Compare Morocco Desert Safari tour by Encounters Travel vs Morocco in 8 days - Bazaars, Deserts & Atlas Mountains - Charm by Exoticca

Day 1 Arrive in Marrakech, transfer to hotel
On your arrival in Marrakech airport (RAK) our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in, relax after your flight, and have a first look around. Extra nights before the tour starts are available on request.
If you arrive early enough, you can head into Marrakech's famous Djemaa el Fna Square for a first taste of Moroccan food at one of the main street stalls, while watching the many street performers and salesmen offering their wares.
OVERNIGHT: Marrakech hotel
MEALS: Dinner
EXTRAS: Extra day in Marrakech - pre-tour, Single room supplement (MOSHDS)

Day 2 Marrakech, city tour
Today's tour of Marrakech, Mararkech's second oldest Imperial City, starts in the morning with visits to the Menara Garden, the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, home to the minaret which has become a symbol of the city, the Dar Si Said Museum, and the Bahia Palace which hosts intricate and beautiful Arabic craftsmanship. After a break for lunch in the hotel, we spend the afternoon exploring the old centre of the city. Home to many different types of traders these bustling and aromatic souqs and handicraft quarters provide a real taste of Morocco. The tour finishes at the Djemaa el-Fna Square, which is well worth revisiting later in the evening when it is packed with street food stalls, musicians and entertainers - one of Morocco's highlights.
Full-board option: dinner with show.
OVERNIGHT: Marrakech hotel
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
EXTRAS: Full board supplement

Day 3 Across the Atlas Mountains to Ait Benhaddou and the Draa Valley
After breakfast this morning we bid farewell to Marrakech and take a scenic drive across the mountains of the high Atlas, passing through the Tich'n'Tichka pass at an altitude of 2260m. After descending out of the mountains we'll stop at what is probably the most well-known kasbah in Morocco - Ait Benhaddou. The kasbah is a UNESCO protected monument and has appeared in countless movies. In the afternoon we continue our journey to the desert, travelling through the Draa Valley before arriving at the remote town of Zagora where we spend the night.
Full board option: Lunch
OVERNIGHT: Zagora Hotel
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS: Full board supplement

Day 4 Desert villages, Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes
We leave Zagora today and head first to Tamegroute village, which is well known for its pottery centre. We'll then continue skirting the desert stopping along the way at several pre-Saharan villages including Tansikht, Nkob, Tazzarine and Alnif where we break for lunch. In the afternoon we'll stop at Rissani village, birthplace of the Alaouites Dynasty before arriving at Erfoud, on the edge of the famous Erg Chebbi sand dunes. You then have two options for tonight. The standard tour spends the night in a hotel in Erfoud, with an option to take a 4x4 safari to the sand dunes for sunrise or sunset. Alternatively you can take a 4x4 safari to the sand dunes for sunset, and then have dinner and spend the night at a comfortable Berber Camp at the edge of the dunes.
OVERNIGHT: Erfoud Hotel (or Berber Desert Camp)
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS: Overnight in Berber desert, Full board supplement

Day 5 Todra Gorge, Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
You can rise early this morning and if staying in the desert camp take a walk or camel ride to witness an amazing sunrise over the Erg Chebbi sand dunes before returning to the camp. If staying in the hotel at Erfoud, an option is available to take 4x4 vehicles into the desert to enjoy sunrise on the dunes.
After breakfast we then head away from the desert and to the impressive Todra Gorge near Tinghir, whos rocks tower around 250 metres above you. Our journey then continues along the 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs' crossing Kalaat M’Gouna and the Skoura Valley before arriving at Ouarzazate or 'place of no noise'. An incredibly dramatic landscape, this area has played host to countless well known films and is home to the famous Atlas movie studios. We'll take a short tour of the city this afternoon before taking dinner at the hotel.
OVERNIGHT: Ouarzazate Hotel
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS: Full board supplement

Day 6 Cross the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. Free afternoon
After breakfast today we'll make another crossing of the Atlas Mountains and the Tizi N'tichka col on our way back to Marrakech. You'll arrive in time to spend the afternoon exploring Marrakech's souqs and bazaars further for some final sightseeing and souvenir shopping, and to enjoy a final night back in the Djemaa el-Fna Square after dinner in the hotel.
OVERNIGHT: Marrakech Hotel
MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS: Full board supplement

Day 7 Marrakech departure, transfer to the airport
Our exciting week in Morocco comes to an end today. You'll have free time until you are transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Subject to your flight departure time, additional options such as spectacular hot air balloon flight, or a fun quad biking trip, or a day trip to the Ourika Valley are available this morning.
OVERNIGHT: N/A
MEALS: Breakfast
EXTRAS: Marrakech hot air balloon flight, Ourika Valley day trip, Extra day in Marrakech - post-tour

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrive at your US departure airport, ready to board a flight to Marrakech. Night on board. If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Marrakech

Arrive in Marrakech and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free to start discovering this wonderful city. A walk through the Medina allows you to enjoy the best of its architecture and the unique, colourful atmosphere of the city. Dinner and overnight stay in Marrakech. * * Dinner not included if you arrive after 20:00.

