7 days Southern Morocco itinerary
A week-long trip to southern Morocco
Itinerary
Day 1- Casablanca & Marrakech Welcome to Morocco!
Upon arrival at Casablanca airport, you'll be transferred to visit the Great Hassan II mosque, the largest Mosque in Casablanca, one of the largest mosques in the world! The stately structure is set on an outcrop, protruding into the Atlantic Ocean; its minaret is the second tallest minaret in the region at 210meters. The building was completed in 1993, originally designed by Michel Pinseau and built by Bouygues. It is a must-see for anybody visiting Casablanca and the only mosque in the city that non-Muslims can visit. The majesty and craftsmanship of this holy building are staggering; as you wander around, you can marvel at the meticulous geometric tilework, heavenly marble inlays, hand-carved wood, and intricate cedar ceilings. The perfectionism and attention to detail of the artisans who contributed to its construction are notable. Many Moroccans have played a role in the Mosque's construction over time, from the plasterwork to the carpets. It is said that 10,000 workers built the mosque over 5 years. The building can hold over 25,000 worshippers inside, with more than 50,000 outside. Casablanca to Marrakech, you travel southwards to the small hills (called Jbilat) just North of Marrakech, and skirting around the city, arrive in Marrakech in the early evening. Travel time is around 3 hours depending on traffic and stops.
Overnight: Marrakech in Riad with breakfast :
Day 2–Marrakech
City guided tour of the medina
Today, you will be able to enjoy a morning tour with a private guide of the old medina in Marrakech, where you will be able to see the old palaces such as Bahia, Madrassa Ben Youssef and Jamaa El Fna square. This square is a real entertainment hub that evolves throughout the day. In the morning, onlookers will hear snake charmers, and at dusk, the square is bustling with musicians, acrobats, and storytellers. The square was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. Take time to discover the wonderful souks and alleyways, Visit the magic souk with its lotions and powders, or perhaps spend some time in the music or date and olive souks. Meander the food stalls in the square- though there is a strong influence from the French in popular dishes such as cooked garlic snails, there is also a lot of traditional food to be sampled. Choose a stall that has a lot of locals, this is usually the best indication of authentic quality. In winter, why not try a spiced coffee in the square, made with a secret recipe including cloves and cinnamon?
Overnight: Marrakech in Riad with breakfast
Day 3-Marrakech- Ouarzazate- Agdez
After breakfast, we drive south over the high Atlas and Tichka pass (2260m) to Telouet, where you will visit the old Pasha residence Kasbah Telouet with your guide. After that, our ride continues through Berber villages, and green valleys and in the afternoon we reach the Village of Ait Ben Haddou, the famous medieval village, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit the village with its beautiful Kasbahs. Many films were (and are) shot here. We continue south to Ouarzazate before reaching Agdz in the Palme groves off Draa Valley.
Overnight: Agdz in a Lodge/ Kasbah with breakfast and dinner
Day 4 Agdz-Zagora-Chegaga
After breakfast we set off into the desert and drive through impressive landscapes that give a foretaste of West Africa we meet the Dràa Valley road, which leads through huge palm groves. The desert town of Zagora welcomes us, surrounded by the Djebel Adafane (1027m) and the Djebel Zagora (974m). The sign '52days to Timbuktu' reminds us of the past caravan times, when Zagora was their starting point or destination, then further into the desert, where silence and solitude. There we have a good chance to meet hospitable nomads. Lunch is on the way. Dinner and overnight in a bivouac.
Overnight: In a luxury camp in the middle of the dunes of the Chegaga Desert
Day 5: Chegaga- Foum Zguid- Taznakhte- Taroudante
After breakfast, we leave the desert and drive over the road from Chegaga towards Taroudant via Foum Zguid. We continue to Tazenakht, a famous Berber carpet village, to Taliouine. Here and in the surrounding mountains saffron is planted, as the only place in all of Africa! In a Cooperative we get all the information about it, and can also buy local saffron. After this drive through the saharian and mountainous landscapes.
Overnight: Taroudant in a Riad with breakfast
Day 6: Taroudant- Essaouira
Drive towards the coast and the banana plantations that surround the city of Agadir before heading along the coast to the beautiful coastal city of Essaouira. 4-5 hours. Time at leisure in the coastal town of Essaouira: Essaouira is arguably one of Morocco's most charming towns, with origins in Berber, Portuguese, and French architecture. It was settled as early as the 7th century BC by the Romans and possibly the Phoenicians; the Romans harvested shellfish here for the imperial purple dye. The ancient fortress has been an important trading port throughout its history and still has a thriving fishing port: take a walk down to the sea and you will be overwhelmed by the dazzling mass of fishing boats, all painted a vibrant blue. Essaouira's serenity is made for leisure: relax on the golden sand beach, drift among the craft stores on the blue cobblestone streets, or simply unwind in a hammam (spa). The name translates to “windy city of Morocco”. So if you're in the mood for something more active, the city is ideal for surfing, windsurfing and other water sports. The climate here is pleasant all year round. Other activities include discovering a wooden boat building in the harbor, participating in a traditional Moroccan Cooking course, and admiring the numerous thuya and argan woods. If you’re into seafood, here you will be rewarded with fresh and delicious dishes.
Overnight: Essaouira in a Riad with breakfast.
Day 7– Essaouira- Casablanca
Take a private transfer up the Atlantic coast past the town of Oualidia (perhaps stopping there for lunch) to the city of Casablanca. Travel time 4 hours Enjoy a cup of tea in Rick’s café: Rick's cafe is a tribute to the film Casablanca and is set up along the same as in the film. Although the film was imaginary, this cafe was built as a result of the film's popularity and charm. Stroll along the Corniche (optional): Walk along the side of the beach, lined with ice cream parlors, restaurants, and theaters, and soak up the wonderful panoramic sea views.-Visit the Medina: This 20th century city is divided into old medina and modern city and is bustling with movement, street markets, and history. Sample some of Morocco’s delicious cuisine in one of the manygoodrestaurants, buy some souvenirs in the local flea markets and bustling shops, and admire Medina’s ornate architecture. Be aware that the bazaar can be very crowded on the weekends.
Overnight in Casablanca in a Hotel with breakfast.
Day 8-Casablanca Airport
All the good things have an end, time for your flight, you will be transferred from Casablanca to the airport. Estimated time 40-60 minutes.
Included services :
Private transfers from and to the airport.
Accommodation in 4-5* hotels or Riads.
Daily breakfast and 2 dinners
-English-speaking guide for the entire tour.
-Half-day guided city tour of Marrakech.
-Private Land Cruiser, fuel, driver, and tolls.- Local taxes.
Excluded services :
Tips for the guiding team/driver
Meals not mentioned above
-Activities and extras not mentioned above.
-Entrance fees to monuments
