Moroccan Desert Adventure: River Canyons & Camels
7 days, Marrakech to Marrakech
Itinerary Notes
Please note that if you are travelling to Morocco between November and February, your tour will have a level of flexibility based off of winter weather conditions on roads in the mountains. Heavy snow is not uncommon, so plan on packing warmer clothing to suit conditions.
Itinerary
Day 1Marrakech
Arrive at any time.
Get ready to channel all of the buzz and excitement of arriving in a new place by heading out on the town with your CEO and crew. Take the fun to new heights as you grab drinks and kick back at a rooftop bar. Don’t get too distracted by the incredible views of Marrakech, though, that you forget to get to know your new travel companions and prepare for the thrilling journey ahead.
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.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Day 2Marrakech/Todra Gorge
Depart Marrakech and gaze out the window as the city gives way to rocky hills and terracotta villages. Disembark upon arrival in Tinghir and get in touch with Morocco's Mediterranean flora during a walk through palm groves. Then, fly to Mars. Just kidding. Head into Todra Gorge (might as well be Mars, though, with how other-worldly your surroundings will feel here). Fall asleep beneath sheer cliff walls to the sound of a gurgling river and the wind catching in the palm trees.
Tinghir Orientation Walk
Join your CEO for a walk through the town and gain an insight into local life. Meander through the palm groves and past canals.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Todra Gorge/Merzouga
Journey into the vast, golden reaches of the desert. Mint tea and a warm welcome await you at your dune-side hotel. Saddle up and travel by camel to the perfect perch atop the dunes to view the sunset paint the sky hues of red, blue, and yellow. After, under a canopy of stars, enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment by the campfire. Let your imagination run wild as you listen to traditional music on the drums alongside stories about the region. We dare you to top this campfire experience.
Opt to spend time further exploring the undulating golden sand of the dunes, and discovering the surrounding communities on a land cruiser desert excursion. You can pre-book this optional excursion when booking your tour.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Camel Ride
Hold on and enjoy a ride on this even-toed ungulate, also known as the desert horse. Bring your camera for some fantastic photos of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Local guides will teach you how to mount and dismount and other handy camel-related safety tips.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Merzouga 4x4 Desert Excursion
View the golden dunes of the Sahara desert on a land cruiser excursion. You'll be driven around the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi in land cruiser cars, taking in the views of the seemingly endless sea of sand. Pass a kohl mine en route to the village of Khamlia. Witness the delightful sounds of the African music of Gnawa - played by members of the community - as you enjoy a cup of mint tea with the locals.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 4Merzouga/Aït Ben Haddou
We know you've officially fallen in love with desert life, but it's time to kiss your camel goodbye. Rise early for the sunrise, then travel along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs to Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most iconic and beautiful kasbahs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah Tour
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, the most famous ksar in the Ounila Valley, located in the foothills of the southern slopes of the High Atlas Mountains. Of all the remaining kasbahs in Morocco, the walls and interior of this area are the most intact. It's a collective grouping of dwellings inside defensive walls and was once one of the many trading posts on the route linking Sudan to Marrakech. The kasbah still houses a few families, but many now live in the adjacent village. Like many of the earthen built fortresses in Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou has been used in many film and television productions like Gladiator, Babel, and Game of Thrones.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Tagine Cooking Demonstration
120MAD per personLearn all about the quintessential Moroccan dish — tagine. Learn about the tagine itself (a clay pot) and different ingredients and spices. Enjoy the fruits of your labour for dinner.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Aït Ben Haddou/Aroumd (Aremd)
Ready to gain some elevation? Head into the magnificent High Atlas Mountains and cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass (at 2260 m) before heading into Toubkal National Park. Take to the winding roads like a pro and gaze out the windows as small villages wiz by. Upon arrival at the small village of Imlil, strap on your hiking shoes and embark on a 1 hour hike from Imlil to the quaint mountain village of Aroumd (Aremd). Bask in the jaw-dropping elements — the sweet mountain air and the proximity to the jagged mountain peaks. Cozy up in your mountain gîte after a homeade dinner of local produce in the salon.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Hiking
While the hike to the gîte is uphill, it is achievable by anyone of average fitness. Take it at a slow pace!
