Ibn Battuta journey North to South

Join us on this combination trip to experience the highlights of Morocco. Whether you join us for the North or South legs of this journey or maybe you will catch the best of this beautiful country.

Follow in the footsteps of Ibn Battuta as you travel across the mountains and sample all that Morocco has to offer.

Highlights of Ibn Battuta journey

• Mediterranean coast
• 9,000 streets of the Fes Medina
•  Volubilis
•  Sahara Desert
•  Port of Essaouira
•  Lunch at AFER cooperative
• Inzerki
•  Granaries of Id Issa, Agoullay and Tizourgane
•  Gorge of Ait Mansour

Day 1 Arrive Casablanca

Arrive in time for your welcome meeting.

Our Moroccan Madness Adventures will take you on the Ibn Battuta journey from the North to South

Optional extra: Hassan II Mosque

Day 2 Casablanca to Tangier

Breakfast this morning before you head off to Tangier. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Moroccan countryside. On the way we stop at Cap Spartel where we see the coast of Europe as we are at the closest point between the two continents.

The place where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean meet. We also visit the Caves of Hercules. We have time for lunch either here or in the medina depending on time. Next, we head to the medina for a tour with a local guide.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the medina as we wind our way through the narrow streets all contained within the 15th century Portuguese walls.

Day 3 Tangier to Chefchaouen via Tetouan

We leave Tangier after breakfast this morning and head for the city of Tetouan, the second of the two major ports on the North coast of Morocco. Here we have a tour with a local guide and enjoy lunch in a beautiful restaurant in the medina.

After lunch we continue along on the beautiful Mediterranean coast and through the Rif Mountains, to the blue city of Chefchaouen where you have free time to explore the narrow winding streets of the Medina and take amazing pictures of the blue streets and houses.

Day 4 Chefchaouen to Fes via Volubilis

We leave the beautiful city of Chefchaouen today and head on to Fes. We continue on our adventure stopping at Volubilis where we meet our local guide for a tour around the oldest Roman ruins in Morocco.

After our tour of Volubilis we head off to experience the work of the community foundation who serve us traditional Moroccan food with all the accompaniments.

The foundation does some amazing work with local families providing training for local women and English lessons amongst other things. We arrive in Fes in the late afternoon.

Day 5 Fes

This morning it’s time to explore some of the 9000 streets of the oldest medina with our local guide. He’ll make sure you get just a little bit lost.

We make stops at the entrance to the Royal Palace, the Jewish Mellah and a ceramic factory where we see pottery being hand made in the traditional way.

We go to the highest point in Fes where you can capture pictures of the Medina and soak up the amazing view.

We experience the sights and sounds of the old medina including the oldest tanneries in Morocco and the weavers who weave their magic with agave silk, get lost in the atmosphere of the local market and marvel at the Quranic school and the oldest university in Morocco.

Day 6 Fes to Sahara

Today we leave Fes for the magical Sahara, on a long driving day, crossing the unique and varied landscapes that make up Morocco. We pass through the alpine town of Ifrane and hopefully catch a glimpse of the Barbary apes in the cedar forests of Azrou.

Ifrane is known as the Switzerland of Morocco because of its chalet style houses and unique climate.

We make several stops along the way including for a picnic lunch in the Ziz valley, a beautiful palmeraie with amazing views.

Finally arriving at our amazing auberge on the edge of the dunes of the Sahara. Take a dip in the pool or take a walk in the dunes just a few steps from your room.

Day 7 Sahara

You have free time today to soak up the atmosphere and marvel at the wonder of the Sahara. There is the option to do a 4×4 excursion, see below for details.

We check out of our hotel and store our bags so have an overnight bag ready for our adventure to our luxury camp this evening.

Our camels take us on a magical journey through the dunes to see the sunset and on to our luxury camp, sit back and enjoy a ride and be ready to get some amazing shots on the way.

Optional extra 4×4: View the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert on a 4×4 excursion. Drive to the top of a dune and take in the view of the seemingly endless sea of sand.

Visit local Berbers living in the area, learning about their way of life and sharing in some mint tea in one of their homes.

Included: Private vehicle, local guide, lunch. Visits to a nomad family, a Berber family for lunch, the fossil sites in the dessert, a working Kohl mine and the famous Gnaoua music school

Day 8 Sahara to Skoura

This morning we continue on our way to Skoura, a tranquil oasis nestled in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.

We make a few stops along the way, to buy dates, to see some amazing objects made from fossils in a nearby workshop and finally to see the qanats, these are irrigation systems that date back to the 14th century and brought water from the mountains to the local villages.

We travel the route of 1000 kasbahs to Ouarzazate for lunch passing the Atlas film studio along the way. Many famous films have been shot here including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.

We sample the wares of the Berber pharmacy in Ouarzazate before continuing on to Skoura and the stunning Kasbah Ameridil.

Optional extra: Cooking Class – Learn about the uses of herbs and spices and cook a typical Moroccan meal with an expert. You’ll learn how to whip up a tagine from scratch, using ingredients from the souks.

