Road of 1000 kasbahs 5 Days
Itinerary
You will take the road to Ouarzazate, and during this journey, you will cross the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass. Along the route, you will be treated to panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains, fertile valleys, charming pisé villages in blue and red hues, and other striking mineral environments. During the trip, we will make a stop for lunch and visit the Argan Cooperative, which is run entirely by women and produces Argan oil, butter, and cosmetics. The production process is primarily done by hand, with Berber women cracking and grinding the Argan nuts individually. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary tasting there.
Afterward, we will proceed to visit the famous Kasbah Telouet, one of Morocco’s hidden gems. The Kasbah gained significant importance and influence thanks to the Pacha Glaoui Family, whose roots trace back to it. Although the kasbah may appear partially in ruins from the outside, its interior showcases true splendor. Following this, we will continue our journey to Ouarzazate and visit the Aït Benhaddou Kasbah. Perched on a hill along the Ouarzazate River, this kasbah has been a popular destination for renowned Hollywood directors, featuring in successful works such as Lawrence of Arabia, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Game of Thrones. In recent years, controlled restoration efforts have been carried out under UNESCO’s auspices.
Aït Benhaddou was once a significant stop for traders traveling along the famous Southern Caravan Route, transporting gold, salt, and slaves through the Sahara. Your guide will lead you on a private tour through this Berber towered and walled Kasbah.
You will embark on a visit to the Skoura palm groves and the Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs. Skoura boasts a fertile oasis with vast palm groves offering stunning views of the Atlas Mountains and juxtaposed with barren landscapes. The palm groves were meticulously laid out in the 12th century by the Almohad Sultan Yacoub el-Mansour and bear the name of its original inhabitants. This area is renowned for housing some of the most exquisite kasbahs in southern Morocco, with many still partially inhabited.
Next, you will continue your journey towards the enchanting Valley of Roses, located just north of El Kelaa of Mgouna. Along the way, your driver will make a stop for you to witness the distillation factories in the small Kasbah town where the entire nation’s rose products, including rose water, are manufactured. Rose water is also utilized in the production of various other items such as hand and body soaps, perfumes, and more. In the Valley of Roses, you will be greeted by miles of delightful pink Persian roses cultivated as hedgerows, dividing the plots of land. If you happen to travel in May, your guide may recommend attending the annual Rose Festival in the village, a joyous celebration of the year’s bountiful harvest.
Continuing your journey, you will venture through the captivating Dades Valley, stretching over 125 km between Ouarzazate and Boumalne Dades. As you arrive in Boumalne, your eyes will be captivated by the limestone cliffs with their distinctively shaped erosions, creating a picturesque backdrop for the valley’s winding roads. Along the way, you will pass through fields adorned with vibrant flowers, fertile agricultural lands, scenic riverbanks, and numerous fortified kasbahs. You will spend the night at a riad nestled in the Dades Valley, offering you a delightful and restful retreat.
As you embark on the road to Merzouga, you will have the opportunity to visit Erfoud, widely regarded as the capital of fossils, as well as the town of Rissani. Rissani holds a special place in the Sahara desert and is often referred to as the cradle of the Sheriffian Alaoui dynasty. During your visit, you will explore the ancient Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Sharif, the founder of the Alaoui dynasty in Morocco, followed by a visit to the historic Ksar of Rissani.
Arriving at Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi Dunes just before sunset, you will embark on a dromedary ride into the dunes, led by your guide. As the sun begins its descent, casting a golden glow over the landscape, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the secrets of the Sahara Desert. Gliding across the humpbacked dunes, an experience filled with a sense of mystique and tranquility, you will be presented with countless opportunities to capture the mesmerizing beauty of the rolling dunes through your lens.
As the evening sets in, you will enjoy a traditional Berber dinner amidst the Sahara Desert, creating a truly authentic and memorable experience. The overnight stay will be at a desert camp, where you can revel in the magic of the desert and its serene surroundings.
In the early morning, you will awaken to witness the captivating sunrise over the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi. As the golden rays of the sun illuminate the desert landscape, you will have a chance to savor this breathtaking moment before enjoying a delicious breakfast at the camp.
After breakfast, you will embark on another camel trek, traversing the vast desert and taking in the mesmerizing scenery. From there, we will drive to Erfoud, the renowned capital of fossils. Along the way, we can make a stop to visit a fossil workshop, where you can learn about the fascinating world of fossils and witness the intricate craftsmanship involved.
Continuing our journey, we will head towards the junction of Agdez and the Draa Valley, where we will then turn northwards towards Ouarzazate, passing through the scenic small volcanic Atlas Mountains. As we navigate through this captivating landscape, you will have ample opportunities to capture the beauty of the surroundings.
Upon reaching Ouarzazate, you will enjoy a delightful dinner and spend the night in this captivating city, known for its cinematic history and stunning landscapes.
During our journey, we will have the opportunity to visit the Atlas Film Studios, which are located in Ouarzazate. These studios are surrounded by Hollywood-style Egyptian figures and span an expansive area of 30,000 square meters within the desert landscape.
One of the most notable films to be shot at the Atlas Film Studios was Lawrence of Arabia, directed by David Lean in the early 1960s. This iconic film put the studios on the map and attracted many famous directors who were captivated by the magnificent scenery offered by the region.
In recent years, the Atlas Film Studios have been the filming location for several international blockbusters. Some of these include the French version of Cleopatra, Bertolucci’s Sheltering Sky, Scorsese’s Kundun, Gillies MacKannon’s Hideous Kinky, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, Oliver Stone’s Alexander The Great, Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven, Penelope Cruz’s Sahara, as well as the popular television series Game of Thrones.
After our visit to the Atlas Film Studios, we will make our way back to Marrakech, concluding our journey with memories of the captivating film sets and the beautiful landscapes we have encountered along the way.
Inclusions and Exclusions
To help you plan your Trip ,we have put together a list of what ‘s not included in your tour package.
This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangement before your journey begins.
Quotation Includes :
Transportations :
We offer our customers comfortable transportation options to enhance their travel experience, equipped with AC and refrigeration ,WI-FI. Our fleet includes 4x4 vehicles for up to four passengers, the Veto, as well as minibusses and buses for larger groups.
Hotels :
Hotel based on two persons sharing one room with twin beds or a king size bed or single. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily breakfast and dinner (Dinner available upon request). When making a reservation, please let us know your preferred room type.
Sightseeing :
As specified in the itinerary, you will be accompanied by an English, Italian, or Spanish-speaking guide during the individual full-day tour packages.Â
The hotels we partner with are among the best in their class, ensuring your comfort is guaranteed.
The services of a local guide and a driver (up to a maximum of 8 hours) will be provided.
Private Transfers :
Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to either your next flight or the starting point of your trip.
Please be aware that the English-speaking guide assigned to you in each city or area will not travel with you between different cities.