From the Ocean to Desert
Duration
11 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Start city
Marrakesh
Available
April 2024 / March 2025
Cities to visit: Marrakesh; Ait Benhaddou; Ouarzazate; Boumalne Dades; ; Erfoud; Fez; Volubilis; Moulay Idriss; Meknes; Rabat; Casablanca; El Jadida; Safi; Essaouira; Agadir
Video Gallery
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
Dear Traveler: thank you for choosing us to perform this Tour! We hope you enjoy your trip.
Here we give you a guidance on their tour with the information that we believe may be of your interest. The information is indicative, may exist variations on designated hours.
TRANSFER from the airport, if you have it included or purchasing. Our transfer will be waiting for you with a poster on behalf of Europamundo or its name to the output of the custom (after collecting your luggage)..
Remember to inform us by phone if you lost your connection flight or expected delay of their arrival, in your VOUCHER figure the phone of the transfer.
IMPORTANT: If you had additional nights upon arrival the hotel will have your reservation, but his travel guide normally will not be until the night before the start of the tour.
Day
Welcome to Morocco!
Marrakech - Transfer to the hotel. Free time.
07:30 p.m. In the evening, we will take a Caleche ride to visit the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, which will be bustling with life at this hour. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.
IMPORTANT:
Hotel check-in time is usually at 02:00 p.m. If you need your room earlier, consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.
If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready when you arrive at the hotel. However, your trip guide won’t contact you until the start of the included activities. At the reception, you will find an information board with the telephone number and assistance hours of our staff. The hotel staff can provide any information you may need. Until you meet our guide, you will have free time at your leisure.
Note: The schedules that you will find in this itinerary are approximate. The guide may adjust the schedules depending on the circumstances and for you to have the best experience possible.
Marrakech - Transfer to the hotel. Free time.
07:30 p.m. In the evening, we will take a Caleche ride to visit the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, which will be bustling with life at this hour. Afterwards, we’ll return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.
IMPORTANT:
Hotel check-in time is usually at 02:00 p.m. If you need your room earlier, consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.
If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready when you arrive at the hotel. However, your trip guide won’t contact you until the start of the included activities. At the reception, you will find an information board with the telephone number and assistance hours of our staff. The hotel staff can provide any information you may need. Until you meet our guide, you will have free time at your leisure.
Note: The schedules that you will find in this itinerary are approximate. The guide may adjust the schedules depending on the circumstances and for you to have the best experience possible.
08:15 a.m. - We´ll begin our city tour. Nestled among hundreds of palm trees and surrounded by ochre walls, this exotic city is full of activity and life. We´ll explore its impressive strong walls, the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the colorful Medina, and the Koutoubia Mosque. We´ll also visit the Bahia Palace (tickets included). Lunch will be at the hotel, followed by free time in the afternoon.
In the evening, we recommend the Fantasy dinner show, where you can experience the rich and varied Moroccan folklore.
In the evening, we recommend the Fantasy dinner show, where you can experience the rich and varied Moroccan folklore.
Total distance covered: 300 km.
Landscapes: Incredibly beautiful views, crossing the Atlas Mountains and passing by picturesque villages perched on the mountainside.
Note: Don´t forget to bring your camera. We also recommend warm clothing for the mountain.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Marrakech. We´ll embark on a journey through the towering Atlas Mountains, a natural barrier separating Marrakech from the Sahara Desert. Along the way, we´ll make a stop in a picturesque mountain village.
01:30 p.m. – Ait Benhaddou, a fortified adobe village declared a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning scenery showcased in numerous films. We’ll have some time for lunch and a leisurely stroll among its mud-brick houses.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Ait Benhaddou.
03:30 p.m. – Ouarzazate. Arrival in this desert city known for its ancient quarter, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its impressive fortress.
04:30 p.m. – Departure from Ouarzazate. We’ll continue through desert plains and the oasis valley.
06:00 p.m. - Boumalne Dades. Enjoy the facilities of our hotel. Dinner and accommodation.
Note: In extremely rare circumstances, the road through the Atlas Mountains may be closed due to weather conditions (snow or flash floods). In such a case, Europamundo will organize the following alternative route: FRIDAY: Marrakech - Essaouira / SATURDAY: Essaouira – Safi - El Jadida - Meknes / SUNDAY: Meknes - Fez.
Landscapes: Incredibly beautiful views, crossing the Atlas Mountains and passing by picturesque villages perched on the mountainside.
Note: Don´t forget to bring your camera. We also recommend warm clothing for the mountain.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Marrakech. We´ll embark on a journey through the towering Atlas Mountains, a natural barrier separating Marrakech from the Sahara Desert. Along the way, we´ll make a stop in a picturesque mountain village.
