Morocco, in Moroccan dialect, is called “al-Maghrib”, which means “the land of the setting sun”. On our journey through Morocco we see off numerous remarkable sunsets, whether in the sand dunes, at the coast or between the mountains. The country reveals to us the enchantment of the Orient, as in the folk tales of “One Thousand and One Nights”. In the picturesque harbour town of Essaouira you can enjoy walks in the labyrinth of interwoven streets and experience the unique flair of this city. In Marrakech, you will meet Moroccan jugglers, snake charmers, storytellers, soothsayer, artists and musicians, and stroll through the colourful, magnificent souks. We ride on dromedaries into the desert and spend the night in the Bedouin camp at the foot of the highest sand dunes under the bright stars. We trek through impressive gorges, visit ancient locations, marvel at gigantic oases, stroll through the labyrinths of the kasbahs and the souks, we breathe in the sweet scents in the Valley of Roses, stop in picturesque small villages, all along enjoying the local cuisine and the infinite hospitality of the Moroccan people.
This trip is suitable for those who want to know the intimate details of the country and its nature.
• Diverse landscapes: fields of roses, beautiful gorges, wide green valleys, clear rivers, golden sand dunes, unique oases, giant Atlas mountains, picturesque villages and mysterious kasbahs with typical clay and stone houses
• Cultural exchange with indigenous berber people and their customs and traditions
• Drive down the road of 1000 Kasbahs
• Visit to the largest oasis in Morocco, Agdz
• Many overnight stays in Moroccan tents under the open sky
• Plunge into the secrets of Marrakech, the Pearl of the South
• English-speaking tour guide
• Familiar and cordial atmosphere in our team
• Delicious meals traditionally prepared by our cook
• Accompanying team of locals, berbers, with their dromedaries.
After your arrival in Marrakech we will be waiting for you outside the airport building. According to the new legislation, only passengers are allowed to enter the airport building, so we kindly ask you to exit the terminal and look for the sign of the agency at the exit. A member of our team will then welcome you and drive you to your hotel in the city centre. No activities are planned for this day, thus you can indulge in free leisure time. Relax or explore on your own the fabulous souks of Marrakech with their lively oriental Moroccan merchants and numerous colourful stalls. Marrakech is a safe city with many banks and currency exchange stores if you would like to change money. Our staff will be happy to advise you at any time. Overnight stay in Marrakech is in a hotel.
We explore the city on foot and visit the Bahia Palace, Saadian tombs and the exterior of the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Southern Morocco and one of the city's landmark. Then we stroll through the countless alleys and colourful souks of Marrakech. The afternoon is at your leisure. Our hotel is located near Djemaa el Fna Square where jugglers, snake charmers, storytellers, soothsayer, artists and musicians gather. There are numerous stalls where culinary specialities of the region are offered. Our staff will be happy to advise you at any time. Overnight stay in Marrakech is in a hotel.
Distance 200km, approx. 3.5 hours We cross the High Atlas, passing through majestic places and taking breath-taking photographs. The landscape is decorated with white peaks, bare and rugged mountain ranges. On the plateaus we can see archaic houses, made of clay and terracotta, with only steep winding roads connecting them to the outside world. We reach the 2260-meter-high Tizi n’Tichka pass and head towards the valley basin between the towns of Tadaout and Telouat. After a refreshing break we continue on our journey through a beautiful landscape to the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. We walk through the labyrinth of its alleys. From the top of the Kasbah we will have a beautiful view of the Ounila Valley and the Atlas Mountains, including the magnificent M'goun and Toubkal, the two highest mountains in the country. Overnight stay is in hotel "La Kasbah" or “ Ait Ben Haddou”.
Distance 260km, approx. 4 hours We cross the city of Ouarzazate, called the "Hollywood of Morocco". Many well-known films and series have been shot in this area, for example, "Game of Thrones", "The Gladiator", "Lawrence of Arabia" and "The Jesus Video". Our route brings us through the Skoura oasis to Kalâat M'Gouna, the capital of the Valley of Roses. The city of Kalâat M'Gouna is located at an altitude of about 1400m, on the Road of a 1000 Kasbahs, in an area of rose cultivation. During the harvest season, about 500 tons of roses are harvested and processed into rosewater. The annual Rose Festival is celebrated here at the beginning of May. The festival lasts almost the whole month and is a special experience for all. Finally we head towards the oasis of Boumalene Dades. Overnight stay is in a riad.
