Explore the souks and streets of Marrakech and Fes, spend a night in a comfortable tented camp in the Sahara, enjoy dinner with a traditional Berber family, and unwind amid the coastal beauty of Essaouira. Throughout this magical ride, open your eyes to each dazzling place — and earn a new point of view.
Itinerary
DAY 1 CASABLANCA
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included. Sit down to a welcome dinner.
DAY 2 CASABLANCA/FÈS
Take a guided tour of the imperial city of Meknes. Continue on to the ruins of Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. After seeing the ruins, it’s off to Fes.
DAY 3 FÈS
Step back in time and embark on a walking tour of a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the Medina of Fes. Explore winding lanes and alleys to visit the many artisans, tanneries, and shops with an expert local guide. After, enjoy a G Adventures-supported traditional tagine lunch at a cooperative that benefits rural Moroccan women and children. This evening, visit a nearby café where we meet a local expert in Islamic calligraphy for a demonstration on "beautiful writing".
DAY 4 FÈS/MARRAKECH
Travel to Marrakech. In the evening, experience all the colour and chaos with a visit to the famous Djemaa el Fna square. Watch storytellers and acrobats as you enjoy a simple and delicious local meal at a market food stall.
DAY 5 MARRAKECH
In the morning, take a historical tour of the city, including the Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs. After, visit a historic riad for a hands-on cooking class from a master Moroccan chef, and enjoy the lunch that you have prepared.
DAY 6 MARRAKECH/AIT BENHADDOU
Travel to Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Atlas Mountains, and explore this ancient “Kasbah" (fortress) village.
DAY 7 AIT BENHADDOU/ERG CHIGAGA
Travel through the Draa Valley to Zagora and venture into the desert on 4x4s. Stop at Tamegroute to visit the library of ancient Islamic texts and local pottery makers. Continue off-road to the great dunes of Erg Chigaga to our comfortable desert camp. Opt to take a camel ride or to climb to the top of the dunes for views of the vast Sahara. Enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars.
DAY 8 ERG CHIGAGA/ZAGORA
Cross the desert back to Zagora and enjoy a talk on the history of the Draa region. You’ll also get to visit some of the local historical sites.
DAY 9 ZAGORA/TAROUDANT
Head towards the Anti-Atlas region to the carpet towns of Tazenakht and Taliouine, where saffron is harvested. Continue to Taroudant for the night.
DAY 10 TAROUDANT
In Taroudant, visit the famed leather tanneries and local markets. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore on your own.
DAY 11 TAROUDANT/TAFRAOUT
Enter the Anti-Atlas region known for its natural rock formations and visit Aït Mansour Gorge and the Painted Rocks. Continue through a palm valley and have lunch in a local village house. After, take a hike through the Chapeau du Napoleon before continuing to Tafaroute for the evening.
DAY 12 TAFRAOUT/ESSAOUIRA
Travel to the Atlantic coast to the port town of Essaouira. Opt to visit a local “hammam” (traditional spa and steam baths).
DAY 13 ESSAOUIRA
Enjoy a day of leisure in this coastal city. Watch the colourful and lively spectacle of the return of the boats to the port with their baskets full of fish. Pick out the best of the bunch, which we’ll take to a local restaurant to cook up for our lunch. Opt to browse the shops and art galleries or take a stroll along the long, sandy beach. The active might choose to take a surfing or windsurfing lesson, or rent a fishing rod.
DAY 14 ESSAOUIRA/MARRAKECH
Return to Marrakech and visit the Menara Gardens and the Jardin Majorelle. Opt to enjoy a farewell dinner in a restaurant overlooking Jemaa El-Fnaa.
