Down to earth holidays

Description

Marrakech is a 'must' on any visit to Morocco and this trip gives you ample time to visit the souks, palaces and gardens as well as taking it easy over a mint tea in the Djemaa el Fna watching the market traders and juice sellers. After a guided tour you're free to explore as you wish. Marrakech has an excellent selection of restaurants, too, and dining at one of the stalls in the Djemaa el Fna is an experience not to be missed!

After the hustle and bustle of the city, you'll escape to the open spaces of the Dades Valley and the spectacular Dades Gorge, then on into the famous Sahara Desert. You'll get to see the massive sand dunes at Erg Chebbi, the largest in Morocco. Staying in a private desert camp by the dunes, this is a true desert experience.

On the way back you'll stop off at the magnificent Todra Gorge, ideal for hiking, and stay overnight in a kasbah in Skoura Oasis. You'll also visit the fortified city of Ait Benhaddou, along the ancient caravan route from the Sahara to Marrakech. If it looks familiar, you may have seen it in a number of films that have been shot here. Your adventure ends back in Marrakech, where you have a night in the riad before continuing your travels.

Detailed Itinerary

1. DAY 1 (Sat): Board your flight from the UK to Marrakech (if selected). You'll be met on arrival at Marrakech airport and driven to your riad in the heart of the city.
2. DAY 2 (Sun): This morning you have a guided city tour, including the colourful and ever busy souk. Now you have your bearings so you can explore on your own! (B)
3. DAYS 3-4 (Mon-Tues): These 2 days are free for you to do as you will. There is lots waiting to be explored - the medina, palaces, gardens and museums. Maybe the best way to get a feel of this fascinating city is simply to wander its streets and immerse yourself in the sounds and smells. Take time, too, to relax over a soothing mint tea, milkshake or freshly squeezed orange juice and watch the scenes before you as the locals go about their daily lives. In the evening a visit to the Djemaa el Fna is a must. It is taken over by food stalls and entertainers - snake charmers, acrobats, musicians and story tellers. You could try eating at one of the stalls - it will be a lively and sociable experience and the food is freshly cooked for you. There are also many restaurants around the square and beyond, so you have no shortage of dining options. (B)
4. DAY 5 (Wed): Your guide will collect you from your riad after breakfast and you'll head southeast to explore the deserts and gorges. Travelling over the Atlas Mountains you'll reach the spectacular Dades Valley. (B,D)
5. DAY 6 (Thurs): There's time to explore the scenic Dades Gorge thjis morning before heading on into the Sahara Desert. You should arrive at Erfoud on the edge of the desert in the late afternoon. (B,D)
6. DAY 7 (Fri): Continuing the desert adventure, you head to Merzouga and your very own private desert camp. What a setting! In the stunning Erg Chebbi sand dunes, the largest in Morocco. You have the day and night here to experience the majesty of the desert. (B,D)
7. DAY 8 (Sat): After breakfast, you'll start heading back, stopping to see Todar Gorge en route. Tonight you'll stay in a small kasbah in the Skoura Oasis. (B,D)
8. DAY 9 (Sun): You'll visit the superb site of Ait Benhaddou, a fortified city or 'kasr' on the traditional caravan route from the Sahara to Marrakech. In more recent years the city has found fame as a film set, used in productions such as 'Lawrence of Arabia', 'The Jewel of the Nile' and 'Gladiator'. Contuning the journey, you'll arrive back in Marrakech and will be dropped off at the riad. (B,D)
9. DAY 10 (Mon): You'll be taken to the airport in time for your flight back to the UK (if selected) or your own travel arrangements. Alternatively, why not have a few days at the coast - see our 'Essaouira' extension. (B)