DAY ONE | Marakech to Ourzazete & Boumalne Dades
We will start by picking you up from your hotel and embark on our adventure, crossing the High Atlas Mountains, with stunning views of the valleys and Berber villages along the way. We'll make a couple of stops, first for tea and coffee, and then at the top of the High Atlas Mountains to take some incredible photos. Next, we'll visit an argan oil women’s cooperative, where you can learn about how this precious oil is produced and purchase some high-quality products.
1. Ait Ben Haddou : Our next stop will be the famous Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the location where Game of Thrones was filmed. This stunning example of a fortified city features ancient architecture, narrow alleyways, and grand towers.
2. Telouet Kasbah : We will then visit Telouet Kasbah, a grand palace that was once the home of the powerful Glaoui family. This intricate structure is decorated with beautiful mosaics and ornate carvings, and its grand halls will transport you to another era.
3. Atlas Films Movie Studios : Next, we will visit the Atlas Films Movie Studios, where you can learn about the history of filmmaking in Morocco and see some of the sets used in famous movies including: Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Prince of Persia and Babel.
4. Kasbah Taourirt : We will then visit the Kasbah Taourirt, a grand palace that was once the home of a powerful Berber family. This grand structure is decorated with beautiful mosaics and intricate carvings and features stunning views of the surrounding valley.
5. Cinema Museum : For those interested in cinema, we will also visit the Cinema Museum, which displays a collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the Moroccan film industry.
6. Bazars & Leisure : Finally, we will explore the bazaars and leisure areas of Ouarzazate, where you can purchase souvenirs and unique hand woven Berber carpets.
7. Skoura Village On our way to Boumalne Dades, we will pass by the beautiful Skoura Village. This village is known as the "City of a Thousand Kasbahs" due to the many kasbahs (traditional Moroccan fortresses) that can be found here. 8. Roses Valley: As we continue our journey, we'll make our way to the Roses Valley, where we'll watch the sunset over the stunning landscape. Our overnight stay will be in Dades Valley, in the town of Boumalne Dades. This charming town is located in the heart of the Dades Gorge and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
DAY TWO | Boumalne Dades to Tenghir & Merzouga
1. Dades Gorge: This beautiful gorge features stunning rock formations known as the "Monkey Fingers" or "Cliffs of Talmat". It's a must-see for any traveler visiting Morocco.
2. Toudra Valley in Tenghir: We'll visit the Jewish quarters in the old city and learn about the rich history and culture of this area. We'll also make a stop at the Todgha Gorge Valley for panoramic photos.
3. Tenghir Carpet Cooperatives: Here, we'll visit a local carpet cooperative and learn about traditional Moroccan weaving techniques. You'll have the opportunity to purchase beautiful, handmade carpets to take home as a souvenir.
4. Khattara Wells: This is a series of wells and channels that have been used for irrigation in the region for centuries. We'll make a quick stop here to visit the underground tunnels, learn about their history and importance to the local community.
5. Erfoud City of Dates and Fossils: This city is famous for its dates and its rich geological history. We'll visit a local fossil museum and learn about the area's unique geology, as well as the process of date cultivation.
6. Merzouga Camel Ride: This is the gateway to the Sahara desert. Here, we'll embark on a camel ride into the desert to witness the stunning sunset over the sand dunes.
7. Sahara Desert: We'll arrive at the air conditioned camp in the Sahara and enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, music, dancing, and local performances around the fire. You'll have the opportunity to stargaze and take in the beauty of the desert before retiring to your tent for the night.
DAY 3 | Merzouga to Fez
Wake up to the breathtaking sunrise in the Sahara desert and savor a delicious breakfast in our cozy desert camp. Today's itinerary will take us on the longest drive of our three day tour, but it promises to be a journey filled with stunning landscapes. We will witness a seamless transition from the awe-inspiring Sahara desert, to the majestic Middle Atlas mountains, and finally into lush forests. Throughout the journey, we will make numerous stops to appreciate the beauty of the changing scenery.
1. Ziz Valley: Located in the eastern part of Morocco, the Ziz Valley is a beautiful and lush oasis that runs for over 100 kilometers along the Ziz River. It is home to many traditional Berber villages, palm groves, and ancient ksars (fortified villages). The valley is known for its spectacular views, especially during the spring when the almond blossoms are in full bloom.
2. Midelt: Midelt is a city located in the high plains between the Middle Atlas and the High Atlas mountain ranges. It is known for its apples, which are some of the best in Morocco, and also for its mines. The city is surrounded by stunning landscapes and is a popular stop for travelers on their way to the Sahara.
3. Zaida: Zaida is a small village known for its delicious barbecued meat dishes. It is a popular stop for travelers who want to try some traditional Moroccan food and experience the local culture.
4. Timahdit:Timahdit is a village located in the middle of the Atlas Mountains. It is known for its sheep and storks which build nests on the roofs of houses - a great place to stop for a photo opportunity!
5. Cedar Forest: The Cedar Forest is located in the Middle Atlas Mountains and is the largest cedar forest in Morocco. It covers an area of 135 hectares and is home to many Barbary macaques, which are a species of monkey that is native to the area. The forest is a popular spot for hiking and camping.
6. Ifrane: Ifrane is a small town located in the Middle Atlas Mountains. It is known as the "Switzerland of Africa" due to its alpine architecture and picturesque landscapes. The town was founded in 1929 and is home to a famous lion sculpture that symbolizes the last Atlas lion that was hunted in the area. Ifrane is a popular destination for skiing and hiking.
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