01:30 p.m. – Ait Benhaddou, a fortified adobe village declared a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning scenery showcased in numerous films. We’ll have some time for lunch and a leisurely stroll among its mud-brick houses.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Ait Benhaddou.
03:30 p.m. – Ouarzazate. Arrival in this desert city known for its ancient quarter, which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its impressive fortress.
04:30 p.m. – Departure from Ouarzazate. We’ll continue through desert plains and the oasis valley.
06:00 p.m. - Boumalne Dades. Enjoy the facilities of our hotel. Dinner and accommodation.
Note: In extremely rare circumstances, the road through the Atlas Mountains may be closed due to weather conditions (snow or flash floods). In such a case, Europamundo will organize the following alternative route: FRIDAY: Marrakech - Essaouira / SATURDAY: Essaouira – Safi - El Jadida - Meknes / SUNDAY: Meknes - Fez.
Total distance covered: 280 km.
Scenery: Exceptionally beautiful landscapes through the Valley of the Kasbahs and areas reminiscent of biblical times.
Tip: Wear comfortable footwear. Have you finished reading a book? Consider donating it to the library we´re establishing in Tinejdad!
07:15 a.m. - Departure from Boumalne Dades. We´ll journey through the Valley of the Kasbahs, nestled between the High Atlas and the Saharan Atlas, renowned for its abundance of Kasbahs—adobe fortresses that historically safeguarded crops and villages from nomadic tribes. Along the way, we´ll explore stunning oases, palm groves, and picturesque adobe villages.
09:00 a.m. - Todgha Gorge. You’ll get the chance to explore this deep canyon amidst the Atlas Mountains, one of Morocco´s most stunning landscapes. Enjoy free time here (accessibility may vary due to occasional river flooding after heavy rains).
09:45 a.m. - Departure from Todgha Gorge. As we progress, the desert landscape will become increasingly prominent.
10:45 a.m. - Ksar el Khorbat. Weather permitting, we´ll stop at this adobe oasis town supported by the Europamundo Foundation. You’ll learn about the desert community´s life in these impressive fortified villages.
11:45 a.m. - Departure from Ksar el Khorbat.
02:00 p.m. - Arrival in Erfoud. Enjoy lunch at the hotel and relax in its gardens and pool amidst the desert. Optionally, our guide can arrange an off-road excursion across the Merzouga sand dunes, where you’ll get to see the beautiful sunset and dinner will be included in this unforgettable desert setting.
Scenery: Exceptionally beautiful landscapes through the Valley of the Kasbahs and areas reminiscent of biblical times.
Tip: Wear comfortable footwear. Have you finished reading a book? Consider donating it to the library we´re establishing in Tinejdad!
07:15 a.m. - Departure from Boumalne Dades. We´ll journey through the Valley of the Kasbahs, nestled between the High Atlas and the Saharan Atlas, renowned for its abundance of Kasbahs—adobe fortresses that historically safeguarded crops and villages from nomadic tribes. Along the way, we´ll explore stunning oases, palm groves, and picturesque adobe villages.
09:00 a.m. - Todgha Gorge. You’ll get the chance to explore this deep canyon amidst the Atlas Mountains, one of Morocco´s most stunning landscapes. Enjoy free time here (accessibility may vary due to occasional river flooding after heavy rains).
09:45 a.m. - Departure from Todgha Gorge. As we progress, the desert landscape will become increasingly prominent.
10:45 a.m. - Ksar el Khorbat. Weather permitting, we´ll stop at this adobe oasis town supported by the Europamundo Foundation. You’ll learn about the desert community´s life in these impressive fortified villages.
11:45 a.m. - Departure from Ksar el Khorbat.
02:00 p.m. - Arrival in Erfoud. Enjoy lunch at the hotel and relax in its gardens and pool amidst the desert. Optionally, our guide can arrange an off-road excursion across the Merzouga sand dunes, where you’ll get to see the beautiful sunset and dinner will be included in this unforgettable desert setting.
Total distance covered: 430 km.
Scenery: Beautiful views of the Atlas Mountains, transitioning into lush, forested areas.
Note: We’ll ascend to high altitudes in the Atlas, where it can be cold. Please bring warm clothing.
08:00 a.m. – We’ll leave Erfoud early, crossing the Atlas Mountains through powerful gorges and stunning landscapes. Then we’ll traverse a high, cold plateau inhabited by nomadic shepherds.
11:30 a.m. - Stop in Midelt, a central town in this region, supported mainly by agriculture, especially apples, and by stone, fossil, and mineral crafts. Time for a walk and lunch.
