Souks & Sand Dunes Adventure

Arrive at Marrakech Airport and begin your Moroccan journey. We meet our local representative and transfer into the city, settling into our central hotel and taking in first impressions of the Red City. Later we gather with our guide and travelling companions for a welcome meeting – we run through the itinerary and share practical tips for the days ahead. Afterwards the time is yours – you can relax at the hotel, take a gentle stroll nearby, browse a few shops or unwind by the pool.

We depart Marrakech and follow the scenic Route of the Roses, celebrated for its fragrant fields and locally crafted products. We pause at viewpoints in the Valley of the Roses to admire emerald plots set against rugged mountains, then cross the dramatic High Atlas on a route once used by traders. Descending towards Ouarzazate, we continue to the fortified ksar of Aït Benhaddou – a hillside maze of earthen dwellings. We wander its narrow lanes and learn how this UNESCO World Heritage site became a backdrop for many films.

We travel from Aït Benhaddou across the south towards N’Kob, passing rugged mountains, arid plains and small Berber villages. The scenery shifts as desert plateaus give way to palm groves and kasbahs, revealing glimpses of remote rural life. Continuing east, the views grow more dramatic as we approach the Draa Valley and the wide horizons of Morocco’s desert interior – a striking contrast to historic fortified settlements. In N’Kob we discover a remarkable cluster of 45 mudbrick ksour at the foot of the Jebel Saghro. We learn about the Ait Atta Nomads, then enjoy a gentle walk through the lush palmerie with views of surrounding peaks and traditional homes. In the afternoon you can unwind at the hotel or join an optional Moroccan cookery class – a calm pause before we venture deeper into the south.

We journey through the Anti–Atlas and descend into the fertile Draa Valley, famed for its date palms and fortified villages. We pause to taste fresh dates and hear about the valley’s long agricultural traditions. Continuing towards the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga we join a camel trek into the sands as the light softens – a serene introduction to the desert. We watch the sunset from the dunes, then settle into a Berber desert camp and share a traditional dinner beneath the stars. We round off the evening with music around the fire and the rare chance to sleep in the stillness of the Sahara.

We leave the Sahara and travel north to the dramatic Todra Gorge. We wander between towering rock walls above a narrow valley floor, and enjoy an easy stroll amid palms and gentle streams while admiring the sheer cliffs – a vivid contrast to the desert. In your free time you can relax at the hotel or continue exploring the valley at your own pace – an ideal setting to unwind in nature after days on the road.

You can spend your free time in the Todra Gorge relaxing at the hotel or exploring the valley at your own pace – a perfect place to reset after recent journeys. We then visit a local cooperative to see how Berber carpets are traditionally woven and enjoy lunch with the artisans. If you are tempted to buy you can practise your bargaining. Later we travel through the Dades and Skoura regions towards Ouarzazate – gateway to the desert and the High Atlas – passing palm oases and landscapes dotted with kasbahs along the way.

We cross the Atlas Mountains once more on our return to Marrakech, the route revealing varied scenery and sweeping vistas. On arrival we visit Djemaa el Fna – the famous central square alive with stalls and street life. By day it hosts juice sellers and performers, and as evening falls it transforms into a bustling open air food market.

You have free time in Marrakech to unwind at the hotel or explore at your own pace. You might meander through nearby streets, browse local shops or simply relax by the pool – the choice is yours.

Spend a final slice of free time in Marrakech – relax at the hotel or explore at your own pace – before we transfer you from your hotel to the airport. Say farewell to Morocco as you head for your flight.