FANTASTIC MOROCCO & CHAOUEN

Upon our arrival at Tanger's airport or port, our friendly English-speaking assistant will be there to warmly welcome us. He will provide you with all the essential information for your stay in the city and personally accompany you in one of our comfortable private vehicles to your hotel. He will also assist you with the registration process, ensuring a smooth start to your trip.

Tanger is a vibrant multicultural enclave, home to Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities. Throughout history, it has captivated the hearts of numerous renowned artists. Artists like Delacroix, Matisse, Francis Bacon, and writers such as Tennessee Williams, Samuel Beckett, Truman Capote, and Paul Bowles were drawn to Tanger, seeking inspiration from its vivid colors and enchanting light. Even musicians like Igor Stravinski found inspiration in this artistic haven.

During the 1940s and 1950s, the city of Tanger served as an international zone, attracting artists, eccentric millionaires like Barbara Hutton and Malcolm Forbes, secret agents, and adventurers of all kinds. It was a place of refuge, a playground for the elite, and a paradise for lovers of the finer things in life.

Greca Tip: In the evening, we will enjoy a delightful dinner and relax in the comfort of your hotel. And while exploring Tangier, we highly recommend indulging in a refreshing mint tea at Café Hafa—an experience that should not be missed.

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, we'll embark on a journey to the captivating city of Chauen, nestled at the foot of the Rif Mountains. With its origins dating back to the time of the reconquest of Granada, Chauen held a sacred status for centuries, being off-limits to foreigners. The name "Chefchaouen" in Berber translates to "Looking at the horns," alluding to the two dominating ridges in the region.

Immerse yourself in the Andalusian influence that graces the blue city, evident in its charming streets, white houses adorned with patios, gabled roofs, and windows painted in shades of blue. The city is divided into two parts: the modern city and the medina. Like any Moroccan city, the medina lies at its heart, and you will pass through one of its seven gates to enter.

Noteworthy attractions within the medina include the vibrant Uta Al Hamman square, the magnificent Great Mosque, the historic Alcazaba, and the picturesque laundries, to name a few.

After this enchanting visit, our journey continues toward Casablanca, where a delightful dinner and comfortable accommodations await you.

Greca Tip: If you're looking to purchase a traditional djellaba, Chauen offers an excellent opportunity to acquire the classic wool hooded garment, which is widely worn by the locals during winter.

After a tasty breakfast, we will visit Casablanca, starting with the Boulevard of the Corniche, the seafront promenade, and the coastal road, through which we'll reach Anfa (old quarters of the historic city), a famous neighborhood in which its luxurious houses stand out.

The tour will lead to the exterior of the Great Mosque of Hassan II, a monumental and modern work (sliding roof and resistance to earthquakes) that holds the title of the third largest mosque in the world after Mecca and Medina (optionally, you can visit the inside). It is the most representative monument of the 20th century.

We will depart from Casablanca through the road and fertile valleys until we reach Meknes, a World Heritage Site and one of the four imperial cities along with Marrakesh, Fez, and Rabat, the former capital of Morocco.

You will visit the fortified city starting with its walls and great gates: Bab El Mansour Laalej, the largest gate in the country and North Africa; the Agdal pond, built for irrigation in the area; and the Lahdim Square, the epicenter of the city's activity. Then you will have free time for lunch (optional).

Finally, we will arrive in Fez, where we will have dinner and stay overnight.

Greca Tip: It is worth sitting in one of the restaurants in Bab Lahdim Square and watching life go by while having tea or cane juice.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will start our journey with a visit to Fez Royal Palace with its magnificent golden doors. These seven bronze doors, each of different sizes, represent the seven days of the week and the seven levels of the monarchy.

Next, we will explore the Medina, also known as the Old Quarter. Here, we'll have the opportunity to visit the Madrasa Bou Inania, which is an Islamic school. We'll also see the Nejjarine Fountain, one of the most beautiful fountains in the medina and the oldest in Fez.

Additionally, we'll visit the Al-Karaouine Mosque, a significant cultural center of Islam, housing a library with over 30,000 copies. This mosque is also the headquarters of the University of Fez. Lastly, we'll visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, the most revered saint in Morocco.

During our journey, we'll make a stop in the famous neighborhood of the Tanners, which is truly unique in the world.

Later, there will be an optional lunch opportunity. In the afternoon, we will continue our exploration of Fez, visiting its beautiful artisan neighborhoods that are divided by guilds.

Finally, we will return to our hotel to relax and unwind.

Greca Tip: We recommend finding a seat at one of the restaurants in Bab Lahdim Square. From there, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere and observe life in the city while sipping on tea or cane juice.

After a tasty breakfast at the hotel, we will go to the imperial city of Rabat, the capital of the kingdom and the second most populous city in Morocco. The visit will begin with the Royal Palace of Rabat and the seat of government, Dar-el-Makhzen, where more than two thousand people reside.

Later we will visit the Kasbah of the Oudaya, a fortified space of Berber origin dating back to the 12th century, a World Heritage Site. You will continue through the Mausoleum of Mohamed V (10 years of work and the collaboration of more than 400 artists), the unfinished Mosque and the Hassan Tower, and monuments of the Berber dynasty of the 12th century.

