Imperial Cities & Deserts

Soak up the atmosphere in Marrakech's famous Djemaa el Fna, explore Ait Benhaddou - the legendary fortified Kasbah, star gaze in the vast and silent Sahara desert and step back in time in Fes - the world's oldest medieval city.

Day 1: Marrakech

Arrival in Marrakech airport where you will be met by the On the Go guide and transferred to your hotel or riad in the centre of town. Meet your guide for a tour briefing and then spend the rest of the day at leisure. Explore the vibrant Djemaa el Fna square in the evening with the snake charmers, story tellers , food stalls and souks all in full swing. Overnight - Marrakech

Day 2: The Old Medina of Marrakech

This morning enjoy a guided tour or Marrakech, taking in all of the highlights of the Medina (old city centre) - the Koutoubia Mosque, palaces, souks and the old mellah (Jewish quartier). In the afternoon perhaps a visit to the peaceful Jardins de Majorelle to relax. Overnight - Marrakech (B)

Imperial Cities & Deserts - 10 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!

Day 3: Ouarzazate

Marrakech - Aït Benhaddou - Ouarzazate. It's an early start today when the transportation and your mountain guide arrives at the Hotel to take you towards the desert. From the flat plain of Haouz, the route climbs southwards and up to the passes of the High Atlas mountains. Along twisty roads with marvellous views and over the high point before descending to the rocky red foothills near Ouarzazate. En route to Ouarzazate we visit Ait Benhaddou, an ancient fortified city, boasting beautiful examples of Kasbahs, some of which remain inhabited today. Granted UNESCO World Heritage Listing, the site has been the setting for many films including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Night in the Ouarzazate, the film capital of Morocco. Overnight - Ouarzazate (B)

Day 4: Discover the Sahara

Ouarzazate - Erg Chebbi sand dunes. The journey continues along the valley of the Roses and the Skoura oasis, passing Amerdhil Kasbah. Stop for lunch in the scenic gorge du Dades before continuing towards the Sarhro mountains and the first signs of the Sahara. Along the route there are Khettara , the ancient wells dug by the nomads to find water, now dry. Finally we reach Merzouga at the foot of the great sand dune Erg Chebbi. Time to watch the sun set and the sand change colour as night falls. Spend the night in an Auberge. Overnight - Erg Chebbi (B)

Day 5: Opt for a Saharan Camel Trek

Erg Chebbi - Merzouga. Enjoy a relaxing day at leisure. Perhaps climb up Erg Chebbi before dawn to see the sunrise over the dunes, or enjoy a a lie in and take a camel trek across the rolling sand dunes later in the afternoon. Overnight -Merzouga (B)

Day 6: Scenic drive to Fes

Merzouga - Fes. Take a long but very scenic drive today, heading north from the desert and up into the High Atlas past the Ziz Gorge. Past Midelt, the route crosses a grassy plain (in winter) where Nomads of the tribe Ait Atta Tafoukht can be seen pitching their tents and finding grazing for their camels and goats. The road carries on over the next set of mountains – the Middle Atlas and another facet of morocco is seen, the Cedar forests. Ancient forests that cloak the hills and are inhabited by monkeys, wild boar and deer. Finally we descend into Ifrane (a swiss style town and ski resort)and continue onward to Fes. Overnight - Fes (B)

Day 7: Fes

Fes is the oldest and largest medieval city in the world and a bustling hive of activity. This morning take a guided tour around the incredible, old medina - a heady mix of aromas, sounds and sights from the tanneries, spice tubs, pottery and donkeys! Enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore independently. Overnight - Fes (B)

Day 8: Roman City of Volubilis

Fes - Volubilis - Rabat. Today we leave Fes to see the ruins of the Roman city of Volubilis, past the fields of lentils and chickpeas, into the hills around this well preserved city where its possible to explore the mosaics and forum. After lunch you pass Moulay Idriss and set off for Rabat. Spend the night in the Capital of Morocco. Overnight - Rabat (B)

Day 9: Djemaa el Fna by night

Rabat - Marrakech. You will have free time in the morning to explore Rabat before heading back past Casablanca to Marrakech. Arriving into Marrakech early evening there will be time for you to do some last minute souvenir shopping! Overnight - Marrakech (B)

Day 10: Marrakech

All good things come to an end and it's time to head home. Transfer to airport included. (B)

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