Itinerary Page 2
11 Days Total -- (9) Journey Days
_____________________________________
DAY 5: On the Trail on History (May 10th)
Today you will head out on a to a 4 1/2 hour road trip to the ancient Kasba Telouet. A crumbling yet beautiful village steeped in lavishness, traitorship, and the struggle for Moroccan independence. In the makhzen, the pre-1957 feudal system of Morocco, a Sultan ruled the country, while a group of Pashas, the equivalent of dukes, instated local control by imposing taxes and keeping order. One of the most powerful Pashas of 20th Century Morocco was Thami El Glaoui, the “Lord of the Atlas.” The El Glaoui family had close ties to the Sultan and had presided over Kasbah Telouet since its construction 1860, and from 1912 to 1956, Thami ruled as the Pasha of Marrakech. Thami El Glaoui can be easily referred to as the Great Gatsby of Morocco. Today it's crumbling ruins remain hidden and off the normal tourist track. the Glaoui family still lives in the area to preserve their heritage.
After wards exploring a bit you will head another 1 and 1/2 to Ait Benhaddou to is a historic fortified village along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech in present-day Morocco. It is considered a great example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Today, the ksar itself is only sparsely inhabited by several families. You will spend the night in the area at a special hotel, where you will have dinner as well.
DAY 6: Desert Night Skies (May 11th)
You again rise early to head another 5 hours south to the small oasis town of M'hamid, where your group will park and meet up with desert guides to take you by 4x4 vehicle into the Desert. Depending on which camp you will be staying at, it may be a quick but exhilarating ride to the camp up to an hour. There you will experience the beauty of the Sahara desert as well as Berber hospitality, food, and entertainment.
DAY 7: Return to Ait Benhaddou (May 12th)
After Breakfast your group heads back to M'hamid to retrieve your car and make the 5 hour trek back to Ait Benhaddou, depending on the time you may make am optional stop at the Atlas Studios where a lot of epic films from Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, to Part of Game of Thrones were filmed. You again will spend the night in Ait Benhaddou in another loca hotel with a special activity planned.
DAY 8: Back to Marrakesh (May 13th)
Today you will return to Marrakesh after a 4 1/2 hour drive, where you will spend the day relaxing. It may be possible to visit a Hamman and get some massages and scrubs. Other options would be some other tourist sights and a visit to the market. Lunch and Dinner will be in Marrakesh.
DAY 9: Marrakesh (May 14th)
Today will be a free day for the group to decide what they want to do from sightseeing, more market time, or just spend the day relaxing in the cafes. Lunch a nd dinner will be in Marrakesh.
DAY 10: Marrakesh (May 15th)
Today will be another day of free-time, it will be a good day to pick up last minute souvenirs. At one point early in the day you get your Covid-19 Antigen tests to return to the U.S. and that night have an early dinner, and spend some time reflecting upon your adventures and Journey.
DAY 11: Flight Home (May 16th)
You will make your way to the airport 3 1/2 hours early to get to the airport to board your flight. You will be in your own bed that night. reminiscing on the fact that morning you were sipping Moroccan tea in a mystical land. Memories you will hold dear for a lifetime.
***The itinerary may change with restrictions as thing open and close due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As well as weather, road conditions, and availability, Alternate activities and itinerary will be substituted in place of the things listed here.
11 Days Total -- (9) Journey Days
_____________________________________
DAY 5: On the Trail on History (May 10th)
Today you will head out on a to a 4 1/2 hour road trip to the ancient Kasba Telouet. A crumbling yet beautiful village steeped in lavishness, traitorship, and the struggle for Moroccan independence. In the makhzen, the pre-1957 feudal system of Morocco, a Sultan ruled the country, while a group of Pashas, the equivalent of dukes, instated local control by imposing taxes and keeping order. One of the most powerful Pashas of 20th Century Morocco was Thami El Glaoui, the “Lord of the Atlas.” The El Glaoui family had close ties to the Sultan and had presided over Kasbah Telouet since its construction 1860, and from 1912 to 1956, Thami ruled as the Pasha of Marrakech. Thami El Glaoui can be easily referred to as the Great Gatsby of Morocco. Today it's crumbling ruins remain hidden and off the normal tourist track. the Glaoui family still lives in the area to preserve their heritage.
After wards exploring a bit you will head another 1 and 1/2 to Ait Benhaddou to is a historic fortified village along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech in present-day Morocco. It is considered a great example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Today, the ksar itself is only sparsely inhabited by several families. You will spend the night in the area at a special hotel, where you will have dinner as well.
DAY 6: Desert Night Skies (May 11th)
You again rise early to head another 5 hours south to the small oasis town of M'hamid, where your group will park and meet up with desert guides to take you by 4x4 vehicle into the Desert. Depending on which camp you will be staying at, it may be a quick but exhilarating ride to the camp up to an hour. There you will experience the beauty of the Sahara desert as well as Berber hospitality, food, and entertainment.
DAY 7: Return to Ait Benhaddou (May 12th)
After Breakfast your group heads back to M'hamid to retrieve your car and make the 5 hour trek back to Ait Benhaddou, depending on the time you may make am optional stop at the Atlas Studios where a lot of epic films from Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, to Part of Game of Thrones were filmed. You again will spend the night in Ait Benhaddou in another loca hotel with a special activity planned.
DAY 8: Back to Marrakesh (May 13th)
Today you will return to Marrakesh after a 4 1/2 hour drive, where you will spend the day relaxing. It may be possible to visit a Hamman and get some massages and scrubs. Other options would be some other tourist sights and a visit to the market. Lunch and Dinner will be in Marrakesh.
DAY 9: Marrakesh (May 14th)
Today will be a free day for the group to decide what they want to do from sightseeing, more market time, or just spend the day relaxing in the cafes. Lunch a nd dinner will be in Marrakesh.
DAY 10: Marrakesh (May 15th)
Today will be another day of free-time, it will be a good day to pick up last minute souvenirs. At one point early in the day you get your Covid-19 Antigen tests to return to the U.S. and that night have an early dinner, and spend some time reflecting upon your adventures and Journey.
DAY 11: Flight Home (May 16th)
You will make your way to the airport 3 1/2 hours early to get to the airport to board your flight. You will be in your own bed that night. reminiscing on the fact that morning you were sipping Moroccan tea in a mystical land. Memories you will hold dear for a lifetime.
***The itinerary may change with restrictions as thing open and close due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As well as weather, road conditions, and availability, Alternate activities and itinerary will be substituted in place of the things listed here.
