Marrakesh

Marrakesh - SALAM! Welcome to Morocco! At the terminal, look out for The Sirius Adventures sign as we pick you up from the airport and take you to our hotel. Gather in the lobby at 7:00 pm to meet fellow tour members and the guide. Attend a quick and informal meeting with the leader, which includes registration, a brief overview of upcoming adventures, and some country information. An optional dinner is available to get to know your travel companions better.

Special Information
It’s crucial to attend the welcome meeting as insurance details and next of kin information will be collected. If you anticipate being late, please inform your travel agent or hotel reception. Check with reception or look for a note in the lobby for more details on the meeting location. If you cannot arrange a flight that arrives on time, consider arriving a day early. We can arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Ait Benhaddou

Ait Ben Haddou - This morning, embark on an exciting journey into Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains. Today, we reach the highest altitude of the trip: over 7,000 feet (2260 meters). Enjoy a 4-hour bus ride over steep and winding roads, providing ample opportunity to appreciate and understand the regional landscapes and traditions. We’ll pass by Tizi N’Tichka, pause at Telouet Kasbah, and arrive at Ait Ben-Haddou early this afternoon. Admire Ait Benhaddou, a 12th-century fortified city, a prime example of classic Southern Moroccan architecture. Join your tour leader for a walk to the kasbah this evening and meet the friendly locals. Overnight at Ait Ben-Haddou riad.

Skoura, Dades Gorges

Ouarzazate - Join your tour leader for a visit to Atlas Corporation Studios, the first film studios in Morocco, spanning an area of 30 hectares. Many famous films have been shot here, such as The Jewel of the Nile with Michael Douglas, Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves with Fernandel, Gladiator by Ridley Scott, Mission Cleopatra by Alain Chabat, and Babel with Brad Pitt. Part of the Game of Thrones filming even took place here. Your tour leader will share anecdotes about the shoots and guide you to the “César Palace” or the Tibetan temple from the film Kundun by Martin Scorsese.

Skoura - On the way, stop in the Valley of Roses and Amridil Kasbah in Skoura, the first stop on the road of 1000 kasbahs, between Ouarzazate and the Tafilalet region.

Dades Gorges - Arrive at Dades Canyon early afternoon and check into our guest house. After lunch, experience the true atmosphere of the Dades Gorges by visiting them from the inside! Our local guide will lead us through this natural wonder. Whether you are a walker or an athlete, a magnificent experience awaits you in the valley! The Dades Canyon, originating in the High Atlas, is the source of one of Morocco’s most spectacular canyons. The heart of the valley is a true haven of freshness where you will encounter amazing landscapes and interact with a true Nomad family. The valley is covered with exceptionally flourishing nature.

Todra Gorges, Tamegroute, Erg Chigaga

Todra Gorges - Today, visit another hidden gem of the Atlas, the Todra Gorges, a deep ravine carved by the Todra River over millennia.

Tamegroute - Drive along the rugged and desolate Jbel Tadrart ranges, through seas of sand, and past occasional desert oases of date palms to the township of Tamegroute. Visit an intriguing library filled with ancient scripts of science, literature, the Koran, and stories of the prophet Mohammed (subject to unregulated opening times). Afterwards, join a local guide to explore the underground Kasbah.

Erg Chigaga - Continue driving to the frontier town of M’Hamid (approximately 1 hour). From here, take a short camel ride through the dunes, then jump into 4WD vehicles and drive to the massive Erg Chigaga dunes. Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy a night under the stars at your desert camp.

Erg Chigaga, Foum Zguid

Foum Zguid - Awake amidst the silence of the desert this morning, as Morocco’s natural beauty continues to amaze you. After breakfast, absorb the feeling of the remote desert environment and explore where few foreigners venture, along routes known only to the camel and goat-herding Tuareg nomads—the original Morocco travelers. Board Jeeps for a ride to meet the real Sahara Nomads. Here, enjoy a Sirius Adventures-exclusive visit with members of a local desert community in their home to experience a traditional side of Moroccan life. Our tour leader will guide us around many untouched lands of the Sahara desert on a full-day orientation visit. Don’t worry, your tour leader knows the area like a lifelong friend! After picnicking in the Sahara, drive to our hotel in Foum-Zguid and spend the evening at leisure.

Tata, Tafraoute

Tafraoute - Arrive early afternoon at our Tafraout guest house, check-in, and spend the evening at leisure.

