Morocco: Sahara & Beyond

with National Geographic Journeys! 

FROM $2559 CAD, was $3199 CAD, – valid on July 15 2018 departure

The culture of the Berbers in northern Africa dates back as many as 5,000 years. Discover their enduring legacy on this 15-day adventure into Morocco’s rich cultural heritage. Explore the souks and streets of Marrakech and Fez; spend a night in a comfortable tented camp in the Sahara; enjoy dinner with a traditional Berber family; and unwind amid the coastal beauty of Essaouira. Throughout this magical ride, open your eyes to each dazzling place – and earn a new point of view.

Detailed Itinerary: 

Day 1: Casablanca (D)

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included. Sit down to a welcome dinne

Day 2: Casablanca/ Fes (B)

Take a guided tour of the imperial city of Meknes. Continue on to the ruins of Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. After seeing the ruins, it’s off to Fes.

Day 3: Fes (B, L)

Step back in time and embark on a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Medina of Fes. Explore winding lanes and alleys, visit the many artisans, tanneries, and shops with an expert local guide. After, enjoy a G Adventures-supported traditional tagine lunch at a cooperative that benefits rural Moroccan women and children. This evening, visit a local cafe where we meet a local expert in Islamic calligraphy for a demonstration on “beautiful writing”.

• G Adventures for Good: Meknes Community Lunch
• National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Islamic Calligraphy Class

Day 4: Fes/ Marrakech (B, D)

Travel to Marrakech. In the evening, experience all the colour and chaos with a visit to the famous Djemaa el Fna square. Watch storytellers and acrobats as you enjoy a simple and delicious local meal at a market food stall.

Day 5: Marrakech (B. L)

In the morning, take a historical tour of the city, including the Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs. After, visit a historic riad for a hands-on cooking class from a master Moroccan chef, and enjoy the lunch that you have prepared.

• National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Moroccan Foodie Experience

Day 6: Marrakech/ Ait Benhaddou (B, D)

Travel to Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Atlas Mountains, and explore this ancient “Kasbah” (fortress) village.

Day 7: Ait Benhaddou/ Erg Chigaga (B, L, D)

Travel through the Draa Valley to Zagora and embark on 4x4s into the desert. Stop at Tamegroute to visit the library of ancient Islamic texts and local pottery makers. Continue off road to the great dunes of Erg Chigaga to our comfortable desert camp. Opt to take a camel ride or to climb to the top of the dunes for views of the vast Sahara. Enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars.

Day 8: Erg Chigaga/ Zagora (B)

Cross the desert back to Zagora and enjoy a talk on the history of the Draa region. You’ll also get to visit some of the local historical sites

Day 9: Zagora/ Taroudant (B)

Head towards the Anti-Atlas region to the carpet towns of Tazenakht and Taliouine, where saffron is harvested. In Taroudant, visit the famed leather tanneries and local markets

Day 10: Taroudant/ Tafraout (B)

Enter the Anti-Atlas region to view natural rock formations. In the afternoon, explore the town centre and its local markets.

Day 11: Tafraout (B, L)

Visit Aït Mansour Gorge, the Painted Rocks, and the Chapeau du Napoleon. Walk through a palm valley and have lunch in a local village house.

Day 12: Tafraout/ Essaouira (B)

Travel to the Atlantic coast to the port town of Essaouira. Opt to visit a local “hammam” (traditional spa and steam baths).

Day 13: Essaouira (B, L)

Enjoy a day of leisure in this coastal city. Make sure you watch the colourful and lively spectacle of the return of the boats to the port with their baskets full of fish, pick out the best of the bunch, which we’ll take to a local restaurant to cook up for our lunch. Opt to browse the shops and art galleries or take a stroll along the long, sandy beach. The active might choose to take a surfing or windsurfing lesson, or rent a fishing rod.

Day 14: Essaouira/ Marrakech (B)

Return to Marrakech and visit the Menara Gardens and the Jardin Majorelle. Opt to enjoy a farewell dinner at a palace-style restaurant with local folkloric entertainment.

Day 15: Marrakech (B)

Depart at any time.

What’s Included:

• National Geographic Journeys Exclusive: Islamic Calligraphy Class, Fes
• National Geographic Journeys Exclusive: Moroccan Foodie Experience, Marrakech
• G Adventures for Good: Meknes Community Lunch, Meknes
• Arrival Transfer
• Tour the city of Meknes and ruins at Volubilils
• Guided walking tour of Fes Medina
• Guided night walk of Djemaa el Fna square with local meal
• Explore Marrakech with a local guide
• Visit the ancient kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
• Sahara Desert excursion by 4×4 with overnight in a comfortable desert camp
• Explore the Draa region
• Visit to Tafraoute
• Explore Essaouira
• Visit Menara Gardens and the Jardin Majorelle
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations: Hotels (13 nights), comfortable desert camp (1 night)

Meals: 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

Transportation: Private air-con minivan, walking, 4 x 4

Staff & Experts: Chief Experience Officer throughout, local guides

Plenty of departure dates!  

2018 Departures:  Jul 15; Aug 12; Sept 2, 9, 16; Oct 7, 21, 28; Nov 11; Dec 9, 23

2019 Departures:   Jan 6, 13; Feb 3, 10, 24; Mar 3, 10, 24; Apr 7, 14, 28; May 5, 12, 26; Jun 16; Jul 14; Aug 11; Sep 1, 8, 15, 22; Oct 6, 13, 20, 27; Nov 10, 17, 24; Dec 8, 22.

Small Group Experience – Max 12 people.

Prices from $2599 CAD per person.  

For more information on this exciting adventure please contact Lucas@Lloydstravel.com.