From the colorful, chaotic Marrakech medinas to the moody Sahara Desert landscape, Morocco is a land filled with wonder and rich culture. Stay in traditional accommodation and explore villages off the beaten track. Learn the secret to the perfect Moroccan couscous, visit the grand Ait Benhaddou kasbah, travel through the Sahara on a camel and relax on Essaouira beach. Abounding with myths and legends, Morocco offers a surprise around every corner - this fast-paced tour will delight travelers looking to discover all of its hidden treasures.
Arrive in the 'red city' of Marrakech. This atmospheric city encompasses the very essence of Morocco; opportunities to get lost in the narrow, winding lanes of the medina and to people watch with a traditional mint tea in Djemma el-Fnaa. Included meals: D.
Today, take a short drive up the towering High Atlas Mountains to the village of Imlil (approximately 2 hours), from there you take a walk for one-hour trek up to the peaceful village of Aremd. If you feel like the walk is too strenuous then there's the option of riding the mule. The village of Aremd offers stunning views across the High Atlas Mountains and a unique opportunity to experience traditional Berber culture. Spend the night in a family-run mountain home (gite) in Aremd. Surrounded by the smell of woodstoves and bread, meet the host family and enjoy Berber hospitality and food. Facilities at the homestay are shared (both the bathroom and sleeping arrangements) but comfortable and definitely a unique experience. This afternoon, there will be a chance to hike to the pilgrimage shrine of Sidi Chamharouch (approximately 4 hours return).
Special Information The walk from Imlil to Aremd and further to the Sidi Chamharouch shrine requires appropriate footwear. You may choose to bring sturdy boots if you prefer so, but pair of good walking shoes with rigid and grippy sole will be sufficient. Included meals: B, L, D.
This morning, you leave the village behind and drive south, crossing the High Atlas by the Tizi Tichka pass (2,260m altitude). You will pass through interesting villages until you reach the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou (declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987), a fortified enclosure within a walled town that you will surely recognize, since this citadel has been the setting for such famous films as Gladiator, the kingdom of heaven….
Enjoy a walk through the winding streets of old town, making your way to the top of the hill, from where you can enjoy the views across the surrounding plains. In the evening, why not join a simple cooking demonstration of Morocco's most famous cuisine: couscous and tagine. The locals will explain the secrets and subtleties of these traditional meals, as the ladies of the kitchen prepare a feast.
Included meals: B,D
Today, you will travel south towards Sahara, stopping in Ouarzazate where you will visit another interesting fortified kasbah located in the heart of Ouarzazate. Head towards the Draa palm grove, and you will enter the Draa Valley, where there is an immense green snake of about 250 km that penetrates the desert and that will lead us to the town downtown in the palm grove of "Zagora" a small oasis town on the Sahara fringe that is perfect for an overnight stop. Take a stroll through the palm groves, explore the ksars and wander around the surrounding countryside. Included meals: B, D.
This morning, you will enjoy a hike through the beautiful oasis of Zagora and learn about the irrigation system in this oasis as we interact with the local farmers. After that, you continue to Tamgroute where you stop to visit an old library with ancient scripts of science, literature, the Koran and stories of the prophet Mohammed (subject to unregulated opening times). then you take a walk through an old village before you end up at a pottery cooperative, here you learn more about how the pottery is made. Then, you continue to the desert village of M'Hamid (approximately 1 hour). From here, take a short camel ride through the dunes, where you’ll jump into 4WD vehicles. The rough track runs parallel to the Algerian border, across the stony Hamada desert, whose only populace is small scatterings of nomadic people and their camels. The group will reach the massive Erg Chigaga dunes in the late afternoon. The Erg Chigaga is one of the world's iconic landscapes, with towering dunes up to 150 meters in height.
The camp is a simple affair, with bedding and basic toilet facilities provided. The blankets provided are usually sufficient for most travelers between April and October, but you may like to bring your own sleeping bag for extra warmth, especially during the months between November and March. Electricity is not available in the camp therefore it’s important to come prepared with phones, cameras and everything else you may need fully charged.
Included meals: B, D.
Today rejoin the minivan and venture towards the market town of Oulad Brhhil, sometimes called ‘Little Marrakesh’. The journey should take around eight hours in total, including several stops. This drive goes through desert scenery and along a route that's a reserve for the indigenous argan trees. Argan oil is highly prized for its culinary, cosmetic and medicinal uses and is only produced in Morocco, and is certainly a trademark of Morocco around the world. If you're lucky, the group might come across the famous image of goats climbing these trees in search of nuts. Please note that this is a long travel day, and you won't arrive at tonight's accommodation until late afternoon/early evening. Included meals: B, D.
Today leave the valleys of the High Atlas Mountains behind and head west to the coastal town of Essaouira (approximately 5 hours). On the way you stop to see one of the women cooperative of Argan Oil based in this region. You learn how we extract the Argan oil and everyone could participate in this process. After that you continue to sea side of Essaouirra. The name Essaouira means image, which is appropriate since it's such a picturesque town. Its charm is undeniable; within the stone ramparts you'll find whitewashed houses with bright blue shutters, art galleries and wood workshops. It's still a busy fishing port and its pretty harbor is filled with tiny colorful boats which go out early every morning for the day's catch. As you’ll arrive in the early evening, there won’t be much time to look around today. In the evening perhaps have some dinner with the group, as the local seafood is as fresh as it gets. Included meals: B, D.
Today, you have the whole day at Essaouirra. We do suggest today to join us for a cooking demonstration of Morocco’s most famous cuisine. you will participate together and make our own dish. Afternoon is left free to explore the beautiful town of Essaouirra. Included meals: B, L.
Today, you leave the seaside and heading back to Marrakech. In the afternoon, you will take a tour to see the sightseeing of the red city of Marrakech. You explore first the medina of Marrakech as you visit the beautiful palace known as Bahia Palace and you will admire the Moroccan architecture. Will be accompanied by the local guide who knows the secrets of Marrakech. After that you will take a horse carriage around the town of Marrakech. you will go further to see the new town of Marrakesh known as Gueliz. Included meals: B, D.