Sacred Sites tour of Morocco

Upon your arrival at the Mohamed V Airport in Marrakech, you will meet your guide and travel immediately to your hotel. Relax in the morning, and then your guide will explore the sites of the seven saints of Marrakech. This city is called Seven Saints City for the Baraka. These shrines are held in Islamic Sufi history. Your guide will take you to them one by one.

Way back, the Regraga tribe had seven saints. There is, however, one difference in the fact that their saints were from the same tribe, while the saints in Marrakech came from different areas and backgrounds. There is a derby called Sidi Nafaa, where a small mausoleum has seven tombs beside each other. They are so old that their story and history have been forgotten. Marrakech is always referred to as the city of Seven Saints. These Most renowned Seven holy men came from Andalusia in 1083, but they took on significant importance during the Saadian's 16th-century Dynasty. To the point where the body of M.S Jazouli was moved from the South to be reburied in Safi, they were then moved again to Marrakech, where his Marabou exists today. Chronologically, the seven saints are as follows:

1- Cadi Ayad: A scholar who lived during the Almoravid era. Professor and Judge both in Ceuta and other Andalusian cities. He was exiled from Ceuta when the Almoravids clashed with its inhabitants and was considered a leader of the uprising. He later returned to Marrakech, where he pursued his teaching and stayed as a judge until his death in 544 hejir (1165 A.D)

2- Aboukassim Abdurrahmane Souhaily: Born in Andalusia, he spent his youth before moving to Marrakech. He is a scholar, Imam, Fakih, linguist, and poet. All these qualities are added to the skills of a good musician and oud player. He lost his eyesight at the age of 17. He was appreciated by the Moroccan Sultan Abou Yaakoub Youssef Ibn Abdelmoumen and has written many books in various fields. He died in Marrakech in 578 (1195 A.D).

3- Youssef Ben Ali Senhaji: Born and studied in Marrakech. He lived in the Almohad Area when it was widespread. He was not considered a scholar; he was famous for his patience and endurance of pain as he had a bad case of leprosy. He was also a great healer of physical pain and a good speaker. The long persistence of his pain made him special enough to be considered a saint. He died in 583 H (1199 A.D.)

4- Abou El Abbas Sebti: Born in Ceuta and moved to Marrakech to seek knowledge. He spent 40 long years alone on a hill adjacent to the city called Jbel Gueliz (the mountain of Gueliz). He was known for helping people in need, and his legacy remains today as his tomb is the meeting place for most blind people. He died in 601 H (1202 A.D).

5- Mohamed Ben Slimane Jazouli showed the ultimate love for the Prophet Mohammed and wrote poems and books on the subject. He was a master in communication and convincing; thus, he had many followers, some of whom would become saints in their own right. He created 11 "Zaouias," gathering places for religious and ideological thinking. These zaouias combined spiritually with a sense of martyrdom against the Portuguese and Spanish occupying some Moroccan enclaves. He established a well-executed political program to fight foreign invaders, but because of his leadership and charisma, he was poisoned in 875 H (1471 A.D). He immediately became a legend and saint after his death.

6- Abdelaziz Ben Abdellah Tabbaa: A student of Jazouli. He followed his family's profession and was a silk merchant. He studied partly in Fes and established his own Zaouia, which later became part of the Jazouli Zaouia. He died in 914 H (1508 A.D.)

7- Abdullah Ibn Ajjal Ghazouani: Another Tabbaa student who built three Zaouias. He was very much involved with agriculture, especially during drought, and correspondence with scholars in Morocco and abroad. He died in 935 H (1528 A.D.) Dhikr and gatherings are held every afternoon in these shrines so you can enjoy invocations and share time with other mureeds. It is open to men and women. However, if you can’t cover this in one day, we will spread it for the three days you will be in Marrakech.

Continue exploring the marvels of Marrakech. The afternoon will be devoted to visiting the Zaouia of Sid Lghazouani Moul L’aksour for an afternoon gathering dhikr. It is inside the medina, so it will also give you an idea of the typical colorful ambiance of the Old Marrakech.

Zaouia Sid Lghazouani, located in Marrakech, Morocco, is a revered religious and cultural site. This zaouia, or Islamic religious school and shrine, is dedicated to Sid Lghazouani, a respected Sufi saint. The site is known for its spiritual significance and attracts both locals and visitors seeking blessings and spiritual guidance.

Situated in the vibrant city of Marrakech, Zaouia Sid Lghazouani offers a serene retreat from the bustling streets. Visitors can explore the beautiful architecture, characterized by intricate tilework and peaceful courtyards. The site is a place of prayer, reflection, and learning, reflecting the deep-rooted Sufi traditions in Morocco.

