An insider's cultural tour of Morocco guided by the experts since 1975

Fall in love with the country's sensuous desert life and romantic imperial cities on this journey through Morocco's vivid landscape. Soak up 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.

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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

Duration: 13 days Start Location: Marrakesh End Location: Fès

BRIEF Itinerary

• 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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  Day 4 : Dadès Valley

  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 5 : Zagora

  Travel south along the Drâa Valley, stopping briefly to hike through villages and date-palm oases, before arriving in Zagora.

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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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  Day 7 : On trek in the Sahara

  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.

• Day 8 : Erg Znigui

  Continue by camel and foot to meet our 4x4 vehicles around lunchtime for the drive to Erg Znigui, where we can hike among the spectacular dunes or simply relax in camp.

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  Day 9 : Erg Chebbi

  Continue trek to Erg Chebbi, a truly spectacular range of pumpkin-colored dunes—the largest in Morocco—where we'll camp tonight.

• Day 10 : End Trek – Erfoud

  A day to explore the otherworldly terrain of Erg Chebbi. After lunch we'll proceed to the northern end of the erg and meet up with the vehicles again for the drive to Erfoud.

• 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.

• Day 13 : Fly Home

  Depart Fès or extend your trip with a visit to Meknes and Volubilis on our post-trip extension (call us for details!).

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  Es Saadi Hotel

  Marrakesh, Morocco

  Located 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, Morocco

  This 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, Morocco

  Situated 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, Morocco

  Built 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, Morocco

  Perched 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.

• 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: ©Tara Starr-Keddle