Home to a dizzying array of landscapes from arid deserts to lush forests, rugged coastlines to snow-capped mountainous peaks, there is so much to see and do in Morocco. Located at the cultural crossroads of the Arab, Berber, African and Mediterranean civilisations, the sights, scents and sounds of Morocco are truly fascinating. Explore the bustling souks (markets) of imperial cities, the winding alleyways of ancient medinas (towns), the stunning gorges of the Atlas Mountains or the soaring dunes of the Sahara. Trips here have highly customised itineraries for your convenience. Check with Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours on how you can customise your very own Morocco tour package.
Medieval cities grasping at modernity Photos or videos of Morocco's most popular cities Marrakech and Fez don't do them justice at all. The true essence of Marrakech and Fez can only be captured by experiencing the buzz created in the labyrinth of mosques, gardens, palaces and street stalls. As you navigate the intricate maze of alleyways, passages and tiny squares thronged with storytellers, bread bakers, cloth weavers, snake charmers and acrobats in Marrakech and Fez, you will immediately be transported to the medieval times. Each magnificent mosque, palace and monument holds historical and cultural significance to Morocco and yet a short distance away from these same cultural and heritage sights are luxury hotels and modern restaurants. Clearly, these cities are where past meets present and tradition co-exists with modernity, creating an endless fascination among travellers from all over the world. Take your time to explore each city and let your senses be assaulted by the many sights, sounds and tastes in Marrakech and Fez. Visit Koutoubia Mosque, D'Jemaa-el-Fna Square and Majorelle Garden while in Marrakech, or the Karaouiyine Mosque, El-Attarine medersa and the Merenid Tombs in Fez. Or use either Marrakech or Fez as a base to visit the Atlas Mountains and the surrounding areas.
Atlas Mountains
Regarded by some as the backbone and soul of Morocco, the Atlas Mountain range stretches 2,500 kilometres across northwestern Africa through Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. The highest peak, Mount Toubkal at 4,165 metres, is located in southwestern Morocco and is the second highest peak in Africa. Stay at the award-winning Kasbah Tamadot property situated at the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains one hour away from Marrakech. The luxurious comfort of modern amenities and warm friendly welcome of the local Berber staff are the perfect haven after an entire day of trekking or mountain-biking. There are also many other accommodation options available, ranging from the homely and rustic to the remote lodges tucked away in the villages and valleys of the mountains.
For the more adventurous, your trip can include all forms of hiking and outdoor activities in the mountains. Water sports such as canyoning and rafting are popular in Ahansal wadi and Assif Melloul while the Middle Atlas Mountains offer mountaineering in the Bou Iblane ridges and a variety of forest walks. Both Ifrane National Park and Aïn Leuh cedar forest are also worth a visit.
Sleeping under the stars in the Sahara Your trip to Morocco won't be complete without an expedition to the Sahara desert and you should plan to stay at least one night to experience the change in climates from day to night. The Sahara Desert has long been the subject of fascination for many because of its harsh environment and status as the world’s largest hot desert. Despite the unfavourable conditions, you will be able to observe some flora and fauna unique to the desert: reptiles, the desert hedgehog, jerboa and desert fox and a variety of birds. Plan a visit to the Erg Chebbi dunes for an impressive taste of the Sahara’s grandeur. These dunes rise dramatically to 150 metres in height, stretch 28 kilometres from north to south and 7 kilometres across in width. The highest dune is the Grand Dune de Merzouga, a golden mountain recognisable by the distinctive tamarisk tree at its base. There are many ways to explore the dunes, with the 4WD land cruiser being the most popular or camel trekking if you have more time to spare. Be amazed by the breathtaking views of the setting sun on the desert horizon before you spend the night dining on traditional nomadic foods under a sky full of stars. Journeying through the Erg Chebbi dunes is a surreal and mystical experience that will take you to another world altogether.
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By captivated by the magic of Morocco today, let Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours customise a tour package for you and your friends. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg to find out more.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Casablanca. Upon arrival at the airport, meet your driver and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Today, embark on a city tour of Casablanca, the largest city of Morocco, home to the stunning Hassan II Mosque. The mosque sits on an outcrop over the Atlantic and has the tallest minaret in the world. Hassan II Mosque allows non-Muslims visitors so feel free to enter and view the interior. Next, stroll along Boulevard de la Corniche, a beach promenade that follows the Atlantic all the way to Hassan II Mosque.
Hassan II Mosque
Today, proceed northwards to Rabat, a bustling city with a rich history. Explore a necropolis in Chellah and its medieval fortifications in the heart of Rabat and explore its Roman and Islamic ruins. Next, head over to Kasbah Oudayas, a grand door that leads to Rabat’s original city centre to see its peaceful white and blue-washed streets. Thereafter, proceed to 20th-century Andalusian Gardens and Hassan Tower, a minaret of the incomplete Mausoleum of Mohammad V. Carrying on to the north and watch the landscape change from flat plains and rolling hills to the rocky terrain of Rif Mountains. Finally, arrive at Chefchaouen, also known as Blue City with its narrow, winding streets and blue-washed buildings.
