MARRAKECH to MARRAKECH (9 days) Souks & Sand Dunes
MARRAKECH to MARRAKECH (9 days) Souks & Sand Dunes
MARRAKECH to MARRAKECH (9 days) Souks & Sand Dunes
9 Days Starting and ending in Marrakesh, Morocco
Visiting: Marrakesh, Aït Benhaddou, Nkob, Erg Chebbi, Todra River, Ouarzazate
Tour operator:
Tour code:
528
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
5-85
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The sights, sounds and smells make Morocco a fantastic family destination. Explore the ancient labyrinthine medina of Marrakech, astonishing landscape of the Atlas Mountains and extraordinary Sahara Desert. This tour has been planned to be suitable for the younger members of your family. It includes shorter drive times, and opportunities to both explore or relax by the pool! This trip is run in conjunction with a local operator.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Marrakech
Location: Marrakesh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel El Andalous (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Morocco! After a short transfer from the airport, you will have a free day to explore this vibrant city. Tonight you will meet your fellow travellers at your pre-departure meeting at 6pm, organised at the joining hotel in the heart of town.
Day 2 : Ait Benhaddou
Location: Aït Benhaddou
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Marrakech, we set off through the Road of the Roses Valley, famous within the country for its roses. A stop can be made here to see some of the wide variety of rose products. We'll then drive over the stunning High Atlas mountains, a route which African traders once used on their journeys up to Europe. After descending back down to the more desert like region around Ouarzazate we'll take a step back into history with a guided tour of the village of Ait Benhaddou. One of the oldest villages in the south of Morocco, Ait Benhaddou is a 'fortified city' with an important location on the old trading route between the desert and the mountains. Its claim to fame is some beautiful examples of Kasbahs, some of which remain inhabited. Granted UNESCO World Heritage listing, the site has been used in numerous famous movies including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator, and TV series including Game of Thrones. We'll explore the narrow streets of the old Kasbahs while winding up to a great view, hopefully catching sunset across the desert mountains from the top.
Day 3 : N'kob Berber Oasis
Location: Nkob
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We'll drive through some more beautiful scenery today, passing through valleys and gorges where the Berbers built many kasbahs. The natural beauty of the area and the sight of so many of these kasbahs make this a stunning part of the country to travel through. Our destination today is one of Morocco's best kept secrets, the Berber Oasis of N'Kob. Nestling at the foot of the Jebel Saghro mountains N'Kob is host to exotic Palmeries and 45 mudbrick ksouars (fortified villages). Here we'll learn about the Ait Atta Nomads and their traditional way of life. We'll have time to enjoy the views during a walk through the Palmerie or to relax in the hotel for the afternoon. There's also the option for a fun cooking class today to prepare and cook your own Moroccan lunch.
Day 4 : Sahara Desert
Location: Erg Chebbi
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Auberge La Caravane (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today's drive takes us through the Anti Atlas ranges to cross the Draa Valley, one of the most famous places in Morocco for dates. We'll stop so everyone can taste some fresh ones. Excitement builds as we head to the Erg Chebbi sand dunes, which signify the commencement of the mighty Sahara Desert. We'll break for lunch, and may even have time for a relaxing swim in the summer months. The adventure really begins as we transfer to our transport into the desert – camels! Travelling on a traditional camel caravan, we trek into the desert to our authentic Berber camp. The sand dunes await as well as local food and a night of entertainment under the Saharan stars.
Day 5 : Todra Gorge
Location: Todra River
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Amazir (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our journey continues to the breath-taking Todra Gorge, with its towering high gorge walls which reach up over 300m, giving it the title of Morocco's Grand Canyon! Today you’ll appreciate the charm of Todra as you witness it's ever changing colours, as the sun slowly moves from east to west. The afternoon is free to relax by the hotel pool and soak up the atmosphere or take a stroll through the Gorge and Palmerie. For those over 16 there may be time to try your hand at rock climbing – hang on!
Day 6 : Ouarzazate
Location: Ouarzazate
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Les Jardins de Ouarzazate (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After more time to explore the Gorge this morning we take lunch at a very traditional local Berber cooperative for Berber carpets. We'll learn how the Berbers have made their carpets for centuries, and you can try your bargaining skills if you're interested in buying one. We'll then continue to Ouarzazate (the Hollywood of North Africa), another important stop on the African trading route to Europe. An optional tour is available this afternoon to visit the famous film studios here which have been used for numerous international movies and TV series over the years, including The Kingdom of Heaven, The Last Temptation of Christ, The Living Daylights and Alexander the Great.
Day 7 : Marrakech
Location: Marrakesh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel El Andalous (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We drive back to Marrakech today an another incredible journey across the Atlas mountains. Arriving late afternoon in Marrakech, you will have chance to freshen up, before heading into the vibrant Djemâa-el-Fna square for dinner.
Day 8 : Marrakech
Location: Marrakesh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel El Andalous (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you can enjoy an optional city tour, followed by some free time to explore for yourself. Marrakech conjures up images of an exotic, distant city, of magic carpets, snake charmers and frankincense and myrrh brought in by camel trains. You will still find examples of most of these with the rose-coloured walls of the medina. Spend time getting lost in a tangle of winding streets that open onto verdant gardens and dark alleyways that lead to bustling souks. The focal point of the city is the central square, the Djemâa-el-Fna, an extraordinary gathering and market place. Full of colour, spicy aromas and traders, it is overflowing with life. Enjoy sun-downers at one of the roof top cafes as you watch the transition from day to night. Towering over the square is the Koutoubia mosque, the tallest building in the city, and a reminder of the importance of Islam to the lives of the city's residents. Once you have finished exploring why not relax by the pool, or try a traditional hammam, (a steam bath followed by an exfoliating massage) - it’s the ideal end to the day.
