The BIG LOOP
AmaZIGh Cultural Tour
12 nights from Marrakech to Fez via the Atlas Mountains & Sahara (or vis versa)
available for groups or individuals
Marrakech Souks
…fun at Ait Ben Haddou
Sunset camel rides…
Fez Tannery
Volubilis
Rabat palace guards
The Cultural Immersion Morocco tours begin in the Imperial city of Marrakech and take a path across the famous Tizi n’Tichka Atlas Mountains pass through traditional Amazigh (Berber) villages to the world heritage site of Ait Benhaddou and the inland Moroccan ‘Hollywood’ in Ouarzazate.
Following the ancient caravan route via the ‘Valley of 1,000 Kasbahs’ to the Sahara we then traverse the Middle Atlas to the imperial cities of Fez and Rabat via the ancient Roman mosaics of Volubilis.
The tours reveal the wealth and beauty of the Moroccan landscape and culture including traditional music performance, visits to artisan workshops and historic collections of rare artefacts, including Yves St Laurents’s private collection at the Musée Berbére in Marrakech.
We provide a unique introduction to the landscape and people of Morocco where accommodation is provided in the most comfortable traditional guesthouses, and we enjoy the extraordinary delights of Amazigh food and hospitality.
Travelling with experienced and knowledgeable Amazigh guides you will discover the highlights of Morocco and have an unforgettable holiday experience.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT AMAZIGH CULTURE TOURS
Day 1:
Arrive Marrakech. Greet and transfer to Riad in old Medina. Accomodation on B&B
Day 2:
Marrakech 10am morning walking tour of the medina with a City Guide. Lunch followed by free time to explore the souks. Have dinner at the famous Jemma el Fna square or a range of local restaurants nearby. Riad accommodation B&B
Day 3:
Marrakech 9am visit the exquisite Les Jardins Majorelle, see the private collection of Yves St Laurent at the Musée Berbére. Free afternoon to explore or have a relaxing Hammam or massage. Or you could take an extra ZigZag Tour – Museums & Galleries of Marrakech or Marrakech Fashionista Tour. Riad on B&B
Day 4:
9am transfer across the High Atlas pass of Tizi-n-Tichka to Skoura via the impressive ramparts of the famous Kasbah of el Glaoui in Telouet. Explore the World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou and visits a carpet cooperative if you wish. Accommodation in Skoura Oasis on HB to include dinner
Day 5:
Skoura. Morning stroll through palm groves and village gardens to visit a local traditional pottery and women’s textile cooperative. Free afternoon to explore the environment and walk in the Palm Groves. Hotel on HB
Day 6:
9am transfer to Merzouga (5-6hrs). Lunch in a cafe en route. Sunset walk in the dunes. Hotel at the dune line on HB to include dinner.
Day 7:
Merzouga – Morning visit to the village of Khamlia for a Gnawa music performance and an opportunity to support the village school. Sunset camel ride with a desert guide. (overnight bivouac in the dunes an optional extra…as you wish…) Hotel at dune line on HB
Day 8:
9am transfer to Fez via the Middle Atlas (8-9 hours) A long, but spectacular drive through the incredible landscape of the Middle Atlas Mountains and home of the Barbary apes. Riad in the old Medina on B&B
Day 9:
Fez morning guided tour of the oldest Medina in the Islamic world, operating for 1,000 years. Visit the famous artisan souqs in this ancient city including the famous leather tanneries. Free afternoon to relax, shop, have a hammam (Turkish-style bath) or calligraphy or cooking lesson. Riad in the old Medina on B&B
Day 10:
Free day to explore Fez, relax and enjoy. Riad in the old Medina on B&B
Day 11:
9am transfer to Rabat via the ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis. Explore the ancient mosaics followed by lunch in the Imperial city of Meknes. Riad in the old Medina on B&B
Day 12:
Day to explore the capital city of Rabat with a morning guided tour of major imperial sites, palace, mausoleum and museum housing the best collections of authentic Moroccan artefacts. Hotel on B&B
End of tour:
We can organise airport transfers from Casablanca or Rabat, or return to Marrakech – as you wish – or book extra tours or extended accommodation.