Morocco: Deserts & Beaches
11 days
From
$ 1099
Duration11 days
You'll gain a whole new appreciation for Moroccan culture and the Berber way of life after embarking on this 11-day tour through the country. Guided by your trusted CEO (Chief Experience Officer), you'll visit incredible sites like the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, stay overnight in unique accommodations like a traditional mountain gîte, and hit the coast with surf lessons of the beaches of Taghazout.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 11 daysService level: Basic
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech
Arrive at any time. Meet your group for the welcome meeting. Afterwards, head out for a night on the town.
On arrival, check the notice board (or ask reception) for the exact time and location of the group meeting. Afterwards, there will be the possibility to go out for a meal as a group in a nearby local restaurant. If you arrive late, no worries, your leader will leave you a message at the front desk.
Day 2: Marrakech/Todra Gorge
Make the first stop of the day at Tinghir to visit the town and go for a walk through the palm groves. Then head to the breathtaking Todra Gorge to spend the night nestled between the sheer cliff walls among the palm trees and gurgling river. This serene spot is great for hiking, relaxing on the edge of the river or sampling some local Berber delicacies.
Head towards the stunning Todra Gorge.
Meals: B
Day 3: Todra Gorge/Merzouga
Settle into your hotel at the edge of the dunes and enjoy a warm welcome with mint tea. In the late afternoon, take a camel ride deep into the dunes to watch the sunset. Learn to tie a turban to keep the desert sun off your face and add a little flare to photos.
In the evening, gather around a campfire near to your hotel to indulge in a traditional dinner under the stars. Listen to stories about life in this region and, perhaps, some traditional music on the drums.
In the evening, gather around a campfire near to your hotel to indulge in a traditional dinner under the stars. Listen to stories about life in this region and, perhaps, some traditional music on the drums.
Travel towards the desert and embark on a camel ride into the dunes to watch the sunset. Head back to the hotel and enjoy an evening of dinner and entertainment under the stars.
Enjoy traditional local fare of a tagine with beef and vegetables. (Vegetarian option also available.)
Meals: B, D
Day 4: Merzouga/Aït Ben Haddou
Rise early to watch the sunrise. Depart early and travel along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs to Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most fascinating and beautiful kasbahs renowned UNESCO world heritage site.
Leave the desert behind and get lost exploring the famous kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou.
Meals: B
Day 5: Ait Benhaddou/Aroumd
Travel through the magnificent High Atlas Mountain landscape, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2260m. Head into the splendid Toubkal National Park, passing through small villages on winding mountain roads, arriving at the village of Imlil.
With our main luggage transported by mule, embark on the hike from Imlil to the little village of Aroumd (1 hr), arriving at our simple mountain gîte for the night.
Enjoy a homemade dinner of local produce in the cozy salon. Settle in and enjoy the tranquility, fantastic views, and clean mountain air of this magical region.
With our main luggage transported by mule, embark on the hike from Imlil to the little village of Aroumd (1 hr), arriving at our simple mountain gîte for the night.
Enjoy a homemade dinner of local produce in the cozy salon. Settle in and enjoy the tranquility, fantastic views, and clean mountain air of this magical region.
Head towards the Atlas Mountains. Enjoy a hike to the village of Aroumd, at the base of the High Atlas Mountains. Let a mule carry the bags up to this mountain hideaway and hike alongside. Enjoy views of the Mt Toubkal from the mountain gite before a home-cooked dinner.
Accommodation is multi-share, up to six beds in each room. Bedding is provided, but you will need to bring a sleeping bag for additional warmth if travelling between November and April. You will also need to bring your own towel. Bathroom facilities are shared.
Meals: B, D
Day 6: Aroumd/Marrakech
Journey to Marrakech. After arriving in the "Red City,"opt to discover the secrets of this amazing, ancient city. Relax at one of the tea houses around the square, watching the hustle and bustle from a shady spot. Opt to visit Musée de Marrakech, explore the ruins of El Badi Palace or wander through Jardins Majorelle.
End the day like a local with an optional group dinner in the famous food stalls of Djemaa el Fna.
End the day like a local with an optional group dinner in the famous food stalls of Djemaa el Fna.
Hike back to Imlil and transfer to Marrakech.
Meals: B
Day 7: Marrakech
A great place to start is Djemaa el Fna square, in the heart of the medina. The square changes its offerings throughout the day. Do some souvenir shopping or wander the new part of the city for a taste of the modern.
Enjoy a free day to explore all that Marrakech has to offer. In the evening, welcome new friends to the group and join your CEO for a night on the town.
Meals: B
Day 8: Marrakech/Taghazout
Head to Paradise valley to swim in rock pools and explore waterfalls. Opt for a guided hike or visit to the village of Izourki Oufella, a region that is known for its refined honey and argan oil. Continue to Taghazout.
Meals: B, D
Day 9: Taghazout
In the morning enjoy a surf lesson before hitting the waves. Free afternoon to continue surfing, or opt for some stand up paddle boarding, hiking or yoga. In the evening, join the the group for a sunset bonfire on the beach.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Taghazout/Essaouira
Head to Essaouira and enjoy an orientation walk followed by free time to explore this coastal city. Want to soothe aching muscles? Pre-book the Traditional Hammam Experience on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour.
Meals: B
Day 11: Essaouira/Marrakech
Leave the coast behind and return to Marrakech. Trip ends on arrival.
This tour will end upon arrival in Marrakech at approximately 12pm. We suggest booking any onward travel after 4pm.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Local Living Moment: Mountain Gîte Stay with Traditional Moroccan Meal, Aroumd (Aremd) Your Discover Moment: Marrakech Your Big Night Out Moment: Marrakech
- Tinghir orientation walk
- Local village walk along the Todra Valley
- Sunset camel ride in the desert
- Traditional dinner and drums under the stars
- Aït Ben Haddou kasbah tour
- Hike in the Atlas Mountains
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Swimming in rock pools and exploring waterfalls in Paradise Valley
- Surf lesson in Taghazout
- Sunset beach bonfire
- Essaouira orientation walk
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private air-con van, Public bus -
Accommodation
Hotels (7 nts), Mountain gîte (1 nt, multi-share), Surf house (2 nts)