After breakfast we will explore the Mosque Hassan mosque. we will leave for Chefchaouen via the Moroccan capital Rabat. The first stop is Oudaias Kasbah which is the oldest place in Rabat with special panoramic views over the stunning river “Bu Regrag” and the Atlantic Ocean. The second stop in Rabat is Hassan Tower and tomb, an uncompleted mosque started by “Al Mohads” leader Yacoub Al-Mansour. We will then have lunch at my favourite local Moroccan restaurant in Rabat, before proceeding to the blue city of Chefchaouen. For a restful evening in our hotel overlooking the blue city. With the bright blue waters of the Atlantic to your left.

This morning’s sightseeing begins with an excursion around the blue city. Get lost in this instagrammable blue town. Soak yourself in the blue city and experience the magic of this bleu pearl before we embark on a scenic drive that will take us through the Rif Mountains and finally to Fes city – The second largest city in Morocco,  where you will spend the night. The city is the best example of the medieval Arab world, and you are soon to find out more about its past and modern times.

EXPLORING FES

We spend most of the day with a local guide exploring the attractions of Fes, the old imperial city of Morocco. The tour starts from the Royal Palace gate and takes you through the narrow streets of the Medina to the Jewish Quarter. You will visit a ceramics cooperative to watch the manufacture of the traditional Moroccan pottery and afterward we will tour the traditional artisanal Tanneries. We really enjoyed shopping for original leather goods here, a real treat for fashion and accessory lovers. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and perhaps spend the evening relaxing in this calming oasis, away from the buzz of the medina.

FES TO SAHARA DESERT

After breakfast at your riad in Fes, we’ll leave for Merzouga through the Mid-Atlas region passing through Ifrane, the “Switzerland” of Morocco. It’s a long drive but there will be a lot of stops including our lunch at Midlet. On the way we will stop at cedar forest to see the Barbarian Ape in their natural habitat. Our day comes to a close as we arrive in Merzouga in the Sahara. Our evening will be spent enjoying dinner and delighting in traditional Berber music underneath the star and moonlit sky of the wondrous Sahara Desert.

Today you have the option to rest or rise early for a desert sunrise in the dunes. After a leisurely breakfast in the desert, You’ll have the opportunity to see the nomad’s way of life We will visit the black village of Khamlia; where we’ll indulge in the music of the Gnawa or visit a nomad family. The afternoon will be spent enjoying time in the desert sand dunes, sand-boarding perhaps? there is also the option of renting a quad bike for a fun afternoon of races and dune bashing! For sunset, we will ride on camelback to watch the sunset over the dunes and spend the night in the desert camp – dine and dance around the fire.

After a beautiful Sahara sunrise and breakfast at the camp, we will depart towards Alnif with a break for lunch. In the afternoon, we will continue to Todra gorges via Tineghir. Stopping along the way for photos and admiring the views. Arrival at Todra Gorges to enjoy its marvellous canyon views while hiking on foot. We will spend the night at the famous kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This UNESCO World Heritage site is where the famous Game of Thrones, Gladiator and The Mummy were filmed.

AIT BEN HADDOU TO ESSOURIA

Today’s journey takes you over the High Atlas mountains on the highest road pass in the country. You’ll stop off at the historic village of Telouet to stretch your legs and explore the abandoned palace of the Pacha of Marrakech. The red exterior walls may have been left to crumble but the rooms within are lavishly adorned with colorful tiles and intricate Moorish decor. After lunch we continue for another three hours to get to Essaouira.

Today, join a local guide for a walking tour through the old medina, Jewish mellah, port, and skala (sea wall). Afterward, use your free time to get under the skin of the town. The narrow streets of Essaouira are ideal for walking. Their size discourages cars, and on a walk through the town, it feels as though little has changed since the days of sea pirates. Browse the plentiful shops and intriguing art galleries that make this little town a particularly pleasant place to unwind for a few days. It has a growing reputation for its unique art and is becoming even more famous for its burled Thuya wood, delicately formed and inlaid in tiny shops that are built into the thick walls of the Portuguese ramparts. The scent from the oils used to polish the richly colored wood permeates the air and makes walking down the streets incredibly pleasant. For lunch, why not order a freshly cooked plate of the day’s seafood? There are so many places to enjoy this on the seaside. Later on, after lunch we have a 3-hour ride to Marrakech: via the Argan tree road famed for its tree climbing goats.

After breakfast today, we will set off on a morning tour of the old medina, through the bustling souks that are the lifeblood flowing through the city. Explore tranquil courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom, and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace. This splendid mansion was built in 1866 for a former slave who rose to power within the government. Continue to the Marrakech Museum, itself a former palace, which houses a fine collection of Moroccan art and sculpture. Stop by the Koutoubia Mosque, its famous minaret is the prototype for others of its kind around the world, including La Giralda in Seville. Then walk back through the streets of the old medina to the Jemaa el Fna to enjoy a refreshing glass of fresh orange juice. The rest of the day is free to explore further or shop in the bazaar.

FREE DAY IN MARRAKESH

This will be a day to rest and explore Marrakech at leisure, perhaps a balloon ride at sunrise, Moroccan hammam bath and massage , cooking or belly dancing class, a
walk in the old medina, shopping or simply take a rest. In the afternoon we will drive to the Agafay desert 40min from Marrakech to have a special farewell dinner under the stars and then drive back to Marrakech to spend the last night in our riad or experience the vibrant Marrakech nightlife.

DEPARTURE
It’s not goodbye but see you on another discovery; airport transfers will be provided according to your flight schedule.

I am to keep the trips small and intimate so we can all get to create long-lasting friendships. 8 to 15 people max depending on the destination.

Yes men are welcome to join unless it is stated as an all girls trip.

Anyone across the world is welcome to join, we will coordinate flights so we all arrive on the same day and start the adventure together.

Local flights and transportation in the itinerary during the trip are included in the fee. But since we have friends joining from all over the world, we are not able to include international flights in the budget to the discovery destination. We can however advise you on the best and affordable flight options.

The itinerary advertised is made in advance in collaboration with locals or with experience from my previous trips. We will do our best to stick to the schedule, however some aspects may change due to various aspects out of our control like the weather or flight cancellations etc. We will act accordingly and find alternative plans during such eventualities.

Rooms will be assigned on double occupancy. All rooms have two single beds with an en suite bathroom. If you wish to have a room on your own, a fee is applicable. Please let us know when making the booking.

My trips are all about creating a community of long lasting friendships. 6 weeks before the trip, we will create a whatsApp, Telegram or Facebook group where we can mingle and get to know each other and even find a roommate!

Yes, unless stated otherwise. I am however available to plan similar experiences and discoveries for friends, families or groups if not able to join us on the dates stated.

Due to the preparations involved, prepayments made with the service providers and this being a small group tour, there will be no refund if you cancel your trip 40 days to the departure. With your credits, you are welcome to transfer the trip to another person who is interested or to email us to discuss the possibility of joining another trip, only if we can find a replacement for your slot. You are eligible for a FULL REFUND if you cancel more than 40 days before the trip. If you are entitled to a refund, Please allow us 7 to 10 working days to process your request.

Yes. Once you secure your slot with a deposit, the payment towards your trip can be paid out in flexible instalments that are comfortable for you. We provide flexible payment plans for all travellers, please let us know and we can help.