Moroco Adventur

Visit Tangier and Chefchaouen, Volubilis and Fes, Travel to Gorge du Ziz and famous Meski Oasis, Todra Gorge and, of course, Marrakesh sightseeing.

Day 1
Arrive in Tangier

Your tour starts at 6pm pre-departure meeting at the Tarik Hotel. Following your pre departure meeting, where you will meet your tour leader and fellow travellers, we will enjoy a traditional meal in the joining hotel before resting for an early rise. Tangier is often described as the gateway to Africa, has been inhabited for more than 2.500 years. As with most Moroccan cities Tangier is partitioned into two main areas, the Medina ( old walled city) and the Ville nouvelle (new town). Tangier with its strategic location overlooking the straits of Gibraltar and it's ancient history makes a vibrant starting / finishing point for our tour.

Day 2
Tangier – Chefchaouen

Leaving busy Tangier after breakfast on the second day, we head to the town of Chefchaouen up in the Rif Mountains. With it's breathtaking scenery and long history this is the perfect place for a gentle beginning to the tour. Here we will enjoy the culture and tradition of the local people and escape up into the mountains to enjoy the scenery and spectacular waterfalls. Chefchaouen enjoys a stunning location high up in the 'Rif Mountains' part of the Middle Atlas chain. Its name actually means 'Look at the peaks' this is so true as they tower all around us.

Day 3
Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Fes

It's the third day now and we're en route to the oldest imperial city in Morocco, Fes. However, on the way, we will take a tour of the Roman ruins at Volubilis. The city of Volubilis, set at the foot of the Zerhoun hills and is by far the most impressive of the Roman remains in Morocco. A world heritage site dating back to AD40, here we will learn some of the history of these impressive ruins and the people that built and lived there so long ago. Upon arriving in Fes, we set up camp and relax in anticipation of the next day which will be spent exploring Fes.

Day 4
FES

Fes is the oldest of the four imperial cities and was founded more than 11 centuries ago by Moulay Idris II. It's name has long been familiar because of the crimson skull caps called Fez, which were and still are worn everywhere in the Muslem world. A visit to the Medina is a must. One fascinating feature of this old quarter is the way that each trade has its own Souk (or market) and district. Near the carpet makers for instance are the workers of hand woven cloth and this Souk exports its precious wares all over the world. Another quarter is devoted to the potters and in another the aromatic smell instantly betrays the grocers and spice sellers who are surrounded by great tubs of saffron, cinnamon and all manner of herbs. Looking down on the old quarters of Fes ,from the surrounding hills is a magical experience, the muffled sounds of the buzzing city and the contained disorder below all add to the timeless quality of this ancient city.

Continuing the historic theme of yesterday, we head then for the old city of Fes and, more specifically, the old Medina. A local guide (for you will need one) will show us through the labyrinth of alleyways to reveal the various "Souks" or markets dedicated to the different trades of the people that populate this amazing centre of production and craftsmanship. After a day exploring the dye-pits, tanneries and restaurants, we return to camp to get ready for a night of first class Moroccan entertainment and food at a restaurant in town.

Day 5
Fes – Gorge du Ziz - Meski Oasis

It’s day five now and following is a long journey over the Moyan Atlas, through the Gorge du Ziz, culminating at the beautiful Meski Oasis where we will camp for the night. In the morning we will pack up and venture towards the desert, Merzouga more specifically. From here we will prepare to head out in to the desert late afternoon on camels to enjoy a night under the Saharan stars that will never be forgotten. Here we will enjoy a real berber camp with local food.

Day 6
Sahara Camel Trek

We will arrange on day 6 an overnight Camel trek into the Sahara for the group. This will be organised from Merzouga. From here we will prepare to head out in to the desert in the late afternoon on Camels to enjoy a night under the Saharan stars that will never be forgotten. The Camel ride lasts several hours making arrival at our camp all the more welcome. Here we will enjoy a real traditional Berber camp with local food and do some dune boarding. The camel ride lasts several hours making arrival at our camp all the more welcome!

