UNESCO Listed Ait Benhaddou | Morocco
FROM: USD $2,155 pp

PRIVATE TOUR: Take in the very best of Morocco on this 9 day private tour. Imperial cities and ancient kasbahs, Roman ruins, rugged Atlas mountains and the spectacular Sahara. From Marrakech, discover Ait Benhaddou and towering Todra Gorge, before camel trekking across desert dunes and camping beneath a blanket of stars. Then step back in time exploring ancient Fes el Bali, before taking in the highlights of Rabat and Meknes.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Hotels
COVID SAFE GUIDE

Trip Highlights

Marrakech – Discover the wonders of the UNESCO-listed medina, visit captivating Djemma el Fna and explore Majorelle - Yves Saint Laurent's beautiful blue gardens
Ait Benhaddou - Explore this remarkable ancient UNESCO-Listed kasbah, which has featured in many films
Fes – Step back in time on a tour of captivating Fes el Bali - the oldest medieval city in the world, and visit one of the famous tanneries
Meknes - Admire this imperial city's grand buildings and the magnificent Bab El Mansour
Casablanca - Visit the famous Hassan II Mosque in this bustling modern port city
Todra Gorge - Take a stroll through this magnificent towering red canyon and admire the changing colours of the rocks
Erg Chebbi - Camel trek through the Sahara Desert and spend a night at a Berber camp, nestled among the towering Erg Chebbi sand dunes, under a blanket of stars
Volubilis – Marvel at the UNESCO-listed Roman ruins of Volubilis - Morocco's best preserved archaeological site
Rabat - Take in the highlights of Morocco's charming coastal capital

Included

Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 3 dinners inclusive of a traditional Berber meal at our Sahara camp
Guided sightseeing - Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech
Services of a licensed English speaking tour guide for all included sightseeing
Driver, all transfers and transportation in private modern A/C tourism vehicles
7 nights 4 star hotels and traditional riads. 1 night camping at a Berber desert camp in the Sahara Desert (hotel upgrade available)
Camel trek into the Sahara Desert
Airport arrival and departure transfer on days 1 and 9
All road taxes and tolls

Not Included

International flights and visa
Entrance Fees: USD$70-90pp, paid in local currency
Tipping - An entirely personal gesture

Itinerary

Day 1

Marrakech

Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Marrakech airport you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to Marrakech and take in the delights of Djemaa el Fna.
Overnight: Marrakech

Day 2

Marrakech & Majorelle Gardens

Discover the delights of Marrakech on a guided tour of the city today. First stop is the beautiful Majorelle Gardens which were designed by the French Artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s-1930s and bought in 1980 by Yves Saint Laurent, whose ashes were scattered here after his death. These botanical gardens are seen as Majorelle's greatest master piece, with their distinctive shade of cobalt blue architecture and extensive collection of exotic plants and trees. The gardens are home to 15 species of bird and there is also a Berber Museum representing the various indigenous tribes of Morocco.

Continuing your tour, head inside the rose coloured medina walls to explore the tangle of winding streets and alleys that open onto verdant gardens and bustling souks. At the heart of the medina is Djemaa El Fna, the city's exuberant market place and towering over it, is the famous Koutoubia Mosque, the tallest building in the city.
Overnight: Marrakech  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3

Ait Benhaddou

Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate. Bidding farewell to Marrakech, travel across the plains of haouz to reach the rugged High Atlas mountains. Admire the spectacular views around every hair-pin turn as you travel along the dramatic Tizi n Tichka mountain pass. Stop for lunch before continuing on to explore Ait Benhaddou, an incredible ancient fortified kasbah, which was built for defence purposes high on a hill. This beautifully preserved medieval city has famously featured in many blockbuster movies, including Gladiator and Laurence of Arabia.

From Ait Benhaddou, head south to the Hollywood of North Africa – Ouarzazate (pronounced war-zazat). Ouarzazate is famous for being the filming location for many other Hollywood blockbusters and famous TV shows including James Bond – The Living Daylights, The Mummy and more recently Game of Thrones.
Overnight: Ouarzazate  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Camel trek into the Sahara

Ouarzazate - Todra Gorge - Merzouga (Sahara). This morning begin your journey into the Sahara, passing a medley of palm trees, beautiful rose fields and magnificent gorges. Travelling from Ouarzazate, there is a possibility of visiting the kasbah Amherdhil in Skoura before reaching Todra Gorge. Surrounded by towering vertical limestone cliffs, reaching heights of 1000ft, this impressive gorge is known as Morocco’s Grand Canyon. The charm of Todra lies in its changing colours as the sun slowly moves from east to west. Enjoy a stroll through the gorge before hitting the road again to reach Merzhouga – gateway to the Sahara.

Depending on the time of year, spend the afternoon relaxing by a pool and enjoying a refreshing swim before you climb aboard camels for an incredible trek into the Sahara Desert. Trek across the vast and silent desert to reach our remote Berber Camp, nestled amongst the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi. Watch an amazing sunset and enjoy an evening of local food and music, before settling down for an unforgettable night in the desert, under a spectacular blanket of stars.

