Deserts and Kasbahs 2009/10 departures

from USD 1580 for 15 days

Our journey through Morocco takes us from the noise and mayhem of the Fes medina, with its famous leather tanneries, to the silence of the great sand dunes at Erg Chebbi on the edge of the Sahara. We visit the spectacular Todra Gorge and travel along the "Valley of 1000 Kasbahs" to the exotic city of Marrakech. The trip ends with a chance to relax in the beautiful old Portuguese fishing port of Essaouira on the Atlantic Coast.

Brief Description Show detailed

Day 1 - CASABLANCA

Arrival day.

Day 2 - CASABLANCA - FES

Free morning before taking the train to Fes. (B)

Day 3 - FES

A guided walking tour of the Medina and souqs (markets), including the leather tanneries, noted as much for their overpowering smell as for their spectacle! (B)

Day 4 - MEKNES - VOLUBILIS

Though not as large as Fes, Meknes has a charm of its own and is far less frequented by travellers. We have time to explore before continuing to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Return to Fes for the night. (B)

Day 5 - FES - ERG CHEBBI

A long days drive across the Middle Atlas Mountains, via the remarkable rock formations of the Ziz Gorge. Continue to the western fringe of the Sahara desert where we stay by the great dunes of Erg Chebbi. (B)

Day 6 - ERG CHEBBI

Enjoy sunrise over the dunes. This morning there is the option to take a 4wd excursion to some of the surrounding villages to see how people live in this desert environment. In the afternoon we take an overnight camel ride into the great dunes to our desert camp for the night. (BD)

Day 7 - ERG CHEBBI - TODRA GORGE

Leaving the eastern desert region we continue to Tinehrir and the Todra Valley. (B)

Day 8 - TODRA GORGE

Morning walk through the lovely Todra Valley palmery. Afternoon to explore the spectacular Todra Gorge, a deep chasm cutting through the desert mountains. (B)

Day 9 - "VALLEY OF 1000 KASBAHS" - AIT BEN HADDOU

Journey along the "Valley of 1000 Kasbahs" to the desert city of Ouarzazate and visit the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou. (BD)

Day 10 - ESSAOUIRA

Today we travel to the Atlantic Coast and the 18th century Portuguese fishing port of Essaouira. Plenty of opportunities to sample the local seafood, take walks on the beach out to the ruined castle, or watch sunset from the ramparts. Approx 5 hours driving. (B)

Day 11 - ESSAOUIRA

A full day to explore this whitewashed city, famous for its woodwork shops, or relax on the beach. (B)

Day 12 - ESSAOUIRA - MARRAKECH

Travel to the legendary city of Marrakech, once the great meeting place for Morocco’s remote tribes. Approx 2 1/2 hours driving. (B).

Day 13 to Day 14 - MARRAKECH

Two full days to explore this exotic city. Wander through the enigmatic souks, experience the pulsing activity of Djemaa el Fnaa, or perhaps take a trip to the High Atlas mountains to hike among spectacular scenery and traditional villages. (B)
 

Day 15 - MARRAKECH

Tour ends. (B)