Imperial Cities, Saharan Sands - 8 days

Premium tour. A Moroccan medley, taking in the delights of exotic Marrakech and medieval Fes, a camel train into the Sahara, the roman ruins of Volubilis and the ancient kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. Enjoy the old world charm of Morocco from the comfort of 4 star riads and hotels on this premium tour. Maximum group size 18 travellers .

Day 1: Marrakech
Saturday. Upon arrival at Marrakech airport you’ll be met and transferred to your riad in the centre of town. This evening there will be a welcome meeting at 18.00hrs, after which you’re free to explore the delights of Djemaa el Fna, the exuberant market place, which literally comes alive at night. You’ll be amazed at the cacophony of sights, sounds and colour. Overnight - Marrakech
A Moroccan Riad
Day 2: Djemaa el Fna & the old medina
This morning we take a guided city tour and see the sights of magical Marrakech. Inside the rose-coloured medina walls lies Bahia Palace and a tangle of winding streets that open onto verdant gardens and intriguing alleyways that lead onto bustling souks and the exciting market place Djemaa el Fna. Towering over this is the famous Koutoubia mosque, the tallest building in the city!

The afternoon is free to spend at leisure, perhaps visit the peaceful Jardins de Majorelle. Overnight - Marrakech (B)
Imperial Cities, Saharan Sands - 8 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Camels in front of Ait Benhaddou - the ancient Kasbah
Day 3: Ait Benhaddou
Marrakech - Todra Gorge. It’s an early start this morning as we set off towards the desert after breakfast. From the flat plain of Haouz, the route climbs southwards and rises up to the passes of the High Atlas mountains. Along twisty roads with marvellous views before descending to the rocky red foothills where we visit the UNESCO Listed Ait Benhaddou.

Ait Benhaddou is an incredible ancient kasbah that has featured in many a blockbuster movie, including Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. Enjoy a guided tour of the site before carrying on along the valley of the Roses, to the dramatic Todra Gorge, a narrow mountain cleft with towering 300 metre high walls. Overnight - Todra Gorge (B, L, D)
Palm trees in the Sahara desert
Day 4: Discover the Sahara
Todra gorge - Erg Chebbi/Sahara. This morning we travel to Merzouga at the foot of the Erg Chebbi sand dune in the great Sahara Desert. Here we stay in the comfort of a charming auberge. In the afternoon (or the morning of day 5 if travelling in summer) we pick up our camels and take an incredible ride across the vast and rolling sand dunes. Back at the auberge this evening, watch a magnificent sun set and star gaze on the terrace. Overnight - Desert Auberge (B, L, D)
An aerial view of Fes
Day 5: Scenic drive to Fes
Erg Chebbi - Fes. After breakfast, we begin our long but very drive (approx 7 hrs), north from the desert, up into the High Atlas past the Ziz Gorge and into the Middle Atlas before we finally we descend and reach Fes late afternoon. Overnight - Fes (B, L)
A young Moroccan sits in the bright red tanneries where leather is prepared and dyed
The oldest and largest medieval city in the world, Fes is a bustling hive of activity and the medina provides a heady mix of aromas, sights and sounds from the overloaded donkeys, tanneries, spice tubs, carpets and leather goods. Today we take a step back in time as we enjoy a guided tour of the medieval medina in the morning. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring or perhaps just relaxing. Overnight - Fes (B)
A man sits by the beautiful Ruins at Volubilis
Fes - Volubilis - Marrakech. Today we leave Fes to see the ruins of the Roman city of Volubilis - stretched out over 40 hectares, these are the most well preserved ruins in Morocco. We take a guided tour of the site, seeing the triumphal arch of Emperor Caracala, the basilica, ornate Corinthian pillars, the intricate mosaics and much more.

Leaving Volubilis we journey back to Marrakech to spend a final night in the captivating red city. Overnight - Marrakech (B)
Day 8: Marrakech
Saturday. Our Moroccan adventure ends today. Hotel check out and onward transfer to the airport. (B)
Tour Details
  • Starts in: Marrakech / Ends in: Marrakech
  • Departs: Saturday - year round
  • No local payment required
  • Breakfast:7, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 2
  • Hotel Rating: 4 star
  • Tour Guide: Yes
The on the go Theatre
A flavour of the markets in Marrakech, Morocco