Morocco overland adventure from Nomadic Expeditions

Day 1: Tangier
Saturday. Welcome to Morocco! You arrive in Tangier and, after a short transfer from the airport or port, spend the first night in a beachfront hotel and meet your fellow travellers at a pre-departure meeting at 6:00pm.
(Dinner & overnight – Tangier).

 

Day 2: Rif Mountains
Departing the hustle and bustle of Tangier, your adventure starts as we head to Chefchaouen, a haven of peace and tranquillity. High up in the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen is a beautiful blue door and white-walled medina that was originally a Berber post. The main square is the heart with the 18th century Kasbah, central mosque and cafes with authentic Moroccan style menus. The busy market offers traditional Moroccan and tourist goods – it’s worth a visit for the bargains on killims!
(Lunch, dinner & overnight – Chefchaouen)

 

Days 3 - 4: Volubilis & Fes
En route for the oldest imperial city in Morocco , Fes, you will take a tour of the Roman ruins at Volubilis, the largest ancient site of Morocco. UNESCO-listed, the site dates back to AD40 and once ruled the entire Roman province of Mauritania.
The oldest and largest medieval city in the world, Fes is a bustling hive of activity. The UNESCO-listed medina is a must – a heady mix of aromas, sounds and sights from the tanneries, dye pits, spice tubs, carpets, pottery and leather goods. There are 5 circuits, each with a different colour and theme, such as palaces and gardens, traditional crafts etc. There are plenty of mosques and palaces to visit, but be aware that only Muslims can enter Mosques in Morocco. You will head out of town to look down on Fes’ old quarter from the surrounding hills – it’s quite an experience! Muffled sounds of the lively chaotic city add to the appeal. After a day of exploring the Fes medina, you return to camp to get ready for a night of first class Moroccan entertainment and food at a restaurant in town.
(Lunch, dinner & overnight (2) - Fes )

 

Day 5: Gorge du Ziz & Berber Camp
This morning the adventure continues as we journey over the Moyan Atlas, through the Gorge du Ziz. This is truly a stunning drive as we journey across three mountain ranges. This afternoon we head towards the Sahara Dessert and Merzouga, where we leave our vehicle and camel trek into the desert to a Berber Camp. This evening we enjoy local food and an amazing night out under the Saharan stars.
(Lunch, dinner & overnight - Berber Camp)

 

Days 6 - 7: Todra Gorge
Leaving the Sahara Desert, we spend the day travelling to Todra Gorge. This 1000ft gorge is hemmed in on all sides by vertical limestone cliffs and is actually known as Morocco’s Grand Canyon. The charm of Todra lies in it’s changing colours as the sun slowly moves from east to west. Here you can explore the Gorge, from its plunging depths to its dizzying heights.
(Lunch, dinner & overnight (2) - Todra Gorge)

 

Days 8 - 9: Marrakech
We head through the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, en route to Marrakech, one of Morocco’s four Imperial cities. Set against the snow capped Atlas Mountains, Marrakech has long been a traveller’s favourite stop-off point – it’s situated on ancient caravan routes. Standing proud of the city is the Koutoubia Tower: a landmark visible from many miles. No visit to the city is complete without a visit to the UNESCO-listed medina and Djemâa-el-Fna, an extraordinary gathering and market place.
(Lunch, dinner & overnight (2) – Marrakech)

 

Day 10 - Ourika Valley
We take the short journey up to Ourika, high in the Atlas Mountains through the stunning Ourika Valley where you can enjoy a guided trek around the area. En-route we will take the scenic walk up to a series of 5 waterfalls where it is possible to paddle in the small pools at their base.
(Lunch, dinner & overnight  - Ourika Valley)

 

Day 11: Essaouira
Great beaches and surf beckon! A morning drive takes us to Essaouira, a colourful fishing town situated within 15th century Portuguese fortifications. Relax on the beach or alternatively explore the UNESCO-listed medina with its various souks and woodcarving workshops. Any city gate leads to the Medina, so you’re unlikely to get lost! The beach is in front of the Medina and there are plenty of cafés with terraces, both ideal for relaxing for a few hours. Blue doors and window frames abound as do the artists shops. You could buy a carpet or Thuya wood carving or sit on the beach sipping a mint tea as the sun sets, an antidote to the bustle of the Imperial cities.
(Lunch, dinner & overnight – Essaouira)

Day 12: Casablanca
En-route this morning we travel up to Casablanca. Made famous by Humphrey Bogart in the film “Casablanca”. We will visit the stunning Hassan 2 mosque, which has the world's tallest minaret and is the third largest mosque in the world - it can hold 25,000 worshippers at any one time!
(Lunch, dinner & overnight – Casablanca)

 

Day 13: Moulay Bousalhem
Moulay Bousalhem is a quaint fishing village with a good beach and nearby lagoon. Here you get a chance to relax and reflect on the adventure so far.
(Lunch, dinner & overnight - Moulay Bousalhem)

 

Day 14: Cap Spartel

According to legend, Hercules rested in caves just five kilometres south of the lighthouse on Cap Spartel, after having dug out the straits between Europe and Africa with his club. Dug into the cliff, the Hercules caves were shelter to Neolithic man. In the 20th century they were used as a setting for sumptuous parties by Tangier's international jet setting crowd. The caves offer a splendid view of the ocean through their openings in the cliff face.
(Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight - Cap Spartel)

Day 15: Tanger

Cap We head back to Tangier on the morning on day 15; our arrival in Tangier marking the end of the adventure holiday.
(Breakfast)