Whether you are interested in the spiritual heritage of Morocco or simply looking to experience a quiet and contemplative space in Marrakech, Zaouia Sid Lghazouani provides a unique and enriching visit.

Morning excursion to the rural areas of Ourika Valley to visit a remote shrine of Setti Fadma on the peaks of Mount Igan n Warg, a sanctuary facing the waterfalls of Tissili. Enjoy the natural sites surrounding this shrine, which is isolated in the Atlas Mountains. Time will be devoted to meditation and prayers. On our way back, we will stop at Shlomo Ben Lhench, one of the most revered shrines of Moroccan Jews. Return to Marrakech in the afternoon for another visit to the Zaouia of Sheik al Jazouli in the medina of Marrakech. Meet with the Jazouli Sheikh at the Zaouia to share a dhikr based on the Jazouli Wadhifa. Sheikh al Jazouli is known in the whole Islamic world for his most complete book (Dala’il al Khayrat), “The Guides to Goodness,” the most complete praises of Prophet Mohamed and all the other prophets and Messengers mentioned in the Qoran, all to be blessed.

Sheikh Al Jazouli, also known as Muhammad ibn Sulayman Al-Jazuli, was a prominent Moroccan Sufi leader and Islamic scholar of the 15th century. Born in the Sous region of Morocco, he is best known for his holy work, the "Dala'il al-Khayrat" (Guide to Good Deeds), a collection of prayers and blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad, which has become one of the most popular and widely read texts in the Muslim world.

Al Jazouli was a key figure in the Shadhili Sufi order and is credited with revitalizing and spreading its teachings across Morocco and beyond. His emphasis on regular prayer and devotion resonated deeply with followers, leading to the establishment of numerous zawiyas (Sufi lodges) dedicated to his teachings.

His tomb in Marrakesh has become a significant pilgrimage site, drawing visitors who seek blessings and pay their respects to the esteemed saint. Sheikh Al Jazouli's legacy continues to influence Sufi practices and holy life in Morocco and throughout the Islamic world.

Your driver will come to your hotel in Tinghir and on to Fez. You will spend most of your day en route to Ouarzazate, stopping in Taddart and Tizi Tishka pass at 11,000 feet. The pass divides the mountains into two distinct facets: the harsh, stark side acting as a shield that protects the hinterland from the powerful, dry expansion of the Sahara, and a lush side, soft and evergreen, which collects the moisture from the Gherbi winds of the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, you will explore the legendary Kasbah of Aït-Benhaddou, a renowned architectural marvel. You will arrive in Ouarzazate, where one large oasis intercepts water flow between the Dadès, the Drâa valleys, and the majestic High Atlas Mountains. You will depart for Tinghir. On the way, you will explore the Dades Valley, traveling through El Kelaâ De Mgouna and Boumalne to view the inimitable natural vistas and unusual rock formations. Upon your arrival in Tinghir, you will visit the Zaouia of Lamrani for a Naciri Dhikr, then conclude your day with dinner and other accommodations at your Kasbah.

Todgha Valley:

Todra Valley, nestled in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains, enchants visitors with its towering cliffs, lush greenery, and the gentle flow of the Todgha River. Travelers can hike through the dramatic Todgha Gorge, with its sheer rock walls reaching 300 meters, or relax in the shade of palm trees lining the valley floor. It's a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering unforgettable experiences amidst breathtaking scenery.

Kalaa Megouna Kalaa Megouna, known as the "Valley of Roses," seduces American tourists with its fragrant rose fields and picturesque landscapes. Located in Morocco's Dadès Valley, it hosts an annual Rose Festival, celebrating the region's rose harvest. Visitors can explore rose distilleries, purchase exquisite rose products, and immerse themselves in the valley's beauty framed by the Atlas Mountains. It's a sensory delight and a cultural gem waiting to be discovered.

Boumalen Dades:

Boumalene Dades, nestled in Morocco's breathtaking Dadès Valley, captivates American tourists with its stunning scenery of rugged canyons, lush oases, and ancient kasbahs. Visitors can hike through the dramatic Dades Gorges, explore traditional Berber villages, and savor the tranquility of the surrounding landscapes. With its rich history and natural beauty, Boumalene Dades offers an unforgettable Moroccan adventure.

Ouarzazate: Ouarzazate, Morocco, dubbed the "Hollywood of the Sahara," enthralls tourists with its cinematic landscapes, ancient kasbahs, and vibrant souks. Visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, explore Atlas Film Studios, and delve into Berber culture at Taourirt Kasbah. From desert excursions to historical wonders, Ouarzazate offers an unforgettable Moroccan experience.

