Morocco from Sea to Sahara 15 days from $4,425
Discover Morocco from its Atlantic shores to the Sahara, exploring the imperial cities of Marrakech, Meknes, Rabat, and Fez, and venturing to ancient kasbahs and everyday villages in the Atlas Mountains. HIGHLIGHTS Admire innovative architecture at Casablanca’s Hassan II mosque and the remarkable Royal Stables in Medina. �
Stay in a lovely riad in the Fez medina, and discover this medieval city with a private guide. �
Ride a camel amid the sand dunes of the Sahara at sunset, and sleep in a Berber-style camp. �
Visit the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, and spend three nights in magical Marrakech. �
The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you. Day 1 – Casablanca, Morocco Arrive in Casablanca and join a private guide for a visit to the Hassan II mosque, which combines stunning Moorish architecture with technological innovation. Day 2 – Rabat Travel by private car to Rabat and tour this World Heritage-listed walled city with your private guide. In the picturesque kasbah, wander a maze of lanes and whitewashed houses. Day 3 – Volubilis, Meknes, and Fez Depart for Fez with your driver today, stopping in the imperial city of Meknes to see the impressive 17th-century Royal Stables. Explore the Roman city of Volubilis, then continue to your traditional riad in the Fez medina. Day 4 – Fez Delve into enchanting Fez on a full-day tour. See magnificent mosques and madrassahs and watch artisans plying timeless trades. At sunset, sip mint tea on the rooftop terrace at your riad, listening to the call to prayer. Day 5 – The Sahara Drive through cedar forests on the way to the Sahara. Ride a 4x4 vehicle to a Berberstyle tented camp amid the dunes, then set out on a short camel trek at sunset. Stargaze under dark desert skies tonight. Days 6 & 7 – Todra Gorge and Skoura Travel “The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” stopping for a walk in Dades Gorge or Todra Gorge. Enjoy a day at leisure to relax by the pool at your hotel in Skoura. Days 8 & 9 – Ait Ben Haddou and High Atlas Mountains Explore the 11th-century World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village known for its earthen architecture. Ride in a 4x4 vehicle past dramatic geological formations and centuries-old kasbahs before arriving at your charming guesthouse in the mountains. Go hiking or relax in the gardens during a free day. Days 10 & 11 – Essaouira Drive to seaside Essaouira and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Spend the next day discovering this welcoming beach town with your private guide. Days 12–15 – Marrakech In fabled Marrakech, join your guide for a private tour of the sites, including El Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs. Venture into the souk and learn how to cook Moroccan dishes during a cooking class with a chef. You’ll have a full free day to explore the city as you wish.
WHERE TO STAY Le Doge Hotel & Spa Stylish boutique hotel housed in a 1930’s mansion, nestled in the heart of Casablanca’s Art Deco district. Villa Mandarine Lovely estate located in the heart of Rabat. Gold Sand Camp Luxury tented camp set among the dunes of the Sahara Desert. Kasbah Ait Ben Moro (Skoura) and Kasbah Bab Ourika (High Atlas Mountains) Traditional kasbah properties set among gardens and courtyards. Ryad Salama (Fez), Ryad Watier (Essaouira), and Riad Ilayka (Marrakech) Intimate guesthouses with traditional character and amenities.
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