The real Morocco

Salaam Aleikum! Benvenuto in Marocco! Ci incontriamo direttamente presso l’hotel alle ore 18:00 per una prima riunione di benvenuto! Tempo libero a disposizione per visitare liberamente Casablanca e per esplorare la città dagli edifici art déco e dal capolavoro moderno, la Moschea Hassan II. Possiamo esplorare la vecchia medina e le mura della città, visitare i Quartiers des Habous, la nuova medina e terminare la giornata con una passeggiata lungo la Corniche, osservando la gente del posto che gioca a calcio sulla spiaggia o sorseggiando un bicchiere di tè alla menta dolce in uno dei tanti ottimi caffè.

After breakfast, we can choose to take a guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque. More than 6000 artisans joined forces to construct this beauty in 1993, and it is one of the few mosques in Morocco that foreigners can enter. Afterwards, we head to the station and catch a local train to Meknes. Upon arrival, we hop into a taxi and make our way to the whitewashed village of Moulay Idriss, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Morocco. We also witness a demonstration on the art of making mint tea, this sweetness is a Moroccan specialty. Tonight, there's the chance to go out with a local family, an experience that has been open to foreigners only since 2005!

After breakfast, we will depart with a private transfer to Chefchaouen, whose name evokes the two mountain peaks that dominate the city. Famous for its blue-tinted buildings, reminiscent of the waves of the Mediterranean Sea, and its cobblestone streets, Chefchaouen offers a charming atmosphere for strolling and discovering picturesque corners. The afternoon will be free for personal explorations: you might visit the red-walled Kasbah, a witness to ancient stories of fortresses and underground prisons, or the ethnographic museum for a dive into the local culture. Alternatively, you could simply let your instincts guide you, wandering through the winding alleys and making friends with the many cats that inhabit the city, silent witnesses to the daily life of Chefchaouen.

Today you will have another day off to explore Chefchaouen at your leisure. If you wish to capture the town in its quiet morning, with the streets empty and perfect for photography, we recommend starting your exploration at dawn, when Chefchaouen is just beginning to wake up. You might consider a guided tour to fully immerse yourself in the attractions, sounds, and smells of the medina, or to savor local delicacies such as fresh orange juice at a cafe in Plaza Uta el-Hammam. If you prefer an outdoor adventure, a hike in the surrounding hills might be ideal. A trek to the Akchour waterfalls, hidden among the Rif mountains, offers a fascinating experience, allowing you to discover breathtaking natural landscapes, from lush mountains to rivers and waterfalls. Don't miss the God's Bridge, a spectacular rock formation, before heading back through the verdant forest. In the evening, treat yourself to a tagine at one of the local restaurants or relax in a hammam for a traditional Moroccan spa experience. The night is all yours to enjoy as you prefer.

Today we will head towards the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco: Fez. This vibrant and noisy city will envelop you with its charm and intensity, offering a feast for the senses with its vast medieval medina, one of the best-preserved in the world. In the afternoon, we will have some free time to explore: you might admire the refined art of carving and the beautiful tiles of the Medersa el Attarine, located near the spice and perfume market, a true explosion of colors and scents. If you are looking for souvenirs, Fez will prove to be a shopper's paradise, with a wide selection of unique and handmade items.

Getting lost in the alleys of Fes is part of the charm, but fortunately, we will have our local leader to help us navigate this intricate maze. Together with our group, we will delve into this vibrant labyrinth of streets, where life throbs among artisans, markets, pottery shops, and imposing mosques. One of the jewels not to be missed is the Medersa Bou Inania, one of the most extraordinary buildings in the city, which, thanks to recent restorations, now welcomes visitors into its magnificent structure. We will also explore the famous tannery, where we will have the chance to observe the ancient dyeing techniques, and visit a pottery factory to admire the potters at work using traditional methods. It will be a day full of emotions and discoveries, so it's important to remember to stay hydrated and bring some snacks to recharge our energy.

