"Chinese-speaking tour" 7-day Morocco fantasy tour featuring North African spy thrillers, round trip from Casablanca/Marrakech (departing Tuesday/Saturday)

Day 1: Casablanca ‣ Marrakech

After meeting at 8:15 AM at the entrance of the Casablanca New Dragon Gate Chinese Restaurant (50 meters south of the Marriott Hotel), we will proceed to visit the Hassan II Mosque ( exterior view), the most modern building in the world.

Then drive to Marrakech and visit the Koutoubia Mosque (exterior view ) and the Yves Saint Laurent Gardens (online reservations only, tickets for the 4:30 PM showing must be purchased separately). Afterwards, visit the Bahia Palace, one of the few well-preserved royal palaces in Morocco open to the public. Its gardens, courtyards, magnificent rooms, and fountains are all meticulously designed. In the evening, visit Diwali Square: from sunrise to late at night, you can see snake charmers from India, Arabs selling spices and tea, Moroccan elders telling stories and fortunes, various street performances, and countless stalls selling food, drinks, clothing, carpets, decorations, leather goods, and handicrafts. Like Lan Kwai Fong in Hong Kong or Xintiandi in Shanghai, this square gives Marrakech its boundless vitality.

After dinner, check into the hotel for rest. Accommodation: Diwane Marrakech 4* or similar.

*Tickets for the YLS Gardens in Marrakech can only be purchased online in advance, and tickets are in high demand during peak seasons. We recommend purchasing tickets as early as possible. Please confirm your reservation time with customer service at https://www.jardinmajorelle.com/ and select 【JARDIN MAJORELLE】 to purchase your tickets.

The Hassan II Mosque – Located on the Casablanca waterfront, it is the third largest mosque in the Islamic world and one of the most modern mosques globally. The mosque covers approximately 2 hectares, with the main building measuring about 200 meters long and 100 meters wide. Its roof is automatically opening and closing, and all 25 doors are made of titanium alloy, possessing excellent resistance to seawater corrosion. The marble floors inside are heated year-round. It perfectly combines traditional Islamic architectural art with modern engineering technology, creating a magnificent and awe-inspiring sight.

【Norwegian Square】—From sunrise to late at night, this place is always bustling with activity. Indian snake charmers, Arab spice merchants, Moroccan storytellers, and street performers take turns performing, and the surrounding area is filled with stalls selling food, drinks, clothing, carpets, and handicrafts. It's like Morocco's version of Lan Kwai Fong or Xintiandi, the very soul of Marrakech.

【Yves Saint Laurent's Private Garden】 —This garden, a blend of art, aesthetics, and nature, was once the private residence of the legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent. The vibrant Majorelle blue, tropical plants, and traditional Moroccan architecture complement each other, making it one of Marrakech's most artistic and tranquil corners.

Day 2: Marrakech → Ait Benhaddou Fortified Village → Ouarzazate

After breakfast, we will travel to Ouarzazate, crossing a mountain pass in the Atlas Mountains at an altitude of approximately 2260 meters. The road winds through valleys and steep peaks, showcasing pristine scenery. During several breaks along the way, we can admire the magnificent landscape. We will then arrive at the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou. Climbing a hill near the valley, we will reach the village of Ait Benhaddou. {Note: If the valley suddenly floods, please stop taking photos.} The fort is exceptionally well-preserved and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It is a beautiful old village, built using Morocco's unique terracotta bricks, allowing visitors to fully experience the red charm of Morocco.

Afterwards, we will travel to Ouarzazate to visit the "Movie City," also known as the Hollywood of Africa, where many famous films were shot, including "Gladiator," "The Four Feathers," "Searching for the Jewel," "Cleopatra," "Love in the Sahara," "The Jewel of the Nile," "Lawrence of Arabia," and "Spy Game." After dinner, we will check into our hotel for rest at Club Hanane 4* or similar.

Friendly reminder: This day involves more than 4 hours of winding mountain roads. If you are prone to motion sickness, please prepare motion sickness medication in advance!

【Aït Benhaddou】 —Aït Benhaddou is an ancient fortified village built of adobe houses, surrounded by high walls and arrow towers, and is a typical example of pre-Saharan settlements. The old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and traces of local indigenous life can still be seen today. Crossing the moat on a donkey is a unique experience.

【Moscow Film Base】 —Located in Ouarzazate, it is known as the "Hollywood of Africa." Many classic blockbusters, such as Gladiator, Cleopatra, Lawrence of Arabia, and Spy Game, were filmed here. The vast desert and ancient city backdrop make it a pilgrimage site that film lovers cannot miss.

Day 3: Ouarzazate → Todra Gorge → Merzouga

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll spend the whole day driving to Merzouga, passing through the Todra Gorge. The riverbed at the bottom of the gorge is lush with willows, flowers, and various trees swaying in the breeze—a breathtaking natural landscape. In contrast, the surrounding area is a barren, desolate reddish-brown landscape, creating a striking contrast.