Day 9 : Marrakech
Location: Marrakesh
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your adventure tour ends after breakfast. For those flying out of Marrakech on this day, you can arrange airport transfers with your guide, and these can be booked any time for this day – there is luggage storage at the hotel should you need to check out before your go to the airport. Additional nights in Marrakech can also be booked upon request, please contact us for details.
Please note - This trip is run in conjunction with a local operator.
What's Included
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Accommodation - 7 nights in 3/4* hotel (shared rooms) + 1 night desert camp
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Arrival Transfer from Marrakech airport included on Day 1 (or if pre-trip accommodation is booked directly with Oasis for our joining hotel)
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Transport by air conditioned 4x4 or minibus
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Desert Camel Trek
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Guided tour of Ait Benhaddou
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Overnight Sahara Berber Camp
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Hike in Gorge du Dades
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8 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Dinners including a Berber camp dinner
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Services of Local Tour Leader and Driver
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Entrance fees and permits to local sights
What's Not Included
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Visas
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Flights
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Airport taxes
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Optional Excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information
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Drinks
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Meals not listed in the itinerary
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Tipping kitty $50 USD (adults only) - for hotel porters, hotel waiters, local guides used for City tours, airport drivers, Berber camel herders, restaurant tips & Tour driver
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The tipping kitty does not cover your Nomadic guide, so please feel free to offer a tip at the end of the tour if you are happy with the service provided
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Pre/post trip accommodation
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End of trip Airport Transfer
Mode of Transport
Transport is by minivan, 4x4 Land Cruiser and Camel!
Accommodation
Accommodation is in shared rooms (between 2 people of the same sex from your trip unless you are a couple). We use basic 3 star hotels along with a night camping in a traditional Berber camp in the Desert. Some hotels even have swimming pools and sun-lounge areas. In some hotels you may be able to upgrade to a single room (at your own expense). Temperatures in Morocco are generally high, particularly during the summer months from May to September, so take sunscreen. However in winter temperatures can drop right down in the evenings, but as long as you bring some warm clothing and a sleeping bag for this night in the desert then you should be more than comfortable.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
Maximum 16 people.
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Where does the trip start?
The trip starts from the El Andalous Hotel at approximately 6pm on the evening of Day 1 of your trip. The El Andalous is a large, comfortable and spacious hotel in the Nouvelle Ville area of Marrakech. All rooms have a TV, airconditioning and a balcony. It has a restaurant, bar and swimming pool, with a small supermarket and ATMs nearby. It is about a twenty-five minute walk, or five minute taxi ride to the Medina and Djeema El Fna square. Trip Joining Point: El Andalous Hotel - Marrakech Start Time Day 1: 18:00 Address: Avenue du President Kennedy , Marrakech, 40000 Telephone: +212 524 448226 Website: www.alandalousmarrakech.com Email: assist-direction@elandalous-marrakech.com
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, flights are not included in this tour. Day 1 in your departure city, is an arrivals day. For your convenience we would advise that you arrive at the latest, on the afternoon of this day. You may wish to allow some extra time to explore your arrival and departure cities. Departing flights: we recommend not to book a flight departing before midday on your last day of the trip. One way ticket: If you intend to travel on a one way ticket to meet up with one of our trips, without possessing an onward flight ticket - we recommend that you have a copy of your payment confirmation/receipt (that you will be sent at time of your balance payment) available at immigration to assist easy entry.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport Arrival Transfers are included in the cost of your adventure (provided you request these via the UK office or your account six weeks before your departure). On arrival into Marrakech airport you will be met by a representative holding an OASIS OVERLAND sign. Please note they will be waiting just outside the airport terminal building due to rules at the airport - please look out for them and introduce yourself. If you have not arranged an airport transfer and need to take a local taxi, it is approximately 100 to 180 Dirham to the city. There is a sign before the taxi rank advising you of prices. You can purchase Morocco Dirham at the airport Forex Bureau or ATM but this can also be done easily at your Hotel or from ATMs near the Hotel. The hotel is about a ten minute drive from the airport. If your flight is delayed by more than 2 hours before departure - or - if after arriving in Marrakech Airport you cannot find your airport transfer please call Brahim (Morocco Tour Manager) +212 (0) 661 252 381 - Emergency number. Airport transfers can be arranged with your tour leader on Day 1 or directly with the hotel on arrival if your trip finishes at the same hotel.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, if you are travelling solo. On our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions, we will pair you up with a tent buddy of the same sex when we camp and the same goes for twin & shared rooms in hostels, so there is no need to go it alone! If you specifically would like to request your own single room whilst on the trip, this may be requested subject to availability and additional fee.
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How many people do you take on your Trips?
On most of our Overland Adventures and Ultimate Expeditions our vehicles can carry a maximum of 24 travellers, the average however is around 16-20 on any one trip. Our Small Group Adventures have a maximum of 18 people per Tour Leader, although again the average is around 10-14 people.
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Low Deposit
Oasis Overland requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of oasis overland charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 33% of booking price.
At 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.