Jewels of Morocco

Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Marrakech airport, you’ll be met and
transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to discover Marrakech
and take in the delights of Djemaa el Fna.

Discover the delights of Marrakech on a guided tour of the city today. First stop is the beautiful Majorelle Gardens which were designed by the French Artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s-1930s and bought in 1980 by Yves Saint Laurent, whose ashes were scattered here after his death. These botanical gardens are seen as Majorelle's greatest masterpiece, with their distinctive shade of cobalt blue architecture and extensive collection of exotic plants and trees. The gardens are home to 15 species of bird and there is also a Berber Museum representing the various indigenous tribes of Morocco.

Continuing your tour, head inside the rose-coloured medina walls to explore the tangle of winding streets and alleys that open onto verdant gardens and bustling souks. At the heart of the medina is Djemaa El Fna, the city's exuberant market place and towering over it, is the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the tallest building in
the city.

Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate. Bidding farewell to Marrakech, travel
across the plains of Haouz to reach the rugged High Atlas Mountains. Admire the spectacular views around every hairpin turn as you travel along the dramatic Tizi n Tichka mountain pass. Stop for lunch before continuing to explore Ait Benhaddou, an incredible ancient fortified kasbah, which was built for defence purposes high on a hill. This beautifully preserved medieval city has famously featured in many blockbuster movies, including Gladiator and Laurence of Arabia.

From Ait Benhaddou, head south to the Hollywood of North Africa – Ouarzazate
(pronounced war-zazat). Ouarzazate is famous for being the filming location for many other Hollywood blockbusters and famous TV shows including James Bond – The Living Daylights, The Mummy and more recently Game of Thrones.

Ouarzazate - Todra Gorge - Merzouga (Sahara). This morning begins your journey
into the Sahara, passing a medley of palm trees, beautiful rose fields and magnificent gorges. Travelling from Ouarzazate, there is a possibility of visiting the kasbah Amherdhil in Skoura before reaching Todra Gorge. Surrounded by towering vertical limestone cliffs, reaching heights of 1000ft, this impressive gorge is known as Morocco’s Grand Canyon. The charm of Todra lies in its changing colours as the sun slowly moves from east to west. Enjoy a stroll through the gorge before hitting the road again to reach Merzouga – gateway to the Sahara.

Depending on the time of year, spend the afternoon relaxing by a pool and enjoying a refreshing swim before you climb aboard camels for an incredible trek into the Sahara Desert. Trek across the vast and silent desert to reach our remote Berber Camp, nestled amongst the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Watch an amazing sunset and enjoy an evening of local food and music, before settling down for an unforgettable night in the desert, under a spectacular blanket of stars.

Merzouga (Sahara) - Fes. Rise early this morning and climb back on your camels for the trek back to Merzouga, enjoying a truly stunning sunrise en route. There's time to freshen up and have breakfast in Merzouga, before hitting the road again. It’s a long drive to Fes today but there's plenty to see on the way. Pass through cedar forests full of Barbary Macaque monkeys in the Middle Atlas Mountains and stop at Ifrane – a beautiful town, often likened to a Swiss Alpine resort. Along the way you're also likely to see Morocco’s nomadic Berbers – travelling across the mountains and often staying in makeshift tents as they head to their next destination. Early evening arrival into Fes.

Fes is the oldest and largest medieval city in the world and its medina is a cacophony of aromas, sights, and sounds. This morning step back in time on a guided tour of Fes el Bali - the old walled city. This fascinating medina is a veritable rabbit warren of 9400 alleys that often finish with dead ends – it's easy to get lost so be sure to stay close to your guide! During the tour visit one of the pungent leather tanneries that Fes is famous for, where you can enjoy wonderful views of the giant dye pits below, which are full of deep earthy tones.

Spend the afternoon at leisure. Relax or independently explore. Alternatively, you can book an optional Tagine Making Class or a night of Moroccan entertainment and food at a restaurant in town (both payable locally).

Fes - Volubilis - Meknes - Rabat. This morning bid farewell to Fes and travel to the ruined Roman city of Volubilis, Morocco's best-preserved archaeological site. Explore this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site, which dates back to AD40, and admire the beautifully preserved mosaics. Next stop today is the imperial city of Meknes, which became known as the Versailles of Morocco due to its impressive buildings and elaborate monuments. Visiting Place El Hedim at the heart of the medina you'll see the magnificent Bab Mansour Gate. After lunch and some free time, continue on to Rabat – Morocco’s capital.

Rabat - Casablanca - Marrakech. Take in highlights of the imperial city of Rabat this
morning, visiting the impressive Chellah - a necropolis and complex of ancient medieval ruins, the Royal Palace, and the marble Mausoleum of Mohammed V.

There's time to enjoy lunch in Rabat before beginning the journey back to Marrakech, stopping in Casablanca en route. Providing a sharp contrast to the imperial cities, the modern port city of Casablanca, is the industrial and economic heart of Morocco. In this bustling city, visit the famous Hassan II Mosque, which has the tallest minaret and is the third largest mosque in the world. The mosque can hold 25,000 worshippers at any one time! Arrive back at Marrakech for the final night of your holiday.

Sadly, your Moroccan adventure ends today. A departure transfer to the airport is
provided.