Arrival to Marrakech

Marrakech - Upon your arrival at Marrakech airport, you will be greeted and transported to your charming, locally-owned riad nestled in the enchanting medina of Marrakech.

Established in the 11th century, Marrakech is celebrated for its wealth of mosques, palaces, and museums, making it the most frequented of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities. At its core lies the medina, the original fortified settlement around which the city expanded. This labyrinth of narrow streets and captivating souks, with its cobblestone paths, is navigated by pedestrians and donkey carts rather than cars, and has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Experience a journey back in time!

Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to unwind this afternoon on your riad’s sunlit terrace or explore the souks and Jma al Fna this evening. Marrakech truly comes alive at night!

Rest well before our exciting adventure begins tomorrow!

Marrakech and Local NGO

Marrakech - Spend a full day in Marrakech: after enjoying a delightful traditional Moroccan breakfast at your riad, we will embark on our first NGO visit to Association Amal.

In Morocco, women constitute only 25% of the workforce, with much of their labor being unpaid and undervalued. Amal is dedicated to changing this by providing a safe and nurturing environment where strong, resilient women can reshape their stories.

Amal offers a distinctive training program for women to master the art of cooking in a professional setting, equipping them with valuable skills to secure their first job in the local food industry. We will visit Amal’s beautiful training center in Targa and participate in a 3-hour cooking class, where you will learn about Moroccan culture and cuisine as well as the NGO’s mission.

You will create your own Moroccan dish from scratch and partake in a traditional Moroccan tea ceremony, culminating in enjoying the fruits of your labor!

Marrakech - After lunch, we will embark on a guided walking tour of some of Marrakech medina’s historical and cultural landmarks, including the Koutoubia Minaret, the stunning Palace of Bahia, and the Ben Youssef Quranic School.

This evening, you have options: explore the souks for a unique shopping experience, relax on your terrace, or indulge in a traditional Moroccan spa treatment such as a hammam or massage (additional charge for spa treatments).

Atlas Mountain Discovery Day

High Atlas Mountains - Today is a High Atlas Discovery Day, offering insights into the Amazigh (Berber) lifestyle in the remote villages surrounding Marrakech.

We will depart Marrakech, journeying through the breathtaking Atlas Mountains to reach your guide’s village, where you will enjoy tea with her family at their home.

After tea, we will venture further into the mountains, arriving at the spectacular Azzaden Valley near Mount Toubkal, and the mountain lodge that will serve as your base for the day.

We will savor a lunch prepared by a local woman. In the afternoon, take a guided walk around the village, visiting the fields and river, and then visit a local woman’s home where you will learn to make tannourt, traditional Amazigh bread.

You will be accompanied throughout the day by a local guide who grew up in the village. While enjoying a day of adventure and discovery, you will also be supporting the local economy through responsible tourism.

Marrakech - High Atlas - Telouat Kasbah - Ait Ben Haddou - Ounila Valley - Ouarzazate

Ait Ben Haddou - After breakfast, we will leave our mountain accommodation and head southeast, traversing the Tizi N Tichka pass with stops for panoramic views and photos of the small Amazigh villages dotting the landscape.

We will then proceed south to the ksar (fortified village) of Ait Ben Haddou, where we will explore the famous Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, accompanied by a local guide.

Ouarzazate - After lunch, we will continue to Ouarzazate, known as “The Gate of the Desert.”

In Ouarzazate, you can choose between an engaging guided tour of the Atlas Studios, where famous films like Gladiator, Sahara with Penélope Cruz, and Game of Thrones were filmed, or a 2-hour horseback riding adventure through the palm grove surrounding your hotel.

Ouarzazate - Draa Valley - Nkob - Merzouga Desert - Camel ride and night in a nomad tent in Merzouga

Draa Valley - After breakfast, we will set off for the Draa Valley, where you can witness one of Morocco’s longest rivers. Along the way, we will make several stops to admire the stunning kasbahs lining the road and the beauty of the Draa Valley.

We will have lunch in Nkob or Alnif before continuing our journey to the magnificent Merzouga dunes.

Merzouga Desert - Here, we will trade our motorized transport for a camel to venture into the heart of the desert.

Upon reaching the camp, you will enjoy the sunset, followed by dinner, and spend the night in the dunes, listening to traditional Amazigh music or stargazing. Our luxury desert camp offers cozy beds, hot water, showers, and private bathrooms in each tent.

Merzouga – Khamlia – Ramlia – Tafrouate Sidi Ali

Khamlia - To fully embrace your desert experience, it is recommended to wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Sahara dunes.

After breakfast at the camp, we will journey into the heart of the desert. This day promises to be truly magical and unique. We will stop in Ramlia, a tranquil desert village at the end of the tourist trail.

Moroccan Sahara - Throughout the day, your guide will share his local knowledge of the desert, from edible desert plants and tree sap to the tracks left by nocturnal desert creatures. We will enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing our exploration of the surrounding settlements.

Sidi Ali - Tizgui Pools - Agdz

Agdz - In the afternoon, we will arrive in Agdz. With its endless palm groves and stunning earthen clay architecture, the fortified ksour village of Agdz is situated on the ancient caravan route connecting Marrakech to Timbuktu and played a significant role for merchants transporting goods across the Sahara.

We will drive to visit the Tizgui Pools, a magnificent natural pool surrounded by palm and fig trees, where you can take a refreshing dip if you feel adventurous. We will return to spend the evening in a beautiful lodge nestled in the palm groves, where you will enjoy dinner.

There is also the option to indulge in a traditional Moroccan hammam and/or massage tonight at the lodge.

Agdz - High Atlas - Marrakech

Tizi n Tichka - We will make our way back to Marrakech through the stunning mountains, stopping for lunch in Ighrem n’Ougdal, a location high in the mountains offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Marrakech - We will arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon, where you have the option to shop in the souks, participate in a traditional Moroccan painting activity led by a local artisan, or simply relax at the hotel.

The painting activity is included in the price.

Departure day!

Marrakech - Today marks the end of your adventure with us! We will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport, hoping that you have had an unforgettable experience!

• Painting activity in Marrakech
• Camel ride in Merzouga
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

• Lunches on days where lunch is not stated as included

This tour offers genuine, unique experiences in and around Marrakech and the South East, exploring the High Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert.

The tour emphasizes staying in small, locally-owned accommodations and learning about the Amazigh (indigenous) culture, with ample opportunities for both adventure and relaxation.

Highlights

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Game of Thrones filming location, Ait Ben Haddou
• Journey through the breathtaking Tizi N’Tichka pass
• Experience sleeping under the stars in the Sahara Desert
• Enjoy wild camping in the dunes
• Support local NGOs

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.