Join us on this 9 day cultural tour through Morocco, offering a great insight into the rich and varied history of the country. The tour begins in the enchanting city of Marrakech where you’ll have chance to visit the bustling and animated bazaars, chaotic souks and wonderful Mosques adorned with beautiful minarets. We then leave the city and travel through traditional Berber Villages into the High Atlas Mountains - driving over the highest pass in Northern Africa. Soak up the stunning desert scenery as we visit Dades Canyon, Todra Gorge and the UNESCO site of Ait Benhaddou on our way to Merzouga. From here we jump into 4WD’s in order to experience the desert and all its natural beauty first-hand before spending the night under the stars at a traditional but comfortable Berber camp. The tour continues through the desert to Zagora before travelling back to Marrakech via Ouarzazate – the setting for many iconic and world-famous films. We use 4-star accommodation options, plus the desert camp.
DAY 1 Arrive into MarrakechOur tour begins in Marrakech where you will be met at the airport upon arrival by our staff. We’ll then transfer you to your hotel in the city where our local staff will help you settle in and suggest authentic eating out options.
OVERNIGHTMarrakech Hotel
MEALSDinner
EXTRASSingle Room Supplement, Extra night - pre-tour
DAY 2 Marrakech, city tourExplore exotic Marrakech today – we start with a visit to the captivating Koutoubia Mosque. Over 800 years old, the Mosque hosts the iconic minaret which has become the focal point of the city. We’ll then travel to the Mausoleum and Bahia Palace which both offer a chance to view some of the country’s most intricate and beautiful Arabic craftsmanship. This afternoon, prepare for an assault on your senses as we explore the characterful souks found around Jemaa El Fna Square and Djemaa El Fna Square. There is an incredible array of traders dotted along these bustling and vivid streets, feel free to soak up the uniquely Moroccan atmosphere or test your bartering skills!
OVERNIGHTMarrakech Hotel
MEALSBreakfast, Dinner
DAY 3 Drive to Ouarzazate via Ait BenhaddouFollowing breakfast this morning we leave Marrakech to embark on a breathtaking drive into the Atlas Mountains – travelling over the highest pass mountain pass in Northern Africa at Tizi N’tichka col (2260m) before arriving at the UNESCO world heritage site of Ait Benhaddou which is home to Morocco’s most well known Kasbah. After a spot of lunch we drive on to Ouarzazate, sometimes referred to as the ‘place of no noise’. Many of you will recognise this iconic landscape which has been the setting for countless films, both modern blockbusters and historical classics.
OVERNIGHTOuarzazate Hotel
MEALSBreakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 Drive to Tinghir via BoulmaneThis morning our drive through the mountains continues along the ‘road of a thousand Kasbahs’. We’ll make a stop at Amerhidel to visit the beautiful Kasbah found there before continuing on to Boulmane. This is the stopping off place to visit the superb Dades Canyon which offers up fantastic vistas of the surrounding desert landscape – time to take some photos! In the afternoon we travel on to Tinghir to stay for the night.
OVERNIGHTTinghir hotel
MEALSBreakfast, Dinner
DAY 5 Todra Gorge, then 4WD safari and camping at MerzougaFollowing breakfast, this morning sees us take a trip to the nearby Todra Gorge for more excellent views. We’ll then transfer into 4WD vehicles for a more adventurous journey into the stunning mountain range through imposing sand dunes to Merzouga. This is where we will camp for the night, offering a much more intimate experience in the desert as you watch the sunset over the dunes before spending the night under the illuminating stars in a traditional Berber camp.
OVERNIGHTBerber desert camp
MEALSBreakfast, Dinner
EXTRASSunset desert camel ride
DAY 6 Merzouga. Drive to ZagoraOur fabulous Berber hosts will serve up a local breakfast for us this morning before we climb back into the 4WD vehicles to drive on to Rissani which is the birthplace of the Alaouita Dynasty. We leave our 4WD’s here and transfer by road to Erfoud – perched on a unique setting between the Atlas Mountains to the north and the Sahara desert to the south, Erfoud remains the region’s administrative capital. We’ll then drive on to Zagora and overnight.
OVERNIGHTZagora Hotel
MEALSBreakfast, Dinner
DAY 7 Drive to Marrakech via OuarzazateThis morning we turn back in the direction of Ouarzazate and cross the commanding Draa Valley. Ouarzazate is a sparsely populated town bordered by palm groves. From here, we’ll make the short trip to Tamegroute which remains an integral site for Sufi Muslims. This afternoon you may recognise the views as we cross the Tizi N’tichka col once more, travelling through traditional Berber villages back to Marrakech.
OVERNIGHTMarrakech Hotel
MEALSBreakfast & Dinner
DAY 8 Marrakech. Free Day (various day trip options)Today is left free for you to have the chance to explore Marrakech at leisure or grab those all important souvenirs. We also offer various day trips, tour extensions or even an unforgettable hot air balloon flight over the unique landscape.
OVERNIGHTMarrakech Hotel
MEALSBreakfast & Dinner
EXTRASMarrakech Quad-biking, Imlil day trip
DAY 9 Marrakech. Departure transfer to the airportDeparture day. Depending on what time your flight leaves we may be able to arrange further activities before you leave Marrakech. Free time until we transfer you to the airport.
OVERNIGHTNone
MEALSBreakfast
EXTRASExtra night - post-tour