Morocco Signature 8-Day Small-group Tour

Upon arrival in **Casablanca**, you will be transferred directly to **Marrakech** via the toll highway, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk through Marrakech’s vibrant **souk**, including the famous **Jemaa El Fnaa square**. This lively square serves as a living theater, filled with snake charmers, acrobats, storytellers, astrologers, and much more. Your accommodation will be a charming **Riad** located in the heart of the medina, offering easy access to great shopping and sightseeing just steps away from your door.

After enjoying breakfast, we will set off on a scenic journey in a private **Toyota Land Cruiser** or **Deluxe Van(s)**, crossing the dramatic **Tizi-N-Tichka Pass** in the High Atlas Mountains. This remarkable national road provides us with stunning panoramic views of the rugged mountain landscapes, showcasing Morocco's natural beauty in every direction.

Our first stop will be the **Telouet Valley**, where we’ll have the opportunity to contribute to a small local development project in this remote and underdeveloped mountain region. While here, we’ll also visit the **ruins of a historic Kasbah**, once a powerful fortress that controlled the lucrative caravan trade routes between the desert and Marrakech for many years. The crumbling remains offer a glimpse into Morocco’s rich history and the strategic importance of this area in times past.

Continuing our journey toward the **Sahara Desert**, we’ll arrive at the legendary **Ait Benhaddou**, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its iconic **kasbah**. This ancient fortified village, with its earthen buildings and distinctive architecture, has been a popular filming location for famous Hollywood movies such as **Gladiator**, **The Mummy**, **Kingdom of Heaven**, and **Lawrence of Arabia**. After exploring Ait Benhaddou, we will proceed to **Ouarzazate**, where we will spend the night in a comfortable **Riad**, offering a relaxing stay in the gateway to the desert.

This morning, after exploring the famous **Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou** and its iconic film locations, we will begin our journey to the stunning **Todra Gorge**, a massive canyon carved into the **Atlas Mountains**. Along the way, we’ll make a stop at **Skoura**, located in the **Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs**. Here, you can enjoy a light trek through the lush **date palm oasis**, where you'll see the unique, sandcastle-like homes scattered throughout the landscape. This peaceful walk offers a glimpse into the traditional Berber lifestyle in this picturesque valley.

Afterward, we’ll continue to **Todra Gorge**, a dramatic natural wonder with towering limestone cliffs that rise to 1,000 feet. Upon arriving at our hotel, which is nestled within the canyon, there will be time to explore the breathtaking surroundings on foot. If time allows, we’ll have the chance to engage in some **rock climbing**, guided by local experts, offering a thrilling way to experience the towering walls of the gorge. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, we’ll also have creative challenges and games to enjoy, making it a fun and active afternoon. The total travel time for today is around **3 hours**, leaving plenty of time for adventure and discovery in the canyon.

Today, we set off toward the majestic **Sahara dunes of Erg Chebbi**, one of Morocco's most authentic and awe-inspiring destinations. Before departing, we’ll spend the morning engaging in some exciting **adventure challenges** within the dramatic Todra Gorge, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the canyon. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a peaceful **trek through a lush oasis plantation**, where we can observe local agriculture and, if time permits, stop by a **Berber home** for a traditional **mint tea** experience, offering a warm glimpse into the daily life of the indigenous people.

Continuing our journey, we’ll travel to the vast **dunes of Erg Chebbi**, arriving in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, we’ll find **camels** waiting for us, ready to take us on a magical trek across the golden dunes. The ride, lasting approximately **two hours**, leads us deeper into the Sahara, where we’ll reach a secluded **Bedouin-style desert camp**. Here, we’ll settle into our comfortable tents beneath the vast star-filled sky, immersing ourselves in the timeless desert atmosphere. With time to spare before sunset, we can explore the towering **high dunes**, indulging in the simple joy of **climbing, jumping, and rolling** down the sandy slopes.

As night falls, the desert comes alive with the sound of **Berber drumming**, creating an enchanting ambiance around a warm **campfire**. Whether you choose to relax by the fire or join in a traditional dance beneath the stars, the evening promises to be an unforgettable highlight of your Moroccan adventure. The total travel time for today is around **4.5 hours**, leaving us plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the **Sahara Desert**.

This experience is a highlight of any visit to Morocco.

This morning we make a pilgrimage up the high dune to catch the sunrise over the desert – A moment that lasts a lifetime… After breakfast, our camels guide us back to civilization and we transfer via the southern desert road with spectacular scenery to the bustling market town of Ouarzazate. Here we tour a film studio and have some time for shopping and exploring the markets. Ouarzazate was an important center on the camel caravan between Tomboktu and Marrakech, it still has an exciting frontier feel about it.

During this half-day heritage tour of Marrakech, we will experience the rich heritage of Marrakech on a half-day tour dedicated to discovering the city's talented artisans and craftsmen. Your journey begins in the bustling Medina, where we'll visit various workshops and studios showcasing traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. Meet skilled artisans as they demonstrate their techniques in pottery, weaving, and leatherwork, giving us an intimate glimpse into the time-honored practices that have been passed down through generations.

Explore the vibrant souks, where we can find unique handmade products such as intricate mosaics, beautiful textiles, and stunning metalwork. Our knowledgeable guide will share insights into the cultural significance of each craft and the stories behind the artisans. This immersive experience not only highlights the artistic talents of Marrakech but also supports local businesses and preserves traditional crafts.

As we wander through the colorful market streets, we'll have the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs directly from the makers themselves, ensuring that our visit contributes to the preservation of these cherished skills. This artisan-focused tour is a perfect way to connect with Marrakech's rich cultural tapestry while supporting the local community.