This morning, after breakfast, let's gear up for a long journey towards the enchanting Sahara Desert. As we move forward, we'll witness the changing landscapes, lose ourselves in a book, listen to our favorite tunes, socialize with fellow travelers, and enjoy scenic stops to stretch our legs. Upon reaching Merzouga, we'll leave our luggage at the base camp and gear up for a unique adventure: a camel trek to witness an unforgettable sunset over the dunes. In the evening, a private camp will welcome us with mattresses, blankets, and sheets, with an auberge nearby for any needs. For those traveling in winter, it's advisable to bring an extra sheet and a sweater, as desert night temperatures can surprisingly drop. The night under the starry Sahara sky will be an unforgettable moment, an experience that will make us feel incredibly far from home and immersed in a completely different world.

We hope we've set the alarm because we'll be getting up well before dawn. We'll climb a nearby sand dune to watch the sunrise, immersing ourselves in the magical play of light as the Sahara Desert slowly awakens. After this natural spectacle, we'll return for breakfast, gather our equipment, and head west towards Todra. Along the way, we'll be amazed by a brilliantly green oasis that seems so unexpected it makes us feel like we're in a dream. The Todra Valley is truly majestic, with its palm trees and mud-brick villages that blend seamlessly into the landscape. Upon our arrival at the hotel at the top of the valley, we might decide to explore the Todra Gorge, where towering rock walls rise over 300 meters around us, offering a natural setting of extraordinary beauty.

Starting from the Todra Gorge, we will venture along the "Road of 1,000 Kasbahs", admiring the spectacular Dades Gorge along the way. We will also pass through Skoura, where we can observe charming little houses that appear like a mirage beyond the dry riverbed. We'll take a break to refresh ourselves with a sip of mint tea at the Tawesna tea house, where the profits support the village women's association projects. This moment will be much more than a tea break: it will be an opportunity to immerse ourselves in a different culture, share authentic experiences, and contribute to the economic empowerment of local women. Our journey will then continue towards the historic city of Ait Benhaddou, a medieval mud-brick village that reveals its full splendor in the golden light of the late afternoon. If Ait Benhaddou seems familiar, it's because it has been the backdrop for numerous film productions, including "Gladiator" and "Game of Thrones". We will have the opportunity to explore its ancient streets and climb the fortress to enjoy a panoramic view of the old city. For those who wish, it will be possible to visit one of the historic houses and climb the towers to admire the landscape over the river, contributing with a small offering. Our day will end just outside the walls of Ait Benhaddou, where we will spend the night, lulled by the stories and images of this place steeped in history and culture.

Today, after breakfast, we will head west, letting ourselves be enchanted by the spectacular rural landscapes as we climb towards Tizi 'n Tichka. This pass, which rises to 2260 meters above sea level, represents the highest point on the road leading to Marrakech. Having surpassed the imposing peaks of the Atlas Mountains, we will descend towards the fertile plains that envelop Marrakech, reaching the city in the late afternoon. With no predefined activities for the rest of the day, you will have the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Djemaa el-Fna square. This bustling hub of life is a veritable open-air theatre, where fire-eaters, fortune-tellers, performers, musicians, and street vendors vie for your attention, offering you an authentic taste of the effervescent Moroccan culture.

Marrakech incanta i sensi e questa mattina ti addentrerai nel suo cuore pulsante insieme a un esperto locale. Il tour comincerà dalla storica medina, dove i vivaci suk rappresentano la vera essenza di questa città. Ti delizierai con una varietà di specialità locali, tra cui carni succulente alla brace, insalate freschissime, tè alla menta vivificante e il tradizionale couscous, in un'esperienza culinaria presso un ristorante locale.

With the rest of the day at your disposal, the possibilities are endless. You could explore the city in an adventurous way with a bike or quad tour, or opt for a moment of relaxation with a hammam and a luxury spa session. An interesting option might be to visit Le Jardin Secret, a traditional garden in the medina that combines exotic Islamic gardens and traditional design, powered by an ancient underground irrigation system. For a truly meaningful experience, consider visiting the AMAL Women's Training Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting disadvantaged women through culinary training. In addition to contributing to a noble cause, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a meal prepared by the women in training. The evening will inevitably see you returning to the vibrant Djemaa el-Fna square, to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of Marrakech at night, with street performances, music, and open-air feasts.

Our tour discovering Morocco ends here. Depending on your departure time, you can still spend some time in Marrakech and continue exploring this magnificent city!