Day 1:
Marrakech
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Saturday. Welcome to Morocco! Be sure to arrive in time for your pre-departure meeting at 6:00pm. Your first night will be spent at our pre-expedition hotel in the centre of town. (D)
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Day 2:
Ouarzazate
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Leaving Marrakech, we drive over the stunning High Atlas mountains on the Way to Ouarzazate, which African traders once used on their journeys up to Europe. We will visit the famous film studios which have been used for films such as Kingdom of Heaven, Alexander the Great, The Last Temptation of Christ and The Living Daylights. (B, L, D)
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Day 3:
Todra Gorge
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Today we journey on to the stunning Todra Gorge, with its towering 1000 foot high gorge walls. Discover the charm of Todra today as you witness it's ever changing colours, as the sun slowly moves from east to west. Or alternatively, you could choose just to relax by the pool and soak up the atmosphere. (B, L, D)
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Day 4:
Sahara Desert
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Crossing the Jebel Saghrou, we head down to Erg Chebbi sand dunes, which signify the commencement of the mighty Sahara Desert. Transferring to camels, we trek into the desert to a Berber camp, enjoying local food and a night of entertainment under the Saharan stars. (B, L, D)
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Day 5:
Gorges du Dades
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It's time to depart the Sahara and make our way to the beautiful Gorges du Dades, a stunning valley which extends from the High Atlas to the Jebel Saghrou range in the south. Berbers built many kasbahs in the vicinity of gorges for defence purposes. These many kasbahs combined with the stunning natural beauty make this a beautiful region to travel through. (B, L, D)
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Day 6:
Ait Benhaddou
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We head to Aït Benhaddou, a ‘fortified city', situated along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. It is situated on a hill along the Ouarzazate River and boasts some beautiful examples of kasbahs, some of which remain inhabited. Granted UNESCO World Heritage listing, the site had been the setting for many films including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. We will have a guided tour in the afternoon. (B, L, D)
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Day 7:
Marrakech
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We enjoy some free time again this morning in Ait Benhaddou, before heading on an incredible journey over the Atlas mountains. Arriving late afternoon in Marrakech, we will have time to freshen up, before heading into the vibrant Djamma-El-Fna square for dinner. (B, L, D)
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Day 8:
Marrakech
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We enjoy a city tour this morning, followed by some free time to Explore for yourself in the afternoon. Marrakech conjures up images of an exotic, distant city, of magic carpets, snake charmers and frankincense and myrrh brought in by camel trains. Set within the rose-coloured walls of the medina lies a reality that is not that far removed from an exotic film set – a tangle of winding streets that open onto verdant gardens and dark alleyways that lead to bustling souks. The focal point is the central square, the Djemâa-el-Fna, an extraordinary gathering and market place. Full of colour, spicy aromas and traders, it is best seen in the evening when overflowing with food stalls, dancers, acrobats, fortune tellers, musicians and henna artists. Towering over all this 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. Try a traditional hammam, a steam bath followed by an exfoliating massage - its the ideal end to the day. (B)
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Day 9:
Essaouira
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On Saturday morning we leave Marrakech and drive to Essaouira. There is the opportunity to do optional activities in Essaouira, such as quad biking, surfing, horse trekking, wind surfing or just relax on the beach for the two days! (B)
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Day 10:
Essaouira
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Enjoy the beach and our optional activities again! (B)
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Day 11:
Marrakech
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We head back to Marrakech mid-morning, before heading to the famous Djemma el Fna square for a group meal in the evening. (B)
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Day 12:
Marrakech
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The tour ends after breakfast, checkout is at 12 noon. (B)
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