Discover homegrown ingredients, such as spices, olives, and vegetables. The best part of it all? You get to devour your tagine after you’ve made it!

Day 9 Skoura to Ourika

We leave the Kasbah behind this morning and head on to Ourika, a picturesque town nestled in the High Atlas, breathtaking with its natural beauty and authentic Berber culture.

Take time out to relax and embrace the allure of serenity and natural wonder in this magical corner of Morocco.

Day 10 Ourika to Marrakech

We leave the natural beauty of Ourika and head for the bustling Red city of Marrakech, stopping on our way at the Andre Heller gardens of Anima. Stroll along shady paths, between precious trees and shrubs, miracles of flowers and fragrances, pavilions and sculptures.

Unforgettable moments with an intoxicating view of the often-snow-capped Atlas Mountains and Jbel Toubkal.

After lunch we meet our local guide in Jemaa El Fna, he will show you the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Minaret, the Saadian Tombs and the bustling medina.

After dark check out the square as it comes to life with performers from magicians to musicians and restaurants pop up out of nowhere

Day 11 Marrakech

Today you have free time to check out more of the “Red City” browse the medina shops and souk for souvenirs or check out the more modern side of the city.

Visit Les Jardins de Majorelle, Musee de Marrakesh or the El Badi as you wish, there’s plenty to occupy your senses.

Optional extra: Hot Air Balloon – Experience the enchantment of Marrakech as you’ve never seen it before! Soar above the countryside in a serene hot air balloon at sunrise.

Watch the ground pass by beneath you and take in the breathtaking views as you drift peacefully across the skyline.

Once safely landed, savour a delicious breakfast of Moroccan delights. A truly magical adventure that combines the beauty of the sky with the flavors of Marrakech

Day 12 Marrakech to Essaouira

Today we continue our Combo adventure with Ibn Battuta journey. We leave the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and continue our journey to the seaside town of Essaouira.

You will have free time to explore the many shops in the medina, watch the bustling harbour as the painted fishing boats make their way back with their catch or stroll along the miles of sandy beaches. Take a horse, camel or quad bike if you prefer not to walk.

Day 13 Essaouira

Another free day to continue where you left off yesterday or maybe book a visit to the local Hammam if you haven’t tried this already it’s a welcome relaxation after a busy schedule.

Sample the fish dishes in the harbour restaurants or sneak a quick cup of coffee in one of the many cafes.

Day 14 Essaouira to Amtoudi

Today we have a long driving day from the port of Essaouira to the charming Berber village of Amtoudi, tucked away in the heart of the Atlas Mountains.

It’s remote location and authentic charm make it a peaceful destination to explore the nearby gorge, the Amtoudi Oasis and the local granaries. Well worth the drive!

Day 15 Amtoudi

Today we visit the stunning granaries of Amtoudi, Id Issa and Agoullay. We hike through the stunning Amtoudi gorge and climb up to these 2 magnificently restored collective granaries.

From the top of a rock outcrop Id Aïssa is a marvel of defensive architecture dating back to the 12th century. Aguelouy while smaller is equally fascinating.

Day 16 Amtoudi to Tafraoute

After breakfast we leave the beauty of Amtoudi and it’s stunning granaries and head back to the main road before turning off to the R107.

This road – surely one of the most beautiful roads in Morocco, reaches 1.507m (4,944ft) above sea level with curves and vertigo-inducing drops.

It climbs up to Canyon de l’Assif n’Mouguene, (the “Grand Canyon of Morocco”) and then descends to the Gorges and the Oasis of Igmir.

The drive offers breathtaking views. On the way we visit the gorge of Ait Mansour and have lunch with a family. There is also the possibility to see the Zaouia of Timguidcht a religious building dating back to the 13th century in the small village of the same name.

Day 17 Tafraoute to Argana

This morning after breakfast we leave Tafraoute and continue our journey to Argana passing through the Moroccan countryside. We stop for lunch at the famous Kasbah of Tizourgane in the Land of Ida Ougnidif.

A real Ibn Battuta journey through time with century-old doors, ramparts, narrow streets, stone walls, and a breathtaking view, Welcome to the magic of Tizourgane!

Day 18 Argana to Marrakech

This morning we visit the beehives of Inzerki. The Apiary of Inzerki is considered the largest traditional apiary in the world, and arguably the oldest. It is a real traditional treasure of Souss Massa. The apiary was restored in 2005 respecting tradition.

This area produces honey considered to be one of the best in Morocco and the sale of the products by the cooperative is very often the only source of income for families.

The Apiary of Inzerki has many advantages, it is located at an altitude of around 1000 meters, on a sunny southern slope.

The climate is relatively stable and there is an abundance of plants and flowers: almond trees, palm trees, mountain flowers, thyme, lavender, and argan trees.

After lunch at the cooperative, we continue our adventure to our final stop Marrakech.

Day 19

Depart for home.

 

Morocco Uncovered 11 Days