Take your family on an adventure from the Sahara Desert to the beaches of the Atlantic coast visiting ancient Marrakech, Unesco listed Ait Benhaddou, the High Atlas mountains and a night under the stars in a Berber camp before a chance to relax in laid back Essaouira. This tour is designed for children aged 5 and over.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
UNESCO World Heritage - Ait Benhaddou
Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou. This morning we travel through The Roses Valley (which is famous for its roses), en route to legendary Ait Benhaddou, a fortified city situated along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Granted UNESCO World Heritage listing, the site had been the setting for many films including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Enjoy a guided tour of this remarkable site, exploring the ancient winding alleys, towers and kasbahs - a handful of which remain inhabited today.
Overnight: Ait Benhaddou | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Berber Oasis of Nkob
Ait Benhaddou - N'kob. After breakfast, we depart our hotel and journey towards the Berber Oasis of N'kob, located at the foot of the Jebel Saghro mountains, nestled amongst the exotic palmeries. Here, we have time to explore N’kob’s 45 mudbrick ksour’s (fortified village) and learn about Ait Atta Nomad’s and their way of life. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to walk through the Palmerie and soak up the stunning views around or perhaps enjoy an optional cooking lesson.
Overnight: Nkob | Breakfast, Dinner
Sahara camel trek & camp under the Saharan stars
Today we drive through the Anti Atlas ranges to cross The Draa Valley which is famous for its dates and we can stop and try some fresh ones en route. This afternoon we relax and cool down with a swim in Rissani. Then it’s time to head towards the Sahara Desert at Merzouga, and transfer to our camels for an incredible trek across the vast Erg Chebbi dunes for a night at our authentic Berber Camp. An experience that is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on travellers young and old! We enjoy a relaxing evening in the desert; we can scale the giant sand dunes and watch an incredible sunset before settling down to enjoy local food and listen to Berber music. Tonight we camp under the glittering Saharan stars.
Overnight: Berber Camp - Sahara Desert | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Todra Gorge
Merzouga - Todra Gorge. Leaving the desert, we continue our journey to Todra Gorge. This 1000ft gorge is hemmed in on all sides by vertical limestone cliffs and is known as Morocco’s Grand Canyon. From its plunging depths to dizzying heights, the charm of Todra lies in its changing colours as the sun slowly moves from east to west. The afternoon is free to relax by the pool, go for a swim or a stroll.
Overnight: Todra Gorge | Breakfast, Dinner
Ouarzazate
Todra Gorge - Ouarzazate. This morning is free to further explore the Gorge, before enjoying a traditional lunch at a Berber cooporative, where we also have the opportunity to learn how traditional Berber carpets are made, and maybe even bargain for one.
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Our afternoon finds us making our way to Ouarzazate - the Hollywood of North Africa. There's an optional visit to its famous film studios which have been used for films such as The Kingdom of Heaven, Alexander the Great, The Last Temptation of Christ and The Living Daylights.
Overnight: Ouarzazate | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Famous Djemaa el Fna Square
Ouarzazate - Marrakech. Today we make an incredible journey over the Atlas mountains back to Marrakech. There's time to freshen up at our hotel before we head out for dinner at one of the restaurants in Djemaa el Fna Square, the exuberant market place which literally springs to life in the evenings. Filled with spicy aromas, exotic music, market stalls, snake charmers, magicians, storytellers and more, it is undoubtedly the liveliest and most captivating attraction in Morocco!
Overnight: Marrakech | Breakfast, Dinner
Marrakech city tour
Marrakech. This morning you can enjoy an optional guided tour of Marrakech with a local payment of 100 Dirhams per person, alternatively you can explore the city yourself or relax by the pool. Marrakech has some amazing places to explore, the winding streets and bustling souks, visiting Bahia Palace, the Jewish Quarter and the beautiful Koutoubia Mosque - the landmark of Marrakech, which towers over the ancient Medina.
