15-Day Tour with Saffron Harvest Tour

(Late October through Early November Only)

15-Day Tour with Saffron Harvest Tour (Late October through Early November Only)

Duration

15 Days

Tour Type

Multi-Day Tour

Group Size

10 People Max

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture of Morocco, with a special highlight – the saffron harvest experience in Taliouine. From the bustling streets of Tangier to the tranquil Sahara Desert, this 15-day adventure offers a perfect blend of exploration, relaxation, and immersion into the local way of life.

Highlights:
– Explore the charming blue city of Chefchaouen and its picturesque alleyways.
– Discover the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes.
– Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Fes with a guided tour of its landmarks.
– Marvel at the architectural wonders of Casablanca, including the majestic Hassan II Mosque.
– Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Marrakech’s bustling souks and historic sites.
– Venture into the majestic Sahara Desert for an overnight camping experience under the stars.
– Participate in the saffron harvest in Taliouine and learn about this precious spice.
– Relax in the coastal town of Essaouira and enjoy its laid-back vibe and scenic beauty.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT TANGIER AIRPORT AND TRANSFER TO THE HOTEL

Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. No events planned. Just rest and prepare for the adventure to come as we explore the Magic of Morocco. Overnight in Tangier.

DAY 2: TOUR TANGIER AND CHEFCHAOUEN

After breakfast in your hotel. You will take a morning tour around Tangier. After lunch, your private driver with transport you (2 hrs) to Chefchaouen, the blue city. Chefchaouen, located in the Rif Mountains of northwest Morocco, is known for the striking, blue-washed buildings of the old town. We will spend the day in the relaxed atmosphere of this beautiful town. You can stroll (on your own) in the blue alleyways, where leather and weaving workshops line its steep cobbled lanes. There will be optional activities to choose from (not included in tour price.) In the main square of Place Outa el Hammam is the red-walked Kasbah, a 15-century fortress and dungeon, Chefchaouen Ethnographic Museum and the octagonal minaret of the Great Mosque. Overnight in Chefchaouen.

DAY 3: VOLUBILIS & MEKNES

After breakfast in your riad, you will be driven to Meknes (3.5 hrs). Along the way, you will stop along the way for a guided tour of Volubilis, a partly excavated Berber-Roman city and UNESCO World Heritage site. Overnight in Meknes.

DAY 4: FES SIGHTSEEING WITH A LOCAL GUIDE

After breakfast at your riad, you will be driven to Fez (1.5 hrs) and meet your local guide and the exploration of Fes begins. You will visit the Royal Palace, founded back to the foundation of the new Fes. Then on to Mellah, the Jewish quarter, where you see a 17th-century synagogue. Also, The University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded as a mosque, then became one of the leading spiritual and educational centers of the historic Muslim world. As well as Chouara Tannery, the largest and oldest at the oldest Medina quarter of the city, surrounded by leather shops with terraces from where you look down onto the pits. Overnight in Fes.

DAY 5: CASABLANCA (3 hrs)

Today you will be driven to Casablanca (3 hrs) to tour the Hassan ll Mosque. The only mosque in Morocco where non-muslims can enter. It sits at the edge of the city with the Atlantic Ocean as its beautiful backdrop. It is the second largest functioning mosque in Africa and the 7th largest in the world. Its minaret is the world’s second tallest. 1 hr. tour to see the inside of the mosque (optional). Optional dinner at Rick’s Cafe (modeled after the bar in the movie Casablanca). Overnight in Casablanca.

DAY 6: MARRAKECH (3 hrs)

This day you will be driven to Marrakech (3 hrs). Here you will explore Marrakech with a local guide. You will stroll through the narrow streets of the old Medina *old city, and visit the colourful Souks/markets. Our guide will lead us on a tour of Marrakech including the souks (market place), Jemaa el Fna Square, Saadian tombs, Bahia Palace and Koutoubia mosque. Overnight in Marrakesh.

DAY 7: OUARZAZATE

You will be driven (4 hrs) south over the High Atlas Mountains crossing the highest road in Morocco, the Tizi n Tichka pass. You stop along the way for outstanding pictures of the Berber villages, landscapes and valley. Along the way, you will stop at Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, a fortified castle. Optional – Tour of the Atlas Film Studio where many movies and tv shows have been filmed such as The King & I and Game of Thrones. Overnight: Ouarzazate

DAY 8: OVERNIGHT IN SAHARA DESERT

After breakfast, you will start out for your overnight in the Sahara Desert (5 hrs). Along the way you will also stop at a Berber womans’ carpet co-op to see a demonstration and learn how the carpets are made. Then you will make your way across the Sahara through Lake Iriki National Park. The lake nowadays is mostly dry. It was a favorite place of the southern gazelles. It was established to protect the biodiversity, flora and fauna across 123,000 hectares of south-eastern Morocco.

After arriving at our desert camp at Erg Chigaga, the largest dunes in Morocco, we will be welcomed with Moroccan tea and treats. Just before sunset we will take our own camel caravan into the dunes for a memorable ride and photos. Later we will be served a delicious dinner (included). After dinner, we can gather under the night sky and enjoy a campfire with traditional music. Overnight at the desert camp. The camp is well-equipped. Rooms are tents or earthen rooms with a regular bed with comfortable mattress and separate bathrooms with hot showers and western toilets. Overnight Sahara Desert Camp.

DAY 9: TALIOUINE

After breakfast at the desert camp, you will set out for Taliouine (4 hrs) to experience the saffron harvest the next morning. Overnight Taliouine

DAY 10: SAFFRON HARVEST - AGADIR

An early morning start to experience the harvest of saffron in Taliouine. After the harvest you will drive to Agadir (3.5 hrs). Overnight Agadir.

DAY 11: ESSAOUIRA

After breakfast you will drive to the quaint port town of Essaouira (3 hrs). Essaouira has its own fortified old medina that is protected by the 18th-century seafront ramparts called the Skala de la Kasbah. Old brass cannons line the walls surrounding the old city that looks out into the ocean. Overnight in Essaouira.

DAY 12: DAY IN ESSAOUIRA

Spend the day enjoying the small port town of Essaouira. We can arrange optional activities including: camel or horse riding on the beach, yoga and spa treatments. Overnight in Essaouira.

DAY 13: FREE DAY TO EXPLORE MARRAKECH

After breakfast, you will go to Marrakech (3 hrs). Along the way you will stop to see the famous goats in the argan trees. If you would like to visit the Majorelle Gardens, you can visit the afternoon. Overnight Marrakech

DAY 14: FREE DAY TO EXPLORE MARRAKECH

Free day on your own. Additional day tours can be arranged as desired. Overnight in Marrakech.

DAY 15: TRANSFERS TO AIRPORT

Transfers to airport in Marrakech for drop off. If you would like to extend your trip, please let us know and we can assist with arrangements.