Morocco Sahara Desert 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 service. 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 exploring the city, known for its red buildings, lively markets and historic palaces. During our tour, we see Ba Ahmed’s Bahia Palace and the Koutoubia Minaret, an example of Moorish architecture. After seeing the palace, which reflects traditional Moroccan architecture, and the minaret, one of the city’s landmarks, we walk through the souks. In the shops lining the narrow streets, we see spices and traditional handicrafts.

We continue our tour with Jma El Fna Square, also known as the Court of Miracles. After seeing the square, where street performers and traditional vendors gather, we visit Majorelle Garden, known for its exotic plants, cacti and distinctive architecture.

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

From the Kasbah to the desert

After breakfast, we depart for Ait Benhaddou, one of Morocco’s historic settlements and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we visit Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, known for its traditional earthen buildings, narrow streets and 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 the visit, we continue towards Zagora, known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Along the way, we stop in Tamegroute, a town known for its ceramics and pottery traditions. In Tamegroute, where pottery skills are passed down through generations, we see green-glazed ceramics rooted in the tradition of Fes. We then reach Zagora and head to the Tinfou Sand Dunes. During our camel safari with views of the Sahara, we learn about Morocco’s desert culture and have the opportunity to photograph the surrounding scenery. 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 and head towards Ouarzazate, taking in the scenery of southern Morocco and the Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we travel through mountain passes, red valleys and traditional Berber villages, viewing the desert landscape.

We arrive in Ouarzazate, known for its film productions and referred to as the Hollywood of the Desert. Here, where desert scenery has provided the backdrop for many films, we visit Atlas Film Studios. We explore the large sets, recreations of historic cities and structures inspired by different civilisations at the studios where productions such as The Message, The Jewel of the Nile, The Mummy, Gladiator, Alexander and Babel were filmed. Walking among sets that appear on screen as real cities and historic sites, we discover the filming locations and have time to take photographs.

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

Essaouira to Casablanca

After breakfast, we depart for Essaouira on the Atlantic Ocean coast. With its whitewashed houses, blue doors, historic walls and ocean views, the city recalls the Bodrum of the past. It is one of Morocco’s cities that were once under Portuguese influence. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Essaouira is known for its historic buildings, fishing port, art and cultural life.

On arrival, we begin our city tour. We see the City Fortress, Fishing Port and Medina. After viewing the historic fortress and walls overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, we visit the Fishing Port with its colourful fishing boats. We then head to the Medina, Essaouira’s historic centre. Here, we see traditional buildings in white and blue, narrow winding streets, small art galleries, craft shops and local markets. We provide free time to explore the city, shop and spend time on the Atlantic Ocean coast.

We then depart for Casablanca, Morocco’s economic and commercial centre. Our city tour begins on arrival and takes us to Hassan II Mosque, the Medina, Muhammed V Square, United Nations Square, the Hobus District, Ain Diab and the Corniche. We enjoy a panoramic view of Hassan II Mosque, one of Casablanca’s landmarks, located on the Atlantic Ocean coast. We then explore the Medina, which retains its traditional urban character, and the Hobus District, where we see examples of Moroccan architecture. After visiting Muhammed V Square and United Nations Square, two of the city’s main hubs, we head to the waterfront. We see Ain Diab, one of Casablanca’s modern and lively areas, and the Corniche, known for its ocean views. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight accommodation are at our hotel in Casablanca.

Return to Istanbul

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel. There is 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 formalities, we depart for Istanbul on Air Arabia’s scheduled flight. Our tour ends upon arrival at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, local time. We hope to see you on our next trip.