Overnight: Marrakech | Breakfast
Coastal town of Essaouira
Marrakech - Essaouira. This morning we take a public bus to Essaouira (private transfer for larger groups). With a laid-back feel Essaouira is Morocco’s hippest coastal town. The windswept fishing port, broad beaches and ancient walled medina with ramparts built into the cliff have long been a favourite refuge for artists, sculptors, food lovers, surfers and backpackers. The medina surrounded by a fortress with 5 main gates you can navigate by, has retained its traditional styles and is laden with quirky shops, coffee houses, antiques, art studios, calligraphers, t-shirt designers and souvenir curios.
There’s a relaxed feel to the place and shopping here is a real delight. Locals and visitors alike enjoy strolling along the ramparts as the sun sets. The port is a hive of activity with fishing boats hauling in their daily catch.
Opt for a swim in the Atlantic, a game of football on the beach with the locals, an afternoon at the hammam, wind surfing or kite surfing (very cool to watch, even if you’d rather not participate yourself). The beach is also great for a stroll and since it runs for about 6 miles (10km) there’s plenty of it. By nightfall sit back and relax at any one of the many al fresco cafes, pubs or bars serving cold beer and the freshest seafood. Free time to explore Essaouira, try a hammam and practice your bargaining skills in the souks.
Overnight: Essaouira | Breakfast
Explore your way
Enjoy a free day relaxing on the beach, topping up your tan, shopping in the quaint village souk or choose from a number of exciting optional activities such as quad biking, horse riding, surfing or wind surfing available about town.
Overnight: Essaouira | Breakfast
One last swim in the Atlantic
Essaouira - Marrakech. This morning offers free time for you relax before we leave mid-morning for our return to delightful Marrakech (by public bus for small groups) for the final night. Take the opportunity for a final spot of shopping in Djemaa el Fna or head out with the group for a final dinner.
Overnight: Marrakech | Breakfast
Farewell...
Our Moroccan adventure finishes after breakfast, goodbyes and farewells to new found friends.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. We offer a discounted price for children aged 5-11 years of age at time of travel, which is listed at the bottom of this page.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
El Andalous Hotel & Spa, Marrakech
Just 10 minutes from the airport, the El Andalous Hotel and Spa offers a welcome respite from the hubub of the city. Evoking the golden age of Arab-Andalusian culture; exotic and romantically rich. Guest rooms are well furnished with excellent en suite facilites as well as private balconies. The hotel pool is great place to relax by and enjoy a tasty beverage or two. The medina is just a 20 minute walk from here or a cab can get you there in a few minutes!
La Rose Du Sable, Ait Benhaddou
La Rose Du Sable is a Kasbah-style property located within minutes of the fortified town of Air Benhaddou. Each traditionally decorated guestroom is ensuite and boasts spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Guests can relax by the pool or on the Berber lounge terrace, while enjoying delicious local specialties such as tagine and couscous.
Kasbah Amazir, Todra Gorge
Nestled in a small oasis surrounded by palm trees, the traditional-style Kasbah Amazir is the perfect haven for those looking to relax. Guestrooms feature Berber carpets and bamboo furniture, with some also offering a private terrace. Enjoy a dip in the swimming pool or take a stroll in the gardens. For those looking to fill their holiday with a spot of adrenaline, hikes and climbs can be arranged nearby. After a long day you can enjoy a drink and traditional Moroccan dishes in the on-site restaurant.
Hotel Miramar, Essaouira
Enjoying an enviable location just a 15-minute walk from the beach and some of the city’s key sights, Hotel Miramar combines 4-star comfort with local convenience. Each of the 45 guest rooms’ benefit from a separate sitting area, room service and satellite television, there’s also free WiFi throughout the property. After a day of sightseeing guests can unwind in the on-site spa, which offers a variety of treatments, or those that prefer to relax during the day can opt to head to the hotel’s private sand beach.
In Brief
