Desert & Kasbahs

Upon your arrival at Marrakech Airport (RAK), our representative will welcome you and move you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in, relax after your flight, and take a first look around. Extra nights before the start of the tour are available upon request. | OVERNIGHT: Marrakech hotel. | MEALS: Dinner. | EXTRAS: Single Room Supplement (MOSGDK)

Discover the secrets of Marrakech, starting in the medina, the old walled area of the city and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This thousand-year - old city has long been a political, economic and cultural hub. Marvel at its architectural jewels, including the soaring Koutoubia minaret. Continue to the Bahia Palace, a model of privileged life in the 19th century, the Tiskiwin Museum (Maison Tiskiwin), which houses an impressive array of North African arts and crafts. The museum, created by a Dutch anthropologist, is organized into geographically themed displays, each of which focuses on artifacts from different towns and regions along the ancient trade route from Marrakech to Timbuktu. Exquisite hand-woven carpets and textiles, traditional Berber clothing and jewellery, intricate basketwork and tribal crafts are on display. Later you can visit Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakech's main square, which is lined with orange juice stalls and vendors, with fire-eaters, mime artists, snake-charmers and street musicians performing at every stage. You may also take the opportunity to explore the city's fabled, labyrinthine souks, their bustling alleyways brimming with all manner of wares. Return to your hotel after your stay. The rest of the day is at leisure, a great chance to refresh yourself and get ready for dinner in a nearby restaurant. Head to your hotel and stay overnight. | OVERNIGHT: Marrakech hotel. | MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

As you leave Marrakech, head for the High Atlas Mountains. Our route follows the same one of the caravans used centuries ago to bring gold and precious wood to Marrakech from the other side of the ocean of sand, the Sahara. You will cross Tizi n Tichka Pass, 2260 meters high. Once over the pass you will get an amazing panoramic view of the Atlas Mountains and the houses of its indigenous villages. Continue to Ouarzazate and stop for lunch (at your own expense). Another lush area nestled between the deserted crest and the desolate plateaus: the palm grove of Skoura. Next, our trip reaches Kelaa des Mgouna, famous for the nearby Valley of Roses and 'Rose Festival', where at the end of a 3 day celebration usually held in May, a local girl is crowned 'Rose Queen'. The most processed product is eaude-rose and two distil-area factories and exports the product. Further on, Boulmane Dades follows, the starting point to explore the spectacular Dades Gorge, a lush carpet set against the massive rocks and very popular among those interested to trek. Dinner and overnight in the hotel. | OVERNIGHT: Dades hotel. | MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner