Atlas, Sahara & Marrakech holiday
| country: | Morocco |
| location: | Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert |
| departures: | 2008: 17 May, 14 Jun, 19 Jul, 6 Sep, 11 Oct, 8 Nov, 20 Dec 2009: 14 Feb, 7 Mar, 4 Apr, 23 May, 25 Jul, 19 Sep, 24 Oct, 14 Nov, 26 Dec |
| price: | From £899 - £999 (13 days) including flights from the UK, from £679 - £749 excluding flights. Local payment £80 - £130, single supplement £190. |
read 2 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
An incredible mix of culture and spectacular scenery. Explore the best of Morocco - legendary imperial cities, the vast Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains and enjoy the relaxed pace of the Atlantic coast.
Fez, the cultural heart of Morocco is tantalisingly medieval. The old medina is crammed with ornate Islamic architecture and overflowing souks. You’ll also visit the more sedate Meknes, the mountaintop pilgrimage centre of Moulay Idriss and glimpse the ancient past at the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
The Sahara and High Atlas: Journeying south you pass through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas before reaching the Merzouga Sand Sea where you can explore the vastness of the Sahara Desert and marvel at the incredible changing colours as the sun slips below the horizon. Continue into the High Atlas for walks in the impressive Todra Gorge and the Valley of the Roses.
Marrakech and Essaouira: After visiting the well-preserved kasbah of Ait Benhaddou you cross a high mountain pass to arrive in exotic Marrakech. The city hustles and bustles; snake charmers and orange juice sellers ply their trade, stall holders in the souks tout for business and the muezzin call the faithful to prayer. Finally you can wind down in the fortified Atlantic port of Essaouira with its long beach and relaxed atmosphere.
This type of trip might have the odd half-day (say 2-4 hours) walk, or possibly longer. There will invariably be some ascent and descent but on generally easy gradients. Max. altitude 2000m. Suitable for anyone in good health and normal fitness.
Fez, the cultural heart of Morocco is tantalisingly medieval. The old medina is crammed with ornate Islamic architecture and overflowing souks. You’ll also visit the more sedate Meknes, the mountaintop pilgrimage centre of Moulay Idriss and glimpse the ancient past at the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
The Sahara and High Atlas: Journeying south you pass through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas before reaching the Merzouga Sand Sea where you can explore the vastness of the Sahara Desert and marvel at the incredible changing colours as the sun slips below the horizon. Continue into the High Atlas for walks in the impressive Todra Gorge and the Valley of the Roses.
Marrakech and Essaouira: After visiting the well-preserved kasbah of Ait Benhaddou you cross a high mountain pass to arrive in exotic Marrakech. The city hustles and bustles; snake charmers and orange juice sellers ply their trade, stall holders in the souks tout for business and the muezzin call the faithful to prayer. Finally you can wind down in the fortified Atlantic port of Essaouira with its long beach and relaxed atmosphere.
This type of trip might have the odd half-day (say 2-4 hours) walk, or possibly longer. There will invariably be some ascent and descent but on generally easy gradients. Max. altitude 2000m. Suitable for anyone in good health and normal fitness.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Fly to Casablanca, drive to Meknes |
| Day 2: | Visit Meknes, Moulay Idriss and Volubilis |
| Day 3: | Fez sightseeing |
| Day 4-5: | Drive to Merzouga; explore sand and sea |
| Day 6: | Drive to Todra, walk in the gorge |
| Day 7: | Walk in the Valley of the Roses, visit Ouarzazate & overnight at Ait Benhaddou |
| Day 8: | Visit Ait Benhaddou, drive to Marrakech |
| Day 9: | Marrakech |
| Day 10-11: | Essaouira; relaxed coastal port town |
| Day 12: | Return to Marrakech |
| Day 13: | Fly to London |
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
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. >
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. >