Moroccan Explorer Mountains to Desert

Depart on your scheduled flight to Marrakech. Upon arrival, you will be met by your representatives and transferred to tonight's hotel. Arriving in time for your first dinner in Morocco at Red hotel.

Indulge your senses as you begin your Moroccan adventure in the 'Red City' city of Marrakech; renowned for its bustling medinas, aromatic souks and elaborate Arab architecture. Embark on a comprehensive tour, commencing at Marrakech's largest mosque and minaret - the 12th century Koutoubia Tower. A dazzling spectacle of Hispano-Moorish art, marvel at the varying geometric arch motifs which spectacularly embellish its 77-metre minaret, before continuing to Bahia Palace. Next, weave through a labyrinth of bustling alleyways, teeming with the colourful stalls, charismatic hawkers and powerful aromas which epitomize Marrakech's souks and explore the Berber apothecary, offering a display of magic potions, spices and refreshing mint tea. Finally, witness a kaleidoscopic vision at the colourful dyers souk, before watching as the world-famous Djema El Fnaa Square transforms from a day market into an immense show of dancers, musicians and snake charmers this evening.

Following breakfast, embark on a scenic journey towards the High Atlas, North Africa's highest mountain range. Along the plains of Ouarzazate, Skoura and Tinghir; traverse rugged scenery along a route fringed by immense palm groves, before reaching the province of Al Haouz where the small rivers that trickle through its arid terrain remain the sole source of irrigation to the area. Pause to absorb incredible panoramas of the Touama streams and verdant vegetable terraces from Toufliht Park, before journeying onwards towards the breath-taking Tizi N'Tichka path, 'the gateway of the Sahara'; ascend a rocky trail and be rewarded with incredible views that stretch beyond the horizon of sun-scorched pre-Sahara areas that lay motionless at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. After lunch, reach the magical town of Kelaa Mgouna, positioned amidst the Valley of Roses which bursts with dusky-pink hues, and peruse the local beauty products, skilfully produced from these delicate flowers.

Set out for Merzouga this morning, leaving the panoramic sights of Tinghir Valley behind you. Marvel at a carpet of dense green palm groves in Todra and follow a winding crystal-clear stream which spectacularly cuts through the awe-inspiring Todra Gorges. On arrival into the fortified villages of Tinekdad and Erfoud, take advantage of time at leisure and browse through a collection of local market stalls, which sell an extensive array of delicately produced artefacts using ancient fossils, for which Erfoud is synonymous with, and savour some regional recipes during a break for lunch, before journeying through Tafilalt, the largest Saharan oasis in Morocco. Later this afternoon, your arrival into Merzouga is announced as a camel ride transports you across sandy desert landscapes towards your evening accommodation. As the blazing sun begins to set over this idyllic location, settle into your comfortable desert camp whilst listening to the rhythmic beats of an entrancing drum performance this evening.

Rise early to catch the first glimpse of sunlight emerge over the vast Saharan landscape, before discovering the elaborately adorned gate of the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, whose embellishment of green ceramics truly characterise traditional Moroccan architecture. A network of rural market stalls in Rissani's nearby souk provides the perfect opportunity to witness hawkers fervently sell a varied selection of local produce, before travelling onwards across the unforgettable lunar plains, mountain peaks and canyons of Saghro Djebel. Having arrived into the small villages of Tazzarine and N'Kob, enjoy a flavourful lunch and trace along a mere section of the Draa River, leading into Tanssikht this afternoon, the final stop of the ancient Saharan caravans which journeyed south. Conclude today's exploration in 'the door of the desert' - Ouarzazate.

Mirroring the image of a remarkable life-sized sandcastle, begin your day with a visit to the official residence of the Pacha of Marrakech - Taourirt Kasbah, a stunning citadel encompassing over 300 rooms made entirely of earth and straw, all connected by a warren of corridors. Next, continue to the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage Site situated along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, in which traders transported gold, ivory and salt. Spend an afternoon at leisure to discover a breath-taking area used as a backdrop for many a Hollywood blockbuster.

Travel to the southern verge of the Atlas Mountains today, an area rich in vegetation, abounding verdant plains and gushing streams; amidst the spacious fields cultivating regional vegetables, adobe houses dot a landscape of supreme beauty. Enduring the test of time, be transported to a bygone era as you discover the modest lifestyle of indigenous Berbers who maintain the self-sufficient existence that they have led since the middle ages. This afternoon, begin the return journey along the Tiz N Tichka pass, stopping in Taddert village for a light refreshment Uncover Moroccan traditions, spice-filled souks, rugged landscapes and sun-scorched desert plains, as you wind through a mystical land in the shadows of North Africa's tallest mountain range - the mighty High Atlas. along the way. Snake past abrupt valleys and majestic mountain peaks before descending onto the three famous valleys, speckled with local farmers tending to their herds of sheep.PLEASE NOTE - Due to an earthquake in September 2023, Ouirgane, is currently undergoing reconstruction. As a result, all departures until and including June 2024 will be staying in Marrakech. Today's itinerary will remain the same.

This morning, explore the tranquil town of Ouirgane as you embark on a walking tour through the flourishing fields of corn and flowers. Follow the river's undulating course, lined by flourishing red juniper, before gazing in awe at the magnificent panoramas of Jbel Toubkal, which at 4,167m is the tallest in the mountain range, located in Toubkal National Park. Witness the higher elevations of the massif, whose snow-capped peaks offer an entirely disparate scene to the sun-scorched vistas of the Sahara, before being welcomed into the home of a hospitable local family who will treat you to a refreshing cup of authentic mint tea. After lunch, return to your hotel in Ouirgane.PLEASE NOTE For departures up until and including June 2024 - Today you will explore Ourika Valley starting with the region's green villages, orchards, and vegetation. Take the journey over the Haouz Plain toward the abandoned village of Aghmat, founded by the Berbers before the arrival of Islam. Continue to the ighref (the starting point for hikers) into Jebel Yagour, a mountain famous for its rock art. Take in panoramic views of Berber villages that dot the area as well as the fast-flowing waters that cut through the mountain foothills irrigating the Ourika Valley. Continue to Oualmes village where you will be greeted by a local and welcomed into their home enjoying a small local delicacy admiring the spending view of the Toubkal pass. After visiting their home, continue to Sit Fatma village Enjoy a typical Berber meal at lunch including bread in the traditional oven and a Berber tajin. After lunch, return to your hotel in Marrakech.

After breakfast, transfer to Marrakech airport for you return flight to the UK.