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Morocco's Quieter Roads tour links up some of our favourite places by travelling along more interesting routes through the Atlas Mountains, along the rugged Atlantic coast and in the south. Enjoy some fabulous food and encounters with the friendly Moroccan people.
START / FINISH - Marrakech
Activity code: MOSG04
Duration: 10 Days
A small-group tour [also available as a Private Journey] with English-speaking guide visiting some of the main historic locations in Morocco together with smaller, more interesting routes to and from the south of the country - to visit the kasbahs and the edge of the desert - and to and from the Atlantic coast - to experience one of the most scenic roads in Morocco.
The Quieter Roads tour starts in Marrakech and travels through the Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Test and the Tizi n'Outfi, stunning roads which are not usually used for tour groups. Similarly, many of the other roads used, such as from Taroudant to Agdz, from Demnate to Safi and on to Essaouira offer beautiful open-road scenery and are as much a joy of this itinerary as the colourful, vibrant and incredible towns, cities and people you also encounter.
As well as a full programme of sightseeing in each location we have also included a few short walks, some Moroccan cookery and an outstanding guide.
What makes this holiday special ?
This is a small group tour but can be arranged for any reasonable date as a private chauffeur-driven holiday itinerary; fully guided with a/c vehicle, plenty of stops to take photographs and stretch your legs en route. You can also choose your accommodation from our personal selection of hotels and riads in each location to make up a tailored itinerary to suit your taste and budget.
Important Information
Flights are available to book through us with a wide range of airlines, from various UK airports to Marrakech. If we book your flights this means that your holiday will also be fully ATOL protected.
Itinerary
You will be met on arrival at Marrakech airport and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, and depending on your time of arrival, you have the remainder of the day free in this bustling city.
A traditional "welcome dinner" at a restaurant overlooking Djemma el Fna, followed by a briefing with your guide. [D]
Following your first hearty Moroccan breakfast it is time to depart with your guide into the High Atlas Mountains heading south. With the highest peaks of the Toubkal Massif ahead of you the first dramatic scenery you encounter close-at-hand is the Moulay Brahim Gorge which takes you into the foothills proper and the market town of Asni. Beyond this, ever-climbing, the road will bring you to Ouirgane and the man-made lake of the Oued n'Fis, from here the road becomes even more quiet and a series of dramatic views over the valley are offered until you reach the Berber village of Ijoukak at which point you will glimpse the partially reconstructed Tinmal Mosque. At this location you will embark upon a short walk with your guide which includes a visit inside the mosque with its incredible arches.
After your well-deserved picnic lunch it is time to rejoin your vehicle for the final ascent to the Tizi n'Test with its panoramic views in both directions and then the gentle descent to the Souss Valley and your overnight hotel in Taroudant. [BLD]
A guided walking visit of old Taroudant after breakfast and then depart for a day in the Anti Atlas. Near Tafraoute head off for an interesting short walk (with a picnic lunch) to view the incredible rock art and natural sculptures. Return to Taroudant in the late afternoon to relax by the pool. [BLD]
A journey up the Souss Valley along quiet roads on the south side of the river. The section from Talouine is particularly scenic with the mightly Jbel Sirwa rising above you on the left. At Tazenacht it is time to leave the main road once more crossing two minor mountain passes en route to Agdz. Lunch will be probably be taken in Tazenacht.
After a short refreshment break in Agdz it is time to climb up the dramatic Draa Valley to the Tizi n'Tinififft for the incredible views and then descend into Ouarzazate towards the end of an impressive day of scenery. [BLD]
A guided visit of the Kasbah of Taourit in Ouarzazate in the morning and then it is time to head east along the shore of the great Mansour Edddhabi Lake for the short drive to the oasis of Skoura. A visit of the iconic Amerhidil kasbah in the palmeraie is followed by your departure back into the High Atlas along a road opened just a few years ago. This route travels up over the Tizi n'Outfi to Demnate.
Just before you arrive at your hotel you will pass by the natural rock bridge of Imi n'Ifri, always worth a stop and there should be enough time for a walk down the path into the gorge (assuming you don't mind walking back up!). [BLD]
After breakfast it is time for your cookery course in Demnate with lunch being the spoils of your culinary labour.
In the early afternoon it is time for a drive across country via El Kelaa des Sraghna, Ben Guerir and Sidi Bennour to El Jadida. [BLD]
After breakfast a guided tour of El Jadida including the impressive cisterns and then time to take the coast road to Safi for lunch (depending upon timing your driver may elect to take the new highway for some of this so that you have time for a relaxing lunch and also to enjoy the views on smaller road down to Essaouira after lunch). [BD]
Please ask if you wish to stay on in Marrakech for one or more nights; accommodation, sightseeing and plenty of activities available to pre-book.
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