6 days/5 nights: “To the red dunes of Merzouga and Essaouira”

Our trip will take us through the High Atlas mountains by way of the historic Tizi-n-Tichka pass. With an elevation of 2,260 meters the size and beauty of the mountains cannot be overstated. This pass is also dotted with ancient oak woods, walnut groves, traditional Berber villages and picturesque valley pastures complete with roaming free range goats and sheep. The mountain pass opens into a high desert lunar landscape and  we reach our first destination, the Telouet Kasbah; along the ancient route of the caravans, this was the seat of power of the El Glaoui family, hence sometimes called the Palace of Glaoui. (if you wish you can visit the Kasbah). We continue to Ait Benhaddou, a mud brick kasbah protected by UNESCO and known as the finest and most famous in Morocco, which has featured in a number of films, such as Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth and The Gladiator. After the tour we stop for lunch. Morocco has long been a favorite of Hollywood and you will also have a chance to visit previous movie sets that are still standing. From here we set off through The Valley of 1000 Kasbahs. Kasbahs are ancient castles or strongholds. The road you travel along may be paved today, but 1000 years ago it was just a path full of traders going to and from Europe. These Kasbahs offered a safe place to conduct business and spend the night in safety. We then travel through Skoura and Kelaa M’Gouna an area known for both roses and its handcrafted daggers. Then through the lush Dades Valley. Here you will stay in a Moroccan Riad bed and breakfast, complete with tea service and full dinner.

After breakfast we set off to the Todra Gorge.This marvel of geography with cliffs of ping and gray reaching the sky cannot be overstated.It’s a wonderful spot for a break and peaceful walk. From here we travel to the near by village of Erfoud for lunch.This area is home to centuries old horizontal wells called Qauah, that once irrigated the desert. After lunch we set out for Merzouga and the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Here you will admire the gilded pink dunes from the saddle of a dromedary passing effortlessly through the sand. The Chebbi dunes are continuously changing and moving, reaching a height of 160 meters.The evening will be spent in a luxury camp enjoying first class Berber hospitality. Complete with the traditional mint tea ritual, dinner and music topped off with star gazing in the vast desert sky.

After breakfast and a beautiful desert sunrise we resume our journey an set off to Rissani.  This ancient mountain city is known the Ali Cherif Mausoleum as well it’s vibrant souqs and markets.  Further down the road at Nkob we will stop for lunch before entering the Draa Valley.  This lush valley produces some of the best dates in all of Morocco.  There are millions of date palms that are harvested between September and December.  These high quality treats are available along side the road as well as in every shop. From here we go to Tamnougalt, one of the oldest kasbahs (walled city or castle) in Morocco.  This is where you will stay in a Moroccan Riad bed and breakfast, complete with tea service and full dinner.

Our final day starts with breakfast and a walk in a local oasis.  Then we journey to Tazenakht. This region is known for producing the finest woven rugs. This is your chance to buy them straight from the source, the quality simply cannot be overstated.  From here we head to Taroudant, a walled mountain city called the little Marrakech. Dinner and overnight.

After breakfast in the garden of our Riad, we pay a visit to the attractive town of Taroudant, with its walls and medina with its souk. We resume our journey to the Atlantic Ocean, and head along the coast to the north until we reach Essaouira. Overnight accommodation in a riad in the medina of Essaouira.

After breakfast, we’ll have time to visit the beautiful down of Essaouira, on the Atlantic Ocean, a destination rich in charm and fascination. Among its attractions are the fish market and harbour, with the small fishing vessels which bring the fresh fish and all the abundance of the Atlantic to the land. The ancient fortifications, ramparts and, above all, the imposing medina, which was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 2001, are unforgettable sights. As we walk the narrow lanes of the medina, we can admire the picturesque white houses with blue doors and window frames and the many shops and cafes. Return to Marrakesh.