From the Ocean to Desert
Duration
11 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Starting 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
This tour is part of our flexible coach touring range, guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people. Once the tour is booked, it is guaranteed so it will definitely go ahead, and will never cancel.
This tour is guided in English only. Please note if English speaking attendance numbers are low, the tour can become bilingual either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader providing explanations in both languages.
The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. By clicking 'Quote or Book,' you will have the choice to select your desired start and end dates and destinations within the tour's defined parameters. Given this flexibility, it's important to note that the same people, tour guides or drivers may not be on your entire journey.
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: 120 km.
Scenery: nice landscapes of farmlands.
Note: Fez is a very traditional city, and Mulay Idris is a holy city; therefore, we kindly request that you wear proper clothes and respect the local population. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes to visit the archeological site.
In the morning, we include a visit to Fez . We will cross through the Bronze Gates of the Royal Palace, we will visit the Jewish quarter, the lively souks, and the tanners’ quarter. Fez is the cultural capital of the country and home to the oldest university in the world. The city of Fez was established in the 9th century and is known for its breathtakingly beautiful Medina, whose Arab traditional atmosphere is the best preserved in the country. Towards the end of the visit, we will include the lunch in an old palace in the Medina.
15.00h- Fez- departure.
16.30h- Volubilis archeological site . Arrival at the probably best preserved Roman archeological site in the north of Africa, which has been declared a World Heritage Site. Founded in the 3rd century B.C. as the capital of the Mauritania Tingitania province, Volubilis was a relevant military outpost of the Roman Empire where many beautiful monuments were erected. Admission is included .
17.30h- Volubilis- Departure. We resume our journey beside olive plantations.
17.45h- Mulay Idris - located on the top of a hill, we arrive at the principal holy city and pilgrimage destination for Muslims in Morocco. Mulay Idris, great-grandson of Mohamed and founder of the first royal dynasty of Morocco, is buried here. The city was closed to non-Muslims until 1912; until 2005, non-Muslims could not stay overnight here. Free time for walking around.
18.45h- Moulay Idriss- Departure.
19.30 h- Meknes . Arrival, dinner included and lodging.
Scenery: nice landscapes of farmlands.
Note: Fez is a very traditional city, and Mulay Idris is a holy city; therefore, we kindly request that you wear proper clothes and respect the local population. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes to visit the archeological site.
In the morning, we include a visit to Fez . We will cross through the Bronze Gates of the Royal Palace, we will visit the Jewish quarter, the lively souks, and the tanners’ quarter. Fez is the cultural capital of the country and home to the oldest university in the world. The city of Fez was established in the 9th century and is known for its breathtakingly beautiful Medina, whose Arab traditional atmosphere is the best preserved in the country. Towards the end of the visit, we will include the lunch in an old palace in the Medina.
15.00h- Fez- departure.
16.30h- Volubilis archeological site . Arrival at the probably best preserved Roman archeological site in the north of Africa, which has been declared a World Heritage Site. Founded in the 3rd century B.C. as the capital of the Mauritania Tingitania province, Volubilis was a relevant military outpost of the Roman Empire where many beautiful monuments were erected. Admission is included .
17.30h- Volubilis- Departure. We resume our journey beside olive plantations.
17.45h- Mulay Idris - located on the top of a hill, we arrive at the principal holy city and pilgrimage destination for Muslims in Morocco. Mulay Idris, great-grandson of Mohamed and founder of the first royal dynasty of Morocco, is buried here. The city was closed to non-Muslims until 1912; until 2005, non-Muslims could not stay overnight here. Free time for walking around.
18.45h- Moulay Idriss- Departure.
19.30 h- Meknes . Arrival, dinner included and lodging.
Total distance: 240 km.
08.30 hrs- After breakfast, visit of Meknes , another fascinating city declared a World Heritage Site, founded for military purposes in the eleventh century by the Almoravids, and was the capital of the kingdom in times of Sultan Muley Ismail (1672-1727), founder of the Alaouite dynasty. This sovereign built an impressive city of Spanish-Moorish style, surrounding it with high walls marked by monumental doors. We will be surprised by the immense gate of Bab el Mansur and the activity in the square el Hedim (reminiscent of the D, Jemaa square of Marrakesh). We include entrance to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail . Free time.
