Morocco and Sahara Desert Adventure Tour

Chefchaouen to Fes

We meet at the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport approximately three hours before the flight. After completing baggage check-in and ticket formalities, we fly to Casablanca in Morocco on Air Arabia’s scheduled service. We arrive at Casablanca Airport in the morning. After passport control and baggage collection, we board our waiting vehicle and set off for Şafşavan, known as the Blue City.

Upon arrival in Şafşavan, you have free time to explore the city, known for its blue and white houses, narrow streets and small squares. Situated at the foot of the Rif Mountains, the city offers streets reflecting traditional Moroccan architecture, shops to browse and city views to photograph. We then depart for Fes, one of Morocco’s important cities for history and culture.

Upon arrival in Fes, guests who wish may join the optional Fes tour at an extra cost of 40 € per person. Our tour begins in the Medina (Old City), which has preserved its historic character for centuries. The places we will see include Attarine Madrasa, Old Karaounie University, Nejarine Square, the Artisans’ Bazaar, the Historic Leather Tanneries, Molla İdris Mausoleum, the Gate of Fes Royal Palace and Mellah (Jewish Quarter). At Attarine Madrasa, we see the decorative details of traditional Moroccan architecture. We also visit Old Karaounie University, one of the city’s important historic buildings, and Nejarine Square, known for its fountain.

After the Fes city tour, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Fes.

Atlas Mountains to the Sahara

After breakfast, we set off towards the Sahara Desert through the Atlas Mountains. Today’s route takes us through Ifrane, Midelt and Merzouga. Our first stop is Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco. With its orderly streets, green spaces and chalet-style architecture, Ifrane resembles European cities and is also known as a ski resort during the winter months. We allow free time to explore the city.

We then head to the town of Midelt in the Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we watch the scenery change from the green landscapes of northern Morocco to the desert landscapes of the Sahara. After free time in Midelt, we continue our journey towards the Sahara Desert.

Upon arrival in the Merzouga region, guests who wish may join the optional Jeep Safari & Camel tour (80 € per person), available at an extra charge. During the tour, we cross the desert in jeeps to reach Merzouga, known for its sand dunes. Here, we ride camels through the dunes of the Sahara. Along the way, we have the opportunity to take in the desert views, observe the changing colours of the sky and take photographs.

After the tour, we settle into our tent camp in Merzouga. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Todra Valley and Ait Benhaddou

After breakfast, we set off for Ouarzazate, with desert views on one side and the Atlas Mountains on the other. Throughout the day, we visit Tinghir, the water channels, Todra Valley, M’Gouna, Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate.

Our first stop is the Tinghir area, surrounded by traditional Berber settlements and palm groves. After seeing the traditional water channels that supply the area, we continue to Todra Valley in the Atlas Mountains. Here, we learn about the valley’s geography by observing its high rock walls and natural formations.

We then pass through M’Gouna, known as the City of Roses for its roses and rose products, and reach Ouarzazate, an area of Morocco known for film production. Here, we visit Ait Benhaddou, a settlement in the desert noted for its traditional earthen architecture. We explore the settlement, which has served as a filming location for productions such as Game of Thrones, The Message, The Jewel of the Nile, The Mummy, Gladiator, Alexander and Babel, and learn about its history and connections to cinema.

After the visit, guests who wish may join the optional Atlas Film Studios tour at an extra charge (80 € per person). On this tour, we visit Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of the Desert. We explore the filming areas, viewing sets prepared for various productions, large set pieces and structures built to recreate different historical periods.

After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Ouarzazate.

Marrakesh's colourful sights

After breakfast, we leave Ouarzazate and head towards Marrakesh, taking in views of the Atlas Mountains along the way. Guests who wish can join the optional Majorelle Garden & Bahia Palace & Marrakesh Medina Shopping tour at an extra charge (80 € per person). The tour includes visits to Majorelle Garden, Bahia Palace, Marrakesh Medina, the souks and Jma El Fna Square.

Upon arrival in Marrakesh, we visit Majorelle Garden. Designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle, the garden was later preserved by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and given its current appearance. We explore its exotic plants, cacti, vivid colours and architectural details.

We then head to Bahia Palace, an example of traditional Moroccan architecture. After viewing the palace’s woodwork, traditional zellij tiles, ornate courtyards and gardens, we explore Marrakesh’s historic Medina district. We walk through the narrow, interconnected streets of the souks, home to thousands of shops selling spices and traditional handicrafts.

We continue to Jma El Fna Square. Here, we observe daily life among street performers, traditional vendors, juice stalls and open-air restaurants. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Marrakesh.

Free day in Marrakesh

After breakfast, we provide free time. Guests who wish may join the optional Essaouira & Atlantic Ocean Tour at an extra cost (80 € per person). On this tour, we depart for Essaouira on the Atlantic Ocean coast. With its whitewashed houses, blue doors, historic walls and ocean views, Essaouira recalls the Bodrum of the past and is one of the Moroccan cities that was once under Portuguese influence. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is known for its historic buildings, fishing port, art and cultural life.

Upon arrival in Essaouira, we begin our city tour. The places we will see include the City Fortress, Fishing Port and Medina. After visiting the historic fortress and walls overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, we head to the Fishing Port, one of the city's landmarks, with its colourful fishing boats. We then continue to the Medina, the city's historic centre. Here, we see traditional buildings in shades of white and blue, narrow winding streets, small art galleries, handicraft shops and local markets.

We provide free time to explore the city, shop and spend time by the Atlantic Ocean. Afterwards, we return to our hotel in Marrakesh. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Marrakesh.

Casablanca city tour

After breakfast, we depart for Casablanca. Upon arrival, we begin our city tour of Casablanca. We enjoy a panoramic view of the Hassan II Mosque, located on the Atlantic Ocean coast and a symbol of Casablanca. We then visit the Medina, which reflects the city’s traditional character, and the Hobus district, where we see characteristic examples of Moroccan architecture. After seeing Mohammed V Square and United Nations Square, we head to the waterfront along the Atlantic Ocean. We see Ain Diab, one of modern Casablanca’s lively areas, and the Corniche, known for its ocean views. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Casablanca.

Return to Istanbul

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and have free time until our flight. We meet at the time set by our guide and transfer to Casablanca Airport. After completing baggage, ticket and passport formalities, we fly to Istanbul on Air Arabia’s scheduled service. Our tour ends upon arrival at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, local time. We hope to see you again on another trip.