Embark on a captivating journey as you bid farewell to the bustling city of Marrakech and head east towards the desert, ascending the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Keep an eye out for Mount Toubkal, standing tall at 13,671 feet (4,167 m). Traverse the winding roads, passing traditional Berber villages adorned with mud-brick buildings.

Indulge in a delightful lunch in Taddert before continuing your drive to the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Pause to appreciate the awe-inspiring panoramic views of the landscape. Continue westward to the medieval Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO-protected site and Morocco’s most renowned kasbah. Once a vital stop along the trans-Saharan trade route, Aït Benhaddou is steeped in history. Spend the night in the old town, meandering through its alleys after the day crowds disperse. Pay a nominal fee to explore the kasbahs and climb to the rooftops for breathtaking views. Discover the allure that captivated filmmakers; Aït Benhaddou has featured in notable films such as Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, Prometheus, American Sniper, and Game of Thrones.

Where you’ll be staying

• Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

• Dinner

Following a hearty breakfast, we set out for Zagora. Our journey leads us along the rugged, jagged, and desolate Jbel Tadrart Mountain ranges, taking us through seas of sand occasionally punctuated by lush oases of date palms, to the interesting township of Tamegroute. Once a famous settlement and home to religious scholars since the 11th century, Tamegroute houses a shrine to its spiritual leader. Visit an intriguing library filled with ancient scripts of science, literature, the Koran, and stories of the prophet Mohammed. We’ll also join a local friend to uncover the underground kasbah and its famous, but unique, ceramic pottery industry—a great spot to pick up a memorable souvenir.

Drive on until we reach the end of the road at the frontier town of M’Hamid, take a short camel ride, with the dunes as a magical backdrop. Head into the dunes in 4WD vehicles. Our rough piste track runs parallel to the Algerian border, across stony Hamada desert whose only populace is small scatterings of hardy nomadic people and their camels until we reach the massive Erg Chigaga dunes in the late afternoon.

Where you’ll be staying

• Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Re-join our minivan and continue towards Oulad Berhil. This drive takes us through more superb desert scenery and along a route that’s a reserve for the indigenous argan trees. If we’re lucky, we might come across the famous image of goats climbing these trees in search of their tasty nuts. Please note that this is a long travel day, and we won’t arrive at our accommodation until late afternoon/early evening. Our riad tonight is 45 km outside of Taroudannt and offers the chance to relax by the pool.

Where you’ll be staying

• Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Join our local guide for a walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage medina, Jewish mellah, port, and skala ramparts. You have some free time to soak up the romantic ambience. Everything in the small centre is within walking distance, and the beach is clean. Wander the harbour and its adjacent fish markets where you can witness the daily auction. A freshly cooked plate of the day’s catch is highly recommended. Browse the plentiful shops and intriguing art galleries that make this little town a particularly pleasant place to unwind for a few days. It has a growing reputation for its unique art and is becoming even more famous for its burled Thuya wood—delicately formed and inlaid in tiny shops, which are built into the thick walls of the Portuguese ramparts. The scent from the oils used to polish the richly coloured wood permeates the air, making walking down the streets incredibly pleasant.

Where you’ll be staying

• Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Embark on a picturesque journey into the enchanting High Atlas Mountains, driving for approximately 4 hours until you reach the captivating village of Imlil. Upon arrival, stow away your main luggage and transfer your essentials to pack mules. Begin a delightful 1-hour hike towards the serene village of Aroumd, perched on a rocky outcrop. As you ascend, be mesmerised by the awe-inspiring vistas of the High Atlas Mountains and immerse yourself in the authentic Berber (Amazigh) culture that flourishes in this remote haven. Prepare to spend a remarkable evening at a charming mountain gite, lovingly managed by a local family. Indulge in the warm embrace of traditional hospitality and savour the delectable flavours of authentic cuisine, accompanied by the comforting scent of woodstoves and freshly baked bread. Delight in the opportunity to explore the village and its idyllic farmlands, absorbing the tranquillity of the surroundings.

Weather permitting, those eager for adventure can embark on an optional hike of approximately eight kilometres, leading to the revered pilgrimage shrine of Sidi Chamharouch. This exhilarating journey, lasting around 4 hours in total, rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas and a profound sense of accomplishment. Regardless of your fitness level, the unhurried pace of Aroumd invites you to wander and discover its treasures, providing a cherished escape from the trappings of the modern world.

Where you’ll be staying:

• Gite (1 night).

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Important Note: If you plan to embark on the hike to the Sidi Chamharouch shrine, it is essential to have suitable footwear. Opt for a sturdy pair of walking shoes with a firm and slip-resistant sole. This will ensure your safety and comfort as you traverse the frequently used trails, which can be muddy and precarious. During your stay at the homestay, please be aware that the facilities, including the bathroom and sleeping arrangements, are shared. However, despite this arrangement, you can expect a cozy, comfortable, and truly exceptional experience that is characteristic of Morocco Getaway.

The journey concludes upon our return to Marrakech. Today is free with no scheduled activities, granting you the flexibility to depart at your convenience. Alternatively, consider extending your experience with a post-tour extension to explore more of this captivating country. Consult your Tour Leader for additional activities in Marrakech or assistance with airport arrangements.

Meals Included

• Breakfast