Day 3: Marrakech

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on an eye-opening tour of the wonders of Marrakech, starting with the Minaret of the Koutoubia, from the 13th century and the spiritual centre of Marrakech. Visit the Palace of the Bahia, the residence of the old vizir, and known for its intricate tile and wood carving decoration. Discover how spices and argan oil are made in a local school before you head to the Jamaa el Fna square home to the bustling souks, so typical of the city and full of fruit vendors and stalls selling wicker baskets, traditional sweets and authentic souvenirs. At nightfall, the square looks magical as it is lit was thousands of lights. Dinner and overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 4: Marrakech - Casablanca - Rabat - Meknes - Fez

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off by road towards iconic Casablanca, and enjoy a city tour where you can marvel at the Art Deco buildings and the Dar El Baida White House before visiting the Mohammed V Square and the upmarket Anfa district. Leave in the direction of Rabat to visit the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a citadel that is located to the north of the city. This fortress retains its Arab character of narrow alleys with white and blue façades that lead to viewpoints from which there are incredible views of the Atlantic coast. After the visit, travel to Meknes to see the exterior of the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, one of the few mosques in the country that can be accessed by non-Muslims. Inside, notice the delicate decoration and beautiful tiles.* Finally, head to the city of Fez. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Fez. * Please note: The city of Meknes is currently undergoing extensive renovation works and no date has been set for their completion. Many of the city's landmarks are inaccessible and/or hidden behind protective covering, but your guide will endeavour to show you as much of the city as possible during your visit.Please note: The city of Meknes is currently undergoing extensive renovation works and no date has been set for their completion. Many of the city's landmarks are inaccessible and/or hidden behind protective covering, but your guide will endeavour to show you as much of the city as possible during your visit.Please note: The city of Meknes is currently undergoing extensive renovation works and no date has been set for their completion. Many of the city's landmarks are inaccessible and/or hidden behind protective covering, but your guide will endeavour to show you as much of the city as possible during your visit.

Day 5: Fez

Breakfast at the riad. Enjoy a full day tour of Fez, considered the centre of Islam in Morocco. It is the intellectual and religious capital of the country. Begin with a panoramic view from one of the hills surrounding the city, then visit the bronze doors of the Royal Palace and walk into the medina to visit Medersas, the centre of Koranic studies. Explore the workshops in the artisan neighbourhoods. Walk along the broad Boulevard of Mohamed V and stroll through the endless streets of the world's largest medina. After the visit, return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Fez.

Day 6: Fez - Midelt - Erfoud

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart through the gentle mountains of the Middle Atlas, until you reach the city of Midelt, known for its apple cultivation. Continue along a beautiful route and view Berber life first hand. Arrive in Erfoud, at the edge of the great Sahara desert. Tonight, you have the opportunity to spend the night in a Berber Jaima Camp of your choice in the dunes of the Sahara.* Dinner and overnight stay in Erfoud. * Optional Night in the Sahara Dunes. Take a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle to reach the high dunes of Merzouga. Admire the magical sunset and spend the night in a typical Berber Jaima Camp, with a traditional dinner included. Please note: If you would like to book this experience you must reserve it in advance, up to 30 days before departure, as places are limited. You will not be able to sleep in the hotel if you choose this optional night at the camp.

Day 7: Erfoud - Gorges of Todgha - Dades Valley - Kalaat M'Gouna - Ouarzazate

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit the captivating Gorges of Todgha, and the Dades Valley, to experience the natural wonders of this unique landscape. Pass by ancient fortresses and lush oases before arriving at the small Berber town of Kalaat M'Gouna, famous for its roses and perfumes. Continue to Ouarzazate, a desert city and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8: Ouarzazate - Ait Benhaddou - Marrakech

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a visit to the Kasbah of Taourirt, the former residence of the Pacha Glaoui called the Lord of the Atlas Region. Continue to the majestic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This Kasbah, dotted with crenellated towers, is considered one of the most beautiful in the country and has often been a filming location for movies. In the afternoon, depart across the High Atlas mountains en route to Marrakech. Arrive in Marrakech, and spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 9: Marrakech - US

Breakfast at the riad. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport of Marrakech or Casablanca to board a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip. Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.