Trips · Morocco

Marrakesh & the Sahara Desert

📍 Morocco 🗓 5 days / 4 nights 🔖 Code R11
  1. Marrakesh
  2. Aït Ben Haddou
  3. Ouarzazate
  4. Tinghir
  5. Todgha Gorge
  6. Merzouga

Five days in Marrakesh, the ‘red city’, with a three-day desert excursion — the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, the Todgha Gorge, and a night on the dunes of Merzouga.

Highlights

  • The old town of Marrakesh and the bustling souks of the Medina
  • The ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • The dramatic Todgha Gorge
  • A night in traditional tents on the dunes of Merzouga
  • A camel ride at desert sunset and sunrise

Itinerary

Day 1

Athens – Marrakesh, city tour

A flight with one stop and a midday arrival in the ‘Red City’, exotic Marrakesh. Transfer and check-in at your hotel, a traditional riad, followed by an afternoon tour of the old town.

Day 2

Marrakesh – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Tinghir

We meet our local agency and set off in the morning for Ouarzazate, over the Tizi n'Tichka pass and by way of the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou. We continue through Skoura and El Kelaa M'Gouna to Tinghir.

🍽 Breakfast

Day 3

Tinghir – Todgha Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga

Heading for Merzouga, we take in the dramatic Todgha Gorge and walk along the foot of its walls. Crossing the valley we reach Tinejdad, with an optional visit to a local workshop, and end at the dunes of Merzouga.

🍽 Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4

Merzouga – Ouarzazate – Marrakesh

We wake early for the colours of sunrise over the desert dunes. We then make for the ‘Gateway to the Desert’, legendary Ouarzazate, and return to Marrakesh.

🍽 Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5

Marrakesh – Athens

A free day, yours to spend as you like in the bustling souks of the Medina. Transfer to the airport and the return flight.

🍽 Breakfast

Included

  • Economy-class flights with Turkish Airlines, via Istanbul
  • 2 nights in a traditional 4* riad in central Marrakesh
  • 1 night in Tinghir at a 3*sup hotel or equivalent
  • 1 night in the Merzouga desert, in traditional tents with shared bathroom
  • Breakfasts, and 2 dinners in total during the desert excursion
  • Transfers to/from Marrakesh airport, shared with other clients
  • An English-language tour of Marrakesh with an experienced local guide
  • A three-day organised desert excursion by minivan
  • One camel per person for the desert ride at sunset and sunrise
  • Sandboards for the dunes
  • Public liability insurance & a travel pack
  • VAT

Not included

  • Entrance fees to the monuments
  • Porterage and gratuities
  • Supplement for a luxury tent with private toilet and shower: €105 per person
  • Anything not listed under what is included, or listed as optional

Notes

  • For the three-day desert excursion, bring only a day pack — your main luggage stays at the hotel reception in Marrakesh.
  • The order of the programme may change, though nothing is left out.

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