01:00 p.m. – Departure from Midelt. We continue our route to the Middle Atlas, observing the dramatic changes in the landscape. We are now in a region with abundant forests, where it snows frequently in winter.
02:45 p.m. - Azrou. We’ll stop in this National Park to visit "The House of Cedars", a small museum that will teach us more about the region. We´ll enjoy watching the colonies of monkeys that inhabit this area.
03:30 p.m. – Departure from Azrou.
04:45 p.m. - Bhalil. Arrival in a small, quiet town home to Berbers of the Middle Atlas, featuring a very picturesque historic center with colorful streets. Traditionally, the population lived in caves, which are now part of the houses.
05:45 p.m. – Departure from Bhalil.
06:15 p.m. - Fez. Arrival in the spiritual heart of Morocco, a maze of alleys, souks, doors, and scents. Before going to the hotel, we’ll admire the view of the city from the Marinid Tombs. Dinner is included.
Scenery: Beautiful views of the Atlas Mountains, transitioning into lush, forested areas.
Note: We’ll ascend to high altitudes in the Atlas, where it can be cold. Please bring warm clothing.
08:00 a.m. – We’ll leave Erfoud early, crossing the Atlas Mountains through powerful gorges and stunning landscapes. Then we’ll traverse a high, cold plateau inhabited by nomadic shepherds.
11:30 a.m. - Stop in Midelt, a central town in this region, supported mainly by agriculture, especially apples, and by stone, fossil, and mineral crafts. Time for a walk and lunch.
01:00 p.m. – Departure from Midelt. We continue our route to the Middle Atlas, observing the dramatic changes in the landscape. We are now in a region with abundant forests, where it snows frequently in winter.
02:45 p.m. - Azrou. We’ll stop in this National Park to visit "The House of Cedars", a small museum that will teach us more about the region. We´ll enjoy watching the colonies of monkeys that inhabit this area.
03:30 p.m. – Departure from Azrou.
04:45 p.m. - Bhalil. Arrival in a small, quiet town home to Berbers of the Middle Atlas, featuring a very picturesque historic center with colorful streets. Traditionally, the population lived in caves, which are now part of the houses.
05:45 p.m. – Departure from Bhalil.
06:15 p.m. - Fez. Arrival in the spiritual heart of Morocco, a maze of alleys, souks, doors, and scents. Before going to the hotel, we’ll admire the view of the city from the Marinid Tombs. Dinner is included.
Total distance covered: 120 km.
Scenery: Beautiful farmland landscapes.
Note: Fez is a very traditional city, and Moulay Idriss is a holy city. We kindly request that you wear appropriate clothing and respect the local population. Comfortable shoes are recommended for visiting the archaeological site.
In the morning, we’ll visit Fez. We will enter through the Bronze Gates of the Royal Palace, exploring the Jewish quarter, its bustling souks, and the tannery district. Known as the cultural capital of the country and home to the oldest university in the world, Fez is renowned for its impressive Medina, which preserves the traditional Arab atmosphere like no other. We will end the visit with lunch at an ancient palace in the Medina (included).
03:00 p.m. - Departure from Fez.
04:30 p.m. – Archaeological Site of Volubilis. Founded in the third century BC, Volubilis was the capital of Mauretania Tingitana and served as an important military outpost of the Roman Empire, where numerous beautiful monuments were built. Admission is included.
05:30 p.m. - Departure from Volubilis. We’ll continue our journey through olive fields.
05:45 p.m. – Moulay Idriss. Located on top of a hill, we’ll arrive at the holy city and pilgrimage site for Muslims in Morocco, as it is the burial place of the great-grandson of Muhammad and founder of the first royal dynasty of Morocco. The city was closed to non-Muslims until 1912, and until 2005, non-Muslims could not stay overnight there. There will be time for you to explore.
06:45 p.m. - Departure from Moulay Idriss.
07:30 p.m. - Meknes. Time to settle into your accommodation. Dinner will be included.
Scenery: Beautiful farmland landscapes.
Note: Fez is a very traditional city, and Moulay Idriss is a holy city. We kindly request that you wear appropriate clothing and respect the local population. Comfortable shoes are recommended for visiting the archaeological site.
In the morning, we’ll visit Fez. We will enter through the Bronze Gates of the Royal Palace, exploring the Jewish quarter, its bustling souks, and the tannery district. Known as the cultural capital of the country and home to the oldest university in the world, Fez is renowned for its impressive Medina, which preserves the traditional Arab atmosphere like no other. We will end the visit with lunch at an ancient palace in the Medina (included).
03:00 p.m. - Departure from Fez.