Blue City
This morning, stroll along the blue-hued streets of Chefchaouen before making your way south towards Fez. With its impressively large and complicated medinas, Fez is a city worth getting lost in. Upon arrival, visit Merenid Tombs located on the hill just north of the city and enjoy the all-encompassing view of historic Fez and the surrounding area. In the afternoon, descend the hill and enter Fez through the well-known Bab Boujeloud, also known as The Blue Gate of Fez.
The Blue Gate of Fez
Today, explore Fez, the oldest of the four imperial cities in Morocco. Fez has the most complete medina in the Arab world which is relatively untouched since it was founded over 1,000 years ago. Visit the UNESCO-listed Medina of Fez and the numerous monumental buildings within. Capture precious memories in Ville Nouvelle and Chouara Tannery. Next, climb to the rooftop of a nearby leather shop for a better view of the 11th-century stone pots filled with dye and men at work still using centuries-old techniques.
Fez Medina
This morning, proceed southwards towards Merzouga. Hop on a camel and enjoy camel riding at Sahara dunes. Next, trek through Col du Zad pass and the cedar forests of Middle Atlas mountains, enjoying sights of local Barbary macaque monkeys, before stopping for lunch in Midelt, also known as Apple City. After lunch, continue through Tizi n’Talremt pass into Ziz Valley, known for its hidden oases and palm tree clusters. Along the road, you will see many fortified houses known as ksars, built to protect precious wares such as gold, salt and spices. Finally, continue on to Erfoud, known for its date festival and fossil mining. Here you can visit a local collective to learn more about the process and meet some local artisans.
Sahara Dunes
This morning, catch an early desert sunrise before visiting desert villages nearby or opt for desert adventure sports such as sandboarding or an ATV tour. Next, proceed to Khemliya, a typical Saharan village, and experience a traditional drumming music and dance performance. Thereafter, stop by the market town of Rissani, known for its livestock auction and you can even spot a donkey parking lot, where shoppers will leave their donkeys tied up while they shop. Continue on to Tinerhir, a desert town offering a spectacular view of neighbouring towns hugging the length of the extensive river oasis. Finally, arrive at Todra Gorge and enjoy a leisure walk in and around the gorge, and relax in the cool waters of the shallow river below.
Tinerhir
Today, travel along Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs towards Ait-Ben-Haddou, Morocco’s most famous kasbah. En route, pass through Dades Valley and stop in Kelaat M’Gouna to admire cultivated rose bushes. Next stop by Ouarzazate, featured in multiple movies such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and Black Hawk Down. In the afternoon, arrive at Ait Benhaddou. Explore the alleys and passageways of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, its old ksour dates from the 11th century when it held an important position along the trans-Saharan trade route. Thereafter, climb up an old granary for an excellent vantage to see the kasbah and the surrounding areas. Game of Thrones fans may want to trek down to the river to see the gates featured in the popular HBO series.
Kasbahs
Today, depart Ait-Ben-Haddou and begin your ascent over Atlas mountains. Spot, Mt Toubkal, the mountain range’s highest peak. Next, stop by Taddert and visit an argan oil corporation to learn how argan nuts and fruits are processed for various uses. Next, descend the mountains and notice the dramatic change in climate and landscapes as the rocky terrain change to foothills and flat plains, finally arriving in Marrakech, the capital of Morocco. In the evening, visit Djemaa El Fna Square as it comes alive with musicians, performers, snake charmers, games, and food stalls, a catch-all of entertainment! If you wish to enjoy the spectacle from a distance, choose one of the many cafés surrounding the square and enjoy a cup of mint tea and a meal.
Ait Ben Haddou
Today, explore the city of Marrakech, also known as Red City for its 1,000-year-old red sandstone city walls and buildings. Indulge your senses as you explore the complicated labyrinth of souks, tucked behind ordinary restaurants and shops. Visit souk des teinturiers and see how cloth and yarn are dyed using traditional methods. Next, proceed to Medersa Ben Youssef, a 16tht-century Koranic school and admire its Moroccan Islamic interior of carved cedar ceilings, sculpted plaster and zellij tiling.
Marrakech City Walls
Today, visit the sunken gardens of 17th-century El Badi Palace. Next, head on to the only surviving Almoravid monument, the 12th-century Almoravid Koubba. Thereafter, proceed to Musee de Marrakech, housed in 19th-century Dar Mnebhi Palace, and enjoy modern and traditional Berber and Moroccan art.
Downtown of Marrakech
Enjoy a private airport transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.