Merzouga: Details of days
OUARZAZATE TO FES DESERT TOURS
Day 1 : Ouarzazate – merzouga – Todra valley – camel trekking tours
In the morning of the second day of our desert tour we will ride the camels backing to Merzouga , you’ll have the breakfest and shower in your riad in Merzouga so as to travel to Fes via Errachidia along the magnificent Ziz Gorges carved through volcanic rock, and through the Tizi Ntalghamt Pass to Midelt, then continue our journey to Azrou, a berber village in the Middle Atlas Mountains, before which we stop to see the Barbarian apes in the famous Cedar forest. On to Ifran “the French village”, stop for a picture or a drink then drive to Fes, where you will be accommdated at riad in the medina.
Day 2 : Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Medilt – Ifran – Fes Desert tour.
Essaouira cityThe second day tour will start after the breakfast at your hotel/Riad by picking you up, then start driving the UNESCO World Heritage Sit ( Essaouira ).Originally built on a rocky peninsula and overlooking the Atlantic, Essaouira is one of Morocco’s must-see destinations. With a whitewashed medina enclosed by huge pink sandstone ramparts, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and with a rich Portuguese and Andalusian heritage, Essaouira holds great appeal. From a long white sandy beach and dunes to a bustling fishing port with excellent seafood and colourful wooden fishing boats, Essaouira has always been a favourite retreat of hippies, sailors, artists and musicians.
Phoenicians & Portuguese
Founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BC, the Portuguese arrived in the 15th century, and established the first fortifications and a trading post. The town of Essaouira itself wasn’t built until the latter half of the 1700′s, sanctioned by an Alouite sultan, Mohammed II. It was actually a renowned French architect who designed and built the town, harbour and fortifications in the style of a European fortress.
Medina & Atlantic Beach
Local attractions include the Sidi Med Ben Abdallah Museum, the souks, the old city gates, and the impressive sqalas – fortified sea bastions. Perhaps enjoy after you travel to morocco, a meal in one of the fabulous seafood restaurants and a stroll along Essaouira’s impressive sandy beach, In the afternoon ,we will continue alongside the beautiful coast offering a panoramic trip, full of emotions and romance until we reach Agadir where we will drop you off at the hotel or at the airport where the tour ends.
Day 3 : Fez Sightseeing Tour.
In the third day of our luxury desert tours you will be picked up from your hotel/Riad in Fez Medina with An official local guide (English,French,spainsh…-speaking) will accompany you on this tour.The highlights include:
• Andalusia Mosque: This stunning mosque is easily definable by its imposing green and white minaret. Built at the end of the 9th century by a woman, its wood carvings are exquisite.
• Tanners’ District: One of the main attractions of Fez, the tanners’ quarters is where leather is produced using the same centuries-old methods. You can get a bird’s eye view from the raised platform and watch the entire process.
• El-Attarine Madrasa or the Medersa Attarine: Visit Fez’s most popular attraction, the El-Attarine Madrasa in the heart of the city, built in 1325. See the fine examples of Merenidcraftsmanship around the madrasa, especially the stucco and cedar wood carvings on the ceiling.
• Karaouine Mosque: One of the biggest religious structure in Morocco, this mosque lies in the heart of the medina. The university attached to the mosque has been the centre of Islamic learning in Morocco for more than 1000 years.
• Azouia Moulay Idriss: The tomb of Moulay Idris is a highly revered shrine. At the entrance, women pass offerings through a hatch, which is also as close as a non-Muslim can get.
• Place Nejjarine: A beautiful fountain can be seen at the Place Nejjarine, a square deep in the heart of the medina. It is also home to the Nejjarine Museum of Wood and carpentry and showcases Fez’s renowned wood-carving tradition. See exquisite furniture, thrones and objects of everyday use. Nearby is the souk of the carpenters.
The tour breaks for lunch at Moroccain restaurants in the Medina.
After lunch, continue with your guided exploration of the attractions outside Fez.
The highlights of this tour include:
• Gates: Royal Palace, Bab Boujloud: The Bab Boujloud gate is the most famous gate in Morocco. It is also the main entrance to the Medina. See the striking blue and green colors that cover either side of this monumental gate. The Royal Palace is one of the most elegant structures in Morocco with a huge and impressive gate.
• Tombs of the Merenid Dynasty: Get spectacular views over the city from this resting place of the Merenid Sultans who played a crucial role in making Fez the cultural and religious capital of Morocco. The ruins are a great place to take in the sprawling vistas of the Medina below.
• District of the potters: See where the world-famous cobalt blue enameled pottery is made.
Late afternoon we will drop you off at riad in Fez Medina.
Day 4 : Fez – Meknes – Rabat – Marrakech tour.
The last day of your desert tours or maybe your travel to morocco will begin After the breakfast , we will drive to Meknes this magnificent Imperial city.sightseeing of Meknes includes Mosolum Moulay Ismail,Bab Mansour,Sahrij Souani. Then continue to Rabat the political capital of Morocco where we will visit the best sites of this city such as the Hassan Tower , Mohammed V Mausoleum, and the Oudayas Kasbah overlooking the Atlantic . Continue to Marrakech, drop you off at your hotel/riad where the end of our service.