Tour 3: Morocco Kasbahs & Gorges Tour (9 days / 8 nights)
PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
- 7 nights’ accommodation in riads, Kasbahs or hotels
- 1 night camping in Berber nomad’s tents at desert oasis
- 8 breakfasts
- Half-day city tour of Marrakech with English speaking local Marrakech guide
- Overnight desert camel safari
- Entrance fees for included sightseeing
- Air-conditioned private vehicle with English speaking driver/guide
Day 1: Marrakech
Arrive at Marrakech Airport and transfer to your hotel or riad. Afternoon half-day city tour including the medina, La Bahia Palace, el Badi Palace, Koutoubia Mosque and Djemaa el Fna Square. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 2: Marrakech – Ouarzazate
Leaving Marrakech via the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass (2260 m) through the High Atlas Mountains you travel to the old garrison town of Ouarzazate. Once a cross roads on an ancient caravan trade route, Ouarzazate is now the movie making capital of Morocco. Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 3: Ouarzazate – Zagora
After a morning tour of Ouarzazate you travel via the scenic Draa Valley to the oasis town of Zagora, famously 52 days by camel train from Timbuktu. Overnight in Zagora.
Day 4: Zagora – Merzouga
Departing Zagora you drive to the desert village of Merzouga situated on the edge of the spectacular Sahara Desert sand dunes, the largest being Erg Chebbi, stopping en route to visit a local nomad family. Overnight in Merzouga.
Day 5: Merzouga
In the morning you visit the different ksars (Berber forts) in the Merzouga/Rissani area and the fossil quarries near Erfoud before returning to Merzouga for lunch. After relaxing at your auberge, in the late afternoon you take a camel safari into the sand dunes to watch the sun setting over the desert.
Tonight is spent camping under the stars in a Berber nomad’s tent at a desert oasis. Overnight in desert. (Option to overnight at Merzouga kasbah.)
Day 6: Merzouga – Boumalne Dades – Dades Gorge
You rise early to watch the sunrise over the desert. After breakfast you return by camel to your Merzouga kasbah to refresh before leaving for the High Atlas Mountain Berber town of Boumalne Dades and the stunning Dades Gorge with its Berber kasbahs, fig and almond orchards, date palm groves and unique rock formations. Overnight Dades Gorge.
Day 7: Dades Gorge – Marrakech
Leaving Dades Gorge you travel along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and the Roses Valley as you make your way to and the beautiful UNESCO world heritage village of Ait Benhaddou (which has featured in films including Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia). Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 8: Marrakech
Free day to explore more of Marrakech, shop for some bargains in the souk, relax in a hammam or enjoy the Fantasia and Marrakech night clubs. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 9: Marrakech
Morning transfer to Marrakech Airport and your private tour of Morocco comes to a close. Tour ends.
NOT INCLUDED
- Drinks, meals other than as specified, gratuities and other items of a personal nature
- Optional activities (including those referred to as optional in the tour itinerary)
- Variations to the itinerary, accommodation upgrades and any special handling
- Airfares
- Other extras