Distance 250km, approx. 4 hours We travel on our bus on the Road of 1000 Kasbahs to the heart of the desert, to the city of Merzouga. We make a short stop in the town of Tinerhir and visit the irrigation systems from the late Middle Ages and hike through the imposing 400m high Todra Gorge and the surrounding palm oases. The gorge is formed of limestone and is known as a climbing paradise all over the world. We drive on in the direction of Erfoud, a small village in the heart of the Talilaft oasis group, to the small town of Znaiqui. This group of oases covers an area of 1380km², comprising 300 small villages, which makes it is the widest-stretched oasis in the world. Its inhabitants mainly live off the sale of dates and, after the explosion of tourism, fossils. Now it is time to arrive in Merzouga. The warm desert wind has touched us, the immense sand dunes continuously emerge on the horizon, and the silence of the desert finally shows its presence. Overnight stay is in hotel “Ksar Bicha”.
In the morning we relax at the hotel pool to get adapted to the heat of the desert. In the afternoon our caravan moves on: on the back of dromedaries we ride through the desert, much like the caravans of the long past. Our bedouin camp is located at the base of the largest sand dunes of Merzouga. Here we have an excellent opportunity to watch the sunset in the desert. We walk step by step on the dunes of Tamrdanit to the top to bid goodnight to the sun. Dinner is by the camp fire this evening. We are in an impeccable place to see at the myriad of sparkling stars, the glowing Milky Way, and the Moon. Overnight stay is in the bedouin camp in the heart of the desert.
Distance 300km, approx. 4 hours After an early morning breakfast we return to the Merzouga on our “desert ships” and take our bus towards the urban city of Rissani, famous for its spice and cattle markets. We stop there and stroll through its souks. Our route brings us to the southern part of the Saghro Mountains, the Anti-Atlas mountain range which is about 430km in length and of volcanic origin. Many nomads of the berber tribe Ait Atta live in the town of Tazarine, which used to be a meeting place for traders in the past: the caravans had travelled from here to Timbouktou, where they arrived 52 days later. We walk along the Draa River, where once there were many crocodiles, through the beautiful landscape of the oasis of Agdz. It is the largest oasis in Morocco, comprising about 4 million palms. The population lives exclusively from agriculture and from the sales of dates. Overnight stay is in a riad in the luscious oasis of Agdz.
Distance 80km, approx. 1.5 hours We return to the city of Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Morocco". Here we have free time to roam the city and explore on foot the beautiful surrounding landscape. Overnight stay is in hotel.
Distance 290km, approx. 4 hours We cross the magnificent landscape of the Anti-Atlas and get a unique opportunity to learn about the production of saffron and how to pick the best kind to buy. This area is also famous for its carpet weaving of goat hair, camel or sheep wool. Finally we reach the town of Taroudant. It is referred to the "little sister" of Marrakech due to its importance and the architectural style of its walls and clay houses. Now we are on our way to explore the city on foot. Overnight stay is in riad "Hida" or "Ain Khadra".
Distance 300km, approx. 4 hours We leave Taroudant behind and travel through the land of argan trees to city of Agadir, famous for its stunning long beaches. Here we have the opportunity to have lunch and breathe in the fresh Atlantic air. Our drive continues for a while along the Atlantic coast. In the seaside town of Tarazout, a small paradise for wind- and water sport enthusiasts, we stop for a walk or for a refreshing cup of coffee. Later this afternoon we reach the marvellous harbour city of Essaouira, which has an indescribably sensual flair and captivates you from the very first moment. In 2001, Essaouira was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together we go on to explore this little city. We walk through the labyrinth of the small charming alleys of the old town to the Skala de la Kasbah, the city fortification, where there is a collection of cannons from the 17th century. These were used in the past to defend the city against attacks from the sea. On the descent to the harbour of Essaouira you can relish the sunset on the sea horizon. You also have the chance to taste the delicious local fish dishes. Overnight stay is in the riad "Benatar".
This day is all yours. You can continue exploring the city, relax on the beach, walk for miles along the coast or join a fishing crew and get your catch freshly prepared. Overnight stay is again in riad "Benatar".
Distance 190km, approx. 2 hours We drive to the "Pearl of the South", to Marrakech. In Marrakech you have an open day for activities of your choice. Relax or explore on your own the fabulous souks with their lively oriental merchants and numerous colourful stalls. Our hotel is located near Djemaa el Fna Square where jugglers, snake charmers, storytellers, soothsayer, artists and musicians gather. There are numerous stalls where culinary specialities of the region are offered. Overnight is in hotel "Racine".
Another free day. You can continue to discover the city, find souvenirs and gifts, or relax in the traditional oriental hammam. (A Moroccan hammam consists of a multi-room bathhouse (dry and steamed) for cleaning the body and soul according to traditional ritual. The last overnight stay is in hotel "Racine".
Another free day.
At the end of our adventure together, we will bring you to the airport and wish you a pleasant journey home.
