10 DAY TOUR

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the magnificent Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Try Morocco’s famous argan oil and learn about its healing properties.

Gaze upon breathtaking panoramas across the High Atlas Mountains.

Enjoy a camel trek and a tranquil experience under the stars in the Sahara Desert.

Experience the healing music of Gnawa.

Gain an appreciation of the mind-cleansing properties of the Sahara.

Visit a village in a Saharan oasis to experience local life.

Taste the rich variety of spices, herbs, and delectable Moroccan foods.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive to Marrakech

Today, participants arrive and spend one night in Marrakech. (D)

Day 2

Boumalne Dades

We cross the High Atlas mountains in the morning. The views in the mountains are striking and unique, as we pass many Amazigh (Berber) villages nestled in the mountains. One of the highlights for today is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, a magnificent example of the adobe architecture and terraced gardens unique to the region. We also visit a women’s argan cooperative, a good place to buy Morocco’s famous argan oil products, which are good for both the hair and the skin. We pass through an area famous for growing roses and make our way to the Dades Valley where we spend the night in a charming family-run kasbah with a panoramic view of the valley. (B, L, D)

DAY 3

Sahara via Todra Gorge - Camel Trek and Overnight in the Sahara Desert

Today’s ride is full of unique scenes, such as the khuttaras, an ancient underground system of irrigation. We will take a walk through the steep canyon that makes up the Todra Gorge. As the journey continues eastward, be prepared for picturesque views that include lush valleys filled with date palm trees and surrounded by adobe villages. In the afternoon, we arrive at the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi where our caravan will be waiting for us. We go on a camel trek to our desert camp where we will be based for one night. Tonight, all participants should pack a small overnight bag for a night out in the Sahara. Your main luggage will be safely stored for you. After our hypnotic camel ride, we come to our Saharan camp. The night is starry and so peaceful, just the right place to free one’s mind. Dinner will be accompanied with Amazigh drumming and singing. Feel free to climb one of the many sand dunes for some solitude and tranquility. (B

DAY 4

Sahara - Explore the Area and Visit with Locals

After returning from our camel excursion, we explore the desert and visit a nearby oasis to witness how locals extract water from the dunes for drinking and irrigation of their gardens. We then continue to the adobe village of Khamlia and experience a unique style of music played by a community with sub Saharan origins (Gnawa). Their hypnotic music is famous in the area for its healing abilities. We’ll have a chance to learn how to make a Saharan specialty, stuffed bread or medfouna, baked in the sand. We’ll feast on that for lunch. We return to our hotel at the foot of the dunes. (B, L, D)

DAY 5

Rissani and Tafilalet Oasis

We head to the nearby town of Rissani where the archaeological site of Sijilmasa is located. Sijilmasa was an important trading town on the caravan route from Timbuktu. If it is a market day, we may have the chance to visit and experience people buying and selling at the local souk (market). We will have a presentation about textiles and other handmade goods traded by locals. Before heading back to the desert, we have the amazing opportunity to walk through an adobe village that dates back to the 17th century. Its thick adobe walls keep the village cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and light shafts allow natural sunlight to penetrate its interior. The wall and watchtowers that surrounded it provided protection. This is a unique occasion to learn about traditional oasis life in pre-colonial Morocco. We return to spend the night at our desert hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 6

Sahara Desert Mind-Cleansing Day

Today is for mind-cleansing and relaxation. Feel free to relax by the pool with a good book. We can arrange for you to have a temporary henna tattoo done by a local woman artist. If the weather allows, we may demonstrate how traditional sand baths are used by locals in healing. You can also organize your own sunrise or sunset camel ride, walk through the dunes, or simply admire the region’s intense beauty. If you are a bird watcher, this is a good place to see some rare Saharan species. Today provides a great opportunity to take photographs that capture how the changing light impacts of colors and shadows of the Saharan dunes. Overnight in our desert hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 7

Ouarzazate 

Today, we will drive to Ouarzazate, a town known for film production, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. The views on our drive through this impressive carved valley are striking and unique. Called the route of 1,000 kasbahs, a kasbah is an adobe building with towers, typically lived in by a powerful Amazigh (Berber) family, who call them tighremt in their native language, Tamazight. We will also see ksour, a name given to large, walled adobe villages. Both types of architecture are surrounded by picturesque palm tree groves. Upon arrival to Ouarzazate, check in at our scenic family-owned riad/hotel overlooking a palm grove. Dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 8

Back to Marrakech

After a leisurely breakfast we leave Ouarzazate. We will cross the picturesque and winding roads of Tizi n'Tichka, a mountain pass through the High Atlas Mountains that takes us back to Marrakech. Depending on the time of our arrival, you may have the option of scheduling a session at the hammam, or Moroccan sauna. (B, L, D)

DAY 9

Explore Marrakech

We will tour Marrakech, the eleventh century capital of Morocco. Everything in Marrakech is worth seeing, and our day includes the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque, a classic of Moroccan-Andalusian architecture, the beautiful Bahia palace, the old medina and more. We will also go to the souk or market. Optional evening visit to the dynamic Jamaa el Fna square, an open square where both locals and visitors go to be entertained by actors, musicians, and acrobats. After sun goes down, the energy of the performers increases and outdoor food vendors light their lamps, which illuminates the smoke coming from their grills and creates a surreal atmosphere. (B, L)

DAY 10

Transfer to Airport

After breakfast together, those leaving today will be assisted and transferred to Marrakech airport. (B) 

DATES, FEES AND TRIP INFORMATION

If anyone is planning to stay in Marrakech or other places in Morocco, please confirm that upon signing up for this tour so that additional arrangements can be made for you.

Included in this trip:

• Group transportation throughout the tour.

• Accommodation in mix of 4 star hotels and charming riads; each has a unique Moroccan style.

• Meals as indicated in the itinerary: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner.

• Gratuities at restaurants during group meals and for porters at hotels.

• Entrance fees to monuments during scheduled group visits

• 1st class private air-conditioned transportation during the tour.

NOT INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP:

• All airfare

• Travel insurance

• Visas

• Beverages

• Any private transfers

• Travel insurance (required) and is the participant’s responsibility to obtain.

• Passport fees and or any paper work related expenses

• Excess baggage charges

• Telephone, laundry, room service, and any personal expenses

• Medical expenses

• Drinks

• Meals not listed in the itinerary