Atlas, Sahara & Marrakech holiday
| country: | Morocco |
| location: | Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert |
| departures: | 2009: 26 Dec 2010: 13 Feb, 27 Mar, 15 May, 17 Jul, 25 Sep, 23 Oct, 20 Nov, 24 Dec 2011: 19 Feb, 16 Apr, 21 May, 16 Jul, 24 Sep, 22 Oct, 19 Nov, 24 Dec |
| price: | From £1099 - £1329 (13 days) including flights from the UK. From £849 - £1119 excluding flights. Local payment 80 GBP. |
| late availability: | Late availability on 26th December departures |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
read 4 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
This trip is a very comprehensive introduction to Morocco. Uncover its rich history while sightseeing in Fez, Meknes, the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the fortified kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. Experience an amazing variety of landscapes, from the sand sea at Merzouga to the majestic rugged scenery of the Atlas Mountains in Todra Gorge and the Valley of the Roses. Haggle in the souks of Marrakech and relax on the beach in Essaouira.
Fez & Volubilis
Explore Morocco's rich history in the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the medieval centre of Fez, finding your way amongst souks, courtyards, mosques and historic colleges.
Merzouga sand sea
Get a feel for the vastness of the Sahara Desert as you look over an endless expanse of apricot coloured sand dunes at the sand sea outside Merzouga.
Coastal Essaouira
Relax in the laid back former pirates' lair of Essaouira, while strolling along the beach, sampling delicious sea food, wandering the winding alleys and haggling for arts and crafts.
Fez & Volubilis
Explore Morocco's rich history in the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the medieval centre of Fez, finding your way amongst souks, courtyards, mosques and historic colleges.
Merzouga sand sea
Get a feel for the vastness of the Sahara Desert as you look over an endless expanse of apricot coloured sand dunes at the sand sea outside Merzouga.
Coastal Essaouira
Relax in the laid back former pirates' lair of Essaouira, while strolling along the beach, sampling delicious sea food, wandering the winding alleys and haggling for arts and crafts.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Rabat After your flight to Casablanca you will be met and transferred to Rabat. The journey takes about 45 minutes. On arrival you will check straight in to your accommodation. Hotel - 1 night Hotel Helnan Chellah (or similar) – a clean and comfortable hotel offering a swimming pool and air-conditioned rooms. |
| Day 2: | Meknes, Moulay Idriss, Roman Volubilis & Fez This morning you transfer to Meknes (approx. 150km / 2 hrs), a city full of history and intrigue where you go on a guided walking tour. The focal point of the old medina is the Bab Mansour, the gate that leads to Moulay Ismail's old imperial city and the mosques, souks and palaces beyond. After visiting Meknes you’ll take the short journey to the Roman ruins of Volubilis which around 1900 years ago was one of the farthest flung outposts of the Roman Empire. Archaeologists found remarkable mosaics forming the floors of several houses lining the Decumanus Maximus. You can see representations of the Labours of Hercules, the Chariot of Amphitrite, which is drawn by a seahorse, as well as the famous 'Nymphs Bathing'. Wandering among the ruins of the basilica, the capitol, oil press and the great houses of Orpheus and Ephebus, it's easy to imagine what life was like two thousand years ago. You end the day in the vibrant city of Fez (drive approx. 60 km / 1 hr) Riad – 2 nights (B) Riad Ghita (or similar) - located in the centre of the old city. The building dates back to the 16th century, and is build in traditional style, with the rooms facing an interior courtyard. |
| Day 3: | Fez; city tour Fez, the cultural capital, is one of the most complete medieval Islamic cities in the world. Passing through the gates and walls into the alleyways beyond transports you back in time. The streets are just as they were when they were built in the 8th century, with high walls that protect the courtyards inside from the heat of the midday sun. Enormous theosophical colleges, beautiful mosques and fascinating souks spilling their goods onto the pavement are all part of the scene. You will have a walking tour to some of the major points of interest as well as some free time to wander. You’ll visit the Place an-Nejjarine, where an ancient caravanserai overlooks a fountain; wander outside the great Qayrawan mosque, passing 14th century merchant's shops; or head to the tanneries - where leather is stained in vats of strikingly coloured dyes. In the souk al-Attarine the scent of exotic spices fills the air and close by a hammam, or traditional bathhouse, steams away the stresses of life. (B) |
