AM Hidden Medina Tour
Today we showcase the alluring charm of the medina of Fez, the colorful streets and souks and the rich tapestry of life that exists within its ancient walls. We gain access to ancient palaces and Islamic gardens, venture into the depths of the tanneries, observe weavers at their loom and discover hidden workshops where generations of artisans ply their individual trades and adapt century old techniques to a modern market.
Activity Duration: 4 hours.
PM
This afternoon is all about unearthing the culinary secrets of Morocco cuisine on a street food tour with a Fez food expert. We Start by exploring the fresh food souks, then on to the honey souk to taste an array of delicious honey visit ancient farnatchis, the spice El Attarryia and the henna souk. Try traditional Moroccan foods including dried meats, milawi, harsha, briwats, spicy sardines, and fresh goat cheese, finishing off with a visit to a traditional Moroccan tea house.
Activity Duration: 3 hours.
Shopping tour with your Guide & Afternoon at leisure.
Spend this morning with your official guide for your list of shopping in the Mystical city and then enjoy your afternoon at leisure
Today we set off for Merzouga, the threshold of the Sahara Desert.Stopping in the Middle Atlas Mountains for some fun with the Barbary apes, we continue to encounter village and nomadic life before coming across the Ziz Valley and Oasis which give a sense of the timelessness of the Moroccan landscape and culture.
Drive from Fez – Merzouga: 8 hours approx.
Accommodation on Day 1: Riad Azawad TBC
Accommodation on Day 2: Desert Luxury Camp TBC
The next morning at leisure to relax and unwind and take in the exotic atmosphere of the golden dunes. In the afternoon we’ll be heading out on camels (or 4 x4) to a Bedouin camp for a night under the starlit skies of the desert. Music, bonfires and a night of stargazing is what it’s all about. Spend the night in a charming bivouac of a dozen oriental-inspired tents in the most beautiful corner of Morocco. Dotted amongst the desert landscape, the spacious and comfortable tents are decorated with uniquely sourced pieces and locally crafted artwork to form a harmonious whole with their surroundings giving the impression of being on an expedition from another time.
Drive from Merzouga – Desert Camp: 30 minutes approx
Today takes us through Todra Gorge, Tinghir and then to Skoura. The “Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs” and Skoura palmeraie is a fertile oasis lined with immense palm groves that provide great views of the Atlas Mountains alongside deserted landscapes. The palm groves were laid out in the 12th century by the Almohad sultan Yacoub el-Mansour and named after its original inhabitants, the Berbers of the Haskourene tribe.
The most beautiful Kasbahs in southern Morocco can be found here, some are ruins, but others are still partially inhabited as the rivers keep this a verdant area making farming a possibility despite the arid surroundings.
Accommodation for the next two nights: Dar Ahlam TBC
On your second day in Skoura spend a leisurely morning before exploring the Kasbahs & palm groves.
Skoura, often referred as to as the valley of 1000 kasbah’s is a fertile oasis lined with immense palm groves that provide great views of the Atlas Mountains alongside deserted landscapes.
It is renowned for the cultivation of roses. The palm groves were laid out in the 12th century by the Almohad sultan Yacoub el-Mansour and named after its original inhabitants, the Berbers of the Haskourene tribe. The most beautiful kasbahs in southern Morocco can be found here. Many of them are still partially inhabited.
The most imposing of the kasbahs in this area that you will tour is 17th Century Amerhidil Kasbah. This fortified residence once belonged to the most powerful family responsible for protecting the village and its lands called the Glaoui. Today it is owned by the Sheikh of Amerhidil. Here you can opt to explore on foot, bicycle or by mule, enjoying gardens filled with pomegranate, apple, pear, fig, quince and olive trees.
Today depart Skoura for Marrakech through the Valley of the Roses & Ait Benhaddou, it is one of the most spectacular sites found along the valley of the Kasbahs. Located along the former trade route between the Sahara and Marrakech, it presents a majestic sight and has been featured as the back drop in many films including ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ and ‘Jesus of Nazareth’. The crumbling buildings made up of six Kasbahs and nearly fifty ksars, (individual Kasbahs) are built from local clay brick, it blends in with the landscape and can be seen from far away, rising above the desert plains.
Enjoy your afternoon at leisure after your Marrakech arrival.
Drive from Skoura – Marrakech: 6 hours approx.
Accommodation for the next four nights: La Mamounia TBC
Marrakech is a city of immense energy and history and one of the most compelling of all African/Arab cities. Sitting in the shadows of the mighty snow-clad peaks of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is not only one of Morocco’s most aesthetic cities, but also one of its most lively and exciting. Founded almost 1000 years ago, Marrakech is a feast for the senses and has remained at the heart of Moroccan life ever since, acting as Sultanate capital on occasions, but now undoubtedly as the country’s cultural and artistic centre.
French painter Jacques Majorelle(1886 – 1962) dedicated forty years of his life to the creation of the luxurious gardens and Berber museum, much of his collection is held at the Villa Oasis on the grounds of the gardens. An amateur botanist, Majorelle included plants from all five continents in the gardens. Marjorelle’s studio, a Cubist style villa constructed by architect Paul Sinoir, has since been transformed into the museum, and is painted a vibrant blue.
Activity duration: 6 hours.
This morning meet Brahim Mouhib for your design tour and be prepared to be inspired! Your chance to experience the hippest ateliers of Marrakech, where age old techniques collide with Avant-garde designers & artists and the result is ultra-chic and sophisticated.
We open the doors to the newest and coolest stores and showcase Sidi Ghamen, an area of Marrakech fast gaining a reputation for high end custom made wares & art. A must see for design lovers and avid shoppers seeking something other than the traditional ‘norm’ of Moroccan goods found in the medina souks.
Following your tour your driver will take you to the Beldi Country Club where lunch has been reserved for you and you can relax for the rest of the day.
Activity duration: 4 hours.
Chill by the pool with a good read, head out and explore the souks or book in a spa treatment– today is a free day to explore, relax and do your own thing!
Your driver is at disposal for your airport transfer.
Drive from hotel – Casablanca airport: 45minutes approx.
