Morocco has been a classic destination for adventurers and explorers since dawn. In memory of a great thinker of the twentieth century, we have designed an itinerary based on a bestseller novel, The Sheltering Sky, which we recommend as a must-read book for first-time visitors. Paul Bowles and his wife Jane Auer, another great author and playwright, moved to Tangier in 1947 and lived there permanently. They became fixtures of the American and European expatriate scenes; their visitors, including Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams, and Gore Vidal, all fell in love with the beauty and exoticism of Morocco. Bowles lived in Tangiers until the end of his days in 1999.

This Morocco Tour is a discovery following step by step in the footprints of Paul Bowles, a great traveler, adventurer, explorer, and famous writer who documented one of his best Morocco adventure trips in a book he entitled "The Sheltering Sky." It is an adventure story that depicts a captivating Morocco travel experience, authentic. Morocco remains one of North Africa's most rewarding destinations if you are an explorer, adventurer, or simply a curious Traveler. Initially, with its history, geography, enticing culture, and social diversity, one can understand why it has been the Mecca for many great thinkers and gifted artists, like Churchill, Matisse, de Lacroix, Majorelle, Eves Saint Laurent, among many, many others. A Destination that encompasses all aspects of an inclusive, tolerant, and open-minded way of life. A historic hub of Moorish Heritage of once a civilization that thrived between Cordoba, Granada, Fez, and Marrakech. An Islamic Heritage remains in major old cities like Rabat, Meknes, Fes, Marrakech, and Essaouira. For nature enthusiasts, Morocco possesses some of the highest mountains laced with fertile plateaus and plains giving way to the Atlantic Ocean. Morocco is also home to the rare red cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains and argan trees unique to the southwest regions of Morocco. All are included in this discovery tour to Morocco.

Our visitors will enjoy this historical Morocco tour in memory of Paul Bowles's bestseller "The Sheltering Sky," incorporating some of the most distinctive and diverse areas, studying the history, art, music, and crafts with the most qualified, well-known Moroccan experts and guides. You will have the opportunity to visit private palaces, homes, and traditional markets and workshops. Private Art collections will be combined with major cultural attractions, as well as the opportunity to study and purchase Moroccan crafts, which have been famous for their diversity and creativity, not to mention the excellent quality and mastery of craftsmanship for centuries.

Please note that this adventure group is priced on four-star graded hotel accommodations. You can upgrade all of Morocco Tours to five stars if you wish for a supplement or downgrade to 3-star hotels to save some money. It is possible to visit Morocco with us if you follow your budget. Are group tours cheaper? Group tours are usually cheaper than private. However, it would be best if you also considered that group tours save you a lot of time in research, organization, and booking your trip and activities. The trip inspires this small group Morocco tour Paul Bowles did in the 40s, exploring the best of Morocco adventures. An exciting itinerary throughout the imperial cities, The Atlas Mountains peaks and valleys, breathtaking landscapes of steppes leading to the Sahara Desert lush oases and valleys, not to miss an ocean of dunes. This Morocco tour is mild, so anyone walking in the park can travel in this program. It is a small group tour of a maximum of 16 travelers in 4X4 overland Land Cruisers.

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

Day 1: Landing in Tangier - Transfer to Chefchaouen

Once you reach Tangier, you will meet our Tour Manager at any point of arrival. He will greet you with reputable Moroccan hospitality and then take you on a historical tour of Tangier, where our author, Paul Bowles for over fifty years. Later in the afternoon, we will take you to Chefchaouen, the pearl of the Rif Mountains. We will take you to your guesthouse in the heart of Chefchaouen. The ride is a beautiful short drive of about 40 miles through the lush mountain plots and terraces. Chefchaouen is quintessentially an emblem of a traditional Mediterranean town. An aspect of freshness and welcome, Joy of life, White and Blue are the primary colors, and a sense of cleanliness is the aura this city and its people project. Adding to that, sublime Moorish architecture makes the city one of the most picturesque cities in Morocco. Enjoy a walking tour of Chefchaouen with your local guide in the afternoon.