| Day 4: | Merzouga A change of scenery today as you leave the crowded streets of old Fez behind and set out across the mountains of the Middle Atlas. The wilderness you cross is incredibly diverse and can vary from rocky, sun-baked plains, to cedar-clad mountains and deep canyons. In the hills south of Azrou you may be lucky to spot a troop of barbary apes - in fact not a true ape but a species of macaque monkey. Once over the mountains you head to the old garrison town of Erfoud and continue on to Merzouga, where hopefully you’ll arrive in time to see the sun setting over the vast expanse of rolling desert dunes (driving time approx. 8 hours/390 km). Auberge – 2 nights (B) Auberge Tombouctou – Set in a small oasis at the foot of the great Sahara sand dunes this low-rise auberge built of traditional materials is the ideal base from which to experience the desert whilst maintaining a few creature comforts. |
| Day 5: | Merzouga sand sea Rising before dawn, the great ‘sand sea’ of Merzouga, a beautiful area of fine, apricot-coloured sand stretches as far as the eye can see. The best time to experience its beauty is at dawn when sunrise over this incredible landscape is breathtaking. This morning you will head off into the vastness of the dunes. If you would like, you can take a trip by camel caravan accompanied by camelteers (optional). The sturdy camel has been a mainstay of desert life over the centuries, being used to ship the precious cargoes from sub-Saharan Africa to the trading ports of the Mediterranean coast. You can ride your camel or walk alongside as you slip into the pace of the caravan and marvel at the awesome spectacle of the desert and the solitude and silence that comes with it. Returning to your auberge, you can spend the afternoon investigating the dunes further or take time to relax with a refreshing glass of mint tea. (B) |
| Day 6: | Boumalne; walk in Todra gorge Leaving the desert behind you’ll head up into the Atlas Mountains to the Todra Gorge, a spectacular gash in the hills that surround Tinerhir. (Driving time approx. 3 1/2 hours/200 km) The region is dotted with deserted kasbahs, palmeries and mud-brick villages creating a photographer’s paradise. The cliffs loom above as you approach the mouth of Todra Gorge. Rising to 300m, the honey-coloured hues of the sheer face change constantly as the sun moves across the sky. Local Berber people can often be seen moving their herds through the gorge and are apt to greet you as you pass! Heading into the gorge you’ll have the chance to stretch your legs on a walk to fully appreciate the beauty of the area. Rejoining the vehicle you’ll retrace your steps out of the gorge and follow the Route des Kasbahs to Boumalne in the Dades Valley. (driving time approx. 2 hrs) Kasbah hotel – 1 night (B) Kasbah Xaluca - The Xaluca dades is built in traditional kasbah style and situated in a dramatic location, offering spectacular views of the Dades Valley. The rooms are beautifully decorated using a variety of African materials, while offering all the comfort needed, with en suite bathrooms, TVs, internet and air conditioning. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool with a Jacuzzi. |
| Day 7: | Ait Benhaddou; walk in the Valley of the Roses This morning you can fully appreciate the beauty of the area by heading out on a morning walk in the Valley of the Roses. There are several different trails you might follow and your Group Leader will select the most suitable. Although it can be rough underfoot, the walks are not particularly steep. After the walk you’ll rejoin the vehicle and continue south along the Dades Valley, sandwiched between the Central High Atlas to the north and the Jebel Sahro range to the south. (driving time approx. 2 hours/120 km) Passing through Ouarzazate you arrive at Ait Benhaddou. This is probably the best-preserved fortified kasbah in the country. With its dramatic walls of red earth, slit windows and crumbling towers, it is a magnificent example of a traditional stronghold. Chosen as a location for Hollywood films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Jewel in the Nile, and more recently Gladiator, Ait Benhaddou sits upon a lofty pinnacle of rock overlooking a river. Dating from around the 15th century, its importance as a trading post gradually waned, and today's inhabitants eke a living from farming … and as film extras! The kasbah is particularly beautiful in the evening light when it can dramatically glow red. Hotel - 1 night (B) Riad Maktoub - The Riad Maktoub is a small hotel, kept in the traditional style, built around a central courtyard. Rooms are decorated in earthy colours and materials, giving a warm and natural atmosphere. |
