| Cost From: | $4895 |
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| Length: | 15 days |
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| Activity: | Hiking / Trekking, Cultural Adventures |
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| Difficulty: |
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This was my first group ‘adventure travel’ trip and it exceeded all my expectations. I could not have enjoyed so many aspects of Moroccan life and culture had I been traveling on my own.Catherine Fukushima
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If you haven’t done it yet, now’s the time! A climb to the roof of Africa is a “high” in more ways than one, and you’ll celebrate your achievement with a fantastic wildlife safari in Africa’s Eden.
Some of the most glorious scenery in North Africa is found in Morocco, a captivating land of mud-brick casbahs, medieval medinas, and mythic charms. On our odyssey with Morocco expert Mark Gordon, we discover the country’s sensuous beauty in the epic Sahara, in royal cities, in mysterious souks, at Roman ruins, and on hikes to Berber nomad encampments in red-rock canyons sculpted by nature and time. The centerpiece of our journey is a 3-day desert trek by camel (or on foot, if preferred) across the silent, open spaces and golden dunes of the Sahara. Morocco’s evocative imperial cities also provide a visual feast, from amazing Fez, a walled city suspended in a medieval dream, and tiny Essaouira, an 18th century gem set by the sea, to Marrakesh, the vibrant heart of Morocco.
$4895 (10-15 members)
$5295 (5-9 members)
Single supplement: $580
Prices are for 2010 dates
Apr 10-24, 2010 Mark Gordon
Oct 2-16, 2010 Mark Gordon
Oct 23-Nov 6, 2010 Mark Gordon
Nov 21-Dec 5, 2010 Mark Gordon
Reading list, click here.
In Casablanca, we visit the Hassan II Mosque, then explore Rabat’s Oudaya Kasbah and the Chellah, a spectacular royal necropolis built atop an ancient Roman town. After visiting the pilgrim town of Moulay Idriss and the Roman ruins of Volubulis, we head for enchanting Fez. As we roam the honeycomb of twisting alleys, we savor the scent of spices, orange blossoms, sizzling lamb kabobs, and sweet honey cakes, and watch scenes unchanged in centuries.
In the silent world of the Moroccan Sahara, we experience its breathtaking beauty of ochre dunes, cobalt sky, and volcanic peaks as we ride camels (or hike) across ever-changing desertscapes. Our last camp is at the foot of the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, where we enjoy an incredible sunset and sunrise.
We explore the dramatic Todra and Dades Gorges, and walk through the desert citadel of Ait Ben Haddou. In seaside Essaouira, we discover the fishermen’s market, artisan workshops, and tiny medina.
Framed by the snow-capped mountains of the High Atlas, Marrakesh is a city of wonders. We discover its many facets, including Djemaa el Fna, the famed central square filled with acrobats, snake charmers, and a host of other entertainers. Depart on Day 15.
This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Day 1 (1 night), Casablanca, Morocco
A comfortable place to unwind after the long flight from the US, the Sheraton is an international-style hotel with well-kept rooms, a friendly ...
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Day 2 (1 night), Rabat, Morocco
Located in Rabat’s embassy district, this hotel is within walking distance of the atmospheric kasbah, medina, and Royal Palace. Here the ...
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Days 3 to 4 (2 nights), Fez, Morocco
The delight of this hotel is its view over the city of Fez, which you can enjoy from the terrace bar, listening to the call to prayer echo ...
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Day 5 (1 night), Erfoud, Morocco
Surrounded by desert sands on the edge of the Moroccan Sahara, this newly built kasbah-style hotel is very atmospheric, with its numerous ...
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Days 6 to 8 (3 nights), Sahara Desert, Morocco
We make hiking and camping in the Sahara Desert as comfortable as possible. On the trail, you are accompanied by our experienced Berber guides ...
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Day 9 (1 night), Tinerhir, Morocco
The Yasmina is set into a rock wall at 6,000 feet in the most dramatic section of the Todra Gorge. The hotel's location gives us great access to the gorge, but it is a spartan accommodation. Electricity comes from the generator and there is no central heating. The staff is friendly and the restaurant is good.
Day 10 (1 night), Dades Gorge, Morocco
This small, family-run auberge is located on the serpentine mountain road that runs through the Dades Gorge. It has a cozy atmosphere, pleasant ...
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Day 11 (1 night),
Days 13 to 14 (2 nights),
Marrakesh, Morocco
With a convenient location in the new section of the city, the Es Saadi is a 15-minute walk from the bustling medina. A five-story hotel built in ...
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Day 12 (1 night), Essaouria, Morocco
Right in the heart of Essaouira’s walled medina, this lovely riad has rooms built around a traditional open-air tiled courtyard. The rooms ...
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Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
