One Week in Morocco: Sahara & Todra Gorge
Morocco
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Spend a week in Morocco and find the best balance between bustling city medinas and relaxing mountain and desert landscapes – with this week-long adventure that hits Marrakech, the Sahara and the Atlas Mountains. Get lost (the good kind) in Djemaa el-Fna Square, hike the Todra Valley, enjoy a homecooked lunch by a local family in Todra Gorge, then head to the Sahara for a bucket list camel ride during sunset and a camping experience under the expansive night sky. Travel to the mountains, where you’ll experience the Tawesna tea house to try the best mint tea in the world (and a locally sourced Moroccan meal to pair it with). Hike through the peaceful Imlil and return to colourful Marrakech to end it all with a bang!
Availability
From 01/08/2024 to 24/12/2026
Departure dates & prices
Dates
Availability
Price
What's included
Hike through rugged terrain and small villages, then take in the view of the valley as you tuck into a home-cooked meal prepared by a local family in Todra Gorge.
Tick the Djemaa el-Fna Square off your bucket list in Marrakech and wander through the amazing chaos of street performers, singers, poets and street food carts all vying for your attention.
Stay the night in a Sahara desert camp, far away from tourist crowds After a camel ride through the sand dunes, watch the sunset with your group.
Prepare for the best mint tea of your life on a visit to the Tawesna teahouse.
This experience is more than just a cuppa, it’s about discovering a culture, sharing a true moment with locals and contributing to the economic inclusion of women.
Take a break from the bustling city streets high in the Atlas Mountains – enjoy homecooked meals, authentic local connections and a breath of fresh air at an Aroumd homestay.
Breakfasts Included: 7.
Lunches Included: 4.
Dinners Included: 5.
Desert Camp (1 night),Mountain Gite (Multi-share) (2 nights),Hotel (2 nights),Guesthouse (2 nights).
Private Vehicle.
Age: min 18, max 35.
Group Size: 1 - 16.
Todra Gorge – Home-cooked Lunch.
Sahara Desert - Overnight Desert Camp.
Sahara Desert - Camel ride.
Ait Benhaddou - Tea at Tawesna association.
Imlil – Scenic Walk.
Imlil – Day Hike with Picnic Lunch.
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Itinerary
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1 - Marrakech Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. This adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel. After meeting your fellow travellers and the group leader, why not get to know each other while exploring the city's main square - Djemaa el-Fna - or get lost exploring the city's spice souks or bazaars. For dinner, maybe load up on some delicious street food, but be warned - the eggplant fritters are addictive and the barbeque smells around the city will be sure to make you hungry (even if you've just eaten!). Marrakech is also known as a great spot for trendy rooftop bars, so why not head to one of the local favourites with a view and grab a cocktail.
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2 - Todra Gorge After breakfast, you'll make your way to Todra Gorge. This is a long travel day, so make sure you have a book handy. After a while, you'll come across a bright tablecloth of green that might seem so out of place, you'll think you're dreaming. This valley is pretty impressive, with all its palm trees and mud-brick villages. Arrive at your hotel at the top of the valley, and take some time to relax, recharge and chill out under the palms. Maybe head out for a brief stroll before enjoying an included dinner with your group. Settle in for the night and get a good night's rest, ready for a beautiful hike tomorrow.
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3 - Sahara Camp After breakfast, take a hike through the shaded palms of the Todra Valley for a couple of hours, taking in the picturesque scenery of the gorge ahead. Be rewarded at the end of your adventure with a home-cooked lunch served in the backyard of a local family. You'll be treated to dates, nuts, tea and a delicious meal to refuel after your walk. Then, make your way to the Sahara. After a few hours of transit, get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a sun-kissed desert. The mode of transport? Camel, of course! Brace yourself for one heck of a sunset while you wind through the vast expanse of sand and loop back to your private camp for an overnight stay in the middle of the sandy dunes. In the camp, you'll have a thin mattress, blankets and sheets (and an auberge not so far away, just in case). Ensure you bring a sleeping sheet and warm jumper if it's winter (you'd be surprised how cold it can get). Sleep under the stars and have a mind-blowing 'I am so far from home' kind of moment.
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4 - Ait Benhaddou Remember to set your alarm this morning because you'll get up well before dawn. Climb a nearby sand dune to catch the sunrise - this sight is worth the early rise - then head back to camp for breakfast, collect the rest of your gear and travel to Ait Benhaddou. Stop for the best mint tea in the world at the Tawesna Association. All profits here are devoted to the women's projects in the village of Ait Benhaddou. This experience in the inclusive female teahouse is more than just a cuppa - it's about discovering a culture and contributing to women's economic inclusion and responsible tourism. Then, explore the medieval mud-brick town of Ait Benhaddou. If you're wondering why it looks familiar, it's probably because you've seen it before on the silver screen. Walk the many old streets and climb up to the fortress for a view over the Old Town. You can also visit one of the most interesting old houses in the Kasbah for a small fee. You'll spend the night just outside the walls.
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5 - Aroumd This morning, take a private transfer towards Imlil, high in the Atlas Mountains. Calling dibs on a window seat would be a smart move - the drive features some great scenery. Imlil is a little village that sits at the foot of North Africa's highest peak, and when you arrive, you'll head out for a scenic walk. On your way to the mountain village of Aroumd, take your time to explore the landscape, the rolling mountains and the bursts of green flora. Tonight's stay is in a family-run gite (or mountain home) in the village. The Amazigh people here are famous for their hospitality, so make the most of this opportunity to sit down, break bread with the family and learn about their culture.
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6 - Aroumd After breakfast, enjoy a slow-paced morning in the mountains. Today, you'll head through Imlil on a day hike, exploring the scenery of the surrounding peaks and villages. Traverse through bursts of green and stop to admire the Imlil waterfall, where you can get up close and personal with the cascades. Walk at your own pace, enjoying the seclusion of being far away from the tourist crowds of the main cities. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way and return to your homestay accommodation for a relaxed and free afternoon and group dinner.
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7 - Marrakech Say goodbye to the mountains and return to Marrakech. When you arrive, you have a free day to stroll through the bustling souks. If you like, explore the courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace. This mansion was built in 1866 for a former slave who rose to power within the government. Why not head out on a cycling trip, go quad-biking or indulge in a luxury hammam and spa. You might like to visit Le Jardin Secret too - a traditional medina garden revived for the 21st century. Once owned by a powerful local chief U-Bihi - who was poisoned by Mohammed IV - this historic riad has one of the most beautiful courtyards in Marrakech, combining exotic and traditional Islamic gardens that are fed by original khettara (an underground irrigation system). In the evening, you'll no doubt be drawn back to Djemaa el-Fna for a final night out.
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8 - Marrakech After breakfast, there are no activities planned and your trip comes to an end. Why not become a Moroccan MasterChef in an Urban Adventure's cooking masterclass with a local guide. Journey through the souks of Marrakech and shop for the best ingredients before learning the insider tricks on how to whip up a deliciously authentic tagine in a classic riad setting, while getting to know the family that lives there. To find out more about the Tajine Cookery Class, visit urbanadventures.com. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
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