their culture.​

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