A Colorful World Morocco 9 Days

Take the flight from Montreal to Casablanca.

Flight Information: AC 072 Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) on March 3 at 9:30 PM ----------- Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) on March 4 at 10:35 AM

Welcome to Morocco! Welcome to the modern seaside city of grand Casablanca! Arrive into Casablanca airport and meet the Tour Guide. Then start a wonderful sightseeing tour from the main attraction of Casablanca is the relatively modern and monumental Hassan II Mosque. It was completed in 1993 and sits on an outcrop that extends into the Atlantic Ocean beach and offers magnificent views. From there, take a leisurely stroll along the AIN DIAB Corniche, which stretches along the Atlantic coast and is sometimes called the Miami of Morocco. And then view the Mohammed V Square.

After breakfast, head south to Marrakech. Marrakech has Berber ancestry and history rather than Arabs. It was once an important trading capital for the Atlas tribes and is still a major economic center. Marrakech is nicknamed “Red City” because of its 1,000-yearold red sandstone walls and buildings. It is a major economic center and home to the prosperous Medina (Old Arab Quarter). Visit the Koutoubia Mosque (Exterior) built in the 12th century, and explore the intricate wooden and painted ceilings of the Bahia Palace in the 19th century. And escape the heat in the Majorelle Garden among fountains, cactus and palm trees. Take a tour of Jemaa el-Fna square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, becomes active in the evening, with vendors and musicians, acrobats, storytellers, and even snake charmers. As the sun sets, many platoons begin to appear, serving everything from dinner to fruit juice drinks and dried dates. For a more relaxing experience, you can enjoy a bite of fresh tea at one of the many cafes above the square and enjoy the wonders below. Enjoy your time exploring the lively Marrakech.

Leaving Marrakech, venture into the desert and cross the High Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate. On a clear day, Toubkal Mountain, the highest peak of 13,671 feet (4,167 m), can be seen. Stretch your legs and enjoy panoramic views of winding roads and rugged mountains. In the afternoon, arrive at the UNESCO-protected Aït Benhaddou Castle. Stroll through the labyrinth of alleys and passages of 11th century buildings, then climb up the old granary-an ideal place to admire Aït Benhaddou and the surrounding area. Look out for the ancient camel merchant trade route that once connected the Sahara and Marrakech. As you continue to explore Aït Benhaddou, fans of movies and power games will enjoy visiting the epic HBO series, as well as the characteristic attractions in movies such as “Gladiator”, “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Jewels of the Nile”.

Today, you will continue driving east to your final destination: the sand sea Merzouga. Along the way, stop at Tinghir to admire the river oasis that extends to both sides of the town. The surrounding desert landscape shows impressive hills, terraces and plateaus. Nearby, you will have the opportunity to explore the Todra gorge, a 984 feet (300 meters) deep gorge cut by the Todra River (this attraction is available to visit in summer, but not in winter because of the time for sunset). After arriving at Merzouga, go and watch the sunset on the big sand dunes. There are many deserts in the world, but there are not many large red dunes. The Sahara here is unique. It will change with natural light, showing golden color. Return to hotel for dinner. Admire the vast starry night sky.

Before dawn, watch the sunrise slowly rise over the vast Sahara desert. Roaming the golden desert. After breakfast, today will depart early because your driver will stop at several cultural attractions while admiring the views in the unique landscape. Enjoy desert plains, high mountains and endless plateaus. On the way, stop for lunch in Middelt, known as the “Apple City”. and then head to Ifrane, known as the "Swiss Town". Ifrane is located in the Atlas Mountains at an altitude of 1664 meters and 60 kilometers south of Fes. The city began to be built in 1929. , a small town with a population of only about 10,000 people, attracting countless tourists every year. There is no trace of Moroccan culture here. Afterwards, proceed to the medieval city of Fes, and check into the hotel.

After breakfast, visit the oldest imperial city in Morocco –Fes, As a UNESCO-protected site, the city has not experienced much colonial development, allowing you to experience its medieval charm. Fes consists of two old Medina districts, Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid (the newer part of the city), as well as Ville Nouvelle designed by France in the early 20th century. You will meet your local tour guide who will help you explain the narrow and maze-like old streets of the ancient town, starting with Fes el Bali that dates back to 789 AD. Then will view Al Karouin University (exterior) which is the first university of the world, was built in 859AD, and its history is two hundred years earlier than the University of Bologna, the mother of European universities. The Guinness Book of World Records recognizes as the oldest degree-granting university. Afterwards, visit the Médersa Bou Inania and visit the world-renowned various handicraft workshops, mosaics, bronzes, carpets, dyeing workshops, etc. Visit the «notorious» Leather Dyeing Vat. The Fes Dyeing Workshop still uses the ancient dyeing process. In order to make the leather show the color of natural plants, it retains the traditional hand-kneaded leather and the ancient method of natural drying. and see for yourself how leather and fabrics are dyed. Afterwards, leave Fes and head north to Chefchaouen, the “Blue City” within the Rif Mountains.

After breakfast, go head to Rabat, the bustling city of Morocco’s capital since 1956. Rabat was awarded the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2012, and the city has a lot to see. Start with the medieval fortifications of Rabat’s Royal Palace (Exterior) and find Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and Masul Mosque (Exterior). Next, visit Kasbah des Oudaïas, the gate of the old city center of Rabat. Take some time to admire the white and blue buildings nearby and learn about traditional regional handicrafts. Afterwards, drive back to Casablanca and check into the hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy your free time in the hotel, then take shuttle bus to the international airport. Take flight back to Montreal.

Flight Information: AC 073 Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) on March 11, 11:15 ----------- Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL) on March 11, 14:10