Marrakech, Mountains and Desert
Explore Morocco, from colourful medinas to the vast Sahara desert. This guided tour takes in Marrakech, trekking in the Atlas Mountains, and the Atlantic coast.
From GBP £820 (maximum group size 12)
Greentraveller's Travel Advice: Africa too is a green travel destination, as the continent's wonders are actually just a train journey away from the UK. Watch the sun set over the French countryside whilst indulging your culinary senses with a three-course meal and a bottle of Rioja en route to Madrid. The following afternoon onwards to Algeciras as you witness the Spanish countryside morph into a Moorish landscape, then hop onto the ferry across the Straits of Gibraltar to the vast continent of Africa.
>> For full details, see: Train and Ferry from London to Marrakesh
Overview of Marrakech, Mountains and Desert Holiday
Stay in traditional accommodation and explore villages off the beaten track. Learn the secret to the perfect couscous and have a go at haggling with traders in the souqs. Abounding with myths and legends, Morocco offers a surprise around every corner. Experience the colour and chaos of the Marrakech medina, trek into the High Atlas Mountains, investigate ancient manuscripts in Tamegroute, plod through the Sahara in a camel convoy, learn to master Moroccan couscous, visit the tannery in Taroudannt, explore a seaside town favoured by Jimi Hendrix.
Summary Itinerary
The start point hotel is Hotel Le Caspien which is centrally located in the Gueliz district 5mins walk from Avenue Mohammed V. The hotel has 40 rooms all with en-suite bathrooms, A/C, TV, telephones. There is a small swimming pool, gymnasium and 2 restaurants.
Day 1 Marrakech: Experience the energy of the medina, sip mint tea with locals and enjoy the sunset over the Koutoubia minaret.
Day 2 Aroumd: Stay in a mountain gite with incredible views while exploring the High Atlas Mountains.
Day 3 Ait Benhaddou: Travel over Morocco's highest pass to the edges of the Sahara. Explore the grand kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, as featured in Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.
Day 4 Zagora: Embark on a journey towards the mighty Sahara, through the lush Draa Valley and on to Zagora - a small oasis town perfect for an overnight stop en route.
Day 5 Sahara Camp: Travel along rugged mountain ranges, through seas of sand and past the occasional oasis of date palms.
Day 6 Taroudannt: Climb aboard a 4x4 for an epic journey to the Erg Chigaga sand dunes. Wander through the old medina and learn about the town's history, then enjoy free time to hit the hamam or relax by the beach.
Days 9-10 Marrakech: Get lost in the mayhem of the medina or seek out the Majorelle Gardens and relax in this tropical oasis. Perhaps enjoy a final Moroccan feast to conclude this remarkable adventure.
What price includes
- Trip accompanied by a group leader
- 7 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
- Carbon emissions offset: 297 kgs per person
- Guided trek in the High Atlas Mountains
- Camel safari and desert camp in the Erg Chigaga dunes
- Hotel (5 nts), riad (2 nts), desert camp (1 nt), gite (1 nt)
Location
Plan your journey by train
Meeting point:
Le Caspien Hotel, Marrakech
Marrakesh Train Station (Gare ONCF)
Transfer to meeting point:
Guests make their own way to meeting point
Marrakech train station (Gare ONCF) is 1 Km from Le Caspien Hotel. Petite taxis (small cars which are light brown in colour) can easily be hailed from the street. Negotiate the fare before getting in.
How to get there:
Train from London to Marrakech
Plan your journey by train
Finish point:
Le Caspien Hotel, Marrakech
Marrakech Train Station (Gare ONCF)
Transfer to finish point:
Guests make their own way to station
Marrakech train station (Gare ONCF) is 1 Km from Le Caspien Hotel. Petite taxis (small cars which are light brown in colour) can easily be hailed from the street. Negotiate the fare before getting in.
How to get back:
Train from Marrakech to London
