General Itinerary

∴ Our 10-day adventure begins in Marrakech where we fully discover its ancient charm by strolling through the old, world-famous souks of the Medina, meeting local merchants and their unique arts & crafts. Guided by our local experts, visit the most famous Marrakech museums, palaces, and gardens and dine in the local cafes with the best rooftop views over the red city.

∴ Spending 2 days discovering Marrakech we will also treat ourselves to the ancient spa ritual of Hammam and henna treatment. In the evening relax in the charming local riad before making the journey along the ancient caravan routes the next morning.

∴ Our journey starts with a scenic drive through The High Atlas Mountains, reaching the Tizi n’ Tichka pass – the highest point accessible by car. The first day of our exploration takes us through Amazigh villages tucked in the Atlas mountains, lush oases, and valleys filled with rose fields. A very special activity is prepared for the evening – a horse ride around the kasbahs of Ait Benhaddou – the ancient fortified village listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our resting stop is a family-owned accommodation known for its delicious homemade food and a great collection of books about the Amazigh culture.

∴ Day 4 of our journey takes us to the Draa Valley in southeast Morocco where we stay in a 16th-century family-owned kasbah, explore the surroundings and connect with the local community. We will get hands-on pottery with local artisans and try our cooking skills in making the most famous Moroccan dish – tajine. We will learn traditional dances with local residents, visit women’s cooperatives, and share our cultures in these unique surroundings.

∴ Day 6, before reaching the Sahara Desert, brings us to the ancient village of Tamegroute – a major stop on the former caravan route, home to the Koranic library and famous green-coloured pottery. We will stop at a local family of artisans and discover the unique process of creating these world-famous pieces of pottery passed down through generations.

∴ Reaching the edge of the Great Sahara, we change a form of transport and travel deep into the desert to our accommodation – traditional fully equipped Nomadic tents. Guided by local herders on our camel ride watch the sunset over the majestic dunes of the Sahara and in the evening share traditional meals, and dance around the campfire to the rhythm of the Tuareg drums under the mesmerizing Saharan skies.

∴ Waking up for the sunrise in the desert is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enjoy locally made breakfast surrounded by the desert. Having indulged ourselves in the most serene surroundings of the Sahara Desert, our journey then goes on to the home of the Ait Atta tribe in the Anti Atlas Mountains. Surrounded by rocky deserts, these mountains are a shelter for nomads still living in caves with their livestock. Visit traditional kasbahs owned by local families and women’s cooperatives with the most unique traditional jewellery and carpets. A secret location in Dades Valley will be our accommodation for the night, and we also have a special music evening prepared!

∴ Our journey continues further deep into lush oases dotted with ancient kasbahs. We will stop at local markets and villages tucked in the mesmerizing landscape. Our accommodations will have us stay at yet another hidden gem of the south – a family-owned earth-built Kasbahs beautifully restored by a generation of a local family who takes great pride in preserving the Moroccan rich heritage and traditions.

∴ Ending our journey in Marrakech, we have one more chance to explore more of this ancient city with our local guides, relax in the riad or grab those last-minute handmade souvenirs. For the farewell dinner in the evening, we prepared something very special – a three-course meal in a restaurant with traditional Moroccan & Gnawa live music and dances.

In the morning we will say our goodbyes (definitely see you all soon!) and proceed with airport arrangements.

*Please note, that this is a general 10-day itinerary. Our off-the-beaten path exploration often leads to remote areas. Slow travel and a true connection with the land and its people are our number one priority. While we try to keep our schedule throughout the journey, little delays happen occasionally, especially when we come across places and local communities that truly capture our and our travellers’ hearts.

Accommodation: We do not work with big hotel chains and our carefully selected authentic local accommodation offers a shared room only option (twin rooms) Please contact us if you would like a private room, and we will do our best to help you choose the best options.

Dietary requirements: We do offer vegetarian options in our seasonal local organic meals. Please contact us for any dietary requirements.

We welcome everyone on our journey and create a safe space for everyone who embarks on an adventure with us. Our journey lets you truly discover the wonders of Morocco, its communities and their cultures. We form lifelong friendships with people who join us and who we encounter on our journeys, and do the best we can to create the most beautiful memories that last a lifetime.

Journey with us!

Highlight places:

• Marrakech souks
• The High Atlas Mountains
• Ait Benhaddou
• Roses Valley
• Skoura palm oasis
• Todgha Canyons
• Dades Gorges
• Tamnougalte
• Draa valley
• Taroudant
• Mhamid Sahara Desert

Highlight activities:

• Spa Hammam treatment
• Henna art tattoo ritual
• Silver Jewellery Women Cooperative visit
• Carpet weaving with a local family
• Pottery making with local craftsmen
• Visiting ancient local kasbahs
• Camel / Horse riding
• Shopping at authentic local markets
• Traditional Tuareg music & dance in the Sahara Desert
• Traditional meals with nomadic families

Duration:

10 days & 9 nights

Group Size:

11 travellers & The Alternative Morocco Team