Please note: If you would prefer the comfort of a hotel with en-suite facilities this evening, this can be arranged at no additional cost. Please do let us know your preferred option at the time of booking.
Overnight: Berber Camp  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Journey to Fes

Merzouga (Sahara) - Fes. Rise early this morning and climb back on your camels for the trek back to Merzouga, enjoying a truly stunning sunrise en route. There's time to freshen up and have breakfast in Merzouga, before hitting the road again. It’s a long drive to Fes today but there's plenty to see on the way. Pass through cedar forests full of Barbary Macaque monkeys in the Middle Atlas mountains and stop at Ifrane – a beautiful town, often likened to a Swiss Alpine resort. Along the way you're also likely to see Morocco’s nomadic Berbers – travelling across the mountains and often staying in make shift tents as they head to their next destination. Early evening arrival into Fes.
Overnight: Fes  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6

Medieval Fes el Bali

Fes is the oldest and largest medieval city in the world and its medina is a cacophony of aromas, sights and sounds. This morning step back in time on a guided tour of Fes el Bali - the old walled city. This fascinating medina is a veritable rabbit warren of 9400 alleys that often finish with dead ends – it's easy to get lost so be sure to stay close to your guide! During the tour visit one of the pungent leather tanneries that Fes is famous for, where you can enjoy wonderful views of the giant dye pits below, which are full of deep earthy tones.

Spend the afternoon at leisure. Relax or independently explore. Alternatively you can book an optional Tagine Making Class or a night of Moroccan entertainment and food at a restaurant in town (both payable locally).
Overnight: Fes  |  Breakfast

Day 7

Volubilis & Meknes

Fes - Volubilis - Meknes - Rabat. This morning bid farewell to Fes and travel to the ruined Roman city of Volubilis, Morocco's best-preserved archaeological site. Explore this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site, which dates back to AD40, and admire the beautifully preserved mosaics. Next stop today is the imperial city of Meknes, which became known as the Versailles of Morocco due to its impressive buildings and elaborate monuments. Visiting Place El Hedim at the heart of the medina you'll see the magnificent Bab Mansour Gate. After lunch and some free time, continue on to Rabat – Morocco’s capital.
Overnight: Rabat  |  Breakfast

Day 8

Rabat & Casablanca

Rabat - Casablanca - Marrakech. Take in highlights of the imperial city of Rabat this morning, visiting the impressive Chellah - a necropolis and complex of ancient medieval ruins, the Royal Palace and the marble Mausoleum of Mohammed V.

There's time to enjoy lunch in Rabat before beginning the journey back to Marrakech, stopping in Casablanca en route. Providing a sharp contrast to the imperial cities, the modern port city of Casablanca, is the industrial and economic heart of Morocco. In this bustling city, visit the famous Hassan II Mosque, which has the tallest minaret and is the third largest mosque in the world. The mosque can hold 25,000 worshippers at any one time! Arrive back into Marrakech for the final night of your holiday.
Overnight: Marrakech  |  Breakfast

Day 9

Marrakech

Sadly your Moroccan adventure ends today. A departure transfer to the airport is provided.
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply.

Dates
Twin / Share
Single Room
USD $2155
USD $2595
USD $2225
USD $2665
USD $2155
USD $2595

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Adam Park Hotel & Spa, Marrakech

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Guests can expect a very comfortable stay at the Adam Park Hotel & Spa. Each of the elegant rooms feature a patio or balcony with views of the surrounding area. Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. Several restaurants offer a variety of options including Italian specialities, Moroccan favourites and international cuisine. There are also plenty of ways to unwind after a day exploring Marrakech, with an outdoor pool, fitness centre and a spa offering rejuvenating massage treatments.

Desert Camp, Merzouga

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Standard Camp

Set amongst the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi, the Berber camp is designed with a traditional Moroccan theme. The permanent tents include multiple beds and electricity (after night fall) Camping out in the desert is a wonderful experience, due to the lack of light pollution, the stars come out in abundance and really are a sight to behold.

Hotel Atlas Saiss Fes, Fes

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Hotel Atlas Saiss Fes is a popular 4 star hotel, conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from Nouvelle Ville. The hotel offers spacious and comfortable guest rooms, equipped with free WiFi, flat screen TVs, air conditioning and en suite bathrooms. Facilities include a restaurant, 24 hour room service and a sauna (at an additional cost). Start the day with a generous continental breakfast before heading out to explore the enchanting imperial city of Fes. After a busy day, relax on the hotel terrace, enjoy a tasty meal at the restaurant or rejuvenate in the sauna.

Riad Dar Alia, Rabat

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: Standard Riad

Boasting a fantastic location, just a short walk from the entrance to the Kasbah of the Udayas, Riad Dar Alia is wonderful choice for a stay in the capital. It offers a number of uniquely decorated rooms in a traditional Moroccan style. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property and a restaurant serves a variety of Moroccan specialities.

In Brief

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Marrakech
Ends
Marrakech
Departs
Any day of the year
Hotel Rating
4 star hotels & traditional riads
Tour Guide
Yes - for all included sightseeing
Meals
Breakfast: 8, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 3
Visiting
Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Merzouga, Fes, Rabat, Ait Benhaddou, Erg Chebbi
Countries
Click to play videoBeautiful sky over the famous Djemaa el Fna in Marrakech
Click to play videoSand coloured kasbah in Ait Benhaddou
Click to play videoCamel walking through the Erg Chebbi sand dunes
Click to play videoMulti-coloured tanneries in Fes
Fishing boats in a line outside of Rabat, Morocco's capital
Fishing boats in a line outside of Rabat, Morocco's capital
OTG002382Jewels of Morocco - 9 daysMiddle East & North AfricaTailor-madeMiddle East & North Africafalse0Moroccohttps://www.onthegotours.com/Morocco/Jewels-of-Morocco-9-dayshttps://www.onthegotours.com/repository/Ait-Benhaddou--Morocco-783571616101111_crop_flip_300_300_f2f2f2_center-center.jpgPrivate_Tours