Your Local Living Moment: Mountain Gîte Stay with Traditional Moroccan Meal
After a short hike uphill, arrive at a cozy mountain gîte where we will spend the night. Breath in fresh mountain air while taking in amazing views of the surrounding Atlas Mountains before sitting down to a traditional, homemade dinner made with local produce.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 6Aroumd (Aremd)/Marrakech
Begin the day by hiking back to Imlil and beginning your journey to the "Red City," Marrakech. Unlock the many secrets this ancient city has to offer in its mazelike alleys, ornate palaces, and lush gardens. When the heat of the day gets to you, relax at one of the many tea houses situated on the buzzing square (best people watching guaranteed). Opt to visit the stunning Musée de Marrakech, explore the ruins of El Badi Palace, or wander through Jardins Majorelle — a sprawling botanical garden developed over the span of forty years. End the day like a local with an optional group dinner in the famous food stalls of Djemaa el Fna.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Hiking
Lace up your hiking boots and get to the next stop under your own power.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Marrakech Hammam Visit
500MAD per personVisit a hammam, a great way to get squeaky clean and soothe sore muscles. Enjoy a body scrub and massage in a traditional Moroccan bathhouse. Begin with a dry or hot room to prepare your skin and body, followed by a hot steam room. Then enjoy a body scrub and massage followed by a traditional mint tea.
Jardins Majorelle
200MAD per personVisit this enchanting garden in the heart of the city designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle (1886-1962). Follow the pathways through trees, exotic plants, streams, and pools while watching the numerous birds who call this peaceful paradise home. (Please note that the entrance fee to Musée Yves Saint Laurent is an additional 30 MAD.)
Musée de Marrakech
50MAD per personWander around the salons of the ornate Mnebhi Palace displaying various collections of Moroccan art forms.
El Badi Palace
70MAD per personVisit the ruins of what was once the most ornate palace of the 16th-century. Its sunken gardens and pools give a glimpse into its former glory.
Djemaa el Fna Market Square Visit
FreeWander past fresh orange juice stalls and water sellers in colourful costumes reminiscent of an era past. See storytellers, magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines as the day progresses. When the sun sets, the square fills with dozens of food stalls, and is packed with locals, entertaining chefs, and waiters. Grab a spot on a bench with other diners and try the “tanjia” (slow cooked lamb), harira soup, grilled seafood, famous Moroccan couscous, tajine, snails, or even sheep’s head (for the truly adventurous). Wash it all down with some spiced tea.
Dar Si Said
30MAD per personStanding as a monument to master Moroccan artisans, this complex houses the Museum of Moroccan arts. Here, you will find displays of ancient weaponry, carpets, Amazigh (also known as Berber) jewellery, granary doors and more. Make sure to see the highlight of a visit to this museum, the painted, domed wedding-reception chamber.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Marrakech
It's not goodbye, it's see you later. After all, after a trip like this, who wouldn't be itching to return?
Opt to get up early and catch the sunrise over Marrakech by pre-booking the Hot Air Balloon excursion. Please ensure you allow enough time to return from the activity when planning your onward journey.
Please note that should you opt to pre-book and participate in the optional Hot Air Balloon Marrakech activity you will finish the experience between 9am and 10am, please book ongoing travel after 1pm.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Hot Air Balloon Marrakech
Get an early start and watch the sunrise over the red dust, palm groves, and majestic open landscapes of Marrakech from a hot air balloon. After soaking up the sights, refuel with an authentic Amazigh breakfast in a Moroccan tent.
*Please note if you purchase the Marrakech Hot Air Balloon ride on the final day of your tour you will not finish until 10am. We recommend booking your departing flight no earlier than 1pm to ensure you have enough time to make it to the airport.