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9 Days Excursion: from Tangier to Essaouira

9 Days Excursion: from Tangier to Essaouira

Duration

9 days

Max People

20

Overview

Embark on an immersive 9-day journey from Tangier to Essaouira, unveiling Morocco’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures. Traverse the majestic Atlas Mountains, delve into the vibrant markets of Fez and Marrakech, and explore the historic wonders of Meknes and Volubilis. Experience the serene beauty of Chefchaouen’s blue-washed streets and indulge in Essaouira’s coastal charm. This adventure promises to immerse you in the rich tapestry of Morocco’s history, nature, and vibrant culture from Tangier to the tranquil shores of Essaouira.

Booking via Whatsapp: +212 6 22 83 97 38.

Included/Excluded

  • Transport from hotel
  • Professional driver/guide
  • Private room accommodation options: double, triple, or family
  • Erg Chebbi camel excursion
  • Lodging overnight at Auberge Sahara desert camp
  • Overnight stay at Auberge Sahara desert camp
  • Accommodation choices at the hotels
  • Hotel lodging with en-suite toilets and showers
  • Desert camp accommodation with external toilets and showers located in the pavilion
  • Inclusive dinner and breakfast with a vegetarian alternative offered
  • Lunch and beverages
  • Gratuity for the driver/guide

Tour Plan

Day 1: Tangier – Chefchaouen

During the first day of your trip we will meet you in the port and drive through the Rif mountains and Tetoun city to enjoy the beautiful views until we get to Chefchaouan, one of Morocco’s most picturesque cities. Chefchaouen medina has a Spanish-style square surrounded by many funky arts and crafts stores, roof-top restaurants and cafes. We’ll spend the night here in the blue city in a local riad.

Day 2: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fez

After your breakfast in the riad our authentic journey will start towards Volubilis crossing via Wazan and other rif villages. At Volubilis we will discover the Roman ruins and learn about this archeological site of Moroccan history. We will then make our way to Meknes, a city with much 17th-century heritage, where we will stop for lunch, hang around the historical walls of the medina, see the Bab el mansour and enjoy a visit of Moulay Ismail shrine. Finally, our journey takes us to Fez where we will spend the night.

Day 3: Fez Guided Tour

Begin your day with a riad breakfast before embarking on exploration in Morocco’s oldest city. Wander its alleys with a local guide. The journey starts at the Royal Palace gate and the 16th-century Jewish quarter, Morocco’s first Mellah. Discover cultural gems like the ancient Al Qaraouine University, the region’s oldest, the Tanneries, Attarine museum, and Moulay Idriss mausoleum. Post-lunch, visit the tiles cooperative and soak in a panoramic Medina of Fez view.

Day 4: Fez – Midelt – Ziz Valley – Merzouga

After breakfast in your hotel you will travel to Merzouga via Errachidia and Erfoud. You will be travelling through the fascinating Tiz Ntalghamt pass and the Ziz Gorge, taking in views of the High Atlas plateau, you’ll notice how the scenery changes to reveal hints of the desert. We’ll stop to see the wild monkeys and to have lunch along the way. We will snake our way along to Erfoud and Rissani as we get closer to the desert, arriving in Merzouga village in the afternoon. You’ll be welcomed with a glass of mint tea before your checking into your desert hotel. In this tranquil and friendly town, you can venture out on your own to see the community garden or to explore the dunes a little on foot.

Day 5: Merzouga – Sahara Desert Tour – Erg Chebbi Camel Trekking

After breakfast in your riad, your driver will take you on a desert tour around the Erg Chebbi sand dunes. You will hear the music of the Gnawa people – originally from Mali, Senegal and Sudan – in Khamlia village. later, we will meet nomad families to explore their way of life. Today our lunch will be a traditional berber meal (Berber pizza). In the afternoon, we will return to the desert hotel in Merzouga where you will meet your camels and your camel guide. Hop on the caravan and head into the heart of the dunes until you reach our desert camp. Here, dinner will be served in front of the traditional nomad tent where you will spend the night.

Day 6: Sahara Desert – Todra Gorge – Dades Gorges

Early the next morning, you’ll hop back on the camel caravan and return to the desert hotel where breakfast awaits. Take some time to shower at the hotel if you wish. Depending on whether it is market day, your driver may suggest a visit to the old city of Rissani – the foundation of the Alaouite dynasty – the current ruling royal family in Morocco. Rissani is surrounded by about 360 ksar (a fortified village with many towers) and has a big souk (an open market), held three times a week. Once called Sijilmassa, this was the meeting place for the salt caravans, coming from Timbuktu in Mali. Here you’ll see merchants selling spices, vegetables and cloth. Next we’ll continue to the mountains where we’ll see the steep rock walls of Todra Gorge and also the peculiar geological formation known as the “monkey fingers.” We’ll spend the night in the peaceful Dades Valley.

Day 7: Dades Gorges – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakesh

After breakfast, we will travel through the Dades Valley towards Kalaa M’gouna and Ouarzazate. The route through Dades Valley is the way of the thousand kasbahs – providing numerous opportunities to take some of your best photographic shots of the trip. We will stop at Ait Benhaddou Kasbah for lunch, the largest Kasbah in Morocco. Now the kasbah is a UNESCO heritage site. After that we will shift the way to cross high atlas mountains full of panoramic views and attractive Berber villages all along the way until Marrakesh, where we will spend the night in a traditional riad.

Day 8: Marrakesh Guided Tour

After breakfast in the riad, we will start exploring Marrakesh, the red city of Morocco. We will ensure that you see the most important sites of historical and cultural interest, including the Majorelle Gardens, the Koutoubia Tower, the Saadian tombs and the Bahia Palace. After Lunch at a restaurant near the square, you will walk through the souks and view hundreds of handicrafts. On the afternoon, you will have some free time to wander by yourself near the main square.

Day 9: Marrakesh – Essaouira – Marrakesh

Seaside day trip ! After breakfast in your riad, you will start travelling to the coastal city of Essaouira. You’ll visit the Skala Fortress, see Thuya wood carved by artisans, walk through the alleys of the medina and view hundreds of handicrafts. This “City of the Wind” attracts surfers from all over the world. Essaouira knew many civilisations – including the Portuguese occupation, which affects much of its architecture – however, it remains a small village with much history. Because of its size and its characteristic blue doors and washed walls, it is also regarded as Morocco’s “Jewel of the Atlantic.” Lunch will be done the Moroccan way – fresh fish from the seafood market. In the afternoon you will travel back to Marrakech. We conclude the tour when we drop you off at a location of your choice in Marrakesh

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