Tour description
From Casablanca we’ll head to the striking medieval city of Fes. We’ll have the opportunity to visit the ruins of Volubilis, a once-great Roman city. Fes itself is a city that never fails to impress; strolling through the narrow and winding lanes of the old medina with its markets and tanneries, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Middle Atlas Mountains
On day 5 we’ll travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains where the cedar forests are home to native Barbary apes. We’ll follow the Ziz Gorge, a winding river valley with stunning rock formations, before reaching Erg Chebbi. The latter is an imposing expanse of huge sand-dunes on the edge of the Sahara, where we’ll have the opportunity to take a camel caravan out into the dunes for an overnight camp in traditional nomad tents.Todra Gorge
Day 7 will take us via Morocco’s deepest canyon, the Todra Gorge, to the magnificent Dades Gorge where the delightful scenery features palms, limestone castles and almost-Biblical shepherds guarding their flocks. This is a wonderful location for walking tours, not least because the locals are extremely friendly and always willing to chat.‘Lawrence of Arabia’
On day 9 we’ll follow the kasbah route to one of the most famous kasbah villages, Ait BenHaddou. This World Heritage site, with its maze-like alleyways and unexpected cul de sacs, has provided sets for epic films such as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ and ‘Gladiator’.
Crossing the High Atlas, we’ll reach our next destination, the exotic city of Marrakech on day 10. Snake charmers, acrobats and musicians crowd the famous Djemaa el Fna square at the centre of the old medina. At night the square is transformed into a lively food market, but during the day you’ll delight in the souks, spice markets and terraces.Remote Berber villages
On day 12 we’ll head into the Atlas Mountains and take a four-day trek. Here we’ll enjoy breathtaking views and have the chance to visit remote Berber villages as well as Toubkal, North Africa’s highest mountain, the summit of which is often covered with snow. For that particular adventure you’ll be accompanied by a mountain guide and a support team comprising of a cook and mule-handlers, with mules to carry your luggage. It’s stretching the definition of a Shoestring holiday we know. But you’re worth it!Taroudant
Day 17 takes us to Taroudant, a walled medieval city with a magnificent medina which you’ll be able to explore the next day as you go souvenir-hunting around the narrow alleys and drink refreshing mint tea in the cafés.A haven for hippies
On day 19 we’ll drive through a region where Morocco’s native argan tree grows and towards the port town of Essaouira, once a haven for hippies. In the evening, we’ll eat freshly-caught fish for dinner, served directly from the grill. There is also a great beach and a wonderful medina with picturesque markets and shops.Return to Marrakech
We’ll return to Marrakech for the last night of the tour. On day 22 we will go our separate ways with bags loaded with souvenirs and a head full of great memories!