Ouarzazate Holiday Planner. Tailor-made Holidays to Ouarzazate in Morocco

Day 1: Casablanca - Rabat

Arrive into Casablanca airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Rabat.

Morning tour of the Chellah and the Hassan II tower before heading off to Meknes for a chance to wander around Meknes medina. Later today, we drive to Fes. Rest of the day at leisure. Fes is the oldest and largest medieval city in the world, and its medina is a heady mix of aromas, sounds and sights. To navigate, follow one of the five, themed tourist circuits. There are plenty of mosques and palaces to visit, but be aware that only Muslims can enter Mosques in Morocco.

Day 3: Fes

We embark on a half day guided tour of the city of Fes and it's palaces and souks. This afternoon at leisure.

Day 4: Fes

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a tour of the Roman ruins at Volubilis, the largest ancient site of Morocco. UNESCO-listed, the site dates back to AD40 and once ruled the entire Roman province of Mauritania. We travel back near Moulay Idriss through to Fes.

Day 5: Fes

We’ll then head on to Chefchaouen for a guided tour this afternoon. High up in the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen boasts a beautiful blue door and white-walled medina that was originally a Berber post. The main square is the heart of Chefchaouen, with the Kasbah (built back in the 18th century), central mosque and cafes with authentic menus. The busy market is a mix of traditional Moroccan and tourist fare. After our visit, we travel back to Fes.

Day 6: Fes - Midelt

Depart towards the Middle Atlas and the cedar forests, we see Ifrane before reaching the plains between the two mountain ridges.

Day 7: Midelt - Erg Chebbi

The journey goes over the High Atlas with a chance to see the Gorge du Ziz. Afterwards, descend to Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara and at the base of the Erg Chebbi dunes. This afternoon enjoy a short camel ride with free time at your hotel later in the day.

Day 8: Erg Chebbi - Ouarzazate

Departing along the foothills of the High Atlas and through the palmeries of Rissani and Todra Gorges. A chance to see the Dades gorge rock formations before heading to the Kasbah Anerdhil in the Skoura palm grove.

Day 9: Ouarzazate - Marrakech

Just North of Ouarzazate, we visit the famous Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, where Lawrence of Arabia was once filmed. After our visit to Ait Benhaddou this morning, we then climb the winding pass (over 3000m) over the High Atlas and descend to the plain of Marrakech. Overnight Riad Slitine

Day 10: Marrakech

No visit to the city is complete without a visit to the city’s UNESCO-listed medina & Djemaa-el-Fna, an extraordinary gathering and market place. This morning enjoy a guided sightseeing tour with free time this afternoon to shop until you drop.

Day 11: Marrakech - Istanbul

Departure transfer to Casablanca airport. FLIGHT: CASABLANCA TO ISTANBUL NOT INCLUDED. Welcome to Turkey! Arrive Istanbul airport and transfer to hotel. Rest of day free.

Day 12: Istanbul

A guided tour exploring the ancient city includes Topkapi Palace, main residence of Ottoman Sultans, the Saint Sophia Basilica, ancient seat of Byzantine Church, The Blue Mosque, then Roman Hippodrome once used for Chariot races; finally the Grand Bazaar.

Day 13: Istanbul

A short visit to Spice Bazaar. The most enjoyable Bosphorus cruise starts between the two continents, Europe and Asia, we sail along the latest palaces of Ottomans as well as wooden Kiosks, mansions and modern villas. Afternoon drive to Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side of the city.