Souks, Sand Dunes, Berbers & Kasbahs
Fall in love with the country's sensuous desert life and romantic imperial cities on this journey through Morocco's vivid landscape. Soak up the cobalt-blue skies, stark sand dunes, and serrated mountain summits on a four-day camel trek through the Sahara, with options to ride in vehicles or proceed on foot. Experience the architectural romance of Morocco's royal cities, in palace-filled Marrakesh, Meknes and Fés. We're the only company to take this traditional caravan route, and our seasoned guide has the experience to unlock the mysteries of the desert through extensive cultural contact with Berber villages and nomadic herders.
Activities
5 days easy to moderate hiking, camel riding, moderate 4-wheel-drive travel
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Four-day vehicle-supported camel trek in the Sahara along a traditional caravan route—an itinerary exclusive to MTS!
- Feel the pulse of Morocco's royal cities, including Marrakesh, Meknès, and Fès—the oldest of the imperial cities, boasting stunning traditional Moroccan architecture and the finest souks in the country
- Extensive cultural contact with visits to Berber villages and nomadic herders
2010 Prices
$3,995 (7-15 members)
$4,395 (4-6 members)
$700 single supplement
Duration: 13 days Start Location: Marrakesh End Location: Fès Best time to go: January - March, October - December
Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrive in Marrakesh
Meet in Marrakesh, one of Morocco's oldest and most beautiful cities. (You can join us from home or from our pre-trip extension in Essaouira.)
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Day 2 : Sightseeing in Marrakesh
Stroll the narrow streets of the medina, the fabulous "old town" of Marrakesh, where you'll discover hidden surprises in every corner and enjoy the circus of entertainments of Marrakesh's famous square, Djemma El Fna, with its snake charmers and fire eaters-a veritable scene out of The Thousand and One Nights!
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Day 3 : Scenic Drive to Ouarzazate
Scenic drive across the High Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara, visiting old kasbahs, rural souks, and Berber villages en route.
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Days 4 - 5 : Dadès Valley / Zagora
Explore villages, date-palm oases, and crumbling kasbahs on day hikes in the Dadès and Drâa Valleys en route to Zagora, a former French colonial outpost.
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Day 6 : Remlia
Head east into the Sahara, stopping to visit with nomad families who graze herds of camels. Continue to our camp set in the sand dunes and meet the camels and guides.
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Days 7 - 10 : On Trek in the Sahara / Erg Znigui / Erg Chebbi / End Trek – Erfoud
On trek in the Sahara, walking and riding camels over sand dunes and rocky escarpments. You'll experience the isolation and silence of the desert, and watch magnificent sunsets and sunrises from comfortable campsites. Optional hike up Erg Chebbi, site of Morocco's largest sand dunes. End trek and drive to Erfoud.
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Day 11 : Fès
Drive through the Ziz Valley to the imperial city of Fès, noted for its extraordinary architecture.
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Day 12 : Fès
Sightseeing in Fès, whose huge medina boasts thousands of craftsmen plying their wares. Visit the King’s palace, Fes el-Jedid with its old Jewish quarter, and Fes el-Bali—the oldest section of town with original sections of wall. Enjoy lunch at a palace and a dinner feast with traditional Moroccan entertainment.
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Day 13 : Fly Home
Depart Fès.
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Es Saadi Hotel
Marrakesh, MoroccoLocated in the heart of Marrakesh on 8 hectares of flowering parkland, this resort is comprised of the hotel, the palace, and 10 individually themed villas. Next to the Casino de Marrakesh, and walking distance from the old city, the hotel offers spectacular views of the High Atlas peaks.
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Hotel Mercure
Ouarzazate, MoroccoThis 4-star hotel is located near the center of Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara. Guest rooms blend Moroccan tradition with modern furnishings and amenities, and the hotel offers an international restaurant and an outdoor freshwater swimming pool.
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Hotel Palais Asmaa
Zagora, MoroccoSituated in the lush green palm grove of Zagora, the mystic charm of the Palais Asmaa will transport you to a completely different time and place. After a day trip to the desert or marketplace, guests can enjoy a swim in the palm-shaded pool before retiring to comfortably furnished rooms.
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Hotel Xaluca
Erfoud, MoroccoBuilt with adobe bricks, this distinctive hotel is situated among palms and dunes at the door to the desert. Spacious rooms blend traditional decor with modern comforts, and 2 in-house restaurants, a 20-meter swimming pool, and a salon bar offer a variety of recreational options.
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Le Meridien Merinides
Fès, MoroccoPerched atop a hillside overlooking The Imperial City of Fès, this 5-star hotel boasts an excellent reputation. The rooftop restaurant serves up traditional Moroccan fare and the guest rooms are beautifully designed with decorative carpets and contemporary furniture.
Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.
Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.
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Kristy Larson Kristy fell in love with Morocco about 20 years ago as a Peace Corps volunteer. After all these years she is still startled by its seemingly endless mountains and desert valleys, and the colorful, exotic Berber culture living in a long-forgotten age. Kristy has a passion for traditional Moroccan arts and handicrafts, speaks some Arabic and Berber dialects, has a great rapport with the Moroccan people, and will open the doors of understanding for you.
photo credits:
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