A land of contrasts, green and snowy ridges, rich in springs and waterfalls alongside an endless desert of vast sand dunes. Modern cities with high-rises and shopping centers next to ancient casbahs made of mud. Businesspeople in luxury cars alongside magicians and snake charmers in creaking wooden carts strike the perfect balance between the exotic and the familiar.
During our journey, we will pass through the Middle Atlas Mountains, characterized by wild cliffs carved into the landscape by huge canyons, studded with beautiful desert. At the foot of the mountains, we will discover the golden lunar landscapes of the Sahara Desert, home to the Berber tribes, visit picturesque villages in ancient casbahs and enjoy the warm hospitality of the inhabitants. Of course, we will not miss Morocco’s famous colorful markets, the storytellers and all the people and places that make it special.
Day 1
Arrival, Marrakesh
Landing in the red city of Marrakesh, our team will meet you at the airport and we will drive to the hotel located in the city center. After checking into the hotel, you will have time to relax from the flights. Late in the afternoon we will head towards the “Jamaa el Fnaa”, the old city center that provides the best “show” in town! Incredible local street shows, street food market and of course “tea with nana” from one of the fabulous rooftop views. After our first taste of Morocco, we will return to the hotel to rest.
Dinner and overnight: Marrakesh
Day 2
To The Heart of the Berber Land in the Atlas Mountains
After a hearty breakfast, the day begins with an introduction to our local team, who will be our companions throughout our upcoming adventure. Soon after, you’ll pick up your fully equipped 4WD rental cars, conveniently located at the hotel parking area.Once our preparations complete, we will start our extraordinary trip into the majestic Atlas Mountains. Our first stop is at the picturesque village – Iminifri, nestled deep within the heart of the Atlas Mountains. Here, we go on a brief yet magical hike through the captivating Valley of the “Love Canyon.”
Next we will follow a lesser-traveled route, serving as a vital connection between remote Berber villages and the bustling regional town of Dimnat. Along this route, we will enjoy the unique opportunity to encounter the gracious local Berber mountain dwellers, who will welcome us into their homes with open arms.
As we continue, the breathtaking sight of the Cathedral Rock unfolds before us. Concealed within the very heart of the Atlas Mountains, this monumental natural formation serves as a testament to the grandeur of this region and offers a glimpse into the remarkable geological history that has shaped these landscapes. We end our day at a charming, small Berber village, where a warm welcome awaits us. Here, we will have the pleasure of spending the night in a local guest house, where we indulge in an authentic Moroccan dinner, savoring the flavors that define this remarkable corner of the world.
Dinner and overnight: Ahansal Village area
Day 3
Asif Melloul River and Imilchil’s Alpine Lakes
After breakfast, we will hike into the heart of the green valley. After the hike, we’ll treat ourselves to a delicious Moroccan tea. Our journey unfolds against the majestic backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. We follow the meandering course of the Asif Melloul River, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the locals along its banks. Our faithful companion, the river, guides us to the enchanting alpine lakes of Imilchil. This village is renowned for its unique Marriage Festival, a cherished tradition celebrated during the autumn months.
As the day concludes, we experience genuine Moroccan hospitality in a local village home stay. Here, an authentic dinner introduces us to the region’s rich culture and traditions, leaving us with cherished memories.
Dinner and overnight: Imilchil area
Day 4
Exploring Grand Canyons – Todra Gorge and Dades Gorge – Crossing the High Atlas
As the village stirs to life in the morning, we’ll set off for a local market adventure before making our way to the lively Alnif, where the renowned festival awaits. Our journey then leads us across the towering Atlas Mountains, gradually descending towards the desert town of Erfoud.
Continuing our expedition, we’ll venture into the awe-inspiring Todra Gorge, where we’ll traverse its majestic beauty. Our next destination is the captivating Dades Gorge, providing insight into the unique Berber culture harmoniously nestled between the mountains and the desert.
We’ll indulge in a refreshing walk amidst the terraced agricultural houses, immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of local farming traditions. As evening approaches, we’ll find solace and relaxation at our hotel in the Dades Gorge.
Dinner and overnight: Dades Gorge
Day 5
Cross the rugged Jbel Saghro and descend to the heart of the desert – Zagora
This morning we start driving south with our vehicles . We will cross the unique Jbel Saghro (mountain range), along uniq local trails with its breathtaking nature and a unique geological phenomenon due to volcanic activity of the distant past. This timeless area offers that rare opportunity to observe an ancient nomadic lifestyle whilst traveling through a region which sees very few visitors. After crossing the mountain ridges, we will connect to the main road and descend along the Draa River, home to over two million palm trees and many beautiful villages in between. Towards sunset we arrive at Zagora, the current administrative center of the area and from where the once trading caravans traveled to Timbuktu. It is a long but spectacular day’s drive.
