Great Sahara Desert & Land of Myths Morocco Tour - with Turkish Airlines

1. Day ISTANBUL – CASABLANCA We meet three hours before the flight at Istanbul New Airport, outside the international departure terminal. After baggage check-in, ticketing, and boarding procedures, our flight with Turkish Airlines departs for Casablanca. Upon arrival at Casablanca Airport, we begin our city tour. Casablanca is renowned for hosting diplomatic negotiations and intense espionage activities during World War II. It is also known for the famous Hollywood film "Casablanca". Today, it is a major industrial city with one of Africa’s largest ports. Among the sights we will see are the Mohammed V Square, Rick’s Café inspired by the film scene, Hassan II Mosque, lively avenues of Anfa and Zerktouni, and the vibrant Corniche promenade. After the tour, transfer to the hotel and leisure time. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Tourists are advised to try Moroccan-style couscous or Tagine (a slow-cooked stew with meat or chicken). 2. Day CASABLANCA – RABAT – FEZ We start the day with breakfast at the hotel. First, we head to the capital of the country, Rabat. Surrounded by eucalyptus and Portuguese mushroom tree forests along the Bou Regreg River, Rabat has been the country’s capital since the exile king returned, declaring his return from this city. We visit Oudaya Kasbah, Hassan Tower, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. After the tour, we proceed to Fez. Upon arrival in Fez, those interested can join an optional tour (30 Euros): Old Capital Fez & Medina Tour. We see Bab el Makhzen, the grand entrance to the royal palace, and walk through the Mellah Jewish neighborhood. We will visit Attarine Medrese, the Qarawiyyin University, Nejarine Square, the traditional jewelry and copper markets, renowned ceramic workshops, and tanneries along the Fez River where traditional leather processing continues. After the tour, transfer to the hotel and free time. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Route: Casablanca-Rabat 90 km (1.5 hours), Rabat-Fez 205 km (2.5 hours) Tourist tips: Try Harira soup and Moroccan tagine. Shopping suggestions: Leather and ceramics can be purchased. 3. Day FEZ – SHAFSHAVAN – FEZ After breakfast at the hotel, those wishing can join an optional tour (80 Euros): Blue City Shafshavan Tour. We explore the maze-like blue streets of the famous Blue City, Shafshavan, world-renowned for its washed-out blue buildings. Free time will be given for shopping or lunch in Shafshavan. After the tour, we transfer back to Fez and have free time for rest. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Route: Fez-Shafshavan 200 km (3h45m) Tourist tips: Try Harira soup and stews. Shopping suggestions: Leather and ceramics. 4. Day FEZ – ERFOUD Following breakfast at the hotel, we head towards the Sahara Desert. The day will be a journey storytelling experience. The scenery includes the desert on one side and the Atlas Mountains on the other. Check-in and dinner at Erfoud hotel. Those interested can join an optional Sunset in the Sahara Desert (Jeep & Camels) tour (80 Euros). We will go to the dunes for a desert safari. After the tour, transfer to Erfoud hotel for rest. Dinner and overnight. Route: Fez-Erfoud 410 km (7 hours) Shopping tips: Dates can be purchased. 5. Day ERFOUD – OUARZAZATE After breakfast, we head to Ouarzazate. Upon arrival, those interested can join an optional Hollywood (Atlas) Film Studios tour (25 Euros). We see sets from movies like The Call, Jewel of the Nile, Mummy, Gladiator, Alexander the Great, Babel, and the popular TV series Game of Thrones. We visit the dazzling Ait Benhaddou, used as a filming location, the Hollywood Studios, and then transfer to our hotel in Ouarzazate for leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Route: Erfoud – Ouarzazate 320 km (5 hours) Tourist tips: Try grilled kebabs or stews. Shopping suggestions: Authentic Berber carpets and fossil jewelry. 6. Day OUARZAZATE – MARRAKECH After breakfast, we depart to Marrakech. Upon arrival, those interested can join an optional tour (30 Euros): Marrakech Medina & Bahia Palace & Jemaa el Fna Square. Today, we learn about argan oil and exotic spices, and visit the Babylonian-style Bahia Palace. Then, transfer to the hotel in Marrakech for rest. Route: Ouarzazate-Marrakech 200 km (4 hours) Tourist tips: Try fresh fruit juices at Jemaa el Fna Square. 7. Day MARRAKECH – ESSAOUIRA – MARRAKECH After breakfast, those interested can join an optional tour (65 Euros): Essaouira & Atlantic Ocean Tour. We visit the Argan Oil Cooperative to learn about argan oil. Then, we reach Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a historic port city reminiscent of Bodrum, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The city features a fortress, fishery port, and medina built on Roman-era foundations. You can explore its winding streets and enjoy shopping. After the tour, transfer back to Marrakech and enjoy free time. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Route: Marrakech- Essaouira 175 km (3 hours), Essaouira-Marrakech 175 km (3 hours) Tourist tips: Try fresh seafood and fish. Shopping suggestions: Famous Moroccan argan oil and argan-based cosmetics. 8. Day MARRAKECH – MAJORELLE GARDEN – ISTANBUL After breakfast, those interested can join an optional tour (45 Euros): Yves Saint Laurent Mystical Treasury & Majorelle Garden Tour. We visit the beautiful Majorelle Garden, established by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later revived by renowned fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. After the tour, at the designated time, transfer to Marrakech Airport for departure. Check-in and boarding procedures completed, flight to Istanbul begins. After a comfortable and convenient flight, we arrive in Istanbul and bid farewell, marking the end of our tour.