Sahara Express

4
nights and
5
days
From

 

Per person sharing

The Sahara Express tour is enchanting! The itinerary is packed with diverse experiences, from stunning natural landscapes to cultural marvels like the Kasbahs. Traveling from Marrakech through Tizi N’tichka pass to Zagora and back offers a rich tapestry of sights and activities.  An optional Berber tent night in the Zagora Desert sounds like an especially captivating serene escape into the heart of the desert. 
From the Menara Garden and Bahia Palace in Marrakech to the famous Kasbahs in Ouarzazate, this tour seems to encapsulate the essence of Morocco's beauty and heritage. 

At a glance

TUE Arrive at Marrakech Airport. Meet and transfer to your hotel
WED Full day Marrakech city tour including souks and Jemaa el-Fna Square
THU Leave for Ait Benhaddou with Kashbah visit. Onwards to Zagora
FRI Return via Ouarzazate to Marrakech 
SAT Services end with departure transfer to Marrakech Airport

Highlights

> See the highlights of Marrakech such as Saadian Tombs & Bahia Palace
> Travel to the Draa Valley, an arid landscape punctuated by oases
> Spend a night in a Berber tent in the Zagora Desert (Extra cost)
> Cross the Tizi N’yichka Pass (2260 m)

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Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Marrakech (D)

  • Welcome to Morocco's most beautiful and intriguing city
  • Clear customs and meet with our representative for transfer to your hotel
  • Dinner and overnight
Day 2

Marrakech (B/L)

  • Full day visit of Marrakech, the second oldest Imperial city called «the pearl of the south". The historical sightseeing includes the Menara Garden, the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia and the Dar Si Said Museum. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon, visit of the souks and handicraft quarters. Then, visit of the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square with its non-stop entertainment.
Day 3

Marrakech - Zagora (B/D)

  • Departure for Ait Benhaddou passing through Tizi N’Tichka pass (2260m of altitude).
  • Visit of the famous kasbah that has served as decor for many great movies and a UNESCO World Heritage. Lunch (optional) at a local restaurant facing the kasbah
  • Onwards to Zagora crossing the Draa valley.
  • Dinner & accommodation at the hotel


Optional overnight in bivouac: (extra cost) 

  • Overnight in a berber tent in Zagora desert (sandy desert dunes) including 4x4 transfers and half-board (dinner & breakfast)

Inclusions

  • Meet and assist on arrival and departure by our local representative 
  • Sightseeing tours and intercity transfers as per itinerary 
  • Accommodation in selected hotels in a double room sharing
  • Meals: as mentioned 
  • Local English Speaking Guide
  • Entrance fees

Exclusions

  • International flights – Departure & Fuel taxes (Contact us for best airfares)
  • Personal expenses, meals and drinks unless otherwise specified
  • Travel insurance
  • Moroccan visa fee
  • Tips
  • Services not stated in the itinerary

Validity

TOUR DATES: 20 FEB to 28 MAY 24

Contact us for any other travel date required


Country information

Best time to go
Spring (April and May) and Fall (September and October) are perhaps the best times to take a Morocco Tour. With a summer climate in the south and in the mountains, as well as on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Winter can be perfect by day in the south, though desert nights can get very cold. Traveling the Sahara Desert is idyllic during the months of November to February. The south is isolated from the rest of Morocco and is arguably the most hospitable, breath-taking and culturally interesting of any region in the country

Morocco food & drink
Moroccan cuisine is famous throughout the world and is quite unique. Full of subtle spices and tantalizing combinations of flavors, Morocco's cuisine is sure to please every palate. During your stay in Morocco, you must try the warming tagines, flaky pastillas, spicy hariras and fishy chermoula.
When you’re looking for something to drink, mint tea (known as Berber whiskey) is the national drink and you’ll find it enjoyed everywhere.

Culture and Language
Fridays are a holy day so expect shops and market stalls to close around midday. And during the month of Ramadan (the dates of which change every year), you should refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public as a mark of respect. The consumption of alcohol is forbidden in Islam, but it can still be purchased in larger stores, especially in touristy areas, and in hotels and restaurants. Arabic and Berber are the official languages. French is often used for business, diplomatic and government issues
Morocco is a visual feast and it can be hard to know where to point your camera first! Landscapes are no problem as they rarely have an issue with their picture being taken. When photographing people though, it’s important to be respectful – imagine how you’d feel if strangers started to take your picture without a by-your-leave! Always ask permission first, and it helps if you get to know your subject a bit better. Moroccans are very friendly, and you should have no trouble getting to know them.

Getting around
Metered “Petit Taxi” are available in all major Moroccan cities. The cheapest and most popular way of getting around to the country is to make use of the extensive Coach network. Private operators compete for travellers on the more popular routes. Casablanca has a super modern rapid transit tram system. Moroccan Rail (ONCF) has a network connecting North Morocco only. Centers such as Agadir and Essaouira do not have rail networks

Tipping
There are no hard and fast rules, but it’s generally accepted that a 10% tip is suitable when eating out and for tour guides. Round up your taxi fare to the nearest five dirhams, but don’t feel obliged to tip if you aren’t happy with the service.

Favorite Dishes
B’stilla: a flaky pastry pie is stuffed with steaming tender pigeon meat, almonds and eggs and spiced with aromatic saffron, cinnamon and fresh coriander
Harira: a hearty bowl of soup, prepared with lamb broth, tomatoes, red lentils, chickpeas, topped with a squeeze of zesty lemon juice and a handful of chopped coriander
Tagine: slow-cooked stews always served with bread to mop up those smoky, hearty juices. Chicken slow-cooked with green olives and preserved lemons are perhaps the classic base, but lamb with plums and allspice is certainly a local preference.
Ktefa: a traditional Moroccan dessert made with warqa pastry. It’s layered with delicious, sweetened fried almonds and covered with a custard sauce