04:30 p.m. – Archaeological Site of Volubilis. Founded in the third century BC, Volubilis was the capital of Mauretania Tingitana and served as an important military outpost of the Roman Empire, where numerous beautiful monuments were built. Admission is included.
05:30 p.m. - Departure from Volubilis. We’ll continue our journey through olive fields.
05:45 p.m. – Moulay Idriss. Located on top of a hill, we’ll arrive at the holy city and pilgrimage site for Muslims in Morocco, as it is the burial place of the great-grandson of Muhammad and founder of the first royal dynasty of Morocco. The city was closed to non-Muslims until 1912, and until 2005, non-Muslims could not stay overnight there. There will be time for you to explore.
06:45 p.m. - Departure from Moulay Idriss.
07:30 p.m. - Meknes. Time to settle into your accommodation. Dinner will be included.
Total distance covered: 240 km.
08:30 a.m. - After breakfast, we’ll visit Meknes, a fascinating city and World Heritage Site. Founded for military purposes in the eleventh century by the Almoravids, it became the capital of the Kingdom during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail (1672-1727), founder of the Alaouite dynasty. This sovereign built an impressive city in a Spanish-Moorish style, surrounded by high walls and marked by monumental gates. Prepare to be amazed by the immense Bab Mansur gate and the bustling activity in El Hedim Square, reminiscent of Jemaa el-Fna in Marrakech. Admission to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is included. After the visit, you’ll have free time before we continue our journey by bus.
12:30 p.m. - Departure from Meknes. We’ll continue along the highway, with time for lunch at a service area.
03:30 p.m. - Rabat. Panoramic tour of the capital of the Kingdom. We’ll visit the powerful Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower where the Mausoleum of Mohammed V is located, the Andalusian walls, the outer enclosure of the Royal Palace, and the modern embassy quarters. After our tour, free time.
06:30 p.m. - Departure from Rabat. We’ll follow the shores of the Atlantic.
08:00 p.m. – Casablanca. Arrival at the end of the day. Dinner will be included.
08:30 a.m. - After breakfast, we’ll visit Meknes, a fascinating city and World Heritage Site. Founded for military purposes in the eleventh century by the Almoravids, it became the capital of the Kingdom during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail (1672-1727), founder of the Alaouite dynasty. This sovereign built an impressive city in a Spanish-Moorish style, surrounded by high walls and marked by monumental gates. Prepare to be amazed by the immense Bab Mansur gate and the bustling activity in El Hedim Square, reminiscent of Jemaa el-Fna in Marrakech. Admission to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is included. After the visit, you’ll have free time before we continue our journey by bus.
12:30 p.m. - Departure from Meknes. We’ll continue along the highway, with time for lunch at a service area.
03:30 p.m. - Rabat. Panoramic tour of the capital of the Kingdom. We’ll visit the powerful Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower where the Mausoleum of Mohammed V is located, the Andalusian walls, the outer enclosure of the Royal Palace, and the modern embassy quarters. After our tour, free time.
06:30 p.m. - Departure from Rabat. We’ll follow the shores of the Atlantic.
08:00 p.m. – Casablanca. Arrival at the end of the day. Dinner will be included.
Total distance covered: 260 km.
Scenery: From the cultivated fields of the Atlantic plains to the arid landscapes near Safi.
After breakfast, we will go on a guided tour to explore the largest city and economic center of Morocco. We’ll stroll through its grand avenues, visit the beautiful Mohamed V Square with its fountain, Moorish buildings, palm trees, and the Arab League Park. We will also visit the little Medina. The tour includes admission to the impressive Hassan II Mosque, the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Located by the sea, it features a 210-meter-high minaret with laser lights pointing to Mecca. Afterward, you´ll have free time for lunch in the pleasant maritime area of La Corniche.
2:30 p.m. - Departure from Casablanca. After lunch, we’ll follow the Atlantic Ocean towards the south.
4:00 p.m. - Arrival in El Jadida, a port town whose citadel (Mazagan) has been declared a World Heritage Site. Built by the Portuguese in the early 16th century, it became the most important commercial and maritime center on the African coast. Its powerful walls overlooking the ocean made it impenetrable. The picturesque streets preserve numerous traces of the Portuguese era, such as the Manueline-style Church of the Assumption. We will walk through the town and include a visit to the old 16th-century cistern.
6:00 p.m. - Departure from El Jadida.
8:00 p.m. - Arrival in Safi for accommodation. Dinner will be included.
Note: The old cistern of El Jadida is currently closed for restoration. It is expected to reopen throughout the season.
Scenery: From the cultivated fields of the Atlantic plains to the arid landscapes near Safi.