In the afternoon, we will arrive at the famous Sahara – Merzouga, the gateway to the desert. (Please bring sunscreen and sunglasses.) The Sahara here is unique, renowned for its diverse sand dunes, and even more so for its ever-changing colors, displaying golden, pink, and other beautiful hues depending on the weather. Sunrises and sunsets offer different breathtaking views, making it a unique desert landscape in Morocco and the Sahara of countless dreams! Here you will see Africa's tallest sand dunes (red sand dunes), which were also one of the filming locations for the movie "Lawrence of Arabia."

After dinner, check into the hotel for rest. Accommodation is at Kasbah Mohayut or similar.
***Tonight's accommodation in Merzouga can be upgraded to a Sahara Desert Luxury Tent (at your own expense, including private bathroom, €50/person/night (minimum 2 people)). Experience a unique accommodation deep in the desert and admire unparalleled natural beauty, such as pristine starry skies or stunning sunrises and sunsets: Royal Oasis Camp, Sarah Garden, Azawad Luxury Desert Camp, or similar.

【Merzouka Desert】 —This is where the Sahara's most tranquil and peaceful side is revealed. By day, the golden sand dunes stretch endlessly, while at night, the starry sky and the Milky Way are clearly visible, a truly breathtaking sight. If you're lucky, you might even encounter the fennec fox, the "Sahara's little elf," the inspiration for the fox in "The Little Prince."

D4 : Merzouga‣Evelyn‣Fez

After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Fez, one of Morocco's four ancient royal cities, with lunch en route. We will stop in the town of Ifrane (approximately 15 minutes for a visit). Afterwards, we will continue to Fez. Upon arrival, we will have dinner and check into our hotel (Hotel volubilis 4* or equivalent) for rest.

【Ifrane】—Located in the central Atlas Mountains, it is known as "Morocco's Little Switzerland." Despite its small population, the town is renowned for its neat European-style architecture, fresh mountain air, and winter ski resort, making it a rare highland resort town in Morocco.

D5: Fez ‣Ifranemeknes‣ Chefchaouen (or Tetouan)

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the 9th-century ancient city of Fez, ranked as one of the 10 most romantic cities in the world by the renowned American magazine Traveler. It feels like stepping back a thousand years, when donkeys were still the primary mode of transportation. Explore the medieval old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981), including Bou Inania medersas (Quranic Institute), Nejjarine Spring, the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss (the builder of the ancient city), and the exterior of the world's first university—Qarqouiyyin University. See the Blue Gate of Boujlou (exterior), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit workshops renowned for their diverse handicrafts: copperware, carpets, dyeing, etc. Throughout the city, you'll see buildings and interiors adorned with blue mosaic tiles, and shops displaying mosaic artifacts.

Afterwards, we will travel to Meknes, the ancient Islamic capital of Morocco. The city walls are magnificent, and the Bab Mansour (Mansour Gate), symbolizing victory and triumph, is world-renowned. Then, we will proceed to Chefchaouen (or Tetouan) for rest and check into a hotel. Accommodation options include guesthouses such as Atlas Chefchaouen or Hotel Madrid (scattered accommodations), or Hotel A44 in Tetouan, or similar. (Due to limited availability in Chefchaouen, accommodation in Tetouan may be adjusted.)

【Fez Medina】 —One of the best-preserved medieval cities, it perfectly preserves the local way of life and craft traditions. Home to mosques, seminaries, and the world's oldest university, it is a living World Heritage Site; strolling through it feels like traveling back centuries.

Meknes is famous for its magnificent ancient city walls and triumphal arches, with the Mansour Gate symbolizing victory and glory. It is an important representative of Morocco's imperial city and showcases the splendor of the former dynasty.

D6: Chefchaouen to Casablanca

After breakfast at the hotel, explore the enchanting blue town of Chefchaouen. A popular tourist destination in Morocco, Chefchaouen boasts pristine air and an ever-blue sky, its picturesque cityscape creating a natural blue panorama. Strolling along the famous Plaza Uta el-Hammam, walking on its irregular cobblestone streets, you'll feel transported to another world. The weathered castle surrounded by red walls, and the striking Grand Mosque, all attract visitors to admire, worship, and even feel an urge to kiss them.

Afterwards, drive to Casablanca and stay at Hotel Diwan 4* or similar.
*If you book a 6-day, 5-night tour plus a Casablanca extra night on Day 6, you will be transferred to the extra night hotel on the evening of Day 6, at which point the tour ends. There is no itinerary on Day 7. If you cancel your tour on this day, you will receive a £59 discount per person.

【Rasmus Park】—Located on the hill behind Chefchaouen's old town, it offers the best panoramic view of the blue town. At dusk, the entire town is bathed in a deep blue hue under the lights, like a jewel set in the Rif Mountains, a truly unforgettable sight.

Day 7: Casablanca ‣ Marrakech

Day 7 is an optional day, with the same attractions as Day 1! If you choose to end the tour in Casablanca on Day 7, it mainly provides an extra night's stay in Casablanca on Day 6. Please be aware of this! (This is an optional day; if you joined the tour on Day 1, it is recommended that you do not participate on this day.) If you are a guest visiting Marrakech on this day, then the Casablanca tour will only include a visit to the mosque, focusing on the Marrakech itinerary. If you are not a guest visiting Marrakech, Casablanca can be explored for half a day, with other tours to be added.