Itinerary ^{_______________________}

Day 1             Casablanca
Upon arrival in Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco, you will be met and transferred by van to your Casablanca hotel, where you will check in and relax for the afternoon. Depending on time, you could choose to have an optional tour of the Hassan II mosque.

Day 2              Fes
After breakfast, you will leave by van towards Fes . On route, you will stop at Rabat , the capital city and residence of the King, for lunch and a time to enjoy the beautiful coastal city.  After lunch you will continue on to Fes , the spiritual capital of Morocco .

Day 3              Fes
After breakfast you will begin your guided tour of the medina, one of the world’s largest walled in cities.  You will explore the narrow streets lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco .  A visit to the Kings Palace , the tanneries, and potters are just a few places you will experience.  For lunch you will eat in traditional restaurant in the heart of the medina. After lunch you will complete the tour and return to your hotel for the evening.

Day 4              Volubilis / Meknes / Fes
After an early breakfast, you will set out in the morning to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubolis.  You will spend the morning exploring the 2000-year-old ruins and getting a picture of life during the Roman Empire .  Lunch will be taken in Moulay Idris, one of the holiest cities in Morocco .  After lunch, your guide will take you on a bus tour of the imperial city, Meknes .

Day 5              Fes
In the morning the group will visit one of the beautifully restored riads in the medina and hear a explanation on Moroccan artesian, given by one of Fes ' finest craftsmen.  You will enjoy a barbeque lunch at the old restored palace.  After lunch, you can take a trip to the potters, arm’s museum, or other museums in the city.  Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 6              Erfoud
After an early breakfast you will begin your ascent across the Middle Atlas Mountains.  Most of the day will be spent winding your way through the beautiful forests, jagged rock faces, and Berber villages as you cross the Atlas Mountains and begin to descend towards the Sahara Desert . Half way, you will stop for lunch in the town of Midelt , famous for its fossils and rocks.  On arrival at the Kasbah Tizimi in Erfoud, a hot shower or dip in the swimming pool (depending on the weather) will be a treat after the drive.

Day 7              Sahara Desert
Most of the day will be spent relaxing at the hotel or exploring the small but interesting desert town.  In the afternoon, you will head off in some 4-wheel drive vehicles across the barren land to the majestic Sahara sand dunes.  You will set off by camel for a 2-hour trek out to the oasis where you will spend the night in Berber tents (Dinner is included). ***this could be optional if you would prefer to return to the hotel to sleep***

Day 8              Todra Gorges
After breakfast, you will return by camel to the 4x4s and head back to Erfoud.  From Erfoud you set out behind the High Atlas Mountains on route to the Todra Gorges.  In the afternoon, you will take a walk up in the towering Todra Gorges (600 feet high).  The picturesque river valleys make for a beautiful journey towards the southeast of Morocco

Day 9              Marrakech
After an early breakfast you set off to Marrakech via Ouarzazate. Tucked away in the High Atlas Mountains, it is one of the jewels of

After lunch, you will head over the mountains to Marrakech.  Once in Marrakech, you will check into your hotel and then head off to the Djemaa el-Fna, the center square of the medina.  The famous Djemaa el-Fna, is one of the center attractions of Marrakech.  Coming alive at night with the local storytellers, entertainers, and mouth-watering barbeque pits, the square is well worth a visit.  A quiet cup of tea on the terrace of an adjacent café provides a spectacular aerial view of the bustling square.  Dinner can be taken in the hotel or in the square. 

Day 10            Marrakech
After breakfast, the group will have a guided tour of Marrakech, the southern pearl of Morocco . You will discover the Palace of the Bahia , the Saadian Tombs, and many other hidden treasures.    After lunch, you will continue with the tour on to the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque and the famous Djemaa el-Fna, one of the center attractions of Marrakech.  The tour will conclude with an exploration of  the souk (market) lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco.

Day 11             Marrakech / Essaouira / Marrakech
After breakfast, you will set off to the coastal city of Essaouira , a picturesque fishing town, lying on the southwest coast of Morocco. With an exquisite beach to the south, Essaouira has become one of Morocco 's most popular coastal towns.  Many of the countries wood carvers and artists make Essaouira their home.  Lunch will be served in one of the restaurants in the medina. After lunch, you will continue your tour of Essaouira, a high light being an optional camel ride on the beach.  You will return in the evening to Marrakech where dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 12              Casablanca
Your last day of travel will take you back to Casablanca .  Lunch will be found along the way and you will have dinner at the hotel or in a nice restaurant in the city.

Day 13            Casablanca / Depart