After breakfast, you will travel to Erfoud, one of the most delightful southern regions consisting of a dry, red belt of the desert with a sudden drop into the lush valley of Ziz, with copious date palm groves and flowing streams. To get there, you will travel through the Dadès valley, wherein, in the spring, thousands of Persian roses bloom in hedgerows, filling the air with their heavenly perfume. You will also see the thousands of Kasbahs scattered along the Dadès River and majestic sandcastles with a visually appealing, timeless beauty. Only 15 kilometers from Tinghir, you will find the Todras, the highest, narrowest gorges in the region. You will conclude your day with dinner and other accommodation in your hotel in Rissani. Explore the ancient, holy oasis of Rissani. Moulay Ali Sheriff is most revered in this city and is the ancestor of the ruling Alaouite Dynasty. Visit his shrine and his ancient library. Also not to be missed is the Zaouia Naciria, most respected in the Sahara Desert. There, you will visit the ruins of Sijilmassa, remnants of the first Arab and Islamic city of Morocco, and the prehistoric fossils present throughout the desert.

With its indescribable beauty, watching the sun as it rises over the spectacular Merzouga dunes is an experience that should not be missed. Afterward, you will eat breakfast with the Tuaregs and continue to Fez. You will depart in the morning for Fez, stopping in Midelt for lunch as you enjoy the dramatic sight before you: the Middle Atlases give way to the High Atlas Mountains, whose peaks are visible through the haze, soaring to over 12,000 feet. Continuing onward, you will spend your day discovering the rural environs of the Atlas Mountains’ Berbers. The Middle Atlases will appear oddly un-Moroccan, covered with evergreen pines, tall cedar trees, and poplars and laced with flowing streams. We will stop at Zaouiet Sheikh and make a tiara of the Sanctuary of the pioneer of Sufism in North Africa, Sidi Ya’Ata Bouazza. You will soon come across Azrou, an important market center for the region’s Berber tribes located at a major junction of mountain routes. You will continue traveling until you reach Fez, where you will conclude your day with dinner and other accommodations at your hotel.

After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the lobby to tour this Fascinating City. Fez stimulates the senses with its haunting yet beautiful sounds, visual splendor, and evocative smells. The most ancient imperial capital and the complete medieval city of the Islamic world, Fez is reminiscent of a city suspended in time, unfazed by the constantly evolving world outside its walls; this is by far the city of saints and a treasure of Sufism teaching.

Time spent in Fez will reveal much about the sophistication of the Moroccan artisan, providing an unparalleled learning experience to those who cross its path. Your morning will be spent visiting the Medina. Our specialized guide will take you on a historic discovery of the city of Fez, starting at the King's Palace and its Meshwar with ramparts and majestic gates in the Jewish quarter, a 15th-century citadel with all its Moorish maze architecture and medieval glory. Visits to Sephardic synagogues and mausoleums of holy Rabbis will be the highlights of the part of town. Then, we will drive to Merinides Hill to visit their cemetery. You will enjoy the best panoramic view of the Old walled Medina, brimful with its countless minarets to call for prayers in a city that has responded to these calls for 12 centuries. Drive down the hills to the gate of Bab Guissa to leave your vehicle and enter a world that belongs to an ancient time.

Fez has conserved its integrity to its existence, and the Medina is still as it was centuries ago. Not even a bicycle can be used as a transportation tool. Only donkeys, mules, and horses can help move all that the city produces and needs as supplies. The first guilds you will immediately encounter are the cobblers, the saddlers, and blacksmiths, interlaced by some caravansaries for tribespeople who come from the surrounding areas to trade and supply their needs. Down the hill to Juteya, you will encounter all sorts of crafts, but noticeably carpenters and leather workers as one of the traditional tanneries is not far. This walk will lead you to El Ashabine Square, which has different activities. From there, we will wind our way to the Sgha square, leading us to Attarine, Souk el Henna, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Idris, the founder of Fez.

Next to it, you will visit the Nejjarine Square with its famous fountain, its guild of carpentry, the museum of folk arts at the Fondouk, the tannery, and the Great Mosque University of Al Quarrawiyyine, passing by the market of dried fruits, the Medersa Attarine to Sbetryyine bookbinders the Seffarine Square where the tapping of metalworkers is still deafening passerby as it was the case for centuries. You will break for lunch and then continue exploring the marvels of Fez Medina. These will highlight the Dyers souk, Foundouk Tetouani, the shrine of Sidi Ahmed Tijani, and Foundouk Lihoudi, where a family will host you for a traditional mint tea in their home. Here, you have all the choices for your zaouia for dhikr. As there dhikrs every afternoon after Asr at Sidi Ahmed Tijani, Moulay Idris, Sidi Abdelkader Jilani Zaouia, Sidi Ahmed Chaoui, Zaouia Boutchichia, and many others you will visit on your way, Sidi Ali Lajamal Zawiyya, a renowned Sufi from the 17th century. He is from the Shadhuli path. We will all participate in their evening invocation.