Dinner and overnight: Zagora area
Day 6
Into the heart of the Desert and Great Dunes – Erg Chigaga -follow in the steps of the Tuareg Tribes
Another magical desert day lies ahead. This morning we will reach the town of Tamegroute, where Africa’s oldest library is located and includes writings of Leo Afrikanos and an entire city of houses underground. We will visit a local pottery factory specializing in desert clay and decorations, and then continue to the town of Mahmid. From there we will separate from civilization for a few hours, as we cross dry streams, desert plains and oasis, that serve as a refreshing stop for desert animals and desert nomads- the Touaregs.
We will reach the highest dune in the area, Erg Chigaga, and a wonderful encampment located next to it where we will spend the night under a million stars.
Dinner and overnight: luxury desert camp next to the dunes.
Day 7
Crossing the Sahara Desert, Rally-Style
Early in the morning, we will trek to the top of the great dune and watch the sunrise in the heart of the desert. After breakfast and a walk in the dunes, we will head along the Great Sea of Sands. We will drive and cross the Iriki Salt Lake, continue along spectacular desert off-roads, and visit oases. We will bid farewell to the Saharan residents when we reach the village of Foum Zguid in the late afternoon. There, we will savor a refreshing dessert treat and spend the night.In the late afternoon, you can relax and enjoy the desert atmosphere around the swimming pool.
Dinner and overnight: Foum Zguid area
Day 8
Foum Zguid, the edges of the Anti-Atlas Mountains – Oulad Berhil
After breakfast, we will take the road heading north to the town of Taznacht, known for its Berber carpet making, handmade by women’s cooperatives for the benefit of the home economy. We will visit a local complex and observe the amazing carpet weaving work. From there we continue along a semi desert road on the southern ridge of the Atlas Mountains to the town of Taliouine, situated beneath the sacred Jebel Sirwa, an area known for growing saffron and producing precious saffron oil. Our journey carries on towards the town of Oulad Berhil where we will spend the night.
Dinner and overnight: Oulad Berhil area
Day 9
Ascent to the heights of the Atlas and the village of Imlil ( end of the self drive part)
This morning we will set off and climb up the mountains along a magical road paved by the French Foreign Legion. After crossing the mountains, we will descend between the beautiful, green-painted valleys and travel to the Alpine village of Imlil, located at the foot of Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at a height of 4167 m. On this day, we will conclude our off-road driving adventure and celebrate it with a local tagine feast.
Dinner and overnight: Imlil area
Day 10
Around The Toubkal mountain experience ( bus )
After breakfast, the local guide will wait for us to take an enchanted walk through agricultural terraces, orchards, water streams and ancient views of the top of the Jbel Toubkal that accompanies us from above. A delightful lunch awaits at a cozy local restaurant. After lunch, we will board our comfortable bus and travel to the picturesque coastal city of Essaouira.
Dinner and overnight: Essaouira
Day 11
The secrets of Essaouira old city ( bus )
After enjoying a delightful morning meal, we’ll set out on an enchanting tour through the narrow lanes of the ancient and picturesque city of Essaouira, nestled alongside the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Our journey begins at the northern ramparts, near the Citadel and the artillery fortress, from where we’ll meander through the city’s charming streets, serenaded by the captivating sounds of local Gnawa music. We’ll respectfully observe the skilled local artisans at work and be captivated by the unique galleries in the area.
Slowly but surely, we’ll make our way to the famous harbor, where we’ll have the opportunity to admire the azure fishing boats. For lunch, we’ll relish a delectable seafood feast at a local restaurant, marking the end of our time in this coastal gem.
In the late afternoon, we’ll direct our footsteps toward the ‘Red City’ of Marrakech.
Dinner and overnight: Marrakech
Day 12
Oh… My Beloved Marrakech – The Red City ( bus )
Today we will spend the full day getting to know the city of Marrakesh. In the morning we will take a tour with a local guide and visit the Manara Gardens, the Koutoubia Mosque . We will tour market stalls and observe its many craftsmen: blacksmith, wool dyers, leather workers and many other traditional craftsmen. We will continue to the Djemaa El-Fna, the city’s enormous square and atmospheric wonderland of torch lit food stalls, card readers, story tellers, snake charmers, acrobats, and many more interesting people. At the end of the tour, you will have free time to enjoy the market and the city.
