South Morocco

Route and other info

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days:15
Group size:2-20
Product code:SMC

Itinerary
1 - 3 Marrakech, 4 Ait Ben Haddou, 5 Merzouga (via Agdz and Nkob) / Erg Chebbi , 6 Merzouga (camels - optional), 7 - 8 Todra Gorges, 9 Ouarzazate, 10 - 11 Taroudant, 12 - 13 Essaouira, 14 Casablanca, 15 End of tour

What's included
Accommodation in hotels; 13 x breakfast (in Marrakech, Merzouga, Todra, Ouarzazate, Taroudant, Essaouira and Casablanca); 2 x diner in Marrakech; transportation with AC (mini) bus only for transfers from hotel to hotel; English speaking tour leader.

What's not included
International flights; all other meals; tips; visas; optional excursions; all entrance fees; airport transfers; booking fee; travel insurance.

Extra
Pocket money: £125 - £150 p.w
Single room: £139

Please note
Pay attention: We will stay only one night in the dessert at Merzouga, and will stay one night longer at the beach of Essaouira in the months of July and August. ♦You will generally travel with other UK clients. However, if less than 6 people book the tour on the UK website then your group may be combined with a Dutch, German, Italian or Spanish group. Your tour would still be conducted in English.

South Morocco

South Morocco

from desert to sea

Price from
£ 500
Travelling through the relatively unspoilt south of Morocco’s high mountains, harsh desert and paradise-like green oases, you’ll visit Berber meeting-places and the medieval medinas of Marrakech and Taroudant. You’ll explore the labyrinths of oriental sultans’ cities and their picturesque covered markets. You’ll spend two nights in a goat-hair nomad tent on the edge of the Sahara, and have the opportunity to ride a camel into the dunes. And you’ll be able to chill out on the Atlantic coast in the quaint port town of Essaouira.


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.