| Day 8: | Marrakech This morning there is time to visit the kasbah before making the drive to Marrakech (approx. 4 hours/230km). As you drive across Tizi-n-Tichka (2260m), the highest of the three mountain passes which cross the dramatic High Atlas, you witness an extraordinary transition: the barren slopes of shattered rock on the southern side give way to green valleys as you descend from the treeless summit. Having crossed the plains you come to the evocative city of Marrakech. Even today, the name conjures up images of scenes from the Arabian Nights: alleyways, souks, stalls and markets. This remarkable city, dating from the 11th century, never fails to satisfy the curiosity of adventurous travellers. It has everything from the graceful architecture of the renowned Koutoubia Minaret, which dominates the skyline, to the wonderful throbbing atmosphere of a medieval fair in the great open square, the Djemaa el-Fna, at the heart of the medina. This afternoon you’ll have a walking tour of the centre to take in the main sights and give you your bearings as well as making your way into the sprawling souk. This must be the best place in Morocco to hone one’s haggling skills, and you are sure to be tempted by some of the wonderful variety of merchandise on display, even if it's only a packet of exotic spices or a trinket. Riad - 2 nights (B) Riad Ifoulki or Riad Jazira Both Riads are located in the old medina of Marrakech. Riads are coverted former homes of wealthy citizens and in the style of private homes centre around a courtyard, the walls of which are beautifully tiled. The riads offer traditional hammams - a great treat if you are feeling a bit weary from travelling. |
| Day 9: | Marrakech; free day Today is a completely free day for you to fully explore Marrakech and the delights it has to offer. The tanneries around Bab Debbagh normally work in the morning and still cure leather in a way that has not changed for hundreds of years. There are plenty of other places for you to visit too. You could take in the Palais de la Bahia, built at the end of the 19th century for Si’ Ahmed ben Musa, the Grand Vizier of Soultan Moulay al Hassan. Only part of the palace is open, as the royal family still makes use of a fair proportion of the building. The beautiful courtyards and splendid living quarters provide a picture of a grand bygone lifestyle. Another possibility is the Dar Si Said, housing the Museum of Moroccan Arts. This former royal townhouse now contains beautiful art and craftwork from all corners of the country. If you prefer, you can simply return to the souk and search for bargains, or sit at one of the many cafés on the Djemaa el-Fna, and watch Marrakech life go by. (B) |
| Day 10: | Essaouira From Marrakech you are driven west to the Atlantic coast and the former pirate’s lair of Essaouira, one of Morocco’s most attractive coastal cities. The wild waves of the Atlantic crash remorselessly onto the rocky coastline of this old pirate’s hideout. The maze of narrow lanes with tiny cafes looking out onto small squares is encircled by Portuguese, Berber and French battlements. Two fortresses look out over the ocean, and on an offshore island stands another, even larger castle. As befits a seaport, the pace of life is more relaxed here, and the whitewashed streets lend a truly Mediterranean air to the city. (journey time approx. 3 hours/175km). Riad - 2 nights (B) La Maison du Sud - A comfortable hotel, built in traditional style around inner courtyards. The Maison du Sud is located in the centre of Essaouira, in the pedestrianised zone. The rooms have individual character - some feature a mezzanine area while others are in the style of suites. |
| Day 11: | Essaouira; free day We recommend a stroll around the lively old port that is full of colour and interest. The early morning is the best time - when fishermen can be seen bringing in their catch or mending their nets. The harbour was once the lair of pirates who sailed out to plunder richly laden ships that passed along the coast; after all, this was the main trade route round the Cape of Good Hope to Western Europe. It later became a free port, when it had a small international community of merchants. The cosmopolitan mixture of different influences makes it a wonderful place to explore - and it is full of visual surprises. The whole day is free to relax and wander as you please. Take a leisurely stroll along the ramparts; visit the little workshops that specialise in ornate inlaid work using thuya wood - a local conifer, although it should be pointed out that the thuya tree is fast becoming endangered from over exploitation. The low-key markets and twisting backstreets of the medina are fantastic and for those wanting a bit more space, there is a long sweeping beach on which to stretch your legs. (B) |
| Day 12: | Return to Marrakech The morning is free until early in the afternoon you leave the coast and return to Marrakech for your final night in Morocco. Riad – 1 night (B) |
| Day 13: | Fly to London The trip ends for Land Only clients. Those on group flights to the UK transfer to the airport for your flight to London. (B) |
| Day 14-15: | Optional Atlas Mountain Extension Day 1-12: As per itinerary above Day 13: About an hour and a half’s drive south takes you up into the High Atlas Mountains. The scenery is fairly monotonous until you reach Tahanoute crossing the Haouz plain. From here you rise through the gorge of Moulay Brahim until you reach Asni. En route you can see salt leaching out of the ground giving some of the mountain sides a white dusting. The views get more and more impressive until you arrive at Ouirgane, a beautiful mountain village in a wonderful valley location. There are great views from here and wonderful almond and walnut groves that blossom in the spring changing the colours of the mountain sides dramatically. Hotel - 2 nights (B) Ksar Shama - Set in the heart of the Atlas mountains, the Ksar Shama's location offers beautiful views of the often snow-capped peaks of Mount Toubkal. All rooms are built with traditional adobe walls and wooden ceiling rafters and are equipped with air conditioning and en suite bathrooms. Day 14: The High Atlas region is a mix of fertile valleys and soaring snow-capped peaks. Flat-roofed Berber houses built from local materials huddle together to create fortress-like villages that blend almost seamlessly into the mountainside. The many trails and tracks which criss-cross the area provide numerous opportunities for walkers - and the ideal way to make the most of this stunning area is on foot. You can do as much or as little as you want. You can explore the nearby village and surrounding mountains on short morning and afternoon walks, take a full day walk with the option of a picnic lunch and mule support. Alternatively you may choose to relax on the terrace and recharge your batteries by soaking up the mountain surroundings. (B) Day 15: Today you transfer down from the mountains back to Marrakech airport where the trip ends for Land Only clients and those on group flights to the UK proceed on your flight to London. (B) |
(B)= Breakfast
travellers' tales
It was a great experience and a good way to meet new people. The group I was with ranged in both age and ability. (more)
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. how this holiday makes a difference
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On this trip: Working closely with our local agent we do our best to support and encourage local schools and projects in all the areas of Morocco that we visit. We strongly discourage people from giving directly to children in the street as it encourages begging. We prefer to support local well-run organizations and projects which are of greater long term benefit to many more people.
If you would like to donate any gifts of pens, pencils or other learning materials your group leader will ensure that these are passed on to a suitable and worthy cause. All items will doubtless be gratefully received, however small. Subject to local constraints, you may be able to visit a school yourself and meet some of the children. If this is of interest to you, please discuss the opportunities that may be available to you with your group leader; we often find it can be one of the most memorable moments of your trip. Our Responsible Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us. Charity Partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems. Carbon Balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full. Our Foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, and now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday and that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you book. > |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |