Tour description
The trip will start in Marrakech, the principal capital of the south, where we’ll spend three nights. The city’s dazzling centre, the Djemaa el Fna square, is an enthralling and exotic Eastern experience populated by snake-charmers, acrobats and storytellers. You’ll be able to have a meal at one of the small food stalls that appear only at night to serve up delicious kebabs, seafood, soup and salads. You’ll explore the medieval medina and markets heaving with a colourful mixture of bright carpets, piled fruit and dyed skeins of wool. Behind small gates you will discover handsomely-wrought sultan’s tombs, ancient palaces and Koranic schools. The numerous terraces are great for people-watching and, in the evening, a refreshing visit to a steamy hammam (a Turkish bath) is recommended.
Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou
On day 4 we’ll head for the kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou and cross the High Atlas Mountains with their snow-covered summits and deep river valleys. In the days that follow we’ll undoubtedly encounter one of the weekly markets which provide the most important gathering-places for inhabitants of remote villages.
Through the Drâa Valley
On day 5 we’ll travel through the Drâa Valley and stunning desert landscape to Erg Chebbi. The latter, on the edge of the Sahara, is Morocco’s most beautiful sand dune region and that’s why we’ll spend two nights here in a goat-hair nomad tent! You’ll be able to explore on foot or take the opportunity to ride a camel. Either way we know that you’ll enjoy the endless sea of sand and this region’s spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Explore Todra Gorge
On day 7 we’ll head for Morocco’s deepest river canyon, the Todra Gorge. On the following day you will be able to, either take a hike to explore the palm-strewn valley or simply sit on a terrace and enjoy the scenery. The trip then continues to Ouarzazate, where you can pay a visit to Kasbah Taourirt, the birthplace of the last Pasha of Marrakech.
Taroudant
On day 10 we’ll travel through splendid volcanic scenery to Taroudant, a charming walled city with what will seem like an anachronous medieval-like street-life. On the following day you will be able to explore Taroudant’s small alleys, buy some unusual ethnic souvenirs, and visit a tea-house.
Walk on the beach
On day 12 we’ll drive through the lush green argana forests towards Essaouira, a friendly coastal town on the Atlantic Ocean. There you’ll be able to simply loll on a terrace, or if you’re feeling energetic, either explore the ancient alleys or go for a long walk on the beach. In the morning you will be able to watch the fishing boats unload their catch of sardines at the port. Then, in the evening, we recommend that you treat yourself to freshly-caught fish where it is served in any of the quaint little harbour restaurants.
Casablanca
On the afternoon of day 14 we will arrive in Casablanca where, because the trip ends the following day, you will sadly have to say goodbye - for the moment at least - to the many friends you’ll no doubt have made!
July and August
N.B. During July and August we will spend only 1 night near Merzouga in the desert and stay longer at the beach at Essaouira.