Escorted Tours 2020 & 2021 - 2nd Edition - Mercury Holidays

98 MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA MEAL PLAN: All meals included ACCOMMODATION Marrakech 2 nights 4 ★ Red Hotel Tinghir 1 night 3 ★ Kasbah Tomboctou Merzouga 1 night Camp Merzouga Paradise Ouarzazate 2 nights 3 ★ Oscar Hotel by Atlas Studios Ouirgane 2 nights 3 ★ Hotel Ksar Shama AGADIR BEACH STAY 3 nights 5 ★ Half Board from £319 This popular beach resort is famed for its long stretches of golden sand beach. ESSAOUIRA 3 nights 3 ★ Half Board from £329 or 3 nights 5 ★ B&B from £299 Visit our website to learn more about our extensions. EXTEND YOUR TOUR DEPARTURES & FROM PRICES 2022 DEPARTURES AT 2021 PRICES CONTACT US FOR DATES • Prices based on flights from London Gatwick to Morocco with British Airways • A single supplement starts from just £299 Kasbah Ait Benhaddou SPEND 1 NIGHT IN A COMFORTABLE DESERT CAMP 17 Feb 21 £949 17 Mar 21 £999 02 Jun 21 £1,349 01 Sep 21 £1,199 29 Sep 21 £1,049 27 Oct 21 £1,149 17 Nov 21 £849 PACE: Encounter Moroccan traditions, atmospheric souks, rugged landscapes and sun-scorched desert plains, as you wind through a mystical land in the shadows of North Africa’s tallest mountain range - the mighty High Atlas. 1 Number of nights Coach Air NEW MOROCCAN EXPLORER: MOUNTAINS TO DESERT 9 days from £849pp TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ✔ City tour of Marrakech ✔ Journey through the incredible High Atlas Mountains ✔ Breath-taking vistas overlooking the sun-drenched Sahara ✔ Meander through the Todra Gorges ✔ Traverse sandy desert landscapes and spend a night in a desert camp DAY 1: UK TO MARRAKECH D Depart London on your scheduled flight to Marrakech. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to tonight’s hotel in time for a welcome dinner. DAY 2: MARRAKECH B/L/D Embark on a comprehensive tour, commencing at Marrakech’s largest mosque and minaret - the 12th century Koutoubia Tower. Next, weave through a labyrinth of alleyways, teeming with the colourful stalls which epitomize Marrakech’s souks. Finally, witness the colourful dyers souk, before watching as the world famous Djema El Fnaa Square transforms from a day market into an immense show of dancers, musicians, and snake charmers this evening. DAY 3: MARRAKECH TO TINGHIR VIA TIZ N’TICHKA B/L/D Following breakfast, embark on a scenic journey towards the High Atlas, North Africa’s highest mountain range. Pause to absorb panoramas of the Touama streams and verdant vegetable terraces from Toufliht Park, before journeying onwards towards the Tizi N’Tichka path, ‘the gateway of the Sahara’. After lunch, reach the magical town of Kelaa Mgouna and peruse the local beauty products. DAY 4: TINGHIR TO MERZOUGA VIA TODRA GORGES B/L/D Set out for Merzouga this morning, leaving the panoramic sights of Tinghir Valley behind you. On arrival into the fortified villages of Tinekdad and Erfoud, take advantage of time at leisure to explore and have lunch before journeying through Tafilalt, the largest Saharan oasis in Morocco. Later this afternoon, your arrival into Merzouga is announced as a camel ride transports you to your evening accommodation. This evening settle into your comfortable desert camp whilst listening to the rhythmic beats of an entrancing drum performance. DAY 5: MERZOUGA TO OUARZAZATE B/L/D Rise early to catch the first glimpse of sunlight emerge over the vast Saharan landscape, before discovering the elaborately adorned gate of the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif. Later, arrive in the small villages of Tazzarine and N’Kob and enjoy a flavourful lunch. Conclude today’s exploration in ‘the door of the desert’ - Ouarzazate. DAY 6: OUARZAZATE B/L/D Begin your day with a visit to the official residence of the Pacha of Marrakech – Taourirt Kasbah, a stunning citadel encompassing over 300 rooms made entirely of earth and straw. Next, continue to the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage Site situated along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. DAY 7: OUARZAZATE TO OUIRGANE B/L/D Travel to the southern verge of the Atlas Mountains today, an area rich in vegetation, abounding verdant plains and gushing streams. This afternoon, begin the return journey along the Tiz N Tichka pass, stopping in Taddert village for a light refreshment along the way. Snake past abrupt valleys and majestic mountain peaks before descending onto the three famous valleys; Zat, Ourika and Ghighaya. Head towards the village of Ouirgane later this afternoon for your overnight stay. DAY 8: OUIRGANE B/L/D This morning explore the tranquil town of Ouirgane as you embark on a walking tour through the flourishing fields of corn and flowers. Witness the higher elevations of the massif, whose snow-capped peaks offer an entirely different scene to the sun-scorched vistas of the Sahara, before being welcomed into the home of a local family who will treat you to a refreshing cup of authentic mint tea. After lunch, return to your hotel in Ouirgane and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. DAY 9: OUIRGANE TO THE UK B After breakfast, transfer to Marrakech airport for your return flight to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension. B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner FOR YOU TO KNOW: No visa is required when travelling to Morocco; however, insurance must be obtained before travel. Tips -We recommend you allow approximately £54pp for the duration of your tour. To book or for further information visit your local travel agent or call us FREE on 0800 408 0556