10 Days in the magnificent Southern Morocco
- Marrakech
Duration
10 Days
Tour Type
Daily Tour
Group Size
30 People
Departure
Marrakech
DESCRIPTION:
Marrakech, Essaouira, the magnificent Atlas Mountains, the beautiful Berber villages, the green oases, the deep gorges and the impressive sand dunes, on this trip you will be fascinated by the dreamy landscapes and the wide open spaces of Southern Morocco. We will show you historical places and local products, such as rose water, coloured wool carpets, dates, saffron and argan oil.
PROGRAM DETAILS:
Arrival in Marrakech, welcome by our guide and transfer to the Riad or hotel of your choice. If time permits, let yourself be immersed in the atmosphere of this fascinating country with a self-guided tour of the Djemaa El Fna square. Every evening, food stalls are set up where you can taste a rich selection of typical local specialities.
Breathtaking crossing of the High Atlas and its Berber villages through one of the highest passes in Morocco and the most important link between Marrakech and the desert, the Tichka pass (2260 m). This stage offers breathtaking views over the valleys. After the pass, you branch off into a side valley. Here, hidden from view, the imposing Kasbah of Telouet, built between the XVIIIᵉ and XIXᵉ centuries, is a place full of history. Despite the dilapidation of this building, which was once the seat of the Glaouis, one of the most powerful Berber tribes, the ancient palace remains impressive. The roof terrace offers a magnificent view of the High Atlas and the village of Telouet. Through the Ounilla valley you descend to the plain of Ouarzazate, following the small river, surrounded by fields and picturesque villages. The landscape is now becoming more and more arid... Visit of Aït Benhaddou, one of the most imposing ksars of Southern Morocco and a Unesco World Heritage Site. Many famous films have been shot here, including Game of Thrones, Asterix and Cleopatra, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, The New Adventures of Aladdin and many biblical films. Visit this grandiose 14th century Ksar with its adobe houses and kasbahs, towers and warehouses. Stroll through the narrow streets that wind through this labyrinth and climb the stone stairs to the very top for a breathtaking view of the surroundings. After a short drive, you will reach Ouarzazate. Depending on the time of arrival, you can still stop at the Kasbah of Taourirt, the most famous site of the city. It was once the seat of government of the powerful Berber Glaoui tribe and served as the palace of Pasha Thami El Glaoui, who ruled the entire region southeast of Marrakech. A walk through the old Kasbah will take you back to times gone by.
On the road to the Thousand Kasbahs, we first go to Skoura. In the middle of this large palm oasis, countless old kasbahs stand. Visit of the Amridil Kasbah, now transformed into a museum. The road then leads to El Kelaat M'Gouna, the main town of the valley of roses. Possible stop at a producer of cosmetic products made from Damascus roses (Rosa damascena), which grow and are cultivated abundantly in the region. You continue through the M'Goun valley passing through typical villages to Bouthrarar, then a local transport (or 4x4 vehicle) leads you by a track to the Dades valley. Diversions to the rocks called "monkey paws", surprising rock forms and the Dades Gorges. Via Boumalne Dades you arrive in Tiinghir in the early evening.
Situated between the High Atlas and the Jebel Saghro, the charming town of Tinghir, which has retained its authenticity and its palm groves stretching for miles, invites you to stay a little longer. Visit the world-famous Todra Gorge, with its rock walls up to 300 metres high. After a short walk through gardens of palm and olive trees, visit the old small mosque and Koranic school of Ikelane, dating from the last century and currently being renovated. Take a walk through the old Ksar, now partly beautifully restored, or take a walk through the centre of the town with the women's alley. If you are in Tinghir on a Monday, the weekly market day, a visit to this typical rural souk is a very special experience.
A nomadic proverb says: "You can't describe the desert, you have to live it. Tonight you will experience unforgettable emotions.
On the way to Erfoud and Rissani, you will visit Ksar El Khorbat and its Oasis Museum, you will discover the Khettaras, remains of ancient underground water galleries and during lunch in Rissani, you will have the opportunity to taste a "madfouna", a local pizza. Continue to Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi. The desert adventure awaits you with a camel ride to admire the sunset over the sand dunes that can reach 100 m high.
