Magical Morocco

Welcome to dizzying, exotic, addictive Marrakech. This medieval oasis town, with the UNESCO heritage medina at its core, is certainly a force to be reckoned with. And reckon with it you will – but first, some down time at your four-star lodgings at 2 Ciels Hotel. Here, by a rooftop pool with views towards the Atlas Mountains and thriving Medina, you’ll have a chance to meet and relax with your group. At tonight’s welcome dinner at La Tangia, prepare for some of Morocco’s culinary greats: tagines, grilled meats, couscous; as well as your first experience of warm Moroccan hospitality.

Today you begin your long journey towards the Sahara Desert. Travelling across the Atlas Mountains on the highest road pass in the country; you’ll enjoy panoramic views of deep valleys and soaring peaks set against a deep blue African sky. You’ll stop en-route at the historic village of Telouet to explore it’s rust-red kasbah, as well as the stunning Ounila Valley for lunch with a local family. You’ll arrive at Ait Ben Haddou in the beautiful light of late afternoon. The well-preserved kasbah here is most famous for its appearance in the ‘Gladiator’ film. As the red hues begin to deepen with the changing light, climb to the granary for uninterrupted views of the Atlas Mountains and palm oasis.

You’ll be covering a big distance again today, but not without some incredible stops. First up: the immense green oasis of Skoura, where you’ll pause for mint tea and to meet the local women, watching as they show you how to bake bread in traditional clay ovens. From Skoura it’s onwards to Todra Gorge, where you’ll stop for lunch in the Todra Valley surrounded by towering rock walls. Back in the car after lunch, the immense dunes of Merzouga will soon rise up before you. And waiting for you at the foot of these giant red dunes? Your transport to a luxury desert camp: a train of camels. Saddle up and move off into the vast nothingness of the Sahara, your remote camp eventually appearing like a mirage on the horizon. 

Start the day with sunrise yoga on the dunes before a traditional Moroccan breakfast on the sand. After, feel free to explore the surrounding dunes by foot, or embrace the thrill of coasting down them on a sandboard. Afterwards, it’s time for a sand bath – the ancient healing Berber treatment for muscle and joint aches.  Later, you’ll bake bread like a Berber in the sand. Watch as your Berber guide expertly kneads the dough and places it in its sandy oven. It won’t be long before you notice the bizarre sight of a mound beginning to rise up out of the ground. Don’t fill yourself up too much on bread, though, as you’ve another Moroccan feast being served fireside this evening, to the addictive beat of traditional drummers.

After breakfast it’ll be time to load up your camels, leaving camp, and the desert behind you. Today, your journey will take you westwards through a vast wilderness, punctuated by bright oases and remote villages. This is a lonely road that few tourists travel, so enjoy the uninterrupted views of untouched Morocco. By mid-afternoon, you’ll descend into the fertile Draa Valley, otherwise known as the ‘date basket’ of Morocco, where 200km of palm groves follow the life-giving Draa River. You’ll be staying in Agdz in a boutique guest house at the heart of the palm grove. Hidden behind a small door in a mudbrick wall, you’ll find a beautiful pool surrounded by day beds, palm trees and the property’s traditional architecture. 

Today your journey continues westward towards the coast. Tazenakht will be your first stop where you’ll be shown how to weave wool for berber rugs, before exploring the vibrant bazaars here. Next up is Taliouine, the ‘capital’ of the most expensive spice in the world: saffron. Learn all there is to know about this luxurious spice, before stopping for a saffron-infused lunch at a local auberge.  You’ll end the day in Ouled Berhil, where you’ll check-in to what was once a Pasha’s palace; the perfect location for this evening’s storytelling dinner. Storytelling itself is an ancient Moroccan tradition, and Master Storytellers curate and refine their stories over decades. Tonight, between a series of delicious courses, you’ll be enraptured by one of these expert performers. 

You’ll finally reach the sparkling coast via Taroudant and Taghazout today. In Taroudant, you’ll be taken on a private tour of the former residence – now museum – of the late, internationally acclaimed artist Claudio Bravo. The first sight of crashing waves and surfers as you pull into Taghazout Bay for lunch is sure to induce some excitement. By the time you reach the walled port town of Essaouira, the laid-back, boho vibe of the country’s coast will be palpable. Watch sunset from La Skala (one of the port bastions) and then settle into your Riad at the heart of the Medina for an atmospheric dinner and rooftop drinks.

A much needed day of rest is in order today, and there are few better places to while away some free time than Essaouira. Easily explored on foot, allow yourself to get lost down colourful alleyways of workshops, galleries, spice shops and music stores. When you’re feeling peckish, head down to the port and choose your seafood fresh from the boat to be cooked in one of the many local kitchens and grills that dot the Medina. Afternoon drinks with your group on one of the many rooftop bars is a must, as is a walk along the beach to watch wind surfers catching the famous Essaouira breeze.

Marrakech is calling. Upon arrival, dive straight into the labyrinthine Medina, where you can visit a number of museums and monuments, including the architecturally astounding Palais Bahia. From here, barter your way through the city’s souks and spill out from a bustling alleyway into Jemaa-el-Fna square, where snake charmers, market traders and performers will vie for your attention.  As night falls and the crowds descend upon the main square, you’ll be led away from the din and down twisting alleyways on a private backstreet food tour. From sardine balls to lamb cheeks and a variety of vegetarian delights; this is your chance to try the more unusual dishes that have been refined over generations, served out of hatches and secret doorways.

This morning you’ll be transported to the lunar landscapes of the Agafay Desert, where you’ll appreciate these otherworldly, rocky plains from your unique viewpoint in a vintage sidecar. Navigate the rugged terrain as you make your way up to the Kik Plateau, over 1,000 meters above sea level. Here, with 360 views, you’ll be treated to an exclusive picnic. For your final night dinner, a spot of vibrant entertainment is in order. Comptoir Darna is an assault on the senses, where your delicious Moroccan feast will be served alongside live music and belly dancers. It’s loud and wonderfully over the top – the perfect place then, to celebrate 10 days of adventuring achievements as a group of firm friends.

Today you’ll be checking out and transferring to Marrakech airport for your flight home. You’ve done it. A 10-day epic journey across Morocco’s vast and changing landscapes. There’s no doubt you’ll leave with stories to last a lifetime as well as some new friendships, too.