9-days tour
Description of the tour
Have you been told the tale of a thousand and one nights? Then get ready to live your own story and let yourself be carried away by us to lands of camel caravans, as you tour vestiges of another era, impressive Kasbahs that rise proudly, as if they were old women who behind their wrinkles, hide days of glory and beauty.
General information
- 9-day round trip
- 8 Night’s accommodation
- 1,380km
- Desert – coastlines - mountains
- 4x4 exclusive use - camels
- Arts and crafts (earthenware and textiles) - Kasbahs – Film studios
Itinerary
Day 1 : Marrakesh - Skoura
We will leave Marrakesh heading to Skoura crossing the High Atlas where, en route we will be crossing over the Tizi-n-Tichka, at 2,260m the highest in Morocco, and will stop to take in some spectacular views of the highlands, then on to the Kasbah Telouet, site of the great Palace of the Glaoui clan, a jewel of Moorish architecture, built in the 18th century to control the salt caravan routes crossing from Sub-Saharan lands through the Drâa Valley onwards to the imperial cities.
From here the route continues through the Unila Valley with its wonderful landscapes and Berber villages, to Aït Ben Haddou, where we can stop for a leisurely meal and then visit the Kasbah, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the place where They have filmed scenes from many Hollywood movies such as Gladiator.
Later we resume our route through Morocco along the so-called “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs”, crossing Ouarzazate, film capital before arriving at the palm groves of Skoura.
Overnight in Skoura
Day 2 : Skoura – Gorges of Todra
Departure after breakfast. Today we will pass through the Skoura Valley, called the "Route of a Thousand Kasbahs", Valley of the Roses, the Gorges of Dadès and to the Gorges of Todra.Upon reaching the Skoura Valley, we will take a path among palm grove paths and villages until the Kasbah of Amridil, one of the most beautiful and romantic in all Morocco, which we will stop to visit. We cross the Valley of the Roses, known for the manufacture of products related to the flower of Damascus, a flower that is grown in this valley and gives work to many families. We then go off road up a track to visit one of the cave dwelling nomad families in the area, who survive with a little livestock and a common home. They usually invite you for tea and greatly appreciate any help they may receive.
We then take the road once again, passing through immense palm plantations until our route through Morocco reaches the Gorges of Dadès passing through the village of Boumalne Dadès until we arrive at the Gorges of Todra, to enjoy the views of the magnificent rocky canyon, a favourite spot for climbers and a favourite tourist destination in Morocco.
Day 3 : Gorges of Todra – Sahara at Merzouga
We will leave in the morning headed to the dunes in our 4x4 via the palm groves of Jorf to visit underground channels - an ancient irrigation system that the people of the town used to take water to their lands. We will pass through the small town of Erfoud, known for its fossils, and in the afternoon arrive at the great dunes of Erg Chebbi, where the dromedaries await you to enter the dunes.
A magical night in our camp with music, and singing with the desert folk, a romantic evening for honeymooners under the stars, sleeping in the typical Khaimahs nestled by the dunes.
Day 4 : Sahara at Merzouga and surrounding area
Day to get to know the Erg Chebbi area out in our own 4x4 to get a glimpse of the way of life of the nomads in the desert, which means going out to meet and collaborate with humanitarian aid, giving whatever, you may consider appropriate – food, clothing, educational material...
This is a day where the success of our outing depends on who we meet rather than where we go as much as anything. After we will stop at the village of Khamlia, known for its traditional music, where most of its inhabitants are of Sudanese origin. We will enjoy a performance from one of the groups famous for their "Gnawa" music and dance rhythms while drinking tea in sign of hospitality. Afternoon arrival at our hotel and time to relax.
Overnight in Merzouga
Day 5 : Sahara - Agdz
Today our route will lead us through the Black Desert with its acacias until Nekob, an oasis with 44 adobe palaces or "Ksur", before heading through the Drâa Valley, whose river - the Drâa is the longest in southern Morocco, rising in the High Atlas and providing water for endless orchards and groves. We will make a last halt in Agdz to enjoy the sight of the palm forests and visit the Tamnougalt Kasbah belonging to the local mayor. We Will spend the night at our lodge on the Banks of the river, a true beauty spot and ideal for honeymooners.
Overnight in Agdz
Day 6 : Agdz - Taroudant
After breakfast departure from Agdz to Taroudant, passing through the best-known village in this area, dedicated to weaving Berber carpets (taznakt), and if you feel like it you can visit a workshop to see its products. This route through Morocco offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes and peoples. We then continue to cross the Middle Atlas, where the delicate flower of saffron is cultivated, an ideal place to take advantage and buy this high-quality product. We will also pass through argan forests, until you reach the city of Taroudant, where you can explore its medina and soak up the culture of Morocco.
Overnight in Taroudant
Day 7 : Taroudant - Essaouira
Departure in the morning from Taroudant, towards Essaouira. The landscape is dotted with argan trees, and if you're lucky, you'll see the goats perching on these trees to eat their fruits. Women’s cooperatives producing argan oil, abound where they teach how the world-famous, Moroccan argan oil is handmade. You will skirt the Atlantic Coast arriving in Agadir, where you can enjoy several views then continue through coastal areas, where surf lovers come looking for the big waves.
Arrival and overnight in Essaouira.
Day 8 : Essaouira
Free day to visit Essaouira, a fortified city bathed by the Atlantic sea, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its white houses with blue shutters dot the city. Famous for its festivals of "Gnawa" music and for the large number of artists who look to express the views that have captivated them on canvas. Essaouira has a charming harbour to stroll around and is an ideal spot should you choose to have a fish or seafood lunch. It also has a wide and pleasant seafront promenade that runs parallel to the coast, and is an essential place for those who love surfing or just relaxing on beaches to take in the colours of the afternoons riding a camel on the beach.
Overnight in Essaouira
Day 9 : Essaouira - Marrakesh
Morning departure from Essaouira towards Marrakesh, via national roads, the fastest and most comfortable way to get to the red city, Marrakesh.
Arrival in Marrakesh and end of our services
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