16-Day Sahara From West To East

Day 1: WELCOME TO CASABLANCA

Upon your arrival at the Casablanca Airport, an official English speaker assistant will join you to share all the information for your stay in this city and accompany you in the transfer to the Hotel in one of our private vehicles and help you with the check-in. The rest of the day you can relax and enjoy the city at your own pace.

Casablanca is the biggest city in Marocco, the main industrial area and commercial of the Region, it has one of the largest artificial ports in the world and the biggest one in Northern Africa. It serves as a primary base of the Real Marroqui Navy. This city has an important architectural heritage, due to the architectural diversity experienced during the 20th century.

Day 2: CASABLANCA – MEKNES – FEZ

After a tasty breakfast, we will visit Casablanca, starting with the Boulevard of the Corniche, the seafront promenade, and the coastal road, through which we’ll reach Anfa (old quarters of the historic city), a famous neighborhood in which its luxurious houses stand out.

The tour will lead to the exterior of the Great Mosque of Hassan II, a monumental and modern work (sliding roof and resistance to earthquakes) that holds the title of the third largest mosque in the world after Mecca and Medina (optionally, you can visit the inside). It is the most representative monument of the 20th century.

We will depart from Casablanca through the road and fertile valleys until we reach Meknes, a World Heritage Site and one of the four imperial cities along with Marrakesh, Fez, and Rabat, the former capital of Morocco.

You will visit the fortified city starting with its walls and great gates: Bab El Mansour Laalej, the largest gate in the country and North Africa; the Agdal pond, built for irrigation in the area; and the Lahdim Square, the epicenter of the city’s activity. Then you will have free time for lunch (optional).

Finally, we will arrive in Fez, where we will have dinner and stay overnight.

Day 3: FEZ

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will start our journey with a visit to Fez Royal Palace with its magnificent golden doors. These seven bronze doors, each of different sizes, represent the seven days of the week and the seven levels of the monarchy.

Next, we will explore the Medina, also known as the Old Quarter. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the Madrasa Bou Inania, which is an Islamic school. We’ll also see the Nejjarine Fountain, one of the most beautiful fountains in the medina and the oldest in Fez.

Additionally, we’ll visit the Al-Karaouine Mosque, a significant cultural center of Islam, housing a library with over 30,000 copies. This mosque is also the headquarters of the University of Fez. Lastly, we’ll visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, the most revered saint in Morocco.

During our journey, we’ll make a stop in the famous neighborhood of the Tanners, which is truly unique in the world.

Later, there will be an optional lunch opportunity. In the afternoon, we will continue our exploration of Fez, visiting its beautiful artisan neighborhoods that are divided by guilds.

Finally, we will return to our hotel to relax and unwind.

Day 4: FEZ – RABAT – MARRAKECH

After a tasty breakfast at the hotel, we will go to the imperial city of Rabat, the capital of the kingdom and the second most populous city in Morocco. The visit will begin with the Royal Palace of Rabat and the seat of government, Dar-el-Makhzen, where more than two thousand people reside.

Later we will visit the Kasbah of the Oudaya, a fortified space of Berber origin dating back to the 12th century, a World Heritage Site. You will continue through the Mausoleum of Mohamed V (10 years of work and the collaboration of more than 400 artists), the unfinished Mosque and the Hassan Tower, and monuments of the Berber dynasty of the 12th century.

At the end of the visit, we will have free time for lunch (optional) and then continue the route to Marrakech, where we will have dinner and stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: MARRAKECH

After a delicious breakfast, we will begin your visit to the city of Marrakech, the magical red city.

Our visit will begin with the Menara Gardens, on the outskirts of the city. These gardens with a 14-hectare park in the center of which is an immense 12th-century pond. Later you will go to the city center to see the majestic Koutoubia minaret, the twin tower of the Giralda in Seville. You will also visit the Bahia Palace, built in the 19th century.

We will have lunch in the hotel and, later, you will continue the tour in a magical place: the Yemaa el Fna Square, declared a World Heritage Site.

In the morning, you will find sellers of orange juice and other fruit, wicker baskets, souvenirs, sweets, jewelry, dentists, healers, and commissioned writers. This universe becomes particularly fascinating at nightfall when the square is lit up with a thousand lights.

