Hidden deep in the High Atlas Mountains are the crumbling remains of the great fortress-palace of Telouet, which we visit before reaching the picturesque Tijhza Valley. After a truly stunning drive over the impressive Tizi-n-Tichka pass (2260m), we arrive at the lush and remote village of Tijhza. Staying in a simple but pleasant gite, we enjoy optional walks each day from the front door. The pace is relaxed, allowing us to enjoy the scenery of the mountains, and we learn a little about the way of life of these hardy and friendly Berber people. Finally, there's time in Marrakech to explore the busy souks or relax in the tranquil Majorelle Gardens - the perfect end to any North African experience

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Summary of the trip:

You will stay in beautiful boutique type hotels and traditional Riads, that are of excellent quality.

Your package is on a full board basis, including transport in our trourist vehicles and guides are well informed on the local history of the area. You will be lead through the medina and souks of the fabled ‘Pink City’, The souks are intensely atmospheric. Packed tight with locals and tourists, they’re a whirlwind of motion, smells and patchwork roofs that create compelling chiaroscuros when the sunlight filters through. then into nearby Atlas Mountains, over to the Atlantic coast, and finally you will reach the edge of the Sahara, where you can marvel at the vast expanse of sand and nothingness.

 

Your tour guide will be Rachel Blech, originally from London and who has been living in Ireland since
1997. Rachel is a radio broadcaster for RTE Lyric FM and will be well-known for her exotic music programme called THE MAGIC CARPET as well as other
work on RTE Radio 1.  Her passion for discovering new music from around the
world first took her to Morocco in 2006 where she was making a documentary about Gnawa Music – traditional healing and ritualistic music.  During her visit she met nomads from the Sahara desert and was invited to listen to their unique music and to discover their particular customs and traditions.  Since that time she has developed a deep connection with the nomadic "Blue Men"
of the Sahara and now spends part of the year living in Marrakech. Over the
past two years Rachel has been writing articles for travel journals, music magazines and for guidebooks. She has also been hosting other tours to Morocco
for single-travellers and for music festival-goers.

 

Please Ask About:

Suggested Daily Itinerary:

 

MARRAKECH – SOUKS TO THE SAHARA

 

DAY 1 – AIRPORT TRANSFER – AGADIR – TAROUDANT

MARRAKECH (1 HOUR)

Meal Plan – D

 

Early evening arrival into Morocco’s main tourist resort, but we head inland away from the throngs to spend a night in a delightful Berber riad in the charming medina town of Taroudant about an hour’s drive from Agadir. Time to relax, enjoy dinner with your host and guide and get to know your fellow travellers with a welcome meeting where you can ask all the questions you want.  Your host, Rachel Blech (RTE Lyric FM) will explain all you need to know and make sure you have a hassle-free trip in the company of our Moroccan team from the Sahara.

Stay Riad Taroudant

 

DAY 2 - DEPART TO OUARZAZATE VIA TAROUDANT & TAZENAKHT  IN 4x4 – (6HRS ON ROAD PLUS COFFEE/LUNCH BREAKS)

Meal Plan – B,L, D

 

Time for a quick morning visit to the nearby Berber souks before departure in our private 4x4 vehicles as we head east via the Souss Valley. The region is famed for it’s argan oil – a wholly organic and natural product. Possibly we’ll spot some acrobatic goats climbing up trees to munch upon these prized argan nuts that are hand-pressed by local women to produce a nutritious and valuable cosmetic oil.

We also pass through the saffron-growing region of Morocco and stop for lunch in the village of Tazenakht – famed for it’s hand-woven carpets, coloured with saffron from the area.

By early evening we will reach the province of Ouarzazate and visit the magnificent crumbling Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou – A UNESCO World Heritage site. An historic landmark in the region and once a stronghold for the ruling Glaoui tribe who oversaw the trade routes of passing caravans. It’s been used as a backdrop in countless films made in the area, including ‘Gladiator’ and “Jewel in the Nile”.  The tour of Ait Benhaddou involves about 1 hour of walking and crossing a riverbed (either by wading or by mule). Walking shoes or sandals required for this uphill adventure through the winding, twisting alleyways.

If time allows, we’ll stop for a quick trip to visit an apothecary and herbalist where you can learn about all kinds of essential oils, herbs, spices and health-giving concoctions treasured by Moroccans throughout the ages.

By evening we arrive at our 4-star hotel in Ouarzazate  which is decorated in local styles and has a swimming pool which can be viewed underwater from the dining-room!  No skinny-dipping please! Dinner here includes a choice of Moroccan and international cuisine as well as a bar serving alcohol.

Stay 4-star hotel – Ouarzazate.