Day 2: Excursion to Volubilis and Moulay Idriss

After breakfast, our expedition will travel east in the hinterland to explore most of the Moroccan ancient history highlights. The first stop will be the ancient Roman city of Volubilis. Volubilis was a critical city in the imperial Roman department of Mauritania (modern-day Morocco) during the reign of Caracalla. Volubilis is impressively well preserved, and the genius of Roman urbanism is still intact. Typically, the two central integral streets in every Roman castrum, the Cardo and Decumanus, are prominent. The Cardo is the north-south boulevard, and the Decumanus is east-west. The intersection of the two is the heart of every Roman city. There, you will find the ruins of the ancient forum.

On the next hills in the vicinity east of Volubilis appears the venerated citadel of Moulay Idris. Founded in the 8th century by Moulay Idris al Akbar, grandson of the prophet Mohamed (s.a.w.s) who fleed from the Middle East persecution of the Abbasid Dynasty, this citadel is considered to be the birthplace of a new Islamic establishment. It is, therefore, the first Islamic capital of the premier Arab dynasty. The city was created primarily for the indigenous population that migrated with Moulay Idris from the Middle East. Your guide will take you around the narrow streets of this ancient hill town to explore a 13-hundred-year-old city that still keeps its authenticity and lifestyle of a lively medieval city inside its ancient walls.

Day 3: Travel to Fez

In the morning, we will continue our quest to our next destination. Upon arrival to Fez, the eighth-century city of Moulay Idriss or the City of Islam as it is referred to. Today, you will visit Morocco's intellectual and spiritual capital, the greatest of the well-preserved ancient cities in Morocco. You will see the sights outside the ancient walled city, including the ramparts, the gates, and the panoramic views of this mountain town.

Our licensed local guide will take you on a monumental discovery of Volubilis one mile from Moulay Idriss. Volubilis is an exciting archeological site of the ancient Roman capital of Mauritania Tangitana. Our Morocco adventure trip will proceed to Fez, where we will overnight and prepare for an in-depth cultural tour of the city. Most of our Morocco tours go through Fez as it is the heartbeat of this nation spiritually, intellectually, and historically.

Day 4: A historical guided tour of Fez

We meet our Local Tour Guide right after breakfast, who will accompany the group. We will devote the full day to the historic visit of Fez ancient Medina. The city mirrors Moroccan history and intellect. Extremely enthralling, Fez is a feast for the senses as no one could even imagine it is so. Its mystic sensation, visual splendor, and evocative persona make out the best discovery you may encounter. Fez is the most ancient of the imperial capitals and the most complete medieval city in the Islamic world.

Time spent in Fez will reveal much about the sophistication of its inhabitants, providing an unparalleled experience to all visitors. Your morning will be devoted to visiting historical sites in Medina. Drive down the hills to the gate of Bab Guissa, where you will leave modernity and step back into an era of a time machine. Walk to enter a lively city that belongs to an ancient world. Fez has preserved its Medina as it was centuries ago. The Medina is a walking area. No vehicles are allowed. Only human porters, donkeys, mules, and horses can help move all Fez produces and needs.

Your local guide will take you to all the historical highlights that are a must-visit and feed you an overview of these sites' spiritual and cultural aspects. Your guide will take you on a walking trip through the narrow medieval streets of Fez, an experience in itself, discovering guilds and markets of all colors and sounds. You will end your Fez walking tour and retreat to your hotel for a festive dinner from the best Fassi kitchen. Fez is the emblem of Moroccan style and prestige.