At the end of the visit, we will have free time for lunch (optional) and then continue the route to Marrakech, where we will have dinner and stay overnight at the hotel. 

Greca Tip: The Arabic term ribat or rábida refers to the building that functioned as a fortress and monastery in the center of the city.

After a delicious breakfast, we will begin your visit to the city of Marrakech, the magical red city.

Our visit will begin with the Menara Gardens, on the outskirts of the city. These gardens with a 14-hectare park in the center of which is an immense 12th-century pond. Later you will go to the city center to see the majestic Koutoubia minaret, the twin tower of the Giralda in Seville. You will also visit the Bahia Palace, built in the 19th century.

We will have lunch in the hotel and, later, you will continue the tour in a magical place: the Yemaa el Fna Square, declared a World Heritage Site.

In the morning, you will find sellers of orange juice and other fruit, wicker baskets, souvenirs, sweets, jewelry, dentists, healers, and commissioned writers. This universe becomes particularly fascinating at nightfall when the square is lit up with a thousand lights.

We will have free time on the afternoon and we will retourn to our hotel for accommodation.

Greca Tip: Try a fabulous orange juice in Djemaa el Fna Square, you won't regret it.

After enjoying our breakfast, With hearts full of anticipation, we set off toward the legendary fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, crossing the majestic Tizi N’Tichka pass, located at 2,260 meters above sea level. Along the way, the stunning High Atlas Mountains offer breathtaking landscapes.

Upon arrival, we will explore the iconic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This marvel of traditional Moroccan architecture has served as a filming location for major productions such as Lawrence of Arabia, Troy, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones, among many others.

After the visit, you will have the option to enjoy a free lunch in this historic setting. In the afternoon, we continue our journey south, crossing the vast and fertile Draa Valley, dotted with palm groves and ancient Berber villages.

By evening, we will arrive in Zagora, where a well-deserved dinner and overnight stay at the hotel await you, surrounded by the enchanting atmosphere of the approaching desert.

Greca Tip: Ait Benhaddou is not only captivating for its beauty; if you look closely, you may notice symbols of protection carved into the clay doors—an inheritance of ancient Berber wisdom.

We will enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then, we say goodbye to Zagora and begin our journey toward Erfoud, immersing ourselves in increasingly arid and mysterious landscapes, filled with the unmistakable charm of southern Morocco.

Our first stop will be in Tamgroute, a small village renowned for its traditional pottery center, where ancestral techniques are still used to create green-glazed ceramics, unique to Morocco.

The route continues through the picturesque villages of Tansikht, Nkob, Tazzarine, and Alnif, offering spectacular views of the pre-Saharan scenery, dotted with oases and red-hued mountains. In Alnif, you will have the option to enjoy a free lunch before we carry on.

In the afternoon, we head toward Erfoud, with a brief stop in Rissani, birthplace of the influential Alaouite dynasty, the current royal family of Morocco.

By the end of the day, we will arrive in Erfoud, where a comforting dinner and overnight stay at the hotel await you.

For adventurous souls, we recommend purchasing an unforgettable 4x4 excursion to the Merzouga dunes, where you can truly feel the immensity of the desert.

Greca Tip: In Tamgroute, don’t miss the chance to visit its mystical Koranic library, a hidden gem that houses centuries-old manuscripts written on leather and palm bark.

After relishing an exquisite breakfast, if the clouds permit, we will have the wonderful opportunity to attend the captivating sunrise show amidst the breathtaking dunes of Merzouga (optionally).

At the agreed time, we will depart for Tinghir, where we will discover one of the most magnificent landscapes of our trip—the Todra Gorges. This remarkable rocky canyon is renowned as one of the world's most spectacular, attracting climbers from far and wide.

We will have some free time for lunch (optional) before continuing our journey towards Ouarzazate, also known as the "door of the desert." Along the way, we will traverse the famed "route of the kasbahs," a series of impressive adobe fortresses featuring battlemented towers made of raw brick.

Additionally, we will pass through the enchanting "City of Roses" (Kelaa de los Mgguna), a small fortified village known for cultivating the damask rose—a highly prized species that thrives even in harsh conditions. Its blooming season extends from mid-April to mid-May, adding to the village's allure.

Upon our arrival in Ouarzazate, we will embark on a brief panoramic tour of this captivating city before heading to the hotel, where we will enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night.

Greca Tip: A visit to the City of Roses presents a wonderful opportunity to purchase rose water or fragrances, allowing us to bring home a cherished memento of our journey.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will be picked up to start your journey back to Casablanca. We will make a stop on the way for lunch (optional) in Marrakech and then you will continue to Casablanca where you will check in at the hotel and have the rest of the day free, to rest and say goodbye to the city.

At night you will have dinner at the hotel and stay overnight.

Greca Tip: Remember that you can include lunches for the entire tour by purchasing the "Full Board" supplement when making your reservation!

After an exquisite breakfast and at the agreed time, transfer to the Tangier airport.

After spending some fantastic days with Greca, we hope to see you again to enjoy some wonderful moments that will remain forever in your memory. Have a good trip, or as you say yourself, Rihlat saeida!

Greca Tip: If you think that your stay in Morocco was too short, you can add additional nights at the time of your booking.