 

DAY 3 – CONTINUE OVER ANTI-ATLAS TO STUNNING DATE GROWING REGION OF DRAA VALLEY AND DESERT VILLAGE OF M’HAMID (5 HOURS DRIVING PLUS STOPPING TIMES)

Meal Plan B,L D

 

Today is jam-packed and we set off after breakfast to reach our desert destination.  The peaks of the High Atlas behind us, the arid and stark Anti-Atlas before us. Then we descend into the Draa Valley and find ourselves in a lush oasis with crumbling Kasbahs and villages built from mud and straw along our route.  We’ll head off-road to see the local landscape close-up with plenty of opportunity to stop along the way for photos and a stroll.  For lunch we stop in the last big town before the Sahara desert – Zagora .  Then it’s onwards down the dusty trail, visiting the pottery co-operative at Tamegroute and the Koranic library which stores some hand-illuminated books dating back to 14^th century.  At the end of the road is M’Hamid – our final destination, where the tarmac runs out and the expanse of the Sahara begins. 

We unpack our vehicle and we unwind in the paradise gardens of our boutique Berber-style guest-house, constructed using traditional methods and architecture, but not skimping on modern facilities.  Chilled drinks, a splash in the pool and a fine Moroccan dinner await with local “Blue Men” – the desert nomads indigenous to the region – joining us to provide traditional Saharawi music.

As we’ve taken over a small guest-house with limited capacity  it will probably be necessary for people to share rooms.

Stay at Guest House overnight.

 

DAY 4 – A DAY TO RELAX IN THE SHADE OF THE OASIS, EXPLORE THE VILLAGE OF M’HAMID EL GHIZLANE AND CHILL OUT BY THE POOL. (NO TRAVELLING)

Meal Plan B, D

 

After all the travelling so far, you’ll need a day to just unwind and sit by the garden pool of our lovely guesthouse. Time free to explore the local village, constructed from mud and straw, wander through the shaded of the date palms, or visit the small Kasbah museum of Ouled Driss.  It’s an easy day with no fixed itinerary.

For a light lunch you can order in at the Guest House if you want to stay poolside or we can visit the village of M’Hamid just 5kms down the road and watch the locals go about their business.  There’s a café restaurant (also run by our nomad host family) and typical desert grocery shops, butchers, bazaars and internet bureau. (Lunch is not included today)

Stay at Guest House overnight.

 

DAY 5 –  4X4 OFF-ROAD SAFARI TO HIGH DUNES AND CAMEL TRIP (OPTIONAL) (3 HRS/35KMS ACROSS VARIED DESERT TERRAIN. Meal Plan B,L,D

 

You can’t come this far and not see the real desert!!!!  So late morning we pack our bags and head off with our nomad guide in 4x4 to see the amazing variety of the Sahara – it’s not just billowing sand dunes you know!  There’s trees and shrubs, succulent flowers, dried river beds, some flooded riverbeds occasionally, lunar landscapes, oases, man-made wells...and camels of course!

Our hosts will prepare a simple lunch in the shade of the Sacred Oasis. Then we’ll travel a little further to spend a night in comfy spacious nomad-style tents (woven from blankets and camel-wool) in the highest sand-dunes in the region – Erg Chegaga.  You can even try your skills at sand-boarding or hop aboard a camel!  A night under the African stars, gazing at the Milky Way, with a campfire burning and traditional Saharan songs is one of life’s truly magical experiences. The camp is set up for tourist groups and though it has flushing WCs and showers, these are supplied by limited stored water from tanks refilled and transported from the village 35kms distant. Guests are asked to conserve water as much as possible. Please use environmentally-friendly toiletries. Eco-friendly wet wipes are really useful here – quick, clean and easy.

Each tent is very spacious and it will be necessary to share (2 per tent).

Stay bivouac camp (each tent is laid out with carpets and rugs, with comfortable mattresses, sheets and blankets).

 

DAY 6 – DRIVE TO MARRAKECH (FULL DAY 8-9 HOURS DRIVING)

Meal Plan B,L,D

 

Today we continue across the desert pistes, then via the Drâa Valley, crossing Anti-Atlas and High Atlas mountain ranges as we head to Marrakech. It’s a full day of driving so we set off early morning to give us time to break up the journey along the way. 

The journey crosses the High Atlas mountains via the winding and vertiginous Tizi’n’Tichka pass. Stunning landscape along the route with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the changing colours and textures as well as observing scenes of everyday life as women lay their clothes to dry at the rivers edge and donkeys carry supplies to scattered hillside villages carved into the clay.

We arrive at our 4-star hotel in Marrakech in time for evening buffet dinner.

