Morocco Sahara Desert 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 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 Chefchaouen, known as the Blue City.

Upon reaching Chefchaouen, we give you free time to explore the city, known for its blue and white houses, narrow streets and small squares. Located at the foot of the Rif Mountains, the city offers streets reflecting traditional Moroccan architecture, where you can walk, browse the shops and photograph the city views. We then depart for Fes, one of Morocco’s historically and culturally important cities.

Upon arrival in Fes, we begin our tour of the Medina (Old City), which has preserved its historic character for centuries. 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 head 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, travelling through the Atlas Mountains. 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 in winter. We allow free time to explore the city.

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

Upon arrival in the Merzouga area, we begin our Jeep Safari & Camel Tour. We travel through the desert by jeep to reach Merzouga, known for its golden sand dunes. We then ride camels among the dunes of the Sahara. During the ride, we have the opportunity to take in the desert's silence, watch the changing colours of the sky and take photographs.

After the tour, we settle into our desert camp. Dinner and overnight accommodation are at our tented camp in Merzouga.

Todra Valley and Ait Benhaddou

After breakfast, we depart from Merzouga for Ouarzazate. Along the way, we see desert landscapes on one side and the Atlas Mountains on the other. Our first stop is the Tinghir region, surrounded by traditional Berber settlements and palm groves. After seeing the traditional water channels that supply the region, we continue to the Todra Valley in the Atlas Mountains. Here, we explore the towering rock walls and the valley’s natural formations.

We continue through the M’Gouna region, known as the City of Roses for its roses and rose products. We then arrive in Ouarzazate, a region of Morocco known for film production. Here, we visit Ait Benhaddou, a settlement in the desert noted for its traditional mud-brick architecture. As we explore this settlement, which has hosted productions such as Game of Thrones, The Message, The Jewel of the Nile, The Mummy, Gladiator, Alexander and Babel, we learn about its history and its connection to cinema.

We then visit Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of the Desert. We see film sets, large scenic displays 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 travel towards Marrakesh in Morocco, taking in views of the Atlas Mountains along the way. During the day, we visit Majorelle Garden, Bahia Palace, Marrakesh Medina, the Souks and Jma El Fna Square.

On arrival in Marrakesh, our first stop is Majorelle Garden. Designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle, the garden was later preserved by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and given its present appearance. Here, we explore the exotic plants, cacti, vibrant colours and architectural details.

We then visit Bahia Palace, an example of traditional Moroccan architecture. After exploring the palace, known for its woodwork, traditional zellij tiles, decorated courtyards and gardens, we continue to Marrakesh’s historic Medina district. We walk through narrow, winding streets filled with the scent of spices and displays of traditional handicrafts, observing daily life in the Souks, where thousands of shops line the streets.

Our tour continues at Jma El Fna Square. Home to street performers, traditional vendors, juice stalls and open-air restaurants, the square’s activity changes throughout the day. After getting a closer look at Marrakesh’s culture here, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Marrakesh.

A day in Essaouira

After breakfast, 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. It is one of the Moroccan cities that were 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.

On arrival in Essaouira, we begin our city tour. During the tour, we see the City Fortress, Fishing Port and Medina. First, we explore the historic fortress and walls overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, then continue to the Fishing Port, where colourful fishing boats are moored. Next, we 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, handicraft shops and local markets.

We allow free time to explore the city, shop and spend time along the Atlantic Ocean coast. Afterwards, we return to our hotel in Marakeş. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel in Marakeş.

Casablanca city tour

After breakfast, we depart for Casablanca. On arrival, we begin our city tour of Casablanca. We enjoy a panoramic view of 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, home to characteristic examples of Moroccan architecture. After seeing Mohammed V Square and United Nations Square, two of the city’s main landmarks, we head to the waterfront along the Atlantic Ocean. We see Ain Diab, one of modern Casablanca’s lively districts, 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. 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 procedures, we fly to Istanbul on Air Arabia’s scheduled flight. Our tour ends upon arrival at Sabiha Gökçen Airport. We hope to see you on another trip.