Luxury Morocco: Tales from the Sahara

Discover the colorful bustle and vibrant soul of the city of Marrakesh! Known as the ‘Red City,’ after which Morocco itself was named, Marrakech holds an aura of mystery and romanticism. Start the morning with a visit to the famous Koutubia Mosque, the largest mosque in the city, which dates back to the 12th century. Explore the Saadian Tombs near the Kasbah Mosque and admire the Italian carrara marble used throughout the mausoleum. Afterwards, stroll through the 19th century El Bahia Palace, which is built in a fusion of Islamic and Moroccan styles of architecture. Try your hand at bargaining at the souks in the heart of the old city. Find traders selling spices, shoes and leather goods. Visit Djemaa El Fna, a vibrant hub of bric-a-brac stalls, musicians, storytellers, fortune-tellers, and snake charmers. End the day with a drink and a delicious meal at one of the many surrounding rooftop cafes and restaurants and view the never-ending thrum of Moroccan life below. (Half Day or Full Day; no inclusions; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear comfortable clothes, shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen. Don’t forget your camera and bottled water.)

Set out with your private guide to unravel the wonders of the red city! With its exoticism and aura of mystery, Marrakech enjoys legendary status as a tourist attraction. It has the unique distinction of being the city after which the country is named. On this tour, visit the famous Koutoubia Mosque dating back to the 12th century which is also the largest in the city. Listen to your local expert explain the origins of this mosque and its prominent minaret. Afterwards, head over to the Saadian Tombs situated near the Kasbah Mosque. Gaze in wonder at the Italian carrara marble used across the mausoleum. Next, explore the 19th century El Bahia Palace featuring a blend of Islamic and Moroccan styles of architecture. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the souks at the heart of the old city that offer a variety of wares for visitors to browse through. (Full Day; Time of Day: Morning; Duration: 7 hrs; Private Activity; Fixed Time; Fitness Level: Easy; Please note Koutoubia Mosque and El Bahia Palace close at 16:30 and the last entry is at 15:30)

For your day in Marrakech a Mercedes Vito with driver will be at your disposal for additional comfort.

You just can’t say you visited Marrakech, unless you’ve been to one of its exquisite gardens. Whether is the Majorelle Garden, the Secret Garden, Menara Garden or Anima Garden. Focus on a guided tour of the historic Menara Gardens, established in the 12th-century by Abd al-Mu’min of the Almohad Caliphate. Stroll through olive groves, orange orchards and cypress trees that are spread across 250 sprawling acres. This UNESCO-listed site at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, also has a pavilion surrounded by an artificial lake. Your guide will explain how a complex network of aqueducts brings water from the mountains to irrigate the garden. Make your way to the 19th-century pavilion with its pyramidal green-tiled roof. Listen to the legend of a sultan, who seduced guests over dinner and then drowned them in the garden’s pools, among other scandalous stories. Walk through the chambers of the two-story edifice that consists of groin vault ceilings and stucco walls carved and painted with geometric patterns. Step onto the balcony, which is decorated with Moroccan inscriptions that compliment local artisans and take in the beauty of your surroundings. (Duration: full day; Private activity & transfers)

The spectacular site of Ait-Ben-Haddou is yours to discover on this trip to a UNESCO World Heritage landmark. Located in the southern foothills of the High Atlas in the province of Ouarzazate, the historic structure of Ait-Ben-Haddou is built as a ksar, a pre-Saharan, fortified group of dwellings native to southern Morocco. Thread your way through the red mud houses that get its vivid hue from dark red pisé and some of which still sport traditional decorations. Soak in the exotic setting which has made many a Hollywood movie come alive and is best captured by your camera under the slanting rays of the sun. (Duration: 1 hr; Time: morning / evening; Private activity; Entry fees included; Fitness level: easy.)

