Authentic Desert

Check-in at your hotel followed by a leisurely afternoon or head out and explore the charm of this bustling ancient city. (D)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a city tour of Marrakech. Behold the Bahia Palace with its exceptional cedar and marble decorations and discover the beautifully decorated Saadian Tombs. After lunch, browse handicrafts near the Medina before arriving at Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Marvel as the sun sets over this vast space packed with food stalls, handicrafts and snake charmers. For dinner, enjoy a dinner show in the Medina. (B)(D)

After breakfast travel by 4x4 vehicle through the Tizi N’ Tichka mountain pass, the highest major mountain pass in North Africa. Continue towards Ait Ben Haddou, one of the famous ksars (castles) of the south, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a location used for many famous TV shows and films. Lunch in Ouarzazate is followed by a visit to the Glaoui Kasbah. Continue to Boumalne Dades, located at the edge of a desert plateau, before arriving in El Kelaa M’Gouna in the fragrant Rose Valley, known for the cultivation of roses and other delicacies such as saffron. (B)(L)

Depart for Tineghir with a short stop to admire the breathtaking Todra Gorge. Enjoy lunch at Kasbah Baha Baha and visit the Berber museum and take in the panoramic views of the ‘village of the 45 Kasbahs’. Continue by road to the oasis town of Zagora where we visit the city, then stop at the iconic ‘Tombouctou, 52 jours sign’ which translates to ‘52 days to Timbuktu’. (B)(L)

This morning travel to M’hamid, the gateway to the Sahara, passing through Tamegroute to visit a potter’s workshop and its old Koranic library (depending on availability). We then continue to M’hamid where we find the first dunes of the desert. In the afternoon, pass over sand dunes, hamadas and oases via the Oued Laatache (‘river of thirst’). Stop at the sacred oasis before arriving at the magnificent Chegaga camp, surrounded by the great rolling dunes. Take the chance to climb highest dune to watch the sunset over the desert expanse. (B)(L)

The adventure continues towards the desert town of Foum Zguid by the route between Erg Chegaga and the dry bed of Draa, passing by Iriki Lake for a break via the old Paris-Dakar route. Have lunch in Foum Zguid by the pool or in tents. Foum Zguid is located in a palm grove grouping several ksars (castles). Visit some of the active associations and co-ops of the village of Foum Zguid, whose goal is to promote locally made products such as rugs, henna, dates and ecologically grown couscous. (B)(L)

After breakfast, continue via Tazenakht to Taliouine, a village located at 930 metres altitude. The region is best known for the cultivation of saffron, the world’s most expensive spice by weight. Visit a saffron co-operative and taste a local specialty of mint tea with saffron, nicknamed ‘red gold’. Continue via the Tizi-n-Test pass to Marrakech. After check-in to your hotel the rest of the day is at leisure. (B)(L)

Check-out after breakfast or opt for a longer stay by selecting one of our extensions, such as an extended stay in Marrakech or a beach extension in the lovely seaside town of Agadir. Optional transfers available for passengers departing from Agadir, Casablanca and Marrakech airports.