Explore Morocco - Marrakech, Sahara Desert & Atlas Mountains

Let’s begin our adventure in captivating Morocco with a flight to Marrakech. Upon arrival, we will be met by our local expert guide and transferred to our riad accommodation in the centre of Marrakesh. A riad is a traditional large house in Morocco, built around a central courtyard or garden and often converted into a hotel. A riad stay will give you an authentic local experience together with simple home comforts.

Riad in Marrakech (2 nights)

This morning, let’s explore more of Marrakesh with our knowledgeable local guide on a walking tour of this fascinating city.

Marrakech is home to impressive mosques, imposing palaces and beautiful gardens. The medina is a densely packed, walled medieval city dating back to the Berber Empire, with maze-like alleys and thriving marketplaces. Let’s wander the green cooling gardens surrounding the Koutoubia mosque and see the Bahia Palace and Museum a masterpiece blending both Islamic and Moroccan architectural styles. Next let’s explore Marrakesh’s world famous colourful souks where trade and barter still win the day. Our walking tour will finish in the Djemma-el-Fna square, where the city never sleeps and is full of traders, music, and life at all hours of the day.

Have the afternoon at leisure to explore more of Marrakesh’s hidden gems. Then tonight let’s get to know our fellow travellers at a welcome dinner where the flavours of Morocco come to life in a traditional culinary experience.

Riad in Marrakech (2 nights)

Let’s begin our adventures around Morocco as we travel the seaside town of Casablanca. (Driving time approx. 3.5 hrs / 250km)

*** Please note all driving times are excluding any stops, regular comfort stops will be made along the journey which will affect travel times. 

Casablanca, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, stands as Morocco's primary port and a key financial hub on the African continent. Casablanca is also the setting of the well-known 1942 film of the same name starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, which won Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

Here let’s enjoy a visit to Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the largest mosque in Morocco. Marvel at how modern technology is mixed with traditional Islamic architecture and tradition in this mosque which was finished in 1993.

Our journey continues to the historical city of Rabat we will stay overnight. (Driving time approx. 1.5 hrs / 90km) Situated on the coast, Rabat is the second largest city in Morocco and the country’s capital, home to its royal family and governmental buildings.

On arrival, let’s embark on a tour of the iconic sights of this up-and-coming city including Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas in the old quarter of town with our local expert guide.

Riad in Rabat (1 night)

Let’s explore more of Morocco today with a jam-packed day exploring many of Morocco’s top historical highlights on our way to Fes.

We depart Rabat for the Imperial City of Meknes. (Driving time approx. 2.5 hrs / 160km) In Meknes, let’s discover the wonders of the Medina with our expert guide and spend our time enjoying the sights with our local expert guide exploring the Grand Mosque from the 12th century, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the intricate mosaics adorning the city gates.

After some free time for lunch we will then travel on to the holy city of Moulay Idriss where a guided tour of the famous ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis awaits, one of the most southern parts of the ancient Roman empire before continuing our journey to the city of Fes. (Driving time approx. 2.5 hrs / 120km)

In the late evening, we will arrive into Fes, also known as the ‘Athens of Africa’. Located to the northeast of Atlas Mountains, the old city is penetrated by the River of Fez flowing from the west to east. In the Fes medina, donkey carts still wander down the narrow alleyways, as they did in medieval times.

Riad in Fes (2 nights)

This morning let’s uncover the secrets of Fes, the world’s oldest and largest medieval city with a guided tour with our local expert guide. Let’s visit the city’s Jewish quarter, world’s oldest and continuously functioning university, the University of Karueein. Let’s meander through the captivating souks and the UNESCO-listed medina and marvel at the vibrant dye-pits and tanneries while admiring the craftsmanship of local artisans. The bustling city of Fes is a highlight of any trip to Morocco.

In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore at your leisure. To cap off our day, we’ll immerse ourselves in the warm Moroccan culture by sharing dinner and our experiences with a local family in their home tonight.

Riad in Fes (2 nights)

Let’s enjoy an early breakfast at our hotel before saying goodbye to the city of Fes and starting the journey south as we travel into the heart of the Middle Atlas Mountains and Midelt(Total approximate driving time: 4 hours/ Approximate driving distance: 200km).

On our first stop let’s embark on a gentle hike amidst a stunning cedar forest, (approximately 1.hr) a sanctuary where the playful Barbary macaques monkeys enchant us with their antics.

Our next stop is the quaint mountain village of Azrou, a name that means ‘the rock’ in the local Berber language. Azrou is a gateway into the world of the Berbers, an indigenous people whose rich traditions and customs have withstood the test of time. Their way of life, a stark contrast to the urban sprawl of the cities below, offers a glimpse into a culture that has preserved its heritage, music, dance, language, and religious practices, setting it apart from the rest of North Africa. Our journey today isn’t just a passage through scenic landscapes; it’s a deep dive into the cultural heart of Morocco.

