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
Drive through the High Atlas Mountains
Marrakech – Ouarzazate. Leaving Marrakech, we drive over the stunning High Atlas Mountains on the way to Ouarzazate, which used to be the crossing point for African traders heading to the northern cities in Morocco, or travelling up into Europe. Ouarzazate is now the film capital of Morocco and there is an optional excursion to visit the famous film studios which have been used for films such as Kingdom of Heaven, Alexander the Great, The Last Temptation of Christ and The Living Daylights.
Overnight: Ouarzazate | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sahara camel trek & camp under the Saharan stars
Ouarzazate – Merzouga. This morning we drive through the Anti-Atlas Mountain Ranges to cross The Draa Valley which is famous for its delicious dates. After lunch (not included) there's time to relax and cool down with a swim in Rissani. Then we travel on to Merzouga, gateway to the vast and spectacular Sahara Desert. Here we transfer to our camels for an incredible trek across the huge Erg Chebbi dunes for a night at our remote Berber Camp. 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, 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. Lunch will be at our Todra hotel and after lunch will be a free afternoon to relax by the pool, go for a swim or a stroll.
Overnight: Todra Gorge | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dades Gorge
Todra Gorge – Dades Gorge. Enjoy free time at Todra Gorge this morning before lunch at a very traditional Berber cooperative for Berber carpets, which is owned by local people. We will learn how the Berbers make their carpets, you will have chance to try your bargaining skills if you are interested in buying one. This afternoon we travel to the beautiful Dades Gorge, a stunning valley which extends from the High Atlas to the Jebel Sarhro range in the south, with a picturesque river meandering through the middle and kasbahs dotted on the ranges. Admire the views along the serpentine roads, stopping at several scenic spots en route for photo opportunities and perhaps a cup of mint tea as we head to our hotel.
Overnight: Dades Gorge | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
UNESCO World Heritage Ait Benhaddou
Dades Gorge – Ait Benhaddou. This morning we head 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. Explore the winding alleys and admire the wonderful views overlooking a fertile river valley and the surrounding Atlas mountains.
Overnight: Ait Benhaddou | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Famous Djemaa el Fna Square
Ait Benhaddou - 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, Lunch, 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 or seize the opportunity for one last dip in the Atlantic. After lunch we 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...
Spend the morning relaxing or picking up a few last minute souvenirs. Our tour concludes upon hotel check out at 12 noon.
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. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the per person price.
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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!
Les Jardins , Ouarzazate
A fairly new hotel in Ouarzazate, the Hotel les Jardins is in the traditional style of a Moroccan kasbah, with spacious rooms. The hotel is set in exquisitely manicured gardens, which provide guests with a much needed breath of fresh air. The experience is complete with a pool and restaurant, where visitors can while away the hours in the warm, starry evenings. The hotel is on the outskirts of Ouzarzate and has numerous restaurants and shops nearby.
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.
Kasbah de la Vallee, Dades Gorge
Kasbah de la Vallee is decorated according to the Moroccan tradition, with patterns and colours typical of the south. The rooms are comfortable, with private bathrooms. Homemade Moroccan delicacies are served at the restaurant and created using local produce. Situated at the entrance of Dades gorge, the hotel has a fantastic view over the river Dades that runs between the high cliffs. The hotel is in front of a small stony creek where the nomads regularly come to water their herds.
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.
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
Extra Tour Info