We will have free time on the afternoon and we will retourn to our hotel for accommodation.

Day 6: MARRAKECH FREE DAY

After a fabulous breakfast, you will enjoy a day off with half board at the hotel. You can walk at your own pace and enjoy the magic that the city of Marrakech offers you.

You can also choose one of the optional excursions as the tour to the Ourika Valley, a fertile area, with small villages of adobe houses hanging from the slopes of the mountain, or the visit to the Majorelle Garden, a beautiful garden designed by the Frenchman Jacques Majorelle in 1924.

Overnight and dinner at the hotel in Marrakech.

Day 7: MARRAKECH – CASABLANCA

After a fabulous breakfast, you will enjoy the morning at leisure. you can walk at your own pace enjoy the magic that the city of Marrakech offers you and take the opportunity to make your last purchases.

At the agreed time you will leave for Casablanca, where you will have time for lunch (optional) and then you will have the afternoon free to enjoy the city at your own pace.

At the end of the day, you will have dinner and stay at your hotel in Casablanca.

Day 8: GOODBYE MOROCCO! HELLO EGYPT!

At the indicated time, one of our vehicles will take you to Casablanca International Airport to board our flight to Cairo.

After your arrival in Cairo, capital of the Arab Republic of Egypt, a person from our Enlish-speaking team will be waiting to assist you during the visa process, inform all the details of your trip and clear up any type of doubt or hidden question. that you have as well as make you a brief presentation of the city and its day to day.

The transfer to the hotel will be made by one of our private air-conditioned vehicles. At the hotel, the assistant will help you with the registration.

The rest of the day will be to relax and begin to enjoy the comforts of the hotel.

Day 9: GIZA, THE PYRAMIDS & SAQQARA

After enjoying a tasty and abundant breakfast with typical products of the region, our visit to the most important points of interest in the largest metropolis on the African continent will begin.

The tour, as our official English-speaking guide will explain, will start with the famous Pyramids of Giza. Here, we will find the only one of the seven wonders of the ancient world still standing: the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

This funerary complex is presided over by the famous Sphinx, with the head of King Khafre and the body of a lion. We will be able to observe it both from the main access esplanade and up close. Additionally, we can enter the interior of one of the other two pyramids: Khafre or Menkaure.

Optionally, we can include lunch and a tour of the Saqqara necropolis. There, the funerary complex of King Djoser stands out. It is a city built exclusively for the king’s afterlife. Its step pyramid is the first stone structure made in pyramid form. It symbolizes the beginning of this type of construction in Egypt.

Furthermore, at night, we can arrange the light show at the Pyramids of Giza. We can also enjoy dinner while floating on the Nile. All of this is optional and should be consulted with your travel assistant.

Day 10: CAIRO & LUXOR

Begin your day with a delectable breakfast served in the hotel dining room, followed by a free day in Cairo to enjoy at your leisure.

For those seeking an immersive experience, we offer an optional full-day tour to Cairo, where you will explore the significant landmarks of this historic city.

The journey starts at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, situated in the heart of the city. Inside, you will encounter a vast collection of invaluable artifacts, including the renowned treasures of Tutankhamun, magnificent sarcophagi, well-preserved mummies, and sculptures of indescribable beauty.

Next, venture into the captivating historic district of Cairo, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area has been home to caliphs and their mosques since the 10th century. One notable attraction is the Citadel of Saladin, which was fortified to safeguard the city against Crusader invasions nearly a thousand years ago.

Afterward, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Khan el Khalili bazaar, where you will have the opportunity to test your negotiation skills during some free time.

Before returning to the hotel, you will personally explore the Coptic neighborhood, a melting pot of different religions. Stand in awe of the Hanging Church, a remarkable structure built on the foundations of the Babylon Fortress.

There, you should visit the Saints Sergius and Wachus Church, believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their escape from Herod, and discover the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest in the country.

At the designated time, you will be transferred to Cairo Airport to catch your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, embark on a memorable cruise ship journey along the legendary Nile River. Indulge in comfortable accommodation and enjoy a delicious dinner onboard.

Day 11: LUXOR, ESNA & EDFU

In the morning, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast and set off accompanied by our guide to the incredible Temples of Luxor and Karnak, dedicated to the gods Amun and Ra, gods of creation, the sky, and the sun.