 

 

 

DAY 7  - DAY IN MARRAKECH (NO TRAVELLING)

Meal Plan B, D

The day starts with a guided tour of the labyrinthine alleys of Marrakech’s ancient medina to help you get your bearings.  The tangled souks of the city have remained unchanged for centuries and you can haggle for hand-crafted leather goods, musical instruments, carpets, African artefacts, herbal remedies, handmade jewellery…the list is endless. Our tour will also include a visit to the exquisite 17^th century Koranic school of the Medersa Ben Yousef with its intricate architecture and decoration, and time then to relax in the quiet and cool courtyards of the Museum of Marrakech. (Lunch is not included today)

The afternoon is your own free time to explore the other famous sights and then we’ll meet up in the evening and head to the bustling chaos of the world-renowned Place Jemaa el Fna – musicians and magicians, healers and hustlers, storytellers and snake-charmers gather for their night-time activities and we’ll sample dishes from the array of sizzling food grills.

Stay at Marrakech hotel.

 

 

DAY 8 – MARRAKECH – DAY AT LEISURE (NO TRAVELLING)

Meal Plan B,

 

 

A day at leisure in Marrakech for soaking up the atmosphere, bargain-hunting and treating yourself.  We suggest a morning visit to the splendid gardens of Yves St. Laurent – the Majorelle Gardens – in the morning.  It’s an oasis of calm with rare cactii, exotic plants, palm-tree and bamboos, lily-ponds and a museum of Islamic Art.  The shaded café serves all kinds of mysterious fruit infusions and iced tea as well as light savoury snacks and pastries. (Lunch not included today)

If you fancy taking a traditional Moroccan-style hammam spa, you can be steamed, scrubbed and rubbed until your skin gleams – Rachel will arrange this for you (not included in holiday price).

 

You may like split up and do your own thing for evening time, or you may enjoy dinner out together in Marrakech. We can organise a festive meal in an old palace if you wish, or recommend other great restaurants, some of which even come complete with belly-dancers! (Dinner not included today).

Rachel will advise and reserve for restaurant for you if required.

Stay at Marrakech hotel.

 

 

DAY 9 – MARRAKECH- ESSAOUIRA  -  ATLANTIC FISHING PORT OF ESSAOUIRA (3 HRS)

Meal Plan B, L

Morning leave Marrakech and we head off out toward the Atlantic Coast and the picturesque, white-washed medina of Essaouira – known for its painters, Gnawa musicians and fish!!!  Stopping for light lunch en route, we should arrive in Essaouira by early afternoon which gives us plenty of time to relax, explore the narrow streets, sip mint-tea in one of the beach-side cafes – maybe even have a go at wind-surfing! In the evening time we’ll meet up and head to the fabulous open-air fish-grills where the juiciest catch of the day is served up. Delicious! 

(Dinner price not included today)

For late night drinks – the Café Taros has a spectacular roof terrace and cocktail bar.

4-star Hotel to be confirmed.

 

 

 

DAY 10 – ESSAOUIRA – MORNING FREE. AFTERNOON DRIVE TO AGADIR (3hrs)

Meal Plan B, D

 

Morning is free for your own exploration – we recommend touring the ramparts, visiting the art galleries and the craft workshops of thuya woodworkers. Maybe we’ll stumble upon a few local musicians if we are lucky.

You are free to make your own arrangements for lunch – there are many simple and cheap choices within the medina .

(Lunch not included today)

Early afternoon we will meet at the hotel and head off along the coastal road to Agadir for our final night together. Farewell dinner and drinks by the pool!

4-star hotel Agadir.

 

 

 

DAY 11 – TRANSFER TO AGADIR AIRPORT - MORNING

Meal Plan B

 

After breakfast, we’ll pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport in Agadir for your homebound flights.  It’s here we say b’slama and hope to see you again soon.

 

 

N.B. This is the planned itinerary, but may be subject to minor changes depending on local conditions e.g. weather, road conditions etc.  Our drivers and guides know the terrain and schedule best and we always accept their decisions if deviations from exact tour are recommended.  We also like to allow flexibility to ‘go with the flow’ and not put too much time-pressure on the group.

 

ALL MEALS INCLUDED EXCEPT CLIENTS BUY THEIR OWN LUNCH ON DAYS 4, 7, 8 & 10 AND BUY THEIR OWN DINNERS ON DAY 8 & 9.

Meal Plan Key  - B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

 

 

Getting there: Fly to Marrakech via London

Transfer : All transfers included in Morocco

Accommodation: Accommodation in beautiful authentic Riads

Days / Nights: 10 nights

Rates: 1,749 per person

Start - End date:

Start date	End date
09 Oct 2010	19 Oct 2010

Date information:
Group size: Maximum 10
Level:
Included: Flights, personally selected boutique type hotels and traditional Riads (guest houses) all of an excellent standard, all transfers, All meals except for 2 lunches, local Moroccan guide, official city guide in Marrakech,
Excluded:

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