The Way of the Dunes
A journey through the beauties of Morocco, from the Berber fortresses of the desert to the sparkling Marrakech. An adventure among the majestic dunes on the border between Morocco and Algeria on the ancient caravan route that connected Marrakech, the ancient Almoravid capital, to the Chigaga desert and the great Sahara. A unique 4x4 journey through the High Atlas to immerse yourself in the landscapes and traditions of Morocco's red earth of the Great South such as Essaouira, Taroudant and Ait Ben Haddou.
Day 1
Italy-Marrakech
Arrival at Marrakech airport, welcome and private transfer to the Riad in the ancient Medina. First visit to the alleys of the medina.
Day 2
Marrakech
After breakfast, guided tour of the Medina in ItalianMarrakech, an effervescent city teeming with activity. Surrounded by 19 km of walls built in 1122, the Medina of Marrakech, a world heritage site, is the name by which the entire historic center of the city is known. It is the oldest part of the city, called the old city, the souk of Marrakech offers a complete overview of all the craftsmanship of Morocco in one place: we find various artisans, dyers, basket makers and master ironsmiths and we will immerse ourselves in the strong aromas and flavors amidst history, traditions and culture. Are you ready to be transported by the smells, colors and sounds? An experience and an emotion not to be missed! The visit continues in the suggestive main square of MarrakechDjemaa El Fna and with its main attractions. Moroccan Hammam on request. Continue your visit to the marvelous onesMajorelle Gardens(on request) created in 1924 by Jacques Majorelle, a French painter, a large green oasis with many different plants from all over the world (palm trees, bamboo, cacti, pints of coconuts, exotic plants). The estate is enriched with a further touch of blue color reminiscent of the colors of the ocean, here we can capture images of botanical art in all its splendor in our shots. Free evening in the streets of Marrakech.
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Day 3
Marrakech - Essaouira
After breakfast departure forEssaouira along the Atlantic coast of Morocco for approximately 3 hours transfer. Famous above all for its sensational Medina on the sea registered in the list of World Heritage sites by UNESCO. The fortress, the white and iridescent walls, the relaxation of its inhabitants, the Kasbah, the artisan shops, make this city unique and with a European flavour: in 1756 the French made it a perfect example of military architecture and enriched it with walls, towers , bastions and gates, managing to perfectly combine the Arab-Muslim culture with that of overseas. Essaouira, originally called Mogador, meaning small fortress, has always been an important port that connects Morocco with the rest of Africa and Europe. This mid-18th century fortified port city, with a strong European influence in a North African context, is simply stunning and a must-see on your Morocco holiday. The coasts of Essaouira are swept almost all year round by ocean breezes and many surfers and windsurfers reach it to twirl on the surface of the water off the coast. You can observe the fish market and the work of fishermen and traders. The shops sell beautiful local handicrafts such as thuja wood products, embroidered clothes and carpets. Accommodation in riad
Day 4
Essaouira - Taroudant
After breakfast we leave in the direction of the Tizi n' Test pass, at 2,260 meters, to reach the city ofTaroudant. On the way we will cross the fascinating mountainsof the High Atlas,mountain range that extends for over 1000 km crossing Morocco from the east to the Algerian border, with peaks over 3000 metres, in a mountain environment with a bewitching charm. We will arrive in the city of Taroudant, in the Souss valley, called “Little Marrakech” surrounded by the High and Anti Atlas mountains. Toroudant is a miniature Marrakech where you can savor an authentic cross-section of Morocco; surrounded by 7 and a half km reinforced mud ramparts, this Berber city is famous for its craftsmanship and its souks, the best in the southern part of the country, where we will find jewels and carpets. The visit continues with a refreshing break at Lake Ouirgane in the Toubkal National Park which is located in the High Atlas mountains at around 1000 meters above sea level. Accommodation in Riad.
Day 5
Taroudant - Chagaga Dunes
After breakfast, start the day with a visit to the Berber village ofTaliouine, with gastronomic tastings. A small mountain village, called the capital of red gold, is one of the most important cultures that employs a large part of the local population, a major exporter of spices globally. We continue towardsFoum Zguidthrough a desert of black rocks pushing us to the heart of the Moroccan Sahara inZagora desert, among the soft profiles of majestic dunes up to 300 meters high.
The dromedary excursion begins at sunset towards the tented camp with an evening of traditional Saharan music and a well-deserved moment of relaxation under the desert steel trees. Accommodation in a tented camp.
Day 6
Chagaga Dunes - Ait Ben Haddou
After breakfast we will leave the Chagaga dunes early in the morning to head towards Oum El Aleg, a green oasis in the heart of a desert plateau, a mixed terrain of rocks and sand. Along the way to Zagora, possible stops at the Ksar of M'hamid, the Oulad Driss oasis and the charming village ofTamegroute for a total immersion in the atmosphere and traditions of the Sahara. Arrival in the afternoon adAit Ben Haddou, a majestic stronghold on UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 where we will visit the Ksar, the fortified city with extraordinary clay constructions and protagonist of many famous films such as Gladiator, the Last Temptation of Christ, Game of Thrones, Crusades, etc. You will climb on foot between narrow streets, walls and characteristic craft shops until you reach the top from the characteristic barn and towards a unique 360 degree landscape of the mountains and the desert. Accommodation in Riad.
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Day 7
Ait Ben Haddou - Marrakech
After breakfast, return to Marrakech via the ancient caravan route of the Ounila valley, the heart of Berber and Atlas traditions. A magnificent panoramic road between the red colors of the mountains and the greens of the palm groves and the oasis and among the characteristic houses of the Berber villages. A riot of color and emotion through the villages of Tamedakht, Tezleft, Asaka and Telouet, a collection of buildings with significant richness. The landscape effect is thrilling, a surreal landscape with pieces of ruins silhouetted against the mountains. Arrival in Marrakech; free evening in the streets of Marrakech. Accommodation in Riad.
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Day 8
Marrakech - Italy
Breakfast in Riad, private transfer to Marrakech airport for departure by plane to Italy. See you next timetravel to Morocco withDirection Morocco
The price includes:
Transfers from/to airport
Private transportation with driver for the entire trip
6 nights in Riad
1 night in a tented camp with private bathroom
All breakfasts as scheduled
3 dinners
Guide in Italian for visits of Marrakech and Fez
Dromedary excursion
24 hour assistance
Activities as scheduled
