Magical getaway in Morocco: between imperial cities, Atlas mountains, and desert

Description du séjour

Hébergement

Programme du séjour

• jour 1

  France - Fès

  Departure for Fes. Welcome upon your arrival at the airport, then transfer to your riad in the heart of the medina. Overnight in Fes. Included: 4x4 with driver and diesel (or car rental), room, breakfast and dinner

• jour 2

  Free day in Fès

  Breakfast Fez is one of the most prestigious cities of Islam, a cultural capital par excellence, which proudly displays its artistic, spiritual and intellectual tradition. It is also the oldest of the imperial cities of the Cherifian kingdom. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Fez is home to the most beautiful, most authentic and largest medina in Morocco. Fez has managed to preserve its treasures, such as the Danan synagogue, the Koranic schools (madrasas) or the zaouia of Moulay Idriss, founder of the city. We recommend the services of a private guide (at an additional cost, please consult us) so you don't miss anything. Night in Fez Included: 4x4 driver with diesel (or car rental), room, breakfast and dinner

• jour 3

  Fès - Meknès - Volubilis - Fès (180 km)

  Breakfast Few kilometers on this first road day, dedicated to discovering the surroundings of Fès and its surprisingly green landscapes, especially if you choose to travel in spring. Less prestigious than Fès on an intellectual level, but just as interesting, here is Meknès, surrounded by 25 km of ramparts. To see: the souks, the famous Bab Mansour, the most beautiful gate in the kingdom according to some, the Dar Jamaï palace. You will of course visit Volubilis, the most important ancient site in Morocco. Rich villas, splendid mosaics, triumphal arch, decumanus maximus, in other words the main street of the time, and the reconstruction of an olive press. So many remains bearing witness to the glorious past of this city of the Roman Empire. A detour via the small town of Moulay Idriss, a perched city housing the mausoleum of the eponymous founder of the first dynasty to have reigned in Morocco. Return to Fès at the end of the day (avoid driving at night in Morocco: the road is occupied by an astonishing number of objects, animals, etc.). Night in Fès Included: 4x4 driver with diesel (or car rental), room, breakfast and dinner

• jour 4

  Fès - Michlifen massif - Ifrane (100 km)

  Breakfast This first stage promises you an easy route through the sublime landscapes of the Middle Atlas, also known as the granary of Morocco. 65 km south of Fez, you will reach Ifrane. Founded in 1929 under the French protectorate, the town has the look of a small Swiss village, with its chalets and its neat little streets. It lies in the heart of the Michlifen massif, an ancient crater of a volcano. The small ski resort of the same name, located at an altitude of 2000 m, was developed in a cleared undergrowth. About 20 km south of Ifrane, Azrou is surrounded by a magnificent cedar forest. Don’t miss going to admire the legendary Gouraud cedar, more than 9 centuries old. Hiking enthusiasts, we suggest that you plan an additional stop here to enjoy superb panoramas. Night in Ifrane Included: 4x4 driver with diesel (or car rental), room, breakfast and dinner

• jour 5

  Azrou - Bin El Ouidane (285 km)

  Breakfast A good day on the road awaits you – somewhat winding, be ready – to reach the foothills of the High Atlas and the Aït Bougmez valley, nicknamed the “Happy Valley”, via Aïn Leuh and Khenifra. The arrival in Bin el Ouidane, with its immense turquoise lake surrounded by red, wooded mountains with rounded peaks, is grandiose. This artificial lake, at the foot of the High Atlas, with an area of 3800 hectares, is the result of the largest dam in Morocco. The latter irrigates the Tadla plain and supplies a hydroelectric power plant providing a quarter of Morocco’s electricity. You will spend the night in a resort set on the edge of the lake, in the heart of nature. If you wish to enjoy the water activities offered nearby, we recommend an additional night at this stop. Night in Bin el Ouidane Included: 4x4 driver with diesel (or car rental), room, breakfast and dinner

• jour 6

  Bin el Ouidane - Marrakech (200 km)

  Breakfast It will take you about 3 h to reach Marrakech. Several routes are possible: we recommend the one that goes via Demnate. Between Azilal and Marrakech, you will discover a rural and authentic Morocco, between mountains and plains, dotted with vast olive groves. On the way, do not miss the natural bridge of Imi-N-Ifri, an arch carved into the limestone by the Tisslit wadi, over 20 meters high; or the site of Iouaridene, famous for the fossil dinosaur footprints dating from the middle of the Jurassic. Night in Marrakech Included: 4x4 driver with diesel (or car rental), room, breakfast and dinner

• jour 7

  Marrakech - Agafay desert (25.8 km)

  Escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakech by venturing into the serene expanse of the Agafay Desert. Your day begins with a peaceful camel ride, allowing you to take in the breathtaking beauty of the desert landscape. Cross the rolling dunes and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings, while your experienced guides will give you an insight into the history and significance of the desert. Then, get your adrenaline pumping with an exhilarating quad adventure. Feel the breeze as you ride across the desert terrain, enjoying the freedom and excitement of this thrilling experience. Overnight in Marrakech. Included: 4x4 driver with diesel (or car rental), room, breakfast and dinner

• jour 8

  Marrakech - Fes (532 km) 5h32min

  After breakfast, departure from Marrakech towards Fès. You will cross varied landscapes, between mountains and agricultural plains, with a possible stop to relax or visit a local site according to your wishes. Arrival in Fès in the late afternoon or in the evening. Check-in at your hotel and free evening to enjoy the city. Night in Fès. Included: 4x4 driver with diesel (or car rental), room, breakfast and dinner

• jour 9

  Fès - airport

  Transfer to Fès airport according to your flight schedule. End of our services.