Traveling in Morocco generates a grand feast for the senses. Noticeably, the South and the North have little in common, as if they were two separate countries. To explore the South is like stepping back in time to a biblical aura and a surviving Mespotamia. The vastness of the Sahara, with its plateaus bordered by mirages, waddies punctuated by sandcastle-like Kasbahs, and romantic oases lit by azure-blue African skies make the experience seem surreal. Neither Cecil de Mille nor Martin Scorsese were able to capture on camera the unsurpassed beauty of this heaven on earth. Only the naked eye has the depth necessary to embrace the true majesty of the Morocco's Southern lands.

Day 1: New York/ Marrakesh
Depart for your overnight Royal Air Maroc flight via Casablanca. Dinner and movie aboard.

Day 2: Marrakesh
Upon your arrival at Menara Airport in Marrakech you will find your host guide waiting for you to greet you and then transfer you to your hotel.  the remainder of the morning will be to relax and acclimate. In the Afternoon you will start visiting Marrakech.  Known as the "Pearl of the South" this unique city was founded in the 11th-century by the Almoravide Dynasty and is situated where the desert meets the mountains. Today's sightseeing includes the Saadian Tombs, the Dar Si Said Museum, Menara Gardens, and the focal point of the city, the 12th Century Koutoubia Minaret. After lunch you will have an opportunity to visit the amazing souks, a maze of alleyways and multicolored shops and lastly, Djemaa El Fna Square, where snake charmers, acrobats, and fortune tellers put on a never-ending show. Dinner and  accommodations at Hotel Kenzi Farah.

Day 3: Marrakesh /Tinghir
After breakfast, We will depart via Taddert and the Tizin Tichka Pass in the heart of the Atlas Mountain Ridges. Visit to the Berber village of Ait Ben Haddou and lunch in Ouarzazate. Follow the trail of the thousand Kasbahs through the Dades Valley to the village of Tinghir. Visit Boumalne and Kalaa des Mogouna the Persian roses haven. Dinner and accommodations at the Kasbah Lamrani.

Day 4: Tinghir / Erfoud
Morning visit to the Todra gorges and continue to Erfoud exploring the Ziz valley. Erfoud, one of the most pleasing of all southern routes: a dry, red belt of desert, and then suddenly, a drop into the valley brimful with date palm groves. Dinner accommodations at Hotel Belere.

Day 5: Merzouga Dunes / Rissani / Zagora
An experience not to be missed is to watch as the sun rises from the spectacular Merzouga dunes of the Sahara. So beautiful is this experience that no words can describe it. Breakfast with the Touaregs and continue on to explore the holy ancient city of Rissani and the desert to Zagora. Dinner and accommodations at Hotel Rida.

Day 6: Zagora / M'Hamid / Tinfou / Tamegroute
A very interesting full day's excursion to the real gateway of the Moroccan Saharan Desert. We will drive through the lowlands and then along the mountain passes to Tamegroute. There, we will stop to visit the famous Moorish Koranic Library, with rare books and documents, some of which are written on gazelle hide from the 13th century. Return to Zagora.

Day 7: Zagora / Ouarzazate / Marrakesh
After breakfast, we will depart to Marrakesh, stopping en route in Ouarzazate once again. Morning sightseeing of Ouarzazate where the women still weave the famous Ouazguita carpets noted for their geometric and symbolic designs. Life is concentrated here in the oases and Kasbahs that contrast with the vast and stark desert plateaux that surround the city. Return to Marrakesh for the spectacle of the Fantasia, where you will experience a typical Moroccan meal under a caidal Berber tent. Enjoy the folklore entertainment!

Day 8: Marrakesh / New York
Depart to the airport for your transatlantic flight back to the New York with a memorable trip of a life time.
 
 

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