These gigantic temples stand out for their majesty; between them, we can take a walk surrounded by sphinxes where we will discover many stories and anecdotes of the pharaohs who played a fundamental role in their construction.

Next, we will cross to the other side of the Nile to visit the famous Necropolis of Thebes, one of the most important symbols of this ancient civilization. In this complex, we will find a true archaeological treasure that constitutes one of Egypt’s main wonders: the Valley of the Kings, which houses 62 pharaonic tombs, including those of Tutankhamun, Ramses IV, and many more.

Afterward, we will move on to an astonishing panoramic view of the famous funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, also known as Deir El Bahari, where we can explore the funerary temple of Ramses III, currently known as the temple of Medinet Habu.

Subsequently, we will admire the remains of the Temple of Amenhotep III, a site that will welcome us with the Colossi of Memnon, two gigantic twin seated stone statues that still endure after centuries.

We will return to the cruise ship and set sail towards Esna, spending the afternoon leisurely sailing along the Nile.

In the evening, we will pass through the Esna Lock and continue towards Edfu.

Day 12: EDFU, KOM OMBO & ASWAN

Start your day in Edfu with a memorable experience of witnessing one of Egypt’s most beautiful sunrises. After indulging in a delicious breakfast onboard, prepare to embark on an enchanting carriage ride to the Temple of Horus.

This remarkable sanctuary holds the distinction of being the best-preserved Egyptian temple, having been concealed beneath the sand for centuries until its discovery by French archaeologist Auguste Mariette in the mid-19th century.

Following your visit to the Temple of Horus, return to the motor ship for a delectable lunch as you set sail towards Kom Ombo. Here, an exciting excursion awaits you at the temple dedicated to Haroeris, the falcon god, and Sobek, the crocodile god.

As part of your visit, you will have the opportunity to explore an exhibition showcasing remarkably preserved mummified crocodiles, providing fascinating insights into the culture of Ancient Egypt.

As the day draws to a close, a delightful dinner will be served onboard before you embark on a serene night sailing towards Aswan.

Day 13: ASWAN

Start your day with a delightful breakfast before we embark on a memorable felucca ride, a traditional Egyptian wooden boat, that will take us along the enchanting waters of the Nile.

This scenic journey showcases Elephantine Island, known for its historic ivory trade, and Kitchener Island, famous for its botanical garden and panoramic view of the Agha Khan Mausoleum.

Next, we’ll proceed to visit the Aswan High Dam, an impressive hydraulic engineering feat initiated by the British Empire and completed by the Egyptians in the mid-20th century. This monumental structure was designed to control the flooding of the Nile River.

Afterward, we’ll set sail to explore the island of Philae. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to witness the magnificent temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. Like Abu Simbel and other Egyptian temples, it had to be relocated to safeguard it from the risk of being submerged by the Nile’s flooding.

As the day concludes, we’ll return to the motor ship and spend the night on board in Aswan.

Day 14: ASWAN & ABU SIMBEL

After a delicious breakfast and a brief rest at your hotel in Aswan, we’ll embark on an afternoon excursion to the Temples of Abu Simbel.

These remarkable structures, originally relocated to protect them from the Nile’s mighty flow, are a testament to Ramses II’s grand vision. Explore the rock-carved temples, dedicated to powerful deities, and marvel at the iconic Temple of Ramses II with its majestic statues.

Don’t miss the exquisite temple dedicated to Nefertari, the pharaoh’s beloved wife. As night falls, immerse yourself in a captivating light and sound show, revealing the secrets of these ancient wonders in a truly unique way.

Afterward, return to the hotel for a delicious dinner and comfortable accommodations.

Day 15: ABU SIMBEL, ASWAN & CAIRO

After a delicious breakfast in the hotel, and at the established time, you will transfer to the Aswan Airport to take the domestic flight to Cairo.

After you arrive in Cairo, our team will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel in Cairo.

Day 16: FAREWELL CAIRO!

At the indicated time, one of our vehicles will take you to the Cairo International Airport to check in your luggage and, if necessary, process any tax refund on tax-free products that you have purchased.

Have a good trip! Or, as you will say yourself: “Rihlat Jayida!”