DAY 1:
I will pick you up and depart Marrakech and our trip will begin by traveling through the High Atlas Mountains via the pass of Tizi n’ Tichka to Ouarzazate. We will visit the exotic Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou then continue to Ouarzazate center where you can tour the Atlas Studios. During the first part of the trip we will also relax and enjoy lunch at the Kasbah of Tourirt that was a residence of the Glaoui Dynasty.
Continuing to the Rose Valley, we will visit the amazing Kasbah of Amerhidil in Skoura. This Kasbah is situated by the Amerhidil River and is one of the largest in Morocco. Today the kasbah is the most prominent structure and takes up the long southern part of the complex, while the ruined Ksar (the former village) occupies the northern section. The kasbah made an appearance in the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia. It is still owned and maintained by the Nasiri family to this day. The family continues to live in one part of the kasbah while other parts have been restored to serve as a museum showcasing the traditional architecture of the building and local traditional artifacts, including tools, an olive press, a bread oven, and an old well. We will wrap up Day 1 by spending the night in Dades Valley.
DAY 2:
After breakfast we will depart for the Dadès Gorges through the lush Valley and stop to enjoy the spectacular scenery while sipping on traditional mint tea also known as “Berber Whiskey”. A non-alcoholic concoction of gunpowder green tea brewed with a fistful of fresh mint and varying amounts of sugar, the tea is a quintessential Moroccan experience, down to the dramatic high-pour technique. It is served in all households several times per day and for any occasion. Not surprisingly, this fundamental expression of Moroccan culture and hospitality has a fascinating story behind it.
We will continue to Tinghir via Boulman Dadès and visit this area lush with beautiful palm trees. The journey continues on to Todra Gorges where you will enjoy a leisurely lunch. After lunch we will continue to Merzouga where we will start a camel trek into the beautiful Erg Chebbi dunes. You will spend the evening in a bivouac (camp), enjoy a Moroccan dinner, and sleep in a traditional Nomad camel hair tent.
DAY 3:
In the Erg Chebbi dunes, we often wake-up to a spectacular sunrise in the desert and you will enjoy an authentic Moroccan breakfast. Bivouac trekkers will return by camel and lead us to the small town of Rissani. You will visit the Ksours and Kasbahs of Tafilalt, stopping in the Tafilalt Palm Grove on the way. We will tour the zaouia of Moulay Ali Sherif (mausoleum of the dynasty’s founder) and experience the local market in Rissani to see traditional souks and beautiful goods from local vendors. Next, continuing to Ouarzazate via Alnfe, Tazarine, Drâa Valley, Agdz, and visiting the Tamnougalt Kasbah. This area is one memorable stop after another.
Day 3 will end with an overnight stay in a Kasbah Riad where you will have the opportunity to visit the amazing Kasbah of Tourirt.
DAY 4:
We will start the day enjoying breakfast and then continuing the journey to Marrakech via the Pass of Tizi n’Tichka over the High Atlas Mountains stopping along the way for lunch and to enjoy the beautiful, picturesque scenery. Be sure to pack extra batteries because you will be inspired to take photos on the last part of your trip.
