13-day Morocco excursion

Tour Overview

Day 1: Marrakeсh

We will welcome you at Marrakech airport. Transfer to the riad or to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, the rest of the day will be at leisure. Our driver will be available for an orientation drive of Marrakech. Overnight accommodations at riad or hotel.

Day 2: Marrakeсh

After breakfast, we will start exploring Marrakech, the red city of Morocco, also known as the pearl of the south. Our guide/driver will ensure that we see the most important places of historical and cultural interest: the Saadien tombs, the palaces of El Bahia and El Badi, and the Ben Youssef Coranique school. In the afternoon we'll visit the gardens at Majorelle, the Menara and the Koutoubia tower. Overnight, stay at the riad or at the hotel in Marrakech.

Day 3: Marrakech - Ourika Valley - Marrakech

Today’s excursion will be to the beautiful Ourika valley nestled on the main road in Ait Ourir. The Ourika valley is a delightfully charming, hospitable Berber village where we can take a short hike in the cool mountain air. We will discover isolated villages clinging to hillsides with terraces of cultivated land lying along the river valley. Then we return to Marrakech. Overnight stay in riad or at the hotel in Marrakech.

Day 4: Marrakech - Ouarzazate

After breakfast, depart early for Ouarzazate, a former caravan town on the silk and salt route in the eastern foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Ouarzazate is known as the Gateway to the Sahara. First of all, we will travel through the dramatic landscape of the High Atlas Mountains passing through the berber town of Taddert and over the 2260 meters high Tizi-in-Tichka pass. We will stop at the famous Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, 30 kilometers from Ouarzazate. The kasbah is one of the most intriguing red earth castles lining the ancient road of the Kasbahs, and is a UNESCO world heritage site. We continue on our way to Ouarzazate. We will stop to visit the Taourirt kasbah former home of the famous Pasha Glaoui. The painted ceilings, arches, beautiful small windows with wrought iron works and woodwork have helped make it another UNESCO site. The local guide will explain lifestyle of the pasha in the former feudalistic Moroccan society, stressing the status of his women, the favourites and common-law wives as well as the slaves. In the afternoon, enjoy a private visit of the Atlas Corporation Studio, a well-known cinematographic centre renowned for blockbuster productions including "Asterix and Cleopatre" directed by Alain Chabat; and the Oscar-wining "Gladiator", directed by Ridley Scott. Overnight accommodation will be at the hotel or riad in Ouarzazate.

Day 5: Ouarzazate - Zagora

After breakfast, we will depart to Zagora passing the Tizi-in-Tiniffit pass at 1660m elevation. The road descends to the Draa Valley, where Morrocan Jewish families settled along this fertile valley and used to live in harmony with Berber tribes. We will lead to Agdz, situated at the foot of the extraordinary rock formation called Jbel Kissane. The road follows the Oued (river) Draa. Marvel at the date palms, laurel bushes and numerous kasbahs and ksars. Continue to the Zagora oasis, the real "Gate of the desert". Overnight at a riad or hotel.

Day 6: Zagora - Merzouga

We will leave for Merzouga after breakfast, driving via Tazarine, Alnif. Will enjoy the sightseeing of the fascinating Draa Valley which has hundreds of Berber Kasbahs. We will stop by the famous kasbah Tinzouline. The trip continues through Er Rissani, where we will stop for mint tea. After a break we continue to Merzouga where our camels will be awaiting us. After welcoming refreshments, just before the sunset, we mount camels and trek through the desert dunes accompanied by an experienced camel man. In two hours we'll arrive at oasis and Berber encampment among the dunes. Delight in a delicious slow-cooked Berber meal and African drumming music under the stars.

Day 7: Sand dunes and Nomads

Our camel man will awaken us early in the morning to watch what well may be the best sunrise of your life. After breakfast in the nomad tent we will mount our camels again and trek to a black stony desert. A Bedouin family will graciously share their hospitality, and you'll spend the night in their traditional tent.

Day 8: Merzouga - Er Rissani - Merzouga

Breakfast with the Bedouin family, then we will trek back to the village of Merzouga appreciating the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes – changing with the light as the day progresses. Continuing to the holy city of Er Rissani, a site where the Alauite Dynasty are buried in the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Sheriff. We will explore the area, visit the ruins of Ksar Abbar, a kasbah that dates from the 17th century. Rissani is surrounded by 360 ksars (a fortified village with many towers) and it has a big open market held three times a week. Tour Er Rissani’s famed palmeria and enjoy a glimpse of life as it is lived on the fringe of the Sahara Desert. Stay overnight at the village of Merzouga in auberge or riad.

Day 9: Merzouga - Tineghir - Dades Gorge

After breakfast we are on the road again to the spectacular Dades gorge, passing through Tinjdad, with its exotic kasbahs and palm groves. Then visit of the Todra Gorges with their rugged escarpments, take a short walk under the towering red cliffs. Continuing through the biggest Oasis, we will enjoy the majestic rock formations. Overnight accommodation – hotel, Dades Gorge.

Day 10: Dades Gorge - Ouarzazate

After breakfast, departure to Ouarzazate passing through the Dades Valley, the line of kasbahs that give this extremely popular route its nickname as valley of a thousand kasbahs. Just before the town of Skoura, visit Kalaa Mgouna, the rose city, where you can purchase local rosewater. Then continue to Ouarzazate The Hollywood of Africa, where we will visit the Tifoultout Kasbah. Overnight accommodation at the hotel or riad.

Day 11: Ouarzazate - Marrakech

After breakfast we will depart for Marrakech through the famous Tizi–in-Tichka pass over the High Atlas Mountains. The range has snow on its peaks most of the year. Appreciate the beauty of the timeless landscapes on the twisted roads through Berber villages. Arriving Marrakech, check-in to the hotel or riad. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight accommodation will be at your riad or at the hotel.

Day 12: Marrakech - Essaouira

Today we will travel to the romantic seaside town of Essaouira. After arrival and check-in, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. Essaouira is typical Portuguese town, portraying influences of both: Moorish and Portuguese design. Highlights include the fishing harbor and the skala (the battery) left by the pirates. Stroll through the alleys of the medina and view hundreds of handicrafts. Our visit includes the Mellah – the Jewish quarters. Overnight at the riad or at the hotel.

Day 13: Essaouira - Marrakech

After an early breakfast, we will drive you to Marrakech airport for your return flight.

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