Deserts and Kasbahs - Overland Trip
2 weeks: Casablanca to Casablanca (IMT-MTDK)
Intro
Our journey through Morocco takes us from the noise and mayhem of the Fes medina, with its famous leather tanneries, to the silence of the great sand dunes at Erg Chebbi on the edge of the Sahara. We visit the spectacular Todra Gorge and travel along the "Valley of 1000 Kasbahs" to the exotic city of Marrakech. The trip ends with a chance to relax in the beautiful old Portuguese fishing port of Essaouira on the Atlantic Coast.Minimum Group Size
4Maximum Group Size
15Arrival Transfer
Airport transfer to hotel day 1Fully Escorted
By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guidesTransport
1st class aircon train, minibus, public air-conditioned coachActivities
Extensive walking, optional camel rideAccommodation
12 nights tourist class hotels, 2 nights Berber tent campMeals
As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-DinnerEntrance Fees
Included for all sites listed as part of the itineraryItineraries
Day 1,CASABLANCAArrival day.
Day 2,CASABLANCA - FESFree morning before taking the train to Fes. (B)
Day 3,FESA guided walking tour of the Medina and souqs (markets), including the leather tanneries, noted as much for their overpowering smell as for their spectacle! (B)
Day 4,MEKNES - VOLUBILISThough not as large as Fes, Meknes has a charm of its own and is far less frequented by travellers. We have time to explore before continuing to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Return to Fes for the night. (B)
Day 5,FES - ERG CHEBBIA long day’s journey across the Middle Atlas Mountains, via the remarkable rock formations of the Ziz Gorge. Continue to the western fringe of the Sahara Desert where we stay for two nights amongst the great dunes of Erg Chebbi in a Berber style camp. (B)
Day 6,ERG CHEBBIEnjoy the sunrise in the dunes before visiting some of the local villages to see how people live in these desert surroundings. In the afternoon you’ll have the option to take an overnight camel ride into the great dunes. (B)
Day 7,ERG CHEBBI - TODRA GORGELeaving the eastern desert region we continue to Tinehrir and the Todra Valley. (B)
Day 8,TODRA GORGEMorning walk through the lovely Todra Valley palmery. Afternoon to explore the spectacular Todra Gorge, a deep chasm cutting through the desert mountains. (B)
Day 9,"VALLEY OF 1000 KASBAHS" - AIT BEN HADDOUJourney along the "Valley of 1000 Kasbahs" to the desert city of Ouarzazate and visit the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou. (BD)
Day 10,ESSAOUIRAToday we travel to the Atlantic Coast and the 18th century Portuguese fishing port of Essaouira. Plenty of opportunities to sample the local seafood, take walks on the beach out to the ruined castle, or watch sunset from the ramparts. Approx 5 hours driving. (B)
Day 11,ESSAOUIRAA full day to explore this whitewashed city, famous for its woodwork shops, or relax on the beach. (B)
Day 12,ESSAOUIRA - MARRAKECHTravel to the legendary city of Marrakech, once the great meeting place for Morocco’s remote tribes. Approx 2 1/2 hours driving. (B).
Day 13,MARRAKECHA full day to explore this exotic city. (B)
Day 14,MARRAKECH - CASABLANCAReturn to Casablanca. (B)
Day 15,CASABLANCATour ends. (B)
Last updated: 2nd December 2008
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