Worldwide Escorted Tours

What’s included ✔ Return flights Gatwick to Morocco with Easyjet. See p130-131 for regional flights ✔ Where you’ll stay Marrakech, 4 H The Red Hotel Tinghir, 3 H Kasbah Tomboctou Merzouga, Camp Merzouga Experience Ouarzazate, 3 H Oscar Hotel by Atlas Studios Ouirgane, 3 H La Bergerie ✔ 23 meals ✔ 6 excursions ✔ Expert local tour guide Tour pace: Challenging Day 1: UK to Marrakech D Depart the UK on your scheduled flight. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to tonight’s hotel in time for dinner this evening. Day 2: Marrakech B/L/D Embark on a city 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 Tizi n’Tichka B/L/D Following breakfast, set off on a scenic journey towards the High Atlas. 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 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. On arrival into the fortified villages of Tinekdad and Erfoud, spend time at leisure to explore before journeying through Tafilalt, the largest Saharan oasis in Morocco. Later, your arrival into Merzouga is announced as a camel ride transports you to your evening accommodation. This evening settle into your desert camp whilst listening to the rhythmic beats of an entrancing drum performance. Day 5: Merzouga to Quarzazate 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 for a flavourful lunch and short stroll along the Draa River. Conclude today’s exploration in ‘the door of the desert’ – Ouarzazate. Day 6: Quarzazate 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. Spend an afternoon at leisure to discover a breathtaking area used as a backdrop for many a Hollywood blockbuster. Day 7: Quarzazate to Marrakech B/L/D Travel to the southern verge of the Atlas Mountains, abounding verdant plains – a landscape of supreme beauty. Be transported to a bygone era as you discover the modest lifestyle of indigenous Berbers who maintain the self-sufficient existence that they have led since the Middle Ages. This afternoon, begin the return journey along the Tizi n’Tichka pass, stopping in Taddert village for a light refreshment. Snake past abrupt valleys and majestic mountain peaks before descending onto the famous valleys, Zat and Chouiter. Head back towards Marrakech later this afternoon for your overnight stay. Day 8: Marrakech B/L/D Today explore Ourika Valley – take the journey over the Haouz Plain toward the abandoned village of Aghmat. Continue to the ighref into Jebel Yagour, a mountain famous for its rock art where you can take in panoramic views. Enjoy a typical Berber meal then, return to your hotel in Marrakech. Day 9: Marrakech to the UK B After breakfast, travel to the airport for your return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. What you’ll see  Witness snake charmers and musicians in Djema El Fnaa Square, Marrakech  Journey through the incredible High Atlas Mountains  Take in awe-inspiring vistas of the sun-drenched Sahara  Meander through the spectacular Todra Gorges  Traverse desert landscapes and spend a night in a desert camp Uncover Moroccan traditions, spice filled 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. High Atlas Mountains Moroccan Explorer: Mountains to Desert THIS TOUR EXPLORE Includes direct flights Departures & from prices Jun 24 £1,099 Jun 25 £1,199 Sep 24 £1,049 Sep 25 £1,099 Oct 24 £1,049 Oct 25 £1,199 Nov 24 £949 Nov 25 £1,069 Mar 25 £1,299 • Lead-in price based on 13 Nov 24 • A single supplement starts from just £279 • Tipping paid locally £48 pp per tour Extend your tour Essaouira beach stay, 3 nights, 3 H Half Board from £279 or 5 H B&B from £259 Agadir beach stay, 3 nights, 4 H Half Board from £339 Includes: Private vehicle & driver/guide or driver and local guides; return flights; accommodation, meals & excursions as per Group Tour PRIVATE TOURING FROM ONLY AN EXTRA £299 PP • AVAILABLE DAILY • Visit our website or call 0800 954 9329 to book or for further details Africa & The Middle East 113