Named for its proximity to the Atlas Mountains, a range that stretches across northern Africa, Atlas Film Studios is the largest film studio in the world. Covering more than 322,000 square feet of desert, Atlas Film is located just five miles outside of Ouarzazate on the road to Marrakech. Films such as Lawrence of Arabia(1962), The Living Daylights (1987), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Kundun (1997), Legionnaire (1998), Hanna(2011),The Hills Have Eyes (2006), and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011) were shot here, as was part of the TV series Game of Thrones. (Half Day; Private Activity; Time: Morning/Evening; Duration: 4 hrs; Fitness level: Easy)

Ride across sandy dunes on the mighty camel, which has been the backbone of desert life for thousands of years! These docile creatures used to ferry cargo from sub-Saharan Africa to the trading ports of the Mediterranean coast. Today, they are your reliable modes of transport across all terrains to get around Erg Chebbi. It might take a little getting used to, but soon you’ll be enjoying your leisurely ride as you traverse the grand, sprawling desert on camelback. Camel trekking is an essential activity for your Moroccan desert adventure! For an up close experience of the landscapes that are inaccessible by car, you will get to cruise the sandy waves on sand boards. This experience will introduce you to breathtaking views of wildlife and the spectacular land formations. In the evening unwind with some moroccan drumming around the fire! (Duration: 1 hr; Time: morning / afternoon; Fitness level: moderate. Please note that these activities are better suited for adults.)

Ride across sandy dunes on the mighty camel, which has been the backbone of desert life for thousands of years! These docile creatures used to ferry cargo from sub-Saharan Africa to the trading ports of the Mediterranean coast. Today, they are your reliable modes of transport across all terrains to get around Erg Chebbi. It might take a little getting used to, but soon you’ll be enjoying your leisurely ride as you traverse the grand, sprawling desert on camelback. Camel trekking is an essential activity for your Moroccan desert adventure! For an up close experience of the landscapes that are inaccessible by car, you will get to cruise the sandy waves on sand boards. This experience will introduce you to breathtaking views of wildlife and the spectacular land formations. In the evening unwind with some moroccan drumming around the fire! (Duration: 1 hr; Time: morning / afternoon; Fitness level: moderate. Please note that these activities are better suited for adults.)

Explore Skoura, a picturesque oasis in Morocco’s Dades Valley popular for its concentration of a thousand kasbahs. Connected by a labyrinthine network of alleys punctuated by palm, almond, and olive groves, the Berber village boasts fantastic views of the High Atlas Mountains in the distance. Navigating the area on foot, cycle, or mule-back, soak in the local culture while chatting with locals enroute. Marvel at these well-preserved, fortified mudbrick castles featuring religious symbols and geometric designs incorporated into the architecture. Drop by Kasbah Ait Ben Moro, converted into a guest house spread across three levels. Next, visit the famed 17th century Kasbah Amridil, home of the resident Nassiri family. Get a glimpse of the region’s early life at the in-house museum, and enjoy panoramic vistas from atop. Finally, step into the oldest Kasbah of Aït Abou, spread over six levels and nestled amid a beautiful orchard. Enjoy the bustling weekly souq that showcases an array of desert produce, before dispersing. (Duration: half day; Time: morning / evening; Private activity & transfer; Entry fees included; Fitness level: easy to moderate, as walking is required to climb some Kasbahs. Please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance.)

Go on a trek up to a panoramic mountain pass in the area of Toubkal, the highest peak of the great Atlas Mountains (4.167 m). Begin from Imlil, a mountain retreat perched on a hilltop. Trek for about two hours, following a steep mule trail, till you reach the Tizi M’zik mountain pass (2.489m). Take as many breaks as you wish to rest along the way and to enjoy the glorious views. See the small villages on the sloping hillsides, near the agricultural terraces and fruit orchards – indicators of the community of Berber people living in the area. Enjoy the scent of the surrounding juniper forests, the beauty of the mountains and the spectacular views of the Imlil and Azadane valleys as you reach Tizi M’zik mountain pass. (Duration: full day; Private activity; Travel time to activity: 1-1.5 hrs; Entry fees included; Fitness level: moderate, as it involves trekking through a short but steep trail.)

The small fishing village of Taghazout in southwestern Morocco is a popular destination for surfers from across the world due to the generous swell of the waves and offshore winds. Spend a few hours surfing here, during this adventurous experience and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Meet your experienced surfing instructor and learn the basics if you are a beginner, or get some tips on how to handle the waves in the region if you are an expert. Your instructor will help you choose a spot to surf at depending on your level of proficiency. Head out into the water with your board and catch some waves. Feel the wind in your hair and the spray of salt water on your face. After surfing to your heart’s content, head back to your hotel. (Duration: half day; Time: flexible; Private activity)