Day 1:
Start the day with an early morning pick-up from your accommodation, embarking on an exciting journey to explore the historic towns located in the semi-arid plains beyond the High Atlas Mountains. As you leave Marrakesh, the drive ascends through the winding switchbacks of the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass, a remarkable feat of modern engineering and design. At an elevation of 2,260 meters, pause at the summit of Tizi n’Tichka to admire the surrounding mountain peaks.

After crossing the High Atlas Mountains, arrive at the village of Ait Benhaddou, a significant UNESCO site in the region. With its numerous towers and traditional houses, Ait Benhaddou is a stunning example of pre-Saharan architecture in southern Morocco. After exploring the area, enjoy lunch at one of the excellent restaurants overlooking Ait Benhaddou.

The final stop for the day is in Ouarzazate, the capital of southern Morocco. Like Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate features an important fortified center, the Taourirt Kasbah. However, Ouarzazate is most renowned today for its internationally acclaimed movie studios. If interested, visit the cinema museum or one of the studios. After checking into a hotel in Ouarzazate, enjoy the rest of the evening exploring the town at your leisure.

Day 2:
After breakfast, continue the journey along the opposite side of the High Atlas Mountains, exploring traditional mudbrick towns and beautiful desert landscapes en route to Merzouga and its surrounding sand dunes. Along the way, visit the famous town of Kelaat Mgouna, celebrated across Morocco for its traditional Rose Festival in May.

Further along, discover Soukora, a traditional mudbrick town nestled in 25 square kilometers of lush palm groves. Continuing the drive, reach Tinghir, an ancient Berber town where you will visit the Todra Gorges. The first stop of the day is in the Dades Valley, known for its expansive palm groves nourished by an underground river.

Conclude this exciting day with a late afternoon arrival in Merzouga, where you will trek via camelback to a Berber campsite amidst the sand dunes, far removed from worldly concerns. Your Berber hosts will prepare traditional desert meals and share insights into their culture. Spend the evening around the campfire, venture into the desert, or relax on a sand dune under the stars.

Day 3:
On the final day, seize the opportunity to wake up early and witness the breathtaking desert sunrise from atop a sand dune. After breakfast, embark on a camelback journey out of the desert to reach the van in Merzouga. After a chance to shower and freshen up, set off for Fez, aiming to arrive before evening.

The first stop today is in Azrou, the ancient capital of the Amazigh people in the Middle Atlas Mountains region. Situated at 1,250 meters above sea level, Azrou is nestled in the hills of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Known for its cedar forests, butterflies, and Barbary ape population, Azrou is an ideal spot to reconnect with nature. In Azrou, stop outside the town to explore this beautiful natural environment.

Ascending further into the Middle Atlas, pass through oak forests to reach the next stop, the town of Ifrane, often referred to as the ‘Switzerland of Morocco.’ Thanks to its alpine climate, at 1,665 meters above sea level, Ifrane receives significant snowfall each winter. Consequently, the roofs of its buildings are sloped to prevent collapse under the snow’s weight, earning Ifrane its charming nickname. During summer, the temperature rises, and Moroccans flock to Ifrane for its tidy parks, clean air, and stunning scenery. Ifrane is also home to the renowned Al-Akhawayn University, attracting Morocco’s brightest minds each year.

Visit Ifrane National Park to admire ancient cedar trees and try to spot a colony of Barbary apes. The final stop is in Imouzer, known for its Apple Festival in September. Many Imouzer residents are of Amazigh descent and speak a language other than Arabic as their mother tongue. The area around Imouzer is dotted with lakes formed during a period of intense volcanic activity in the distant past. At one of these lakes, Dayet Aoua, enjoy a quick horse or donkey ride along the lakeshore.

Departing Imouzer, drive directly to Fez to ensure arrival at your accommodations at a reasonable hour.

• Breakfast included on two mornings
• Professional English-speaking driver
• All car and driver expenses covered
• Complimentary water throughout the car journey
• Accommodations in hotels/riads, Sahara tents, and camel rides
• Convenient pick-up and drop-off from your accommodations
• Two dinners provided

• lunch

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.