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, Lunch, 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 to Essaouira (170Km)This morning is free. Our local staff can suggest brief itineraries to explore Marrakech or why not take the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable hot air balloon flight and view the Sahara from way up high. This afternoon we leave Marrakech once more and head to the coastal town of Essaouira, located on the Atlantic Ocean. Essaouira is a quirky town with a relaxed atmosphere. Art galleries are scattered around the old Medina. Often described as one of Morocco’s most beautiful areas, the town is famous for attracting artists – drawn by its good light and inspired by its bohemian and pastoral feel. Orson Welles and Jimi Hendrix are just some of those former visitors.
OVERNIGHTEssaourira Hotel
MEALSBreakfast & Dinner
EXTRASMarrakech Hot air balloon flight, Marrakech Quad-biking
DAYS 9, 10 Essaouira. Free daysWe leave the next two days free for you to spend at leisure in Essaouira. Feel free to chat with our local staff about arrangements or optional tours. Relax and wander around the old town, or head to the beach to enjoy some sunshine or some of the many water sports on offer.
OVERNIGHTEssaourira Hotel
MEALSBreakfast
DAY 11 Essaouira. Drive to MarrakechWe leave Essaouira this morning for the drive back to Marrakech. Upon arrival the rest of the day is free. We depart Essaouira this morning and return to Marrakech by road. Once back in your hotel, the rest of the day is free.
OVERNIGHTMarrakech Hotel
MEALSBreakfast
DAY 12 Marrakech. Departure transfer to the airportDeparture day. Free time until we transfer you to the airport.
OVERNIGHTNone
MEALSBreakfast
EXTRASExtra night - post-tour, Marrakech Hot air balloon flight, Marrakech Quad-biking, Imlil day trip