Continue exploring the marvels of Fez, visiting Sufi sites and zaouias in the old city and the outskirts. Not to miss Ibnu Arabi's house in the Medina. We will have a traditional Sadaqa Lunch over the hills of Mount Zalagh at Sidi Ahmed Barnoussi Zaouia. He founded the Zerrouki Tarika and wrote many books on alchemy and the science of Kalam. He is famous for his book “The meanings of Allah's attributes”.

Sidi Ahmed Bernoussi, also known as Ahmed ibn Muhammad al-Bernoussi Zerrouk, was a prominent Moroccan Sufi saint and scholar specialized in the teaching of Allah's Attributes meanings. He is renowned for his deep spiritual wisdom and contributions to Islamic thought and mysticism. Sidi Ahmed Bernoussi is associated with the Qadiri Sufi order, one of the Islamic world's oldest and most influential Sufi orders.

His life and teachings have impacted Sufi practices in Morocco, emphasizing the importance of piety, devotion, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Sidi Ahmed Bernoussi's followers regard him as a source of barakah (blessing) and spiritual guidance. His shrine in Mount Zalagh has become a pilgrimage site where devotees seek his intercession and blessings.

Sidi Ahmed Bernoussi's legacy is marked by his dedication to teaching and guiding others on the Sufi path. His influence continues to be felt among Sufi communities in Morocco and beyond. Those who follow his teachings and seek to emulate his devotion and piety remember and celebrate his contributions to the spiritual and religious life of Morocco.

Volubilis is impressively well preserved, and the genius of Roman urbanism is still intact. The two central integral streets in every Roman castrum, the Cardo 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.

Jumping forward in time and just a few minutes away is 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). This citadel is considered the cradle of Sufism in Moroccan society and the first Islamic capital for the premier Arab dynasty. Created primarily for the indigenous population, the defense of Moulay Idris has become a central destination for those who cannot afford to make the pilgrimage to Makkah for the Hajj duty. The next stop is the imperial city of Meknes.

Finally, you have reached your destination, the ninth-century city of Fez. In the evening, you will taste the greatest of the Islamic Cities. You will visit the sights outside the great walled city, including the ramparts, the gates, and the Borjs (Moorish Forts). After this introductory day to early Sufism in Morocco, you will retreat to your riad in the Medina of Fez.

Take an early morning excursion to Moulay Abdessalam, teacher of Abu Lhassan Shadhuli, Founder of the Shadhuli Tarika, the largest in the world today. Moulay Abdessalam is a unique Sufi Master known for his strong-felt Baraka. A ziyara to his Maqam is a journey exploring the early pioneers of Islamic Sufism. We will also visit the Maqam of the custodian of his Baraka, namely Sidi Heddi of Beni Arouss. Moulay Abdessalam ibn Mashish did not leave much literature, but his Salat Mashishia is most significant, compact in words, and vast in meaning. Many other Sufis devoted their lives to deciphering it or extracting from much wisdom and diverse learning. He is buried in the remote Rif Mountains. On our way, we will also visit the holy city of Ouazzane and its Dar Dmana shrines. Today is a day to treasure forever.

Moulay Abdessalam Ibn Mashish, also known as Abu Muhammad Abd al-Salam ibn Mashish al-Alami, was a highly revered Sufi saint in Morocco. Born in the late 12th century in the Rif Mountains near Tétouan, he is considered one of the most significant spiritual figures in Moroccan history.

Moulay Abdessalam Ibn Mashish is best known as the spiritual master of Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili, the founder of the Shadhili Sufi order, which has profoundly influenced Sufism throughout North Africa and beyond. Ibn Mashish's teachings emphasized purity of heart, devotion to God, and the importance of spiritual mentorship.

He led a life of asceticism and devotion, withdrawing to the mountains to dedicate himself to worship and contemplation. His influence extends beyond his lifetime, as his spiritual lineage and teachings have continued to inspire Sufi practitioners.

The shrine of Moulay Abdessalam Ibn Mashish, located on Jebel Alam in the Rif Mountains, is a major pilgrimage site. Devotees visit to seek blessings and honor his legacy. His life and teachings remain an integral part of Morocco's spiritual heritage, symbolizing the deep-rooted traditions of Sufism in the region.

Ouazzane

Ouazzane:

"the Green City", The city of Dar Damana, the house of security for Shorafa, "Descendent of the Prophet Mohamed (S.A.W.S)". Discover Ouazzane, a charming town nestled in the Rif Mountains of Morocco. Explore its traditional architecture, bustling souks, and vibrant culture. Experience the warmth of its people and immerse yourself in its rich history.

Transfer to Casablanca Airport to connect with your flight to your next destination. Have a blessed Journey.