Morocco's Sahara Desert and Mysterious Lands Tour

We meet at the International Terminal of Istanbul Airport three hours before our flight. After completing baggage, passport and boarding procedures, we fly to Casablanca, one of the main cities on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Upon arrival, we begin our city tour covering Mohammed V Square, Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche. Considered Morocco’s economic and commercial capital, Casablanca is known for its modern architecture, its location on the Atlantic coast and its place in cinema history. Set during World War II and starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, the film Casablanca played an important role in bringing the city worldwide recognition. During our tour, we see Mohammed V Square, an important symbol of Morocco’s independence era, Hassan II Mosque, Anfa and Zerktouni Boulevards, two major avenues in modern Casablanca, and the Corniche, which stretches along the Atlantic Ocean. We also view Rick’s Café from the outside, a venue inspired by the setting associated with the film Casablanca. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Following free time to rest, we have dinner and stay overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, we depart for Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Bou Regreg River, Rabat is Morocco’s political and administrative centre. On our city tour, we see Kasbah Oudaya, which surrounds the old town, Hasan Tower, one of the city’s landmarks, and the Muhammed V Mausoleum, the tomb of Muhammed V, an important member of the Moroccan royal family. We explore Rabat’s historic areas, which bear traces of different civilisations, and neighbourhoods where modern and traditional life coexist. We then head north towards Tanja, one of Morocco’s important port cities on the Mediterranean Sea. On arrival, we explore Tanja Medina, the city’s historic centre. We then visit the Tomb of İbn Battuta, regarded as one of Morocco’s notable travellers, who travelled through many parts of the world in the 14th century. After the visits, we transfer to our hotel and spend the rest of the day resting. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart from Tanja for Şafşavan. Located in the foothills of the Rif Mountains, Şafşavan is known for its houses painted in shades of white and blue, narrow streets and traditional architecture. During our walk through the historic medina, we see streets lined with blue walls, small squares and examples of traditional Moroccan architecture. After the visit, we allow free time for guests who wish to have lunch and go shopping. We leave Şafşavan and continue to Fes. On arrival, we first see the Bab-el Makhzen gate, an example of Moroccan royal architecture, then walk through Mellah, the historic Jewish quarter. We then explore the historic medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along its interconnected narrow streets, we see Karaouine University, historic madrasas, Nejjarine Square, markets displaying traditional jewellery and copperware, and workshops producing handmade ceramics. Our stops also include the historic tanneries around the Fes River, where leather is processed using traditional methods. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, we leave Fes and head towards the Atlas Mountains, reaching Ifrane. Located high above sea level, Ifrane looks different from other parts of Morocco, with architecture reminiscent of European cities and facilities used for skiing during the winter months. We have a short period of free time in the city. We then travel to the town of Midelt, one of the main transit points in the Atlas Mountains. Here, we stop for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing towards the Sahara Desert. The scenery gradually changes along the way. On arrival at our accommodation or camp in the desert region, we settle into our rooms. We watch the sunset over the sand dunes. Later, we have the opportunity to watch the stars in the desert sky, far from the city lights. Dinner and overnight accommodation are at our hotel.

After breakfast, we leave the Sahara on the In the Footsteps of Cinema: Todra Valley, M’Gouna and Ait Benhaddou programme and head to Ouarzazate, one of Morocco’s cities known for filmmaking. Travelling via Tinghir, we see desert landscapes and the Atlas Mountains along the way. Our route takes us through Todra Valley and areas with traditional water channels. We also see the M’Gouna area, known as the “City of Roses” for its surrounding rose fields, particularly in spring. We then visit Ait Benhaddou, a settlement of earthen buildings. This fortified village developed along historic caravan routes and is a surviving example of traditional Moroccan architecture. It has hosted numerous film and television productions and is known worldwide for Gladiator, Babel, The Mummy, Alexander and Game of Thrones. Later, we take in panoramic views of Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate, one of the major centres of Moroccan cinema. The city’s natural surroundings and favourable light conditions throughout the year have long attracted international film productions. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel in Ouarzazate, which has hosted many well-known artists and directors.

After breakfast, we leave Ouarzazate, cross the Atlas Mountains and head towards Marrakesh, one of Morocco’s well-known cities. An important stop along trade routes for centuries, Marrakesh has been a meeting point for art, architecture and culture. Since the early 20th century, it has become a source of inspiration, particularly for European artists, designers, musicians and travellers. Our city tour begins with a visit to see Koutoubia Mosque, one of Marrakesh’s landmarks. We then enjoy free time in Jemaa el-Fna Square in the city centre, where the atmosphere changes throughout the day. Next, we visit the Majorelle Gardens. Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle, the gardens were later restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, giving them their current appearance. The gardens are known for their exotic plants and distinctive architecture. We continue our tour in the historic Medina, Marrakesh’s old town. Amid the traditional urban layout preserved since the Middle Ages, we learn about argan oil, spices and local products. We allow free time for shopping in the markets. After the tour, we head to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.

After breakfast, we depart from Marrakesh for Essaouira, a historic port city on the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, we see argan trees, one of Morocco’s characteristic trees, as we head towards the Atlantic coast. Influenced by various civilizations throughout its history, Essaouira stands apart from other Moroccan cities through its architecture, art scene and oceanfront setting. During our walk through the historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we see the Mellah Jewish Quarter, the Portuguese Fortress and the Fishing Port with its blue fishing boats. We explore Essaouira, whose narrow streets and roads intersecting at right angles give it a different layout from Morocco’s other medinas, with views of the historic city walls and the Atlantic. Essaouira and its surroundings have served as locations for various international film productions, notably Orson Welles’s Othello. After the tour, we depart for Marrakesh. Following the transfer to the hotel, there is free time to rest. Dinner and overnight accommodation are at our hotel.

After breakfast, we check out of our rooms and depart from Marrakesh for our transfer to Casablanca Airport at the time specified by our guide. Upon arrival at the airport, we complete our baggage check-in and boarding procedures and return to Istanbul on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Our journey, covering Morocco’s Atlantic coast, the Atlas Mountains, Chefchaouen’s blue streets, the historic medina of Fez, the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert and the markets of Marrakesh, ends upon our arrival in Istanbul. We hope to see you again on our next trip.