One of the most popular luxury Morocco tours we offer here at Hasina Morocco tours is our four-day tour of the Middle Atlas mountains – which we have called our Fez and Sahara Tour.
This tour is perfect for those of you who want to combine the cosmopolitan feel of a city with the unique experience of the desert.
The tour starts in Fez (sometimes known as Fes) which was the capital of Morocco until 1925 and is considered by many to be the spiritual home of Morocco. It is a UNESCO world heritage site, which makes it a popular destination for many Morocco tours.
Fez History
The city that we call Fez today, was founded on the banks of the river Jawhar in 789. By 839, there were two separate settlements, one of which was comprised of 800 families from Andalucia who settled in what is today called “old Fez” while 2000 families fleeing from Tunisia formed “new Fez.”
They then spent the next two hundred years or so fighting over who ruled the city, until it was resolved in 1070 when the Almoravid dynasty united the city.
Between 1070 and 1180 Fex continued to grow and develop, becoming one of the largest cities in the world and also a very respected centre of Islamic education.
Things to do in Fez
There are a multitude of things for you to see and do in Fez, including visiting the historical sites such as
- The Al-Attarine Madrasas school which was built in 1323. Perched on the edge of the famous perfume and spice market, inside you will see a treat for the eyes, with hand-laid tiles around a gorgeous courtyard
- The Karouine Mosque and University hold the accolade of being the world’s oldest degree-granting University. You may be even more interested in the fact that it was also the first University to be founded, funded and built by a woman. You cannot enter the Mosque if you are a non-Muslim, but you can go into the adjoining library, which has recently been restored
- The Ibn Danan Synagogue which was built by a local family in the mid 17th century, and which features a Jewish Cemetry in the southwest corner
- the Marinid tombs located on the hills above the Fez medina. Although there are still inscriptions to be read, no one is sure exactly who is buried here or why it has gone to rack and ruin.
- The Najjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts which has been created in an old boarding house. They also have a rooftop café that offers a fantastic view of the city.
- The Tanneries are one of the most visited sites in the city of Fez, as they are a great way to see how leather is prepared, but be warned – the smell can be quite overwhelming
After leaving Fez on our Fez and Sahara tour, we spend the next few days driving through the ancient cedar and oak forests, before heading to the Sahara Desert. Your first night will be spent in the VIP luxury Sahara Desert camp in Merzouga.
Merzouga
Merzouga is a village in the Sahara Desert, which many see as their dream desert destination. Twinned with the village of Hassi Labied, Merzouga lies in the shadow of the mounds of sand called Erg Chebbi.
The legend of Erg Chebbi goes something along the lines of a wealthy family refusing hospitality to a poor woman and her son, making God so offended that he buried them under the mounds of sand that we now know as Erg Chebbi.
Whatever the legend, Merzouga offers spectacular views, along with a sunset camel ride you will never forget. We finish the night off listening to Berber musicians drumming while we admire the stars as we sit beside a warming campfire.
On day two, we will leave Merzouga behind as we head to the fascinating souk at Rissini, before arriving in the Dades Gorges where we will spend the second night.
Boumalne Dades
Boumalne Dades is a quaint town in the Tanghir province, Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco, full of nuggets of cultural and scenic delights.
It comprises a cluster of red-hued adobe houses built using traditional Berber techniques and materials and has a rich history which can be seen in both the colonial Kasbah of Mohdach and the Jewish built Tiylit Castle.
Boumalne Dades comes to life on a Wednesday and Saturday when its markets are filled with people looking for local specialities such as dates and figs. If you are lucky, you may also catch sight of locals dressed in traditional costume, or hear them performing the traditional music of the region, Ahidous.
In the morning we will head off again, after a delicious breakfast, as we head for the oasis town of Skoura and its multitude of palm trees. After stopping at the famous backdrop for many films, Ouarzazate, we end the day at Ait Ben Haddou, where we will spend the night.
Ait Ben Haddou
A UNESCO world heritage site, Ait Ben Haddou is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat consisting of a group of earthen buildings, and it is classed as the most striking example of the architecture of southern Morocco.
Some say this city is frozen in time, giving off a medieval atmosphere. You may recognise it, however, from such Hollywood blockbusters as Gladiator, Jewel of the Nile and Jesus of Nazareth.
On our last day of the tour, we will leave Ait Ben Haddou behind and head to the Ounila river valley, before driving through the famous Tizi n Tinchka mountain pass, before we head to our end destination Marrakech.
Hopefully, this has whetted your appetite for our Fez and Sahara tour. If you are interested in experiencing this tour, or any of our other luxury morocco tours, then please email us at info@hasinamorocco tours or call us on 0044 7555 233122.
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