Travel for real
The road of the kasbahs
Leave from Ouarzazate and return there after having discovered a circuit lined with hundreds of kasbahs. These proud monuments to Berber art are unique in the world.
Leaving from Ouarzazate
In the Deep South, Ouarzazate is one of the best points of departure to discover the kasbahs. These citadels constructed from rammed earth (unbaked), which are both simple and sumptuously decorated with geometrical designs, are representative of the Berber culture. The circuit, for which an all-terrain vehicle is recommended, will immediately thrust you into the heart of your quest, in Ouarzazate itself with the Taourirt kasbah, a veritable jewel and a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Departing to the south-east, you will reach Agdz, its citadel and fort. This hamlet opens onto the Draa valley, a magnificent oasis with the desert all around, which extends over a narrow strip of nearly 200 km in length, all the way to the town of M’Hamid. You will have the opportunity to discover other kasbahs, but also ksour (ksar, in the singular), fortified villages surrounded by high walls.
Towards the Dades valley
Heading north, you will arrive in N’Kob, its 52 kasbahs and its palm grove. Further east, Erfoud, the date capital with its right-angled streets. Heading west (and from Ouarzazate), you will arrive in Tinghir, overlooked by an impressive kasbah. Tinghir is the ideal departure point to visit the Todra gorges whose impressive walls can be up to 300 m in height. As you continue along your route, you will reach Boulmane and its Tizzarouine kasbah, at the crossroads of the gorges and the Dades valley, also known as the "valley of 1000 kasbahs".
In the valley of roses
Further on, you will find the fortified village of Kelaat M’Gouna, where the valley takes the name valley of the roses. It is an area reputed for the production of rose water, a very fashionable beauty product, and also used for medicinal purposes. A few kilometres further, Skoura has a palm grove overlooked by kasbahs, all of which are magnificent… Finally, just before arriving back at Ouarzazate, the Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, its ksar and contiguous villages will make a wonderful end to your amazing voyage.
To remember
A voyage into the heart of the traditional and historical architecture, whilst crossing strikingly contrasted landscapes.
The imperial cities
From Marrakech to Beni Mellal via Casablanca and Fes, eight major cities line this circuit. You will require at least eight days and seven nights to completely discover these historical cities.
Start by the red city
In Marrakech, some places are an absolute must, such as the famous Jema El Fna square, which is magical at sunset, the Koutoubia minaret, the Ben Youssef medersa, the Menara or the Majorelle garden… All along the route, starting from this southern city up to Casablanca on the Atlantic coast, you will marvel at the diversity of landscapes.
On the Atlantic coast
In Casablanca, a city that is profoundly influenced by modern architecture, you will benefit from a colourful programme, which goes from a simple meal on the coast road to a visit of the Art-Deco quarter and the Hassan II mosque, not forgetting a dive into the old medina… Still on the Atlantic coast, Rabat, the capital, is filled with emblematic monuments such as the Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V mausoleum, the kasbah of the Oudayas and the necropolis of Chellah.
Back inland
From Rabat, head east! You are on your way to Meknès, then Fès, which is close by. You cannot escape visiting the must-see city of Moulay Idriss, founder of the first Arabic dynasty that reigned over the country, and his mausoleum. You will also pay a visit to the impressive historic site of Volubilis, dating back to ancient Rome and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this Middle Atlas region, you are on the way to Ifrane, where you can take advantage of the cool mountain air. Founded in 1929, this pretty town has its surprising chalets nestled in green surroundings at the heart of a cedar forest that is several centuries old and dotted with lakes.
And back again
On your way back to Marrakech, almost half way, Beni Mellal and its immense olive grove, located in the central High Atlas, precedes one last refreshing stop at the magnificent Ouzoud waterfalls.
To remember
The imperial capitals are the heritage of the different dynasties that wanted to leave a lasting monument to their power. A world of grandiosity, refinement and luxury, mythical universes that are the inspiration of legends.
The full tour of Morocco
This long circuit through the country, its cultures and landscapes, is one of the most fulfilling ways to discover the Kingdom.
Departure on the Atlantic coast
It takes two weeks to discover all the sites that await you. Your journey could start in Casablanca, a metropolis of contrasts characterised by a harmonious architectural mix that combines modern buildings with the old medina… Following the sea front to the north, you will arrive in Rabat, where modernism and tradition also coexist. On the way to the country's northernmost point, on the way to Tangiers, make a side trip to Larache, with its magnificent beaches and grilled fish. 5 km north-east, the site of Lixus presents the ruins of this ancient Roman market town, with its theatre, villas and temples. From Tetouan, whose pristine whiteness explodes in the sunlight, you will return towards the south, passing through Chefchaouen with its blue alleyways and imperial Fes. On the way to Meknes, make a stop in Moulay Idriss to visit the mausoleum of the founder of the first Arabic dynasty to reign over the country, the Idrissides. Close by, Volubilis is an astonishing site dating back to the Roman empire.
In the centre of the country
In Midelt, you are at the edge of the Ziz valley, which you will follow all the way to Erfoud, with its characteristic right-angled street plan. To get there, you must cross Errachidia on the way. From Erfoud, the route takes you to Ouarzazate via the Dades valley. On your way, you will go through the valley of the Roses, the undisputed home of the queen of flowers, used to make rose water, which is much appreciated for its many virtues. From there, you will head back northwards towards the Atlantic.
To the south and return
A stop at Marrakech is unavoidable, the ochre city that gave the country its name. You will then go through Taroudant, Tafrouat and Tiznit. Lastly from Agadir to Essaouira, passing through Safi and El Jadida, you will have time to take advantage of these desireable seaside resorts, before gently returning to your point of departure: Casablanca.
To remember
The best trip for seeing the diversity of the country, its culture and its landscape.
