Marrakech & Atlas Mountains

Welcome to Morocco! Arrival into Marrakech and transfer to your hotel close to the Medina. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore Marrakech - why not head to the medina and discover the delights of Djemaa el Fna, the exuberant market place, which is a hive of activity, sights and smells at both day and night.

Spend the morning with your Marrakech town guide to get an overview of this wonderful city and its bustling souks. Stretching over the medieval part of Marrakech, the souks are winding streets of stalls and small businesses. Interspersed are palaces, madrassa (Qur'anic schools) and many cafes and restaurants.

The rest of the day is free for you to independently explore Marrakech at your own pace. Perhaps visit Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs or head to the Jardins de Majorelle. This evening, consider visiting the Hivernage with its upmarket cafes.

Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou. This morning we depart, across the plain of Haouz and into the rugged High Atlas Mountains where you can admire the views enroute to the famous UNESCO World Heritage Listed Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, which is situated in Souss-Massa-Draa on a hill along the Ouarzazate River. Films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth and more recently, Gladiator were all filmed at Ait Benhaddou, which was once a significant stop for traders carrying gold, salt and slaves along the famous Southern Caravan Route moving through the Sahara. After exploring this incredibly well-preserved site, we head to our hotel.

Ait Benhaddou - Marrakech. Head into the heart of the Atlas Mountains to the Palace of the Glaoui in Telouet - the once palatial residence and headquarters of the powerful Glaoui Tribe. This remote and crumbling palace made out of mud brick, with ornate marble and cedar decoration, has a dramatic history. Continuing on the road back to Marrakech, via the Tizi n Tichka pass. Returning to Marrakech in the evening.

Our holiday comes to an end. After breakfast and hotel check out, there is an included transfer to the airport to meet your onward flight. Should you wish to further explore Marrakech or any of Morocco's other cities or sights, please enquire so we can arrange the perfect holiday for you.

For information about visas, top travel tips and much more, take a look through our travel guide.