MO RO C C O : S A H A R A & B E YO N D HIGHLIGHTS • E xplore seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the medinas of Fez and Marrakech and the adobe village of Aït Ben Haddou. • S leep among Saharan dunes in a traditional tent, and explore the Anti-Atlas Mountains. • T ry your hand at Arabic calligraphy with a local master in Fez. • V isit the leather tanneries and lively markets of Taroudant.
1 5 DAY S F R O M
DAYS 6–7 I A ÏT BEN HADDOU/ ERG CHIGAGA Travel to Aït Ben Haddou in the Atlas Mountains, and explore this ancient fortress village. Cross the Draa Valley to Zagora and venture into the desert on 4x4s. Stop at Tamgrout to visit the library of ancient Islamic texts and watch local potters at work. Continue to our comfortable desert camp amid the great dunes of Erg Chigaga. Opt to take a camel ride or climb the dunes for views of the Sahara, then enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars. DAYS 8–10 I ZAGORA/TAROUDANT
DAY 1 I CASABLANCA, MOROCCO Arrive at any time. Your arrival transfer is included. DAYS 2–3 I MEKNÈS/VOLUBILIS/FEZ Tour the imperial city of Meknès and the Roman ruins of Volubilis, then continue to Fez. The next day, take a walking tour of the Fez medina, then enjoy a traditional tagine lunch at a G Adventures–supported cooperative that benefits women and children from rural areas of Morocco. This evening, attend a demonstration on Islamic calligraphy. DAYS 4–5 I M ARRAKECH Travel to Marrakech and experience the color and chaos of the famed Djemaa el Fna square. The next day, take a historical tour of the city, including the Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs. Visit a historic riad for a hands-on cooking class from a master Moroccan chef.
Above: The village of Aït Ben Haddou is constructed with mud bricks.
Return to Zagora and attend a talk on the history of the Draa region. Enjoy time to visit local historical sites before heading to the carpet towns of Taznakht and Taliouine, where saffron is harvested. Continue to Taroudant and visit its famed leather tanneries and markets. DAY 11 I TAFRAOUT Enter the Anti-Atlas region and visit Aït Mansour Gorge. Continue through a palm valley and have lunch in a village home. Later, hike through the Chapeau du Napoleon before continuing to Tafraout for the evening. DAYS 12–13 I ESSAOUIRA Travel to the port town of Essaouira on the Atlantic coast. Opt to visit a local hammam (traditional spa and steam baths). Enjoy the next day at leisure, with options to take a cooking class, or a surfing or windsurfing lesson.
$
3,079
PER PERSON. AIRFARE TO/FROM IS NOT INCLUDED.
+ $899
MY OWN ROOM OPTION: MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 12 DATES
2020: Departures available year-round 2021: Departures available year-round Please visit our website for departure dates. WHAT'S INCLUDED
All transport between destinations and to/ from included activities, and activities as listed in the itinerary. Optional excursions are at an additional cost. ACCOMMODATIONS Comfortable, mid-range hotels (13 nights), comfortable desert camp (1 night) MEALS INCLUDED 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners. Allow an additional $380–$495 per person for meals not included. TRANSPORTATION Private van, 4x4 vehicle GUARANTEED DEPARTURES If you're booked, you're going.
DAYS 14–15 I MARRAKECH Return to Marrakech and visit the Jardin Menara and the Jardin Majorelle. Enjoy a farewell dinner with the group in Marrakech. Depart at any time the next day.
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