day1: Flight to Marrakech

B&B. Arrival in Marrakech and private transfer to your accomodation. Free time for an individual indipendent stroll around the Medina. Free dinner and overnight at selected riad.

 

HB. Early departure directed towards the Ourika Valley, 68km south-east of Marrakech. We'll pass through the village of Asni to visit its particular Kasbah boasting red walls and surrounded by fruit trees. The valley allows for a pleasant excursion to discover the first slopes of the Atlas. Ourika is the name of the local river whose path winds through numerous villages with houses built with stones and clay. This is also the land of Jabel Toubkal, the highest peak of the Atlas (4167m). Lunch break at Ourigane, reknown for its SPA centre and for the salt mines. The journey proceeds south across the Tizi N'Test Pass (2093m) and Tin Mal, ex fortifed holy city whose Mosque is part of Unesco Heritage: renovated in 1990 this is one of the few Moroccan religious buildings accessible to non Muslim. Late afternoon arrival in Taroudannt, splendid town embraced by its ocre bastions surrounded by green. Because of the lively souks, Taroudannt is also known as The Little Marrakech. Dinner and overnight in a small village (DOUAR) not far from town.

day3: Taroudant - Tioute&Freja Oasis - Igrem - Tagmoute - Tata – Tissint (245Km)

HB. After breakfast, quite walk around the centre of Taroudannt that we then leave behind directed to the oasis of Tioute and Freja, far from the usual touristic circuites; the kasbah was used as set for the movie "Ali Baba and the 40 thieves". On the way to the mountain village of Ighrem (1800m - 94km south east of Taroudannt) you'll admire argan fields and rural villages built with dry stones. This is the homeland of the Oukensous tribe, in ancient times famous for the production of daggers. Next stop will be at the  village of Tagmoute, for a visit to the ancient Messalite caves. The journey resumes along the very suggestive mountain landscapes leading us to Tata Valley, praised in his writings by Charles De Foucald. Tata is home to a lush palm grove and the popular ancient Zaouia Agadir Lhena. Last stop of a busy day at Tissint Waterfall. Dinner and overnight in selected riad/maison d'hote or, on request, in a typical tented camp in the heart of the valley.

 

day4: Tissint – Erg Chegaga (200km)

HB. Departure for the Moroccan desert also known as Erg Chegaga. It's the part of the desert with the highest dunes and long rocky tracks, only accessible by 4X4 vheicles or dromedaries for a lenght of 70km. Pic nic lunch during the excursion and arrival to the desert camp just in time to see the sun set behind the dunes. Dinner and overnight in Basic desert camp with the option to upgrade to the Luxury version.

 

HB. Early morning drive, back on the asphalt directed to M'hamid, last oasis before the sandy dunes of the Sahara, and the starting point for caravans directed to Algeria or Mali. After a walk across the palm grove, you may want to visit the ancient local Kasbah, still inhabited. This place used to be home to a large Jewish community. As we go up the valley of river Draa, we will stop at Tamegroute to visit the Coranic Library and its collection of manuscripts bound in gazelle leather. Everywhere you'll easily recognise the green cermics that made this particular place famous worldwide. Arrival in Zagora, the most famous city in Draa Valley where you'll meet the famous sign indicating the distance from Timbouctou. break to visit another quite interesting Kasbah and its Caid: it's Kasbah Tamnougalt with its frescoes, the large Mellah and the Sinagogue. We reccommend a pic nic on the shores of Draa river for a taste of the slow life inside the palm grove, in harmony with nature. Late afternoon arrival in Ouarzazate, the city of silence. Dinner and overnight in selected riad.

 

day6: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Tizi n Tkchka - Marrakech 200km

B&B. Morning guided visit to Ouarzazate and his main attraction, Kasbah Taourirt, belonged to Pasha Glaoui and still inhabited by many families. On the way to Marrakech there will be time to stop at Ait ben Haddou to pay visit to the world famous Kasbah that's been set to movie and tv productions such as Gladiator, Game of thrones and Lawrence d'Arabia. This historical site is part of Unesco Heritage and, let's face it, quite touristy. Back on track following the Path of Salt till we reach Kasbah Telouet, a decadent building whose interiors are still reach in decors and natural frescoes. This used to be Pasha El Gloui main residence, surrounded by the lush nature of dreamy Ounila Valley. After crossing the ever panoramic Tizi N'Tichka Pass (2260m), we finally reach our destination in Marrakech. Free dinner and overnight in a riad of the Medina.

 

day7: Marrakech guided walking tour

B&B. Day dedicated to the discovery of the red city and its Medina with an official guide. You’ll get to walk around the old Medina derbs stopping at the main attractions for a visit at Bahia Palace, or “the beautiful'', the rich residence of Visir Ba Ahmed, Dar Si-Said Palace, El-Mansour Mosque, also known as the Kasbah Mosque, Saadian tombs and finally Jameel el Fna and the Koutoubia, symbol of the city. Free meals and overnight stay in selected riad.

 

day8: Marrakech Flight

After breakfast, private transfer to Menara airport 3 hours before departure. End of services.

It is always possible to extend the stay in Marrakech in Riad or B&B formula.