Dinner and overnight: Marrakesh
Day 13
Marrakesh – between old and new – end of the trip
After breakfast, a day at leisure for last minute shopping before transferring to the airport for your flight back home.
The authentic experiences, attention to detail, and expert guides you expect from Vered Hasharon—now in new destinations such as Morrocco, Kyrgyzstan, Spanish Pyrenees, Georgia, and Namibia!
With over 50 years of proven experience crafting exclusive travel worldwide, we know how to deliver iconic adventures that go above and beyond the standard tour. Now, we’re leveraging that experience to give you access to some of the world’s hidden gems.
Our expert guides have been working in all those destinations for 20+ years, getting to know the people, the landscapes, and the cultures firsthand so they can give you a unique insider’s perspective into these vibrant ancient cultures and thrill you with their unparalleled natural beauty.
At Vered Hasharon, we make every moment count. You get the best of both worlds–the adventure you crave and the peace of mind that everything has been taken care of, down to the tiniest details. All that’s left for you to do is to sit back and enjoy the trip as you stimulate your senses in these unforgettable journeys through history and time.
Treat yourself this year—explore the Atlas Mountains Vered Hasharon’s Morroco trips!
Explore special markets in imperial cities where we find narrow streets that aren’t crowded with tourists, only visited by local people. As our journey separates from the typical tourist path, we’ll reach the alpine lake in the village of Imilchil, cross the Atlas Mountains towards the impressive Dades Gorge, and venture into the Sahara for two days along the vast sand dunes. We’ll enjoy a great overnight under the stars in Tuareg tribe luxury camp. We won’t miss the famous Djemaa el Fna square in Marrakech!
Unique local accommodation: When thinking of Morocco, most people imagine the Sahara and its luxurious glamping sites located under a starry sky.
Along our trip we will combine camping in glamping tents such as this, and overnights in boutique hotels called riads that are located in the Atlas Mountains. In other locations, we will overnight in standard four & five-star city hotels.
Since we make sure each trip is tailor made to your comfort and budget, we have various options for you to choose from also here.
Forget about napping on tour buses! On our trips, your heart will expand as you self-drive your own rental 4WD vehicle through breathtaking landscapes, from vast open spaces to narrow canyons and steep mountain passes. You don’t need any previous off-roading experience as our experienced guides will lead you safely through any obstacles on the way to the beautiful hidden places accessible only via off-road routes and mountain passes.
To experience the authentic beauty of Morocco at its peak, we need to leave the main road, where the rich Berber culture resides alongside the most stunning views of the Atlas Mountains. The secret nomadic trails in the heart of the Sahara, scattered along hidden water wells and mysterious desert oasis, reveal Morocco’s utmost splendor. There, we’ll uncover local markets, breathtaking landscapes, and indulge in the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine. Morocco shines in its glory, waiting to be explored.
We don’t leave anything to chance.
• Every group is always accompanied by our staff members, including a VHS guide and professional local staff members. Our guide and staff will lead you in high-powered off-road vehicles, following the group to provide you with the amenities that will keep you happy and reassured throughout the trip, and ensure evacuation of group members if needed.
• The rental 4WD vehicles are reliable and well maintained, and fully equipped.
• We have excellent communication devices (walkie-talkies) with us that allow guides to share many fascinating stories and instructions during the journey. These communication devices are top-notch guiding tools and are not only intended for giving directions but also for enhancing your overall experience.
Our Morroco trip includes everything and includes 3 meals a day. Breakfasts will take place at the hotels, and most dinners as well, served buffet-style. As we travel to remote and beautiful places, most of our lunches are prepared as picnics. We have a mobile kitchen, ensuring that we can prepare delicious food using the finest local ingredients, wherever we are during lunchtime. Trust us that all picnics will take place next to a beautiful river or another amazing location.
When dinners are not at the hotel, you will dine in a charming local restaurant.
Moroccan cuisine is a flavorful tapestry of aromatic spices, herbs, and diverse influences. Indulge in the iconic tagines, slow-cooked stews rich with meats, vegetables, and savory sauces. Savor couscous dishes adorned with a symphony of flavors, often featuring tender meats and vibrant vegetables. Moroccan pastries, such as baklava and msemen, showcase the country’s sweet delicacies. The use of ingredients like dates, almonds, and honey adds a unique sweetness to many dishes, creating a culinary journey that delights the senses.