23rd Dec. Welcome to Morocco! Arrive Marrakech airport and transfer to a traditional Moroccan Riad in the centre. Be sure to arrive in time for the welcome meeting at 6:00pm. Overnight - Marrakech (B, D)

Marrakech - Gorge du Dades. Leaving Marrakech, we drive through the striking Dades Valley, which extends from the High Atlas to the Jebel Sarhro range in the south, to reach the Gorge Du Dades. With towering red cliffs, winding streams and ancient Kasbahs, the Gorge Du Dades is incredibly beautiful. Overnight - Gorge du Dades (B, L, D)

Gorge du Dades - Todra Gorge. Merry Christmas! This morning enjoy a guided walk at Gorge du Dades before our afternoon drive to Todra Gorge. Spend the remains of the day exploring the magnificent Todra Gorge. This dusty red canyon is just 10m wide at its narrowest point, with its cliff walls towering 300m above and a small glacier stream flowing through it. If you're feeling adventurous, there is the option to rock climb (payable locally). Overnight - Todra Gorge (B, L, D)

Todra Gorge - Erg Chebbi. Crossing the Jebel Sarhro, we head down to Erg Chebbi sand dunes, which signify the commencement of the mighty Sahara Desert. Transferring to camels, we trek into the desert to a berber camp, enjoying local food and a night under the Saharan stars. Overnight - Berber Camp (B, L, D)

Erg Chebbi - Ouarzazate. Leaving the desert, we travel through the verdant Draa valley, along the route of 1000 Kasbahs, a beautiful landscape. We continue on to Ouarzazate, which African traders once used as a resting point, on their journeys up to Europe. The large film studio in Ouarzazate has been used as a setting for many films including, Alexander the Great, The Last Temptation of Christ and The Living Daylights. Overnight - Ouarzazate (B, L, D)

Ouarzazate - Aït Benhaddou - Marrakech. In the morning we can opt to go quad biking or visit the film studio that produced Lawrence of Arabia (payable locally). We then head to Aït Benhaddou, a ‘fortified city’, situated along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. It is situated on a hill along the Ouarzazate River and boasts some beautiful examples of kasbahs, some of which remain inhabited. Granted UNESCO World Heritage listing, the site had been the setting for many films including Gladiator. After exploring the area we journey back to Marrakech. Overnight - Marrakech (B, L, D)

This morning enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech. Glowing red, like a welcoming campfire, against the snowcapped High Atlas Mountains, the very name Marrakech conjures up images of an exotic, distant city, of magic carpets and snake charmers and of frankincense and myrrh brought in by camel trains. Set within the rose-coloured walls of the medina lies a reality that is not that far removed from an exotic film set – a tangle of winding streets that open onto verdant gardens and dark alleyways that lead to bustling souks. The focal point is the central square, the Djemâa-el- Fna, an extraordinary gathering and market place. Full of colour, spicy aromas and traders it is best seen in the evening when overflowing with food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians and henna artists. Towering over all this is the Koutoubia mosque, the tallest building in the city, and a reminder of the importance of Islam to the lives of the city’s residents.This afternoon if free for you to spend at leisure, perhaps picking up some last minute souvenirs! Make sure you test out your bartering skills. Overnight - Marrakech (B, L, D)

Marrakech – Taghazoute. This morning we drive south for approximately 4 hours to the Souss Valley and the Agadir coast, stopping en route for lunch. Your base for the next two nights will be the small fishing village of Taghazoute. The laid back atmosphere, beautiful beach and traditional charm of Taghazoute, has made it popular with hippies since the 60’s and surfers soon discovered its world class point breaks, making it the surfing Mecca it is today. After checking into our surf accommodation, spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps head to the beach or explore Taghazoute. Overnight - Taghazoute/Agadir* (B, L, D)

This morning it's time to put on our wetsuits and head to the beach for a morning of surf coaching and riding the waves! Enjoy a free afternoon relaxing on the beach and topping up your tan, or choose an exciting optional activities (payable locally); Perhaps continue perfecting your surfing skills with more coaching or horse trek along the beautiful Moroccan coastline. After dinner consider heading to neighbouring Agadir, to sample the nightlife and ring in the new year! Overnight - Taghazoute/Agadir* (B, L, D)

Taghazoute – Marrakech. Happy New Year! This morning is free for you to spend at leisure or the final opportunity to try one of the optional activities. We have lunch in Taghazoute before heading back to the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, stopping en route for dinner. Overnight - Marrakech (B, L, D)

2nd Jan. The tour finishes after breakfast.

* Please note, the accommodation on days 8 and 9 will be in Taghazoute or neighbouring Agadir. All activities during those two days will take place in Taghazoute. (B)