DIRECTION OUARZAZATE: Traverse the stunning High Atlas and explore Morocco’s most exquisite Kasbahs

High Atlas Mountains - Renowned as one of Morocco’s most picturesque regions, this area features majestic, sometimes snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, terraced fields, and secluded Berber villages. The journey includes crossing the dramatic Tichka Pass, which stands at 7,616 feet.

Telouet Kasbah - Telouet Kasbah is celebrated for its exceptional Islamic architecture in Morocco, with an intricately designed interior and a captivating history. It offers views of beautiful mountains and serene Berber villages. The legendary Pacha Glaoui employed 300 of the finest craftsmen, who spent three years adorning the ceilings and walls with stunning mosaics, intricate carvings, stucco, zellij, and cedar wood.

Ounila Valley - Originally a key route for the trans-Saharan trade between Marrakech and Sub-Saharan Africa, the valley is now marked by numerous crumbling kasbahs and ksars. The Ounila River breathes life into the otherwise arid landscape, creating a lush, winding river of plantations wherever it flows. The valley showcases Southern Moroccan architecture, with small adobe villages and mosques nestled into the valley walls, while Kasbahs and ksars gradually blend back into the red earth.

Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou - The term “ksar” refers to a cluster of Kasbahs (castles) built closely together within a city’s fortified walls. Ait Ben Haddou is an earthen city made from clay bricks, with thick defensive walls. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, it has strong ties to Hollywood. David Lean selected Ait Ben Haddou for his film “Lawrence of Arabia” in 1962. Other notable films shot here include “Jewels of the Nile,” “The Living Daylights,” “Kundun,” “The Mummy,” “Gladiator,” “Alexander,” and popular TV series like “Game of Thrones” and “Isabel.” Visitors are often amazed by the historical beauty, over 1,000 years old, and the opportunity to walk the same streets as their favorite movie stars.

DIRECTION DESERT: Experience the desert (camel trekking and a nomadic dinner show after sunset on the dunes)

Draa Valley - Originating in the Atlas massif, Wadi Draa nourishes a palm grove stretching nearly 200 km before disappearing into the Sahara sands. The valley is fortified with numerous adobe Kasbahs and ksars. A stop at Tanssikht Oasis offers a chance to explore and appreciate its significance.

Zagora - Pause for lunch. Most residents have dark skin, descended from slaves taken from Sudan during the Caravan Route. On Wednesdays and Sundays, market days, visitors can explore the largest souk south of Ouarzazate. The town is famous for two things: the most delicious watermelon in Morocco and the sand bath, a remedy for joint ailments.

Tamegroute - Visit a traditional cooperative for green pottery craft.

M’Hamid - The M’Hamid palm grove was historically strategic as a major trading post for trans-Saharan caravans, dealing in amber, ivory, musk, salt, and slaves. Enjoy a camel trek deeper into the dunes, lasting about 1.5 hours, and spend the night in nomad tents at a secure and comfortable camp. Dinner and a Berber show around the campfire.

RETURN TO OUARZAZATE & MARRAKECH: Numerous visits including Ouarzazate

M’Hamid - After witnessing the sunrise over the dunes and enjoying breakfast at the camp, take a camel ride back to the road.

Tamegroute - Historically a center of learning and religion, known for its famous Sufi Zaouiya Naciria, founded in the 17th century. With thousands of manuscripts, it is one of the richest in North Africa.

Amezrou - Visit a former Jewish Kasbah, home to the village’s silversmiths. The craft was traditionally the domain of Berber and Arab Jews, who controlled the silver trade along the former caravan route.

Ouarzazate - This beautiful city is a top tourist destination, known as the “door of the desert,” “Capital of Kasbahs,” and “Hollywood of Morocco.” It serves as a transit point between Marrakech and the Sahara.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

• Lunches, drinks, monuments fees and tips

Experience the authentic desert, a destination that few tourists venture to, as many opt for the Merzouga desert. Over time, Merzouga has transformed under the heavy influence of mass tourism, resembling a bustling highway filled with noisy 4X4 vehicles, quads, and all-terrain motorcycles, which can sometimes startle the dromedaries. In contrast, M’Hamides offers the breathtaking beauty of the desert, characterized by its natural tranquility and the exceptionally rare silence, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the magnificent splendor and power of the Sahara.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.