Day 5: Fez – Azrou – Midelt – Erfoud

Our adventure trip will take us today to another aspect of Morocco, discovering the rural environs of the Atlas Mountains Berber villages and wards. Mountains of over 7000 feet are covered with evergreen pines, tall cedar trees, and poplars and laced with flowing streams. Initially, your first encounter with the Middle Atlas Mountains will appear oddly un-Moroccan as the architecture and flora of this area are more European than what you may expect in African land. Your Overland expedition crossing Imouzzer village, followed by a quick stop at the Swiss-like town of Ifrane, will surely grab your attention to whether I am in Morocco. The ceremonial road will lead us to the dense cedar forests stretching for miles at the plateau of Azrou. Your tour leader will take some little detours in a cedar forest to introduce you to one of the oldest inhabitants of this region, the Barbary Apes. Our day trip may also coincide with the encounter of a nomadic family in its temporary encampment while you are trekking the Atlas Mountains. Berber Nomads or Arab Bedouins are known for their unsurpassed hospitality; whenever we encounter them, they invite us to come to their tents and share at least a mint tea ceremonial drink with them.

Lunchtime will bring us to Midelt city, a landmark that separates the Middle Atlas ranges from the high Atlas Mountains that shelter the entire country from the sandstorms and heat of the Sahara Desert. The High Atlas Mountains, whose peaks are visible through the haze, soar to over 12,000 feet. We will make a stop here to enjoy the landscape's natural setting. In the meantime, feast on shishkebab lunch in one of these crossroads towns nestled at the peaks of Mount El Ayyachi. You will then continue your overland trek to Erfoud, one of the most delightful southern cities consisting of lush oases contrasting a dry red belt of the desert with a sudden drop into the green valley of Ziz. Copious date palm groves and flowing streams fill up the horizons. The vastness of the desert and clean, dry air give the contrast of the deepest sheltering Sky. It is tough to describe the natural beauty of the Sahara desert mystery.

We will drive across the oasis of Erfoud for a while to suddenly dive into the gigantesque golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. We will leave your vehicle and ride your camel over the dunes to our campsite set for us in the most natural and authentic Saharan fashion. Let's first enjoy a dramatic sunset at the expense of the desert and a night under the African Skies. After dinner, the Rokba drummers will animate our circle around a campfire, dancing and chanting. A moment to celebrate Man and Nature at their best.

Day 6: Erg Chebbi – Tinghir - Ouarzazate

At the crack of dawn, you will wake up to walk up the highest peak of these dunes to enjoy a dramatic sunrise over the spectacular Merzouga dunes. It is an experience that is worth the effort. Breakfast will be ready for you in camp by local Bedouins. Our expedition will proceed with traveling west today, hiking and trekking peaks and valleys that highlight your journey on a Morocco adventure tour. You will leave the dunes cruising toward the Valley of Todra, which lies right between the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. Our first stop will be at Tinghir, the town of a trading tribal souk. Only 15 kilometers from Tinghir, we will trek up to the Valley of Todra, where you will explore the highest and narrowest Canyons in the region.

After lunch, our Caravan will proceed westward to reach the natural site of Dadès Valley, or as the locals call it, the Valley of Roses, wherein the spring, thousands of Persian roses bloom in hedgerows, filling the air with their heavenly aroma. Explore a trip inside the valley, trekking the trails of the thousands of Kasbahs scattered along the Dadès River, a majestic adobe desert with a visually appealing, timeless beauty. Our trail will lead us to El Kelaâ De Mgouna and Boumalne to discover Dade's unusual natural vistas and breathtaking rock formations. The trip today will take us onward to Ouarzazate. We are in the ideal place to stop for the night. A comfortable hotel will host us for the night. Dinner will be, of course, of local desert gastronomy.

Day 7: Travel from Ouarzazate to Taroudant

After breakfast, we will travel west towards Taroudant, following our adventure expedition in the footsteps of Paul Bowles. This great adventurer traveled through the legendary Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, where we will hike up to its highest adobe rooftop panoramic view. Then proceed to Taroudant, stopping at the village of Taznakht and Taleouine, the Zafran growing capital, where you will feast on a typical Berber tagine for lunch—leaving the arid desert behind and starting the planes of the Souss region, which is southwest of Morocco, crossing a unique area with indigenous Argan trees and forests. A tree is unique to Morocco with its berry fruit that gives us the famous Argan oil. This prehistoric tree feeds humans and goats equally. It is here where you will see the notorious tree-climbing goats. You have reached the walled city of Taroudant. We have reserved a festive night for you at a local guesthouse.

Day 8: Taroudant Guided City Tour

Our professional local guide in Taroudant will meet you in the morning after breakfast to take you on a city's historical and cultural tour. Enjoy touring the city of Taroudant with our special guide. Like most imperial cities, this low-key, old-walled city is reminiscent of Marrakech in every aspect. The only difference is that mass tourism, especially the rich Europeans, invaded Marrakech, and Taroudant kept its low profile and authenticity. Taroudant was still a Subsaharan caravan outpost trading with most of the Caravan in and out of the Sahel neighboring countries. The afternoon is devoted to exploring Taroudant's colorful and exotic souks and the diversity of the tribal goods you find in its hole-in-the-wall boutiques. You will conclude your day with a traditional dinner at your hotel.

Day 9: Travel from Taroudant – Guided Tour of Essaouira

Our active journey will take us today to the enticing city of Essaouira. Essaouira (Mogador) is one of the most beautiful seaports in Morocco. It is a picturesque city with a rich history. We will travel from Taroudant to Essaouira along the scenic coastal road and visit some of the breathtaking Berber villages and wards. Essaouira is the city that has attracted artists and musicians since the dawn of town. With its Jewish heritage, the city produced some of the best goldsmith artists of all time and the best wood carvings, as the scented Thuya wood exists only in its vicinity. Best leather work. Today, Essaouira is the capital of plastic arts, with music festivals that attract visitors worldwide. Essaouira, in short is, is the city of Joy. Enjoy a day exploring this small fishing port with the best seafood restaurants.

Day 10: Transfer from Essaouira - Visiting Marrakech

Our adventure expedition will head east to Marrakech, a city of beauty, style, prestige, and fun. After breakfast, you will travel to the magnificent oasis city of Marrakech Alhambra. You will devote your afternoon to exploring Marrakech's many historical sites with our excellent local guide, starting at the Menara, a magnificent pool surrounded by flowerbeds, reflecting the image of an exquisite Moorish edifice. Your Marrakech walking tour will cover many impressive sites, including the Koutoubia minaret (which is identical to la Giralda, a tower found in Sevilla, Spain), the magnificent Bahia Palace that puts Alhambra to shame when it comes to the sophistication of Moorish Arts and architecture. Finally, you will return to your hotel for dinner and other accommodations.

Day 11: A Day excursion from Marrakech to Telouat

Today's excursion is devoted to the Atlas Mountains hiking and trekking up to the highest pass in Morocco. Whoever heard about the Lords of the Atlas Pashas of the 30s and 40s will follow these historical characters, visiting their tribes and adobe Palaces called Kasbahs. The Tezi-n=Tichka pass was the key to controlling all passages to the Sahara desert. Whoever controls the pass will control all the traffic to Sub-Saharan Africa. We will stop for lunch in Taddert, a place at the peaks of the High Atlas Mountains overlooking the dramatic valleys of the Glawa Confederation. We will return to Marrakech in the evening for a farewell dinner with entertainment at a typical restaurant.

Day 12: Drive to Casablanca - home

You will depart for Casablanca airport early in the morning, connecting with your international flight home carrying memories of the best Morocco experience. Another option, if you are leaving from Tangier, is to take the overnight Marrakech Express Train.

What is included:

• Transportation in 4X4 vehicles
• Services of local guides
• Breakfast, and dinner daily
• 11-night accommodation 4* hotels
• Hotel taxes and service charges
• Fees to Monuments and Museums
• Family visits and tea parties

Hotels Used:

• Chefchaouen: hotel Casa Hassan or similar, one night
• Moulay Idriss: Riad Dar Zerhoune, one night
• Fez: Riad La Perle de la Medina, 2 nights
• Erfoud: Kasbah Leila, one night
• Ouarzazate: Tichka Salam, one night
• Taroudant: Riad El Aissi, two nights
• Marrakech: Hotel El Andalous, 2 nights
• Essaouira: hotel Des Iles, one night

Cost per person: $2545 USD

Single supplement: $465 USD

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