Suggested Itinerary Number: 10

Marrakech, the Desert and Fez

This Itinerary takes the visitor to World Heritage Sites of the Marrakech Medina, Ait Ben Haddou and the Fez Medina as part of trip taking in the Atlas Mountains and the stunning dunes, gorges, oases and kasbahs of the deep desert.

Our recommendations

Season: September to May.

Length: 14 nights.

Flights: Marrakech (25 minute transfer), Fez (25 minute transfer) or Casablanca (45 minute transfer).

Prices from £790 per person (14 nights) excluding flights*

Day Nights' Stay Typical itinerary for illustration
1 1 Taxi transfer Marrakech airport to the City. Afternoon exploring the souk area and the Place Jemma de Fna.
2 2 Transfer** from Ait Benhaddou (4hrs) over Tizi n'Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains, view kasbahs and take in Ounile valley.
3   Visit the World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou whose ancient kasbahs date back to the 16th century and are some of the best conserved in Morocco.
4 2 Transfer** to Skoura.
5   The Skoura area has superb kasbahs on its doorstep, including the ruins of the magical Kasbah Amerhidil.
6 1 Transfer** to the Todra Gorge (3.5hrs) along fringes of the Atlas Mountains through the Oases of Skoura and the Valley of the Roses. The Todra is a narrow and spectacular gorge with a thrilling approach as the walls of the gorge close in around you.
7 1 Transfer** to Merzouga (3hrs) on the edge of the Sahara Desert and the the Erg Chebbi, the most accessible large (160 metres high) sand dunes in the country,
8 1 Relax in your accommodation before 2 hr camel trek (leaving the kasbah late afternoon), watch sunset, enjoy the night sky and have dinner. Sleep in your own tents (single, twin or double) sharing toilet. Wake to see sunrise & return to hotel for breakfast, where you can also take a shower.
9 1 Transfer** to MIdelt (4hrs). Visit Kasbah Meriem outside the town, a weaving school run by Franciscan sisters.
10 3 Transfer** to Fez (4 hrs).
11   Tour of the Fez Medina (up to 4 hours) through the densely packed alleyways taking in madrasas, fondouks, palaces, residences, mosques and fountains.
12   Free time or optional day trip to the un-spoilt Berber town of Sefrou, the cave dwellers in Bahlil and the 'alpine villas' of Ifrane, or the spa and natural springs of Moulay Yacoub.
13 2 Train Fez to Marrakech (7 hours). Taxi transfer to accommodation.
14   Visit the historic sites Saadian Tombs, Badii Palace, Bahia Palace and museums Maison Tiskiwine and Musee de Marrakech, take lunch in the main square (a guide can be arranged).
15   Depending on flight times visit the Mellah and the tanneries (a guide can be arranged) and taxi transfer to airport.

Pricing: *Based on 2 persons sharing (B&B), excl. flights, staying at Dar Eliane (Marrakech) Etoile Filante d'Or (Ait Benhaddou), Sawadi Lodge, (Skoura), Auberge Le Festival (Todra Gorge), Kasbah Mohayut (Merzouga), Riad Mimouna (Midelt), Lune et Soleil (Fez) and Riad Alwachma, (Marrakech) - budget accommodation; Naturally Morocco can offer a range of alternatives if required. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate.

Transport options: ** Except where a taxi is indicated this itinerary is based on self drive car; option to have a driver or a taxi or minibus with driver.. All travel times are approximate.

Extension options: Rabat or Meknes stop off between Fez and Marrakech. 10 days’ itinerary possible by removing Todra Gorge and reducing time in Fez and Marrakech.

Activity options: Trekking near Marrakech. Rock climbing in the Todra Gorge. Longer camel trek at Merzouga.

Request a Quotation or Tel: UK: 0845 345 7195 (local rate) or 01239 710 814

Duration
10 -14 Nights
Ait-BenHaddou

Marrakech

Marrakech is the gateway to Morocco for most visitors, and understandably so. One of the four imperial cities, it is a lively city with a true Moroccan soul and culture, a feast for the senses that caters well for visitors.

Ait Benhaddou

A striking fortified settlement (ksar), renowned as a backdrop to many films (including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator), and deservedly designated as a World Heritage Site, it houses some of the best conserved kasbahs in Morocco.

Skoura

An oasis settlement 45 minutes' drive to the north east of Ouarzazate, it boasts magnificent kasbahs such as the magical Kasbah Amerhidil and significant palmeries with hidden lovely off-the-beaten-track guest houses.

Todra Gorge

This narrow, spectacular gorge up to 300 metres deep is the most spectacular in Morocco and has deservedly become popular with walkers and more especially rock climbers, due to the hundreds of routes available.

Merzouga

This village on the edge of the Erg Chebbi Dunes is the perfect place to take in the essence of the Sahara: the highest dunes in Morocco, attaining a maximum height of 150 metres, lies just 50 kms south-east of Erfoud, roughly midway between Fez and Marrakech.

Fez

The most authentic of Morocco’s Imperial Cities was capital of Morocco for more than 400 years Now a World Heritage site it is the country’s spiritual and religious centre.

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