Atlas Moutains and Sahara Desert Tour
Date: Anytime
Tour Length: 8 Days/ 7 Nights
Accommodation: 4 Star (Homestay can be arranged in Fez and Imilchil Village)
Transportation: Mini-vans (Toyota, Mercedes Vito)
Tour Leader: Full assistance of an English speaking Tour Guide
Tour begins: Fez
Tour ends: Marrakesh
Below is a sample itinerary to give you an overview about Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert Tour. Please note that the tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. There are several activities that you can include in this itinerary such as cooking classes in Fez. Please email us for information at info@moroccooffthebeatentrack.com
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Fez
We will pick up you from the airport and take you to your accommodations. Depending on your time of arrival, we can help arrange your plans for the day or evening.
Day 2: Fez – Midelt
After breakfast, our guides will lead you through the Fez medina, an 8th century labyrinthine city. Let us take you back in time, exploring small winding streets where local vendors work traditional crafts in small stalls, donkeys carry goods through the cobblestoned streets, and historical sites are hidden around every turn. The medina is rich in Islamic monuments: old mosques, the University of El-Karaoulyine, and its libraries. We’ll also be sure to visit the southern tower for a panoramic view of the entire city.
After our tour, we’ll leave the city for Midelt, passing through the Middle Atlas mountain region. On the way we’ll stop in Ifrane, the “Switzerland” of Morocco, and Azrou, where we can stop to feed the local monkeys. Your day ends in your hotel in Midelt.
Day 3: Midelt – Imilchil – Todra Gorge
In the morning we’ll take breakfast and then head off to the Todra Gorge through the High Atlas Mountains. This journey passes through many small Berber villages, giving you a unique look into the daily lives of the people in this region. One of these, Imilchil, is perhaps most famous for its annual betrothal festival in September. You’ll have the chance to explore Imilchil, visit the lake and nearby villages in the valley, and enjoy lunch. From here we’ll finish our trip to Todra Gorge where you can settle in for the evening, relax and have dinner.
Day 4: Todra Gorge – Tinjdad – Merzouga
Depart Todra Gorge for the desert town of Merzouga. Along the way we will stop and explore Tinjdad to visit the water museum and springs and learn how the water is carried from deep in mountains to desert oasis.
After this we’ll arrive at the Erg Chebbi region of the Sahara Desert where we will begin your camel trek to start your Moroccan desert adventure! Along the way you’ll get to watch the sunset over the majestic Sahara dunes. Upon arrival in camp you’ll enjoy a tajine dinner and then spend the night at an oasis in a Berber tent.
Day 5: Merzouga
After your breakfast in the bivouac, you will travel by camel back to the hotel where you can shower and rest. Late morning we’ll drive around Erg Chebbi area, visiting a nomad family, gnaoua village and learning about the traditions of this berber area. You’ll stay the night again in the hotel.
Day 7: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
After breakfast we will visit Taourirt Kasbah in town. From here we’ll take you to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. Our journey continues back towards Marrakech with a visit along the way to the traditional High Atlas Berber village of Telouet and the Kasbah el Glaoui. We will take lunch in Telouet before descending the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass to Marrakech where you will check in to your hotel late afternoon.
Day 8: Menara Airport in Marrakesh
Transfer to the Marrakech airport in time for your departure. Depending on timing we can help you plan your day!
Questions? Please email us at info@moroccooffthebeatentrack.com