12.30 hrs- Meknes, departure. Continuation by highway, time for lunch in service area.
15.30 hrs- Rabat. Arrival and city tour of the capital of the Kingdom. We visit the powerful fortress of the Oudaia, the Hassan tower where the mausoleum of King Mohamed V is located, the walls of the Andalusians, the outer enclosure of the Royal Palace and the modern quarters of embassies. After our visit, free time.
18.30 hrs- Rabat, departure. We follow the shores of the Atlantic.
20.00 hrs- Casablanca -Arrival at the end of the day.- Dinner included.
08.30 hrs- After breakfast, visit of Meknes , another fascinating city declared a World Heritage Site, founded for military purposes in the eleventh century by the Almoravids, and was the capital of the kingdom in times of Sultan Muley Ismail (1672-1727), founder of the Alaouite dynasty. This sovereign built an impressive city of Spanish-Moorish style, surrounding it with high walls marked by monumental doors. We will be surprised by the immense gate of Bab el Mansur and the activity in the square el Hedim (reminiscent of the D, Jemaa square of Marrakesh). We include entrance to the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail . Free time.
12.30 hrs- Meknes, departure. Continuation by highway, time for lunch in service area.
15.30 hrs- Rabat. Arrival and city tour of the capital of the Kingdom. We visit the powerful fortress of the Oudaia, the Hassan tower where the mausoleum of King Mohamed V is located, the walls of the Andalusians, the outer enclosure of the Royal Palace and the modern quarters of embassies. After our visit, free time.
18.30 hrs- Rabat, departure. We follow the shores of the Atlantic.
20.00 hrs- Casablanca -Arrival at the end of the day.- Dinner included.
Total distance: 260 km
Landscapes : from Atlantic plains of cultivated fields to more arid landscapes near Safi.
After breakfast, we include a visit with a local guide to get to know the largest city and economic center of Morocco. We will walk through its great avenues, the beautiful square of Mohamed V with its fountain, Moorish buildings, palm trees and the park of the Arab league. We will also visit little Medina. We include the entrance and visit to the huge mosque of Hassan II , the only mosque in Morocco where non-Muslims are allowed to enter, located next to the sea, with its 210-meter-high minaret with laser lights on top pointing to Mecca. After that we have free time for lunch in the pleasant maritime area of "La Corniche".
14.30 hrs- Casablanca, after lunch we continue travelling, following the Atlantic Ocean, to the south of the country.
16.00 hrs- El Jadida, Arrival in this port town, its citadel (Mazagan) has been declared a World Heritage Site. It was built by the Portuguese in the early sixteenth century, and became the most important commercial and maritime center of the African coast. Its powerful walls overlooking the ocean made it impenetrable, its picturesque streets preserve numerous traces of the Portuguese era – such as the church of the Assumption in Manueline style. We will walk and include the entrance to the old cistern of the sixteenth century.
18.00 hrs- El Jadida, departure.
20.00 hrs- Safi, arrival, dinner included and accommodation.
Note: the old cistern of El Jadida is closed for restoration. It is expected to reopen throughout the season.
Landscapes : from Atlantic plains of cultivated fields to more arid landscapes near Safi.
After breakfast, we include a visit with a local guide to get to know the largest city and economic center of Morocco. We will walk through its great avenues, the beautiful square of Mohamed V with its fountain, Moorish buildings, palm trees and the park of the Arab league. We will also visit little Medina. We include the entrance and visit to the huge mosque of Hassan II , the only mosque in Morocco where non-Muslims are allowed to enter, located next to the sea, with its 210-meter-high minaret with laser lights on top pointing to Mecca. After that we have free time for lunch in the pleasant maritime area of "La Corniche".
14.30 hrs- Casablanca, after lunch we continue travelling, following the Atlantic Ocean, to the south of the country.
