Morocco Desert Safari Tour

First encounter with Marrakesh

We meet at the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport approximately three hours before the flight. After completing baggage and ticket procedures, we fly to Casablanca in Morocco on Air Arabia’s scheduled flight. Upon arrival at Casablanca Airport, we complete passport and baggage procedures, board our waiting vehicle and set off for Marrakesh.

Upon reaching Marrakesh, we begin our tour of the city, known for its red buildings, bustling markets and historic palaces. First, we see Ba Ahmed’s Bahia Palace and explore traditional Moroccan architecture. We then see the Koutoubia Minaret, one of Marrakesh’s landmarks, which reflects Moorish architecture. We continue through the souks, known for their shops, spices, traditional handicrafts and narrow streets.

The tour continues with a visit to Jma El Fna Square, also known as the Court of Miracles. After seeing this square, home to street performers and traditional vendors, we visit Majorelle Garden, known for its exotic plants, cacti and distinctive architecture.

After the city tour, we have free time to explore Marrakesh. Following free time, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Marrakesh.

A day in Essaouira

After breakfast, we set off 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. It is a Moroccan city with a history of Portuguese influence. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is known for its historic character, fishing port, art and cultural life.

On arrival in Essaouira, we begin our city tour. During the tour, we see the City Fortress, the Fishing Port and the Medina. First, we explore the historic fortress and walls overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, then continue to the Fishing Port, where colourful fishing boats line the harbour. We then visit the Medina, the city's historic centre. Here, we see traditional buildings in shades of white and blue, narrow winding streets, small art galleries, craft shops and local markets.

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

From the Kasbah to the desert

After breakfast, we set off for Ait Benhaddou, one of Morocco’s historic settlements on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here, we visit Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, with its traditional earthen buildings, narrow streets and surrounding desert landscape. We take a closer look at Morocco’s traditional architecture in this settlement, which has served as a filming location for many films and television series, including Game of Thrones.

After our visit, we continue towards Zagora, known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Along the way, we stop in the town of Tamegroute, known for its ceramics and pottery traditions. In Tamegroute, where pottery skills are passed down from generation to generation, we see green-glazed ceramics rooted in the Fes tradition.

After arriving in Zagora, we head to the Tinfou Sand Dunes. On our camel safari tour, we learn about Morocco’s desert culture and have the opportunity to photograph the surrounding scenery, with views of the Sahara. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Zagora.

Ouarzazate film studios

After breakfast, we depart from Zagora for Ouarzazate. On our journey through southern Morocco, we travel along the Atlas Mountains through mountain passes, red valleys, traditional Berber villages and areas with desert views.

At the end of the journey, we arrive in Ouarzazate, known for its film productions and referred to as the Hollywood of the Desert. We visit Atlas Film Studios in this city, whose desert landscapes have provided settings for many productions. At the studios, where films such as The Message, The Jewel of the Nile, The Mummy, Gladiator, Alexander and Babel were filmed, we see large set pieces, film sets resembling historic cities and structures inspired by different civilizations. As we explore sets designed to look like real cities and historic sites on screen, we have the opportunity to go behind the scenes of filmmaking and take photographs.

After the tour, we return to Marakeş. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Marakeş.

Casablanca city tour

After breakfast, we depart for Casablanca, Morocco’s economic and commercial centre. Upon arrival, we begin our city tour of Casablanca. We take in a panoramic view of the Hassan II Mosque, a symbol of Casablanca on the Atlantic Ocean coast. We then visit the Medina, which reflects the city’s traditional character, and the Hobus District, where we see examples of Moroccan architecture. After seeing Mohammed V Square and United Nations Square, we head to the waterfront along the Atlantic Ocean. Here 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. You have free time until the flight. We meet at the time set by our guide and transfer to Casablanca Airport. After completing baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we depart for Istanbul on an Air Arabia scheduled flight. Our tour ends upon arrival at Sabiha Gökçen Airport. We hope to see you on another trip.