Ait Mansour

Vallee d’Ait Mansour - Wake this morning as Moroccan beauty and ambiance continue to astound you. Today, join our local guide Hassan on a 4-hour trek in the oasis, a kind of miracle, Ait Mansour Oasis, a hymn to life. Each elementary component of existence is magnified. The smallest drop of water is captured, directed into small canals, flowing in the gutters. The air rustles in the fronds cooled in the shade of the palm trees. The neat land. After lunch with Hassan’s family, drive to Napoleon’s Hat Site (le chapeau de Napoléon). Arrive at Tafraout and discover this calm city’s souks and alleys on foot. Arrive at our mountain guest house and relax for the rest of the evening.

Tafraout, Agadir, Essaouira

Medina of Essaouira - This morning, set out for the city of Essaouira. Along the way, pause at the coast and the delightful resort of Agadir. You will have the chance to view the beaches of this former fishing village and visit the old Agadir kasbah with its memorable panoramic view, famous surfing area of Taghazout, and visit the NP Cooperative to view traditional methods of extracting Argan Oil. Arrive early afternoon at Essaouira, check-in, and have the evening at leisure.

Essaouira

Essaouira - Today, join your local guide for a walk through Essaouira’s medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an excellent example of a fortified African city. Spanish cannons still line the battlements while parasols dot the harbor’s beaches, creating a remarkably picturesque setting. Walk along the city’s ramparts just north of Moulay Hassan Square where local artists sell their paintings. Continue to the Skala de la Ville, a fortification built along the cliffs that defended the city from sea attacks, but now provides visitors with an unparalleled view of the port and its bright-colored fishing boats.

Medina of Essaouira - In the medina, artisans and craftsmen practice their trades as they have for hundreds of years. Explore the many souks in the medina, including the spice and jewelry souks. Visit a jewelry shop renowned for its quality and design. Browse the extensive collection of uniquely handcrafted silver jewelry and watch artisans create beautiful silver pieces. The city is also famed for hosting the Gnaoua World Music Festival, which draws musicians from across the world who come to play with the Gnaoua mystics. Spend the balance of the day at leisure.

Essaouira, Marrakesh

Marrakech - Today, bid farewell to the Atlantic Ocean as you embrace a picturesque journey to Marrakech. Discover historic and exotic Marrakesh today. Begin at the Koutoubia, a 12th-century mosque and minaret, and one of the oldest Moroccan mosques still in existence. Then, explore Bahia Palace, where 360 rooms form a symphony of tales of love and engineering mixed with Italian marble and Sudanese gold. For more recent fascinating finds, end your thrilling evening in the famed Djemaa el Fna square, a dazzling display of acrobats, storytellers, and snake charmers. Marrakech is almost unique as an ancient city that is still vibrant. Take your time and absorb this vibrant kaleidoscope of culture. Check-in early this evening at our riad in Marrakesh and spend the evening at leisure.

Marrakesh

Marrakech - Your adventure ends after breakfast. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Marrakech (subject to availability).

• Private transportation
• Complementary Airport Transfer
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Ait Mansour Gorges - Leader-led Trek
• Dades Canyons - leader-led Trek
• Todra Gorges - Leader-led Trek
• Sahara Desert - Camel Ride
• Sahara Desert - 4WD Safari
• Essaouira - Guided City Tour
• Marrakesh - Guided City Tour
• Ait Ben-Haddou - Leader-led Walk
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

• Any international flights to/from Morocco are not included in this trip
• Travel Insurance
• Gratuities and personal expenses

Experience the vibrant history, stunning desert vistas, and coastal serenity on this 11-day journey through the hidden gems of Morocco. This tour takes you to Marrakech, Ait-Benhaddou, Dades & Todra Gorges, Erg Chigaga Dunes, Tafraout, Essaouira, and five additional destinations in southern Morocco. The Atlas Morocco Expedition is an adventure trip that includes accommodation, transportation, meals, and more.

Discover expansive territories and remarkable landscapes, including fertile plains like the High-Atlas and Anti-Atlas, vast valleys, enchanting oases, and breathtakingly colorful views. Enjoy the chance to delve into the fascinating history and legacy of ancient Sub-Saharan tribes.

From the Atlantic Ocean’s shores to the Atlas Mountains’ peaks, and into the Sahara’s dunes, this journey offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and adventure. This is an unmissable adventure through Morocco!

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.