The Absolute Moroccan Experience: Desert, Imperial Cities & Essaouira

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1

   Marrakech – VIP arrival

   • Daytime Personalised welcome, private transfer and check-in at your luxury accommodation. Evening briefing over a traditional mint tea.
2. 2

   Day 2

   Marrakech – Tizi n'Tichka – Ouarzazate – Dadès Gorges

   • Morning Departure in a luxury 4x4 across the Atlas pass. Guided visit of the famous Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a filming location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
   • Afternoon Crossing of the Valley of Roses and the lunar landscapes of the Dadès Gorges. Dinner and overnight stay in a luxury eco-lodge in the gorges.
3. 3

   Day 3

   Dadès Gorges – Todra Gorges – Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi)

   • Morning Walk beneath the impressive cliffs of the Todra.
   • Afternoon Drive to Erfoud and arrival at the gates of the great dunes of Merzouga.
   • Evening Camel trek among the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset. Royal dinner by the fire and a night in a five-star luxury bivouac under an air-conditioned tent.
4. 4

   Day 4

   Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Fès: from the Sahara to the mountains

   • Morning Sunrise over the desert. Northward drive through the spectacular gorges and palm groves of the Ziz Valley.
   • Afternoon Lunch in Midelt, then across the Middle Atlas via Ifrane and Azrou. Arrival in Fès in the evening. Overnight in a luxury riad.
5. 5

   Day 5

   Fès – exclusive cultural immersion

   • Daytime Private, tailor-made exploration of the Medina of Fès: tanneries, palaces, madrasas and royal gates. Overnight stay in Fès.
6. 6

   Day 6

   Fès – Volubilis – Meknes – Rabat: the treasures of the north

   • Morning Visit of the ancient Roman site of Volubilis and of the imperial city of Meknes.
   • Afternoon Drive to Rabat. Visit of the Hassan Tower and the Chellah necropolis. Dinner and overnight stay in a Relais & Châteaux riad in Rabat.
7. 7

   Day 7

   Rabat – Casablanca – Marrakech: the coastal return

   • Morning A stop in Casablanca to visit the Hassan II Mosque.
   • Afternoon Seaside lunch, then a direct return by motorway to Marrakech. Check-in and overnight stay in Marrakech.
8. 8

   Day 8

   Marrakech – Essaouira: heading for Mogador

   • Morning Departure for the Atlantic coast, a two-and-a-half-hour drive. Stop along the way to watch the goats climbing the argan trees and to visit an organic argan oil cooperative.
   • Afternoon Arrival in Essaouira. Lunch of freshly grilled fish on the port. Visit of the Skala ramparts and the blue and white lanes of the Medina, with their bohemian, artistic feel.
   • Evening Dinner to the sound of Gnaoua music, overnight in a magnificent boutique hotel facing the sea (e.g. Heure Bleue Palais).
9. 9

   Day 9

   Essaouira – relaxation, surf & nature

   • Morning Horse or quad ride along the wild beaches of Diabat, or a kitesurfing lesson.
   • Afternoon Free time to wander the art galleries and spice souks of Essaouira.
   • Evening Sunset over the ocean, dinner and overnight stay in Essaouira.
10. 10

    Day 10

    Essaouira – Marrakech: final experiences

    • Morning A relaxing morning by the water.
    • Afternoon Return to Marrakech. A restful afternoon with a traditional massage in a high-end spa in the Palmeraie or Gueliz. Overnight stay in Marrakech.
11. 11

    Day 11

    Marrakech – departure

    • Daytime Free time to suit your flight schedule, and a private VIP transfer to the airport.