The Magic of Marrakech: From the Souks to the Desert with Angie

Welcome to the bustling city of Marrakech, home to energetic markets, chic palaces, gorgeous mosques, and lush gardens. When you arrive, explore the medina, a walled city that dates back to the Berber Empire, and the maze-like alleyways that will take you through the various souks (marketplaces) filled with treasures waiting to be discovered. Make sure you stroll through the vibrant Jemaa el-Fna Square that transforms into a carnival of lights when the sun sets. Pursue the local food stalls and eat as the locals do on your first night in this magical place.

Good morning, travelers! Enjoy a lovely breakfast at the hostel and get ready for a day filled with history, culture, and fun. With a local guide, we’ll see the ins and outs of the city starting with a drive through Ville Nouvelle (New Town) that was built by the French. Next, we’ll head to the botanical gardens of Majorelle that was created by Jacques Majorelle who spent more than forty years collecting plants from all over the world to form this lush sanctuary. We’ll also explore the 15th century Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace, the Souks (market), and much more!

For dinner, we’ll be whisked away to the setting of a Thousand and One Nights where Moroccan hospitality will prevail and lead us into an unforgettable experience. While you eat a traditional Moroccan meal in Berber tents, you’ll see acrobats, bellydancers, traditional dances, fireworks, and so much more. Get those cameras charged, so you can enjoy this enchanting wonderland filled with Moroccan lore.

Wake up early and get ready for a full day, as we get in the car for an odyssey of a lifetime. We’ll start with a drive across the sacred Atlas Mountains and arrive at the village of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll learn about its mysterious history that dates back to the 11th century and explore this ancient place that was part of a caravan route from Marrakech to the Sahara. We’ll continue on through Ouarzazate, aka the Hollywood of Africa, with the option to visit the Atlas Film Studios where many Hollywood movies were made. By nightfall, we’ll arrive at the Dadès Gorge and check into our accommodation for dinner.

Rise and shine to an incredible day of activities! After breakfast, we’ll take a soft hike into the valley of Dadès before jumping back in the van and heading to the Todra Gorge. We’ll continue on, passing the city of Erfoud, and head towards the Merzouga Desert. From here, we’ll go on a camel ride to our final destination as the sun sets, arriving at a tented Berber camp for dinner and drum session around a fire pit. After some stargazing, we’ll head to bed in our tents and rest up for another day of adventure.

What an adventure, and it continues this morning with a sunrise breakfast on the sand dunes of the desert. Today, we’ll drive back to Marrakech, check back into the Mosaic Hostel, and enjoy a final dinner on the rooftop of the beautiful le Comptoir Darna for one last authentic Moroccan meal. Reflect on the incredible journey with the group and prepare to say your goodbyes after an adventurous five days of travel.

This trip was one for the books! After a wild five days, you can wake up slowly and have your last meal in the city before taking your transfer to the airport. We hope you had a stellar trip and get home safely. Until next time!