Day 7
Camel trek in Sahara desert to Todra Gorge

Having left the remoteness of the desert we spend the day en-route to the Todra Gorge where we set up camp for the next two nights.Here you will have time to relax and think back over the trip so far, ready to explore the 1000 ft gorge the next day. The stunning gorge up in the High Atlas prepares us suitably for the busy few days that lie ahead as we continue through the High Atlas, climbing the Tizi-n-Tichka pass for the journey to Marrakech.

Day 8
Todra Gorge

This incredible abyss separates the High Atlas range of mountains from the Jbel Sahro and is the same kind of geographical accident, but on a smaller scale, as the Grand Canyon. With walls soaring over 300 metres skyward, the red cliffs and the brilliant blue sky form an awe-inspiring scene. The charm of Todra lies in it's changing moods and colours as the sun slowly treks from east to west. The local hoteliers have constructed huge Berber tents and provide authentic Moroccan dishes for those of us wishing to experience some of the local lifestyle.

Day 9
Todra Gorge to Marrakech

After a second night in the Todra Gorge you will leave the wilderness and head for Marrakech. Possibly the strongest cultural place in Morocco, Marrakech is rich in souks, palaces and day time activity whilst at night the Djemaa El-Fna square bursts in to life. From magicians to acrobats to open air food stalls the experience will leave you spellbound by this historic place. Here we will spend the whole of day ten being marvelled by its diversity and continue in to the evening before resting and thinking about the relaxing time ahead.

Day 10
Marrakech

In ancient times Marrakech was called 'Morocco City' and sometimes referred to as the 'Pearl of the South'. The colour of Marrakech is most remarkable, a reddish-brown describes it best. The city walls, the houses and the soil are all of the same shade and even the new French-style quarter contains houses tinted to the some colour. Marrakech has approximately 2Okms of walls enclosing gardens and lakes. Its great pride and landmark, visible from many miles, is the Koutoubia Tower, sister to the Tower of Hassan in Rabat and the Giralda Tower in Sevillle. It is said that after the third of these was completed, the cruel sultan had the eyes of his architect put out, lest he should build another more beautiful tower elsewhere.

One of the most striking features of Marrakech is the huge open souk, which for the past eight centuries has been the scene of parades, executions and entertainment, as well as the centre for buying and selling for hundreds of miles around. It is now the liveliest place imaginable, where all sorts of exotic entertainment can be seen, from poetry reading to snake charming to acrobatics. The enthusiastic may wish to hire a bicycle to further explore Marrakech at their own pace. Particularly of interest are the many beautiful public and private gardens.

Day 11
Marrakech - Essaouira

Next morning, we pack up and make our way across to Essaouira a lovely old Portugese fishing village with great beaches and surf. You will have a free day in Essaouira on day 12 to unwind on the beach or, alternatively explore the medina with its various souks and woodcarving workshops. We camp here before the long drive on day thirteen up to Asillah where we will relax and unwind as the tour reaches its conclusion.

Day 13
Essaouira – El-Jadida - Asilah

Today starts early as you have a long 12 hour drive ahead of you to get the Asilah. You will travel along the stunning coast line of Morocco stopping along the way in El Jadida. El Jadida is the last UNESCO site in Morocco and its ancient Medina along with the Atlantic Coast makes it one of the most beautiful places in all Moroccan Coast. Your final destination of the day will be Asilah. Asilah is one of the best stops on the North Atlantic coast. Well known for it's medieval pamparts, narrow streets and amazing beaches.

Day 14
Asilah - Tangier

The last full day off your tour you will spend the morning exploring the town of Asilah walking the street and buying those last few souvenirs or spending your morning on one of the many beaches. Before returning to Tangier you will enjoy a night at Cap Spartel where we will have a last night bbq & campfire together. You will also have time to visit the Hercules caves carved into the rugged Atlantic coastline. Your tour finishes in Tangier after breakfast. You are free to continue your travels or return home, hopefully feeling that you have experienced a little of the wonder of Morocco.