Getting up early is worth it! Be amazed by the magnificent sunrise in the Sahara. You leave the erg Chebbi for Rissani, cradle of the Alaouite dynasty, here is the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, founder of the dynasty and ancestor of the current king Mohamed VI.
(A visit to the inner courtyard is possible, but the tomb is reserved for Muslims).
Then you cross the vast arid plains to Alnif. The region is famous for its fossil deposits. The road leads via Tazzarine, a large oasis where henna is produced, to N'Kob. During a walk through the village of the 40 Kasbahs, you will get to know N'Kob a little better.
Today's stage takes you first through the Draa Valley with its vast green palm groves to Agdz. The small town was once an important stopover for caravans coming from Timbuktu and played a significant economic role in the region. The journey continues through a landscape of acacia raddiana trees, via the cobalt mines of Bou Azzer to Tazenakht. This place and its surroundings are nationally known for its Berber carpets "Glaoui" and "Ouzgita". Here you can get an idea of the skills of the local weavers and their beautiful creations. You will then cross a steppe landscape, then a beautiful plateau extended to Taliouine. This region is the centre of saffron cultivation, the most precious spice in the world, "red gold" as the Moroccans call it. Real saffron is made from the stigmas of the flower bulb of the Crocus sativus L, which blooms and is harvested in October / November. Now a break from saffron tea is a must!
From Taliouine onwards, forests of argan trees mark the landscape. Arriving in the Souss plain, the vegetable garden of the south, you will see large farms and citrus plantations (mainly oranges and clementines), but the region is also famous for argan oil and olive oil. Taroudant was once an important caravan hub and trading centre. In the 16th century under the Saadians, it became the capital before Marrakech. Today Taroudant is the provincial capital and lives mainly from agriculture and crafts.
After breakfast, a short visit to Taroudant. With its ramparts and lively souks offering a wide range of goods, the city is very reminiscent of its big sister Marrakech. Surrounded by 7.5 km of impressive earthen walls with gates, towers and corner bastions, its old kasbah, the medina with its typical shops and red houses, Taroudant has preserved the authentic Moroccan charm and is often referred to as "Little Marrakech". Take a walk through the narrow streets of the souk, full of colours and smells. In the heart of the city, Assarag Square invites you to linger and observe. Here you can meet people, stroll around and drink a mint tea in one of the many small cafés. Afterwards you will go to Essaouira, the pearl of the Atlantic. The road passes through Agadir and then follows the coast. Soon the road reaches a huge plateau with argan forests - it is from its fruits that the famous argan oil is produced by Berber women. You will be introduced to the secrets of the production of this oil. At the end of the day we arrive in Essaouira, the former Portuguese "Mogador".
Today you will travel to Marrakech, the "Pearl of the South" as it is affectionately known ((*) See option below). Arrival around noon. In the afternoon, it's time to get to know this lively city. With a guide you will discover the Koutoubia Mosque (from the outside), the Badii Palace and the Bahia Palace. Stroll through the colourful souks and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the medina (old town). On the famous Djemaa El Fna square jugglers, musicians, snake charmers and acrobats create an impressive oriental atmosphere. Every evening there are food stalls where you can taste a rich selection of typical local specialities.
(*) OPTION: On request, possibility to visit on the road to Marrakech the Val d'Argan wine estate with wine tasting. In this case there will be no guided tour in Marrakech.
Today, the day of return has come and say goodbye and return home with your memory full of memories and in your luggage.
Depending on departure, more free time then departure from your Riad / hotel and transfer to the airport and flight home.
- Included
- Private 4*4 Transport & Airport Transfers: Fully-Escorted
- Professional driver English speaking
- 8 Nights Authentic, Stylish Accommodation
- 1 Night in a luxury desert camp ( Berber Tent )
- Healthy fresh Moroccan meals
- Certified Marrakech Medina Guide
- Camel ride ( camel per person ) in the Desert
- Mineral water provided throughout the trip
- Added peace of mind with Excellent Trip Advisor reviews







