Fas Icons & Great Sahara Desert Tour - With Air Arabia

Day 1              ISTANBUL

We meet at Sabiha Gökçen Airport international departures terminal three hours before departure. (one calendar day prior to the departure flight date)

Day 2              ISTANBUL – CASABLANCA – MAJORELLE GARDENS – MARRAKECH

After completing baggage, ticket, and boarding procedures, our flight to Casablanca with Air Arabia Airways begins. Upon arrival at Casablanca airport, transfer to Marrakech with our private bus awaiting us. For those interested, an extra tour including Majorelle Gardens, Bahia Palace, and Marrakech Medina (80 Euro) will be organized. Our panoramic city tour includes visits to Koutoubia Minaret and the vibrant Jemaa el Fna square, where you will see street shows, snake charmers, and open-air restaurants. Afterwards, we will see the Bahia Palace, decorated with traditional Moroccan tiles. Marrakech has historically been a favorite among French and other European fashion designers, artists, musicians, and adventurers since the early 1900s. As an important center for African trade, it embodies the colors of all Africa. The medina still preserves medieval living traditions. We then visit Yves Saint Laurent’s secret garden, Jardin Majorelle, one of Morocco’s architectural masterpieces, home to unique plants perfect for photography. After the tour, transfer to our hotel and free time. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Route: Casablanca-Marrakech 250 km (3 hours 30 minutes)

Today's dining tip: Be sure to try fresh juice at Jemaa el Fna square

Day 3            MARRAKECH – ESSAOUIRA – MARRAKECH

After breakfast at the hotel, for those interested, an extra tour including UNESCO World Heritage site Essaouira, Argan groves, and the Atlantic Ocean will be organized (75 Euro). Essaouira, a port city on the Atlantic coast where art and old culture blend, is also known as Mogador by the Portuguese. It has served as a setting for many productions like Orson Welles’ Othello and the popular series Game of Thrones. The city features the Jewish mellah district, Portuguese fortress, colorful fishing port with blue boats, and winding streets. After exploring the old town, transfer to our hotel in Marrakech and enjoy free time. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Route: Essaouira-Marrakech 175 km (3 hours)

Today's dining tip: Try fresh seafood and fish.

Shopping Tip: You can purchase famous Moroccan argan oil and argan-based cosmetics.

Day 4            MARRAKECH – FILM STUDIOS – AIT BENHADDOU – OUARZAZATE

After breakfast, depart for Ouarzazate. Along the way, for those interested, an extra tour to the Atlas Film Studios (30 Euro) will be organized. These studios have been used for many Hollywood movies, such as The Call, Cleopatra, The Mummy, Gladiator, Alexander the Great, Babel, and also served as the set for the popular TV series Game of Thrones. We will visit Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the studios. Lunch will be in Ait Benhaddou, after which we proceed to Ouarzazate, famous for hosting many Hollywood stars including Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, and Martin Scorsese. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Route: Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate 215 km (4 hours)

Today's dining tips: Try lamb stew and Moroccan salad.

Shopping Tips: Moroccan ceramics and pottery can be purchased.

Day 5            OUARZAZATE – TINGHIR – ERFOUD

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Tinghir. The day will be a journey through scenic landscapes, with the desert on one side and the Atlas Mountains on the other. The route includes visits to the aqueducts, Todra Gorge, and the Ghoumou Gorg (rose city). Then, arrive in Erfoud and settle into our hotel. For those interested, an extra tour to the Sahara Desert for Sunset Jeep and Camel Safari (80 Euro) will be organized. We will go to the sand dunes, watch the sunset, and then return to our Erfoud hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Route: Ouarzazate-Tinghir 175 km (2 hours 30 minutes), Tinghir-Merzouga (Sahara Desert) 200 km (3 hours)

Today's dining tips: Try Moroccan couscous or Tagine (meat or chicken stew)

Shopping Tips: You can purchase authentic fossils, rose water, rose-scented cosmetics, and traditional Berber carpets.

Day 6            ERFOUD – MIDELT – IFRANE – FES

After breakfast, depart for Fes. On the way, enjoy photographs of the magnificent Ziz Valley. Then, stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Midelt. Afterwards, continue to Ifrane in the Atlas Mountains, known as Morocco’s Switzerland, famed for its ski resort and Swiss-style architecture. After a coffee break, transfer to our hotel in Fes and enjoy free time. Dinner and overnight at our hotel.

Route: Merzouga (Sahara Desert) - Ifrane 400 km (6 hours), Ifrane-Fes 70 km (1 hour)

Today's dining tips: Try trout in Midelt and apple tart.

Shopping Tips: Leather and ceramic products are recommended to purchase.

Day 7            FES – CHEFCHAOUEN – TANGIER

After breakfast at the hotel, explore Fes Medina optionally, with an extra tour to discover the historic Fes Medina (30 Euro). In Fes, we visit the monumental Bab el Makhzen gate, the Jewish Mellah district, and the Attarine Medresa. We wander the labyrinthine streets and see the Chouara Tanneries, where leather is still processed by traditional methods. Then, travel to Chefchaouen, the Blue City, known for its vibrant blue-painted streets and buildings. Enjoy free time to explore and shop in the town. Later, transfer to Tangier and check into our hotel. Enjoy dinner and rest overnight.

Route: Fes-Chefchaouen 200 km (3 hours 45 minutes)

Today's dining tips: Do not forget to try the famous Moroccan mint tea.

Shopping Tips: Traditional Moroccan textiles and souvenirs are recommended for purchase.

Day 8            TANGIER – RABAT – CASABLANCA

After breakfast at the hotel, conduct a city tour of Tangier, including Ibn Battuta’s tomb. Then, head to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, situated on the Atlantic coast, surrounded by olive groves and the Port of Tangier. Visit the Royal Palace, Kasbah Oudaya, Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. After exploring Rabat, transfer to Casablanca. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at our hotel.

Route: Casablanca-Rabat 90 km (1 hour 30 minutes)

Today's dining tips: Try Moroccan mint tea again.

Day 9           CASABLANCA – ISTANBUL

After breakfast and check-out at the hotel, visit Casablanca’s major attractions including Mohammed V Square, the panoramic Hassan II Mosque, and the lively Corniche. Then, transfer to the airport. After completing baggage, ticket, and check-in procedures, our scheduled flight with Air Arabia Airways to Istanbul departs. Arrival at Sabiha Gökçen Airport marks the end of our tour and transfer services.