Deep south adventure in Morocco

Specialist Morocco has launched a new, private tour that covers the very best of southern Morocco including Marrakech, the Sahara, Atlantic coast & Atlas Mountains in just 12 days.

It commences in Marrakech with an evening visit to the famous Djemaa el Fna square, scene of acrobats, musicians, storytellers and street food sellers.

Day two includes a guided walking tour of the Marrakech medina including the old Jewish quarter, souks and tanneries before driving across the Atlas Mountains to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, and continuing along the Draa Valley to Ouarzazate and Taourirt Kasbah.

The next part of the adventure involves a Sahara Desert drive in an air-conditioned 4x4 to see Morocco’s highest and most spectacular dunes at Chegaga.

On day six, there is a good chance of encountering a camel caravan as you cross the dry, ancient Iriki Lake on a drive west to Foum Zguid and Tata.

Next on the busy itinerary, the journey continues across the Anti-Atlas Mountains to Taroudant, to explore the walled medina before heading to the ancient Portuguese fishing port of Essaouira via Immouzer – which is famed for its waterfalls.

In Essaouira, there will be plenty of time to explore the souks, shopping for bargains (which are much cheaper than Marrakech) or perhaps to enjoy some seafood which is cooked by the waterside food vendors within minutes of being unloaded from the fishing boats– Rick Stein eat your heart out!

The final leg of the trip is back to Marrakech, via the Toubkal National Park – with guided day walks – and staying for two nights in a typical Berber village.

The holiday, which can depart regularly from September to June, costs from £1295 pp (2 sharing) which includes 11 nights’ B&B (plus 1 lunch and 3 dinners) all land transportation, English-speaking driver & local guides. Doesn’t include flights (bookable on request).

For more information, visit specialistmorocco.com.