(10 Days – Departs Daily on a Private Basis) Fez, Sahara Desert, Skoura & Ouarzazate, Marrakesh
This private luxury tour visits the quintessential highlights of Morocco – perfect for first time visitors – including the imperial city of Fez, the dunes of the Sahara Desert and cosmopolitan Marrakesh.
Begin in Fez, the intellectual and religious heart of Morocco. During private touring, explore Fez el-Bali (“Old Fez”) and its medieval medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site crammed with narrow streets, tiny squares and busy workshops. See centuries-old mosques and universities, as well as the open-air tanneries. If desired, also visit studios where artisans create traditional carpets, copperware, leatherwork, ceramics and zellij tilework. Also tour Fez el-Djedid (“New Fez”) to see the Royal Palace and explore the mellah, the largest Jewish quarter in Morocco. If desired, spend a day touring major Roman ruins at Volubilis and the former imperial capital of Meknes, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Next, venture into the Sahara Desert for an unforgettable night in a private tented camp among the sand dunes. Along the way, enjoy a scenic drive over the mountains and through the vast date palm orchards of the Ziz Valley to Erfoud, an oasis town on the edge of the Sahara Desert. At your private desert camp, ride camels over the dunes, and enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine and gnawa music.
Continue through the Dades Valley, also known as the “Valley of the Thousand Kasbahs” for its abundant traditional architecture, to Skoura. Stay at a luxury resort designed like a kasbah (traditional fort), and enjoy private touring of regional highlights in Ouarzazate such as Ait Benhaddou, a spectacular ksar (fortified village) and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also see evocative locations used in filming notable movies and TV shows, and browse souks for local handicrafts such as patterned carpets.
Conclude in Marrakesh, a beautiful city of pink buildings, bustling souks (markets), and upscale shops and restaurants. During private touring, explore exquisite Moorish gardens and architectural highlights such as Jardin Majorelle, the Saadian Tombs and the Bahia Palace. See important historic monuments and districts, including the Jewish quarter, Koutoubia Mosque, and Ali ben Youssef Mosque and Madrassa. Also visit museums such as Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts, the Palmeraie Museum and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Take an insider tour of the massive souks where shops offer local products such as Berber carpets, lanterns, trays, tilework, argan oil, and Moroccan slippers. Also visit the spice souks, which are stocked with locally harvested saffron, cumin and other ingredients. Also explore Djemaa el-Fna, the city’s lively main square. Relax with a glass of Moroccan mint tea at one of our favorite spots, and enjoy reservations at elegant restaurants in restored ryads (guesthouses). If desired, visit the best boutiques and galleries in Gueliz and other parts of Marrakesh. There will also be time to enjoy your luxurious resort, one of the most exclusive hotels in Morocco.
One day, take a private excursion to the Atlas Mountains. During private touring, enjoy activities such as village visits, hiking, a tour of a local Berber market, and visits to local craft cooperatives.
Each night, enjoy reservations at Marrakesh’s excellent restaurants.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1Arrive Casablanca – Fez VIP arrival assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights, with introductory tour of Casablanca on arrival if time permitsDay 2Fez Full-day private tourDay 3Fez Full-day private tour in Fez or excursion to Volubilis and/or MeknesDay 4Fez – Sahara Desert Private transfer to private Berber-style tented camp for 1 night with touring en route. Camel ride in the dunes and sunset traditional dinnerDay 5Sahara Desert – Skoura Private transfer to resort for 1 night with touring en routeDay 6Skoura – Ouarzazate – Marrakesh Private transfer to Marrakesh for 4 nights with touring en routeDay 7Marrakesh Full-day private tourDay 8Marrakesh& Atlas Mountains Full-day private excursion to Atlas MountainsDay 9Marrakesh Flexible private touring or shopping, with option for cooking classDay 10Depart Morocco Private transfer to airport in Marrakesh or Casablanca. VIP departure assistance
Hotels
Fez:Riad Fes or Hotel SahraiSahara Desert:The White Camel or Desert Fox CampSkoura:Dar AhlamMarrakesh:La Mamounia or Royal Mansour Marrakech
Cost
Upon request
Booking Information >
All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.
Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.
The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:
Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world