After breakfast, we will go on a guided tour to explore the largest city and economic center of Morocco. We’ll stroll through its grand avenues, visit the beautiful Mohamed V Square with its fountain, Moorish buildings, palm trees, and the Arab League Park. We will also visit the little Medina. The tour includes admission to the impressive Hassan II Mosque, the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Located by the sea, it features a 210-meter-high minaret with laser lights pointing to Mecca. Afterward, you´ll have free time for lunch in the pleasant maritime area of La Corniche.
2:30 p.m. - Departure from Casablanca. After lunch, we’ll follow the Atlantic Ocean towards the south.
4:00 p.m. - Arrival in El Jadida, a port town whose citadel (Mazagan) has been declared a World Heritage Site. Built by the Portuguese in the early 16th century, it became the most important commercial and maritime center on the African coast. Its powerful walls overlooking the ocean made it impenetrable. The picturesque streets preserve numerous traces of the Portuguese era, such as the Manueline-style Church of the Assumption. We will walk through the town and include a visit to the old 16th-century cistern.
6:00 p.m. - Departure from El Jadida.
8:00 p.m. - Arrival in Safi for accommodation. Dinner will be included.
Note: The old cistern of El Jadida is currently closed for restoration. It is expected to reopen throughout the season.
Total distance covered: 305 km.
Scenery: Stunning ocean views in some areas.
Note: If you wish to relax on the beach in Essaouira, please bring your essentials with you.
08:30 a.m. - Morning visit to Safi with our guide. This city is renowned for its ceramic production, highly demanded throughout Morocco for its quality and bright colors. We’ll photograph the Castle of the Sea and its impressive fortress walls, stroll through the charming Medina, and visit the Hill of the Potters with its many shops.
10:00 a.m. - Departure from Safi.
12:00 p.m. – Essaouira - a historic city with spectacular beaches, known as the Blue Pearl of the Atlantic. Its walled Medina, facing the sea, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautifully preserved city is a favorite among artists and painters. You’ll have free time for lunch and to wander through its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and strong walls struck by the waves.
03:00 p.m. - Departure from Essaouira, continuing along the Atlantic coast with magnificent landscapes along the way.
06:00 p.m. – Taghazout. Brief stop in this picturesque small town known for fishing and surf tourism.
07:00 p.m. - Departure from Taghazout.
07:30 p.m. – Arrival in Agadir, an Atlantic city where the Atlas Mountains meet the sea. Dinner will be included.
Scenery: Stunning ocean views in some areas.
Note: If you wish to relax on the beach in Essaouira, please bring your essentials with you.
08:30 a.m. - Morning visit to Safi with our guide. This city is renowned for its ceramic production, highly demanded throughout Morocco for its quality and bright colors. We’ll photograph the Castle of the Sea and its impressive fortress walls, stroll through the charming Medina, and visit the Hill of the Potters with its many shops.
10:00 a.m. - Departure from Safi.
12:00 p.m. – Essaouira - a historic city with spectacular beaches, known as the Blue Pearl of the Atlantic. Its walled Medina, facing the sea, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautifully preserved city is a favorite among artists and painters. You’ll have free time for lunch and to wander through its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and strong walls struck by the waves.
03:00 p.m. - Departure from Essaouira, continuing along the Atlantic coast with magnificent landscapes along the way.
06:00 p.m. – Taghazout. Brief stop in this picturesque small town known for fishing and surf tourism.
07:00 p.m. - Departure from Taghazout.
07:30 p.m. – Arrival in Agadir, an Atlantic city where the Atlas Mountains meet the sea. Dinner will be included.
Total distance covered: 255 km.
Scenery: Atlas Mountains.
Note: Please ensure you check out of your hotel room by 12:00 p.m.
Spend your morning at the country’s most popular beach destination. You can relax on the expansive beaches, take a leisurely walk along the promenade, or shop in one of the many shopping areas.
02:30 p.m. - Departure from Agadir. After lunch, we’ll continue our journey along the stunning highway that winds through the Atlas Mountains.
06:00 p.m. - Marrakech. Dinner will be included at the hotel.
Scenery: Atlas Mountains.
Note: Please ensure you check out of your hotel room by 12:00 p.m.
Spend your morning at the country’s most popular beach destination. You can relax on the expansive beaches, take a leisurely walk along the promenade, or shop in one of the many shopping areas.
02:30 p.m. - Departure from Agadir. After lunch, we’ll continue our journey along the stunning highway that winds through the Atlas Mountains.
06:00 p.m. - Marrakech. Dinner will be included at the hotel.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
From
USD 1,463.00