Day 1 – Fes to Erfoud

After breakfast you will set off towards the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing through the towns and villages of Ifrane (ski resort), Azrou and Midelt .You will stop for lunch in the town of Midelt, famous for its fossils and rocks. Continue on the road following the spectacular Ziz Valley and watch as the scenery evolves from mountain to the rocky desert-scape of the Sahara. You will pass through the administrative centre of the Tafilalet region at Errachidia, and go on to Erfoud (this takes 6 – 7 hours driving). On arrival at the Kasbah Xaluka in Erfoud, a dip in the swimming pool will be a treat after the drive. Dinner will be served in the Kasbah.

Day 2 – Erfoud to Merzouga

Most of the day will be spent relaxing at the hotel or exploring the small but interesting desert town. In the afternoon, you will head off in 4-wheel drive vehicles across the barren land to the majestic Sahara sand dunes to watch the sunset. Stay overnight in Tombocto.

Day 3 – Merzouga to Amellago

Wake up in the early morning to watch the sunrise. Have breakfast and then head to Amellago through Ghris Valley, the Heart and the Soul of Imazighen (Berbers). Overnight in Gite Haut Atlas.

Day 4 – Amellago to Dades

After breakfast and a small tour of the gardens, continue your adventure through the High Atlas Mountains on route to the Todra Gorges. Lunch in the afternoon, and then you will take a walk up in the towering Todra Gorges (600 feet high). The picturesque river valleys make for a beautiful journey towards the southeast of Morocco. Drive back to the main road and continue eastwards to Boumalne Dades for about 15 kms through its snaking road lines, amazing rock formations, small cultivated fields with silver birch along the river bed, and pass dozens of predominantly seventeenth century kasbahs made from the local red mud. Overnight in Xaluca Dades.

Day 5 – Trekking

Meet Mohammed Ait Khoya ( la montagne) – native of Ait Ali Dades Gorge. Pack everything and follow Mohammeds go Nomade !!!! Spend overnight with the Nomades.

Day 6 – Xaluca Dades

Make your way to Xaluca Dades and relax at the Hotel (hamam, sauna, pool, fitness, massage). Overnight in Xaluca Dades.

Day 7 – Boumalene to Ouarzazate

Return back to the main road and drive through Kelaa M’Gouna where a rose festival is held every May (dates of the festival are rarely predictable in advance). Drive on to Skoura, a small village on the north side of the road which probably has the most beautiful palm grove in southern Morocco with dozens of inhabited and uninhabited kasbahs. This whole region is called The Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Overnight in Ouarzazate Dinner in front of the Kasbah Taowrirt

Day 8 – Ouarzazate to Marrakech

After an early breakfast you set off to Marrakech via Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. Tucked away in the High Atlas Mountains, it is one of the jewels of Morocco. In typical Moroccan fashion, the true treasures must be searched out and discovered…usually off the beaten path. In actuality, this setting has been used for more films than any other location in Morocco; films including, Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and recently The Gladiator. Lunch can be taken at Ait Ben Haddou.

After lunch, you will head over the mountains to Marrakech. Once in Marrakech, you will check into your hotel and then head off to the Djemaa el-Fna, the center square of the medina. The famous Djemaa el-Fna, is one of the center attractions of Marrakech. Coming alive at night with the local storytellers, entertainers, and mouth-watering barbeque pits, the square is well worth a visit. A quiet cup of tea on the terrace of an adjacent café provides a spectacular aerial view of the bustling square.

Option

Drive to  High Atlas mountains to village of Imlil .  From Imlil walk or ride mules through walnut and cheery orchards up to village of Armedt, visit local home to watch bread being baked in tradition clay oven.

Lunch and drive back to Marrakech

Dinner at the  Riad

— Next day to Essaouira.

Visit to women’s coop

General look around in Essaouira.

Lunch at one of the stalls at he harbour.

Stroll along beach

Back to Marrakech

Dinner at Riad

Option

Breakfast at Riad

Horse drawn carriage ride through historic gardens of Marrakech including the Majorelle gardens.

Lunch and free afternoon to shop

Dinner at Al Fassia, restaurant owned and run by women.

Next day check out of riad Depart for  Casablanca or transfer to the airport .