Where the journey begins
8am transfer across the highest Atlas road pass of the Tizi-n-Tichka, with far-reaching views of the mountains, valleys and Berber villages that cling to the mountain sides, to the Skoura Palmerie.
Pass through Ouarzazate with the option to visit the Glaoua Kasbah Taourirt. Renovated Kasbah hotel on Half Board (evening meal and breakfast included)
9am transfer to Merzouga via Mgouna where, in April and May, Berber children line the route selling garlands of the highly perfumed roses grown in the hedgerows.
Arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes where your guide and camels will take you across the sandy dunes of the Moroccan Sahara. Camel trek at sunset for 1-2 hrs to reach a nomad-tented camp where the camels are hobbled, mint tea is served and dinner is freshly prepared by your guide and served under the stars. Camel trek on Half Board (evening meal and breakfast included)
Rise early to watch the sunrise and return across the desert on your camels. Transfer to Ait Benhaddou via the Todra Gorge, the highest oasis valley gorge in Morocco with 300m sheer cliffs and a mouth just 20m wide.
Pause, as you drive along this verdant valley-floor to take photographs and, in late summer when the oasis palms are heavy with fruit, taste the succulent dates offered for sale in hand-woven palm baskets by Berber children.
Renovated Kasbah hotel with pool on Half Board (evening meal and breakfast included)
9am visit the World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, one of Morocco’s most spectacular ksours (fortified villages) that once stood on the route of the trans-Saharan caravans as they made their way across the Atlas mountains to the fondouks of Marrakech.
From Ait Benhaddou cross the High Atlas Mountains to the traditional Berber village of Telouet and visit the Kasbah of el Glaoui, former War Lord and Pasha of Marrakech.
Lunch in Telouet and depart for Marrakech across the Tizi-n-Tichka Atlas mountain pass with far-reaching views of the small villages that cling to the mountainsides.
Drop off at your hotel/riad.
