Journey through Morocco from the Imperial Cities to the Sahara

Arrival at Casablanca Airport and meeting with the local guide. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. After settling in, enjoy dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, we will depart for Rabat, the elegant capital of Morocco and the official residence of the King since the 20th century. Our visit will begin with the fortified Kasbah of the Oudayas, the Mausoleum of Mohamed V, a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship, and the historic Hassan Tower, dating back to the 12th century. We will continue our journey towards Meknes, which was the capital of Morocco in the 17th century under the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail, known for his impressive construction projects. During the city tour, we will explore the monumental granaries and stables built by the Sultan, the Royal Mausoleum located within a beautifully crafted mosque, the grand Bab El Mansour gate, and the vibrant food market. In the afternoon, we will head to the archaeological site of Volubilis, one of the largest Roman colonies in Morocco, renowned for its colorful mosaics and the ruins of Roman monuments such as the Basilica, the Temple, and the Triumphal Arch. In the late afternoon, we will arrive in Fez for check-in at our hotel.

Today, we will visit Fez el Bali, the old city of Fez, one of the best-preserved medieval sites in the Arab world. We will stroll through the narrow market streets, where we can admire spices, crafts, and visit leather, pottery, and weaving workshops. We will then stop at the 14th-century Madrasa and the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, considered one of the oldest universities in the world. After a stop at the Carpentry Museum, we will continue with a visit to the historic tanneries and traditional dyeing workshops. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Today, our journey will take us south, crossing the fertile plains beyond Fez and the Middle Atlas mountain range, where we will discover a landscape completely different from what we’ve seen so far. Our first stop will be in the cedar forest, a natural area full of beauty, and in the picturesque town of Ifrane, known for its Swiss-like appearance and nearby ski resort. We will continue our journey through Azrou, a typical Berber town famous for the Barbary monkeys found in the nearby forest. Our next stop will be Midelt, a town at an altitude of 1,500 meters, situated between the High Atlas and Middle Atlas mountains. Once a mining center, it is now known for its apple production and serves as the capital of the region. After a break, we will continue our journey towards Rachidia, a pre-desert city, passing by the tents of nomadic shepherds with their herds of goats and sheep. From Erfoud, we will head towards the stunning sand dunes of Merzouga, where we will experience one of the highlights of our tour: a camel ride through the Sahara Desert. We will admire the sunset in the majestic silence of the desert as we ride the camels to reach our desert camp. The tents are equipped with all the necessary comforts, and a traditional dinner will be served. We will also have the opportunity to enjoy a local musical performance.

Wake up at dawn to admire the sunrise over the sand dunes. After breakfast, we will head towards Skoura, crossing oases and Berber villages. We will stop at the Todra Valley, with its spectacular gorges rising 300 meters high, and then continue along the "Thousand Kasbahs Road," famous for its earth fortifications. We will visit the Rose Valley, known for the cultivation of roses and the production of cosmetic products. Arrival in Skoura, overnight stay and dinner.

After breakfast, we will depart for Ouarzazate, famous for being a movie set location. We will visit the Taourirt Kasbah and the village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its earthen houses and film sets, such as in the movie "Gladiator." Afterwards, we will cross the Tizi N'Tichka pass, climbing up to 2,100 meters before descending towards Marrakech. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

A full visit to Marrakech, the city that represents the cultural heart of Morocco. We will explore the historic neighborhoods, visiting the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest minaret in the city, and the Bahia Palace. We will admire Jemaa El Fna square, lively with musicians, performers, and food vendors. The day will continue with a discovery of the fondouks, ancient caravanserais, and traditional craft workshops. Dinner at one of Marrakech’s typical restaurants and overnight stay at the hotel.

We will head south, crossing the scenic Moulay Brahim Gorges, with a stop in Asni before continuing towards Imlil, located on the highest slopes of the Western High Atlas Mountains. Imlil is the perfect starting point for a hike through streams and paths that branch off in all directions. Upon arrival in Imlil, we’ll relax with a glass of mint tea before embarking on a three-hour walk. Along the way, we will reach the waterfalls and then continue to Armed, a picturesque Berber village in the Assif Ait Mizane valley. Armed is built on a vast moraine spur and offers a stunning view of terraced fields growing barley, corn, and vegetables, surrounded by walnut trees. After an additional hour of walking, we’ll reach the home of a Berber family, where we’ll enjoy a typical local tagine. After lunch, we’ll retrace our steps back to Imlil and then return to Marrakech in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight stay.

Departure from Marrakech to Casablanca, the modern city of Morocco. We will visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the country's most extraordinary monuments, and take a stroll through the 1930s Art Deco district. We will also visit the Church of Casablanca, famous for its stained glass windows created by the master Gabriel Loire. Farewell dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel, and depending on the flight time, transfer to the airport for the return flight to Italy. End of services.