16.00 hrs- El Jadida, Arrival in this port town, its citadel (Mazagan) has been declared a World Heritage Site. It was built by the Portuguese in the early sixteenth century, and became the most important commercial and maritime center of the African coast. Its powerful walls overlooking the ocean made it impenetrable, its picturesque streets preserve numerous traces of the Portuguese era – such as the church of the Assumption in Manueline style. We will walk and include the entrance to the old cistern of the sixteenth century.
18.00 hrs- El Jadida, departure.
20.00 hrs- Safi, arrival, dinner included and accommodation.
Note: the old cistern of El Jadida is closed for restoration. It is expected to reopen throughout the season.
Total distance completed: 305 km
Landscapes: in some areas, great views over the ocean.
Note : If you wish, you can rest for a while on the beach of Essauira. Bring in this case what you will need with you.
08.30 hrs- In the morning, with our guide, we visit Safi , this city is known for its ceramic production, highly demanded throughout Morocco for its quality and bright colors. We will photograph the castle of the sea, the wall with its powerful fortress, we stroll through its attractive Medina and we will visit the "hill of the ceramists" with its many shops.
10.00 hrs- Safi, departure
12.00 hrs- Essauira , Arrival in this historic city of spectacular beaches, called the Blue Pearl of the Atlantic. Its walled Medina, facing the sea, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The magnificently preserved city is chosen by artists and painters. We will have free time for lunch and stroll through its narrow streets, whitewashed houses and powerful walls lashed by the waves.
15.00 hrs- Essauira, we continue following the Atlantic coast, with magnificent landscapes in some places.
18.00 hrs- Taghazout, brief stop in this picturesque small town that lives off fishing and the surf tourism.
19.00 hrs- Taghazout.- We continue on.
19.30 hrs- Agadir, arrival in this Atlantic city where the Atlas mountain range reaches the sea, dinner and accommodation.
Landscapes: in some areas, great views over the ocean.
Note : If you wish, you can rest for a while on the beach of Essauira. Bring in this case what you will need with you.
08.30 hrs- In the morning, with our guide, we visit Safi , this city is known for its ceramic production, highly demanded throughout Morocco for its quality and bright colors. We will photograph the castle of the sea, the wall with its powerful fortress, we stroll through its attractive Medina and we will visit the "hill of the ceramists" with its many shops.
10.00 hrs- Safi, departure
12.00 hrs- Essauira , Arrival in this historic city of spectacular beaches, called the Blue Pearl of the Atlantic. Its walled Medina, facing the sea, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The magnificently preserved city is chosen by artists and painters. We will have free time for lunch and stroll through its narrow streets, whitewashed houses and powerful walls lashed by the waves.
15.00 hrs- Essauira, we continue following the Atlantic coast, with magnificent landscapes in some places.
18.00 hrs- Taghazout, brief stop in this picturesque small town that lives off fishing and the surf tourism.
19.00 hrs- Taghazout.- We continue on.
19.30 hrs- Agadir, arrival in this Atlantic city where the Atlas mountain range reaches the sea, dinner and accommodation.
Total distance: 255 km.
Landscapes: Mountain landscapes crossing the Atlas Mountains.
Note: Remember that you must leave the hotel room free before 12.00 hrs.
Free time during the morning in the most popular beach destination of the country. You can enjoy its immense beaches, stroll along the promenade or go shopping in one of the plenty shopping areas.
14.30 hrs- Agadir, after lunch, we continue our route along the magnificent highway crossing the Atlas mountain range.
18.00 hrs- Marrakesh. Dinner included in the hotel.
Landscapes: Mountain landscapes crossing the Atlas Mountains.
Note: Remember that you must leave the hotel room free before 12.00 hrs.
Free time during the morning in the most popular beach destination of the country. You can enjoy its immense beaches, stroll along the promenade or go shopping in one of the plenty shopping areas.
14.30 hrs- Agadir, after lunch, we continue our route along the magnificent highway crossing the Atlas mountain range.
18.00 hrs- Marrakesh. Dinner included in 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
AUD 2,100