Our day concludes as we reach Midelt for our overnight stop on the way to the Sahara.

3 star hotel in Midelt (1 night)

Let’s continue on our scenic journey today, ascending through the majestic High Atlas Mountains, passing Tizi N’Talghemt, also known as the camel pass. Our route will take us through the captivating Gorge du Ziz to Er Rachidia, unveiling a picturesque canvas of palm trees, fortified villages, and traditional Berber farming communities along the Ziz Valley.

The landscapes evolve as we approach Erfoud, famed for its precious fossils dating back 500 million years, when the Sahara was an underwater realm. Let’s explore the fascinating fossil-filled marble workshops, before the arid desert plains beckon us forward, leading to the enchanting area of Merzouga, at the foot of the awe-inspiring Erg Chebi dunes (Total approximate transfer time: 4.5 hours/ Approximate driving distance: 270km)

From Merzouga let’s see Morocco from a different vista as we continue by camel, riding into the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert (duration 1 hour), witnessing the sunset as we make our way towards our Berber camp for the night. The Berbers are an ethnic group indigenous to North Africa, and during our time at their desert camp we will experience a unique glimpse into the Berber way of life. Let’s indulge in authentic food during the camp dinner and enjoy traditional music before sleeping under the stars. There is truly no better way to experience the Sahara Desert!

Overnight camp in the Saharan Desert (1 night)

We highly recommend waking up early to catch the desert sunrise over the sand dunes before breakfast at the camp. After breakfast embark on a thrilling 4x4 jeep drive back across the desert before we continue on our discovery of Morocco, traversing the Sahara and reentering the Atlas mountains.

Our first stop takes us to the holy town of Rissani, the birthplace of Moulay Ali Cherif, the founder of the Alaouite Dynasty, the current Moroccan royal family, to explore its markets. Afterwards let’s head towards Tinejdad where we will visit the Oasis Berber Museum of Khorbat to gain a better insight into Berber culture. After our museum visit, let’s savour tea inside the Kasbah before travelling onwards to the oasis of Tinghir, set in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountain range. Here let’s embark on a short walk along the Todgha River and through the Todgha Gorge, marvelling at the steep cliffs and clear gorge water along the way. (Driving time approx. 4 hrs / 210km)

In the afternoon, let’s continue our travels with a drive through the Dadès Valley, a series of rugged wadi gorges carved out by the Dades River. Let’s travel along the famous ‘Road of 1,000 Kasbahs’, the ancient caravan route to the Sahara Desert that was used by sultans and traders. Admire the stunning scenery of the Atlas Mountains en route to our accommodation, where we gather for dinner and a night in Morocco's High Atlas mountains (Driving time approx. 1 hrs / 60km)

Riad in the Dades Valley (1 night)

Today let’s immerse ourselves in the breathtaking Valley of Roses, renowned for its lush rose gardens and charming traditional villages. Here let’s explore the Berber village of Boutaghrar, nestled at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains. A stroll through this enchanting traditional village unveils the intricate tapestry of Berber life. Every garden, every pathway is a narrative of the community’s harmonious existence with nature. Our discovery in the village will end up by a visit to a local family who will be happy to share with you their home and their lunch! (Driving time approx. 2.5 hrs / 120km)

In the afternoon, let’s visit the town Kalaat M’Gouna where we will discover some beauty secrets in a women’s cooperative that produces soap, rose oil, rose-based musk from the millions of rosebuds harvested over the spring months that cover the city and provides employment for the local community. We will then complete todays discovery at ‘The Gate of The Sahara’ Ouarzazate where we will be spending our night. (Driving time approx. 2.5 hrs / 130km)

Riad accommodation in Ouarzazate (1 night)

After breakfast, let’s depart Ouarzazate , towards the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou. Aït Benhaddou is a great example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture with some families still living within the ancient village of the kasbah.  (Driving time approx. 2.5 hrs / 150km)

Here, let’s explore the kasbah with our local expert guide and hear of the many famous films and photo shoots, such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia which have taken place here over the years as we wind your way through the many narrow alleyways. You will also have some free time to grab lunch independently in the Aït Benhaddou kasbah.

In the afternoon, let’s embark on a scenic journey through the High Atlas mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka mountain pass, standing at an elevation of 2,260 meters above sea level. The views, the villages and the time spent on the Tizi n’ Tichka Pass are a truly unique experience. Here, Berber villagers still herd their flocks as they did in ancient times.  (Driving time approx. 4 hrs / 180km)

In the early evening, we arrive back to Marrakech where we will enjoy a farewell meal with our group and reminisce over the memories of a fantastic trip in Morocco.

Riad in Marrakech (1 night)

Today marks our final day in Morocco, as we travel to the airport for our return flight home to Dublin carrying with us the cherished memories of a remarkable journey through this captivating country.