Day 1 – Marrakech to Boumalne Dades

After being picked up at the Marrakech riad,* we drive via the Tizi N’Tichka Pass with its elevation of 7415 feet through the High Atlas Mountains and Amazigh** villages, continuing to El Kelaa M’gouna (the Valley of the Roses), where roses are grown and processed into perfumes, oils and lotions.  We will pass by the Skoura palm grove oasis with its kasbahs before reaching the Dades Valley and our riad in Boumalne Dades.

*A riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an inside garden or courtyard.

**Amazigh is the preferred name of those previously called Berbers

Day 2 – Todgha Gorge – Tinjdad – Erfoud Fossil Factory – Mergouza

Following breakfast, heading to Merzouga, our first stop is Todgha Gorge to walk along the gorge floor between the canyon walls.  We continue across the valley to Tinjdad for lunch, followed by driving to Erfoud.  There, we visit a fossil factory, observing how they excavate, polish and shape trilobites, orthoceras, ammonites and other fossils into artistic creations.  Our destination is the Dunes Camp at the foot of the Sahara dunes.  Each large tent is well-appointed with a comfortable bed, seating, and a private bathroom/shower.  Next is camel trekking, riding these ships of the desert into the heart of the Sahara dunes, eventually witnessing sunset over the desert dunes.  Back at camp we will have an Amazigh meal and experience Amazigh drumming and singing before returning to our tents under a star-filled sky.

Day 3 –Merzuoga – Rissani – Ouarzazate

We rise at dawn to view sunrise in the desert.  After breakfast we drive to Rissani to visit the religious space and mausoleum of Moulay Ali El-Charif, founder of the Glaoui dynasty, followed by exploring the local market and traditional souks.  We then travel to Ouarzazate. 

Day 4 – Atlas Studios – UNESCO World Heritage Site – Marrakech

Following breakfast we drive to Atlas Studios, the largest movie studio in the world and host to such famous productions as Lawrence of Arabia, The Jewel of the Nile, The Mummy, Gladiator, The Man Who Would Be King, Vikings, Game of Thrones, Aladdin, and several James Bond and Jason Bourne films. We continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ksar (fortified village) of Ait Ben Haddou – backdrop for productions such as Game of Thrones (the slave city of Astapor), Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.  After lunch we cross the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. 

Included:

• Transport in Air Conditioned 4WD Or Minivan 
• Professional Guide speaking English, French, and spanish
• Professional driver 
• Hotels or Riads  
• Breakfast

Excluded: 

• Drinks
• Flights 
• Personal expenses 
• Tips 

NOTE: If the itineraries that we offer does not match what you’re looking for contact us and we will prepare the trip and tour to your needs and requirements.