DAY 1

Arrive in Marrakech

Arrive at Marrakech Airport, meet your driver and immediately transfer to your riad in the medina of Marrakech, the “Red City”, set against the wonderful backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains. The rest of the day is free for you to begin to explore this fabulous city independently. You will spend two nights in Marrakech.

DAY 2

A full day in Marrakech

Marrakech is a city to dazzle the senses. Today there will be a full day sightseeing tour to introduce you to its delights. Highlights include the marvellous Djemaa El-Fna, the main square that forms the spiritual heart of Marrakech: once it was a site of public executions, today it is teeming with storytellers and snake charmers, acrobats and juice sellers. Beyond the square, the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Medersa and the beautiful Majorelle Gardens all await you.

DAY 3

Drive from Marrakech to Aït Ben Haddou via Tizi n’Tichka Pass

Today, we collect you from your riad and depart for Aït Benhaddou, crossing over the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka pass (2260m). Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed ksar, or small fortified settlement, is one of the very best-preserved and most sought-after in all Morocco. We spend the night in a local riad or guesthouse.

DAY 4

Drive from Aït Ben Haddou to Todra Gorge via Ouarzazate, Kelaa M’gouna, Boumalne du Dades along the Dades Valley

After breakfast we drive to Ouarzazate, stopping near the Atlas Film Studios on the outskirts for photos, and then continue through the city centre for a panoramic view of Taourirt Kasbah.

We drive onwards, passing through the Dades Valley, “the Valley of 1000 kasbahs”, and its small market towns of Kelaa M’gouna and Boumalne du Dades, then Imider and Tineghir, stopping along the way to admire the views and make the most of the photo opportunities that the journey offers.

Finally, we arrive at the spectacular Todra Gorge where we spend the night. Wedged between massive cliff walls, the gorge is filled with a green oasis of palm trees. This serene spot is great for hiking, relaxing on the edge of the river, or simply sampling some local Berber delicacies.

DAY 5

Drive from Todra Gorge to Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) via Tinejdad and Erfoud

In the morning you will have free time to walk through the beautiful Todra Gorges. In the afternoon we will drive via Tinejdad and Erfoud to the captivating sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, sometimes also known as Merzouga Dunes.

We arrive at our auberge and, after a short break, set off on a one-hour camel ride across the dunes to our camp, right on the edge of the dunes themselves. Local guides will teach you how to mount and dismount your camel and how to tie a turban to keep the desert sun off your face.

Once arrived at camp, enjoy a warm welcome followed by a traditional dinner under the stars. There will be time to hear stories about life in this region and perhaps, if we are lucky, to be treated to some traditional music on the drums.

Please note: there will be a chance to repack your belongings at the auberge before the camel ride as we should each only take an overnight bag to the camp. The accommodation on the dunes is basic, with four people per tent, while some prefer to sleep outside under the stars. Bathroom facilities are also basic and shared. Mattresses with a sheet and blankets are provided. For winter months (November to April), we recommend bringing a sleeping bag for additional warmth. There will be the chance to shower at the auberge upon your return to Merzouga the following morning.

DAY 6

Drive from Merzouga to Fes via Erfoud, Errachidia, Midelt, Azrou and Ifrane

We wake up early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise over the dunes, then once more ride our camels across the dunes and finally back to the auberge where we take breakfast and a shower.

Once refreshed, we head for Errachidia via Erfoud, Aoufous and the Ziz Valley, stopping for a views of Aoufous Oasis in the Tafilalt region. We continue to Midelt, crossing Tizi n’Talghamt before taking a lunch break.

In the afternoon, we drive to the medieval city of Fes via the Middle Atlas Mountains and its magnificent cedar forests around Azrou. Always keep your eyes open as there is the possibility of spotting Barbary apes here.

We break the journey once more at Ifrane, often referred to as “the Switzerland of Morocco” because of its location deep in the mountains, before arriving at Fes where you will spend two nights in a riad.

DAY 7

A whole day in Fes

Today we enjoy a full day’s guided walking tour through the medina of Fes.

The medina of Fes is the world’s largest living medieval medina and a protected UNESCO site. Explore the artisans’ quarters, sample treats from the carts, and look down on Fes’ famous leather tannery from the gallery above.

In the evening, opt for dinner in a converted riad complete with local specialties, live music and belly dancing, or perhaps visit a local hammam to chat with the locals.

DAY 8

Drive from Fes to Chefchaouen

After breakfast we continue through the beautiful landscape of the Rif Mountains to reach “the Pearl of the North”, Chefchaouen, often referred to as the “Blue City” or simply “Chaouen”, renowned for its unique blue-painted walls. The reason for the city’s blue-painted buildings is a bit of a mystery but it is sometimes said that they were perhaps originally painted blue by the town’s former Jewish population. You will spend the night in a local guesthouse.

DAY 9

Drive from Chefchaouen to Meknes

After breakfast, we drive straight to the imperial city of Meknes where we take a guided city walk to include its famous gate, Bab El Mansour, the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail and the Agdal Basin, amongst many other splendours.

You will also discover the ruins of the Roman city of Volubilis, located only about thirty kilometres away from Meknes, with the help of a local guide and then the holy city of Moulay Idriss, an extremely important pilgrimage destination for all Moroccan Muslims. Overnight in Meknes.

DAY 10

Drive from Meknes to Casablanca via Rabat

Today we drive first from Meknes to Rabat, the political capital of the country. Here we will visit the Hassan Tower, Mohammed V Mausoleum and Oudaya Kasbah.

Afterwards, we continue to Casablanca. Overnight in a hotel.

DAY 11

Drive from Casablanca to Marrakech

Today we drive back to Marrakech. Here is a great chance for you to continue your exploration of the city independently. Take a step back in time and lose yourself in the maze of souks and spice markets in its ancient medina. Wander through the labyrinth of stalls, pick your way through alleys lined with elaborately decorated brass lamps, watch artisans producing their own wares in small workshops, and dodge the donkey carts going about their daily business. Enjoy bartering and bantering with friendly sellers, then indulge in a traditional mint tea or thick Moroccan coffee while you recuperate afterwards.

In the evening, you might choose to relax at one of the many cafes and small restaurants which wrap around the main square, Djemaa el-Fna, while watching the hustle and bustle from a shady spot. You could end the day like a local by taking dinner in the open air at one of its famous food stalls.

DAY 12

Departure

After breakfast, and at a time to suit you, we transfer back to Marrakech-Menara Airport in good time for your return flight home.