THE ROADS TO TIMBUKTU
9 DAYS (8 NIGHTS)ITINERARY OVERVIEW
2 nights Fez, 1 night Merzouga Desert Camp, 2 nights Skoura, 3 nights Marrakesh
Day 1 – Casablanca
Arrive at Casablanca’s Mohamed V Airport. Discover the “White City” and tour its Hassan II Mosque – one of the largest and most beautiful in the world! It is a great introduction to the religion and religious practices of Islam as well as Moroccan architecture and craftsmanship. Continue inland until you reach Fez, the spiritual capital of the country.
Day 2 – Fez
Discover the 8th-century medina of Fez (Imperial City #3), a walled city with 9,000 alleyways. This morning you will explore the 8th century Fez medina & souks on foot, beginning with the famous Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate) and continuing with the historic Bou Inania medersa (Koranic school), the Nejjarine Museum and the oldest university in the world: Al Qarawiyyin, founded by a woman in 859AD. Stop by the shrine of Moulay Idriss II, the founder of the city. Also, visit artisan workshops and the famous medieval tanneries. Drive to the gorgeous seven brass doors at the entrance of the Royal Palace and visit the historic Jewish quarter including the cemetery and the 17th-century Ben Danan Synagogue.
Day 3 – Middle Atlas Mountains & Merzouga
Cross the Middle & High Atlas Mountains today and make stops along the way to see Ifrane, a charming Swiss-like village. Say hi to the local macaques (aka Barbary apes) in the cedar forest before stopping in Midelt, the apple capital of Morocco. Continue to Erfoud “The Gateway to the Sahara” and begin your drive in a 4×4 to your luxury desert camp which is hidden among sand dunes. Upon arrival, your dromedary awaits to whisk you off into the sunset. Your evening under the stars will be magical!
Day 4 – Rissani & Skoura
Visit historic Rissani which is the birthplace of the current Alaouite Royal Dynasty. See the 5-mile-long ruins of Sijilmassa, a major stop on the trade route to Timbuktu. Go fossil hunting in Erfoud, Morocco’s fascinating geological wonderland. Admire the Todgha Gorges natural wonder. Drive through miles of Damask rose bushes in the “Valley of the Roses” before reaching the vast palm groves of Skoura.
Day 5 – Skoura
Enjoy a guided tour through the Skoura Palm Grove & learn about the 25 different species of date palm trees in Morocco. Explore the historic 17th-century Kasbah Amridil. It’s time to rock the kasbah! It is so beautiful, it was featured on the former 50 dirham bill.
Day 6 – Ouarzazate
Continue along the “Route of 1,001 Kasbahs” and visit Ouarzazate & Ksar Ait Ben Haddou to learn about the rich history of filmmaking in Morocco. Drive through the Ounila Valley to Kasbah Telouet, a 19th-century architectural gem and far off the beaten path which makes it very special. Cross the High Atlas Mountains to reach “The Red City”, Marrakesh. Upon arrival, walk through Africa’s most famous square – Jmaa el Fna. See musicians, henna artists, Barbary apes, storytellers, food & juice vendors, acrobats, snake charmers…
Day 7 – Marrakesh
Visit the 12th-century Koutoubia minaret which is the birthplace of the city. Walk through the historic “mellah” (Jewish quarter), tour the home of sultan Ahmad al-Mansur (the conqueror of Timbuktu),16th century El Badi Palace and the recently restored 16th century Ben Yousef Koranic School. Walk through the labyrinth of artisan-filled souks (Morocco’s largest) where shopping & photo opportunities abound.
Day 8 – Essaouira
Depart for a day trip to seaside Essaouira, the original port of Timbuktu and Morocco’s most picturesque coastal town. Along the way, stop to see the iconic goats in the trees and learn about the argan nuts that they love eating. This is the only place in the world where argan trees grow! Once on the coast, tour the old walled city of Essaouira. Climb its ramparts with 18th-century canons, admire art galleries, and see the crazy fish market at the bustling port. See the vestiges of its fascinating Portuguese history and its connection with the “Hippy Trail.” Walk along a beautiful beach that is popular with both surfers and camels!
Day 9 – Departure
Depart from Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport OR Marrakesh’s Menara Airport.
Signature Travel in Morocco, LLC
CA Seller of Travel #2149648-40
STM Logo by Sami Ait Oufqir
©2023 Signature Travel in Morocco, LLC
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.